How long has Pearson got left?

[Nogbad the Bad]

24 minutes ago, Mendip City said:

To be honest, regardless who is manager I just feel we’re on a slow slide to relegation (history repeating itself yet again). We’ve lost direction and identity. In terms of spirit, identity, style of play, how far are we from the team Cotts got promoted - feels like a distant memory and different football club. 

We'd waited so long for a manager like Cotts., inspirational for both players & fans.

The day SL booted him out to install Johnson Jnr felt like a kick in the goolies from the owner.

One I haven't recovered from yet in terms of passion for his club.

 

 

[Mendip City]

3 minutes ago, Nogbad the Bad said:

We'd waited so long for a manager like Cotts., inspirational for both players & fans.

The day SL booted him out to install Johnson Jnr felt like a kick in the goolies from the owner.

One I haven't recovered from yet in terms of passion for his club.

 

 

I agree 100% my passion has also largely disappeared since those days.  It’s now just a social thing for me with little hope of entertainment. 
Cotts for me was in the spirit of Terry Cooper (where’s the memorial??) or early Gary Johnson. Certain characters work at this club… but it’s not really a club now, we’re just watching someone else’s business. I think change at the very top is the only way to breath some life and energy back into the place. 
We need ambition and people with football ambition. Some sad trends have emerged - “good defeats” are celebrated, appalling home form and bad runs are tolerated…. So much apathy from so many.  How did we get here??!!!!

[Guest]

10 minutes ago, Nogbad the Bad said:

We'd waited so long for a manager like Cotts., inspirational for both players & fans.

The day SL booted him out to install Johnson Jnr felt like a kick in the goolies from the owner.

One I haven't recovered from yet in terms of passion for his club.

 

 

Spot on, way too quick in sacking him imo, zero chance of him returning as well.

SL has made many poor "choices" since then and I have seen nothing to suggest he has improved in those choices.

We seem to be "out of the frying pan and into the fire" ever since those heady days.

[Guest]

6 minutes ago, Mendip City said:

I agree 100% my passion has also largely disappeared since those days.  It’s now just a social thing for me with little hope of entertainment. 
Cotts for me was in the spirit of Terry Cooper (where’s the memorial??) or early Gary Johnson. Certain characters work at this club… but it’s not really a club now, we’re just watching someone else’s business. I think change at the very top is the only way to breath some life and energy back into the place. 
We need ambition and people with football ambition. Some sad trends have emerged - “good defeats” are celebrated, appalling home form and bad runs are tolerated…. So much apathy from so many.  How did we get here??!!!!

Cannot say how much I like this post, but I`d put your hard hat on

[supercidered]

Loads of great points on this well trodden topic. No point in me typing what I agree with and don't agree with.

For me it just feels like we are now just 'also rans' rather than anything else. I just can't see that changing any time soon not because of Pearson but because we were so far gone i.e. the rot has been so deeply set that it will take years to fix rather than a summer of wheeling and dealing. 

I'm not being pessimistic here, I'm being a realist. I just hope that SL is of the same mind because whether one is an NP fan or not, then to make a change at any point in the the next 2 years to me would be a wrong move. Of course NP may choose to walk at some point and that to me would be as disastrous as him being fired.

I would settle for a couple of consolidations of mid-table finishes even after this season. That should be enough time to cut out the rot and start building towards something that sees us challenging at the right end of the table. I know this amount of time will be too long for some fans but so much damage has been done and it's going to take an almighty effort and time to get us back on an even keel again. 

[Mendip City]

15 minutes ago, supercidered said:

Loads of great points on this well trodden topic. No point in me typing what I agree with and don't agree with.

For me it just feels like we are now just 'also rans' rather than anything else. I just can't see that changing any time soon not because of Pearson but because we were so far gone i.e. the rot has been so deeply set that it will take years to fix rather than a summer of wheeling and dealing. 

I'm not being pessimistic here, I'm being a realist. I just hope that SL is of the same mind because whether one is an NP fan or not, then to make a change at any point in the the next 2 years to me would be a wrong move. Of course NP may choose to walk at some point and that to me would be as disastrous as him being fired.

I would settle for a couple of consolidations of mid-table finishes even after this season. That should be enough time to cut out the rot and start building towards something that sees us challenging at the right end of the table. I know this amount of time will be too long for some fans but so much damage has been done and it's going to take an almighty effort and time to get us back on an even keel again. 

That all makes a lot of sense to me…. Trouble is, consolidation feels a long way off to me and I fear it’ll happen in League One. Papa John Pizza Cup and a Bristol Derby anyone?????  

[Son of Fred]

20 minutes ago, supercidered said:

Loads of great points on this well trodden topic. No point in me typing what I agree with and don't agree with.

For me it just feels like we are now just 'also rans' rather than anything else. I just can't see that changing any time soon not because of Pearson but because we were so far gone i.e. the rot has been so deeply set that it will take years to fix rather than a summer of wheeling and dealing. 

I'm not being pessimistic here, I'm being a realist. I just hope that SL is of the same mind because whether one is an NP fan or not, then to make a change at any point in the the next 2 years to me would be a wrong move. Of course NP may choose to walk at some point and that to me would be as disastrous as him being fired.

I would settle for a couple of consolidations of mid-table finishes even after this season. That should be enough time to cut out the rot and start building towards something that sees us challenging at the right end of the table. I know this amount of time will be too long for some fans but so much damage has been done and it's going to take an almighty effort and time to get us back on an even keel again. 

Great post & nails our current situation.

I feel we will be walking a tightrope over the next two years as regards Nigel walking,,or just as likely falling victim to the blinkerdness of those holding the reigns -;whom may react to fan reaction of those without the vision,,patience or desire to face the facts of the mess we are in - or fall victim to their self inflicted frustrations.

As you say either result would be disastrous.

[Mendip City]

42 minutes ago, gl2 said:

42 minutes ago, gl2 said:Cannot say how much I like this post, but I`d put your hard hat on

 

Thanks. Tin hat at the ready!   That said, this seems to be a pretty balanced thread - certainly the last bit of it that I’ve managed to read! 

Edited April 4, 2022 by Mendip City

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, supercidered said:

Loads of great points on this well trodden topic. No point in me typing what I agree with and don't agree with.

For me it just feels like we are now just 'also rans' rather than anything else. I just can't see that changing any time soon not because of Pearson but because we were so far gone i.e. the rot has been so deeply set that it will take years to fix rather than a summer of wheeling and dealing. 

I'm not being pessimistic here, I'm being a realist. I just hope that SL is of the same mind because whether one is an NP fan or not, then to make a change at any point in the the next 2 years to me would be a wrong move. Of course NP may choose to walk at some point and that to me would be as disastrous as him being fired.

I would settle for a couple of consolidations of mid-table finishes even after this season. That should be enough time to cut out the rot and start building towards something that sees us challenging at the right end of the table. I know this amount of time will be too long for some fans but so much damage has been done and it's going to take an almighty effort and time to get us back on an even keel again. 

36 minutes ago, Son of Fred said:

Great post & nails our current situation.

I feel we will be walking a tightrope over the next two years as regards Nigel walking,,or just as likely falling victim to the blinkerdness of those holding the reigns -;whom may react to fan reaction of those without the vision,,patience or desire to face the facts of the mess we are in - or fall victim to their self inflicted frustrations.

As you say either result would be disastrous.

Yep, agree a good post.

I’m happy to stomach another season like this, many aren’t, as is our choice.  At the end of 22/23 we should no longer have any player here who isn’t wanted here. FFP won’t be an issue, and then we hopefully see the growth from the foundations laid.  It might happen next season, but we need to get this summer out of the way first, and see where we are.

But we can’t afford to go down.

If our board (I mean owner really) can’t stomach it or doesn’t like a bit of “feedback” from Pearson, they should act now, but I’d seriously question why they chose him in the first place?  Maybe the truth hurts?

I do feel like SL has lost his appetite anyway.  The sooner he finds new investors the better.

 

Footnote: I’m resigning myself to Pearson not being here in August

Edited April 4, 2022 by Davefevs

[GrahamC]

1 hour ago, supercidered said:

Loads of great points on this well trodden topic. No point in me typing what I agree with and don't agree with.

For me it just feels like we are now just 'also rans' rather than anything else. I just can't see that changing any time soon not because of Pearson but because we were so far gone i.e. the rot has been so deeply set that it will take years to fix rather than a summer of wheeling and dealing. 

I'm not being pessimistic here, I'm being a realist. I just hope that SL is of the same mind because whether one is an NP fan or not, then to make a change at any point in the the next 2 years to me would be a wrong move. Of course NP may choose to walk at some point and that to me would be as disastrous as him being fired.

I would settle for a couple of consolidations of mid-table finishes even after this season. That should be enough time to cut out the rot and start building towards something that sees us challenging at the right end of the table. I know this amount of time will be too long for some fans but so much damage has been done and it's going to take an almighty effort and time to get us back on an even keel again. 

Great post & agree with all of it.

However we have already seen a lot of “Pearson has to get it right this summer” posts from the usual suspects & I’m sadly not convinced the majority want to bother to look deeply enough as why we are in the position we are, or have the patience for it.

I like Pearson & am very happy to defend him (when appropriate) on here but am coming to the conclusion mid table mediocrity is the best we can hope for under the current ownership, no matter who is picking the team.

[Waconda]

14 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Yep, agree a good post.

I’m happy to stomach another season like this, many aren’t, as is our choice.  At the end of 22/23 we should no longer have any player here who isn’t wanted here. FFP won’t be an issue, and then we hopefully see the growth from the foundations laid.  It might happen next season, but we need to get this summer out of the way first, and see where we are.

But we can’t afford to go down.

If our board (I mean owner really) can’t stomach it or doesn’t like a bit of “feedback” from Pearson, they should act now, but I’d seriously question why they chose him in the first place?  Maybe the truth hurts?

I do feel like SL has lost his appetite anyway.  The sooner he finds new investors the better.

 

Footnote: I’m resigning myself to Pearson not being here in August

 I’d seriously question why they chose him in the first place?  

Blind panic would be my guess. 

I wasn't against his appointment at the time but have been extremely underwhelmed since.

Though to be fair we have not gone down.

[DaveF]

1 minute ago, Waconda said:

 I’d seriously question why they chose him in the first place?  

Blind panic would be my guess. 

I wasn't against his appointment at the time but have been extremely underwhelmed since.

Though to be fair we have not gone down.

Hes a bit of an odd choice for blind panic though? Comes with a reputation of being a very prickly character, you'd think blind panic we'd find ourselves someone who is more of a 'yes man' as not to rock the boat?

[Waconda]

Just now, DaveF said:

Hes a bit of an odd choice for blind panic though? Comes with a reputation of being a very prickly character, you'd think blind panic we'd find ourselves someone who is more of a 'yes man' as not to rock the boat?

They just done the "Yes" man, pivoted to the other extreme maybe ?

Human nature perhaps.

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, DaveF said:

Hes a bit of an odd choice for blind panic though? Comes with a reputation of being a very prickly character, you'd think blind panic we'd find ourselves someone who is more of a 'yes man' as not to rock the boat?

Yeah, doesn’t feel like blind panic when they had him “on trial” for 2/3 months before committing to 3 years.

[Waconda]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

Yeah, doesn’t feel like blind panic when they had him “on trial” for 2/3 months before committing to 3 years.

the other way of looking at it is that it was actually Blind Panic hence the reluctance to commit long term straight away.

Fire fighter type appointment in their eyes ?

 

[supercidered]

1 hour ago, Mendip City said:

That all makes a lot of sense to me…. Trouble is, consolidation feels a long way off to me and I fear it’ll happen in League One. Papa John Pizza Cup and a Bristol Derby anyone?????  

That would be a disaster but it's happened to bigger clubs than City. 

However, if I owned the club the number one priority now is to avoid the scenario you have outlined above. That may sound like an obvious thing to say but I'm not convinced that SL and those around him have some delusional thoughts that we will be challenging in the top half of the table next season. I feel as things stand the club is probably at the most critical point since probably 1982. I know that sounds a bit dramatic but if the club don't get things right or at least mostly right over the next 2 seasons then I really fear for our beloved club.

Anyway, I'd better get back to work!

[Davefevs]

9 minutes ago, supercidered said:

That would be a disaster but it's happened to bigger clubs than City. 

However, if I owned the club the number one priority now is to avoid the scenario you have outlined above. That may sound like an obvious thing to say but I'm not convinced that SL and those around him have some delusional thoughts that we will be challenging in the top half of the table next season. I feel as things stand the club is probably at the most critical point since probably 1982. I know that sounds a bit dramatic but if the club don't get things right or at least mostly right over the next 2 seasons then I really fear for our beloved club.

Anyway, I'd better get back to work!

I feel similar.

SL has become mute (and tone deaf at the same time), his Chairman son talks like a fan, not a Chairman.

As HMHB sang:

”the girlfriend looks like Peggy Mount, what am I supposed to doooooo”

”I’m up the creek, let alone a paddle, I haven’t even got a canoe”

Okay, a bit dramatic, but it doesn’t feel great at all.

[Mendip City]

16 minutes ago, supercidered said:

That would be a disaster but it's happened to bigger clubs than City. 

However, if I owned the club the number one priority now is to avoid the scenario you have outlined above. That may sound like an obvious thing to say but I'm not convinced that SL and those around him have some delusional thoughts that we will be challenging in the top half of the table next season. I feel as things stand the club is probably at the most critical point since probably 1982. I know that sounds a bit dramatic but if the club don't get things right or at least mostly right over the next 2 seasons then I really fear for our beloved club.

Anyway, I'd better get back to work!

Agree!!! I also need to do some work! 

[Mendip City]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I feel similar.

SL has become mute (and tone deaf at the same time), his Chairman son talks like a fan, not a Chairman.

As HMHB sang:

”the girlfriend looks like Peggy Mount, what am I supposed to doooooo”

”I’m up the creek, let alone a paddle, I haven’t even got a canoe”

Okay, a bit dramatic, but it doesn’t feel great at all.

I might be wrong but it feels like the Lansdown’s have largely lost interest or lost the passion/fight/stomach for it (who can blame them?  After 40+ this is the most I’ve struggled to remain passionate about it). 
It feels like they are politely holding the fort, including converting debt to shares but maybe just waiting on new investment/new ownership. As I say, could be completely wrong! 

[mozo]

What we haven't mentioned is that we're to some extent up for sale.

So while it does seem that City are going to trapped in bottom half purgatory for the foreseeable future, things still could change.

That might involve spending power (or just a promise of spending power!)

It could involve a new management team, or the support NP needs.

There could be a new buzz of excitement at Ashton Gate but could also further desenfranchise the purist City fans.

But surely the Lansdowns will eventually find a buyer, albeit they may need to change their own terms of that deal to get it done 

In the meantime, with the current state of our squad and finances, I don't see much point in changing the gaffer.

 

Edit: literally just got mentioned above!!!

Edited April 4, 2022 by mozo

[Northern Red]

I do wonder if it wasn't for Covid, we may have already seen investment and/or change of ownership.

[Daniro]

4 minutes ago, mozo said:

What we haven't mentioned is that we're to some extent up for sale.

So while it does seem that City are going to trapped in bottom half purgatory for the foreseeable future, things still could change.

That might involve spending power (or just a promise of spending power!)

It could involve a new management team, or the support NP needs.

There could be a new buzz of excitement at Ashton Gate but could also further desenfranchise the purist City fans.

But surely the Lansdowns will eventually find a buyer, albeit they may need to change their own terms of that deal to get it done 

In the meantime, with the current state of our squad and finances, I don't see much point in changing the gaffer.

Good point.   New ownership might create a more positive optimistic feel about the club and is urgently needed.    Lansdown Junior is an accident waiting to happen and his dad has surely made enough from the real estate wheeler dealing to exit gracefully and wealthily.

[Daniro]

2 hours ago, Mendip City said:

That all makes a lot of sense to me…. Trouble is, consolidation feels a long way off to me and I fear it’ll happen in League One. Papa John Pizza Cup and a Bristol Derby anyone?????  

i tell you what - I would not fancy a local derby at the moment.    Hate to say it but what is happening over there shows what can be done with a certain mentality of leadership and Nige could do with a bit more fire in the belly.

[Davefevs]

18 minutes ago, Daniro said:

Good point.   New ownership might create a more positive optimistic feel about the club and is urgently needed.    Lansdown Junior is an accident waiting to happen and his dad has surely made enough from the real estate wheeler dealing to exit gracefully and wealthily.

I’ve never known it so quiet.

New Hummel deal, season tickets on sale….pretty much silence.  Maybe they’ve appointed @And Its Smithinto the media team

[REDOXO]

42 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I’ve never known it so quiet.

New Hummel deal, season tickets on sale….pretty much silence.  Maybe they’ve appointed @And Its Smithinto the media team

I am reluctant to extend this thread, however, this is the second time in the last 18 months where I have felt we are in a quiet period (lack of information making it to the public domain). This is often indicative of a major change of strategic ownership being discussed at the top level! 
 

Last time Ashton went to Ipswich , they were sold and SL announced he was looking for investors, as much as a signal we were up for sale you could give. 
 

My take there was Mr Ashton was tasked, found a buyer, but not for us. Not much else fits what we know. 
 

However all the ballyhoo around Derby has certainly attracted attention and despite what some think, Bristol Sport is quite a tasty little company for any international sports investor. 
 

Just my take.
 

There are plenty on here with MnA experience or are in the industry and I do wonder what some others believe? But not on this god forsaken dreadful string! 
 

 

[chinapig]

18 hours ago, Davefevs said:

They misquoted him.  He said he didn’t work in the Recruitment Team - he did not say that he wasn’t involved in the recruitment process.  He most certainly is.

The actual words were "I am not in the recruitment department". That is literally true of course, if pedantic, but he seemed keen to shut down discussion on the matter.

I did not claim btw that he said he was not involved in recruitment.

He confirmed again that we do not plan to appoint a head of recruitment. The question nobody is going to ask is whether that is his decision, Gould's, Steve's or a mutual one. What if for example he wanted one and the club said no?

When asked if he could expand on what he had apparently said in the past about tweaking recruitment he just said no and that was down to the club - iirc he used the phrase "club policy".

It's hard to tell with Nigel as he is so irascible but these are more potential signs of a disconnect with the club if you factor in also his (correct) description of Steve's previous transfer policy as bonkers and his response to Jon saying we are underperforming.

Since then we seem to have had complete silence from the club, as others have pointed out.

Those who want Nigel out may get their wish perhaps but they may not get the pleasure of him being sacked.

[Merrick's Marvels]

20 hours ago, JoeAman08 said:

Kalas has played rb in a promotion side. 13 games the entire season. 6 years ago. Since when, he's never played there again. Mobility? he is the quickest player in the side. His straight line speed when he gets going is excellent - for one off sprints. But it's nothing to do with speed whatsoever. It's about stamina. Up and down, up and down. You've seen how full backs play these days, right? Kalas the new Kyle Walker is he? If you think he's got the physical attributes for that, I'd think again. Never mind the fact he doesn't have the technical attributes - you can see him swinging pinpoint crosses in and firing shots at goal, can you? And no thoughts on the fact playing Kalas at RB would have left us at some points this season with who, exactly, at CB? In the absence of Baker, Klose who hasn't been here, Atkinson unavailable. We played our best football with O’Leary. That was solely down to O'Leary, was it? Funny still shipping 2-3 goals with Bentley. He has made no difference with triple the wages. O'Leary is Bentley's equal as a shot stopper? Right you are.

That midfield has given us the best midfield display we have had all season. We’d be a much better watch and no worse off. The single best addition we could make in the summer is a top quality CDM. Every decent side requires one, even the Man Citys and Barcelonas of this world. You pick a midfield of 3 ACMs, naive young ones at that. No experience, no physicality, no defensive nous. Fantasy football bullshit. 

Also are you suggesting we need more Chris Martin’s? Where did I say that?  Oh yeah, I didn't. So we can ignore the remainder of your nonsense. If so I think you need the mental help mate. It is the likes of James and Martin that make us so easy to play against. James can’t cover ground in midfield and no one is afraid of Martin closing down. The fact you are slating Kalas’ mobility and bigging up Martin screams 0 football IQ but hey ho you aren’t the only one on here without a clue

You've been dissing Pearson for a while now. I can put up with that if  someone comes up with credible reasons. Your post, in particular the team you suggested he should be picking, is the oppposite of credible. As I said, stick to the Football Manager.

 

[JoeAman08]

11 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

 

Guess I’ll have to bow down to your superior knowledge  I gave you credible answers you don’t agree. Your insults show I got you rattled. Have a glass of wine and read a book from this century you dinosaur. Their young so can’t play in midfield. Never read such utter rubbish. Plenty of sides don’t play with an out and out cdm. But if doesn’t mimic the 1970 promotion side it can’t be good can it? 

[BS4 on Tour...]

On 03/04/2022 at 00:45, joe jordans teeth said:

I’m no Billy Shakespeare I will give you dat 

I was only joshing chief! Anyone who references Joe Jordan in their forum name is top notch in my opinion - good on you!

[Guest]

15 hours ago, supercidered said:

Loads of great points on this well trodden topic. No point in me typing what I agree with and don't agree with.

For me it just feels like we are now just 'also rans' rather than anything else. I just can't see that changing any time soon not because of Pearson but because we were so far gone i.e. the rot has been so deeply set that it will take years to fix rather than a summer of wheeling and dealing. 

I'm not being pessimistic here, I'm being a realist. I just hope that SL is of the same mind because whether one is an NP fan or not, then to make a change at any point in the the next 2 years to me would be a wrong move. Of course NP may choose to walk at some point and that to me would be as disastrous as him being fired.

I would settle for a couple of consolidations of mid-table finishes even after this season. That should be enough time to cut out the rot and start building towards something that sees us challenging at the right end of the table. I know this amount of time will be too long for some fans but so much damage has been done and it's going to take an almighty effort and time to get us back on an even keel again. 

I am struggling here to understand why you believe NPs appointment is likely to be any better "given time" when none of SL`s prev selections have actually been any better, even when some were given many millions to spend.

Given that, in his first year we have lost twice as many games as we have won. The areas in which NP has brought in his men seem to be now to be our worse areas with complete panic reigning in the defence/midfield. Hardly fills you with confidence.

Seems to me the "deep set" rot will continue until the person who selected/approved all our his managers moves on, you must also remember that this has happened since the best manager we have had recently SC, was sacked by him and Dawe ever since then we have regressed imo.

[TV Tom]

1 hour ago, gl2 said:

I am struggling here to understand why you believe NPs appointment is likely to be any better "given time" when none of SL`s prev selections have actually been any better, even when some were given many millions to spend.

Given that, in his first year we have lost twice as many games as we have won. The areas in which NP has brought in his men seem to be now to be our worse areas with complete panic reigning in the defence/midfield. Hardly fills you with confidence.

Seems to me the "deep set" rot will continue until the person who selected/approved all our his managers moves on, you must also remember that this has happened since the best manager we have had recently SC, was sacked by him and Dawe ever since then we have regressed imo.

To be fair LJ’s first 18 months were decent but he was sacked at least a year too late, Holden was a crazy appointment, our biggest mistake was not getting the right manager in last summer when there were a few decent ones available 

[The Bard]

19 hours ago, DaveF said:

Hes a bit of an odd choice for blind panic though? Comes with a reputation of being a very prickly character, you'd think blind panic we'd find ourselves someone who is more of a 'yes man' as not to rock the boat?

The boat was taking on water.  We needed someone who knew how to fix it.

[The Bard]

19 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Yep, agree a good post.

I’m happy to stomach another season like this, many aren’t, as is our choice.  At the end of 22/23 we should no longer have any player here who isn’t wanted here. FFP won’t be an issue, and then we hopefully see the growth from the foundations laid.  It might happen next season, but we need to get this summer out of the way first, and see where we are.

But we can’t afford to go down.

If our board (I mean owner really) can’t stomach it or doesn’t like a bit of “feedback” from Pearson, they should act now, but I’d seriously question why they chose him in the first place?  Maybe the truth hurts?

I do feel like SL has lost his appetite anyway.  The sooner he finds new investors the better.

 

Footnote: I’m resigning myself to Pearson not being here in August

Killer comment in your footnote Dave.  Why are you thinking like that?

Do you think Pearson won't get what he wants and will walk?  Or be sacked?

[Davefevs]

10 minutes ago, The Bard said:

Killer comment in your footnote Dave.  Why are you thinking like that?

Do you think Pearson won't get what he wants and will walk?  Or be sacked?

Not easy to articulate, just a combo of things that might all add up.

I think SL will react, they’ll have a disagreement and Nige will tell him some more home truths and tell him “I’m off, I don’t need this shit”.  He’ll leave honourably, with no pay off and enjoy his health.

And it would not surprise me if Lee Johnson takes us into next season.

[Waconda]

5 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Not easy to articulate, just a combo of things that might all add up.

I think SL will react, they’ll have a disagreement and Nige will tell him some more home truths and tell him “I’m off, I don’t need this shit”.  He’ll leave honourably, with no pay off and enjoy his health.

And it would not surprise me if Lee Johnson takes us into next season.

Who have you been talking to ?

[supercidered]

5 hours ago, gl2 said:

I am struggling here to understand why you believe NPs appointment is likely to be any better "given time" when none of SL`s prev selections have actually been any better, even when some were given many millions to spend.

Given that, in his first year we have lost twice as many games as we have won. The areas in which NP has brought in his men seem to be now to be our worse areas with complete panic reigning in the defence/midfield. Hardly fills you with confidence.

Seems to me the "deep set" rot will continue until the person who selected/approved all our his managers moves on, you must also remember that this has happened since the best manager we have had recently SC, was sacked by him and Dawe ever since then we have regressed imo.

I guess my point is that the 'definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results' I can't take credit for that as it was Albert Einstein.

So unless SL sells (I'm not convinced that will happen in any definition of short term) then even if he gets rid of NP or NP walks then this quote applies. 

As far as NP is concerned I actually trust him more about the football side of things than SL. So, as things stand I feel that if NP stays for say the next 2 seasons we will be in a better position than we are now. Just my opinion mind.

[Davefevs]

5 minutes ago, Waconda said:

Who have you been talking to ?

Nobody, just viewing from afar, and the silence is deafening.  That’s what gets me.  No contract stuff, whether senior or academy players, yet we know academy players have heard their fate.  It feels like “get as many season tickets sold before an announcement”.

I hope it’s just all in my head….i think we need at least another season of Pearson, it’s taking longer than I thought.

 

 

 

(…..and I like a bit of a conspiracy theory. )

[KegCity]

17 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Not easy to articulate, just a combo of things that might all add up.

I think SL will react, they’ll have a disagreement and Nige will tell him some more home truths and tell him “I’m off, I don’t need this shit”.  He’ll leave honourably, with no pay off and enjoy his health.

And it would not surprise me if Lee Johnson takes us into next season.

And back to square one we go.

[glynriley]

18 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

 

And it would not surprise me if Lee Johnson takes us into next season.

**** off Dave, I renewed my season ticket yesterday…

[supercidered]

1 minute ago, KegCity said:

And back to square one we go.

Actually, I feel that would be a minus square rather than square one. 

[Davefevs]

Just now, KegCity said:

And back to square one we go.

Maybe, but I’d be prepared to see LJ in action under RG.  We can then judge him without excuse.

At the end of the day, I’ll back any City manager, I’ll praise and criticise objectively as I see fit.  Whoever is in charge needs support, the right set up, professionals, etc to succeed.  Mark Ashton was not a good fit (polite).

[supercidered]

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Maybe, but I’d be prepared to see LJ in action under RG.  We can then judge him without excuse.

At the end of the day, I’ll back any City manager, I’ll praise and criticise objectively as I see fit.  Whoever is in charge needs support, the right set up, professionals, etc to succeed.  Mark Ashton was a git (polite).

A cheeky little edit here Dave.

[RobintheRed Red]

8 minutes ago, billywedlock said:

If not incompetent blagger comes back you can shut the doors. One of the worst mangers in our long list of terrible managers. To work in the academy fine, but nothing more. 

Exactly no more poison in the club .

[KegCity]

23 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Maybe, but I’d be prepared to see LJ in action under RG.  We can then judge him without excuse.

At the end of the day, I’ll back any City manager, I’ll praise and criticise objectively as I see fit.  Whoever is in charge needs support, the right set up, professionals, etc to succeed.  Mark Ashton was not a good fit (polite).

If Richard Gould can magically improve LJ's tactics and man management and stop him coming out with embarrassing statements to the media then great. Lee's hit and miss transfer record wasn't the main issue for me.

Can't talk about needing to change the culture, the rot being too deep etc etc and then rehire one of the people responsible for those issues.

Edited April 5, 2022 by KegCity

[Davefevs]

37 minutes ago, billywedlock said:

If not incompetent blagger comes back you can shut the doors. One of the worst mangers in our long list of terrible managers. To work in the academy fine, but nothing more. 

 

28 minutes ago, RobintheRed Red said:

Exactly no more poison in the club .

 

23 minutes ago, KegCity said:

If Richard Gould can magically improve LJ's tactics and man management and stop him coming out with embarrassing statements to the media then great. Lee's hit and miss transfer record wasn't the main issue for me.

Can't talk about needing to change the culture, the rot being too deep etc etc and then rehire one of the people responsible for those issues.

All very valid comments, some of which I agree with.

As I said, it just wouldn’t surprise me, he’s “very out there” in the media at the mo’, and I could see SL picking up on that.

[big dosser]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

Not easy to articulate, just a combo of things that might all add up.

I think SL will react, they’ll have a disagreement and Nige will tell him some more home truths and tell him “I’m off, I don’t need this shit”.  He’ll leave honourably, with no pay off and enjoy his health.

And it would not surprise me if Lee Johnson takes us into next season.

blimey dave i just spat me cuppa out

i think the problem is we go for managers that i dont think we relate to or they dont relate to us.i wanted to see big nige do well but i feel he just looks like a man going through the motions.due to his health concerns i think he would do a better job upstairs with a younger up and coming man underneath.i will stick my neck out here as i have before a man i would love to see given a chance is garth awinsworth.

i know people will ask why so my reasons would be 1-works on a shoestring budget if not no budget 2-seems to find some gems out of lower league levels 3-gets the best out of all his players 4- very good with tactics and 5 most important just seems a great bloke and brims with confidence which i always feels rubs off on even the most negative of fans.oh forgot and we could also set a trend of showing are big hairy chests :laugh:

please exscuse my spelling

[Davefevs]

8 minutes ago, big dosser said:

i will stick my neck out here as i have before a man i would love to see given a chance is garth awinsworth.

I like Ainsworth too.

I also like Paul Warne.  Neither are massively young, both are 48.

Of the younger bunch, I like Duff.  Liam Manning has a lot of fans.

[Son of Fred]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

And it would not surprise me if Lee Johnson takes us into next season.

Bloody hell Dave,,,quite a prospect!....have you had 'a tickle with this one - or a gut feeling akin to Montezuma's revenge??!

[Rossi the Robin]

I like LJ and he would have a smaller tombola this time but I don’t think I could go through all that again 

[The Swan and Cemetery]

7 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I like Ainsworth too.

I also like Paul Warne.  Neither are massively young, both are 48.

Of the younger bunch, I like Duff.  Liam Manning has a lot of fans.

Think all these names are valid, but often the step up is a struggle for managers as it is with players. Championship requires an odd blend of a bit Prem, a bit League 1, which is, unsurprisingly, tricky to find. Quite a big challenge to find someone prepared to work with the constraints that will be in place. Think we need to be careful what we wish for if NP leaves (I know you’re not in the NP out camp) for next season, probably minimum one more season of dirty work to be done a la O’Driscoll and then hopefully we’re much better set up and a more attractive proposition to be taken forward. 

[Davefevs]

6 minutes ago, Son of Fred said:

Bloody hell Dave,,,quite a prospect!....have you had 'a tickle with this one - or a gut feeling akin to Montezuma's revenge??!

Nah, no tickle….just paranoia from silence I think.

[Davefevs]

2 minutes ago, The Swan and Cemetery said:

Think all these names are valid, but often the step up is a struggle for managers as it is with players. Championship requires an odd blend of a bit Prem, a bit League 1, which is, unsurprisingly, tricky to find. Quite a big challenge to find someone prepared to work with the constraints that will be in place. Think we need to be careful what we wish for if NP leaves (I know you’re not in the NP out camp) for next season, probably minimum one more season of dirty work to be done a la O’Driscoll and then hopefully we’re much better set up and a more attractive proposition to be taken forward. 

Yep, there is also the “big name” type too that shouldn’t be dismissed.  Allegedly SL asked about Gerrard in the previous summer.  Although Joe Jordan came here as a player, there is no doubt, that his stature in the game had a big impact when he became manager.

Most definitely not in Pearson Out camp, far from it.

Edited April 5, 2022 by Davefevs

[ScottishRed]

@Davefevs That is a terrifying prospect but not altogether unlikely. If it were to happen ai don’t think we would have to wait too long for the ‘ I was right along’ insinuations from LJ.

I hope Nige stays but I can see a fallout with SL and JL coming and I suspect Nige would walk of his own violation.

We are in a mess financially in no small part due to LJ ( although not all down to him).

Re-hiring him would be a huge mistake and not go down well but as we have heard before the mantra from SL of it’s my club would come back into play.

 

[mozo]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

Nah, no tickle….just paranoia from silence I think.

You realise that within hours the LJ back at City rumour will have spread across the farthest reaches of the Internet and will be doing the rounds at every pre-match pub for the coming weeks!! 

The Chelsea option on Massengo rumour has only just died down ffs and now you bring a new one out!

[Bristol Oil Services]

LJ to return it is, then. And his first signing - Marlon Pack. 

[Davefevs]

Just now, ScottishRed said:

mantra from SL of it’s my club

Yep, that’s my worry.

[Bristol Oil Services]

I think LJ coming back here now would remind him too much of the (uphill) job he faced at Oldham, so I'm going to say @Davefevs has got this one wrong, and wait to see what kid in his riot van says.

[CodeRed]

12 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I like Ainsworth too.

I also like Paul Warne.  Neither are massively young, both are 48.

Of the younger bunch, I like Duff.  Liam Manning has a lot of fans.

I like Leam Richardson, Matt Gray, and Rob Edward's of the younger coaches but only with an experienced DoF to guide and manage up (SL/JL).

Or for a foreign coach how about Torsten Lieberknecht who had done well and not at a huge club so might want the challenge.

[Fordy62]

2 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Not easy to articulate, just a combo of things that might all add up.

I think SL will react, they’ll have a disagreement and Nige will tell him some more home truths and tell him “I’m off, I don’t need this shit”.  He’ll leave honourably, with no pay off and enjoy his health.

And it would not surprise me if Lee Johnson takes us into next season.

**** off Dave. 

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, Bristol Oil Services said:

I think LJ coming back here now would remind him too much of the (uphill) job he faced at Oldham, so I'm going to say @Davefevs has got this one wrong, and wait to see what kid in his riot van says.

Just to be clear, I’m not saying it with any authority / knowledge.  Hope you’re right.

[Bristol Oil Services]

Just now, Davefevs said:

Just to be clear, I’m not saying it with any authority / knowledge.  Hope you’re right.

Don't back-peddle now, Dave. The Genie-us, LJ, is out the bottle, and all over otibs 

[mozo]

11 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Just to be clear, I’m not saying it with any authority / knowledge.  Hope you’re right.

Just protecting your sources now. So transparent...

[GrahamC]

39 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I like Ainsworth too.

I also like Paul Warne.  Neither are massively young, both are 48.

Of the younger bunch, I like Duff.  Liam Manning has a lot of fans.

We often agree. Warne is hugely underrated & Duff has done an incredible job at Cheltenham, I also read an article where he said how much he loves living in The Cotswolds (who can blame him?) so for once geography would be in our favour.

Don’t want a change at all (we are at a pivotal time) but if Nige walked those 2 would be top of my list.

I watched us pretty much home & away when Pulis was appointed so already know I’m a lifer but would have only slightly more enthusiasm for the return of LJ than back then, if it was Cotts on the other hand …

[Waconda]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

 

 

All very valid comments, some of which I agree with.

As I said, it just wouldn’t surprise me, he’s “very out there” in the media at the mo’, and I could see SL picking up on that.

Turned down the Peterborough job recently.

[Davefevs]

24 minutes ago, Bristol Oil Services said:

Don't back-peddle now, Dave. The Genie-us, LJ, is out the bottle, and all over otibs 

Back pedal?  Still got me stabilisers on

1 minute ago, Waconda said:

Turned down the Peterborough job recently.

So i hear….don’t blame him.  His dad didn’t have a great time there.

[Waconda]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

Back pedal?  Still got me stabilisers on

So i hear….don’t blame him.  His dad didn’t have a great time there.

Didn't think of it at the time of hearing this but perhaps he sees an opportunity closer to home opening up in the near future ?

Not ITK but a terrifying prospect for some on here.

[sludge]

2 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Not easy to articulate, just a combo of things that might all add up.

I think SL will react, they’ll have a disagreement and Nige will tell him some more home truths and tell him “I’m off, I don’t need this shit”.  He’ll leave honourably, with no pay off and enjoy his health.

And it would not surprise me if Lee Johnson takes us into next season.

I think you're spot on - except Nige will leave by mutual agreement with partial pay-off IMO.

[NcnsBcfc]

26 minutes ago, sludge said:

I think you're spot on - except Nige will leave by mutual agreement with partial pay-off IMO.

As others have said some great posts over the 20 pages so far.

I'm sure looking at the our stats since January 2021, most fans of other clubs will be incredulous as to how we are still in this division, and have never been in the respective relegation zone in either season.

Ultimately as a club we appear somewhat rudderless at the moment, and seem to be treading water will this mythical "Let's get to Summer 2023, and then all the problems will be sorted mantra". Hence the 3 year plan that was mooted

For me at the moment, there doesn't seem to be much of a plan, other than trying to reduce the wage bill, and stay in the division; and my hook or by crook, that's what NP has done. I still  believe the team is playing better football this season than last, on the basis of how many of the games we have lost have been by the fine margin of only 1 goal. 

We are not the basket case of the relegation team of 2012-13, that still had some decent players in it as well. It's difficult to see anything positive about our current situation other than the emergence of a number of promising young players, that due to the squad issues have been given opportunities that perhaps they wouldn't have had in previous seasons.

Really this squad hasn't been pushed or found itself fighting for it's life in a relegation zone either. It's all a question of what the expectation of what the board/owner is at the moment. We seem to have coasted through two seasons of some pretty turgid football at times, but of course this season we are in the top 6 for goals scored (shame about the goals against).

If we really had an ambitious plan moving forward; it'll'' become evident in the Summer. We will have to sell one or more of our jewels in order to take the pragmatic approach to revamp the playing squad, alongside taking massive amortisation hits on a number of players just to get them off the playing budget. It's a shame of course, that once again we have become a selling club, but ultimately what is point of keeping players like Semenyeo, HNM and Scott if as a squad you are failing in so many other areas?

Or do we do the safe option, release a few this summer, and plod into the next season; once again hoping just to finish outside the bottom 3? It's all about expectation isn't it?

Personally I can't see any decision being made about NP until it is either forced by us being in the bottom 6 after 10-12 games of the 22-23 season; or a falling out over ambitions/priorities over the summer. I'm sure NP is aware of the latter, so that won't be an area of contention.

 

[Bris Red]

3 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Maybe, but I’d be prepared to see LJ in action under RG.  We can then judge him without excuse.

At the end of the day, I’ll back any City manager, I’ll praise and criticise objectively as I see fit.  Whoever is in charge needs support, the right set up, professionals, etc to succeed.  Mark Ashton was not a good fit (polite).

I also would like to think i have that same thought process of ‘‘i would back any City manager’’ but I’m sorry i would struggle massively to back LJ if he ever came back.

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

4 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Not easy to articulate, just a combo of things that might all add up.

I think SL will react, they’ll have a disagreement and Nige will tell him some more home truths and tell him “I’m off, I don’t need this shit”.  He’ll leave honourably, with no pay off and enjoy his health.

And it would not surprise me if Lee Johnson takes us into next season.

IMO- the combo of things that will add up will be poor results since Nige came here and lack of progress on the pitch. I think SL also may well feel "I dont need this shit'.

I genuinely don't see NP as the long term solution just part of a much bigger problem. As for NP walking- I suspect that will only happen when left with no other option and will be  substantially down to his current management ability not withstanding his successes of yesteryear.