Pearson Post Match

[Sir Geoff]

25 minutes ago, Gabriella said:

Exactly this. NP has done a good job but people are treating him like the messiah.

A lot would also depend on who he was replaced with if he went. An outside of the box exciting new manager who appease the fan base…..can’t see it happening though.

What the heck is that ? Something from a kids santa wish list ?

[mozo]

17 minutes ago, Red-Robbo said:

 

100% with you there. 

It would be the mistake to end all other Lansdown mistakes, some of which at least had some logic to them, in hindsight.

When he stood by LJ in 2017, Lansdown talked about the benefits of stability at a club. Pearson took a bit longer to get City on track then I hoped (perhaps because at the time, I underestimated how off-the-rails we were), but now, as you say, he has a project, an ethos, a method of building for a long-term future. There is stability.

I think stability is a key word, and cohesion too.

We're not scintillating currently, but despite injury troubles and not being at our best, only 2 Championship teams have conceded fewer goals so far this season.

It seems a bad time to shake things up.

My only caveat is that a losing run would change the optics.

[lenred]

3 minutes ago, Gabriella said:

Farke went to Norwich as a former number 2, something like that from the continent, won’t happen though.

He wasn’t a number 2.  You can’t even get that right.  But you’d be happy to tear up all the good work under such tight constraints performed by Nige  to get a Bundesliga reserve team coach on a punt? As I’ve said, whoever you are - you are completely clueless.   

[Silvio Dante]

Just now, Gabriella said:

Farke went to Norwich as a former number 2, something like that from the continent, won’t happen though.

Christ sake, it’s comments like this which really show which people understand football.

Just because Farke went to Norwich as a former number 2 on the continent, someone like that must be exciting and a probable success. In what world is “yeah but he’s a ex Bundesliga number 2” a measure of excitement over other candidates? Clue - it isn’t. I’m bloody sick of people saying “we need a progressive foreign manager” (and this isn’t a xenophobic thing) as if it’s a silver bullet. It’s not. It’s the next shiny new thing people who don’t understand football like to say to try and make themselves look clever (Hello Ryan Dilks…)

I’ll tell you who’s an exciting appointment that would galvanise the fanbase. Nigel Pearson. This thread proves that.

[chinapig]

30 minutes ago, Gabriella said:

You are posting these points as if they were completely unknown, Pearson knew he was going to need to slash the wage budget, why are you making out as if this is some kind of shock? It was literally his brief. Hasn’t Pearson regularly stated that he likes a smaller squad, not sure why you are using something he has actively encouraged as a negative hand he has been dealt with.

Not sure what you’re meaning by last paragraph, my point was any manager not NP specifically. 

Yet Steve has never publicly praised Nigel for achieving the objectives. Could that be because he'd have to admit that Nigel cleaned up the mess that Steve himself created with his indulgence of Ashton and Johnson? Surely not?!

[One Team]

Given this interview was on Radio Bristol it’ll be interesting to see if it’s covered on Sound Of The City tonight. 

I normally find it very biased to the club hierarchy (Hoskins even said a few shows back that “we can’t criticise Steve Lansdown”) but there is surely enough here to have a reasonable debate.

@Davefevs don’t suppose you are on?

[Silvio Dante]

1 minute ago, Gabriella said:

You’re being overly dramatic.

And you’re being a total, and utter, ********. I know who I’d rather be!

[cotswoldred2]

Let me try and clarify the situation.... Nigel has a health issue, which probably reduces his capacity to manage. SL obviously is not going to extend his contract whilst there is doubt. 

Forget the past, future, this is the here and now position.

 

 

[JP Hampton]

3 minutes ago, One Team said:

Given this interview was on Radio Bristol it’ll be interesting to see if it’s covered on Sound Of The City tonight. 

I normally find it very biased to the club hierarchy (Hoskins even said a few shows back that “we can’t criticise Steve Lansdown”) but there is surely enough here to have a reasonable debate.

@Davefevs don’t suppose you are on?

I think we have to remember that Hoskins needs to keep all relationships open on all sides. If he said “we can’t criticise Steve Lansdown” what was the context, was there nothing added after like “ because he’s put a lot into the club” which would make a perfectly reasonable comment and undo your accusation of his being biased. 

[Northern Red]

Waconda Forever!

[Silvio Dante]

7 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

Waconda Forever!

I reckon it’s TomF under deep cover. He spent all these years being polite and reasonable and sensible and is now conducting a deep cover “how much of a knob can I be” experiment to show what a good job he did.

[Rossi the Robin]

9 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

Waconda Forever!

Haha beat me to it

[CyderInACan]

Getting rid of Nige would be absolutely peak Lansdown. For all his billions he really is quite insensible. 

[exAtyeoMax]

9 minutes ago, CyderInACan said:

Getting rid of Nige would be absolutely peak Lansdown. For all his billions he really is quite insensible. 

Good word, I've never used it before. 

[RedRock]

Interesting views being expressed on Nige’s tenure with references to ‘brilliant’, ‘outstanding’, amongst others. 

For me, as one of his more consistent supporters (with a little wobble last Dec/Jan), he’s done very well, but it has not been an exceptional performance. I like him, like his style of management, his focus and media style and how he’s adapted to being a ‘team player’, rather than a bit of a maverick. 

I see merit in retaining his services, greatly so, if we are competing for the play-off places come Xmas.

I can though see why the Lansdown’s have delayed any offer - what if we had lost against Cov - it was a close run thing - and that was followed by defeats against Ipswich and Cardiff, with the squad displaying the same old deficiencies? This forum would be an entirely place… with the Lansdown's no doubt being accused of backing a ‘failing’ manager. 

What I can’t understand is why - as Nige implies - there has been no communication with him regarding the position on his performance targets/ new contract from above. That’s not just unsettling for Nige but the entire off-field coaching/support team. If we aren’t careful, the backroom staff - with job uncertainty - will start looking  elsewhere for jobs and the whole of the last 3 years hard work will start unravelling.  

With the interview, Nige has deliberately forced the Lansdown’s hand. Let’s hope that works - although from past outcomes I fear the worst -  and there is some communication from them to him, and us, about their strategy as this uncertainty breeds discontent. We need to know why the delay and how long a decision will take on the manager’s contract, why none of the Alex money was made available to Nige and why our CEO disappeared so suddenly, how the the new structure works and is deemed an improvement on previous. Could all have quite plausible explanations…..so let’s be having you Steve. 

Edited October 23, 2023 by RedRock

[Bristol Oil Services]

1 hour ago, Gabriella said:

If he goes go I’m assuming this season will be the last of James, King and potentially Weimann.

Take me dancing, when this happens, promise?

[Mr Popodopolous]

47 minutes ago, mozo said:

We're not scintillating currently, but despite injury troubles and not being at our best, only 2 Championship teams have conceded fewer goals so far this season

Agree with much of your post. We also have major rolling injuries whixh means we have to compromise on how we play a bit.

Let's see how scintillating some of the top sides or top 10 sides perhaps, no Ipswich especially if they have 5, 6, occasionally even 9 players out week in week out.

Perhaps Leicester would have a strong enough squad to stay top anyway but not many others.

Edited October 23, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Silvio Dante]

2 minutes ago, Bristol Oil Services said:

Take me dancing, when this happens, promise?

Well clearly Somethin’s bugging Nige, Something ain’t right as he was told not to play Andy King last night…

[Sir Geoff]

3 minutes ago, Bristol Oil Services said:

Take me dancing, when this happens, promise?

Perhaps he's 'Going to a Go Go'

[spudski]

4 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Well clearly Somethin’s bugging Nige, Something ain’t right as he was told not to play Andy King last night…

Where has it been said that he was told not to play King last night? 

What was quoted was that it had happened previously...

[SuperRed]

If this is Tinnion vs Pearson then unfortunately there’s only going to be one winner in Lansdown’s eyes. 

[Sheltons Army]

44 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Christ sake, it’s comments like this which really show which people understand football.

Just because Farke went to Norwich as a former number 2 on the continent, someone like that must be exciting and a probable success. In what world is “yeah but he’s a ex Bundesliga number 2” a measure of excitement over other candidates? Clue - it isn’t. I’m bloody sick of people saying “we need a progressive foreign manager” (and this isn’t a xenophobic thing) as if it’s a silver bullet. It’s not. It’s the next shiny new thing people who don’t understand football like to say to try and make themselves look clever (Hello Ryan Dilks…)

I’ll tell you who’s an exciting appointment that would galvanise the fanbase. Nigel Pearson. This thread proves that.

Fantastic Post

Absolutely nailed it

The ‘Oh look that German / French / Spanish coach has had some success , that’s the future .....quick ...find one........ charge’  brigade through football amazes me and makes me laugh.

Its what the FA themselves did for years

 

Your last sentence is simple , so true , and absolutely smashes it

[Silvio Dante]

3 minutes ago, spudski said:

Where has it been said that he was told not to play King last night? 

What was quoted was that it had happened previously...

Clearly Spud, you are not a student of the works of Mr Michael… 

[spudski]

1 minute ago, Silvio Dante said:

Clearly Spud, you are not a student of the works of Mr Michael… 

Clearly...woosh

[supercidered]

1 minute ago, Gabriella said:

Nigel is the Messiah. 

He's not. He's a very naughty boy.

(had to be quick).

 

[Sir Geoff]

1 minute ago, Gabriella said:

He could lose the next 10 games and some people on here would be demanding a new 5 year deal.

He won't though will he ?

And isn't that what the fawned over LJ did to get a nice shiny new 4 yr deal.

[Sheltons Army]

1 minute ago, Gabriella said:

Nigel is the Messiah. 

No womble ,

he’s not the ‘Messiah’ , as I’ve previously pointed out over the last 3 years ,

Hes just possibly the best , proven manager , or certainly in the conversation , that we’ve had in the last 40/50 years considering the job he’s done with all context , and the level he’s done / doing it at , whilst introducing and using our own, something no one has done to anywhere nearthe same level since Dicks 

[bearded_red]

3 minutes ago, Gabriella said:

He could lose the next 10 games and some people on here would be demanding a new 5 year deal.

It worked for Lee Johnson.

[Bristol Oil Services]

1 hour ago, Sir Geoff said:

What the heck is that ? Something from a kids santa wish list ?

Steve has more of a track record of inside of the box managerial appointments with Tins, Keef, Deano etc ....

[Sheltons Army]

3 minutes ago, bearded_red said:

It worked for Lee Johnson.

I still say , shunning Pearson will be the worst football decision made by the Club in the last 50 years

There are a few in contention lagging just behind and THAT was one of them - unbelievable 

in fact,  tbf the Lansdowns have a few contenders but shunning Pearson will surpass them for me

[spudski]

2 minutes ago, Gabriella said:

I think you’re going OTT. Sorry. Done a good job, but not much more.

Are you basing your view purely on results?

If you look at what he's done for the club, as a whole, especially with little money to spend, and instruction to blood academy players, and the way he's got the whole club working as one, and has the respect of players and fans, galvanised the Club, he's done a fantastic job. 

[supercidered]

10 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

No womble ,

he’s not the ‘Messiah’ , as I’ve previously pointed out over the last 3 years ,

Hes just possibly the best , proven manager , or certainly in the conversation , that we’ve had in the last 40/50 years considering the job he’s done with all context , and the level he’s done / doing it at , whilst introducing and using our own, something no one has done to anywhere nearthe same level since Dicks 

DICKS OUT !!!

(Sorry all. I'm in a very childish mood today)

[bearded_red]

3 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

I still say , shunning Pearson will be the worst football decision made by the Club in the last 50 years

There are a few in contention lagging just behind and THAT was one of them - unbelievable 

in fact,  tbf the Lansdowns have a few contenders but shunning Pearson will surpass them for me

Totally agree, it will be the dumbest decision he’s made yet which really is saying something.

Absolute joke of a football club, and it’s long stopped being funny.

[Bristol Oil Services]

If we're looking to fill the managerial slot any time soon, I would go for the next best, fair dinkum Aussie footy manager out there after Ange Poste-whatsisname. Before someone else does this and are promoted to the PL under him. Failing that, a Spaniard. Or an Argy. Or an Aussie with some Spanish/Argy in him, and a bit of German.

[Sheltons Army]

3 minutes ago, spudski said:

Are you basing your view purely on results?

If you look at what he's done for the club, as a whole, especially with little money to spend, and instruction to blood academy players, and the way he's got the whole club working as one, and has the respect of players and fans, galvanised the Club, he's done a fantastic job. 

What makes me laugh , from a luckily few dissenters , the response is 

It’s not about purely results , and Oh yes I accept he’s done a really good job sorting out the mess , but let’s see ..........how the next few .......results .......go ‘

[supercidered]

5 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

I still say , shunning Pearson will be the worst football decision made by the Club in the last 50 years

There are a few in contention lagging just behind and THAT was one of them - unbelievable 

in fact,  tbf the Lansdowns have a few contenders but shunning Pearson will surpass them for me

Totally agree Shelts.

I'm quite a pragmatic bloke in most things including City. However, I would properly lose my sh!t if the 'hierarchy' f@ck this one up. We have a chance as a club to build on some solid foundations for the first time in a long time. That is down to NP. If they can't see that and they think that starting all over again is a better option. Then we my friends are back to square one yet again!

 

[Kid in the Riot]

1 hour ago, cotswoldred2 said:

Let me try and clarify the situation.... Nigel has a health issue, which probably reduces his capacity to manage. SL obviously is not going to extend his contract whilst there is doubt. 

Forget the past, future, this is the here and now position.

And that seems a fairly sensible position to take, in the here and now.

However, I'm afraid the conversation within the club has moved on from the "shall we give him a new contract" question, to the "how and when are we going to relieve Nigel of his duties, and who are we going to replace him with?" questions. 

[Ska Junkie]

8 minutes ago, supercidered said:

Totally agree Shelts.

I'm quite a pragmatic bloke in most things including City. However, I would properly lose my sh!t if the 'hierarchy' f@ck this one up. We have a chance as a club to build on some solid foundations for the first time in a long time. That is down to NP. If they can't see that and they think that starting all over again is a better option. Then we my friends are back to square one yet again!

 

Absolutely spot on! Health not withstanding it's a no brainer.

Nice post SCR.

Edited October 23, 2023 by Ska Junkie

[exAtyeoMax]

1 minute ago, Kid in the Riot said:

And that seems a fairly sensible position to take, in the here and now.

However, I'm afraid the conversation within the club has moved on from the "shall we give him a new contract" question, to the "how and when are we going to relieve Nigel of his duties, and who are we going to replace him with?" questions. 

Do you know why exactly? Why do they want to get rid

[Red Army 75]

6 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

And that seems a fairly sensible position to take, in the here and now.

However, I'm afraid the conversation within the club has moved on from the "shall we give him a new contract" question, to the "how and when are we going to relieve Nigel of his duties, and who are we going to replace him with?" questions. 

He’s going isn’t he

[Northern Red]

10 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

And that seems a fairly sensible position to take, in the here and now.

However, I'm afraid the conversation within the club has moved on from the "shall we give him a new contract" question, to the "how and when are we going to relieve Nigel of his duties, and who are we going to replace him with?" questions. 

Oh FFS.

Presumably they're actively looking for a replacement and will act as soon as they have someone lined up?

[robinforlife2]

Regardless of the job on the pitch people think Nige has or hasn't done, he has led the team through turmoil, stabilised us, and it's very much now HIS team. To replace him, means giving his team to someone else, who will probably want to make wholesale changes and unless given a war chest, we'll end up with a large squad of average players spearheading us to League One.

Nige has DESERVED to have the opportunity, to lead us forward and be given a chance to see us progress. A 12 month extension or 24 month extension would make sense, if given backing in the transfer windows. If in a years time, with him having had the chance to bring in players he wants to take us forward and it hasn't worked, by all means replace him. But to allow him to do the mammoth task he has done, and started to create stability whilst having to sell his best tools, and not then supporting him when we are in a far more stabilised position is just wrong.

I've often wondered if he is the right man to take us up, and I still have my doubts, but I 100% believe he deserves to be given the chance.

I've had a lot of respect for SL and I am grateful for what he has done for the club and the City of Bristol, but what he is doing now is wrong, unjust and paints him in a different light. One may argue he replaces Nige with someone and he gives them the purse strings and we go up, then the decision was right, but I have little faith in the right person being found and we will be back where we were when Nige came in, after the Holden debacle. 

If Lansdown is a decent and honourable man, he will give Nige the extension he deserves. If Nige has to retire for personal reasons at a later date, I suspect many fans will respect that, and appreciate that this is a possibility, but I hope the owner comes out his shell and is HONEST with the fans. If concerns with his health have prevented an extension, at least come out and say this, and say if he is in better health towards the end of the season, his contract will be renewed. I am sure both Nige and the fans will respect this. But the deafening silence has meant a 24 page thread, which will only get more and more hostile as time goes on. 

My gut feeling is that by Xmas, Nige will have gone, and knowing our luck, Lansdown will give Tinnion another shot at manager ........

Edited October 23, 2023 by robinforlife2

[ExiledAjax]

4 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

And that seems a fairly sensible position to take, in the here and now.

However, I'm afraid the conversation within the club has moved on from the "shall we give him a new contract" question, to the "how and when are we going to relieve Nigel of his duties, and who are we going to replace him with?" questions. 

To which the answers are, in my opinion:

1) at the end of the season, assuming that both Pearson and his successor are agreeable to that; and

2) the person that we believe can best work with what we've got and build on it with the aim of delivering the greatest increase in the likelihood of success at the Club. "Success" being a word that may mean different things to different people.

Essentially, the Club must have a perception of the likelihood of "success" if we stick with Pearson. Maybe that's 57% (just to pluck a number from the air). Logically they should only change manager (and all the other staff) if they think the new person/team will have a higher chance. The should seek to appoint the person the determine has the best score.

Ultimately, we are currently in an ok spot on the pitch and in the league table. There is not currently a panic about relegation, not a concern that the incumbent manager is utterly incompetent. So in my mind we have the luxury of time to decide on a replacement, if the decision to repalce has already been made.

 

[Leveller]

It seems to me that NP is being media savvy here isn’t he? I believe it’s six months until his contract is up, so would it be normal to have an offer on the table this far ahead? He’s certainly stirred up a lot of support when he could just have kept his communications private. 
 

And there is a lot of talk about Lansdown not really wanting him, or wanting to keep him, without much tangible evidence that I can see. Lansdown obviously appointed him, and one thing you can say in favour of this regime is that they tend to give managers time, far more than many clubs do. 
 

There is a huge tendency on here to take sides and want to treat every individual as either a hero or a villain. Perhaps it should be more nuanced.

 

[beaverface]

26 minutes ago, spudski said:

Are you basing your view purely on results?

If you look at what he's done for the club, as a whole, especially with little money to spend, and instruction to blood academy players, and the way he's got the whole club working as one, and has the respect of players and fans, galvanised the Club, he's done a fantastic job. 

Completely agree. We only need to look back at previous attempts to cut costs and keep us in the Championship, and other managers we've employed have failed miserably when asked to do so. Sean O'Driscoll a prime example where we went down with a whimper.

Not only has NP kept us in the division, he's done so comfortably whilst bedding in academy players, whilst off loading highly paid senior pro's, and then having the academy players sold whilst he's been trying to build a team around them.

[Alessandro]

52 minutes ago, Gabriella said:

He could lose the next 10 games and some people on here would be demanding a new 5 year deal.

Now who’s being over dramatic?

[Mr Popodopolous]

6 minutes ago, beaverface said:

Completely agree. We only need to look back at previous attempts to cut costs and keep us in the Championship, and other managers we've employed have failed miserably when asked to do so. Sean O'Driscoll a prime example where we went down with a whimper.

Not only has NP kept us in the division, he's done so comfortably whilst bedding in academy players, whilst off loading highly paid senior pro's, and then having the academy players sold whilst he's been trying to build a team around them.

Agree broadly speaking with your post, small point on 2012-13, first 2-3 months under O'Driscoll our home record under him was excellent and we were well in the fight.

Mic March the run in looked okay. Wolves away in mid March was pivotal..The run in with home games v Birmingham, Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday, perhaps even Bolton and Charlton away looked fine.

Wolves away killed us somewhat, goal up, and we lost 2-1 iirc in a crunch 6 pointer at the bottom.,  they got 2 goals in quick succession I believe.

[David Brent]

2 hours ago, Gabriella said:

A lot would also depend on who he was replaced with if he went. An outside of the box exciting new manager who appease the fan base…..can’t see it happening though.

Sounds just like Big Nige to me 

[Numero Uno]

7 minutes ago, Leveller said:

It seems to me that NP is being media savvy here isn’t he? I believe it’s six months until his contract is up, so would it be normal to have an offer on the table this far ahead? He’s certainly stirred up a lot of support when he could just have kept his communications private. 
 

And there is a lot of talk about Lansdown not really wanting him, or wanting to keep him, without much tangible evidence that I can see. Lansdown obviously appointed him, and one thing you can say in favour of this regime is that they tend to give managers time, far more than many clubs do. 
 

There is a huge tendency on here to take sides and want to treat every individual as either a hero or a villain. Perhaps it should be more nuanced.

 

When you consider how destabilised we were 2-3 years ago and having navigated through FFP problems to bringing in big fees for players and having a relatively young side that is showing it can compete at this level, even when it is injury ravaged like Saturday. I really can’t see the benefit of destabilising it all again. Someone tell me the benefit.

I think we all agree Nige doesn’t have a free pass for life but surely give him one more contract to prove or otherwise whether he can take us further forward? If @Kid in the Riotis correct and it’s now a case of how and when we get rid I think the circus upstairs has got it all wrong. Either that or their next appointment needs to be a barnstormer……..if this is the decision they better bloody we’ll get it right is how I judge it anyway.

What many fans won’t have is another three years of a manager struggling like **** to re-stabilise the club when it’s already been stabilised. I could of course be wrong but it appears the current situation is personal on the part of the people in charge and not objective.

[Numero Uno]

40 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

What makes me laugh , from a luckily few dissenters , the response is 

It’s not about purely results , and Oh yes I accept he’s done a really good job sorting out the mess , but let’s see ..........how the next few .......results .......go ‘

It’s called having your cake and eating it!!

[bearded_red]

This is the run of form that gets you awarded a new contract from football genius Lansdown.

Doesn’t bare thinking about where we could have ended up without Nige doing the job he’s done from the absolute desperate situation he inherited, but have a look at Reading for a clue.

[cotswoldred2]

I think Steve has had his mind made up, the hope that he could get promotion with Pearson has failed, so far, and given Steve has indicated he wants to sell the stock on BCFC and BS is not high, or high enough to attract a buyer. He is a shrewd cookie and wont possibly throw good money after bad, We don't know what the terms of Pearson's contract was but I would bet that Promotion was a clause, or at least some real progress in league position, this has not happened, although currently we sit 8th. 

Pearson is the second longest serving manager in the league, we lovely City fans are so patient and willing to suffer season after season of dullness ...maybe we are on the cusp of greatness, but cannot see it. 

Steve and Co have to take the major responsibility for this, not Nigel, but the harsh reality will be that it wont be Steve that walks.

So we are left in limbo, until we get a vibrant multi millionaire or billionaire to splash the cash, I have looked but cannot find anyone so bonkers.

[Wilksi]

I think people missing something obvious IMO.

What is exactly wrong with Nigels back??

Does he need an operation which means he would be bed bound for 3/6 months? 

As an employer, you should take in to consideration all factors, if you think he is going to be out for a prolonged period, why would you, potentialy, throw money down the drain, so to speak. Nige has had health issues previously.

Now, im not saying I agree with this at all, just playing devils advocate. 

[M.D]

I think SL wanted to get rid of Nige a while back but didn't want to pay up his contract while having to pay for another manager so has let his contract run down as long as possible to reduce the financial expense.

[The Journalist]

24 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

To which the answers are, in my opinion:

1) at the end of the season, assuming that both Pearson and his successor are agreeable to that; and

2) the person that we believe can best work with what we've got and build on it with the aim of delivering the greatest increase in the likelihood of success at the Club. "Success" being a word that may mean different things to different people.

Essentially, the Club must have a perception of the likelihood of "success" if we stick with Pearson. Maybe that's 57% (just to pluck a number from the air). Logically they should only change manager (and all the other staff) if they think the new person/team will have a higher chance. The should seek to appoint the person the determine has the best score.

Ultimately, we are currently in an ok spot on the pitch and in the league table. There is not currently a panic about relegation, not a concern that the incumbent manager is utterly incompetent. So in my mind we have the luxury of time to decide on a replacement, if the decision to repalce has already been made.

 

I’ve read this whole thread with great interest over the past couple of days. FWIW, while your views aren’t necessarily widely shared there’s a lot of logic there and it’s been a healthy debate. The best of OTIB IMO.

When Pearson was appointed and during the first 6-12 months, when the ride was fairly uncomfortable and many didn’t support him, I was of the view - and I know others shared this opinion - that he was exactly what we needed at that moment and that we would make good progress with him… but not necessarily take the “next step” while he was manager.

It’s funny that now we’re reaching the natural separation point and results haven’t wildly improved, we’re all getting cold feet.

I think the reasons for that are as follows (and in a weird way show we’re actually quite an empathetic, right-thinking bunch… unusually for football fans!):

- We’ve sold our best two players, who both broke through under Pearson, for more than £30m and he hasn’t been given the opportunity to replace them. The “what football makes football can spend” mantra is at best a bending of the truth and at worst an outright lie. That feels unfair.

- Pearson has improved the style of play and created the most likeable group of players we’ve had in nearly a decade. We are entertaining to watch under him.

- He continues to give youth a chance, something none of our recent previous managers have done to any genuine extent.

- He’s never really been given the public credit we all feel he deserves for stopping the rot and turning us around. It’s almost like the owners resent his relative success. This has created a bit of a Pearson v Lansdown narrative and the manager is winning that by some distance.

- Because of the uncertainty over the ownership situation, there is a nervousness about what happens next. Things seem comfortable on the pitch currently but none of us know what the next couple of years will look like.

- And finally, and perhaps most crucially, there is a mistrust specifically in our ability to appoint a suitable successor. We fear going from this period of stability to a string of poor appointments - something history would support.

So, to conclude this waffling, there IS some sense in moving on at the end of this three-and-a-bit-year period and bringing in some fresh eyes to make the next push. We are trending upwards and that’s arguably a good time to change. And many of us were in favour of this - in principle - three years ago. We predicted it.

But now we’ve arrived here it just feels wrong, it feels slightly unfair on the manager and at best seems tone deaf to the supporters. That’s the bit (I think) we’re all uncomfortable with.

[Lorenzos Only Goal]

Well whoever replaces Nigel will need a nice little nestegg.  FML this is like punching yourself in the face.

[W-S-M Seagull]

5 hours ago, Ghost Rider said:

This weeks press conference will be interesting. I don’t suppose Nige will be doing it though. 

I wonder if Nige has had a few interesting calls from the Lansdowns over the weekend...

Probably not tho as the silence is deafening. 

But it would be interesting to know about the fall out about Nigels public comments.

3 hours ago, Sheltons Army said:

One things for sure , if somebody is claiming that NP hasn’t been at training at any time in last five weeks , and it’s somebody Pearson has contact with , somebody at the club , and it’s a poisoned lie.........and he gets to hear about this , from social media or elsewhere ........ Good luck to that person 

The culture at the club/group is toxic! 

There are many people employed that should not be employed. 

Nige has done well to sort the footballing side out but away from that there is a nasty culture. 

People are not employed because of the good job they do (because they dont) they are employed because of who they are. 

2 hours ago, One Team said:

Given this interview was on Radio Bristol it’ll be interesting to see if it’s covered on Sound Of The City tonight. 

I normally find it very biased to the club hierarchy (Hoskins even said a few shows back that “we can’t criticise Steve Lansdown”) but there is surely enough here to have a reasonable debate.

@Davefevs don’t suppose you are on?

No doubt they'll get Tony 'self appointed fan representative' Wilkins on to give his highly informative view on this matter. 

He'll then proceed to spend 20 minutes talking about how he's spent the last year or so trying to get the club to stock Thatchers Zero.

[Bristol Rob]

Based on absolutely nothing at all, I wonder if conversations have been had that could possibly reflect the following.

SL: So, Tins - how is the academy looking, any more gems coming along we can sell?

Tins: Yeap, we've got a healthy mix of players already integrated in to the first team squad, a few out on loan who should be first-team ready in the next year and a crop of younger players we expect to see progress. The outlook is rosey.

SL: Sounds great, so I won't need to spend millions again, then?

Tin: Correct - the kids are doing well and we have a balance of some older players to help them on the pitch, you shouldn't need to open the cheque book anytime soon.

SL: So, Nige - why aren't we top 6 at the moment?

NP: Well Steve, it's like this, we've got a lot of young players who over the next 24 months will be able to cope with first team football, the pressure from the crowds, the demands of playing in the Championship and all that goes with it. But what we need, is some on the pitch leaders who can add those finishing touches, players who can guide these younger players, help them, give them some valuable experience and if these kids can learn from that, we'll be in a good position to climb the table and sustain it, what we can't do is rely on these young players, so will need a break from the first team to remember how they can impact games in the U21s, a few games without pressure will help them cope with pressure as they mature. 

SL: But Tins said that they were ready now and I don't need to spend anymore cash.... 

[W-S-M Seagull]

2 minutes ago, The Journalist said:

and results haven’t wildly improved, we’re all getting cold feet.

It appears that it's only you, Ian and SL that have got cold feet.

I think the majority will agree that for Nige to get us 1 point off the play offs after a quarter of the season, is quite remarkable. For us to take the next step, Nige needs to be given a decent budget. 5-10 million should do it.

[Red-Robbo]

22 minutes ago, Wilksi said:

I think people missing something obvious IMO.

What is exactly wrong with Nigels back??

Does he need an operation which means he would be bed bound for 3/6 months? 

As an employer, you should take in to consideration all factors, if you think he is going to be out for a prolonged period, why would you, potentialy, throw money down the drain, so to speak. Nige has had health issues previously.

Now, im not saying I agree with this at all, just playing devils advocate. 

 

I don't think it's necessarily that dramatic. In the Post interview he talks about a 24-48 hour absence "to sort it out".

What is a bit more worrying, for him as well as us, is that the symptoms he reports do not match what scans can see on his back, leading to the conclusion that the pain might be a neurological condition.

I hate to play the amateur GP, but I wonder if stress over the contract situation is exacerbating a physical problem?

[The Journalist]

Just now, W-S-M Seagull said:

It appears that it's only you, Ian and SL that have got cold feet.

I think the majority will agree that for Nige to get us 1 point off the play offs after a quarter of the season, is quite remarkable. For us to take the next step, Nige needs to be given a decent budget. 5-10 million should do it.

Not really sure you’ve read my post properly.

I felt from the beginning he wouldn’t likely stay long term and that after rebuilding someone else would come in to push us on, but now I’d like him to stay. He deserves it. I’m a huge Pearson fan.

[Leveller]

3 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

It appears that it's only you, Ian and SL that have got cold feet.

I think the majority will agree that for Nige to get us 1 point off the play offs after a quarter of the season, is quite remarkable. For us to take the next step, Nige needs to be given a decent budget. 5-10 million should do it.

He was talking about getting cold feet at the thought of letting NP go, I believe, not keeping him.

[fisherrich]

15 hours ago, GrahamC said:

In amongst all the ludicrousness of our current situation, at least we now know the definitive answer to the question as to why we are the biggest club that has never made the Prem.

Because we are appallingly run by an owner who is unable to deal with any sort of constructive challenge in the workplace & who incredibly has been chairman or owner for over 20 years now & yet as you say, still knows absolutely nothing about football.

Then of course there is our current chairman who possesses the charisma of a library ticket, is unable to speak in public using joined up sentences & is about as visible as Lord Lucan.

Never has so much been spent (pre Nige, of course) to achieve so very little.

Well said, shitshow of a football club, just like Bristol Sport. Lansdown OUT!

[petehinton]

10 minutes ago, The Journalist said:

I’ve read this whole thread with great interest over the past couple of days. FWIW, while your views aren’t necessarily widely shared there’s a lot of logic there and it’s been a healthy debate. The best of OTIB IMO.

When Pearson was appointed and during the first 6-12 months, when the ride was fairly uncomfortable and many didn’t support him, I was of the view - and I know others shared this opinion - that he was exactly what we needed at that moment and that we would make good progress with him… but not necessarily take the “next step” while he was manager.

It’s funny that now we’re reaching the natural separation point and results haven’t wildly improved, we’re all getting cold feet.

I think the reasons for that are as follows (and in a weird way show we’re actually quite an empathetic, right-thinking bunch… unusually for football fans!):

- We’ve sold our best two players, who both broke through under Pearson, for more than £30m and he hasn’t been given the opportunity to replace them. The “what football makes football can spend” mantra is at best a bending of the truth and at worst an outright lie. That feels unfair.

- Pearson has improved the style of play and created the most likeable group of players we’ve had in nearly a decade. We are entertaining to watch under him.

- He continues to give youth a chance, something none of our recent previous managers have done to any genuine extent.

- He’s never really been given the public credit we all feel he deserves for stopping the rot and turning us around. It’s almost like the owners resent his relative success. This has created a bit of a Pearson v Lansdown narrative and the manager is winning that by some distance.

- Because of the uncertainty over the ownership situation, there is a nervousness about what happens next. Things seem comfortable on the pitch currently but none of us know what the next couple of years will look like.

- And finally, and perhaps most crucially, there is a mistrust specifically in our ability to appoint a suitable successor. We fear going from this period of stability to a string of poor appointments - something history would support.

So, to conclude this waffling, there IS some sense in moving on at the end of this three-and-a-bit-year period and bringing in some fresh eyes to make the next push. We are trending upwards and that’s arguably a good time to change. And many of us were in favour of this - in principle - three years ago. We predicted it.

But now we’ve arrived here it just feels wrong, it feels slightly unfair on the manager and at best seems tone deaf to the supporters. That’s the bit (I think) we’re all uncomfortable with.

Largely in agreement, but to the point of ‘we’re now in a good position to kick on’ - we were in the best position in the clubs history when LJ went, on and off the pitch. And lansdown made such a big mess of it, many people wouldn’t have believed it if someone from the future came back and told us what was going to happen. 
 

I’ve also personally never really understood those who say NP probably isn’t the man to get us promoted. Who is, then? A manager who’s got promoted out of this league before? Well, that’s Pearson. A manager with extensive experience in the league we’re trying to get into? Well, that’s Pearson too. A manager who’s managed bigger clubs than us? Uhh….you can see where I’m going. 
 

It’s why to me, the overarching feeling is just pure confusion. It has to be a personal dislike/vendetta against him from the Lansdown’s, there really isn’t another genuine reason in my eyes. 

[Sheltons Army]

1 hour ago, Leveller said:

It seems to me that NP is being media savvy here isn’t he? I believe it’s six months until his contract is up, so would it be normal to have an offer on the table this far ahead? He’s certainly stirred up a lot of support when he could just have kept his communications private. 
 

And there is a lot of talk about Lansdown not really wanting him, or wanting to keep him, without much tangible evidence that I can see. Lansdown obviously appointed him, and one thing you can say in favour of this regime is that they tend to give managers time, far more than many clubs do. 
 

There is a huge tendency on here to take sides and want to treat every individual as either a hero or a villain. Perhaps it should be more nuanced.

 

Well, I think the noise from Mini Me last season about we should be doing better, and the complete silence of Lord Lucan Mr Lansdown , and failure to praise NP at any point , whilst muttering about Mark Robins , Luton and Millwall gives a certain impression 

[Riaz]

1 minute ago, petehinton said:

Largely in agreement, but to the point of ‘we’re now in a good position to kick on’ - we were in the best position in the clubs history when LJ went, on and off the pitch. And lansdown made such a big mess of it, many people wouldn’t have believed it if someone from the future came back and told us what was going to happen. 
 

I’ve also personally never really understood those who say NP probably isn’t the man to get us promoted. Who is, then? A manager who’s got promoted out of this league before? Well, that’s Pearson. A manager with extensive experience in the league we’re trying to get into? Well, that’s Pearson too. A manager who’s managed bigger clubs than us? Uhh….you can see where I’m going. 
 

It’s why to me, the overarching feeling is just pure confusion. It has to be a personal dislike/vendetta against him from the Lansdown’s, there really isn’t another genuine reason in my eyes. 

Makes me think they may have fallen out. SL and pearson that is.

[EstoniaTallinnRed]

On 21/10/2023 at 21:50, bexhill reds said:

What I find odd is that SL comes from the financial services industry where there are always objectional and difficult individuals working for companies yet they get kept on because they make the money and the results.

I don’t understand why SL does not run the club in the same way as in the business world where he clearly has been successful. He does not employ Pearson to be a yes man, he was brought in to get the club out of self-inflicted mire which clearly he’s been doing, so not to extend the contract or at least start a conversation about it does make you think that this is a more personal issue rather than a football one.

I have heard that Hargreaves was the driving force behind the business, so it's not surprising that SL doesn't have the acumen to take City to the top. He's a money man and that's all that matters, seeing what's happening in front of him. doesn't make any difference, as long as he gets what he wants. Which I think like lot's on here, is to sell the club as soon as he can and retire to his tax haven.

[Bazooka Joe]

27 minutes ago, Wilksi said:

What is exactly wrong with Nigels back?

I believe he is probably being stabbed in the back by our owner and his enfant terrible.

Et tu Steve & Jon ?

 

[Sheltons Army]

5 minutes ago, Bazooka Joe said:

I believe he is probably being stabbed in the back by our owner and his enfant terrible.

Et tu Steve & Jon ?

 

.......In the Heneiken Suite ......

 

....... With a crayon.......

[ExiledAjax]

14 minutes ago, The Journalist said:

So, to conclude this waffling, there IS some sense in moving on at the end of this three-and-a-bit-year period and bringing in some fresh eyes to make the next push. We are trending upwards and that’s arguably a good time to change. And many of us were in favour of this - in principle - three years ago. We predicted it.

But now we’ve arrived here it just feels wrong, it feels slightly unfair on the manager and at best seems tone deaf to the supporters. That’s the bit (I think) we’re all uncomfortable with.

Thanks for a valuable contribution, and for not discounting my views. It's appreciated.

I'll just quote your conclusion if I may, and will say that yes, I've stood on this soapbox of "let's take time and try and undergo a patient and well managed change" for a while. Maybe not for 3 years (I honestly cannot remember really) but certainly since Pearson had established himself.

I do agree with much of what you set out, and in fact much of what others say on here. He's done a good job.

All I question is whether a job with such importance should be given/extended on the basis of "fairness". The poll yesterday used the word "deserves". I question that. I don't think that this job, or any job really, should be decided because someone "deserves" something. If it's offered to Pearson then it should be offered because he's considered the most likely person to deliver future success.

You also mention mistrust, uncertainty and fear. I have read a lot of posts that show undercurrents of these things. A lot. Such feelings are not necessarily misplaced, but they are also not the foundation for a sensible decision.

Divorce fear, fairness and other emotions from this and, in my opinion at least, there's a fairly clear opportunity to make a logical decision that could launch us to the next step.