Dean Keates - 1 year in charge

[Prodigal Dragon]

Having steadied the ship, and sitting in third, many must be very happy with our predicament. Personally, I think we have a squad that has been improved, but not enough to guarantee us the finish in the POs. Furthermore, because of the opportunity to ‘storm the league’ is there for the taking, we seem incapable of stepping up a gear. In essence, the CB pairing of Manny Smith and Shaun Pearson has been excellent, but the midfield is poor and the strikers are isolated and have rarely performed when opportunities do arise.

I want DK to succeed because Wrexham then succeeds but, as things stand, we are still some way short of where we need to be. Consequently, DK and CD need to refine how they go about things.

WIP and B+ this season.

[FieldtownRed]

Originally Posted by Quay Red

Agree with most of the above,
Have highlighted the cash paragraph.
I believe Keates is working on a minimum 2 year programme / budget rather than use all the cash available in one year.
He has to be able to cover the wages of the players contracted for two years together with the players he gets on one year and loan deals.
If he spunks the money and gambles on a failed promotion bid, we'll be up sh!t creek without a paddle the following year looking for bargain basement fillers for the squad.
I'm not happy with the football we're playing but there are signs of improvement in fitness and attitude. Fylde games excepted.
The jury's out on whether Keates can complete the jigsaw and improve the entertainment value.
I shouldn't be surprised, but I am, that a number of posters who were willing to take three points playing ugly, are after one defeat complaining that we're boring.

Two year deals are irrelevant though in terms of this season's budget, their 2nd year's pay will come out of next year's budget. Surely he's using the money available to him this season to build the best possible squad? Every season should be a promotion bid shouldn't it? He's said himself they go out trying to win every game.

[Quay Red]

Originally Posted by FieldtownRed

Two year deals are irrelevant though in terms of this season's budget, their 2nd year's pay will come out of next year's budget. Surely he's using the money available to him this season to build the best possible squad? Every season should be a promotion bid shouldn't it? He's said himself they go out trying to win every game.

Problem is that if he builds a squad based on the cash windfalls he has this season and doesn't cater for an equivalent budget next year then he has to release the one year players and bring in players on less money, thus diminishing the capability of the team.
Personally think that Dean is probably surprised at our lofty position based on the players he's got as I think he's always been looking at building the team over 2 seasons.
I realise that a lot of fans want instant success but it's not achieved overnight.
The teams that came down last year have much bigger budgets, Hartlepool £1m+ and still not consistent. Money doesn't always guarantee success, it helps, but a decent, well organised and determined squad of players is essential. We are not that far away but are desperate for a "Little" type player who can run the show and make a real impact on the play.

[Willywill]

More than happy with Keates. We were in a pickle when he took over. We are no longer a laughing stock and are now serious contenders. A vital component for a promotion fit team is missing at present but I am sure he knows that. Personally, I am hoping that after Xmas, we may just play more entertaining football that draws the bigger crowds back. Well done Dean - a B from me.

[Hightown Brymbo Red]

10 YEARS at this level has tempered the expectations of Wrexham fans.We now accept and are grateful for any small improvements or light at the end of tunnel. From a football point since the 98 point season we have unfortunatley been mis managed at the board level and by appointing the wrong men to manager. In my view Dk has done a fantastic job to stablise the football side of the club and on the face of it has turned us from a lower mid table team to a team that could challenge for a play off position. And i commend him

[cardiffred]

Originally Posted by Quay Red

Problem is that if he builds a squad based on the cash windfalls he has this season and doesn't cater for an equivalent budget next year then he has to release the one year players and bring in players on less money, thus diminishing the capability of the team.
Personally think that Dean is probably surprised at our lofty position based on the players he's got as I think he's always been looking at building the team over 2 seasons.
I realise that a lot of fans want instant success but it's not achieved overnight.
The teams that came down last year have much bigger budgets, Hartlepool £1m+ and still not consistent. Money doesn't always guarantee success, it helps, but a decent, well organised and determined squad of players is essential. We are not that far away but are desperate for a "Little" type player who can run the show and make a real impact on the play.

Agree with what you've said.

It was clear from the start that this was at least a 2 year job. This was reflected in the length of contract that Keates was given. There is a huge difference in this year and last year already. With further additions in January we'll be there or thereabouts.

It's a shame that people who are clamouring for instant success don't understand that hasn't worked in the years we've been down here so far and the path Keates is leading us on is far more likely to bring what we want.

[stanvax]

An "A" from me - If someone had offered me top 3 in a year - given the dross he inherited - I would have snapped their hand off. We know the weaknesses - but he's come so far in a year - for an first managerial appointment I think he's done brilliantly

[draigwrecsam]

Originally Posted by BillEBadass

It is easy to underestimate just how bad Mills was (and is) just ask any York City fan...

Amazingly, there are still York City fans who think he was a gift from above!

[pagl]

Originally Posted by cardiffred

Agree with what you've said.

It was clear from the start that this was at least a 2 year job. This was reflected in the length of contract that Keates was given. There is a huge difference in this year and last year already. With further additions in January we'll be there or thereabouts.

It's a shame that people who are clamouring for instant success don't understand that hasn't worked in the years we've been down here so far and the path Keates is leading us on is far more likely to bring what we want.

I think the general frustration is bourne out of 10 years in this division and it looks as though there is a big opportunity to be a real contender again - rather than look back again like we did after the Fl££twood season and post mortem the mistakes made.

Personally I want continued improvement - 3rd is great atm and happy not to hit the top spot too early as 3 games to go will suit me fine

However DK sat with budget money in the bank isn't helping the cause.

I understand QRs point but surely even allowing for a retention of some of this years budget he still was able to offer money to but this mystery striker and basically next years wages would be from next years budget anyway as it would just be the 1 year then

In order to now progress we need to make some changes - that's all and its a natural process at any club. Don't stand still as it did for AM.