A lot of support for Hill on that earlier thread - a bit of a surprise to me. Just heard his interview after last nights match. Probably the most unusual he's done all season in that it was (a) In English, so it was possible to (mostly) understand him, and (b) he acknowledged that effort and endevour a football team do not make. Actually spoke of the lack of quality in the side and the need to rectify that in the Summer. Of course it might be reasonable to consider that the manager might have something to do with that situation but Hill seemed to be criticising the selling culture of the club which I took to mean the Board. Just a quick word on the support last night; a lot of gallows humour as might be expected but I was mightly impressed with the volumne levels - way above anything we've heard in recent months and just might have had something to do with the 2 half performance which was considerably better than the first. PS thank you Millwall
i always knew hill wouldn't get harsh with the players during the season in public and that he'd protect them choose what, thats what good managers do these days. but now we're safe you'll hear a different spin on his summarisations. i've been a staunch supporter of hillcroft this season cos i knew what his mandate was and that it would be a learning curve in the championship this year . having said all that i shall be expecting a bit more next season and will be hoping he's learned enough to be a good championship manager, not expecting miracles just a marked improvement with a team that wants to win. i shall be re visiting my thoughts on them about 10/12 games into the season before i pass any judgement. but to be honest i think they/we'll be ok.
He has been totally undermined by the Board in my view, having had Vaz Te sold from under him at a pittance. I don't think he has coped with that very well and this has partly been responsible for our poor form. I think he was trying to push us over the 50 point barrier and then build for next year, but we haven't quite got there. I think the pressure has mounted and he hasn't handled that well. However, he's never had to deal with it before. I hope he has learned from it and we are stronger for it next season. Sacking him would be fcking ludicrous in my opinion. I think he is a decent manager but still learning. We need continuity. I think the board however need to take a long hard look at themselves and consider whether selling Ricardo Vaz Te, one of the best strikers in the league, for five hundred thousand pounds was a good idea and in the best interests of the club. Because it fcking wasn't and it still pisses me off now to the point where I will not be getting a season ticket next season.
I can't help thinking that this was a false economy. Let's say for the sake of argument, that we kept Vaz Te and we won 4 more games to nestle between derby and Ipswich in 14th place and stayed there. What would our increase in income be, compared to finishing where we are 22nd? Would this off-set the £500k generated from his sale? I couldn't find numbers to support this, I suspect we'd be a bit short but I suppose there might be a knock on effect in terms of increased gate receipts etc. etc.
