Realistic next steps on the management front

I dont want Hourihane either. There seems to be an assumption by some that he will be a good coach, an improvement on Clarke. Why? There's an equally valid argument that he wont have a clue.

 

I am of the opinion that the Houihane signing was one of the biggest cons perpetrated on the fans since Conman signed Oulare. He played virtually a full season before he came here then hardly kicks a ball in anger before declaring he's retired and disappearing into the overinflated coaching team. As others have said just in time to replace Clarke in a dead rubber season and hopefully increase season ticket sales...let's hope we're wrong..

 

And seeing as though he's the set piece coach we aren't getting better at them. That free kick leading to their first goal was pathetic. One from the training ground?

 

Across the season, Russell has as many assists and three times as many goals with a better pass percentage and more defensive contributions.

Yes, he’s better than Herbie Kane. And about three years younger. An international. Full head of hair. And with Connell holding and Phillips alongside, you’re hard pressed trying to find a more effective midfield trio in the third division and all recruited for a pittance.

It’s criminal how under appreciated some of the players are. But then, when the coach publicly slates them every week, I suppose it rubs off on fans.

Things aren’t rosey. But as an attack minded midfielder, Russell is having a good season and will have plenty of suitors should the need ever arise.

I agree with @Merde Tete - it’s a myth that Collins had a better squad. A better team? Maybe. Because he knew what they were capable of and played to those strengths whilst trying to hide their weaknesses.

Probably coincidence that results went south upon the creation of the DOF role.

 

TBF when Devaney has been caretaker it has been just for 3 games so not had a real go at it & I think on one of those occasions we were already relegated. But would he want him to take it & risk being out of a job by next Christmas!

 

They normally get a years..keep your gob shut money.. so they don't wash the club's dirty laundry in public..
That's why you never hear a sacked manager slagging a ex club off. They just drift away and lick their wounds on a beach somewhere.. Plus they keep quiet because it wouldn't look too good to any perspective employer if they are known to spill the beans

 

I think its a total myth that Clarke hasn't got a free rein over tactics or formation.Look at the last few games where he's changed formations and shape.I think the boards mention of all the clubs teams play the same is more down to work ethics and not formation.
I'm loathe to say it but I think we have a decent squad who should be in the top 6 but I'm losing faith in the coaching staffs ability to achieve it,and because I don't see any imminent improvement I only see one outcome.

 

They do but it obviously doesn't go anywhere near making the first team competitive enough to challenge anywhere near the top of L1.. never mind players with any realistic chance of making a career at a higher level.

The only thing that will ever bring money into this club is the standard of our first team signings and the fact that others clubs will want them off us. And of course have replacements ready, something we've failed woefully to do for years now.. Hence our decline

 

Full head of hair - baldish comment.

 

I’m bald. But unlike some, I own it and completely shave my head every couple of days. I don’t visit Turkey hoping for a miracle.

 

Same - brothers from another mother!

 

I didn’t say great. You’re twisting words.

 

Good post Russell gets alot of unfair stick imo

 

2 of his so called mates were there before him so they ain't going anywhere.

 

I thought the real reason for signing Hourihane was for him to step into Clarke's shoes when the time came?

 

Me too. I wasn't conned by him coming back. I accused fans of being fooled by it buying their season tickets and was proven right unfortunately.

 

And hugely unfit. Just to add that to the issues with coaching.

 

I thought similar but I did expect him to play the occasional match though.

 

That was speculation on here wasn't it? Might be true, but I don't remember it ever being officially confirmed. Could be wrong on that.

 

Some people saw straight through it mate. I think that's the point Brush was making.