If we fail to pick up a point in the next three league games

- and that isn't impossible on the basis of what we saw yesterday, the SD's "points per game" ratio slips to around 0.85. "If you multiply that by 46" (as our leader says we should) then that would result in 39 points, compared to the 37 that seems to have got AR sacked.

Now I'm not so shallow as to pretend that I was anything but in favour of AR being shown the door, but it was strictly on the basis of his being the wrong man - the man who hadn't the vision to see weaknesses and direct the strengthening, the building required.

Now AR's demise is being sold to us on the basis of nothing more than a simplistic statistical exercise - not a valid basis for either sacking OR appointing a first team manager in my opinion. In any event the two sample sizes (i.e. number of games) were different, and was SD's sample large enough to be statistically significant when compared to AR's record?

I have to say it is difficult to find positives, the way I feel at the moment. All I wanted was a proven motivator and organiser, with an eye for fresh talent. I know that's the formula every club is after, but I did think there had been enough managerial casualties in the last 12 months for there to be someone out there that fitted the bill, who might not have been demanding the earth, pay-wise.

I am glad SD is better at organising formal training than AR & RH (reputedly) were, but surely that alone sees SD as a competent number two, not number one.

We can only keep our fingers crossed for the remainder of the term but I am starting to fear the worst - what a damn shame if it does happen. Having said that 4th bottom is still a realistic hope, so here's hoping - we can't achieve any better, from what I have seen lately.

 

RE: If we fail in the next three league games, do we cut our losses?

By that, I mean do we do what Charlton did recently in axing their new manager Les Reed after just a few games? They realised their mistake and had the courage to act. If we lose to Southend and then fail in our next couple of league matches, it really IS crisis time, because it will mean that SD can't alter things through either motivation or tactics.

 

RE: If we fail in the next three league games, do we cut our losses?

I would because he seems clueless!! I liked him when in caretaker charge, but after the first half a dizen games it then showed he didn't know what to do!!

This kid from Bury, well I watched him closely and I can just tell he is very average at this level. What a waste of money when we all ready have Toggers, Howard, McCann and Tonge. Healy and Wrote must be going then with all these players in CM!?

Hoping Leon does the buisness, and some "exciting" attacking player is in talks - had badly we need these 2..............QUICKLY!!!

HAYES and NADS DON'T WORK Davey, why can I see this every game and you can't!!!!!!!!!! Leon should do well with either of them, or Hayes on the wing with Disco! Young Reid would be on the bench for me and come on for last 30 mins!! Still need a quality CB with experience who will talk to the back 4/GK!! Then we might start doing something. At the moment the strikers don't hold the ball up or make good enough runs to create good chances!!

This Coulson lad looks good, if only he had been on the becn more than Wright. Him ad Joynes need a chance before Wright does. Still think we aren't as fit as we can be, Howard still needs to get fitter/trim down to get up and down quicker. If he gets fit he has the makings of being the best in the league!!! Same with Nads really!! He has to improve 2/3 things and COULD be the best!!!

This is down to a manager to coach these players/manage them correctly!!!!!!! SORT IT OUT - why is it the same old story every week. We don't seem to have a plan or anything. 2 much chopping and changing and bringing in 2nd rate players!!

 

RE: If we fail in the next three league games, do we cut our losses?

I'm not really sure what Paul Hayes was asked to do yesterday. He was playing prety deep, but it is not clear if this is at the request of the coach. Any thoughts on this?

This seemed all the more noticeable when Coulson was brought on. Immediately, he was playing right up with Nardiello and that definately made a difference.

 

RE: If we fail in the next three league games, do we cut our losses?

My feeling is that Hayes plays deep because he isn't very keen on having to go in where it might hurt. If he drops off, there is less chance of him having to head the ball and spoil his hair. As a "Striker", he is a waste of space.