You would think so wouldn't you? But then, why did you guys not play so well when Bubsy hung around and now the same with Fergie? OR is it just coincidence?
Different era and club I know but Shanks found after retirement it was hard to stay away and the players still called him boss when they saw him, it was similar to when Busby was "upstairs" yet still influencing the players after his retirement, ok its catch 22 but its naive to think post match in the players lounge etc they don't bump into Fergie.
Both you and Gerrez have similar opinions but i think you may be missing the important thing. If an ex-manager hangs around and tries to influence or undermine the present manager it will cause problems, if all he does is watch the games as a supporter (and yes, meet the players maybe after the game) then it should not be a problem because the tactics etc should be the new managers and all he can say to the players is how well/bad they played. I also accept there are different scenarios where he could be telling the players "he should never have gone with two in midfield today, you needed three against them" but then again if he is talking to the manager is he giving him bad advice?
I'm sort of in the middle of what you two are saying. I agree with you that it shouldn't be a problem but also agree with PMK that (for some reason) it is but that is based on previous similar situations. Maybe its not what the ex-manager does or says, maybe its just their aura around the place that puts pressure on the new manager. Maybe that aura lingers around the players and as a result, possibly psychologically, effects the players or somehow becomes a hinderence to the new managers ways and influence. I don't know. What I do know is Fergie still being around is not the crook of the problem.
I dont think Fergie is the issue. Its everything. The difference here is what you would change. Me, the manager. Others would change the players and some the owners. Changing manager carries the least risk imo. In this case it will have a lower negative impact. Infact I think it will have a massively positive impact.
