Board interference

[petehinton]

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/nigel-pearson-bristol-city-showdown-8867498

Two key bits for me when trying to use his health against him….

“He replied: “Sometimes you get international breaks and it’s that sort of stage where things can happen. If you get a phone call on a Sunday after the game when the international break starts, you know you’ve got a bit of a problem.”

He wasn’t speaking hypothetically, Bristol Live understands that Pearson did receive exactly such a phone call from a member of the City hierarchy on the Sunday after the 2-1 defeat at Leeds United, in which his position was discussed, primarily around his health, and whether he thought it wise to continue in the long term.

Unsurprisingly, the manager rejected any such assertions and so began an international break of sometimes uncomfortable discussions between the 60-year-old, his representatives and various individuals of influence at City: technical director Brian Tinnion, chief operating officer Tom Rawcliffe and Bristol Sport CEO Gavin Marshall.”

And the board thinking they know more than the professionals….

“Others thought differently, believing that lack of visibility of the manager to the players naturally had an impact on their sharpness and concentration. There were also concerns over the time off given to the players over each international break, with nine days afforded in September and October. That was deemed too much and there were claims (naturally rejected) that it left the players under-conditioned for when the league programme resumed.”

[Glen hump]

2 minutes ago, petehinton said:

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/nigel-pearson-bristol-city-showdown-8867498

Two key bits for me when trying to use his health against him….

“He replied: “Sometimes you get international breaks and it’s that sort of stage where things can happen. If you get a phone call on a Sunday after the game when the international break starts, you know you’ve got a bit of a problem.”

He wasn’t speaking hypothetically, Bristol Live understands that Pearson did receive exactly such a phone call from a member of the City hierarchy on the Sunday after the 2-1 defeat at Leeds United, in which his position was discussed, primarily around his health, and whether he thought it wise to continue in the long term.

Unsurprisingly, the manager rejected any such assertions and so began an international break of sometimes uncomfortable discussions between the 60-year-old, his representatives and various individuals of influence at City: technical director Brian Tinnion, chief operating officer Tom Rawcliffe and Bristol Sport CEO Gavin Marshall.”

And the board thinking they know more than the professionals….

“Others thought differently, believing that lack of visibility of the manager to the players naturally had an impact on their sharpness and concentration. There were also concerns over the time off given to the players over each international break, with nine days afforded in September and October. That was deemed too much and there were claims (naturally rejected) that it left the players under-conditioned for when the league programme resumed.”

Been told by a few people who would definitely know that tinnion has a little bit to much of a voice at the club  and it’s not particularly helpful at times 

[Henry]

9 minutes ago, petehinton said:

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/nigel-pearson-bristol-city-showdown-8867498

Two key bits for me when trying to use his health against him….

“He replied: “Sometimes you get international breaks and it’s that sort of stage where things can happen. If you get a phone call on a Sunday after the game when the international break starts, you know you’ve got a bit of a problem.”

He wasn’t speaking hypothetically, Bristol Live understands that Pearson did receive exactly such a phone call from a member of the City hierarchy on the Sunday after the 2-1 defeat at Leeds United, in which his position was discussed, primarily around his health, and whether he thought it wise to continue in the long term.

Unsurprisingly, the manager rejected any such assertions and so began an international break of sometimes uncomfortable discussions between the 60-year-old, his representatives and various individuals of influence at City: technical director Brian Tinnion, chief operating officer Tom Rawcliffe and Bristol Sport CEO Gavin Marshall.”

And the board thinking they know more than the professionals….

“Others thought differently, believing that lack of visibility of the manager to the players naturally had an impact on their sharpness and concentration. There were also concerns over the time off given to the players over each international break, with nine days afforded in September and October. That was deemed too much and there were claims (naturally rejected) that it left the players under-conditioned for when the league programme resumed.”

Cowards. Trying to use the man’s health against him to get him to resign.

Id actually would have had more respect for them if they came out at the end of last season and said they want to go in a different direction.

[eardun]

24 minutes ago, petehinton said:

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/nigel-pearson-bristol-city-showdown-8867498

Two key bits for me when trying to use his health against him….

“He replied: “Sometimes you get international breaks and it’s that sort of stage where things can happen. If you get a phone call on a Sunday after the game when the international break starts, you know you’ve got a bit of a problem.”

He wasn’t speaking hypothetically, Bristol Live understands that Pearson did receive exactly such a phone call from a member of the City hierarchy on the Sunday after the 2-1 defeat at Leeds United, in which his position was discussed, primarily around his health, and whether he thought it wise to continue in the long term.

Unsurprisingly, the manager rejected any such assertions and so began an international break of sometimes uncomfortable discussions between the 60-year-old, his representatives and various individuals of influence at City: technical director Brian Tinnion, chief operating officer Tom Rawcliffe and Bristol Sport CEO Gavin Marshall.”

And the board thinking they know more than the professionals….

“Others thought differently, believing that lack of visibility of the manager to the players naturally had an impact on their sharpness and concentration. There were also concerns over the time off given to the players over each international break, with nine days afforded in September and October. That was deemed too much and there were claims (naturally rejected) that it left the players under-conditioned for when the league programme resumed.”

That article pretty much sums up what I’ve always suspected - that it’s all been to do with his health. They acted now before he starts winning again. 

[Kid in the Riot]

Does very much sound like Tinnion and Steve are up to their old tricks again.

[Tony Tootle]

37 minutes ago, Glen hump said:

Been told by a few people who would definitely know that tinnion has a little bit to much of a voice at the club  and it’s not particularly helpful at times 

Tinnion is also pretty thick

[ExiledAjax]

6 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Does very much sound like Tinnion and Steve are up to their old tricks again.

And of course, neither Tinnion nor Steve are actually on the board.

So it's not even "board" interference as @petehinton puts it, if true it's "fellow employee and ultimate beneficial owner" interference that the board have failed to spot or stop.

So it's even worse than board interference imo.

There is just absolutely zero corporate governance at this Club. Zero.

Edited October 30, 2023 by ExiledAjax

[Glen hump]

2 minutes ago, Tony Tootle said:

Tinnion is also pretty thick

Don’t know about that but I certainly don’t buy in to the good old Brian , city legend bullshit 

[Kid in the Riot]

5 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

There is just absolutely zero corporate governance at this Club. Zero.

Which I'm sure is very much intentional. 

[ExiledAjax]

8 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Which I'm sure is very much intentional. 

The answers to the complaints and questions that I've put to our last two CEOs confirm that it is absolutely intentional.

[exAtyeoMax]

29 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Which I'm sure is very much intentional. 

what makes you say that? What do you mean? So SL can have complete control?

Edited October 30, 2023 by exAtyeoMax

[HibbsyBCFC]

11 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Which I'm sure is very much intentional. 

So true.

No CEO and only two Board members; Gavin Marshall and Jon Lansdown. I had a few beers last week with someone who has worked within the group for some time - someone whose opinion I value. Their views on Gavin Marshall were absolutely scathing, both in terms of his character and also his complete lack of credibility / ability in his roles as BS CEO and BCFC Board Member. Their view of JL was basically "nice enough fella, but useless". Possibly their most damning quote however, was that in their opinion, Bristol Sport as a whole is "full of wannabes, has-beens and greasy pole climbers".

I was left scratching my head when Steve Lansdown sacked Danny Wilson and replaced him with Brian Tinnion. 19 years later, after countless Managers, Head Coaches, DoFs, CEOs Technical Directors etc, etc, I'm still left scratching my head....

[Atticus]

I read this article earlier and I absolutely picked up on the Tinnion mention, and it makes me feel very uneasy. 

Has he gone to far again? I wouldn't of imagined he'd make the same mistake he made with the Wilson situation but....

[Atticus]

39 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

And of course, neither Tinnion nor Steve are actually on the board.

So it's not even "board" interference as @petehinton puts it, if true it's "fellow employee and ultimate beneficial owner" interference that the board have failed to spot or stop.

So it's even worse than board interference imo.

There is just absolutely zero corporate governance at this Club. Zero.

I suspect that is because Steve has employed only those that will never argue against him....

Something that evidence suggests he tries and tries with the manager too.

 

Which is why we will never go anywhere while he is owner. Ever. 

[Bristol Oil Services]

1 hour ago, Henry said:

Cowards. Trying to use the man’s health against him to get him to resign.

Id actually would have had more respect for them if they came out at the end of last season and said they want to go in a different direction.

But if they are concerned Nigel isn't well enough, then saying "we want to go in a different direction" is not honest, is it?

Is it legitimate for Bristol City to be concerned about Nige's health when weighing up the next two or three years?

[Red-Robbo]

41 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

There is just absolutely zero corporate governance at this Club. Zero.

 

You're right. Of course, Steve Lansdown is far from the only my-way-or-the-highway owner in English football. It's just that some of them have the gumption to trust the managers they employ take football decisions and actually listen to them for advice.

[Atticus]

2 minutes ago, HibbsyBCFC said:

So true.

No CEO and only two Board members; Gavin Marshall and Jon Lansdown. I had a few beers last week with someone who has worked within the group for some time - someone whose opinion I value. Their views on Gavin Marshall were absolutely scathing, both in terms of his character and also his complete lack of credibility / ability in his roles as BS CEO and BCFC Board Member. Their view of JL was basically "nice enough fella, but useless". Possibly their most damning quote however, was that in their opinion, Bristol Sport as a whole is "full of wannabes, has-beens and greasy pole climbers".

I was left scratching my head when Steve Lansdown sacked Danny Wilson and replaced him with Brian Tinnion. 19 years later, after countless Managers, Head Coaches, DoFs, CEOs Technical Directors etc, etc, I'm still left scratching my head....

You shouldn't. Pieced together his farcical managerial choices absolutely make sense. 

Tinnion,Millen,Johnson,Holden.  Neither of these should of been appointed. 3 of the 4 had virtually zero managerial experience. I wonder why that is.... 

Then look at some of those with experience. 

Coppell = left after 2 games. Rumoured he wasn't happy with James being signed. 

Cotteill = not lansdowns choice, brought in to steady the ship. Wasn't backed when we went up, was critical. Given the boot at the first opportunity.

Pearson = was fairly obvious both Lansdowns were uneasy with the appointment in the first place. Never particularly backed under the guise of Covid. Became critical. Sacked. 

 

That leaves the likes of Johnson snr, who was successful, a rare time owner and fans were on board. 

And Mcinness and SOD. Well the latter always seemed miserable. 

[Meh]

Personally I have long considered Brian Tinnion a brown noser but the problem is you call him out on X and you get all the “you’re a legend Tins” brigade all over you.

Great player but shit manager who should be out of football matters once a player gets promoted to the first team squad training.

I am sure his worshippers will be all over this - ready, steady, go

[Mr Popodopolous]

20 minutes ago, Atticus said:

Pearson = was fairly obvious both Lansdowns were uneasy with the appointment in the first place. Never particularly backed under the guise of Covid. Became critical. Sacked. 

Wasn't a guise, I believe that we were actually at genuine risk of failing FFP until Semenyo sold but thereafter especially post Scott, no excuse for not backing him better. As for the lack of new contract then the sacking, disgraceful.

League would have taken a dim view had we sought to push bigger allowables for Covid and keep spending etc albeit there are 2 or 3 clubs who seem to have got off lightly to date.

Edited October 30, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

1 hour ago, Glen hump said:

Been told by a few people who would definitely know that tinnion has a little bit to much of a voice at the club  and it’s not particularly helpful at times 

Who are the ‘few people’ who have told you this?  I don’t need to know their names, just some indication of how they would ‘definitely know’.  Thanks.

8 minutes ago, Meh said:

Personally I have long considered Brian Tinnion a brown noser but the problem is you call him out on X and you get all the “you’re a legend Tins” brigade all over you.

Great player but shit manager who should be out of football matters once a player gets promoted to the first team squad training.

I am sure his worshippers will be all over this - ready, steady, go

Meh.

[phantom]

14 minutes ago, Bristol Oil Services said:

But if they are concerned Nigel isn't well enough, then saying "we want to go in a different direction" is not honest, is it?

Is it legitimate for Bristol City to be concerned about Nige's health when weighing up the next two or three years?

It would all be relatable to how serious any illness was

If Nige isn't concerned etc yet the club were pushing it as a reason then 100% it is an issue

BUT, if there are genuine concerns then as the employer they should have a duty of care, I know where I would be if I was trying to push someone out of my business if they were unwell

[Merrick's Marvels]

17 minutes ago, HibbsyBCFC said:

I was left scratching my head when Steve Lansdown sacked Danny Wilson and replaced him with Brian Tinnion. 19 years later, after countless Managers, Head Coaches, DoFs, CEOs Technical Directors etc, etc, I'm still left scratching my head....

Yes, how many failed managers is it now plus sundry other employees who turned out to be useless - so many we've lost count.

And the one common denominator in all that time?

 

[HibbsyBCFC]

3 minutes ago, Atticus said:

You shouldn't. Pieced together his farcical managerial choices absolutely make sense. 

Tinnion,Millen,Johnson,Holden.  Neither of these should of been appointed. 3 of the 4 had virtually zero managerial experience. I wonder why that is.... 

Then look at some of those with experience. 

Coppell = left after 2 games. Rumoured he wasn't happy with James being signed. 

Cotteill = not lansdowns choice, brought in to steady the ship. Wasn't backed when we went up, was critical. Given the boot at the first opportunity.

Pearson = was fairly obvious both Lansdowns were uneasy with the appointment in the first place. Never particularly backed under the guise of Covid. Became critical. Sacked. 

 

That leaves the likes of Johnson snr, who was successful, a rare time owner and fans were on board. 

And Mcinness and SOD. Well the latter always seemed miserable. 

Completely agree. I also think SOD sounded miserable because he too had no respect for the hierarchy, so you could potentially add him to the Coppell/Cotterill/Pearson list - although that is just a gut feeling I had at the time. 

I am now simply left scratching my head at how our owner can be so tone deaf. Even then, I shouldn't be surprised. I mean, if his ego is big enough to name a stand after himself whilst still involved in the club?...

[RedNachos]

54 minutes ago, Tony Tootle said:

Tinnion is also pretty thick

Never been a huge fan myself, even when he's had heaps of praise for bringing in Alex Scott and others. The Scott situation seems to have been a fairly simple one with the Guernsey owner/manager giving us the heads-up of how good he could be, and then him scoring a hattrick on trial. Hardly a superb bit of talent identification by Tinnion in my eyes. His visible input in the club seems to be pretty basic in my eyes, not terrible but not inspiring and deserving of plaudits.

I just feel a football club needs a balance of football people and business people. We have both groups but the roles of our top people seem to be blurred into ineffectiveness. A proper methodical co-ordination of the business at the top is essential going forward if we want any shot of the 'premier league dream'. Tinnion is a football person and can't be caught up in managerial decisions.

[Glen hump]

6 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Who are the ‘few people’ who have told you this?  I don’t need to know their names, just some indication of how they would ‘definitely know’.  Thanks.

Meh.

1 agent of a current player a coach in the academy and a scout.

[Fpcity]

1 hour ago, Glen hump said:

Been told by a few people who would definitely know that tinnion has a little bit to much of a voice at the club  and it’s not particularly helpful at times 

Including the Andy King remarks by Pearson the other week? 

[Atticus]

13 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Wasn't a guise, I believe that we were actually at genuine risk of failing FFP until Semenyo sold but thereafter especially post Scott, no excuse for not backing him better. As for the lack of new contract then the sacking, disgraceful.

League would have taken a dim view had we sought to push bigger allowables for Covid etc albeit there are 2 or 3 clubs who seem to have got got got lightly to date.

Yeah, wrong word used. 

 

I totally get the effects it had. 

[Glen hump]

Just now, Fpcity said:

Including the Andy King remarks by Pearson the other week? 

Maybe  

[ciderwithtommy]

2 minutes ago, Glen hump said:

1 agent of a current player a coach in the academy and a scout.

Can also confirm from people inside the club. Had hoped it was just nonsense. Is the agent the one who BT really doesn’t like to work with?

[bcfc01]

2 minutes ago, ciderwithtommy said:

Can also confirm from people inside the club. Had hoped it was just nonsense. Is the agent the one who BT really doesn’t like to work with?

You mean the one with an axe to grind ?

I think I know the one.

Edited October 30, 2023 by bcfc01

[Glen hump]

Just now, ciderwithtommy said:

Can also confirm from people inside the club. Had hoped it was just nonsense. Is the agent the one who BT really doesn’t like to work with?

I don’t know if they get on with each other, but he’s been involved with city for a very long time, hasn’t always been a agent if that’s who you mean 

[Atticus]

9 minutes ago, HibbsyBCFC said:

Completely agree. I also think SOD sounded miserable because he too had no respect for the hierarchy, so you could potentially add him to the Coppell/Cotterill/Pearson list - although that is just a gut feeling I had at the time. 

I am now simply left scratching my head at how our owner can be so tone deaf. Even then, I shouldn't be surprised. I mean, if his ego is big enough to name a stand after himself whilst still involved in the club?...

Yeah that last point has always made me uneasy and should of sent alarm bells ringing at the type of ego were dealing with. 

 

I mean can you imagine that happening at virtually any other club? An owner that has overseen nothing but pure mediocrity and at times failure in football terms, getting away with naming a stand after himself. Just bizarre. 

[ciderwithtommy]

1 minute ago, Glen hump said:

I don’t know if they get on with each other, but he’s been involved with city for a very long time, hasn’t always been a agent if that’s who you mean 

Yep that’s him I would think. All I’ve heard is academy related as opposed to senior - was hoping his remit was kept there. 

[Henry]

2 minutes ago, Glen hump said:

I don’t know if they get on with each other, but he’s been involved with city for a very long time, hasn’t always been a agent if that’s who you mean 

Danny Coles?

[Glen hump]

1 minute ago, ciderwithtommy said:

Yep that’s him I would think. All I’ve heard is academy related as opposed to senior - was hoping his remit was kept there. 

Bit of power is dangerous.

1 minute ago, Henry said:

Danny Coles?

 

1 minute ago, Henry said:

Danny Coles?

No , I obviously can’t say who it is 

[Clutton Caveman]

31 minutes ago, Meh said:

Personally I have long considered Brian Tinnion a brown noser but the problem is you call him out on X and you get all the “you’re a legend Tins” brigade all over you.

Great player but shit manager who should be out of football matters once a player gets promoted to the first team squad training.

I am sure his worshippers will be all over this - ready, steady, go

Doing a pretty good jobs with the kids though. I suspect this is his level.

[Bristol Oil Services]

21 minutes ago, phantom said:

It would all be relatable to how serious any illness was

If Nige isn't concerned etc yet the club were pushing it as a reason then 100% it is an issue

BUT, if there are genuine concerns then as the employer they should have a duty of care, I know where I would be if I was trying to push someone out of my business if they were unwell

But they could simply let his contract run its course and not renew, that would be acceptable. It happens with players. Thing is, leaving it until next summer then looking for a replacement wouldn't be best for Bristol City. 

If the club are not convinced Nigel is well enough for another 2 or 3 years, is it ok for them not to renew?

[ChippenhamRed]

1 hour ago, Tony Tootle said:

Tinnion is also pretty thick

Glad someone said it. I’ve always had that impression. His spelling and grammar on twitter is absolutely horrendous.

Not particularly an issue on pure footballing matters, but he doesn’t strike me as someone who should be having much influence on the whole direction of the club.

[Guest]

10 minutes ago, Glen hump said:

Bit of power is dangerous.

 

No , I obviously can’t say who it is 

There are always two agents (and possibly others) who are very often at Academy games, both former players, Coles is one, and the others name escapes me, a former defender who only played a handful of games, come on people…..

[Bazooka Joe]

1 hour ago, Glen hump said:

Don’t know about that but I certainly don’t buy in to the good old Brian , city legend bullshit 

Nor me.

You might not agree with TT calling him thick, but he and the Lansdowns are definitely as thick as thieves.

[Harry]

25 minutes ago, HibbsyBCFC said:

Completely agree. I also think SOD sounded miserable because he too had no respect for the hierarchy, so you could potentially add him to the Coppell/Cotterill/Pearson list - although that is just a gut feeling I had at the time. 

I can confirm. 
I had regular, often daily contact with SOD. Trust me, he had absolutely nothing positive to say about The Lansdown Family. 
And whilst there has been a lot said about his time here, trust me again when I say that his situation was very similar to Nigel’s - particularly in regard to finances. 
I was in SOD’s office one evening, and he had the squad list up on the board, with the contract lengths. We were discussing bringing in a new player. He said - that’s my squad. I can’t get rid of any of them and I have no room in the budget to bring x player in. 
He also didn’t have any semblance of a scouting structure and those that were in situ he had absolutely zero trust in. 

Whilst SOD’s time here will be viewed as a failure, trust me when I say he was completely hung out to dry, with no infrastructure, no trust in any of the hierarchy and pretty much no budget. 
 

So yes, I can absolutely confirm that he had nothing good to say about The Lansdown Family. 

[BS15_RED]

7 minutes ago, ChippenhamRed said:

Glad someone said it. I’ve always had that impression. His spelling and grammar on twitter is absolutely horrendous.

Not particularly an issue on pure footballing matters, but he doesn’t strike me as someone who should be having much influence on the whole direction of the club.

With the greatest of respect, his spelling and grammar don’t affect his knowledge of football. Now whether he’s been moved up to a level that doesn’t suit him is another matter. 
 

For me he’s much more valuable running the academy, indeed I wonder if his promotions over the last few years have been due to him being linked elsewhere, and SL’s promoted him to keep him at the club.

I’m still seething about Nigel leaving, but am now concerned about who’ll be coming into replace him, and whether they’ll be getting a feee hand to do the job their way. 

[petehinton]

20 minutes ago, Clutton Caveman said:

Doing a pretty good jobs with the kids though. I suspect this is his level.

Always been sceptical of that, have said on here before. Semenyo and Scott fell into our laps, with no scouting or connections/developments. I know that’s the two northern stars, but seemingly the two he gets lauded with credit for. Kelly was sold for huge cash largely down to his England appearances, as he was shunted out of position by LJ. 
 

HPC set up has helped with the integration between ages and first team. A large amount of recent academy success is down to the management of bringing them in to first team exposure at the right time, for the right players. Not just arranging them to go out on (numerous) loan. 

Edited October 30, 2023 by petehinton

[ChippenhamRed]

1 hour ago, BS15_RED said:

With the greatest of respect, his spelling and grammar don’t affect his knowledge of football. Now whether he’s been moved up to a level that doesn’t suit him is another matter. 
 

For me he’s much more valuable running the academy, indeed I wonder if his promotions over the last few years have been due to him being linked elsewhere, and SL’s promoted him to keep him at the club.

I’m still seething about Nigel leaving, but am now concerned about who’ll be coming into replace him, and whether they’ll be getting a feee hand to do the job their way. 

As I said, “not particularly an issue on pure footballing matters”.

[BS15_RED]

2 hours ago, ChippenhamRed said:

As I said, “not particularly an issue on pure footballing matters”.

My apologies, I was lazy and only read the bit about his grammar!

[Andy082005]

4 hours ago, Glen hump said:

Maybe  

Be interesting to know if we have heard the same 

Have you heard about a bust up Sunday morning around Pearson’s reluctance to look into the free agent market?

[Glen hump]

4 minutes ago, Andy082005 said:

Be interesting to know if we have heard the same 

Have you heard about a bust up Sunday morning around Pearson’s reluctance to look into the free agent market?

No I haven’t mate.

[Shauntaylor85]

This is what I have been alluding to. I have heard the same that allegedly not everyone is apparently happy for some time with a certain ex midfielder and manager. Takes a lot of credit when it’s others apparently doing the great work and was a key voice allegedly in wanting change! 2004….as I said many many weeks ago. Watch out over your shoulder! Wonder if Nige and Danny will go for a beer! Two ex PL managers with better history than anyone at the club! 

Edited October 30, 2023 by Shauntaylor85

[exAtyeoMax]

2 hours ago, Andy082005 said:

Be interesting to know if we have heard the same 

Have you heard about a bust up Sunday morning around Pearson’s reluctance to look into the free agent market?

that's covered in the return thread

[ohhhshauntaylor]

5 hours ago, Countryfile said:

There are always two agents (and possibly others) who are very often at Academy games, both former players, Coles is one, and the others name escapes me, a former defender who only played a handful of games, come on people…..

Clayton Fortune….

 

by no means looking to stir the pot- but those 2 (Coles and Fortune) are present at most academy games, and both have a “unimpressed” relationship with their former colleague/manager. 
 

I counter by saying there’s 3 sides to every story. 
Their side, the other side, and the truth. 
 

but none the less, it’s well known that SL doesn’t like being challenged. 

[Shauntaylor85]

6 hours ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

Yes, how many failed managers is it now plus sundry other employees who turned out to be useless - so many we've lost count.

And the one common denominator in all that time?

 

How can such a failed manager who brought us the Dinning days be running the football ops of a champ club! sorry it’s not right. Southampton have Jason Wilcox! From Man C! Ok light years from us I get that but there are so many good people out there who have good experience at other clubs. It’s so comfy down there! As I said Millen may as well turn up as CFO! 

[The Swan and Cemetery]

Seems to be growing clarity that on first team footballing matters, the board (to the extent we have one), had a choice between going with the views of Pearson or Tinnion and chose… Tinnion. In no footballing sense is that anything other than ludicrous, so must have come down to a smoke blowing contest, which Tinnion was always going to win comfortably.

No money to spend, followed by King vs youngsters, followed by let’s go into the free agent market, is making it increasingly seem as if we’re all stuck in some Truman Show-esque remake of W1A or The thick of it. If someone wrote it as a script it would be rejected for being too far fetched. 

[chinapig]

23 minutes ago, Shauntaylor85 said:

How can such a failed manager who brought us the Dinning days be running the football ops of a champ club! sorry it’s not right. Southampton have Jason Wilcox! From Man C! Ok light years from us I get that but there are so many good people out there who have good experience at other clubs. It’s so comfy down there! As I said Millen may as well turn up as CFO! 

Here's a piece of an article on the difference between the Man Utd and Man City set ups:

Compare United with the high-grade operation run at City by the chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, and his executives Ferran Soriano (chief executive) and Txiki Begiristain (sporting director) and you see clear lines of expert leadership at the Etihad Stadium – precisely what Guardiola spoke of after winning the 191st derby on Sunday.

“We are in the same direction, chairman, CEO, sport director, manager and the players,” he said. “Wrong or right, we go there. We make mistakes of course but when we lose or things are not going well we are not here to blame someone, we just see what we have to do to be better.

Note the phrase expert leadership - not something we can claim, though Steve no doubt thinks he is an expert.

You don't have to be a football genius to understand that this is the way to run a club at any level. Instead we have Daddy's boy as Chairman, decided a CEO isn't needed and have a technical director who appears to be pursuing his own agenda.

Piss up and brewery comes to mind.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/oct/30/erik-ten-hag-is-at-the-steering-wheel-of-a-directionless-manchester-united

[Shauntaylor85]

11 minutes ago, chinapig said:

Here's a piece of an article on the difference between the Man Utd and Man City set ups:

Compare United with the high-grade operation run at City by the chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, and his executives Ferran Soriano (chief executive) and Txiki Begiristain (sporting director) and you see clear lines of expert leadership at the Etihad Stadium – precisely what Guardiola spoke of after winning the 191st derby on Sunday.

“We are in the same direction, chairman, CEO, sport director, manager and the players,” he said. “Wrong or right, we go there. We make mistakes of course but when we lose or things are not going well we are not here to blame someone, we just see what we have to do to be better.

Note the phrase expert leadership - not something we can claim, though Steve no doubt thinks he is an expert.

You don't have to be a football genius to understand that this is the way to run a club at any level. Instead we have Daddy's boy as Chairman, decided a CEO isn't needed and have a technical director who appears to be pursuing his own agenda.

Piss up and brewery comes to mind.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/oct/30/erik-ten-hag-is-at-the-steering-wheel-of-a-directionless-manchester-united

Shambles! Everyone is a mate! Kit Manager has a job for life too! Another ex player! Cannot knock what ex players did for the club but where else does this happen, leave them as the superb players they were?! 

Edited October 30, 2023 by Shauntaylor85

[Davefevs]

It felt so joined up this time last year with the Fans Forum - RG, NP and BT all seemed to be singing from the same hymn sheet.

[AppyDAZE]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

It felt so joined up this time last year with the Fans Forum - RG, NP and BT all seemed to be singing from the same hymn sheet.

And now only BS left,  oops sorry BT

[One Team]

This thread needs more attention, very interesting indeed. The whole place sounds a total shambles and has  been for years. It’s like Nige has been a whistleblower.

[MarcusX]

9 hours ago, Glen hump said:

Been told by a few people who would definitely know that tinnion has a little bit to much of a voice at the club  and it’s not particularly helpful at times 

Have to say, I’m finding this criticism of Tinnion rather odd.

For years he’s had nothing but praise on here, he’s a club legend and was a hero to many of us and been held in high regard. I’ve never seen a negative post about him I don’t think (except towards his time as manager).

I’ve never even heard of the “Wilson situation” until this week - and now suddenly everyone’s turned on him, it’s well known he’s a snake etc.

Just find it rather bizarre.

[QuedgeRed]

Coppell

“At last” I thought at the time. A manager appointment that filled me with hope and excitement. They’ve finally gone and hired someone that’s going to take us somewhere.

Gone within a month!!! 
 

Writing was on the wall about the shower of shit we have at the helm of this club.

 

 

[MarcusX]

8 hours ago, Bristol Oil Services said:

But if they are concerned Nigel isn't well enough, then saying "we want to go in a different direction" is not honest, is it?

Is it legitimate for Bristol City to be concerned about Nige's health when weighing up the next two or three years?

I’d have probably respected them if they’d come out and said we’re worried about his health, and despite not coming to an agreement with NP we’ve decided it would be best for him to leave the club with immediate effect.

That is far better than blaming it on results after a run of games we probably didn’t expect to do much better than we actually did - and with 2 games against bottom 2 clubs that could make our league position and form look much better again before the next break.

[ray savino]

32 minutes ago, chinapig said:

Here's a piece of an article on the difference between the Man Utd and Man City set ups:

Compare United with the high-grade operation run at City by the chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, and his executives Ferran Soriano (chief executive) and Txiki Begiristain (sporting director) and you see clear lines of expert leadership at the Etihad Stadium – precisely what Guardiola spoke of after winning the 191st derby on Sunday.

“We are in the same direction, chairman, CEO, sport director, manager and the players,” he said. “Wrong or right, we go there. We make mistakes of course but when we lose or things are not going well we are not here to blame someone, we just see what we have to do to be better.

Note the phrase expert leadership - not something we can claim, though Steve no doubt thinks he is an expert.

You don't have to be a football genius to understand that this is the way to run a club at any level. Instead we have Daddy's boy as Chairman, decided a CEO isn't needed and have a technical director who appears to be pursuing his own agenda.

Piss up and brewery comes to mind.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/oct/30/erik-ten-hag-is-at-the-steering-wheel-of-a-directionless-manchester-united

This is it precisely. Brighton, Brentford, Luton, etc., may all be a different beast to Man City, and different from eachother, but they had a plan. They knew where they were, what they were, where the wanted to go and most importantly put coherent plans in place to achieve this. 

By contrast, SL’s tenure has flip flopped from one thing to another. For a successful businessman he has shown a staggering lack of foresight in employing people to create the right structures to bring success. It really does beg the question, was Ashton not the complete tw*t after all, just not managed properly? Did he want Johnson, or was that SL’s own decision? For all the failures of the Managers, coaches, CEO’s, etc. there is only one person where the buck stops. And that’s with SL.

I have heard that one of the key reasons for the success of Hargreaves Lansdown, was that they hit on good products for a gap in the financial sector and most importantly once they hit some success they got in really good people to grow the business. Yes, experts. This is the usual pattern for successful business. So how is it that SL in all the time he has been in the football industry now, has not applied the same values. Football is, as he acknowledges, unlike most businesses (bit of a basket case industry), but surely by now he would have the contacts to put him in touch with some seriously good CEOs or football people with real nous and vision. 

For all of his wealth and business experience, he appears to be presiding over a pretty amateurish structure. From what people have said over the years, it does appear that he really is acting like it’s his money and treating it like an expensive hobby or toy. SL has impressively set up the physical infrastructure and I don’t begrudge him getting his money back+, but sadly I think his tenure has become stale, lacking energy, ideas, and increasingly lacking credibility.

I really hope we strike lucky and get in a clever coach now who will push us forward. Most importantly, I would hope that we get in some fresh owners with new ideas and wanting the club to get somewhere based on a solid plan with good people (not just mates) in all key areas. Not asking much is it...? 

[Harry]

[Shauntaylor85]

26 minutes ago, MarcusX said:

Have to say, I’m finding this criticism of Tinnion rather odd.

For years he’s had nothing but praise on here, he’s a club legend and was a hero to many of us and been held in high regard. I’ve never seen a negative post about him I don’t think (except towards his time as manager).

I’ve never even heard of the “Wilson situation” until this week - and now suddenly everyone’s turned on him, it’s well known he’s a snake etc.

Just find it rather bizarre.

Status as a player has nothing to do with it. Of course excellent player and wonderful servant. But then it’s another era and side to football. I don’t think United fans would be happy with Beckham suddenly in a senior role! 

[ray savino]

49 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

It felt so joined up this time last year with the Fans Forum - RG, NP and BT all seemed to be singing from the same hymn sheet.

Ah, but that was all about communication and good PR with the punters. The fact that nobody from the board was available to comment on BBC tonight was appalling PR. It smacks less of cowardice, but more of lacking a credible reason/strategy for them to put to the fans/ punters/customers. This just leaves a void for conspiracies, fans theories, etc. Just be straight as possible with the punters (where employment legalities allow), front up and at least this might show a little bit of confident leadership to the fans.

I just want to get back to enjoying the football side of things again, can’t tell you how much (like all of us on here, no matter what your views) that SL makes an inspired appointment even if it is more by luck than any great footballing foresight! 

[exAtyeoMax]

7 hours ago, ray savino said:

Ah, but that was all about communication and good PR with the punters. The fact that nobody from the board was available to comment on BBC tonight was appalling PR. It smacks less of cowardice, but more of lacking a credible reason/strategy for them to put to the fans/ punters/customers. This just leaves a void for conspiracies, fans theories, etc. Just be straight as possible with the punters (where employment legalities allow), front up and at least this might show a little bit of confident leadership to the fans.

I just want to get back to enjoying the football side of things again, can’t tell you how much (like all of us on here, no matter what your views) that SL makes an inspired appointment even if it is more by luck than any great footballing foresight! 

Perhaps they’re having a crisis meeting and weeding out the grass? 
if the lansdowns weren’t so absent they would probably have a better idea about what is going on at the club.

 

[DaveInSA]

16 hours ago, ExiledAjax said:

And of course, neither Tinnion nor Steve are actually on the board.

So it's not even "board" interference as @petehinton puts it, if true it's "fellow employee and ultimate beneficial owner" interference that the board have failed to spot or stop.

So it's even worse than board interference imo.

There is just absolutely zero corporate governance at this Club. Zero.

It’s nepotism. Pure and simple and it’s pathetic and childlike. 

[exAtyeoMax]

17 hours ago, ExiledAjax said:

And of course, neither Tinnion nor Steve are actually on the board.

So it's not even "board" interference as @petehinton puts it, if true it's "fellow employee and ultimate beneficial owner" interference that the board have failed to spot or stop.

So it's even worse than board interference imo.

There is just absolutely zero corporate governance at this Club. Zero.

I would hope this debacle might instigate change at corporate level

[ExiledAjax]

4 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

I would hope this debacle might instigate change at corporate level

I agree, but sadly I think it's clear that Steve has over the past 25 years developed a fear of any director, employee, fan, or any other person who counsels against him. 

The only way we will get change at that level is through a sale.

[exAtyeoMax]

6 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

I agree, but sadly I think it's clear that Steve has over the past 25 years developed a fear of any director, employee, fan, or any other person who counsels against him. 

The only way we will get change at that level is through a sale.

If it’s true about Tins involvement in the sacking of Nige, surely he’d have to go? Especially because of the back lash etc. 

[MarcusX]

8 hours ago, Shauntaylor85 said:

Status as a player has nothing to do with it. Of course excellent player and wonderful servant. But then it’s another era and side to football. I don’t think United fans would be happy with Beckham suddenly in a senior role! 

But my point is this is the first time I’ve seen his position criticised