I think the sporting director has to be a bit more than a “jobs for the boys” role. Bobby is and has been doing a fantastic job with the academy, but I want someone who doesn’t just want to maintain the status quo, or go back to how it was 10 years ago when he was playing, because that’s not how you love clubs forward. You need someone with experience (and this guy seems to have it) to come and look at things with a new set of eyes and relate that to what others are doing and share best practices and make minor improvements. That being said I don’t know the guy and he might be garbage, but on paper it’s the type of appointment I think we need.
This person will doing the job that Bobby has been doing. Bobby has worked hard on getting his Director of Football qualifications and will be gutted not to have been offered the job permanently. Back to academy for him where he was doing an outstanding job.
If true I bet the new guy is glad the announcement was delayed until the window shut given the reaction to some on here.
Bobby was always in the role on a temporary basis until they got someone permanent in, he's not being moved on
What qualifications? Don’t think it exists? Came across this earlier and thought would share to the thread as the role description is different to what I thought a DoF would be and maybe goes someway to explain the choice. https://thepfsa.co.uk/careers/sporting-director/
Have you seen the amount of, not only stick, but actual abuse on twitter Bobby has been getting? I wouldnt want it either! Felt really sorry for him yesterday, mate.
I totally agree it shouldn't just be about 'jobs for the boys'. However I also don't think it should just be about who's got the best looking CV. I don't know anything about him, or if there's even any truth in it (could be completely fake news), however based on what I'd personally like to see right now, I would have loved it to go to Bobby.
But if we gave it to him, got a new head of the academy, which is a job he has done fantastically, and then he turned out to not be as effective in this role, he’d be out of a job. It’s similar to wanting experience on the pitch. I want experience in this role if possible
Too many on here let there hearts rule their heads. I get that and tbh I would have been happy to go with Bobby. (If it is the same position as this seems more analytical) But some folk would have also said Bobby was the cheap option. This guy does seem to be experienced Same when the managers role comes available. Redders allus gets a mention. Only one I would ever have considered was Macca. Due to his successes. Admittedly one or 2 failures. But proven.
I'd be shocked if he left. His love for the club and town can't be questioned. (He turned down leeds as a player to stay with us.) But ambition and money may sway him if an opportunity arises elsewhere.
He's an employee of a football club that looks like it's twice in his life done him over. I'm pretty sure he'll be looking - as would I be if my employer and looked me over for a job they saw me fit enough to do even temporarily.
Would you say the same if you were installed as temporary manager. ? Lots have done it knowing it may be a stopgap. We have done it loads of times.