The Director of Football Contradiction?

[trousers]

Can someone help me out here?

 

Paraphrasing Nicola Cortese quotes over recent weeks, he's states the importance of the 'Director of Football" role and yet, at the same time, he says he is in no hurry to appoint someone in this role..."maybe as late as next summer..."

 

Can someone please help me with this apparent dichotemy of logic?

 

I suspect the most likely 'explanation' people will come up with is that the 'right man' isn't available at the moment. I don't buy that though. That would be saying that 'the man' is more important than 'the role' which, in business, can never be the case, surely? What if 'the right man' never became available? You forego an "important" role indefinately?

 

Either the role is very important or it isn't. So fill it now with the best man available (IMHO). No?

 

No doubt i'm missing something very simple here?

 

By the way, can someone take a photo of Coppell in the director's box on Saturday? (assuming he's there of course...)

Edited 16 September, 2009 by trousers

[Gemmel]

Well if we are all done on the transfer front for this year, a large part of the role of DOF would be null and void, so it wouldn't be such an issue , not to appoint til then.

 

I believe that Mr Coppell also wanted a decent rest from Football. If we appointed him in January.....

[Channon's Sideburns]

I guess there's a myriad of options. Either as Cortese has also said, he's happy covering the role in the meantime...

 

or, it could be (with my cynic head on ala Worzel) he's not 100% convineed about Pardew and is holding off bringing someone in for that reason - after all, why bring someone in who gets on with AP, but may not get on with someone else.

 

TBF we've done ok player wise with NC pulling the strings so far.

[Gemmel]

TBF we've done ok player wise with NC pulling the strings so far.

 

:smt103

 

It might be better using his full name on here...... we wouldn't want a certain poster getting above his station (S)

[Badger]

Well if we are all done on the transfer front for this year, a large part of the role of DOF would be null and void, so it wouldn't be such an issue , not to appoint til then.

 

I believe that Mr Coppell also wanted a decent rest from Football. If we appointed him in January.....

 

I follow your logic but :

 

I think the scouting of new players,research on those identified as targets would have been critical as well as looking to review, and if necessary, enhancing the infrastructure of the playing side would have given the DoF plenty to do.

 

I remember an interview with Lawrie whilst in the DoF post where he said talks with agents can often start 12 months before a player moves.

 

Yes, it might of course be filling time until the right candidate, either Coppell or possibly a european DoF (more familiar with the role),is available.

[lordswoodsaints]

I'd say that pardew hasn't met their expectations as of yet and they are waiting to see how things pan out before taking the plunge with a DoF.

The owners will have a time frame in mind for pardew to deliver,5 year plan or not,it could be 2 years,it could be 6 months but you can be sure that they will want results to match their investment if things are to move forward.

I should imagine that pardew would welcome the help but it would have to be the right person,wether or not he gets to decide is a different story.

[MusicMan]

It may not be as black and white as that. Maybe NC has someone in mind but they still have 12 months to run on their current contract.

[Gemmel]

It may not be as black and white as that. Maybe NC has someone in mind but they still have 12 months to run on their current contract.

 

Dennis Wise was at Charlton on Saturday

[saint_bert]

I think the DOF role will be the subject matter I may ask NC about at the fans forum Monday.

[The Incongruous Monk]

Has Cortese ever actually used the term "Director of Football", I've only ever seen "Sporting Director". The distinction is pretty subtle but potentially quite important.

[trousers]

I think the DOF role will be the subject matter I may ask NC about at the fans forum Monday.

 

Cheers. Good idea. If the question could be worded around the (my) perceived contradiction in that he sees it as an essential role but isn't in a hurry to fill it, that would be cushtie. Thanks.

 

As I say, I suspect he'll come back with the "prepared to wait for the right man" response but surely there comes a point in time where that becomes a 'false ecconomy' if the role is as important as he says it is, best man or no best man.

 

Someone be sure to let me know if I start sounding like a scratched record...!

[trousers]

Has Cortese ever actually used the term "Director of Football", I've only ever seen "Sporting Director". The distinction is pretty subtle but potentially quite important.

 

What are the differences? (genuine question....I've no idea)

[up and away]

I'd say that pardew hasn't met their expectations as of yet and they are waiting to see how things pan out before taking the plunge with a DoF.

The owners will have a time frame in mind for pardew to deliver,5 year plan or not,it could be 2 years,it could be 6 months but you can be sure that they will want results to match their investment if things are to move forward.

I should imagine that pardew would welcome the help but it would have to be the right person,wether or not he gets to decide is a different story.

 

The sporting director will happen, nothing to do with Pardew in that respect. Cortese has made it clear that the sporting director will be in charge of footballing matters. Pardew will not be vetting applicants, but Cortese will be definitely having that relationship in mind when appointing the sporting director. That said, the greater success Pardew has the more influence he will bring tp bear.

 

For Cortese it is vital to have the correct person in as SD, with the greatest need to see through the transition from the Championship to the Premier. This is where all the investment will happen and the difficult football decisions have to be made, may even require a change in coach? I am sure he would like him earlier, but being able to get interest from the right type of person to push us into the Premier may be tricky when you are stuck in League 1.

 

It's possible that Pardew could take on this position and get someone else to do the coaching as Redknapp does, an English version of the SD. I don't think that would happen as Pardew sees himself as a coach foremost. I look at managers such as Mick McCarthy, a first choice for getting you out of the CCC but someone I would not rate at keeping you in the Premier. Does Cortese believe he has the skills to make those very important calls? I don't believe so and that is why he feels he needs a very good, experienced SD.

 

Some have noticed already that Cortese's plans and ideas have not been that much different from Lowe (Yes, but just forget the personality gulf for one minute), and I don't see that changing. But Cortese has the unlimited funds to make it work and get through bad luck and mistakes.

[Scummer]

What are the differences? (genuine question....I've no idea)

 

We're starting up rugby and hockey teams as well.

[dune]

Does anyone know if Cortese is Sicillian by birth?

 

He certainly has a Mafia look about him and let's be honest - you don't rise to his position at such a young age without being ruthless.

 

He strikes me as man who gets what he wants so i reckon he'd sack Pardew at the drop of hat if a better option comes along.

 

So where does this tie in with the DOF role? My take is that a DOF is simply a pair of eyes and ears for the chairman, but the said DOF needs to have a good relationship with any given manager. The manager is the most important person at a football club (even more important than Rupert Lowe was!) and as such i believe the DOF should be brought in after the manager. The last thing Saints need is a David Pleat type character who thinks he rules the roost already implanted should Mr Cortese seek to find the perfect manager. It would put good candidates off.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Has Cortese ever actually used the term "Director of Football", I've only ever seen "Sporting Director". The distinction is pretty subtle but potentially quite important.

 

As in we're going to branch out into other sports ?

 

Southampton Saints Rugby Club - Please God N0!!!!

Saints Ladies Beach Vollyball - oh yes

Aussie Rules football - well we're not doing very well with the FA version

Speedway at St Marys - no match for my beloved 'Poole Pirates'

St Marys Polo Club - too many Ruperts

Soton Darts - not enough Ruperts

'Team Saints' Formula One - but we've always lacked pace

Banger racing - at last a good use for Pulis

Weight lifting club - we could try and get Fatty Hammond back

 

On second thoughts lets not .

[Fowllyd]

Can someone help me out here?

 

Paraphrasing Nicola Cortese quotes over recent weeks, he's states the importance of the 'Director of Football" role and yet, at the same time, he says he is in no hurry to appoint someone in this role..."maybe as late as next summer..."

 

Can someone please help me with this apparent dichotemy of logic?

 

I suspect the most likely 'explanation' people will come up with is that the 'right man' isn't available at the moment. I don't buy that though. That would be saying that 'the man' is more important than 'the role' which, in business, can never be the case, surely? What if 'the right man' never became available? You forego an "important" role indefinately?

 

Either the role is very important or it isn't. So fill it now with the best man available (IMHO). No?

 

No doubt i'm missing something very simple here?

 

By the way, can someone take a photo of Coppell in the director's box on Saturday? (assuming he's there of course...)

 

To be honest, I don't see any dichotomy here. It's perfectly possible for something to be important but not urgent, after all. I'd guess that Cortese sees the sporting director as an important long-term (or you could say strategic) appointment, but not one that he's going to rush into. You could also argue that the more important the appointment, the more reason for taking one's time about making it.

[SaintRichmond]

The sporting director will happen, nothing to do with Pardew in that respect. Cortese has made it clear that the sporting director will be in charge of footballing matters. Pardew will not be vetting applicants, but Cortese will be definitely having that relationship in mind when appointing the sporting director. That said, the greater success Pardew has the more influence he will bring tp bear.

 

For Cortese it is vital to have the correct person in as SD, with the greatest need to see through the transition from the Championship to the Premier. This is where all the investment will happen and the difficult football decisions have to be made, may even require a change in coach? I am sure he would like him earlier, but being able to get interest from the right type of person to push us into the Premier may be tricky when you are stuck in League 1.

 

It's possible that Pardew could take on this position and get someone else to do the coaching as Redknapp does, an English version of the SD. I don't think that would happen as Pardew sees himself as a coach foremost. I look at managers such as Mick McCarthy, a first choice for getting you out of the CCC but someone I would not rate at keeping you in the Premier. Does Cortese believe he has the skills to make those very important calls? I don't believe so and that is why he feels he needs a very good, experienced SD.

 

Some have noticed already that Cortese's plans and ideas have not been that much different from Lowe (Yes, but just forget the personality gulf for one minute), and I don't see that changing. But Cortese has the unlimited funds to make it work and get through bad luck and mistakes.

 

Yes ... I've noticed that as well ....

 

Cortese has :-

 

1) Sold all our best players

2) Not bought any new ones

3) Insisted playing our Youth Team

 

The similarity between Cortese's and Lowe's outlook on how to run a Football Club, are so similar, it's mind boggling

 

I'm surprised there hasn't been a petition

 

PS ......... what planet are you on ???:cool:

[greg_hill]

Because they needed to do a complete rebuilding job. I think they are focused on getting the first team, manager and scouting positions sorted and settled before looking for a DOF. Some things can be important without being urgent.

[ottery st mary]

Yes ... I've noticed that as well ....

 

Cortese has :-

 

1) Sold all our best players

2) Not bought any new ones

3) Insisted playing our Youth Team

 

The similarity between Cortese's and Lowe's outlook on how to run a Football Club, are so similar, it's mind boggling

 

I'm surprised there hasn't been a petition

 

PS ......... what planet are you on ???:cool:

 

 

I think you will find up and away with the clouds is on a Lowe planet and always has been.:smt070

[trousers]

To be honest, I don't see any dichotomy here. It's perfectly possible for something to be important but not urgent, after all. I'd guess that Cortese sees the sporting director as an important long-term (or you could say strategic) appointment, but not one that he's going to rush into. You could also argue that the more important the appointment, the more reason for taking one's time about making it.

 

Fair play.

[Toadhall Saint]

It just reads to me that he is taking his time to ensure he gets it right - which has to be the most important part - getting it right.

[Smirking_Saint]

I still don't understand why people are questioning NC's appointment of pard's and also the fact that 'perhaps' he is waiting to replace pardew ?? How rediculous.

 

AP has not made the most blistering start to his career we can all admit that but this year is a definate transitional period, he said himself he is aiming for mid-table firstly and foremost, not promotion, if NC had insisted of a playoff push i would have imagined AP's start of season speech to be slightly different and the panic beginning to set in now.

 

I believe NC is aware of the challenge this season and knows that it will take time, also may be the reason that we are strengthening slowly, preparing for next year. IMO he probably has a best man in mind for SD, but the delays may be from the candidate himself. Could it be SC ?? We don't know.

 

St_Bert asking the question will be a great idea mate, just hope you don't get shot down when you come back with your info

[Gingeletiss]

Has Cortese ever actually used the term "Director of Football", I've only ever seen "Sporting Director". The distinction is pretty subtle but potentially quite important.

 

Ha.........nail on head post. I agree. I think that this is a wish for a director at the club, with football knowledge. This does not follow, that he will be AP's direct boss. Once again, speculation is rife on here, with some saying that SC will be the man, the same people are saying he will supercede AP.

 

I think we should wait and see....................

[krissyboy31]

Looks like Karen Brady is leaving Brum after their takeover. Maybe she might be interested?

[Clifford Nelson]

NC has made it very clear that he wants somebody close to him to do the directing, whilst AP will carry on doing the managing. With the right person in post who understands the distinctions and without any urge to rush out on the training ground this is a very possible job to do.

 

In an ideal world the director would have been in place first, with the responsibility to find a suitable manager to fit the club's sporting strategy. Circumstances made this impossible.

 

There could be many reasons why the appointment is important, but not urgent. None of those needs to be sinister in any way. And with recent evidence to judge from, we won't have a clue who it will be until NC decides to announce it. Let's not get ourselves up in a frenzy.

[Clifford Nelson]

The sporting director will happen, nothing to do with Pardew in that respect. Cortese has made it clear that the sporting director will be in charge of footballing matters. Pardew will not be vetting applicants, but Cortese will be definitely having that relationship in mind when appointing the sporting director. That said, the greater success Pardew has the more influence he will bring tp bear.

 

For Cortese it is vital to have the correct person in as SD, with the greatest need to see through the transition from the Championship to the Premier. This is where all the investment will happen and the difficult football decisions have to be made, may even require a change in coach? I am sure he would like him earlier, but being able to get interest from the right type of person to push us into the Premier may be tricky when you are stuck in League 1.

 

It's possible that Pardew could take on this position and get someone else to do the coaching as Redknapp does, an English version of the SD. I don't think that would happen as Pardew sees himself as a coach foremost. I look at managers such as Mick McCarthy, a first choice for getting you out of the CCC but someone I would not rate at keeping you in the Premier. Does Cortese believe he has the skills to make those very important calls? I don't believe so and that is why he feels he needs a very good, experienced SD.

 

Some have noticed already that Cortese's plans and ideas have not been that much different from Lowe (Yes, but just forget the personality gulf for one minute), and I don't see that changing. But Cortese has the unlimited funds to make it work and get through bad luck and mistakes.

 

Why on earth did you need to spoil it all by dragging that old "rubbed out from the shield of previous chairmen" into a perfectly intelligent argument.

[The Incongruous Monk]

What are the differences? (genuine question....I've no idea)

 

"Director of Football" implies a different, lower level, of respoinsibility. When I head DoF I think, ex-player or manager, good knowledge of the technical and tactical aspects of the game. Involved in selecting, scouting, recommending players etc. A footballing role, just above the manager.

 

"Sporting Director" is a board role just beneath the Chairman/CEO. Responsible for rubber stamping transfers and negotiating contracts but not directly choosing players. Ensuring budgets are properly spent and the football aspect of the business is run smoothly. Leaving the real footballing detail to the manager.

 

Make any sense?

[trousers]

Peter kenyon's available...

[krissyboy31]

Peter kenyon's available...

 

Mmmm!!! Starts's the season plotting a course to win the Champions League and ends it going all out for the Johnston Paints Trophy!

[hughieslastminutegoal]

Can someone help me out here?

 

Paraphrasing Nicola Cortese quotes over recent weeks, he's states the importance of the 'Director of Football" role and yet, at the same time, he says he is in no hurry to appoint someone in this role..."maybe as late as next summer..."

 

Can someone please help me with this apparent dichotemy of logic?

 

I suspect the most likely 'explanation' people will come up with is that the 'right man' isn't available at the moment. I don't buy that though. That would be saying that 'the man' is more important than 'the role' which, in business, can never be the case, surely? What if 'the right man' never became available? You forego an "important" role indefinately?

 

Either the role is very important or it isn't. So fill it now with the best man available (IMHO). No?

 

No doubt i'm missing something very simple here?

 

By the way, can someone take a photo of Coppell in the director's box on Saturday? (assuming he's there of course...)

 

More likely that he does't want one until he's seen how we are going, firmed up on the role and differentiated between the responsibilities of manager and DofF ... and maybe by then NC will be taking less of a role himself.

[trousers]

"I am certain I have at least one major challenge left in me," Kenyon told the club's official website.

 

"Major challenge"? Look no further than SFC Mr Kenyon....!

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/8259112.stm

[Gordon Mockles]

NC has made it very clear that he wants somebody close to him to do the directing, whilst AP will carry on doing the managing. With the right person in post who understands the distinctions and without any urge to rush out on the training ground this is a very possible job to do.

 

In an ideal world the director would have been in place first, with the responsibility to find a suitable manager to fit the club's sporting strategy. Circumstances made this impossible.

 

There could be many reasons why the appointment is important, but not urgent. None of those needs to be sinister in any way. And with recent evidence to judge from, we won't have a clue who it will be until NC decides to announce it. Let's not get ourselves up in a frenzy.

 

Absolutely. People on this forum seem to be heavily influenced by this country's sensationalist tabloid agenda...ODD!!

 

From reading between the lines (and from Cortese's statements and interview), Cortese simply wants someone to bridge the gap from the training ground/pitch-side (matches/training/coaching/managing the squad and such - i.e. Pardew and coaches) to the boardroom and administration side (i.e. Cortese/execs/DOF ultimately all reporting to Liebherr although the reigns and power seem firmly to have been entrusted to Nicola Cortese). Simple as that. No surreptitious agenda.

 

That seems a logical and common sense ethos. I am confident Cortese has some sound knowledge and competency from his initial endeavours in sporting business (hence his appointment by Markus and reports about his background). However, The Swiss know little about British Football and they certainly don't come across as arrogant (unlike his predecessor). They're on a steep learning curve. I would assume they know better than to interfere with the football side of things, leaving that to Pardew. However, in big business (such as football), money stakes are high and I would certainly not entrust my personal fortunes to sports personnel with an objective to win. Instead, you marry up the two. You employ a manager to concentrate on the coaching and identify targets (transfers) he may need. You employ an intelligent and competent person with in depth knowledge of the game to act as in between (DOF) - to liase with agents, help acquire targets recommended by the manager (if authorised to do so by Cortese), work with the football structure, possibly manage budgets and implement plans in conjunction with the Chief executive/board and pass on relevant information in either direction. Essentially, acting as a go between and inter-linking (I avoided the word "seamlessly" for obvious reasons! LOL) the playing field to the boardroom...combined with good people skills and a diplomatic/level headed nature.

[trousers]

Absolutely. People on this forum seem to be heavily influenced by this country's sensationalist tabloid agenda...ODD!!

 

From reading between the lines (and from Cortese's statements and interview), Cortese simply wants someone to bridge the gap from the training ground/pitch-side (matches/training/coaching/managing the squad and such - i.e. Pardew and coaches) to the boardroom and administration side (i.e. Cortese/execs/DOF ultimately all reporting to Liebherr although the reigns and power seem firmly to have been entrusted to Nicola Cortese). Simple as that. No surreptitious agenda.

 

That seems a logical and common sense ethos. I am confident Cortese has some sound knowledge and competency from his initial endeavours in sporting business (hence his appointment by Markus and reports about his background). However, The Swiss know little about British Football and they certainly don't come across as arrogant (unlike his predecessor). They're on a steep learning curve. I would assume they know better than to interfere with the football side of things, leaving that to Pardew. However, in big business (such as football), money stakes are high and I would certainly not entrust my personal fortunes to sports personnel with an objective to win. Instead, you marry up the two. You employ a manager to concentrate on the coaching and identify targets (transfers) he may need. You employ an intelligent and competent person with in depth knowledge of the game to act as in between (DOF) - to liase with agents, help acquire targets recommended by the manager (if authorised to do so by Cortese), work with the football structure, possibly manage budgets and implement plans in conjunction with the Chief executive/board and pass on relevant information in either direction. Essentially, acting as a go between and inter-linking (I avoided the word "seamlessly" for obvious reasons! LOL) the playing field to the boardroom...combined with good people skills and a diplomatic/level headed nature.

 

Kenyon it is then?

[torsaint]

Sporting Director, Director of Football, Technical Wizard. Step forward Sir Clive Woodward, only man brilliant enough to fulfil all the criteria. Could probably handle the catering and accounts too in a quiet moment.

[Clifford Nelson]

Absolutely. People on this forum seem to be heavily influenced by this country's sensationalist tabloid agenda...ODD!!

 

From reading between the lines (and from Cortese's statements and interview), Cortese simply wants someone to bridge the gap from the training ground/pitch-side (matches/training/coaching/managing the squad and such - i.e. Pardew and coaches) to the boardroom and administration side (i.e. Cortese/execs/DOF ultimately all reporting to Liebherr although the reigns and power seem firmly to have been entrusted to Nicola Cortese). Simple as that. No surreptitious agenda.

 

That seems a logical and common sense ethos. I am confident Cortese has some sound knowledge and competency from his initial endeavours in sporting business (hence his appointment by Markus and reports about his background). However, The Swiss know little about British Football and they certainly don't come across as arrogant (unlike his predecessor). They're on a steep learning curve. I would assume they know better than to interfere with the football side of things, leaving that to Pardew. However, in big business (such as football), money stakes are high and I would certainly not entrust my personal fortunes to sports personnel with an objective to win. Instead, you marry up the two. You employ a manager to concentrate on the coaching and identify targets (transfers) he may need. You employ an intelligent and competent person with in depth knowledge of the game to act as in between (DOF) - to liase with agents, help acquire targets recommended by the manager (if authorised to do so by Cortese), work with the football structure, possibly manage budgets and implement plans in conjunction with the Chief executive/board and pass on relevant information in either direction. Essentially, acting as a go between and inter-linking (I avoided the word "seamlessly" for obvious reasons! LOL) the playing field to the boardroom...combined with good people skills and a diplomatic/level headed nature.

 

Couldn't agree more and I struggle to understand what the objections are providing whoever is appointed is neither an interfering busibody or a patronising prat, neither of which would treat a manager with the respect required. Somebody who knows how to 'direct' in other words.

 

I wonder over the reasons why people can't seem to accept that the manager is not supposed to be a dictator.

[Saint 76er]

"Director of Football" implies a different, lower level, of respoinsibility. When I head DoF I think, ex-player or manager, good knowledge of the technical and tactical aspects of the game. Involved in selecting, scouting, recommending players etc. A footballing role, just above the manager.

 

"Sporting Director" is a board role just beneath the Chairman/CEO. Responsible for rubber stamping transfers and negotiating contracts but not directly choosing players. Ensuring budgets are properly spent and the football aspect of the business is run smoothly. Leaving the real footballing detail to the manager.

 

Make any sense?

 

Spot on comments Monk and not at all incongruous.

 

In fact Cortese has previously stated that SD will be a board appointment, effectively the director in charge of all football matters. He (or she) will assist Cortese as well as report to the board on football related issues, which presumably would encompass the operations of under age sides through to the first team and related areas such as training ground requirements and pitch preparation as well as scouting and player contracts etc.

 

Clearly this is to be an executive role for a bloke in a business suit rather than a training ground role for a bloke in a track suit. Partly it will be aimed at taking pressure off Pardew to let him get on with his primary role, rather than running the entire football operations as he is now and spreading himself a bit thin.

 

No doubt the SD will be responsible for operating within the financial constraints of the agreed budget set by the board, so financial or commercial experience may be a requirement as well as football expertise.

 

In which case it may well take some time to source an appropriate candidate. Hang on though, doesn't Steve Coppell have a university degree or two?

 

Hmmm....

[trousers]

"Director of Football" implies a different, lower level, of respoinsibility. When I head DoF I think, ex-player or manager, good knowledge of the technical and tactical aspects of the game. Involved in selecting, scouting, recommending players etc. A footballing role, just above the manager.

 

"Sporting Director" is a board role just beneath the Chairman/CEO. Responsible for rubber stamping transfers and negotiating contracts but not directly choosing players. Ensuring budgets are properly spent and the football aspect of the business is run smoothly. Leaving the real footballing detail to the manager.

 

Make any sense?

 

Yep, cheers

[david in sweden]

Can someone help me out here?

 

Paraphrasing Nicola Cortese quotes over recent weeks, he's states the importance of the 'Director of Football" role and yet, at the same time, he says he is in no hurry to appoint someone in this role..."maybe as late as next summer..."

Can someone please help me with this apparent dichotemy of logic?

I suspect the most likely 'explanation' people will come up with is that the 'right man' isn't available at the moment. I don't buy that though. That would be saying that 'the man' is more important than 'the role' which, in business, can never be the case, surely? What if 'the right man' never became available? You forego an "important" role indefinately?

Either the role is very important or it isn't. So fill it now with the best man available (IMHO). No?

No doubt i'm missing something very simple here?

By the way, can someone take a photo of Coppell in the director's box on Saturday? (assuming he's there of course...)

 

 

In some ways this is an even more important appintments - even than AP.

A DOF will be a PERMANENT member of the Board and will be there as the " ultimate expert " on football in the football club. Therefore he must be someone totally knowledgible, trustworthy and responsible.

 

Neither Leibmann or Cortese has claimed to be any sort of authority on English football, let alone L1 - they are (thankfully) responsible for the financial and organisational side of the club. They have also said that they are planning long term and theefore AP's job is likely to be safe - even if we don't make a play-off spot. Alternatively, if we are still in the bottom six by end of April they may have to think again, and AP's tenure maybe questioned.

 

The DOF will hold the key to the question : Do we replace the manager and he (DOF) will give AP his P45, and then take over running the team .......until another manager is appointed.

Thus the DOF has to be the RIGHT man for the job. Names like Keegan, Strachan, are therefore on that list.

[up and away]

In some ways this is an even more important appintments - even than AP.

A DOF will be a PERMANENT member of the Board and will be there as the " ultimate expert " on football in the football club. Therefore he must be someone totally knowledgible, trustworthy and responsible.

 

Neither Leibmann or Cortese has claimed to be any sort of authority on English football, let alone L1 - they are (thankfully) responsible for the financial and organisational side of the club. They have also said that they are planning long term and theefore AP's job is likely to be safe - even if we don't make a play-off spot. Alternatively, if we are still in the bottom six by end of April they may have to think again, and AP's tenure maybe questioned.

 

The DOF will hold the key to the question : Do we replace the manager and he (DOF) will give AP his P45, and then take over running the team .......until another manager is appointed.

Thus the DOF has to be the RIGHT man for the job. Names like Keegan, Strachan, are therefore on that list.

 

I think you are correct based upon some of the comments / non comments that never made it into the interview Cortese did with the Echo. My understanding is that Coppell was also approached regarding the sporting directors role.

 

We shall have to wait and see, if we appoint someone in the Karen Brady mode, then I doubt they will have that much influence on the football side, mainly administrative. As Cortese can do / learn most of that himself reasonably quickly, that position is not going to have that great an importance attached to it. So why would there be all the fuss and trouble for basically an adminastrive role, has to be as you describe?

[david in sweden]

I think you are correct based upon some of the comments / non comments that never made it into the interview Cortese did with the Echo. My understanding is that Coppell was also approached regarding the sporting directors role.

 

We shall have to wait and see, if we appoint someone in the Karen Brady mode, then I doubt they will have that much influence on the football side, mainly administrative. As Cortese can do / learn most of that himself reasonably quickly, that position is not going to have that great an importance attached to it. So why would there be all the fuss and trouble for basically an adminastrive role, has to be as you describe?

 

 

If they get it right, the DOF will be the best footballing brain available to the club. Someone who knows football management, players, teams, strategy and the footballing establishment at a high level.

 

Almost everyone I read ...is still laughing themselves silly at the appointment of Sven Göran Eriksson to Notts County, but the man has enormous football experience and will likely be advising their manager on; players, tactics etc, and I don't expect NC to finish in the bottom 4 of L2 either, ....most likely we will be playing against them (and Sol) next season.

 

We have to find our own special person for DOF. Someone who can offer AP more than just the prospect of getting sacked - if he doesn't get results NOW ....(thats why Messers Liebmann and Cortese talk about longer term planning.)

[SFKA South Woodford]

AP has not made the most blistering start to his career we can all admit that but this year is a definate transitional period, he said himself he is aiming for mid-table firstly and foremost, not promotion, if NC had insisted of a playoff push i would have imagined AP's start of season speech to be slightly different and the panic beginning to set in now.

 

Just to make it clear, i'm not suggesting that we should sack Pardew anytime soon, just that he might not have as much time as some think.

 

I remember reading a comment from Pardew pre season, where he said that both his and Cortese's expectations for this season were to achieve a play off place to start with and then cortese was looking for a top two finish. So pretty high expectations, and so far I personally doubt that Mr Cortese has been that much more impressed with the teams performances than the majority of our supporters.

 

I'd say that Pardew still has a few months to turn that around and get us to a point where we are not only the best performing team in the division, but also winning the vast majority of our matches, or I suspect Mr Cortese will take action to match the investment and level of achievement expected in kind.

 

Make no mistake about it either, this division will be even harder to get out of next season, and will require not only a greater level of investment, but also the incentives and managerial appeal to attract those better players which will be needed for promotion. You only have to look at how much Hull struggled to attract quality players to their squad over the summer, to know that money alone is sometimes not enough.

 

We know getting out of the Championship at the top end is going to be very hard to achieve, and will most likely take 3 or more seasons, 1 year to stabilise after promotion, a 2nd to build a team for the promotion push and a 3rd to actually gain promotion, so I doubt hanging around in League 1 will be in Mr Cortese and Mr Liebherrs 5 year plan. Especially when you consider that they actually want it to take less than those 5 years to reach the promised land.

 

We now have a run of games that are definitely winnable, so should be expecting to be at least twelve points better off by the end of October, but hopefully more like sixteen.

 

So, I can see why Mr Cortese is happy to wait to appoint a sporting director.