Keates isn't the man to take us forward.

[Phils-an-alki]

Originally Posted by Alan Attack

It has perfect relevance.

Under fan ownership we're going nowhere but under "private" ownership it was oblivion following the separation of club and ground.

Whilst interguinness wasn't scathing of the Trust like others are, his only alternative (tongue in cheek no doubt) was someone winning the lottery and gifting us money. In the meantime, the club needs to operate.

Criticise the Trust all you like (I'm not saying you are) but don't tell me we're in a worse position off the field.

The facts are Moss artificially inflated the wage bill/budget with "personal" loans and transferred land into his ownership as collateral. He got himself in such a state he also had to sell the stadium for a quick buck before getting out.

Ok I see your point.

All we keep hearing is we're in a better position off field which we are undoubtedly are but on the field has been a disaster. Isnt that just as important, that's why the club exists?
When is that going to be counted in judging how we are progressing? The off field stability seems to papering over this all the time. For me it's wearing thin. There's a lack of accountability and a defeating silence around this.

[Alan Attack]

Originally Posted by Phils-an-alki

Ok I see your point.

All we keep hearing is we're in a better position off field which we are undoubtedly are but on the field has been a disaster. Isnt that just as important, that's why the club exists?
When is that going to be counted in judging how we are progressing? The off field stability seems to papering over this all the time. For me it's wearing thin. There's a lack of accountability and a defeating silence around this.

I wouldn't say it's a total disaster. Just a normal disaster. Look at York who are in the league below. A total disaster would be relegation from this league which isn't beyond the realm of fantasy when similar sized clubs to us have dropped in recent years and haven't bounced back.

The accountability has always rested with the manager. Should those who appoint the manager be held to task? Without doubt but all the managers the Trust have appointed have been sound enough...on papers.

Perhaps Keates didn't have the required experience but I can point you to countless managers who never had detailed experience but have achieved great things.

[Ooh aah Paskin]

I think 'disaster' is a bit much when describing the on the field fare.

Yes, it appears stifled and lacking ideas and you honestly can't see where a goal would come from.
BUT IMO we are only one or two tweaks away from a consistent performing side. A Creative midfielder is definitely needed. Whether we actually have that player already (Kelly, Leo) and they just need to find that spark (or be played in the best position) remains to be seen.

But we can't take too long trying to find out.

[Phils-an-alki]

Originally Posted by Ooh aah Paskin

I think 'disaster' is a bit much when describing the on the field fare.

Yes, it appears stifled and lacking ideas and you honestly can't see where a goal would come from.
BUT IMO we are only one or two tweaks away from a consistent performing side. A Creative midfielder is definitely needed. Whether we actually have that player already (Kelly, Leo) and they just need to find that spark (or be played in the best position) remains to be seen.

But we can't take too long trying to find out.

Not this season but previous especially last season. It was a disaster. It's still a mystery to me how Mills got away with what he did. It's been swept under the carpet and no one has been held to account. Transparency?

[Phils-an-alki]

Originally Posted by Alan Attack

I wouldn't say it's a total disaster. Just a normal disaster. Look at York who are in the league below. A total disaster would be relegation from this league which isn't beyond the realm of fantasy when similar sized clubs to us have dropped in recent years and haven't bounced back.

The accountability has always rested with the manager. Should those who appoint the manager be held to task? Without doubt but all the managers the Trust have appointed have been sound enough...on papers.

Perhaps Keates didn't have the required experience but I can point you to countless managers who never had detailed experience but have achieved great things.

So we just keep blaming managers and the board are bomb proof? This is what has happened.

[Alan Attack]

Originally Posted by Phils-an-alki

So we just keep blaming managers and the board are bomb proof? This is what has happened.

You're right but that's the game. They put their faith in the manager as he knows more about the game....aparently.

People may point to Huw Jenkins at Swansea implementing a way of thinking from top to bottom. It doesn't matter who manages the club, the philosophy is the same. However, we're not Swansea and haven't got a pot to urinate in. The majority of our income goes to the first team so it's impossible to build a youth set up. This element of the club is a mess.

[Phils-an-alki]

Originally Posted by Alan Attack

You're right but that's the game. They put their faith in the manager as he knows more about the game....aparently.

People may point to Huw Jenkins at Swansea implementing a way of thinking from top to bottom. It doesn't matter who manages the club, the philosophy is the same. However, we're not Swansea and haven't got a pot to urinate in. The majority of our income goes to the first team so it's impossible to build a youth set up. This element of the club is a mess.

Don't get me started on the youth set up racket. It's a horror show.

I guess what I'm saying is how long do we continue as we are if nothing happens on the pitch. Say we have another 4 years like the last 4 what then? Is it all just swept under the carpet, the board stays the same and we just bumble along or is there a trigger when changes above the manager are made?
Is it a coincidence so many managers struggle here?

[LlayDragon]

Originally Posted by Phils-an-alki

Don't get me started on the youth set up racket. It's a horror show.

I guess what I'm saying is how long do we continue as we are if nothing happens on the pitch. Say we have another 4 years like the last 4 what then? Is it all just swept under the carpet, the board stays the same and we just bumble along or is there a trigger when changes above the manager are made?
Is it a coincidence so many managers struggle here?

This also links in with not having a reserves team; which means we have no bridge between the youth and first team. Also players coming back from injury have no way of building fitness in a match situation.

Surely we should at least be arranging regular friendlies against other club's reserve teams?

[sparky]

Originally Posted by Phils-an-alki

Don't get me started on the youth set up racket. It's a horror show.

Indeed, and those in charge need to take some accountability for that, playing the blame game just doesn't wash I'm afraid.