Badger

Earlier in the summer someone ( think it was Pilchards) posted a reference to Nathan Jones from Luton. Although that was at the time we were recruiting backroom coaches. Probably nothing in it, but thought it worth mentioning after your post.

You reckon she’ll last four years in her job then ?

Not too bothered about Shields leaving. His record is with youth recruitment, there’s no guarantee that his success in that area will continue into first team recruitment. And even at youth level then it’s probably a lot easier to attract players to City or Chelsea than us. Can’t blame him for wanting a return to London as that’s where he’s spent the majority of his career . And might as well grasp the opportunity now whilst his stock is high. He knows a couple of years here might significantly dent his reputation. Shame re the timing as it does give a ‘rats and sinking ship’ feeling. But Rasmus put together a good scouting network at Brentford so am hopeful he can the same here. Assuming he doesn’t want to place them at the Turkish club first,

He’s the next head of recruitment

Perhaps Ankersen has spent too long in the company of Semmens and Steele. Their apparent ambition for the club has rubbed off on him.

Did he say they had a ‘kebab shop mentality’ ?

Not sure the club should put their trust in some prick who models his head on looking like Nathan Redmond.

Answering part of the question regarding Chelsea’s appointments this article was linked on the BBC Gossip page: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/oct/12/chelsea-joe-shields-from-southampton-as-head-of-recruitment Says they want to appoint technical, recruitment , and sporting directors ! Seems like they’ll be tripping over each other in their roles.

Thought this as well . But isn’t the bloke from Leipzig a Director of Football or operations ? If he is then Shields could still be head up the recruitment.

Martin Semmens mixing in elevated company. The fear is that some of their charisma and ‘knowhow’ has rubbed off on him.

Greetings pop-pickers. Good video and acclaim (I assume) for MLT the great talent.

Despite the criticism coming his way I’ve not heard Ralph ever complain the squad is down to ‘the bare bones’. Although he has twice described our performance on occasion as shit.

I’m sure SR will be unimpressed if they take stock of the club. We’re meant to be the pinnacle of their network. I wrongly assumed ‘pinnacle’ as at the top of it, rather than becoming the club the wasters calling themselves Pinnacle might have created before Marcus Liebherr bought us.

Few random thoughts on reading this: Didn't ABK sign before Joe Shields arrived ? a few months ago none of us had heard of Joe Shields. Yes has a good reputation for signing youth players, but - as far as I’ve read - no track record in recruitment of first team players (although this distinction has become a bit blurred - can only hope SR see the flaw in the policy) Hoping Ankersen can spread some of his ‘Brentford’ magic at the club. Await to see if Semmens & Co go all Rupert, with a “we’re playing hardball on this one..” and if he does leave wonder how they will dress it up. Lastly,let’s not forget most things you read on the internet are rubbish.We know that to be true as Semmens told us at the fans forum.

Sensible post (but too rational for here).

Can hear it now: “Gareth Southflake’s red and white - and rainbow - army “

Wonder if Fosun will take an eternity fannying around looking for a replacement.

…. but still beat us

I’ve not seen any explanation as to why we didn’t sign him. Ajax let him take part in the trial match presumably with a view to a sale. Couldn’t afford him? Player not interested, or were we looking elsewhere thinking we could do better ?

Ally MacLeod - a Ted Bates signing. (No he didn't end up as Scotland manager).

On mentioning Ball, anyone else remember Eamon Collins ? Was destined to be a star, Bally brought him with him from Blackpool, (when he came back as a player)but drifted out of it. About 10 years later I saw him play for Colchester at Cheltenham in what was then the Conference.

Yes, I thought he'd thrive under Alan Ball but disappeared off the scene.

One of two conclusions to be drawn: SR are sitting tight knowing Ralph remains (possibly until the WC break, possibly longer), or they are waiting the nod from their preferred candidate.

How many games has that been said for ?

Too busy looking at other clubs to buy.