Ebbsfleet Overall Assessment

[fezbob]

Originally Posted by René Higuita

He left us in our hour of need, jumping ship at the first opportunity, after fans trusted him and went the extra mile with BTB and similar events, not to forget we gave him everything with a 3 year deal when Welsh prem clubs didn't even want him, so no I won't get over it.

Do you know what the terms of said contract were? From what I understand, it was weighted strongly in the club's favour, allowing them to terminate at relatively short notice and without a huge outlay. In that context the perception that the club was showing massive faith in Keates was a false one.

As for hour of need, was it the day before a crucial play off final or relegation decider? Nope, it was with enough remaining of the season that we should have been able to hang on in there. The club went for the continuity option, which most of us agreed with at the time in fairness, and the rest is history.

The truth is that there's very little loyalty in football, between player/manager and club and vice versa. If your boyhood team comes calling with more money and a chance to test yourself two leagues higher then you're going to snap their hands off. The call might never have come again.

[draig arian]

Originally Posted by fezbob

Are people still cry arsing/holding a grudge against Keates? He built a solid foundation which includes the entire back four, Wright, Rutherford and Holroyd. Get over it.
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And he was absolutely incapable of getting us an even reasonable midfield in the whole time he was manager.

[moynkeepthefaith]

Originally Posted by EnglishRed

He left us near the top of the league and went to his local team two divisions above. He turned things around superbly after Mills balls up.

Personally I don't think he did anything wrong. The timing was a shame but I don't begrudge him leaving rather than potentially missing out on a huge opportunity for him. Plus things have turned out pretty well for us so far.

Exactly how I see it

[Teifi Red]

Re the Keates saga, I just keep thinking that the money the Club gained from his release fee has been used wisely on a player or two that are giving us a better season (so far) in several years. Cloud, silver lining etc.

[Colonel D]

Originally Posted by Teifi Red

Re the Keates saga, I just keep thinking that the money the Club gained from his release fee has been used wisely on a player or two that are giving us a better season (so far) in several years. Cloud, silver lining etc.

May have been used to fill the gap left by the payout to Mills!

[TWREX]

Originally Posted by sionwxm

Exceptional managerial skills from SR leaving arguably our 3 best attacking players on the bench and still be 4-0 up at half time. He knows what he’s doing and isn’t afraid to do what he believes is right. Top manager in the making

Shhhh! We don't want another surprise come the new year!

[pjwales]

Originally Posted by TomWFC

Goodness me who was their left back that Jennings is apparently better than!?

There’s no escaping the fact that Jennings is a very poor footballer. His decision making, both attacking and in defensive, is terrible. Attacking wise, he often hits the cross too early and with too much pace - he’ll hit one good one in 20.

Defensively he mis-times interceptions and challenges.

Couple this with his generally poor distribution and petulance then a new left-back is a must in January.

Oh dear, Jennings,s turn for the RP kicking of the week.

[Rob Edwards]

Need to remember that Jennings is our only full back who offers a attacking threat. Better balance in side with him. Roberts and Carra for all defensive abilities offer minimal attacking threat.

[Birdy]

Originally Posted by Rob Edwards

Need to remember that Jennings is our only full back who offers a attacking threat. Better balance in side with him. Roberts and Carra for all defensive abilities offer minimal attacking threat.

Two new full backs needed then!