This will be a key day. The first day post Rafa (his contract ended the day before). I’d expect a press release from him to thank the fans, staff etc... He did this when he left Liverpool and he’s the type of guy who would certainly put something out once he was able to. If nothing comes out though... now that will be interesting and may hint at him waiting in the wings for the takeover to complete #clutching
I would say based on business and football history, when a Sheikh or oil backed takeover is instigated, they unilaterally seem to like to clean house and bring in their own people, mixed with top talent which makes a strong statement. Status is clearly a motivating factor. While I think Rafa has great respect from statisticians and a cult following at some of the club's he has managed at, I don't think he's necessarily a status symbol manager. I think that is probably unfair because his team's have always been more entertaining than a Mourinho, for example, but he doesn't have the same narcissistic egomania in public perception that drives a canny brand. If, as I pessimistically expect, the takeover doesn't happen, then I think we reflect again on the fact it's not a hugely great or exciting time to support the club, so what Rafa has achieved is genuinely the pinnacle of what can be expected, albeit arguably we might be able to play slightly more attacking football to achieve similar results. Any new manager has to work to that remit, and god help whoever gets it.
Those at the top of the club didn't share his vision. Panned out that Rafa was given little freedom to be (a significant) part of the project. Ashley has stuck to his guns and gambled that the next manager will be brilliant, but also completely subservient to him. If there's no takeover all I can do is cancel sky sports. I already don't buy tickets to games.
I have a friend (cough cough) who cancelled his sky sports recently and just watches it all (Sky, BT etc) for free in good quality HD on one of those IPTV boxes you can get out there. Gets all the 3pm matches too.
That's exactly what I do...it's not free but the quality of service is absolutely bang on and i've never been let down in nearly 3 years. Also get tv boxsets and movies on demand as well as TV catchup for a select number of channels (thankfully sport and movies) for the previous week which is well handy! Basic virgin media package for me (mainy for t'internet)...does the job perfectly for me.
Just got this email from the club. **** right off you thick ****s. The day Rafa goes is no time to start pedalling your ****e to me. I’m buying my top off DH Gate for £12 so the fat man can piss off.
