Senile Reds today

[Silvio Dante]

20 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

I do think that the horrible turn of events has put them in a different position than simply head coach goes on ropey run.

As a comment on the run (& I know you posted a separate topic about that) 2 defeats in 9, with a lot of draws, does give them the potential to spin it as close to what we want, even if many who actually go to the games can see that’s a generous interpretation at best.

I really can’t see SL sacking him if we go on a poor run in the current circumstances, whether Manning decides to take a break from the game would alter this, but none of us can possibly know how he is feeling about work (& that’s what it is for him) at the present time.

True.

I guess for me the bottom line here is that this is where the football people at the club should come into their own.
 

There will be a temptation, if we go on a run that a lot of us were anticipating from the next batch of fixtures, to frame it as being impacted by the tragic events (and there is some truth in that). What Tinnion(!) needs to do if a poor run does transpire is work out and advise Steve whether it’s circumstance driven or was always coming.

Hopefully it goes the other way and we pick up a load of good results - that’d be small comfort for Liam but something he could take solace in. But, on a very human level, you do worry if we have a bad run and the normal pressure that goes with that on top of something far bigger how that would impact him.

[sephjnr]

11 hours ago, petehinton said:

Breaking news: man has to fund maintenance of thing himself, that he bought himself.
 

More as we get it. 

That's news to so many plaything owners like Yongge, Tan and the chickenfuckers Venkys.

[Son of Fred]

15 hours ago, REDOXO said:

I’m not certain I wouldn’t be reading the lines a little!

I guess I would like @Always red to clarify a little exactly what was said, but I would have confidence this squad COULD do something this season. It’s not the players that’s holding us/them back, it’s the way we play. Change that “one way or another” and we could well go on a run. 

Firstly, I genuinely hope that you are correct & not I - for me,I just don't see enough goals in this squad to be anywhere near top six,however we play..

[Son of Fred]

17 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

True.

I guess for me the bottom line here is that this is where the football people at the club should come into their own.
 

There will be a temptation, if we go on a run that a lot of us were anticipating from the next batch of fixtures, to frame it as being impacted by the tragic events (and there is some truth in that). What Tinnion(!) needs to do if a poor run does transpire is work out and advise Steve whether it’s circumstance driven or was always coming.

Hopefully it goes the other way and we pick up a load of good results - that’d be small comfort for Liam but something he could take solace in. But, on a very human level, you do worry if we have a bad run and the normal pressure that goes with that on top of something far bigger how that would impact him.

I'm hoping in light of such an awful event, an extended leave for Liam is planned- 

I think it would be for the best to not expect him back at work untill post November break.

Of course,,were this to be the case,then other considerations may come in to play..

Edited Friday at 08:02 by Son of Fred

[Silvio Dante]

1 minute ago, Son of Fred said:

I'm hoping in light is such an awful event, an extended leave for Liam is planned- 

I think it would be for the best to not expect him back at work untill post November break.

I’d hope that’s kind of what the club are offering with the caveat that it needs to be totally driven by him. We all cope with any kind of grief differently and it might be that work is a release for him.

[Bazooka Joe]

15 hours ago, Always red said:

Steve L has confidence in current squad to achieve a higher position than last year and again mentioned top 6 or top 2. 

Thank **** for that.

And there was me needlessly worrying that we weren’t going to make it.

Our astute and highly insightful owner has put my mind at rest and I can now relax peacefully as I await the unfolding of some miracle leading to a place in the play offs, or even better still, automatic promotion.

We, the ever-loyal but know nothing fans, must have been crazy to ever doubt our illustrious owner and his cohorts.

[Hello Dave]

13 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

You’re verging on the uncomfortable truth there. On a human level, all of us have total sympathy with Liam and family, but ultimately City is a business for SL. If it comes to it, he will separate the personal from the professional, however heartless that may seem at this moment in time.

Hopefully, it won’t come to that and we go on a fantastic run. But it has to be remembered that before Mondays tragic news the majority of posts on this forum were in favour of sacking Liam. That doesn’t or shouldn’t stop anyone feeling desparately sorry for him and family, but it highlights the reality of the situation we are probably still in professionally and, absent a turnaround (and in Steve’s view from that target quite a drastic one), illustrates a really uncomfortable decision that has been parked as opposed to forgotten.

Playing devils advocate here. What happens if Manning takes a leave of absence, for say, 8/10 games. If we go on (another) bad run, who do we sack? Manning, Hogg or both?

[Davefevs]

2 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

As a postscript, he’s now protected his tweets because he clearly got a bit upset about being shown up as a bit of a dick on here!

Don’t worry Ian, we’ll still be able to see you be a dick on FBC!

Would imagine he’s not the only one doing this.  Musk is changing the “block” rules.  If you block someone they can’t see your tweets, nor you theirs.  But he’s now saying that to stop blocked users seeing your tweets you have to tweet to your followers only.  Basically Musk has been blocked by millions of people and he wants to see their tweets.  So, I don’t think this is Ian trying to avoid being shown up.

31 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

True.

I guess for me the bottom line here is that this is where the football people at the club should come into their own.
 

There will be a temptation, if we go on a run that a lot of us were anticipating from the next batch of fixtures, to frame it as being impacted by the tragic events (and there is some truth in that). What Tinnion(!) needs to do if a poor run does transpire is work out and advise Steve whether it’s circumstance driven or was always coming.

Hopefully it goes the other way and we pick up a load of good results - that’d be small comfort for Liam but something he could take solace in. But, on a very human level, you do worry if we have a bad run and the normal pressure that goes with that on top of something far bigger how that would impact him.

FWIW I fully expect LM and BT are waiting for it to magically “click”.  I think there has been an over-focus on an improvement on our in-possession style (you can decide whether large or small) and not enough focus on the out-of-possession stuff.

I think they are a bit blinkered about what they are seeing, or at least not looking at it analytically enough.  If we are playing so well (their view) why aren’t we getting results?  Why aren’t they thinking “what if it doesn’t click”, “why isn’t it clicking”?  I think there is a stubbornness that the approach / plan is perfect (LM), and the execution is sub-optimal (Players).  I don’t think there is any thought that the plan might not be as good as the what they thought in conception.  There are some indicators that are certainly worth looking into.

+++++

And despite the “stats” saying we’ve had the easiest start, and about to have the toughest run, this is the Championship, any team is capable of getting results against anyone else.  It’s about turning up on any given day and playing better than your opponents.  If you do that results come.  So, I’m not writing off the next batch.

[Davefevs]

7 minutes ago, Hello Dave said:

Playing devils advocate here. What happens if Manning takes a leave of absence, for say, 8/10 games. If we go on (another) bad run, who do we sack? Manning, Hogg or both?

It’s a really good scenario to pose.  I don’t have the answer, btw!

[GrahamC]

1 hour ago, sephjnr said:

That's news to so many plaything owners like Yongge, Tan and the chickenfuckers Venkys.

Tan? Cardiff have got to the Prem twice under him. How many times have we got there?

Blackburn? Seen the league table?

Everyone making this argument uses Reading, but ignores the dozen or so who have sailed past us in SL’s time, some of whom are historically much smaller clubs.

Pathetic argument.

[spudski]

36 minutes ago, Hello Dave said:

Playing devils advocate here. What happens if Manning takes a leave of absence, for say, 8/10 games. If we go on (another) bad run, who do we sack? Manning, Hogg or both?

It's crossed my mind as well.

Terrible what's happened, but how do you go about such things in such tragic circumstances.

[GrahamC]

1 hour ago, Hello Dave said:

Playing devils advocate here. What happens if Manning takes a leave of absence, for say, 8/10 games. If we go on (another) bad run, who do we sack? Manning, Hogg or both?

Think the answer is both, or neither.

You either decide it is time for a fresh start & both go, or the circumstances are so unusual that you wait until Manning returns & give him the opportunity to revive things.

[Silvio Dante]

1 hour ago, Hello Dave said:

Playing devils advocate here. What happens if Manning takes a leave of absence, for say, 8/10 games. If we go on (another) bad run, who do we sack? Manning, Hogg or both?

 

31 minutes ago, spudski said:

It's crossed my mind as well.

Terrible what's happened, but how do you go about such things in such tragic circumstances.

Indeed. This is why I say you have to separate the personal from the professional - and if worst case scenario does arise, then im sure both contractually and morally Liam would be looked after.

As to the specific question @Hello Dave raises, I’m kind of aligned with @GrahamC in what would actually happen. If Hogg takes charge for 5-6 games and we lose them all, although I think you could point to the losses coming from prior performances (Fevs points here), the heirarchy are more likely to view it as things going wrong because Liam is absent and his stock actually increases.

So, I think my answer is that if that did happen, I would probably say that no matter how difficult on a human level, you’d have to get rid of the management team as a whole. But I think they’d be more likely to view it the other way, and the worsening of results validating their original decision.

Hopefully all immaterial and we win the next batch and the magical click occurs!

[spudski]

1 minute ago, Silvio Dante said:

 

Indeed. This is why I say you have to separate the personal from the professional - and if worst case scenario does arise, then im sure both contractually and morally Liam would be looked after.

As to the specific question @Hello Dave raises, I’m kind of aligned with @GrahamC in what would actually happen. If Hogg takes charge for 5-6 games and we lose them all, although I think you could point to the losses coming from prior performances (Fevs points here), the heirarchy are more likely to view it as things going wrong because Liam is absent and his stock actually increases.

So, I think my answer is that if that did happen, I would probably say that no matter how difficult on a human level, you’d have to get rid of the management team as a whole. But I think they’d be more likely to view it the other way, and the worsening of results validating their original decision.

Hopefully all immaterial and we win the next batch and the magical click occurs!

Considering how little influence LM has during match day, apart from Subs, I would think he would still be influencial during the week, conversing with Hogg on selection etc.

[Silvio Dante]

2 minutes ago, spudski said:

Considering how little influence LM has during match day, apart from Subs, I would think he would still be influencial during the week, conversing with Hogg on selection etc.

If Hogg makes subs on 60 minutes I think I might scream!

[westonred]

1 hour ago, Hello Dave said:

Playing devils advocate here. What happens if Manning takes a leave of absence, for say, 8/10 games. If we go on (another) bad run, who do we sack? Manning, Hogg or both?

Both and we need to look higher up the food chain as well BT and maybe get JL to stand down there mistakes over the years have made us look amateurish

[Street red]

12 hours ago, BS3 Ark at Ee said:

I think Steve’s latest comments regarding his opinion on where we will finish shows…….He’s clearly got no idea about football and what he’s actually watching!! No wonder we keep going round in circles 

It's astonishing he even mentioned 2nd there's being positive but also be bloody realistic. Soon as you mention this it's the team under pressure to perform why say it just let them get on with the job and see where it takes us without these stupid remarks we have year on year.

[MarcusX]

1 hour ago, Hello Dave said:

Playing devils advocate here. What happens if Manning takes a leave of absence, for say, 8/10 games. If we go on (another) bad run, who do we sack? Manning, Hogg or both?

I'm naively hoping that the tragic situation may galvanise the players, fans and management and we could put together than otherwise unlikely run of really good results.

That said, according to Opta we have the toughest next 6 fixtures of anyone in the league. It's possible your scenario happens and I really don't know what would happen.

This situation is so much more important than football, and it still feels too soon to suggest it, but if we fail to win any of the next 6 we'll be in a mess.

I guess football's different in this manner, because if Manning was relieved of his duties, he'll have his contract paid up in full (so it's not like you or I sacked in that scenario) but I'd like to think we'd also ensure we still provided all the support we could as an organisation to him.

[2015]

18 hours ago, Always red said:

Steve L has confidence in current squad to achieve a higher position than last year and again mentioned top 6 or top 2. 

Delusional

[Ronnie Sinclair]

Lansdown needs medical assistance if he believes this current side is top 6 material - an absolute drivel spout 

[The Bard]

14 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Does seem really odd that he turned up for this but not the Cardiff game.

Mind you if he can come out with utter horseshit like expecting “top six, if not top two” and it then go totally unchallenged, perhaps not.

Was he not at the Cardiff game??

He was at Bath v Bristol the day before.  Assumed he was doing both..

[The Bard]

1 hour ago, GrahamC said:

Think the answer is both, or neither.

You either decide it is time for a fresh start & both go, or the circumstances are so unusual that you wait until Manning returns & give him the opportunity to revive things.

If we do struggle then surely we get someone experienced in to 'help' in the short term.  

Actually, scrap that, it will mean BT taking on the reins...

[EstoniaTallinnRed]

14 hours ago, steviestevieneville said:

Another “ be careful what you wish for “  type. Just accept mediocrity shall we. We’re just about treading water & when you do that you start going backwards. I hope you come back on here praising sir Steve when we’re back in league one . Him saying he thinks the squad is good enough for top 6 or top 2 is one of two things. Delusion or outright lies. His time was up a while ago , but some will not accept change could be a good thing . 

Ah! but what he didn't say was good enough for top 6 or top 2 in League One.

[REDOXO]

2 hours ago, Son of Fred said:

Firstly, I genuinely hope that you are correct & not I - for me,I just don't see enough goals in this squad to be anywhere near top six,however we play..

I can see your point in respect of the forwards. Only Bristol City could piss off their number one finisher to the extent he wants to leave and with the money by two blokes who don’t have any track record of scoring at this level.
 

However I feel our metronome football doesn’t help anyone in the team. Twine has goals in him as does bird. Once we find different ways of playing I’m hopeful some other tjings will get unlocked

[Numero Uno]

The more we dive into this season the more I am starting to think that “success” will be finishing anywhere above 22nd place. We have a season of tough struggle written all over us. Some of it due to tragic circumstances beyond anyones control and some of it entirely self inflicted at both hierarchy and manager level. As for Lansdown’s comments, I wouldn’t have expected anything less. All he’s doing is demonstrating his football knowledge and proving us all right.

[GrahamC]

51 minutes ago, The Bard said:

Was he not at the Cardiff game??

He was at Bath v Bristol the day before.  Assumed he was doing both..

Apparently not.

[OJ009]

17 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

You’re verging on the uncomfortable truth there. On a human level, all of us have total sympathy with Liam and family, but ultimately City is a business for SL. If it comes to it, he will separate the personal from the professional, however heartless that may seem at this moment in time.

Hopefully, it won’t come to that and we go on a fantastic run. But it has to be remembered that before Mondays tragic news the majority of posts on this forum were in favour of sacking Liam. That doesn’t or shouldn’t stop anyone feeling desparately sorry for him and family, but it highlights the reality of the situation we are probably still in professionally and, absent a turnaround (and in Steve’s view from that target quite a drastic one), illustrates a really uncomfortable decision that has been parked as opposed to forgotten.

It might give them a chance to do it in a better way. Allow a mutual split where they can say he doesn't want to come back after the tragedy. People would have suspicions but not want to publicly raise them.

4 hours ago, Laner said:

Top 2 or top 6. Sure he's not confusing us with the rugby?

Was going to say the same.

[Cityboy1954]

6 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Balance of probability suggests nor in any future season under his leadership, either.

Only happened once in his time & that was 17 years ago now.

Feel sorry for him regarding his young un but hes not the answer to us progressing anytime soon cant see the club getting rid now .

[DaveInSA]

6 hours ago, Hello Dave said:

Playing devils advocate here. What happens if Manning takes a leave of absence, for say, 8/10 games. If we go on (another) bad run, who do we sack? Manning, Hogg or both?

Tinnion first.
Then Manning & Hogg.

[W-S-M Seagull]

6 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

I’d hope that’s kind of what the club are offering with the caveat that it needs to be totally driven by him. We all cope with any kind of grief differently and it might be that work is a release for him.

What Liam and his family are going through is horrendous. I feel really uncomfortable even thinking about his future as manager. 

Grief impacts us all differently and Liam should go through that process with his family knowing he has the full support of his employers. 

As Liam is a workaholic I do think he may view work as a release. 

But my concern here is for Liam. I don't want him to return too soon because that can just mask the grief. I want him to come back when he feels ready to. 

I fear if we do have a bad run of results then that may put pressure on Liam to return to work to save his job and I don't like the thought of that. He needs time and space. 

Whatever happens moving forward, I hope and pray that the club handle it with compassion and care. 

[Natchfever]

21 hours ago, redkev said:

You can’t knock Stevie boy for his investment,it’s his choice of people in the right positions in the club that’s the biggest issue 

His investment...

1. To cover his countless **** ups.

2. Largely recouped ulrimately via bricks and mortar which arises due to association with BCFC.

3. Loose change to an egotistic billionaire. How else would he get 11000 people sitting in a structure bearing his name?

Ill wager a condition of any sale is that the big stand remains the Lansdown.

[Sir Geoff]

8 hours ago, sephjnr said:

That's news to so many plaything owners like Yongge, Tan and the chickenfuckers Venkys.

What Lansdown has put Into this club is actually chicken feed compared to how much the venkys have bankrolled Blackburn.

[Silvio Dante]

1 hour ago, Natchfever said:

His investment...

1. To cover his countless **** ups.

2. Largely recouped ulrimately via bricks and mortar which arises due to association with BCFC.

3. Loose change to an egotistic billionaire. How else would he get 11000 people sitting in a structure bearing his name?

Ill wager a condition of any sale is that the big stand remains the Lansdown.

I did love when it was unveiled the mock surprise Steve had.

”What, you’re naming this stand where I’ve paid for it and just signed off on the decals saying “Lansdown Stand” after me? Well I’m shocked I tell you. Shocked.

Well not that shocked”

[steviestevieneville]

I wonder if Steve with his renowned tactically astute football brain is watching this Leeds v sheff Utd game & still believing we’re a top 2 or 6 side . 

[redsquirrel]

3 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said:

I wonder if Steve with his renowned tactically astute football brain is watching this Leeds v sheff Utd game & still believing we’re a top 2 or 6 side . 

leeds look like they will run rings round our defence, both teams no nonsense physical too, legally by the looks of it,and a bit of shithousery on leeds part

[Natchfever]

2 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

I did love when it was unveiled the mock surprise Steve had.

”What, you’re naming this stand where I’ve paid for it and just signed off on the decals saying “Lansdown Stand” after me? Well I’m shocked I tell you. Shocked.

Well not that shocked”

Statue incoming..

[Graham76]

9 hours ago, MarcusX said:

I'm naively hoping that the tragic situation may galvanise the players, fans and management and we could put together than otherwise unlikely run of really good results.

 

I’ve been in the Manning out camp up until now, but in light of recent events I’m hoping this is the case. 

[42nite]

12 hours ago, Hello Dave said:

Playing devils advocate here. What happens if Manning takes a leave of absence, for say, 8/10 games. If we go on (another) bad run, who do we sack? Manning, Hogg or both?

Neither.....yet.

The first out of the door should be Tinnion, closely followed by Jon.

 

Please don't let them choose again!

[Jackson Lamb]

12 hours ago, Davefevs said:

It’s a really good scenario to pose.  I don’t have the answer, btw!

To businessmen Dave. Multi millionaires or multi billionaires. It’s quite easy for them to separate personal circumstances from business. They live and breathe business. 
 

For majority of us with a heart. It’s an extremely difficult scenario. For the sharks, it’s just business.

[fisherrich]

On 17/10/2024 at 17:08, Always red said:

Just a bit of an update from the Senior/senile Reds today

Steve Lansdown was the guest

Firstly. Sporting quarter appeal period has elapsed so its game on but some work they had completed previously needs revisiting. Spades in ground in about 12 months.

Steve L has confidence in current squad to achieve a higher position than last year and again mentioned top 6 or top 2. 

Nice moment of silence for Liams' youngster and plenty of flowers around Atyeo statue.

Steve L looking for investment but no rush. No names mentioned 

I sent in a question to be asked (but it wasn't) which related to underachieving on the pitch. There is a hell of a lot we can be proud of but to list our main achievements as the League one champions and JPT trophy double unfortunately gives our level. (Obviously it's Freight Rover/JPT several times and semis of league Cup as well) 

Has focus been too much on Infrastructure and financial stability to the detriment of the team? Steve L has been a tremendous benefactor and I thank him for that but I remember the 70's in the top league I'd love to get there again

 

 

 

Papering over the cracks with more bullshit corporate presentations by SL does not do it for most on here nowadays.

Time to move on Mr.SL and let someone else take this football club forward. Off the pitch is class, on the pitch is dog shite, you need a decent CEO, chairman, Board, Technical Director, etc, not this bollox. End off!!

[Shauntaylor85]

4 hours ago, steviestevieneville said:

I wonder if Steve with his renowned tactically astute football brain is watching this Leeds v sheff Utd game & still believing we’re a top 2 or 6 side . 

SL has made some strange comments before but this is just baffling. Let’s see if we get anything tomorrow. Players need to start delivering. 

[Son of Fred]

8 hours ago, Natchfever said:

Statue incoming..

Throw it overboard!

[Barrs Court Red]

6 hours ago, Shauntaylor85 said:

SL has made some strange comments before but this is just baffling. Let’s see if we get anything tomorrow. Players need to start delivering. 

It’s also terribly timed.Talk about ramping up the pressure, he’s gone all in. 
 

That being said, that could have been the internal goal set, certainly top 6.

[GrahamC]

7 hours ago, Shauntaylor85 said:

SL has made some strange comments before but this is just baffling. Let’s see if we get anything tomorrow. Players need to start delivering. 

Agree that Lansdown’s comments are bizarre & delusional.

Don’t think we should underestimate how hard this news might have been for the players, though.

I don’t think results have been great but far more understandable than usual if they find it tough to do so in the current circumstances.

[Davefevs]

16 minutes ago, Barrs Court Red said:

It’s also terribly timed.Talk about ramping up the pressure, he’s gone all in. 
 

That being said, that could have been the internal goal set, certainly top 6.

Promotion is the externally communicated goal too.

How likely it is, is another matter, nor does failure to achieve it mean LM gets the sack.  I can only imagine there are acceptable levels of performance built-in.

But the objective is promotion.  At this point in time we are way off.  But things can change…and that can move up or down,

[red panda]

On 17/10/2024 at 17:08, Always red said:

...

Steve L has confidence in current squad to achieve a higher position than last year and again mentioned top 6 or top 2. 

...

With apologies for leaving my pitchfork in the cupboard for the moment, can anyone who was present confirm what SL actually said about top 6 or 2??

The previous statement about "higher position than last year" seems a reasonable thing to say, and suggests SL's comments about top 6/2 may not have been about this year and the current squad.

If, for example, he said that he thinks the current squad should be able to improve on last year's position and he's expecting progress towards a time they can challenge for top 6/2, then I'm not sure many would argue with that?

[pongo88]

On 17/10/2024 at 20:59, bearded_red said:

Jon’s been showing him the league table but only the bottom half.

When the league tables are shown on the Saturday TV results programme, first the top half of the table is shown and then, second, the bottom half. When the bottom half is shown my wife, who expects very little from City, always exclaims “look City are near the top of the bottom half!”  

 

I’ve begun to share her low expectations 

[Peter1450]

42 minutes ago, pongo88 said:

When the league tables are shown on the Saturday TV results programme, first the top half of the table is shown and then, second, the bottom half. When the bottom half is shown my wife, who expects very little from City, always exclaims “look City are near the top of the bottom half!”  

 

I’ve begun to share her low expectations 

It’s not just your wife

[spudski]

Has any journalist ever asked SL regarding his interest in football?

Is he a person who studies football like many on here?

Does he understand the benefits and weaknesses of formations. 

Does he follow and know of the qualities of certain players. 

Is he a student of football?

Or does he rely on all information being given to him by the likes of BT?

Can he come to some form of conclusion on his own, or is everything given to him?

It would make a lot of sense if he wasn't a student. 

[Numero Uno]

Unlike the rest of you I think it’s a great message from Steve that sets crystal clear expectations around the target that his Technical Director must achieve THIS SEASON. It has to be better than last season. When it is clear, beyond any reasonable doubt, in a month or two that the staff picked by said Technical Director cannot deliver Steve’s clear expectations there can only be one outcome…….can’t there?

[Davefevs]

41 minutes ago, spudski said:

Has any journalist ever asked SL regarding his interest in football?

Is he a person who studies football like many on here?

Does he understand the benefits and weaknesses of formations. 

Does he follow and know of the qualities of certain players. 

Is he a student of football?

Or does he rely on all information being given to him by the likes of BT?

Can he come to some form of conclusion on his own, or is everything given to him?

It would make a lot of sense if he wasn't a student. 

I remember him once being interviewed and him saying something along the lines of “I see it as 442 and a squad having 2 players for each position”.  That was about the extent of it.

[glynriley]

10 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

Unlike the rest of you I think it’s a great message from Steve that sets crystal clear expectations around the target that his Technical Director must achieve THIS SEASON. It has to be better than last season. When it is clear, beyond any reasonable doubt, in a month or two that the staff picked by said Technical Director cannot deliver Steve’s clear expectations there can only be one outcome…….can’t there?

You’d like to think so, but I get the feeling BT is bulletproof. I think Manning, Hogg and Krause will be on thin ice by the time the next international break rolls around, and those 3 will go before Tinnion, but due to the tragic circumstances surrounding Liam at the moment, I’m not sure Lansdown will make the call to fire them.
 

Of course, a decent run might make that decision irrelevant, but I can’t see that happening. We’ll see. 

[Mike Hunt-Hertz]

1 minute ago, glynriley said:

You’d like to think so, but I get the feeling BT is bulletproof. I think Manning, Hogg and Krause will be on thin ice by the time the next international break rolls around, and those 3 will go before Tinnion, but due to the tragic circumstances surrounding Liam at the moment, I’m not sure Lansdown will make the call to fire them.
 

Of course, a decent run might make that decision irrelevant, but I can’t see that happening. We’ll see. 

At this rate, we're going down. You can feel it in your watter.

[Wilf]

2 hours ago, red panda said:

With apologies for leaving my pitchfork in the cupboard for the moment, can anyone who was present confirm what SL actually said about top 6 or 2??

The previous statement about "higher position than last year" seems a reasonable thing to say, and suggests SL's comments about top 6/2 may not have been about this year and the current squad.

If, for example, he said that he thinks the current squad should be able to improve on last year's position and he's expecting progress towards a time they can challenge for top 6/2, then I'm not sure many would argue with that?

I'll preface my comments by saying that it was a little difficult to understand exactly what SL was saying because he was answering a set of pre-submitted questions, yet the questions were never read out!   So, there was an element of jumping about in the answers and you weren't really sure what question was being answered.

He started off by talking about, "on the pitch" and the question was clearly about his expectations.  He repeated BT's Senior Reds comment that we finished 11th last time so wanted to do better than that this time around.   He then said something about wanting top six or even top two - but, to my ears at least, this wasn't specific to this season - it was more of a "we always want....".   Others who attended might want to comment as this is clearly the crux of the question.

I would also add that there appeared to be a (very understandable!) disappointment  with the start, in that he said, " but this is still very early days for the season".

A couple of other things I found of interest (apologies if mentioned earlier in the thread):

"We have maybe one or two too many players" - I think that this was probably an answer to an U21 pathway blocking question - there was definitely one submitted I can assure you!.

Also (paraphrased obviously), "I was speaking to Brian Tinnion and the good news is that, next year, where we might have needed to buy, one or two of those that are currently out on loan, should be able to be brought back in".    I would guess this refers to SPH and JKL but he didn't say.

I also, enjoyed the moment when he started talking about finances and the microphone packed in.   Cue conspiracy theories!!   He did then carry once all was sorted and said on one or two occasions "there is no money".   I take it this was a reference to FPP or perhaps his own funding choices, as clearly it doesn't relate to SL personally. 

There was also an update on the Sporting Quarter - time for appeal now passed, but will be 9-12 months before work starts as "permissions need to be refreshed and the like".

With regard to investment - yes he continues to seek investment, yes, people are interested, no, there is no deal close.   Didn't say whether this was somebody buying a chunk or the whole lot.   He did say that a lot of time and effort is /will go into making sure the right people for Bristol City are investing (clearly an answer to a submitted question) but interestingly said that obviously, what happens in the future, he couldn't guarantee.    This was a moment (for me at least) which felt that once new investment had arrived, SL would step back completely.   He spoke passionately about his conservation work in Botswana - it may be that is where he sees his future but again, just my thoughts.

Hope that helps.

Edited Saturday at 11:19 by Wilf
missed out a word

[Wilf]

Just now, Wilf said:

I'll preface my comments by saying that it was a little difficult to understand exactly what SL was saying because he was answering a set of pre-submitted questions, yet the questions were never read out!   So, there was an element of jumping about in the answers and you weren't really sure what question was being answered.

He started off by talking about, "on the pitch" and the question was clearly about his expectations.  He repeated BT's Senior Reds comment that we finished 11th last time so wanted to do better than that this time around.   He then said something about wanting top six or even top two - but, to my ears at least, this wasn't specific to this season - it was more of a "we always want....".   Others who attended might want to comment as this is clearly the crux of the question.

I would also add that there appeared to be a (very understandable!) disappointment  with the start, in that he said, " but this is still very early days for the season".

A couple of other things I found of interest (apologies if mentioned earlier in the thread):

"We have maybe one or two many players" - I think that this was probably an answer to an U21 pathway blocking question - there was definitely one submitted I can assure you!.

Also (paraphrased obviously), "I was speaking to Brian Tinnion and the good news is that, next year, where we might have needed to buy, one or two of those that are currently out on loan, should be able to be brought back in".    I would guess this refers to SPH and JKL but he didn't say.

I also, enjoyed the moment when he started talking about finances and the microphone packed in.   Cue conspiracy theories!!   He did then carry once all was sorted and said on one or two occasions "there is no money".   I take it this was a reference to FPP or perhaps his own funding choices, as clearly it doesn't relate to SL personally. 

There was also an update on the Sporting Quarter - time for appeal now passed, but will be 9-12 months before work starts as "permissions need to be refreshed and the like".

With regard to investment - yes he continues to seek investment, yes, people are interested, no, there is no deal close.   Didn't say whether this was somebody buying a chunk or the whole lot.   He did say that a lot of time and effort is /will go into making sure the right people for Bristol City are investing (clearly an answer to a submitted question) but interestingly said that obviously, what happens in the future, he couldn't guarantee.    This was a moment (for me at least) which felt that once new investment had arrived, SL would step back completely.   He spoke passionately about his conservation work in Botswana - it may be that is where he sees his future but again, just my thoughts.

Hope that helps.

Oh, one last thing.   He did invite questions from the floor after thanking people that had taken the trouble to send in the pre-submitted ones.

[Davefevs]

Thanks @Wilf - re money (no money), I can only assume this season’s budget has been spent / committed, and any funds for January would need to be generated by outgoings?

[Frenchay Red]

He also said that over the past 27 years (period of ownership) he had no regrets and looking back wouldn't have done anything differently.

This says it all to me, and imo is fundamentally why we will never progress as long as SL is the owner.

 

[Wilf]

53 minutes ago, Frenchay Red said:

He also said that over the past 27 years (period of ownership) he had no regrets and looking back wouldn't have done anything differently.

This says it all to me, and imo is fundamentally why we will never progress as long as SL is the owner.

 

Yes, that was a strange one for me.  It was slightly nuanced with something along the lines of, "well, yes, with hindsight, some things didn't work out" and he tried to cover it up with the obvious, "well I regret Dean Windass scoring that goal, Jamie McCombe being ill, Bradley Orr being concussed etc", but I felt that he could have owned some of our "ups and downs" a lot more.    I wonder what he really thinks as I don't believe that he has no regrets whatsoever about his / the board's decisions.

[Frenchay Red]

3 minutes ago, Wilf said:

Yes, that was a strange one for me.  It was slightly nuanced with something along the lines of, "well, yes, with hindsight, some things didn't work out" and he tried to cover it up with the obvious, "well I regret Dean Windass scoring that goal, Jamie McCombe being ill, Bradley Orr being concussed etc", but I felt that he could have owned some of our "ups and downs" a lot more.    I wonder what he really thinks as I don't believe that he has no regrets whatsoever about his / the board's decisions.

Most people learn from their mistakes. In fact it's a desirable quality to have and a necessary one to avoid doing the same thing over and over again if it doesn't work.

[glynriley]

3 hours ago, Wilf said:

I'll preface my comments by saying that it was a little difficult to understand exactly what SL was saying because he was answering a set of pre-submitted questions, yet the questions were never read out!   So, there was an element of jumping about in the answers and you weren't really sure what question was being answered.

He started off by talking about, "on the pitch" and the question was clearly about his expectations.  He repeated BT's Senior Reds comment that we finished 11th last time so wanted to do better than that this time around.   He then said something about wanting top six or even top two - but, to my ears at least, this wasn't specific to this season - it was more of a "we always want....".   Others who attended might want to comment as this is clearly the crux of the question.

I would also add that there appeared to be a (very understandable!) disappointment  with the start, in that he said, " but this is still very early days for the season".

A couple of other things I found of interest (apologies if mentioned earlier in the thread):

"We have maybe one or two too many players" - I think that this was probably an answer to an U21 pathway blocking question - there was definitely one submitted I can assure you!.

Also (paraphrased obviously), "I was speaking to Brian Tinnion and the good news is that, next year, where we might have needed to buy, one or two of those that are currently out on loan, should be able to be brought back in".    I would guess this refers to SPH and JKL but he didn't say.

I also, enjoyed the moment when he started talking about finances and the microphone packed in.   Cue conspiracy theories!!   He did then carry once all was sorted and said on one or two occasions "there is no money".   I take it this was a reference to FPP or perhaps his own funding choices, as clearly it doesn't relate to SL personally. 

There was also an update on the Sporting Quarter - time for appeal now passed, but will be 9-12 months before work starts as "permissions need to be refreshed and the like".

With regard to investment - yes he continues to seek investment, yes, people are interested, no, there is no deal close.   Didn't say whether this was somebody buying a chunk or the whole lot.   He did say that a lot of time and effort is /will go into making sure the right people for Bristol City are investing (clearly an answer to a submitted question) but interestingly said that obviously, what happens in the future, he couldn't guarantee.    This was a moment (for me at least) which felt that once new investment had arrived, SL would step back completely.   He spoke passionately about his conservation work in Botswana - it may be that is where he sees his future but again, just my thoughts.

Hope that helps.

So there’s no money and we’ve got too many players. Never learns does he. 

[glynriley]

9 minutes ago, Wilf said:

Yes, that was a strange one for me.  It was slightly nuanced with something along the lines of, "well, yes, with hindsight, some things didn't work out" and he tried to cover it up with the obvious, "well I regret Dean Windass scoring that goal, Jamie McCombe being ill, Bradley Orr being concussed etc", but I felt that he could have owned some of our "ups and downs" a lot more.    I wonder what he really thinks as I don't believe that he has no regrets whatsoever about his / the board's decisions.

Blokes a right knob ain’t he. His only regrets are thing that happened in games, things he can’t control. Must mean he thinks he gets all his decisions correct. Sums it all up. 

[red panda]

4 hours ago, Wilf said:

...  He repeated BT's Senior Reds comment that we finished 11th last time so wanted to do better than that this time around ...

We're now 10th 

[maxjak]

4 hours ago, Frenchay Red said:

He also said that over the past 27 years (period of ownership) he had no regrets and looking back wouldn't have done anything differently.

This says it all to me, and imo is fundamentally why we will never progress as long as SL is the owner.

 

Anyone who states that over a period of 27 years that they have no regrets,  is either delusional or simply lying?

[Superjack]

On 18/10/2024 at 16:51, Natchfever said:

I'll wager a condition of any sale is that the big stand remains the Lansdown.

In that case, I hope we are sold twice.

[Barrs Court Red]

4 hours ago, maxjak said:

Anyone who states that over a period of 27 years that they have no regrets,  is either delusional or simply lying?

There’s a difference between no regrets, and saying you’d not do anything differently.  I’ve had some shockers over the years, behaviour, romance or work related but I don’t regret any of it - because all of it has culminated where I am today. However there’s multiple instances where I would have done things differently with hindsight, because they were obviously incorrect first time around.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Ian and his take on Twitter, is decent and seems to contain some financial bits too.

[Mr Popodopolous]

From the above article of Ian.

Seems like we will at all times be operating up to but not further than the P&S limits, that's good.

The largesse of the prior era won't return unless we are Promoted..obviously the £90-100m, maybe more rise in TV money alone but doss that mean SL may stsrt spending extravagantly again on top if we go up?

He no longer believes we can become sustainable as an EFL/Championship Club, I guess he'll settle for as close as possible and or compliant at all times?

Edited 6 hours ago by Mr Popodopolous

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Ian and his take on Twitter, is decent and seems to contain some financial bits too.

The bit I don’t know from that is how much of it is him quoting SL directly and how much is Ian putting his interpretation on it / filling in the gaps.  It’s not quite the same version as what I heard from someone else who was there.

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

The bit I don’t know from that is how much of it is him quoting SL directly and how much is Ian putting his interpretation on it / filling in the gaps.  It’s not quite the same version as what I heard from someone else who was there.

That's it, there will maybe be a bit of spin and simple interpretation differences by Ian although I'm hoping that someone of SL's Financial background and experience wouldn't allow us to risk that again and so soon as well.