Interesting article in the Mirror

[Colinjb]

Seen it popping up on a few Italian twitter feeds throughout the day, although they could have just been rehashing the link from the mirror.

 

I imagine we still hold an interest though.

 

The mirror explicitly saying 'the deal is likely to go through before the end of the window.'

 

Not much of a grey area there, they are pretty confident.

[pap]

I was annoyed at not getting the title. It's not the lack of trophy that irks me, nor, I speculate, Nicola Cortese. It's the manner in which we threw it away; from pole position to last day nerves. In both seasons, "miracle games" kept us on track for automatic promotion; MK Dons in our League One promotion season and Millwall last year. The beginning of last season was fantastic; straight out of the blocks and ripping through the league. Later, there were teams we just didn't have an answer for, including Blackpool and Reading.

 

Same thing this year. There have been games that we've never looked like winning. If I can see that as a fan, I'm sure that NC can see it from his perspective of boss. Results-driven business, guv. Can't afford to write off x winnable games a year because we don't seem to have a clue on how to win them. If we're desperately unlucky every week, then maybe you could argue mitigating circumstances. He really did get a fair crack of the whip, considering his comments after the Coventry game. He knew he could be gone back then.

 

I've said in other posts that I didn't like hearing about NA finding out by TV. If true, and intended, that shows a lack of class from NC. Then I also consider the fact that every management recruitment call he's made so far has worked, in the sense that we've seen progression. Pardew got the spine of the team together, Adkins took us up the leagues. I believe that this appointment is intended to get us nearer the European spots.

 

As everyone has pointed out, NA was a top bloke, but did he really have a plan to get us into the European places and keep us there? If he did, it's fairly clear NC didn't buy into it.

[melmacian_saint]

And removing Danny Fox from that back line was key to that.

 

Not only. Removing Hooiveld was what really changed it, as it gave our defensive line the composure it had lacked, but not something Danny Fox lacked.

 

In fact, say what you want, 4 points and all that but 2 games with him back on the side and the moments of extreme chaos have returned, and we've got Boruc to thank for bailing us (and Jos in particular) out. Of course he's superman and we conceded two goals against Chelsea for some senseless defending under pressure.

[Katalinic]

Seen it popping up on a few Italian twitter feeds throughout the day, although they could have just been rehashing the link from the mirror.

 

I imagine we still hold an interest though.

 

Cool thanks. I am expecting MP to be backed in the remainder of the transfer window.

[pap]

You are like a spoilt little brat...memememe... as if we care.

 

You know what, I've seen some weak attempts to take Turks out in my time. I've clashed with the fellow myself on occasion. Score draw, by my reckoning.

 

Still, I do wonder who "we" refers to in your post. Are you speaking for the entire forum? Or is it a personal circumstance simply omitted, such as living in a commune where you all make collective decisions? Another possibility I've considered is that there actually multiple people at your gaff, each taking it in turns to press a key until the post is finished.

 

As you can see, I'm confused. Who's "we"?

[Turkish]

At the time this happened i mentioned this on here, i was told i was wrong. Apparantly this happened after a preseason friendly, (Ajax i think, cant remember 100%) and Adkins thought he was going to be fired then. I also know that Di Matteo was being lined up in the summer to replace Adkins if he didn't get the Chelsea job. Chelsea had two preffered targets and if they got them the Di Matteo wouldn't get the job. I also said this at the time as i know a member of the Chelsea board and speak to him regularly as well as his sons. I was of course mocked and abused for this.

 

I think the words are "who the f*ck is laughing now"

 

Correction. It was after the first Liebherr cup game that this happened and Adkins was 'sacked' only to be reinstated. Adkins actually went into the dressing room and told the team he had been fired.

[Katalinic]

Correction. It was after the first Liebherr cup game that this happened and Adkins was 'sacked' only to be reinstated. Adkins actually went into the dressing room and told the team he had been fired.

Sounds like the team will be relieved to have some stability.

[The Kraken]

You know what, I've seen some weak attempts to take Turks out in my time. I've clashed with the fellow myself on occasion. Score draw, by my reckoning.

 

Still, I do wonder who "we" refers to in your post. Are you speaking for the entire forum? Or is it a personal circumstance simply omitted, such as living in a commune where you all make collective decisions? Another possibility I've considered is that there actually multiple people at your gaff, each taking it in turns to press a key until the post is finished.

 

As you can see, I'm confused. Who's "we"?

 

Derek the white racist.

[John Smith]

blah blah blah.... Couldn't give a toss if a mirror journalist reported it.

And that's what many of us think when they read one of your posts. In fact I am not sure why I am bothering to write this, oh yeah, because this thread has you all over it, alomost seems like you're the only one contributing.

[Turkish]

And that's what many of us think when they read one of your posts. In fact I am not sure why I am bothering to write this, oh yeah, because this thread has you all over it, alomost seems like you're the only one contributing.

 

Apart from people who don't like what I posts contributing to tell me they don't like what I post. Yet still reading them and commenting on them. Odd.

[pap]

Derek the white racist.

 

Classic case of why it's a good idea to keep your mouth shut when you don't really know what you're talking about. Lessons were learned.

[The Kraken]

Classic case of why it's a good idea to keep your mouth shut when you don't really know what you're talking about. Lessons were learned.

 

 

In fairness papster, you took it very much in considerably good grace.

[Turkish]

Derek the white racist.

 

Classic case of why it's a good idea to keep your mouth shut when you don't really know what you're talking about. Lessons were learned.

 

 

In fairness papster, you took it very much in considerably good grace.

 

it was a classic mongboard moment to be fair.I like to think we have gone from regular forum jousters to forum friends since that momentous day.

[mulletsaint]

I think the words are "who the f*ck is laughing now"

 

It's this attitude that gets you the responses you receive and less what it is that you have to say. It's hardly like this place is devoid of those wishing to believe the worst all the time is it?

 

Personally I can't remember your post regarding this during the summer, maybe because I don't tend to spend quite as much time on here as some people. I'll take your word for it though as it'll be retrievable by someone anal enough to bother. When a lot of these Cortese rumours began circulating my take on it was that without proof I was willing to give the bloke the benefit of the doubt based on what he has done for the club. His actions this week prove what a hard nosed bastard he is but this sort of treatment is unacceptable and I wouldn't be surprised if players' nervousness about their position lead to some of the mistakes at the beginning of the season.

 

He's obviously bloody ambitious and doing things to push the club forward. However if he keeps shafting people, eventually the lack of trust it engenders will prevent those goals from being realised. Look at Abramovic. His trigger happy nature is probably responsible for Chelsea missing out on the coach he's been craving all along.

Edited 19 January, 2013 by mulletsaint

[alpine_saint]

/\ it was after the Reading home game that their relationship started turning sour.

 

Well, that game was a minor revelation for many; it was the first time I thought we were going to struggle in the PL. Not surprised NC reacted to it.

 

FWIW, I think you are owed an apology by quite a few posters, though none will have the balls to do it, though.

[The Kraken]

Well, that game was a minor revelation for many; it was the first time I thought we were going to struggle in the PL. Not surprised NC reacted to it.

 

FWIW, I think you are owed an apology by quite a few posters, though none will have the balls to do it, though.

 

That's just :lol: on so many levels.

[alpine_saint]

I am re-warming to NC, I think. He has ambition, and he has drive; though perhaps he needs to work on his communication skills.

 

Seems to me he wasnt willing to accept the sort of namby-pamby wishy-washy excuses and plattitudes banded around in the fan base after dross performances.

[alpine_saint]

That's just :lol: on so many levels.

 

Of course it is. I mean I have never, EVER mentioned on here that our defensive weaknesses were shown up in this game and from that time we have spectacularly failed to address them

[The Kraken]

Of course it is. I mean I have never, EVER mentioned on here that our defensive weaknesses were shown up in this game and from that time we have spectacularly failed to address them

 

Indeed. You've never, ever mentioned that we were never, ever going to get promoted either.

 

But keep on trolling

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Yep - actually, the first article published in Spain about Pochittino coming here was on 9th Jan. surprised it took the UK media over a week to latch onto it.

 

It didn't, it was in the F365 transfer blog last Thursday.

[alpine_saint]

Indeed. You've never, ever mentioned that we were never, ever going to get promoted either.

 

But keep on trolling

 

Deary me. Resorted to making things up now, have we ?

[Frank's cousin]

I am not convinced that NC is 'Trigger happy' - what does that mean anyway? All Chairma would be 'trigger happy' under certain circumstances - gross misconduct for example. I think what NC is doing is recognising a few things - Back in L1 when they took over they invited in Gordon Strachan for a chat - apparently to sound him out on potential managers who would be able to handle L1/CCC etc. What REALLY happened between Cirtese and Pards, I have no idea, but something did that meant a change was necessary - He took his time and we lost a few games but Nig who many thought 'who' or WTF? was identified as someone who knew the Football league and had a string record of promotion from L1 with a club with a much smaller budget - Does anyone really believe that Cortese would have seen Nigel as someone who would still be around once we got to the prem?

 

As stated in other posts here, Nigel WAS given the time - he was given a 3 year deal when we entered the CCC or thereabouts but he did it in one - for which he deserves a lot of credit, but was also backed financially. From our and most onlookers perspective he hadearned his chance and I was happy that he was given it, but NC would not allow sentiment to change his plan and so for me its now seems clear the writing was always on the wall - it was part of the plan. Turks may be correct in that NC looked at the way we were outclassed in pre season and decided it was time... but could not get the man he wanted ? Afterall, I know we always dismiss preseason as just prep, but its also just prep for thsoe we were playing and it was not that great to be honest.

 

Many advocate that slow and steady incremental progress is what getting to grips with the prem is all about and point to the sides that have a good season post promotion, only to fail the second time around - as the way to go. NC does not think so, for whatever reason he is looking to drive things forward rapidly and therefore has no time for Nige to learn and gain the experience that I believe one day will see him at a higher level.

 

Becaise NIge was just so darn nice and decent and had integrity - a refreshing likelable, intelligent bloke, the decision stirs greater emotions. Had he been someone we grudgingly repected but disliked, would we have been half as angry/upset under the same circumstances?

 

Sure the timing seems at odds with a desire to ensure we stay up - given that new man will need to rapidly get up to speed, but I suspect that for NC its simple - 'relegation is not an option' - the tools (players) - are sufficient to keep us up - (with one or two additions) and so he probably feels its low risk. So far he has been pretty spot on with the way the club has progressed, despite seemingly not giving a sheidt about customer service) - the focus is all on the progress.

 

..and before some jump in say 'yeah so he can sell and get a shed load of cash' - remember there is also significant infrastructure investment going on - which is a legacy for the future whether NC is here long term or not.

[Raging Bull]

Theres an awful lot of words there..

[KMondo]

Does anyone really believe that Cortese would have seen Nigel as someone who would still be around once we got to the prem?

 

Not really sure what to believe on that score. Was sacking the manager mid-way through the season part of the 'five-year plan'?

And, if he really thought Adkins wouldn't cut it in the prem, why did he have a contract till 2016?

[Frank's cousin]

Not really sure what to believe on that score. Was sacking the manager mid-way through the season part of the 'five-year plan'?

And, if he really thought Adkins wouldn't cut it in the prem, why did he have a contract till 2016?

 

I think the 2016 ocntract was there to allow him the 3 years to get back to the prem. Dont think a mid year sacking was planned, more no chance of getting the man wanted in th summer - with NA then given a chance, but results not as NC wanted.

 

Gues the ultimate question is always...

 

Given the squad we have - are we above or below in the table where we should be?

[Frank's cousin]

Theres an awful lot of words there..

 

True - grab a cold one, chill out and take your time

[Whitey Grandad]

I think the 2016 ocntract was there to allow him the 3 years to get back to the prem. Dont think a mid year sacking was planned, more no chance of getting the man wanted in th summer - with NA then given a chance, but results not as NC wanted.

 

Gues the ultimate question is always...

 

Given the squad we have - are we above or below in the table where we should be?

 

I think we are above, with signs of rising slightly higher.

[pap]

it was a classic mongboard moment to be fair.I like to think we have gone from regular forum jousters to forum friends since that momentous day.

 

I'd go along with this assessment, although I'd argue that probs the biggest reason behind the pap and Turkish truth and reconciliation effort is the sheer amount on numptyism we're both collectively facing when people say things we just can't ignore. While I'd be keen to avoid ascribing specific labels to anyone, I rather feel that it's a bit like those moments in zombie films where two people who'd be utterly opposed in the human world stand shoulder to shoulder to fight the mindless horde.

 

Given the other replies, I do not want to see The Kraken pass without mention. I see him as some kind of sniper, camped out in a tower, obsessing over ammunition and only taking a shot when he's got a good target. Meant respectully, 'yo.

[Halo Stickman]

So, pre-season, Cortese, the bloke that pays their wages, tells the team that most of them aren’t good enough for the Premiership. No wonder, for several games, most of them didn’t look like they were FFS.

 

Even if that was reverse psychology, or, indeed, even if it had a ring of truth, I can imagine how p1ssed off Adkins must have been at the time. In fact, I’m starting to wonder, pay-off or no pay-off, how Adkins stopped himself from walking out months ago.

[lordswoodsaints]

Tbh Adkins has been a dead man walking since the end of last season and I know for sure he wanted to sell lambert in the summer so none of this surprises me.

But saying all that I was warming to the man and it seems he was treated a bit harsh but I think his departure was inevitable.

[SaintSteve]

You know what, I've seen some weak attempts to take Turks out in my time. I've clashed with the fellow myself on occasion. Score draw, by my reckoning.

 

Still, I do wonder who "we" refers to in your post. Are you speaking for the entire forum? Or is it a personal circumstance simply omitted, such as living in a commune where you all make collective decisions? Another possibility I've considered is that there actually multiple people at your gaff, each taking it in turns to press a key until the post is finished.

 

As you can see, I'm confused. Who's "we"?

 

We - covers the posters on here with half a brain - obviously you have'nt.

 

All we get from the Turk is boasts about his foresight about the way things happen at SFC - whereas he really does not ahve a clue.. and its dreadfully boring.

 

Still, he's still alive so have to put up with it..

[pap]

We - covers the posters on here with half a brain - obviously you have'nt.

 

All we get from the Turk is boasts about his foresight about the way things happen at SFC - whereas he really does not ahve a clue.. and its dreadfully boring.

 

Still, he's still alive so have to put up with it..

 

So "we" refers to half-brains, presumably with you among them?

 

Fair enough. Carry on.

[stardustonmyfeet]

Tbh Adkins has been a dead man walking since the end of last season and I know for sure he wanted to sell lambert in the summer so none of this surprises me.

 

Somebody alluded to this after the Chelsea game, that Lambert was getting hawked around. I thought Pardew wanted him. But Adkins wanting to sell Lambert? It would have been strange news even without the benefit of hindsight. I think a lot of us felt fairly confident that Rickie was one of the few players with the ability to thrive well in this league.