My feeling is that we should change our manager. I base this entirely on results and actual performances, both of which have been shocking. The run we have had, any manager at any club would be fearing the worst. I think Paul Cook has feared the worst over the past two or three games, as his post match comments have been different…more subdued than usual? He did a great job last season in League One, but it was a poor standard of football, nowhere near as good as Championship standard, a level Cook has admitted is new to him.
The big problem with Cook for me is League One is his level. His contacts appear to be lower league, players and managers. Our owners want us to aim for the top. At no point do I see Cook being the man to push us on towards that aim. Thats football. It happens. No time for sentiments. Results, and performances have been terrible. Recruiting has been poor also. In fact, its been terrible. Our squad is nowhere near good enough.
Managers come and go, thats the way of the game. For me, we need a bigger name, someone with higher contacts who can attract a better quality of player. Unsworth has been touted, which I am neither against, nor totally enthused by. I’d like a more experienced manager. My choice would be a move for either Moyes, or Hughes. Both tick the boxes of experience and lots of top level contacts. Both are also fierce types who call a spade a spade…I like that. The “old boy” routine is stale now..sorry, but it is.Either would necessitate some financial backing from the board, however this will be required whether we make a change, or stick with what we have. In all honesty, I said weeks ago that our squad is too shallow. A couple of injuries and suspensions, and theres not much there to come into the equation. We’ve been using Roberts as a starter for a few games now, when at best he is a handy sub, a head of experience, to come on and play a bit part, no disrespect. Why also, is it that when our players get an injury, it seems to take an eternity? Jacobs, for example?
Is training being done right? The number of injuries…hamstring, something isnt right. Cooks selections and substitutions have been puzzling. The handling of Massey coming back was mismanaged. Cook has shown a naivety of late, it just pushes me to think a change is needed and needed now. We cant afford to go down again.
It will give IEC the perfect opportunity to bring their own man into the club. I think Cook knows he is on borrowed time, whether its now, or in the summer. Alarm bells were raised for me when Cook allowed himself to be filmed, singing with beer in hand with his mates in Kiev at the Champions league final in May. Ok, we know hes a Liverpool fan. But I thought it very ‘lower league manager’ that he allowed that to happen. Would the said Moyes or Hughes allow themselves to be seen in such a way? No. Just a higher level of manager. I’m not saying Cook isnt a nice guy..he probably is. He seems to be. But nice down to earth guys dont always make a good manager. Id sooner have a bit of an arsehole as manager and we in the top 6. After our success last season, nobody batted an eyelid. I bet opinion would be different now if he did that.
Regarding Attendances….absolutely shocking how they have dwindled. Last games sparse stands…it says it all..surely that didnt go unnoticed. The footage away fans shot at 2.58pm showed it to be very empty. I dont think we had 7000 home supporters on, despite what they said was on. Not a chance. Thats how dire its got.
Regarding stadium revenue….as I understand it, we cant hold music concerts at the DW due to the corners being open and the noise travelling. Plus, there are houses on Scot Lane that are within the permiters of the distance required for the sound problem. You reference Bolton holding concerts…yes, they had The Killers and Little Mix last July. Both were well attended, although traffic and getting away afterwards was shocking for both. But out of those two concerts, BWFC made 2 million pounds. They have Rod Stewart on in June on the Friday night, and there are concerts penned in for the Saturday and Sunday nights that weekend as well. So they will pull in around 3 million. The pitch was covered well and remained unaffected. The DW, for me, isnt utilised enough to bring in revenue. I think things have got better recently, with conferences etc, but it still needs improving. I can imagine the new owners will be looking at this.
Regarding Joe Geldhardt….my cousin has good knowledge of the lad, as his lad was a team mate of his at Latics before he moved on elsewhere. He says without any doubt he could step up now to the first team. Says he is so strong..the strongest young player he has seen…a ‘freak’, almost. An outstanding player who partners Mason Greenwood of Man Utd up front for England U18s, and Greenwood has been on Uniteds bench. Its only a matter of time before top clubs are all over him. Apparently one has already offered £50,000 for him as a 14 year old, and Geldhardt didnt want to go. My cousin says there are several players in that Youth team who are good enough. I’d also like to see Callum Lang given a chance in the squad.
So there’s my ten penneth over everything. See what happens….but consecutive 3 nil home defeats, either of which could’ve been even more say to me we are in real trouble.
As egg has already stated, that is a very good post.
