The signing of a Costa Rican International wonderkid and possibly a PSG starlet and the manager leaving only intensifies the argument that The Manager is seen as a cog in the wheel, and no more.
The whole set up is based around the manager being interchangeable and will only appoint those with a certain philosophy, we can’t afford to let him go then dick about for 3 weeks waiting for a replacement again we have real momentum now this is the time to kick on and I don’t see anyone better than Neil to do it, will be absolutely gutted if he goes, worse than big Sam
They’re saying he’s one of several that Stoke want to speak to. If he doesn’t get the job then is there a way back for him here having clearly had his head turned pretty easily?
If he’s asked for permission to talk I’d already be looking for a new manager whether he stays or not.
We don’t know that he has had his head turned. Let’s be cool and not get things twisted till the whole story develops. He does not need our permission on a rolling contract, he hasn’t asked for ****.
That was my thought exactly. Then the pessimist in me argued that if we’re not in a position to retain Alex Neil then are we in a position to attract someone of real quality?
There's a strong possibility that a manager that fits the system is available and maybe the board are not too concerned that he goes.
I’m not sure he asks for permission? I think Stoke have to ask Sunderland for permission, otherwise that’d be tapping up? So all it says it that we’ve given them permission, don’t think it says he’s asked for permission or has even spoken to them
If there is anything in this and AN does leave us for Stoke.....****ing Stoke.....then someone is going to have to provide a ****ing good reason why,the truth and nothing but,otherwise,after all we've been through in the last 5 years, I'm going to have great difficulty in coming to terms with it. The run we've been on since Feb,the way we are playing now and the promise we show,it's going to be heartbreaking!
Yes but if he agrees to talk to them it’s the same thing. If that’s what he wants find someone else that wants to stay here. We’re a huge organisation with at least 50k supporters, 1 man doesn’t hold us to ransom. I want him to stay he’s doing a great job but if he has any thoughts of another job then cheers and farewell.
Maybe he has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to clubs. Maybe his young family are settled in Cheshire and maybe he sees the Stoke job as having more longevity for him based on the reasons above. He’s 41, his kids will be young enough for this to make a difference
