Fair call, Bath and Tipsy, I quoted the only bit I could remember rather than the whole thing. Even so, I don't suppose any of the board envisaged the end of season game of 'scrabble' that we're currently engaged in.
Bowkett's comments were a little bit silly, but as Bath points out the problem was taking them out of context (by, as usual, the media at first instance). Fans have only themselves to blame if they feel their expectations have been raised by Bowkett's comments. That being said, my view is the quality in the squad means we could finish top ten, all being well. Just a slice of luck in two matches against Cardiff would have put us there or thereabouts. I think Hughton needs to go at the end of the season because the football is dire and I can't really envisage, shy of 14 points or so from now until the end of the season, how he can get fans back onside. However, the posts above are correct - there could be something in the contract that makes it substantially cheaper to sack Hughton if we're in the bottom three. If that's the case, there is a clear business case for keeping him as things are and I'm afraid the fans are ignored in this regard.
We could drop into the last 3 on the last day of the season though! It's a silly logic for that to be the only case where they would let Chris go. You have to take into account other factors as well.
I agree it was a silly thing to say though. A person in his position should know if he says anything along those lines it is likely to be taken out of context and put extra pressure on. Much better to continually play down your chances in the press.
It is possible, and yes that should not be the only reason to sack him. But while you are just outside of the bottom 3 sacking a manager at this time is a big gamble that may well back fire. Have to weigh up the risks and currently the board clearly believe we have a better chance with CH in charge.
Another issue is we have no kind of general agreement about who should replace him. For instance, lots of people want Lennon or Mackay, who I wouldn't be happy with at all. On the other hand, I'd be hopeful (nothing more) about Clarke, but I've seen people feel as strongly against him as I do against Lennon and Mackay. One thing we need after all this is over is for the whole club to pull together again so we could really do with an appointment we could all get behind. Does he exist?
Although he would try to get us to play football, I'm not too sure if he would be able to change things when they mattered most. Just look at his track record at West Ham and Watford. Even Watford fans were getting disenchanted with him towards the end of his time there.
Agree with this. There are several candidates such as the above who will be ok, may well keep us up for a few years but maybe we should be looking better than ok. Tbh it is hard to know who would be good as all we know is what we see on TV and looking at their previous records. It is often disregarded by fans that one of the most important things is what they are like as a person and how they would fit into the current set up, their visions, ambitions and other mental aspects. How many times do you see a manager who is fantastic with one team, then rubbish with everyone after that. Impossible as a fan as we have nothing else to go on, but maybe the best person for us is not the one with an incredible record elsewhere, more how DM thinks they will fit into the club and their vision.
that'll do. for every pochitino there is a di canio or AVB out there. I could quite see us going the foreign route if we stay up and hughton is replaced
And as I have said many a time, your point is the nub of the whole argument, there is noone that stands out that we can all get behind. If we only some could bite their tongues for 8 more games, whatever that might bring and then we have the Summer to review and probably appoint someone new. CH will probably be relieved to be out of CR (if that rumour is true) and I hope above anything that he leaves us in the PL. Either way I will not think any ill of him.
