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Ambition Laid Bare


Junior Mullet
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November for me was always going to be the test for this team and the club's ambition. We have winnable games this month. If we are still in the relegation zone as we enter December we will see the club's ambition laid bare.

 

As I see it there are two possible scenarios:

 

1. The club stick with NA, a manager who has shown he can get us promoted from the Championship, is keen to play exciting attacking football and embraces the club's desire to bring on the youngsters. He is also a known quantity, an intelligent man and has people skills. Likely outcome is we get relegated and have a good chance of bouncing straight back up.

 

2. The club replace NA, who looks tactically naive and incapable of providing the coaching needed to organise the defence, which to be fair is not Prem class but still should be doing a lot better than it is. Any good manager with a reputation willing to take over would surely demand a hefty transfer budget for January and assurances that new player wage demands will be met. This would be a gamble: it's clear we need at least three, ideally four very good new players and new coaches. New managers can upset established players and what may be left of team harmony (although with every defeat I accept this becomes less of an issue). Would such a manager embrace the youth policy? I don't think the likes of Harry or Benitez being touted around would. If the gamble fails and we go down, we will be saddled with a heavy wage bill, transfer fee losses and a manager who might just feck off if a better offer comes along.

 

I honestly don't know what will happen, but like everything else that has happened over the last 10 years I watch with interest and continue to enjoy supporting the team regardless. Let's not lose sight of the fact that a few years ago some on here were actually talking about going out of business altogether! Now we are discussing Prem survival.

 

If we do replace NA, I would love to see us break the bank and get Hoddle. For me he is tactically astute, gets the best out players and would embrace the youth policy. I can dream!

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November for me was always going to be the test for this team and the club's ambition. We have winnable games this month. If we are still in the relegation zone as we enter December we will see the club's ambition laid bare.

 

As I see it there are two possible scenarios:

 

1. The club stick with NA, a manager who has shown he can get us promoted from the Championship, is keen to play exciting attacking football and embraces the club's desire to bring on the youngsters. He is also a known quantity, an intelligent man and has people skills. Likely outcome is we get relegated and have a good chance of bouncing straight back up.

 

2. The club replace NA, who looks tactically naive and incapable of providing the coaching needed to organise the defence, which to be fair is not Prem class but still should be doing a lot better than it is. Any good manager with a reputation willing to take over would surely demand a hefty transfer budget for January and assurances that new player wage demands will be met. This would be a gamble: it's clear we need at least three, ideally four very good new players and new coaches. New managers can upset established players and what may be left of team harmony (although with every defeat I accept this becomes less of an issue). Would such a manager embrace the youth policy? I don't think the likes of Harry or Benitez being touted around would. If the gamble fails and we go down, we will be saddled with a heavy wage bill, transfer fee losses and a manager who might just feck off if a better offer comes along.

 

I honestly don't know what will happen, but like everything else that has happened over the last 10 years I watch with interest and continue to enjoy supporting the team regardless. Let's not lose sight of the fact that a few years ago some on here were actually talking about going out of business altogether! Now we are discussing Prem survival.

 

If we do replace NA, I would love to see us break the bank and get Hoddle. For me he is tactically astute, gets the best out players and would embrace the youth policy. I can dream!

 

A very good post; it is a genuine dilemma. When I conclude NA should go, it is with a heavy heart and not without risk.

 

Btw, I agree with the conclusion you've drawn too. This situation is MADE for Hoddle.

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Hoddle?

 

Right let's go for a manager with no recent Premiership experience...

 

That's like asking Martin Brundle to give up the commentary and climb back in the driving seat.

 

Sure, he would do a better job than you and me, but against Vettel and Hamilton or even Maldonado, no fecking chance...

 

If we are going to appoint a new manager it needs to be from the new generation who understand the way football is now played at the top level.

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Hoddle?

 

Right let's go for a manager with no recent Premiership experience...

 

That's like asking Martin Brundle to give up the commentary and climb back in the driving seat.

 

Sure, he would do a better job than you and me, but against Vettel and Hamilton or even Maldonado, no fecking chance...

 

If we are going to appoint a new manager it needs to be from the new generation who understand the way football is now played at the top level.

 

Hoddle has stayed in coaching, and he has been coaching youth players for the future too; he hasnt walked away from the game.

 

Dont accept your argument.

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Hoddle?

 

Right let's go for a manager with no recent Premiership experience...

 

That's like asking Martin Brundle to give up the commentary and climb back in the driving seat.

 

Sure, he would do a better job than you and me, but against Vettel and Hamilton or even Maldonado, no fecking chance...

 

If we are going to appoint a new manager it needs to be from the new generation who understand the way football is now played at the top level.

 

The club set up and this group of players would be ideal for Hoddle IMO. I like the racing driver analogy :0) but I don't agree with it. He is a very talented coach.

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November for me was always going to be the test for this team and the club's ambition. We have winnable games this month. If we are still in the relegation zone as we enter December we will see the club's ambition laid bare.

 

As I see it there are two possible scenarios:

 

1. The club stick with NA, a manager who has shown he can get us promoted from the Championship, is keen to play exciting attacking football and embraces the club's desire to bring on the youngsters. He is also a known quantity, an intelligent man and has people skills. Likely outcome is we get relegated and have a good chance of bouncing straight back up.

 

2. The club replace NA, who looks tactically naive and incapable of providing the coaching needed to organise the defence, which to be fair is not Prem class but still should be doing a lot better than it is. Any good manager with a reputation willing to take over would surely demand a hefty transfer budget for January and assurances that new player wage demands will be met. This would be a gamble: it's clear we need at least three, ideally four very good new players and new coaches. New managers can upset established players and what may be left of team harmony (although with every defeat I accept this becomes less of an issue). Would such a manager embrace the youth policy? I don't think the likes of Harry or Benitez being touted around would. If the gamble fails and we go down, we will be saddled with a heavy wage bill, transfer fee losses and a manager who might just feck off if a better offer comes along.

 

I honestly don't know what will happen, but like everything else that has happened over the last 10 years I watch with interest and continue to enjoy supporting the team regardless. Let's not lose sight of the fact that a few years ago some on here were actually talking about going out of business altogether! Now we are discussing Prem survival.

 

If we do replace NA, I would love to see us break the bank and get Hoddle. For me he is tactically astute, gets the best out players and would embrace the youth policy. I can dream!

 

You've summed up my schizophrenic thinking perfectly here. It's a real dilemma.

 

I REALLY want us to stick with him; option 1 works. But then I see how little effort the players are putting in - do they want him to succeed?

 

And a big NO to Hoddle from me.

Edited by Suhari
Hoddle? Christ no!
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Hoddle has stayed in coaching, and he has been coaching youth players for the future too; he hasnt walked away from the game.

 

Dont accept your argument.

 

You don't take a guy out of being a pundit and criticising all and sundry and make him a manager.

 

What exactly is Hoddle's proven record in the Premiership?

 

If you want a new manager at least pick a top quality manager with a record of success.

 

Guardiola is out of a job...

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November for me was always going to be the test for this team and the club's ambition. We have winnable games this month. If we are still in the relegation zone as we enter December we will see the club's ambition laid bare.

 

As I see it there are two possible scenarios:

 

1. The club stick with NA, a manager who has shown he can get us promoted from the Championship, is keen to play exciting attacking football and embraces the club's desire to bring on the youngsters. He is also a known quantity, an intelligent man and has people skills. Likely outcome is we get relegated and have a good chance of bouncing straight back up.

 

2. The club replace NA, who looks tactically naive and incapable of providing the coaching needed to organise the defence, which to be fair is not Prem class but still should be doing a lot better than it is. Any good manager with a reputation willing to take over would surely demand a hefty transfer budget for January and assurances that new player wage demands will be met. This would be a gamble: it's clear we need at least three, ideally four very good new players and new coaches. New managers can upset established players and what may be left of team harmony (although with every defeat I accept this becomes less of an issue). Would such a manager embrace the youth policy? I don't think the likes of Harry or Benitez being touted around would. If the gamble fails and we go down, we will be saddled with a heavy wage bill, transfer fee losses and a manager who might just feck off if a better offer comes along.

 

I honestly don't know what will happen, but like everything else that has happened over the last 10 years I watch with interest and continue to enjoy supporting the team regardless. Let's not lose sight of the fact that a few years ago some on here were actually talking about going out of business altogether! Now we are discussing Prem survival.

 

If we do replace NA, I would love to see us break the bank and get Hoddle. For me he is tactically astute, gets the best out players and would embrace the youth policy. I can dream!

 

The problem with number 1 i.e sticking with Adkins is that he clearly isn't a premiership manager we stick with him only to have to ditch him anyway if he got us straight back to the promised land. I like the guy even though he does talk a load of waffle but he's learnt absolutely nothing from his mistakes and repeats them time after time

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The problem with number 1 i.e sticking with Adkins is that he clearly isn't a premiership manager we stick with him only to have to ditch him anyway if he got us straight back to the promised land. I like the guy even though he does talk a load of waffle but he's learnt absolutely nothing from his mistakes and repeats them time after time

 

But the thing is, what would you have done differently. In hindsight, the subs Vs Man Utd prob helped us lose the game.... BUT just before they were made, Man Utd were in complete control anyway and we needed an outlet. What better than bringing in some fresh legs ?

 

Lambert not starting: Does he really deserve to be sometimes? Especially away from home the way we play, we need forwards to close oppo down away and put in the work rate, Rickie isn't going to do that.

 

Playing players out of position: We've got gaps that need filling due to injury, especially at the back. We have had to make do with the players we have.

 

We've proved this year that we suit the 4231 formation far more than 2 up front, so you can't blame him for sticking with it.

 

What else has he done wrong !?

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The problem with number 1 i.e sticking with Adkins is that he clearly isn't a premiership manager we stick with him only to have to ditch him anyway if he got us straight back to the promised land. I like the guy even though he does talk a load of waffle but he's learnt absolutely nothing from his mistakes and repeats them time after time

 

I've been thinking similar on reflection AND we must remember that if Adkins takes us down he'll be taking a demoralised squad whose natural reaction to the embarassment of relegation may be to point the finger at him (if he hasn't already lost the dressing room). It's difficult for managers to take a club straight back up if it was they who took them down.

 

Either way, I'm coming to the conclusion that Adkins will go and our ambition (full blooded gamble or accept that we are likely to be relegated) will be apparent from his replacement.

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I don't know how some can say he is not a "premiership" manager.

 

He is an intelligent, articulate, passionate, enthusiastic, driven individual. Above all honest.

 

You tell me if the same qualities apply to some of the candidates and existing "premiership" managers -

 

Hoddle - intelligent, articulate?

Jol - articulate, passionate, enthusiastic?

Hughes - intelligent, articulate, enthusiastic?

Redknapp - above all honest?

Fat Sam - articulate, passionate, enthusiastic, driven?

 

He should be given time. Gems like NA don't come along often.

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Could someone please enlighten me on what a 'Premiership Manager' is? Look at the current incumbents and explain exactly what they have which convinces me that they are 'Premiership managers'.Wengerl uses 11 or 12 foreign players every week.Chelsea likewise.Rogers at liverpool.Is he a Prem Man'r? Ramirez.That clown at West Ham? I'm waiting for a definition. Like Politicians - what qualifications do you need to become an 'Authority'?

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Could someone please enlighten me on what a 'Premiership Manager' is? Look at the current incumbents and explain exactly what they have which convinces me that they are 'Premiership managers'.Wengerl uses 11 or 12 foreign players every week.Chelsea likewise.Rogers at liverpool.Is he a Prem Man'r? Ramirez.That clown at West Ham? I'm waiting for a definition. Like Politicians - what qualifications do you need to become an 'Authority'?

 

 

Now I'd say that the definition of your average Premier League manager is someone who realises that not losing is at least as important as winning. Allardyce is a Premier League manager, people seem to hate him and everything he stands for but his

sides are hard to beat. Unattractive certainly but me, I'd just as soon a shady 1-0 win or a 2-2 borefest as getting done 2-0

at home all the time but amusing the fans. I want a manager who knows how not to lose to start with, the rest will follow.

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Now I'd say that the definition of your average Premier League manager is someone who realises that not losing is at least as important as winning. Allardyce is a Premier League manager, people seem to hate him and everything he stands for but his

sides are hard to beat. Unattractive certainly but me, I'd just as soon a shady 1-0 win or a 2-2 borefest as getting done 2-0

at home all the time but amusing the fans. I want a manager who knows how not to lose to start with, the rest will follow.

 

We were told on an number of occasions Allardyce is a crap manager who doesn't have a clue. Yet his signed smashed us 4-1 and look at his track record. Took Bolton into the premier league and to their highest placed finish ever, Newcastle and Blackburn were both mid table when he was fired and both got relegated the follow seasons. Took West Ham up at the first time of asking and they are now in the top half. It may not be pretty but it's effective and i have no doubt he'll establish West ham back in the premier league over the next couple of seasons. Not bad for a crap manager who hasn't got a clue.

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We were told on an number of occasions Allardyce is a crap manager who doesn't have a clue. Yet his signed smashed us 4-1 and look at his track record. Took Bolton into the premier league and to their highest placed finish ever, Newcastle and Blackburn were both mid table when he was fired and both got relegated the follow seasons. Took West Ham up at the first time of asking and they are now in the top half. It may not be pretty but it's effective and i have no doubt he'll establish West ham back in the premier league over the next couple of seasons. Not bad for a crap manager who hasn't got a clue.

 

Well I think it's those making the assessment who don't have the clue really. Allardyce is obviously a decent manager and we'd do well to get someone like him if we want to start out on the road to premier league success. I really really don't think NA is going to make the grade. Whether that's because he himself has set out his stall to play entertaining football or a Barca fixation has been imposed on him (something a real manager would never let happen) it just doesn't matter. I've never understood why we sacked Pardew and wish he was still here, whatever he'd done couldn't be as grave as the mess we're making now.

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Hoddle has stayed in coaching, and he has been coaching youth players for the future too; he hasnt walked away from the game.

 

Dont accept your argument.

 

it's very different coaching kids off the street and managing a football team. There is a reason no-one else has appointed him in recent years

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Hoddle has stayed in coaching, and he has been coaching youth players for the future too; he hasnt walked away from the game.

 

Dont accept your argument.

 

Hoddle since failing at Wolves 6 years ago has been coaching non league players at a football holiday camp in Spain. Few to date have got back into regular league football.

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