With the board reluctantly not putting a manager in place for next season, I can't see how we will get above half way in the table. The poor sod who will have to work with one hand tied behind his or her back, will have no time to assess, assemble and manage the team to a successful season but what would be a successful season for you?
Play off place..depending on signings and keeping Connell, Cosgrove and Phillips more than achievable..
I'm a big critic of the club, but there's plenty of time yet. If we let this roll on to mid June, then I'll start worrying. Having said that, earlier we get someone in the better, I agree.
Today is 22nd May. The season officially hasn't finished as there's still a play-off final and the FA Cup final to be played. Neil Collins was appointed on 6th July Michael Duff was appointed on 15th June Markus Schopp was appointed on 29th June Daniel Stendel was appointed on 6th June Paul Heckingbottom (who had been in caretaker charge for 4 months already) wasn't confirmed as permanent coach until 15th June. Rumours are, a head coach is likely to be announced in the next week. So I'm not exactly sure what your point is.
I think we're at a crossroads this summer' the board must choose what direction the club is going in' i believe bids will come in for both Phillips and Connell so do we sell and pocket the money ? and if so what standard of player do we replace them with?' recruitment is key and will show the clubs ambition' or lack of maybe..
Yeah all ifs buts and maybes yet. Just have to wait and see who turns up, head coach wise and player wise.. But the let's be patient wait and see path does not sell STs.. can't have it both ways. A lot of folk won't renew on blind faith..
Nice to see fans being more optimistic than last year at this time,half way in the table is better than a relegation battle.
I thought the whole point of extending the early bird deadline was to appoint a new manager that would inspire people who were undecided to renew. That’s not going to happen now so I can see us potentially losing an extra 2k or so sales. Honestly think that we’ll be down to less than 7k that have renewed. It’s telling that the club has given no updates on numbers sold.
We've lost 6 of our starters from last season.. so no one can predict what's going to happen next season ..new coach half a new team.. who knows owt could happen..I'd think most of us haven't looked as far as that yet. But a waiting for a little optimism from our summer recruitment. But I would add more in hope than expectation
Maybe those who made the decision to extend though a appointment was imminent.. but he ended up going to Udders instead
How do you know they are ‘reluctantly’ not putting a manger in place? What about if they have identified there No1 target are being patient in trying to deliver the best person for the job?
Every season we aren't promoted is a failure because that's the realistic aim every summer. After four seasons of decline in success I worry that will continue.
Yes, everything is until it's announced officially. Though I'd trust Doug O'Kane's information over most, as I think he actually speaks to the club.
I’m mostly optimistic. I’m grateful we’ll probably always have our club. But an eye opener this morning was a memory that 3 years ago today we had our second leg in the championship play offs v Swansea. While that season was probably an anomaly it still raises the question of ambition.
The aim like any season at this level for us should be to try and get promoted. But it is impossible to give any real guess as to realistic aim for the season until we have a manager in place and the window has shut. Then we will have a good gauge on what is realistic. Also have no idea how the other sides will fare too. Bolton for example at the moment probably look like a good shout for top 2. But they could easily lose key players like Charles etc. and then look rubbish come end of the window.
Recruitment is key. The most important recruit is the coach. They simply HAVE to get it right or we're in trouble. When that's sorted incoming players need to be brought in to strengthen the team for the coming season rather than being bought on the cheap as hopeful punts. The coach should have a big say in this. Then, when the squad is settled and any have left the coach should have full control of tactics/formation on the pitch for the first team regardless of any boardroom wish to play a certain way. The coach, if he's any good will know his best 11 and the best way to set them up. He'll also have them playing in a way which fans will enjoy watching because they'll gel as a unit (again, if he's any good). All big ifs and at the moment I'm concerned that the board will make further gaffes and make bad decisions. We'll see though...
I agree the coach should be allowed to use all his skills, knowledge etc to determine how he thinks gets us 3pts by setting up the way he wants, more than happy for the club to identify player xyz to bring in. I'm not sure those things will happen though as would there be the need for a DOF?