Cortese

[Smirking_Saint]

Do you not think a director of a football centre or whatever his title is might need a bit of football experience to be suitable to do the job or should we get a shoe salesman in?!!!

 

So Reed in his one and only role as a manager was regard as the "worst manager in history" He was sacked from his role at the FA by Trevor Brooking for reasons that remain confidential apparantly, but i think it's fair to say nice guy Trev didnt sack him because he was doing a brilliant job!!! He's never played or managed at the top level, but i'm sure his experience as assistant manager at Bishops Stortford will hold him in good stead!!!

 

So in his current role by his own words

 

"I am responsible for what we call the Football Development and Support Centre. It is a concept rather than a facility. FDSC incorporates Coaching, Sports Medicine and Science, scouting and recruitment, kit and equipment and the Academy"

 

I would say given his track record it doesn't really suggest hes got the credentials to be Director at a Premier league club with so much responsibility. Or maybe he does, who knows? Prehaps we should get a shoe salesman in?

 

I agree I would much rather have a football man through and through IF he is in charge of finalising say first team players, but would you want someone like Barry Fry advising on sports science and setting up youth facilities ?

 

None of us really know the ins and outs of Reeds job, not exactly anyways. Where we are at the moment I think he was the best we could have got and if the training ground is ever finished has done a decent job there.

 

If he is directly involved in transfers though, and if the Don is as success concerned as is made out then Reed wont be here long anyway.

[hypochondriac]

He got us to the PL ahead of what was already an ambitious 5 year plan. I don't care if those that work with (or for) him don't like him. He gets results, that's all that matters. Our previous chairman was truly an @ss AND ruined the club. I know which I'd rather have.

 

He isn't getting results this season is he. Besides is it truly only football results that matter? Surely there are secondary considerations that contribute to the success in the medium to long term? As an extreme example, what if cortese disbanded the academy yet we were still doing a good job on the pitch?

[Smirking_Saint]

He isn't getting results this season is he. Besides is it truly only football results that matter? Surely there are secondary considerations that contribute to the success in the medium to long term? As an extreme example, what if cortese disbanded the academy yet we were still doing a good job on the pitch?

 

But he hasnt really made any obvious BAD decisions this year ? Not that we know of anyways.

 

And he really doesnt interfere in team selection or tactics, youll just have to trust me on that one, as for transfers etc I just dont know. But he was happy to spunk 30mil so he gave us a chance.

 

Whoevers at fault for a lack of decent defenders needs a slap I agree, but TBH Adkins could slways not play so very open

[hypochondriac]

But he hasnt really made any obvious BAD decisions this year ? Not that we know of anyways.

 

And he really doesnt interfere in team selection or tactics, youll just have to trust me on that one, as for transfers etc I just dont know. But he was happy to spunk 30mil so he gave us a chance.

 

Whoevers at fault for a lack of decent defenders needs a slap I agree, but TBH Adkins could slways not play so very open

 

I am still concerned by the Adam Blackmore blog from before the season started that intimated that he was being dictated to from above to an extent (whether that is cortese or reed I don't know.) I personally believe that certain elements this year back this up. Adkins seems like a completely different manager from last year.

[dubai_phil]

Out of interest, how many years did Reed work with Curbishley at Charlton?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only asking like

[the stain]

I think we should judge Cortese on the things he hasn't done, like disbanding the academy. That man is despicable. The academy was pretty much all we have and he is disbanding it.

[Turkish]

He got us to the PL ahead of what was already an ambitious 5 year plan. I don't care if those that work with (or for) him don't like him. He gets results, that's all that matters. Our previous chairman was truly an @ss AND ruined the club. I know which I'd rather have.

 

Its not just about what happens on the pitch though is it.

[hypochondriac]

I think we should judge Cortese on the things he hasn't done, like disbanding the academy. That man is despicable. The academy was pretty much all we have and he is disbanding it.

 

You are a simpleton.

[Turkish]

Out of interest, how many years did Reed work with Curbishley at Charlton?

 

 

 

Only asking like

 

He didn't. He went there as Dowies assistant, took over when Dowie got fired and "left" after his incredible performance as manager.

[shurlock]

I think we should judge Cortese on the things he hasn't done, like disbanding the academy. That man is despicable. The academy was pretty much all we have and he is disbanding it.

 

[Turkish]

I agree I would much rather have a football man through and through IF he is in charge of finalising say first team players, but would you want someone like Barry Fry advising on sports science and setting up youth facilities ?

 

None of us really know the ins and outs of Reeds job, not exactly anyways. Where we are at the moment I think he was the best we could have got and if the training ground is ever finished has done a decent job there.

 

If he is directly involved in transfers though, and if the Don is as success concerned as is made out then Reed wont be here long anyway.

 

Barry Fry do me a favour!

 

I actually feel quite bad being so anti Les Reed as by all accounts he's a lovely fella, i just dont see what he brings to the table. Nothing in his past suggests he is capable of being effectively a director of football. I can see him in a role as academy manager or something as he did that with England, just not in a position he is in. If as we understand is the case, he is in charge of transfers then he has let Adkins down badly and if Adkins goes so should Reed.

[Doctoroncall]

Do you not think a director of a football centre or whatever his title is might need a bit of football experience to be suitable to do the job or should we get a shoe salesman in?!!!

 

So Reed in his one and only role as a manager was regard as the "worst manager in history" He was sacked from his role at the FA by Trevor Brooking for reasons that remain confidential apparantly, but i think it's fair to say nice guy Trev didnt sack him because he was doing a brilliant job!!! He's never played or managed at the top level, but i'm sure his experience as assistant manager at Bishops Stortford will hold him in good stead!!!

 

So in his current role by his own words

 

"I am responsible for what we call the Football Development and Support Centre. It is a concept rather than a facility. FDSC incorporates Coaching, Sports Medicine and Science, scouting and recruitment, kit and equipment and the Academy"

 

I would say given his track record it doesn't really suggest hes got the credentials to be Director at a Premier league club with so much responsibility. Or maybe he does, who knows? Prehaps we should get a shoe salesman in?

 

So you don't know what attributes it takes to be Manager of the FDSC, nothing more than beyond the concept statement? You focused on the shoe salesman role rather than question/think what and how Sacchi became a coach and one of the great managers in Italy, to be given a chance and be credible.

 

Reed was rubbish on the football side but what if this role is administrative and more suitable or are you saying he's still doing the coaching, hence he's no good? Again he may not be up to it but there is little evidence of what he is doing and whether he's good or bad at it. Now if you have anything that could enlighten me (via PM if its sensitive), then that would be different.

[Smirking_Saint]

Barry Fry do me a favour!

 

I actually feel quite bad being so anti Les Reed as by all accounts he's a lovely fella, i just dont see what he brings to the table. Nothing in his past suggests he is capable of being effectively a director of football. I can see him in a role as academy manager or something as he did that with England, just not in a position he is in. If as we understand is the case, he is in charge of transfers then he has let Adkins down badly and if Adkins goes so should Reed.

 

I think we both pretty much agree

 

Im just not entirely sure who is more senior on thr transfers front

[VectisSaint]

He didn't buy it did he. He advised his mate too. And in all honesty most of us could see we were a good investment if you wanted to buy a club, premier league ground and infratructure, premier league sized fan base available at league one prices. Dont have to be a Swiss Banker to see that's a good deal!

But only one person was prepared to put his money where his mouth is, well 2 I guess if you count Mummy's Boy fronted by MLT. If we were such a great investment and anyone could see it why were there not dozens of others beating a path to our door with wedges of spondoolicks?

[The Kraken]

But only one person was prepared to put his money where his mouth is, well 2 I guess if you count Mummy's Boy fronted by MLT. If we were such a great investment and anyone could see it why were there not dozens of others beating a path to our door with wedges of spondoolicks?

Really?

[Turkish]

So you don't know what attributes it takes to be Manager of the FDSC, nothing more than beyond the concept statement? You focused on the shoe salesman role rather than question/think what and how Sacchi became a coach and one of the great managers in Italy, to be given a chance and be credible.

 

Reed was rubbish on the football side but what if this role is administrative and more suitable or are you saying he's still doing the coaching, hence he's no good? Again he may not be up to it but there is little evidence of what he is doing and whether he's good or bad at it. Now if you have anything that could enlighten me (via PM if its sensitive), then that would be different.

 

Okay, lets flip this as im interested to hear your thoughts. What do you see on his CV which convinces you he is the right man to oversee a department which includes coaching, medicine, scouting and recruitment and the academy?

[hypochondriac]

 

Again, you really didn't understand the point at all. Knowing your post history, it is likely that you are doing it deliberately instead of addressing the actual point my post made.

[shurlock]

Okay, lets flip this as im interested to hear your thoughts. What do you see on his CV which convinces you he is the right man to oversee a department which includes coaching, medicine, scouting and recruitment and the academy?

 

Management and coordination skills are probably more important in these jobs than precise working knowledge of each area, the ability to oversee and integrate the input of those on the ground who are experts but do not necessarily or need to take a global view of things.

 

As a general point, you can go even further: today many, if not most CEOs of major companies don't have a background in the sector in which they work - they are basically generalists who know how to manage.

[sadoldgit]

He got us to the PL ahead of what was already an ambitious 5 year plan. I don't care if those that work with (or for) him don't like him. He gets results, that's all that matters. Our previous chairman was truly an @ss AND ruined the club. I know which I'd rather have.

 

It could be argued that he is not geting results this season. Which previous Chairman are you talking about? The one that kept us in the Premiership with 15k crowds and little money to spend?

[shurlock]

Again, you really didn't understand the point at all. Knowing your post history, it is likely that you are doing it deliberately instead of addressing the actual point my post made.

 

And what point is that? That someone's contribution shouldn't just be based on short-term performance but whether they're laying sustainable foundations for long-term success?

 

Still

Edited 6 November, 2012 by shurlock

[Doctoroncall]

Okay, lets flip this as im interested to hear your thoughts. What do you see on his CV which convinces you he is the right man to oversee a department which includes coaching, medicine, scouting and recruitment and the academy?

 

 

I don't see anything but there again I don't know the role he is responsible for now, how hands on it is or if its only an admin and management type role and what has happen to the role over the two years.

 

Also I'm not the one that stated he clearly is not the man to lead it. I thought you may have some insight into what he does and the way he does it.

[hypochondriac]

And what point is that? That someone's contribution shouldn't just be based on short-term performance but whether they're laying sustainable foundations for long-term success?

 

Still

 

That there is more to the success of a CEO than simply the three points every week since that is looking on a very short term basis. Yes Cortese has been successful in helping us to be leaders in the NPC and league one over the last two seasons, but in other areas we are very much not 'best in class' and in those areas he should very much be questioned and probed. Turkish pointed out most of these concerns in a post earlier today. I still fail to see why you find it amusing. I quite clearly used an extreme example to illustrate my point. I even pointed that out in the original post.

[shurlock]

That there is more to the success of a CEO than simply the three points every week since that is looking on a very short term basis. Yes Cortese has been successful in helping us to be leaders in the NPC and league one over the last two seasons, but in other areas we are very much not 'best in class' and in those areas he should very much be questioned and probed. Turkish pointed out most of these concerns in a post earlier today. I still fail to see why you find it amusing. I quite clearly used an extreme example to illustrate my point. I even pointed that out in the original post.

 

But we're strengthening the academy and have made a long-term commitment to it. Don't let reality get in the way of your bizarre alternate universe.

[hypochondriac]

But we're strengthening the academy and have made a long-term commitment to it. Don't let reality get in the way of your bizarre alternate universe.

 

Again you are clearly misunderstanding my point. The photograph debacle, the shambles that is the corporate areas despite being in the Premiership, the stopping of the training ground improvements, the shambles of the ticket office getting a myriad of things wrong, the huge turnover of staff (meaning that we lose staff doing a really decent job such as David Luker.) My point was that there was more to the job of a CEO than just how we do for a season or two and I used an example of where a football club could be doing well on the pitch but a CEO could still perform poorly in other areas and do harm to the football club. At no point did I state that Cortese had done anything to the academy. I can't explain it any clearer.

[Turkish]

Again you are clearly misunderstanding my point. The photograph debacle, the shambles that is the corporate areas despite being in the Premiership, the stopping of the training ground improvements, the shambles of the ticket office getting a myriad of things wrong, the huge turnover of staff (meaning that we lose staff doing a really decent job such as David Luker.) My point was that there was more to the job of a CEO than just how we do for a season or two and I used an example of where a football club could be doing well on the pitch but a CEO could still perform poorly in other areas and do harm to the football club. At no point did I state that Cortese had done anything to the academy. I can't explain it any clearer.

 

*Puts on best Channel Five TV Presenter voice *

 

Here on "mongboards live" we're discussing is a football club CEO doing a good job based purely on what happens on the pitch?

 

Lets head straight the to Elland Road where Leeds fans are waiting to give us their views on Peter Risdale.......

[shurlock]

Again you are clearly misunderstanding my point. The photograph debacle, the shambles that is the corporate areas despite being in the Premiership, the stopping of the training ground improvements, the shambles of the ticket office getting a myriad of things wrong, the huge turnover of staff (meaning that we lose staff doing a really decent job such as David Luker.) My point was that there was more to the job of a CEO than just how we do for a season or two and I used an example of where a football club could be doing well on the pitch but a CEO could still perform poorly in other areas and do harm to the football club. I can't explain it any clearer.

 

And you used the fictitious example of the academy to make your point.

 

As an extreme example, what if the ticket office was run like clockwork, the corporate areas were filled to the rafters, Cortese became godfather to MLT's kids and generally brought peace on earth?

[hypochondriac]

And you used the fictitious example of the academy to make your point.

 

As an extreme example, what if the ticket office was run like clockwork, the corporate areas were filled to the rafters, Cortese became godfather to MLT's kids and generally brought peace on earth?

 

If you can't understand from my previous post then there is no hope for you. I really would just ignore my posts if you can't understand them.

[hypochondriac]

*Puts on best Channel Five TV Presenter voice *

 

Here on "mongboards live" we're discussing is a football club CEO doing a good job based purely on what happens on the pitch?

 

Lets head straight the to Elland Road where Leeds fans are waiting to give us their views on Peter Risdale.......

 

Precisely. It's quite a simple point and I thought was pretty clear. Obviously not...

[Colinjb]

If you can't understand from my previous post then there is no hope for you. I really would just ignore my posts if you can't understand them.

 

How would you feel if the points you raised had been solved and we were still in League 1?

[hypochondriac]

How would you feel if the points you raised had been solved and we were still in League 1?

 

I would feel happier with that side of the CEOs responsibility but less happy with the football side. It's not really an either or scenario is it. I mean its not like the photograph thing or the poor value for money of the corporate area has directly contributed to our success over the last two seasons.

[Turkish]

Precisely. It's quite a simple point and I thought was pretty clear. Obviously not...

 

And now we're off to Fratton Park to see what Portsmouth fans have to say about Peter Storey.

 

Reporter "John; you won the FA Cup and finished 9th in the Premier League with Storey as CEO, he must be something of a hero in Portsmouth?"

[shurlock]

If you can't understand from my previous post then there is no hope for you. I really would just ignore my posts if you can't understand them.

 

I understand your point - its just your reductio ad absurdum way of reasoning that makes no sense.

 

FWIW, I think the long-term health of the academy and ongoing commitment to it have a far greater bearing on the future of the club than whether or not hospitality uses defrosted prawns to make two-bob buffets.

 

Which is to say, on the fundamentals, on the things that matter off the pitch, it's very early days but it's not all doom and gloom. Dare I say it, the signs are encouraging.

[docker-p]

Just a small list of some of the things Cortese has done which outline why the good people from the Liebherr family should get rid of him....

1. Sacking a good manager with no replacement lined up

2. Nearly ******* up the signing of Adkins because of dodgy business practices.

3. Delaying completion of Staplewood development by not paying bills

4. Falling out with local media which continues to cost the club in depleted sponsorship revenue and poor promotion of events.

5. Falling out with clubs ex-players and icons, causing the club poor PR and depleted takings in corporate functions.

6.Banning all press photographers thinking fleet street wouldn't mind, and having to do a humiliating climb down.

7. Dropping long standing contracts with local businesses in favour of Portsmouth based companies, further eroding the community aspect of the club.

8. Dropping memorial trophy to a man who served the club for sixty years further eroding the community aspect of the club and causing schisms in the fan base.

9. Sacking cheap program sellers for more expensive program sellers in the belief a pretty face will flog more programs, yet again forgetting about negative PR.

10. Choosing a man with no professional footballing experience and no top flight management experience to be director of football.

11. Falling out with former players , local businessmen, fellow football CEO's, local media, national media, current manager, former manager, and an increasing number of fans.

12. Insisting we'll never be in debt again, before taking out a loan against future TV monies.

13. Not listening to his manager and failing to buy the defenders needed.

14. Dropping over a hundred years of traditional red and white.

It was often said that bankers never make good businessmen. Cortese is the prime example.

[Crab Lungs]

Just a small list of some of the things Cortese has done which outline why the good people from the Liebherr family should get rid of him....

1. Sacking a good manager with no replacement lined up

2. Nearly ******* up the signing of Adkins because of dodgy business practices.

3. Delaying completion of Staplewood development by not paying bills

4. Falling out with local media which continues to cost the club in depleted sponsorship revenue and poor promotion of events.

5. Falling out with clubs ex-players and icons, causing the club poor PR and depleted takings in corporate functions.

6.Banning all press photographers thinking fleet street wouldn't mind, and having to do a humiliating climb down.

7. Dropping long standing contracts with local businesses in favour of Portsmouth based companies, further eroding the community aspect of the club.

8. Dropping memorial trophy to a man who served the club for sixty years further eroding the community aspect of the club and causing schisms in the fan base.

9. Sacking cheap program sellers for more expensive program sellers in the belief a pretty face will flog more programs, yet again forgetting about negative PR.

10. Choosing a man with no professional footballing experience and no top flight management experience to be director of football.

11. Falling out with former players , local businessmen, fellow football CEO's, local media, national media, current manager, former manager, and an increasing number of fans.

12. Insisting we'll never be in debt again, before taking out a loan against future TV monies.

13. Not listening to his manager and failing to buy the defenders needed.

14. Dropping over a hundred years of traditional red and white.

It was often said that bankers never make good businessmen. Cortese is the prime example.

 

You'd be my FotB!

[Mowgli]

Just a small list of some of the things Cortese has done which outline why the good people from the Liebherr family should get rid of him....

1. Sacking a good manager with no replacement lined up

2. Nearly ******* up the signing of Adkins because of dodgy business practices.

3. Delaying completion of Staplewood development by not paying bills

4. Falling out with local media which continues to cost the club in depleted sponsorship revenue and poor promotion of events.

5. Falling out with clubs ex-players and icons, causing the club poor PR and depleted takings in corporate functions.

6.Banning all press photographers thinking fleet street wouldn't mind, and having to do a humiliating climb down.

7. Dropping long standing contracts with local businesses in favour of Portsmouth based companies, further eroding the community aspect of the club.

8. Dropping memorial trophy to a man who served the club for sixty years further eroding the community aspect of the club and causing schisms in the fan base.

9. Sacking cheap program sellers for more expensive program sellers in the belief a pretty face will flog more programs, yet again forgetting about negative PR.

10. Choosing a man with no professional footballing experience and no top flight management experience to be director of football.

11. Falling out with former players , local businessmen, fellow football CEO's, local media, national media, current manager, former manager, and an increasing number of fans.

12. Insisting we'll never be in debt again, before taking out a loan against future TV monies.

13. Not listening to his manager and failing to buy the defenders needed.

14. Dropping over a hundred years of traditional red and white.

It was often said that bankers never make good businessmen. Cortese is the prime example.

 

Or to put it mother way, 14 reasons to back him

 

1 getting the best young manager in Britain to replace pardew and secure back to back promotions

2 allowing Adkins to tie things up at his old club before joining

3 making sure contractors don't take us for a ride at staplewood

4 letting local media who do not support know who is in charge. Not selling the corporate facilities cheap

5 getting rid of freeloaders

6 trying to secure a new revenue stream on photo rights

7 securing best value for money on contracts

8 honouring the man who saved this club

9 improving the image of the match day experience

10 securing a director of football who has been instrumental in shaping English international football over the last 10 years

11 supporting the manager during difficult times

12 maximising cash flow

13 investing £20m in new players during he transfer window

14 alternating stripes with revolutionary kit design to maximise commercial revenue

 

Of course some of those tongue in cheek but it illustrates my point that any idiot can produce list to back up their prejudicial views or their mindless support for an individual.

 

Lets get back to talking football shall we. We're just to very good at the other stuff.

[Gordon Mockles]

It looks like the rabble that have been waiting for the opportunity to dig at Cortese are finally happy.

Firstly the story that Cortese picks the team is complete schitt-stirring ******** thats been doing the round for ages. Cortese completely backed Adkins in the close season and dont do on about lack of defenders it is obvious we had our eye on quite a few defenders but the deals fell through.

I hate to say it but Adkins appears completely out of his depth. Was it Corteses fault we brought the subs on too late in last night game for example ?

 

You're an absolute weirdo with your comments!! Adkins was not supported pre-season by Cortese. It is strongly suggested he was sacked twice but the board/committee changed Nicola's mind. Also, from the list of transfer targets, not one of Nigel's is purported to have been brought in. These have been strong rumours from credible sources since day one but it isn't worth commenting on here because some people cannot handle rumour and some don't come to light so it is assumed the person passing on info. in good faith is an attention seeker. Ahhh, the internet is full of 'em!! ;o)

 

It is not sh*t stirring having a dig at Cortese. Why is this line always spouted when the board are criticised?! It is a club, the are open to judgement. More so when we are doing so poorly. To be fair, I should not really quote your comment as I commented before that you were a supporter of that tw*t from the Cotswolds and you defended him even while he came back for a second stint and to bulldoze the remaining ruins of our club which does tend to render any of your opinions entirely invalid!!

 

I think most people with decent contacts have heard about Les Reed and his involvement and you only have to speak to a few well placed people (I won't even divulge who, it's easily done) within the club set-up or involved with club affairs to realise the problems. As someone wisely intimated and a sentiment I echo, it is odd Nigel hasn't been sacked yet which does lean towards a degree of leniency if someone had been helping select starting line-ups. I do strongly believe team sheets have not solely been left for Adkins to decided (and transfer targets were definitely given to him) and 2 friends I trust had told me that Nicola lacked respect and trust for Nigel, treating him pretty much like a boot boy/physio. Take of that what you will but I listen to people I trust and judge it against actions, interviews and using instinct. I have always liked Nigel and you cannot not like the guy but I do think he has over-achieved and is out of his depth in this league. However, he should be judged by selecting his own team and tactics and if Cortese and his 'trusted advisor' do not lend him another trust and respect to orchestrate first team management, then they should appoint someone they will trust and leave along to manage. This is why Pardew walked. It concerns me the ethos of a club if they send out rumours like the Pardew/Fontegate debacle. Seriously, that's alarming cowardice.

 

Adkins is still learning but it would have been good to have gathered some momentum and thought about defence. We did try, supposedly, to sign Butner and some Barca kid amongst others in the scouting rumour mill (defensively) but that accounts for nothing because everyone knew, we desperately needed to bolster and already shaky defence and all we did was bring in Championship standard defenders (all be it, Clyne is class). We do seem to have a great coaching set-up but we can't coach cr*p players into World Class PL defenders. Certainly not on the time-scale Cortese expects. Even Barca blood their team about 10 years in advance, and build from the ground up.

 

Adkins will improve but whether the club will lend him that patience, I do not know. I doubt it. Cortese, judging by actions and character, lacks empathy and is an impatient man although I am not adverse to a change now as we may need it but it also may be too late by Xmas. He wants results but needs to offer the platform for success and perhaps be a little more flexible and reasonable in demands. I question why the Butner deal fell through and the other defensive incomers pre-season. Maybe not the club's fault but why did we not ENSURE we signed a solid back 4 well in advance? We always do this. LEARN from past mistakes FFS. We need better defenders and a midfield. Simple really but we all knew that 4 months ago!!

[shurlock]

You're an absolute weirdo with your comments!! Adkins was not supported pre-season by Cortese. It is strongly suggested he was sacked twice but the board/committee changed Nicola's mind. Also, from the list of transfer targets, not one of Nigel's is purported to have been brought in. These have been strong rumours from credible sources since day one but it isn't worth commenting on here because some people cannot handle rumour and some don't come to light so it is assumed the person passing on info. in good faith is an attention seeker. Ahhh, the internet is full of 'em!! ;o)

 

It is not sh*t stirring having a dig at Cortese. Why is this line always spouted when the board are criticised?! It is a club, the are open to judgement. More so when we are doing so poorly. To be fair, I should not really quote your comment as I commented before that you were a supporter of that tw*t from the Cotswolds and you defended him even while he came back for a second stint and to bulldoze the remaining ruins of our club which does tend to render any of your opinions entirely invalid!!

 

I think most people with decent contacts have heard about Les Reed and his involvement and you only have to speak to a few well placed people (I won't even divulge who, it's easily done) within the club set-up or involved with club affairs to realise the problems. As someone wisely intimated and a sentiment I echo, it is odd Nigel hasn't been sacked yet which does lean towards a degree of leniency if someone had been helping select starting line-ups. I do strongly believe team sheets have not solely been left for Adkins to decided (and transfer targets were definitely given to him) and 2 friends I trust had told me that Nicola lacked respect and trust for Nigel, treating him pretty much like a boot boy/physio. Take of that what you will but I listen to people I trust and judge it against actions, interviews and using instinct. I have always liked Nigel and you cannot not like the guy but I do think he has over-achieved and is out of his depth in this league. However, he should be judged by selecting his own team and tactics and if Cortese and his 'trusted advisor' do not lend him another trust and respect to orchestrate first team management, then they should appoint someone they will trust and leave along to manage. This is why Pardew walked. It concerns me the ethos of a club if they send out rumours like the Pardew/Fontegate debacle. Seriously, that's alarming cowardice.

 

Adkins is still learning but it would have been good to have gathered some momentum and thought about defence. We did try, supposedly, to sign Butner and some Barca kid amongst others in the scouting rumour mill (defensively) but that accounts for nothing because everyone knew, we desperately needed to bolster and already shaky defence and all we did was bring in Championship standard defenders (all be it, Clyne is class). We do seem to have a great coaching set-up but we can't coach cr*p players into World Class PL defenders. Certainly not on the time-scale Cortese expects. Even Barca blood their team about 10 years in advance, and build from the ground up.

 

Adkins will improve but whether the club will lend him that patience, I do not know. I doubt it. Cortese, judging by actions and character, lacks empathy and is an impatient man although I am not adverse to a change now as we may need it but it also may be too late by Xmas. He wants results but needs to offer the platform for success and perhaps be a little more flexible and reasonable in demands. I question why the Butner deal fell through and the other defensive incomers pre-season. Maybe not the club's fault but why did we not ENSURE we signed a solid back 4 well in advance? We always do this. LEARN from past mistakes FFS. We need better defenders and a midfield. Simple really but we all knew that 4 months ago!!

 

The club sent out the Pardew/Fontegate rumour? You're having a giraffe. That was another rumour started on here- you'll forgive me if that's why I discount most of the sh*t that's spewed on here.

[Window Cleaner]

The club sent out the Pardew/Fontegate rumour? You're having a giraffe. That was another rumour started on here- you'll forgive me if that's why I discount most of the sh*t that's spewed on here.

 

 

Pity that leftback was so soon banned, probably the nearest thing we've ever had to the real workings of SFC.

[shurlock]

Pity that leftback was so soon banned, probably the nearest thing we've ever had to the real workings of SFC.

 

Yep, he had his moments.

[Saint-Fred]

Member Mathew le tissier says the follows on the olly lanchshire thread:

 

I'm sure he has been told by his friend who are currently at the club that cortese is picking the team and is a complete arse hole

 

That's nothing that some of us have been saying for a long time is it.

 

 

 

Adkins play for words in his last two interviews make you wonder.

 

Last week it was " we are trying to field a winning side" if it was just him picking the team I think he would be man enough to take full responsibility.

 

And tonight when he made it quite clear how quality (HE) thinks lambert is. (Even if some people don't )

 

Cortese and his side kick are calling all the shots with the team. If they weren't Nigel would have been shown the door weeks ago.

 

The worry is when they shaft Adkins they won't be able to get a decent manager who will work under Cortese.

 

It's common knowledge in the footballing world he's a nastly piece of work and there's many people who have been shafted by him who will be quick to advise any potential managers to steer well clear.

 

Adkins bless him was employed as a yes man and it was to bigger job for him to turn down.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if you see Adkins resign before he is sacked.

 

The reason why larder left was cortese doing.

 

Not the fabricated story he slept with a players wife lol.

 

Like I have said for a very long time. The truth will come out in the end and it won't be long as Cortese is digging him self deeper and deeper and slowlY losing his supporters by the day.

 

If Cortese picks the team perhaps Blackpool should be trying to get him as their next manager as two promotions on the spin makes Cortese an excellent manager at that level!!

Hope Adkins doesn't get sacked then found out in his next job as expectation will be he gets promotion but without Cortese behind him picking the team how is he going to survive?

[Legod Third Coming]

So, reading this thread, no one knows how he is, what he is like to work with, how he operates or anything other than.

 

1. He persuaded a man to save our club.

2. He fired a manager and installed one who has delivered two promotions.

3. We're in the Premeirship two years ahead of target - when many in here scoffed it could be delivered in five years.

 

Oh and somehow Matt Le Tiss and Cortese don't like each other, but Le Tiss isn't man enough to bury the hatchet...

 

I'll take my chances with the Italian for now thanks.

[Colinjb]

So, reading this thread, no one knows how he is, what he is like to work with, how he operates or anything other than.

 

1. He persuaded a man to save our club.

2. He fired a manager and installed one who has delivered two promotions.

3. We're in the Premeirship two years ahead of target - when many in here scoffed it could be delivered in five years.

 

Oh and somehow Matt Le Tiss and Cortese don't like each other, but Le Tiss isn't man enough to bury the hatchet...

 

I'll take my chances with the Italian for now thanks.

 

But remember, HE IS NOT A NICE MAN.

[Legod Third Coming]

But remember, HE IS NOT A NICE MAN.

 

Nor am I. You should try it. It works

[Colinjb]

Nor am I. You should try it. It works

 

F**k you.

 

Am I learning?

[Legod Third Coming]

F**k you.

 

Am I learning?

 

Very good. But, it should be: Vaffanculo!

To be more effective...

[Colinjb]

Very good. But, it should be: Vaffanculo!

To be more effective...

 

Juve-Juve-Vaffancullo.....

 

I could learn to like it.

[The Kraken]

The club sent out the Pardew/Fontegate rumour? You're having a giraffe. That was another rumour started on here- you'll forgive me if that's why I discount most of the sh*t that's spewed on here.

You sure about that?

 

I don't know either way, but I read a comment on here from a certain forum co-owner suggesting that David Bick should be ashamed for his role in that particular leak.

[supersonic]

Just a small list of some of the things Cortese has done which outline why the good people from the Liebherr family should get rid of him....

1. Sacking a good manager with no replacement lined up

2. Nearly ******* up the signing of Adkins because of dodgy business practices.

3. Delaying completion of Staplewood development by not paying bills

4. Falling out with local media which continues to cost the club in depleted sponsorship revenue and poor promotion of events.

5. Falling out with clubs ex-players and icons, causing the club poor PR and depleted takings in corporate functions.

6.Banning all press photographers thinking fleet street wouldn't mind, and having to do a humiliating climb down.

7. Dropping long standing contracts with local businesses in favour of Portsmouth based companies, further eroding the community aspect of the club.

8. Dropping memorial trophy to a man who served the club for sixty years further eroding the community aspect of the club and causing schisms in the fan base.

9. Sacking cheap program sellers for more expensive program sellers in the belief a pretty face will flog more programs, yet again forgetting about negative PR.

10. Choosing a man with no professional footballing experience and no top flight management experience to be director of football.

11. Falling out with former players , local businessmen, fellow football CEO's, local media, national media, current manager, former manager, and an increasing number of fans.

12. Insisting we'll never be in debt again, before taking out a loan against future TV monies.

13. Not listening to his manager and failing to buy the defenders needed.

14. Dropping over a hundred years of traditional red and white.

It was often said that bankers never make good businessmen. Cortese is the prime example.

 

1. Nobody knows why Pardew left Saints, it may have been that he just needed to go. In most jobs people are sacked without knowing who'll replace them

2. Adkins needed to sort out a few details with S****horpe. The whole process was done to try and suit both parties, which it did.

3. As has been said before, it's to stop contractors taking the p*ss. Sometimes things need to be paused, mistakes ironed out, and then restarted.

4. The local media who print a lot of BS, NC stood up to them and showed them who calls the shots.

5. Not all human beings get on, face it. Some ex-pro's do think they can take the **** a bit with free stuff. It's a business we're running, not a charity

6. Why should they be allowed in and be able to print pictures of our games for nothing? It was only blown out of proportion by the sun's childish tantrum

7. Again, we're running a business, not a charity. I've been with my car insurance company for the last 10 years, but if I can get a cheaper quote, i'll change.

8. There still is a community aspect of the club (Saints Foundation etc) and without ML we wouldn't have a club

9. Change can be good, most football supporters are men, pretty women sell things.

10. Les Reed managed Charlton in the Premier League

11. Again, not everyone gets on, it's a business not a charity. He has a job to do, and it's not a popularity contest. Successful businesspeople are ruthless, people don't like it as they want an easy ride.

13. Adkins is responsible for targeting players, NA should have seen we need defenders and put his foot down instead of being a yes man

14. We still play in Red and White. I didn't see many people (yourself included) complaining when we wore the sash kit. Hardly "dropping tradition" is it? Cardiff's owners can be accused of that, but not NC.

 

The reason we are in the position we are is down to Adkins, he's out of his depth. Anyone who thinks NC picks the team/tactics is seriously deluded. NC may not be popular, but he's successful. That's what this industry is about

[Colinjb]

Anyone who thinks NC picks the team/tactics is seriously deluded. NC may not be popular, but he's successful. That's what this industry is about

 

I'm sure Coventry City, The Skates, Bradford City, Ipswich and many more would happily welcome such an evil force to their clubs.

 

And yes, without the Liebherr money he would be far less potent, but without him it wouldn't have appeared here in the first place. If only the other options we are told existed had put their money where their mouths were three and a half years ago...... they certainly weren't in any rush.

Edited 7 November, 2012 by Colinjb

[Saint86]

He was ML's right hand man which is good enough for me. He talks a good talk when he deems it is time. And aside from the so far proofless rumours, he has done all right by Nigel and by Saints. Pardew we.t for hitting on a star signings wife. The story went up o. The BBC from one of their reporters before being take. Down very hurridley and the whole media scene going hush. No one has spoken since. To me that is proof of AP's guilt as much as Les Reed getting him sacked or all the current rumours u here. Also, parses went after a 4-0 win with a fraction of the money spent that Nigel has had. I tell you, he would be long go.e and over the hill if NC wanted him out. He doet need excuses and does what he wants. He has made a lot of the together as one speak and the 5 year plan. If we put up a four and go down I think NA could stay. As I said... He'd be long gone if the don wanted it.