If Monk gets the post (and personally I'm not convinced) should we start looking at starting a Swansea back room dynasty? OK it sounds pompous, but looking at many of the most successful teams, especially those with a philosophy behind their long term goals, there seems to be development from within. We have had that to some extent with Curt and possibly forced on us through financial need in other areas - but it has worked for us. As we are outgrowing being a 'family' club should we be developing our next set of back room staff from those who have been with us in heart and soul; Leon, Rangel, Ash, With each being asked to pursue different specialisms?
This sounds like a great idea. I think we forget sometimes that the way our club operates is not standard procedure for many clubs. We've developed a clear ethos and identity over the last 10 years... Our playing style on the pitch, started by Martinez, has more-or-less survived intact despite all the managerial changes. The financial stability of the club is almost unique in the Premier League. We have the smallest ground (and therefore the smallest attendances) in the PL, but we make almost the biggest profit. How can that be?!? We've retained several players for many years, who have continued to improve in each promotion season, and have grown into established and gifted players more than capable of holding their own in the PL. Leon must be the classic example of this - everyone knows how important he is to our team (except Roy DoYouThinkHeSaurus Hodgeson and possible Laudrup). Ash is another example, also Angel, Routledge, Dyer, etc. This is the heartbeat of our team. Our blend of UK and foreign nationals has been remarkable really, except the last few months perhaps. After the sweating of the last few months, we should all take a pause, reflect on the positives, and enjoy what we have. Most clubs in English football, especially Welsh football and maybe even ManU would give their back teeth for what we have down here!
It sounds sensible, certainly. It's going to be an interesting season, this next one. The thing is, if Monk doesn't get the job then it's likely an outsider will want to bring in their own people, unless part of the agreement is to accommodate such an approach.
Continuity is crucial. This is a key challenge in this industry as key people come and go and far too often. If the club doesn't have an identity, a philosophy that is entrenched at all player levels and ages then there is the risk of whipsawing back and fore and spending a lot of money with little to show in the process. I think that is one of the great successes of the club. The more we can do to enforce continuity - as long as it is not at the expense of failing to be forward looking, progressive and innovative as needs be - the better. This may sound like a contradiction, but the "philosophy" needs to evolve to remain competitive and adapt and incorporate new ideas otherwise it will become stale and lose its edge.
Here comes the guy to throw a spanner in the works. Sorry. Yes it's all very cosy and parochial and so typically Welsh (not necessarily in a bad way). But doesn't that approach have to be tempered with the idea that we get people in with a track record, some experience of playing the 'right way' and attracting players? All very well having people who know the Club inside out but that doesn't matter a whole hill of beans if nobody wants to come here or if you're slugging it out in the bottom three come Christmas. I'll run along now...
No need to , by keeping it " jobs for the boys " we could lose sight that to progress or even tread water at this level has to mean that fresh new ideas are needed but without losing the basic principle of who we . Monk in fairness is still a young man who may have his own ideas on how to bring extra value to the club and with an experienced old head who's no longer looking to be No1 could make a decent go of the job.It's now Garry's job to lose as it looks like he's done what was needed to be done .
Duh (on my part) .... and I thought we'd go about it professionally .... but you're right, no guarantee of that whatsoever. The influx of Trundle-types back into the Liberty over the last season or two has been ... well a flood.
One of the great aspects of the Swansea story has been the frequently changing managers, all bringing something new to an overall 'style'. To keep things in house would cause a stifling effect and stop progress. We need a new manager with a similar style and a new backroom staff.
No need to run .. I'd agree with you, we'd still need experienced people to come in but if we look at really successful clubs there will be a smattering of club greats doing all sorts of different jobs (not a Welsh thing or jobs for the Trundle sorry Jobs for the boys.) Only consider ex-players if they can produce the goods - but have the opportunities there for them and make sure they know they are important.
Backroom dynasty? Well it has been a bit of a soap opera this year. Who is Monk, Alexis Colby and Huw, Blake?
