8 years ago, we were a club with a poor drinking culture, various players were getting in trouble with the law and/or who later admitted to a drink problem. 8 years ago, we needed DISCIPLINE and GJ was indeed the right man for the job and whats more, he moulded and hyper motivated a bunch of ordinary players into a unit that performed way, WAY above their ability - this was to a degree, fueled by our support. The problems began when the momentum started to drop and he got a few decent players in who took exception to being "motivated" into doing what was their job and the outcome was a gradual spiral back to the point where the players revolted against him and at this point, the writing was on the wall. This time is different - we have a "young" group (with a little experience for guidance), some of whom have played their first league fotball this year so we need a mentor, someone respected in the game to teach them the right way forward. I don't think that any of us are particularly happy with our start but I AM prepared to give this group time to evolve as a unit rather than chuck out yet another manager because we ain't top of the league yet...
As I've stated, I'm happy to leave SOD in charge, as I personally don't think relegation makes much difference, but he has to invest in youth, not journymen and poor pointless loan signings. I think League 1 is equally as rubbish as League 2, and the 10,000 attendance will probably remain between 8,500 to 10,000 even if we go down. I just don't think he was, or will ever be the right man for the job or any job anymore. The game is changing so rapidly, there is a reason so many managers are under 45/50.
Unless we get two or three wins soon, we'll be in the bottom four all season. There are too many City fans with their heads much too far inside their rectums who keep telling us that all will soon be right. How long is soon?
It's interesting to see how no matter what there is usually a good 50/50 split of for and against on these boards, and 99% of the time, neither side can change an opinion. You could say some are naturally pessimistic or you could just say they are way ahead of the curve. The other side are either very patient, or in total denial. Each side of the argument is both right and wrong I guess, but again very rarely are opinions and outlooks swayed. Other than one man who will never be replaced, I've yet to see anyone turn around fans opinions of him. That was SAF. SOD is no SAF and is unfortunately fast becoming a football dinosaur in my opinion.