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The Maradona Effect


TijuanaTim
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I played for over three years for a really good Argentine team here in LA and was the only non-Argentinean they had let into they club. It was a privilege, anyway they are a lot like us 'cept even more passionate. They are pretty easy to like and still count on many on them as close friends.

 

Today everyone got together to watch their win over France. The expectations were even higher since 'pre-Diego. All they players are playing out of their skin in honour of their legendary coach. The whole nation's expectations have risen and all concerned are optimising their ability. To the players, fans, coaches etc he is a God.

 

Guess what? We have a 'God' also - Le God. Maradona is no great coach, he is a legend and icon. Would it work to install Matty? Would our club (with one notable exception), our players, our fans and our region elevate due to his inspiration, legend and leadership? Or are we too cynical and it's the wrong time/wrong place?

 

I realise it's an unlikely scenario, but an evocative thought.

 

p.s. All my ex-teammates are aware of Le Tiss, unlike most North American 'soccer' fans...and yes he would have been considered a God in Buenos Aires.

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no if le tiss became manager it would be the worst thing he could ever do and id probably cry for him and me because as soon as he started losing my love for him would be affected lol, also, screw maradona and argentinia in general! hand of god my arse, hope him and their country bow out of the next world cup in the first round

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Tim, you'll get shot down for this, but I can't think of anything else that would galvanise the club and supporters more at the moment.

 

I happen to think he'd be a much better manager than many others believe - almost certainly better than several of our other manager/coaches of recent years.

 

If his first act was a 'call to arms' to get all those who used to watch him but are now staying away to return, he'd probably put an extra 10,000 on the gate. That alone would create the sort of positive atmosphere that has been lacking for much of the last 5 years.

 

If it doesn't work out? Well, we won't be worse off than we are now, will we? If we go down, I can't see why his image at Saints would be tarnished. Brooking is still a legend at Upton Park, even though he was acting manager when they were relegated (admittedly only for about 6 games though).

 

Only problem is, like any other potentially decent candidate, he probably wouldn't be able to work under Lowe.

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I played for over three years for a really good Argentine team here in LA and was the only non-Argentinean they had let into they club. It was a privilege, anyway they are a lot like us 'cept even more passionate. They are pretty easy to like and still count on many on them as close friends.

 

Today everyone got together to watch their win over France. The expectations were even higher since 'pre-Diego. All they players are playing out of their skin in honour of their legendary coach. The whole nation's expectations have risen and all concerned are optimising their ability. To the players, fans, coaches etc he is a God.

 

Guess what? We have a 'God' also - Le God. Maradona is no great coach, he is a legend and icon. Would it work to install Matty? Would our club (with one notable exception), our players, our fans and our region elevate due to his inspiration, legend and leadership? Or are we too cynical and it's the wrong time/wrong place?

 

I realise it's an unlikely scenario, but an evocative thought.

 

p.s. All my ex-teammates are aware of Le Tiss, unlike most North American 'soccer' fans...and yes he would have been considered a God in Buenos Aires.

You are so out of touch its frightening..........

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You live in LA?

 

 

So there I was, walking down the sidewalk in LA, looking at LA people going about their business in LA which is where I live, and its a busy place in LA where I live and I was looking in the shop window of an LA shop in LA where I live and I thought to myself about the next transfer window while I stood in LA looking through this LA shop window in LA. Where I live.

 

So, who do people think we should go for in the transfer window this summer?

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I played for over three years for a really good Argentine team here in LA and was the only non-Argentinean they had let into they club. It was a privilege, anyway they are a lot like us 'cept even more passionate. They are pretty easy to like and still count on many on them as close friends.

 

Today everyone got together to watch their win over France. The expectations were even higher since 'pre-Diego. All they players are playing out of their skin in honour of their legendary coach. The whole nation's expectations have risen and all concerned are optimising their ability. To the players, fans, coaches etc he is a God.

 

Guess what? We have a 'God' also - Le God. Maradona is no great coach, he is a legend and icon. Would it work to install Matty? Would our club (with one notable exception), our players, our fans and our region elevate due to his inspiration, legend and leadership? Or are we too cynical and it's the wrong time/wrong place?

 

I realise it's an unlikely scenario, but an evocative thought.

 

p.s. All my ex-teammates are aware of Le Tiss, unlike most North American 'soccer' fans...and yes he would have been considered a God in Buenos Aires.

 

Of course Le Tiss didn't cheat and then be proud of it, or become addicted to illegal drugs, but otherwise the comparison is spot on ;-)

 

My more serious point is, what reason do we have to suppose Matt would be any good as a manager? The 'messiah effect' would wear off after a few matches unless we were winning, so he would actually have to be able to manage. He has no experience or track record -- less even than Poortlvliet!

 

Talk about a risk! And why on earth would he want to leave his present cosy commentator position to take such a risk with his reputation? Let's face it he never was exactly consumed with ambition -- always chose the easy life.

 

On the whole, leave heroes alone I say. Don't spoil them.

 

K.

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So there I was, walking down the sidewalk in LA, looking at LA people going about their business in LA which is where I live, and its a busy place in LA where I live and I was looking in the shop window of an LA shop in LA where I live and I thought to myself about the next transfer window while I stood in LA looking through this LA shop window in LA. Where I live.

 

So, who do people think we should go for in the transfer window this summer?

 

Some American chaps. I just happen to have a list of some possible candidates..

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Of course Le Tiss didn't cheat and then be proud of it, or become addicted to illegal drugs, but otherwise the comparison is spot on ;-)

 

My more serious point is, what reason do we have to suppose Matt would be any good as a manager? The 'messiah effect' would wear off after a few matches unless we were winning, so he would actually have to be able to manage. He has no experience or track record -- less even than Poortlvliet!

 

Talk about a risk! And why on earth would he want to leave his present cosy commentator position to take such a risk with his reputation? Let's face it he never was exactly consumed with ambition -- always chose the easy life.

 

On the whole, leave heroes alone I say. Don't spoil them.

 

K.

 

He could be fast tracked to the job though, over a few seasons. Perhaps make him first time coach for the strikers and see how it goes.

 

Didn't he come out and say that him and Frannie wanted the job at one point when we were between managers?

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With the greatest of respect, Maradona has the likes of Messi and Mascherano to help his team. You have Simon Gillet and Bradley Wright Phillips

 

And therein lies the exact reason why this wouldnt work.

 

All very nice the players saying how much of an honour it is to play for Maradona, but lets not forget these players are the likes of Zanetti, Burdisso, Samuel, Mascherano, Rodriguez, Gutierrez, Tevez, Aguero and Messi! They could have Alpine Saint managing them and they'd still do well.

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He could surprise everyone. Look at George Graham. He was known as the stroller when he played, for being so laid back.

 

But is the commitment there to succeed, he seems much more comfortable in his current role plus it would be 'idol status' suicide for him to even try - he is and will continue to be in a much better place if he stays well clear of SFC management. Bit of a poison challice at the best of times let alone at the moment

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But is the commitment there to succeed, he seems much more comfortable in his current role plus it would be 'idol status' suicide for him to even try - he is and will continue to be in a much better place if he stays well clear of SFC management. Bit of a poison challice at the best of times let alone at the moment

 

Commitment can be measured in many ways. It could be argued that he was more committed than many players who chose the easy route of surrounding themselves with class players and not running the risk of relegation.

 

I think he would be a very similar manager to Kevin Keegan. Maybe not the best, but worshipped by the fans and playing an attacking style of football.

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It was on Radio Hampshire news this morning (8am) ... MLT said he seriously considering applying for the manager's job when Burley left.

Can't see he would have the necessary coaching certificates, but that's what he said.

AFAIK there are no requirements for particular coaching certificates in the Fotball League, that is or at least was a Premier League only rule. It would only become a problem when Tiss got us promoted :)

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Here's the difference:

 

In Argentina they all love Maradonna and as you say they are all extremely passionate about the national team and the way that Maradonna helped them to success.

 

In England it's all about the club, rather than the country (until we win something and there would be a temporary passion for the country). Arsenal fans boo England players because they play for Chelsea etc - that just about sums it up. Unless the players all grew up passionate about Saints what makes you think they would all want to play for Le Tis just because he is a LOCAL hero?

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Here's the difference:

 

In Argentina they all love Maradonna and as you say they are all extremely passionate about the national team and the way that Maradonna helped them to success.

 

In England it's all about the club, rather than the country (until we win something and there would be a temporary passion for the country). Arsenal fans boo England players because they play for Chelsea etc - that just about sums it up. Unless the players all grew up passionate about Saints what makes you think they would all want to play for Le Tis just because he is a LOCAL hero?

 

 

Maradonna has his detractors in Argentina, some consider him as a pure waster of god given talent and reproach him his "wild years".

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Legends can work at national level where they can pick and choose the best players who will all be playing for their country.

 

They don't work at club level where the pool of players is much smaller and they are in the main just playing for the people who pay their wages rather than for their club. For a 'legend' to work at club level they need to be damned good coaches as well. I'm sure every poster on here would play out of their skin for Matty - problem is we'd be hard pressed between us to put together a team that would survive in the Wessex league.

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Legends can work at national level where they can pick and choose the best players who will all be playing for their country.

 

They don't work at club level where the pool of players is much smaller and they are in the main just playing for the people who pay their wages rather than for their club. For a 'legend' to work at club level they need to be damned good coaches as well. I'm sure every poster on here would play out of their skin for Matty - problem is we'd be hard pressed between us to put together a team that would survive in the Wessex league.

 

Speak for yourself. I played for Brookfield Comprehensive and once tackled Steve Claridge. That alone puts me in with a chance.

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Well - the idea of this thread was to be thought evoking. Was or was not advocating MLT being the gaffer, just wanted to see something different than 'death to the board', gloom - misery and negativity for a moment.

 

So here goes again :- Fantastic responses and thank you to everyone (yes even Kadeem, CB, Greenridge who I understand their distain (yet between them have come with an amazing total of over 10,000 posts and we are still seeking their first value added one).

 

Manji, also can see where you're coming from and my answer is step back and take a look mate, you can't see the fire for flames. 'Out of touch' or incestiously close, is one worse than the other?

 

Otherwise, the point trying to be made is that the Argentine team (though fantastic) has been underwhelming until DM's arrival. Look at his history, check out his credentials...he was a great player, a God to his fans that's it. He has no coaching skills except the motivational energy he drives into his squad by his sheer presence. Maradona has made this team way better, everyone wants to please him, emulate him, over-achieve for him, exceed expectations for him and most of all not disappoint him.

 

Do you think for one second there is one single (especially in our crop of young impressionables) player not aware of the massive shadow cast by our very own 'God'? They know he is not only unique in our team's history, but in modern day football history too. No other club has had player of such unfathomable skill with such admirable loyalty.

 

MLT is a welcome visitor at every club on the planet, which can't be said for the likes of Diego and Glenn with the bridges they've burned.

 

Not saying yae or nae to MLT, however I do believe vehemently that he would be a unifying force and would instigate far improved individual, team and fan morale and on pitch performance.

 

JohnnyFartPants - Brookfield, I also played there when we were still Sarisbury Secondary. We were scapping raggamuffins and got banned for years...part the reason the School is now called Brookfield.

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