Saint Matty 76

Great post. This place could use a few more like you posting again. Just watched his 28 minute breakdown of their win against Cardiff as well, comes across as a good bloke with a clear idea and identity. Wouldn't be surprised if talks with him go well based on what he's looking to implement, and the hope that his style is more suited to a team who have a better squad than he has had prior.

It's hard to know who is out there and willing to take us on next year with so much uncertainty regarding the squad/staff. There's obviously a list of names I'd prefer to this but there's also plenty discussed on here who I'd feel far worse about (Gerrard, Lampard). MK Dons and Swansea fans both seem to have a great opinion of him which is refreshing. I'm hopeful that his brand of attacking possession-based football combined with us naturally having one of the stronger squads in the division next year should lead to something positive. The apprehension on here is understandable given Sports Republic's failures so far, but it appears to be a much better fit than NJ was stylistically. I do completely agree that we needed to do something that the entire fanbase could get behind right away to have a mentality shift over the Summer, but I just can't see who could've realistically provided that (please don't say fucking Potter...). A terrifying appointment either way, but definitely not my least favourite option of a rather grim looking list of managers.

The idea of this squad needing a manager to essentially "kick them into gear" was spot on, similar to Poch when he joined and had them running laps all day. I don't for a second doubt that somebody with as little credibility as NJ trying to implement similar principles onto this god awful group of players was a borderline impossible task. With all the subsequent information and the benefit of hindsight, you do definitely understand why he was so tense. However, you just can't feel sorry for somebody who repetitively shot himself in the foot as much as he did.

Backed in even further to 1/3 (1.33) to be our next manager now, for anyone who cares about that side of things.

What is it then? Literally everybody has reported that the contract doesn't have a relegation clause.

I just struggle to understand what you think Gerrard is in comparison? He lost Beale and has been absolute dross ever since. Look at what's happened to Villa.

Akpom isn't out of contract this Summer, but I would be more than happy with Carrick coming in. Cheering on Coventry and Gyokeres on Wednesday it is.

JWP, Lavia, ABK, Salisu, Che (if he goes) and KWP are the 6 I'm confident we'll sell and get a fee for. Players like Onuachu, Orsic, Aribo, DCC, Bednarek & Diallo are the ones who I'm worried will end up on our books for a while whilst we're paying the majority of their wages out on loan. Not particularly sure on what to make of what'll happen to Sulemana, as he could definitely play a part for us and I don't see why we'd entertain selling for what'd likely be half of what we just paid, let alone a loan move. Livramento, Stephens, Sulemana, Edozie, Smallbone, Tella, Alcaraz, Che and Mara are the (realistic) players I'd want us to keep as of right now. There's a few others who I'd be happy to have stick around (Bazunu, Perraud, Lyanco, Bednarek, S. Armstrong(?), Djenepo...) but also couldn't give a shit if they don't.

I’m just so worried about what we could end up with after NJ that I’d bite your hand off for Vieira/Marsch right away.

Brighton are so close to being exceptional. The parallels are absolutely all there, but the way they do their recruitment in advance may lead to more longevity on their side.

"we'll bring the club back to where it belongs for you" seems like interesting wording from Che, or I may just be clutching at straws a little. I've assumed he'd be one of the first out the door to a Leeds/Forest/Everton given his contract situation but would be delighted to keep hold of him.

Looking forward to everything outside of the 90 minutes of football. Get a couple of the young lads in the squad for winning their league for fuck sake Ruben.

There is literally zero chance these players wouldn't have had relegation clauses. They'd have just been given way too much money for the 6 months.

Completely agree. I'm certain we'd have put up more of a fight than this though.

I'll be renewing but a couple in our group won't. It'll (hopefully) be nice to travel down to games with some expectation after this year.

Stopped reading at "fought tirelessly".

Vic showing more emotion than most of those on the pitch today.

Wonder what PR we'll get tonight.

Doesn't matter. Criticise the players and the board for that, not the fans still turning out for them fucking hell.

Yeah let's not start ever criticising fans for showing support whilst sat here on a forum. "Part of the problem"...

Can't blame them. That was utterly horrendous, and somehow probably wouldn't even land in our top 5 worst performances this season.

The way Lyanco reacted to clearing that off the line, bless him. Let's just keep him around.

Delighted that the train strikes meant I couldn't make this one. They're not even trying out there. Utterly bizarre selection of players.

I'd be happy with this, and it'd definitely make some sense from his perspective if he pretty fairly assumed we were doomed this year.

Considering the kinds of players we'll be losing, we should definitely look to be keeping Lyanco and Stephens next year. Not the best footballers by any means, but ones we'll definitely need in a tougher league with the majority of our players still framing a young core. Be mad to let them go considering Salisu & ABK are definitely gone and DCC is pretty likely I'd say. DCC/Stephens/Lyanco/Simeu wouldn't be the worst group of CB's, although I think it's pretty likely we'll add another in place of Caleta-Car. Not sure if it's optimistic for Simeu to make up the 4th slot, but seems like he had a POTS year in League 2 and has just had half a season in League 1 so probably not out the realms of possibility.