I always knew. Not only was he a player and coach with a insight at all levels of the game he was always a person people went to with problems, a natural leader, captain of the team as a teenager. Not speedy of movement or thought but earnest, passionate about football, and brave, willing to fight a cause and stand up to be counted. I'd call his major talent social glue. Reading what Roberto Di Matteo has been saying about his role as assistant manager I feel that he has taken on the Wilkins role, which was one an assistant doesn't always do well, and for many at all. Many assistants see themselves as management, us and them, and aren't intesrted in linking to the squad, and many boards and owners don't want management to do it. From what I see we have a professional team spirit. One that all the players know they needs and work at building. This isn't a true one however, one built around a close bond between the players. This is because we are fractured into cliques and it shows. A leader is needed for bond the team. The manager has the hard descisions to make and he is not Jose, so he isn't that man. JT is one of the lads but he has clearly picked his close circle and you can see he isn't reaching out to the whole squad anymore, plus he was used to Wilkins doing this and hasn't picked up when Wilkins left. Di Matteo knows what Ray did as he was one. Ray isn't unique. Rix did the same thing. Now it seems Roberto has at last seen the void left by Ray Willkins and is trying to fill it.
I think JT visualises a role in management at SB at the end of his playing career! In the meantime I dont think he'd feel comfortable if someone else started to bed in , in that role! Wilkins had done the business at all levels when he took on the AM role and he was perfect in all respects! I dont think Carlo would have cracked without him! I'm afraid Robbie , great player as he was, does not compare!
JT wants to get back in his box. He may have "loads of notes" from our previous managers but that counts for **** all when you're in the front line. He should earn his chance like everyone else, in fact like he did as a player. Look at all of the great managers who were players compared to all the great players who are managers and see the difference.... I think he'd be good don't get me wrong, the the SB hot seat is not for him to covet.
This might sound farfetched but I assure you it's true..... I met Ray Wilkins last year at my wedding! Yes, my wedding. Basically I live in Blackpool these days and they were staying at the same hotel as we were having our wedding (they were playing Blackburn the following day). We got pics with several players and got guestbook signed and everything!) but when my wife and I went to the front desk to make an enquiry, Ray walked past us to go into another room then came back a few minutes later, tapped me on the shoulder and said " All the best for the future guys, enjoy your day. " I was slightly taken aback but it was really nice! Shame we got rid of him a couple of weeks later Just shows he is genuinely a nice bloke
Legend. I would love to know the real reason they binned him....a row with RA is what I heard about the Champions League...
Apparently SW6, he told Tannenbaum (a director )who happened to visit the changing room after the finish of a game,that he didnt know what he was talking about when he made negative comments , on subs made during the game!
There's no way JT should expect a fast track to management. If he's lucky and does his badge he might be looking at the junior side in 5-10 years.
Most of the great managers have several common traits. Among them are calmness, man management skills, dignity, settled lives. JT appears to have none of these. Why on earth would any footballer think his skills on the field equip him to manage off the field ?? If ,of course, that IS what JT thinks, and we don't know that, it's just a rumour. Personally I think when his playing days are over, CFC will be happy to see the back end of JT, other than as a visitor to our matches. On the field, he has earned the right to be a legend and forever a fans favourite. Off the field, there has been too much strife, grief and controversy, going right back to the Jody Morris days.
I'll go along with that CP! I'm sure in his own mind JT will not percieve the issues that will conspire against him in persuing his ambitions! Maybe his quest will be long and hard.
I can't help loving JT. To be honest I don't care much about his off field antics. Chelsea legend and always will be. I would welcome him back happily.
And Wilkins would have been right as well. More meddling from upstairs from those, that know **** all of the game but feel the need to interfere. Does Gill walk into he dressing room at OT after the match? I very much doubt it.
although i support Spurs i've alway's had a lot of time for Ray Wilkins,he speaks a lot of sense and is a good coach,Chelsea were Mad to get rid of him,and it show's,should have shown that board member the door instead
