CanadaSaint

There's something that has intrigued me for some time. A lot of bad stuff has been posted on here regarding Lowe, and we've heard from multiple sources (I think) that he keeps in touch with the forum - either directly or through minions. We've also heard - and seen - that he has a litigious streak. So why hasn't he acted on one or more the more damaging accusations/stories? Even just to send a shot across the bows and slow the ship down. It has happened at other clubs (Sheff Wed, I think).

Hell knows no fury like a massive ego under-stroked - never mind questioned. Man, I'd pay good money to see the preening rooster lose his cool. Perhaps now we see why the Echo has been reluctant to do its job and "tell it like it is".

Perhaps he did speak up - eventually, but maybe it was through one of those "unofficial communication lines" that Rupert allegedly likes to cultivate.

I'm sure they're not bosom buddies but it sounds like Euell parked his frustration today and filled a very valuable leadership role. Would that be an incorrect assumption, um?

I can't imagine Euell intiating the team huddle after Preston's goal if Wotte hadn't talked to the senior players, perhaps especially him, about the need for leadership. Good sign.

I think most open-minded people would be more positive about Wotte if he hadn't been so quick to sound like Rupert's parrot. He's made some mistakes in team selection but at least he appears to be learning from them. He seems capable of adjusting in a way JP never really was. For me, he's as good as his last game, and right now that's pretty damn good. If he could just drop the needless comments and make sure that the side shows the fight we expect, things will settle down.

Great win. That game in hand is crucial.

And, in the same vein, has Kelvin needed to make a save yet?

I'll be interested to hear what role McGoldrick is playing with Saga and Euell up front.

Man, it's quite a risk to use all three subs at half time.

How about "Don't change anything unless you have to"?

What's been the key to the success, Hypo? Anything stand out?

Absolutely. Saint_clark out!

This makes an absolute mockery of leaving Saga out - unless 'someone' wants to take credit for lighting a fire under him.

Wotte has to keep going at them. If he tries to close things down and hold on we'll struggle again because we're not equipped to do it.

Holy crap. 2-0 up? I think I'm gonna get a nosebleed.

Stanley will be one of the 15,000. He's just venting. The ones who won't be in the 15,000 have already gone, haven't they?

That was supposed to cheer you up. Not a good sign! Did he say anything of interest that you could share?

Ron, please go to the pub with Stanley! I'm trying to create a little optimism here.

You're right, FC. Life as a fan is like being a yoyo. But this is one goddam long piece of string. People are still posting, though, aren't they? Thank God.

You replied before having the pints, didn't you! Burnley's ground was only upgraded, though, wasn't it? I mean, it's not a new stadium. And the point about surrounding competition is key.

Right now, and given that Lowe will hold onto control until the bitter end, no matter how bitter it is, only three things could unite the fan base. An F.A. Cup, promotion or administration. Administration sure as hell wouldn't be my first choice, but that's how it is. If and when it happens, I think there will be 15,000 or so sticking with the club until better times return. Plus a few of us who, every so often, arrive at Heathrow at 1:00 pm and barrel down the M3 to catch the kick off, a pie and a pint (or four). They're still my team, no matter what.

Have a couple of pints, Stanley, and let's all start being optimistic for a change. Blackpool and Burnley are surrounded by top flight clubs which drastically limited their crowd potential as soon as they hit the skids, and they also have aged stadiums. We, on the other hand, are neighboured by Bournemouth and that sh*t-hole down the road (who might just be in as much trouble as us), and we have a new-ish ground with development potential all around. The economy may be in the tank but this is when the big money comes looking for "potential". And if the pints don't work, hit this linky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcO6NH7zcxs

Folks, thanks for the perspectives. Ron, Sheff Saint and others, I fully agree with you that the state of the economy really magnifies the challenge of Administration. However, my point was that Administration, in and of itself, is not necessarily a death knell at all. As the saying goes, out of adversity cometh opportunity. Notwithstanding "the lack of investors whilst Lowe was not in charge" (good point, Ron) I think there are people out there ready, willing, able and even keen to pick the bargains out of the rubbish heap - whether they be retail chains or airlines or football clubs. I also think that we're a very good candidate because of the unfulfilled potential. So, as a natural-born optimist, I'm going to cling to the view that 'death' through Administration (with a good prospect of re-birth under new ownership) will turn out to be far, far better than the lingering death and constant humiliation we currently face. (But then I favoured the SISU deal and they haven't exactly set Coventry alight, have they? )

I'd be interested to hear (from those who hold this particular view) why administration would be an unmitigated disaster. Sure, it would be a horrendous development but not, in my view, one without upside. The club still has major potential, the debt holders on the stadium can only recover their money if the club succeeds as a club, the area surrounding the stadium could bring some big money into play, and Rupert will almost certainly not be allowed to profit from his own utter ineptitude by getting the chance to buy the organization out of administration. I have a lot of respect for most of the people advancing the "unmitigated disaster" argument but I still feel that there are some good people out there waiting for administration to happen - people who want no part of Lowe. I'd like to understand why some of the smarter minds on here see administration (for us, not just administration in general) as a catastrophe without any redeeming features.