I agree that Dasini is doing his level-best to rip apart the structure put in place over the last two years, the academy excepted. But it's got nothing to do with Dyche's ability as a manager.
My point is that we were clearly moving from a structure dependent on Premier League money, to a model where the debt would no longer significantly grow. My more detailed analysis of the current strategy can be seen at: http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/58019-Dychie
But the board always said that to break even and be sustainable, we would still have to sell a player or two each season, nothing has changed there - and Malky was always going to leave once he found a 'better' opportunity! We don't know the ins-and-outs of Winter leaving, and can only speculate - maybe he was offered a better position himself! Bas has kept much of the actual structure, promoted from within and did actually reject initial approaches for DG, WB and MM. DG and WB I still think we got top-dollar for, and as soon as Cardiff mentioned MM, his head was turned and he was gone!
But something has clearly changed. No sane person would see Cardiff now as a better prospect than Burnley six months ago, bearing in mind that Dave Jones was sacked despite actually getting them to the playoffs.
Depends on how much the Malaysian guy is prepared to put into the club - and I honestly think Malky or his agent had contact before the approach suggesting Cardiff are 'going places'. There are reports of a £20m kitty, so what manager wouldn't want that to play with? Could Burnley attract Bellamy? I think Burnley will be cutting their cloth like we had to, whereas Cardiff are pushing for promotion! As for Jones - I don't like seeing any person sacked, but sometimes a team can become stale and need a fresh approach. He did a great job in his 6 years but couldn't quite push them over the finishing line, espeically considering the talent they had there last season!
Assuming your first paragraph is right, I still think the decision can only be vindicated if Malky leads Cardiff to the playoffs this season, and automatic promotion next season if they don't win the playoff final. I don't mean to heap pressure on Malky by saying that, but it follows on from what you've said in my opinion. (the "decision" referring both to Cardiff's decision to sack Jones, and Malky's decision to go to Cardiff having rejected Burnley)
Yes I agree and think he will be in for a tough time if he doesn't hit the ground running! They've lost a lot of players so will need to bring a lot in - which is why I am worried he will come in for either Watford players or Watford targets. people he knows or is already aware of!
He may not be investing Millions and millions, but not all owners do, and most that do want a return on that or it back asap. We can not afford to do this and he would recognise that. He is a business man after all. All watford fans with half a brain recognise that we are a selling club and will accept any decent bids for our top players. NNW- has he really changed that much structure wise?? If he has then it would be interesting to see the results. But even you must see some positives the fact that we have replaced Buckley quickly with Forsythe, we appointed Dyche quickly and he will be given money to spend to bring in the targets he has identified.
Sorry to p**s on everyones fire but, 1) Bassini was made bankrupt a couple of years ago and yet can now buy a football club 2) We're still not sure whether he is acting on behalf of anyone 3) He is and continues to be a mystery man 4) He has bizarrely put his mum/nan on the board 5) Two of our best players gone 6) Winters gone 7) Malky gone 8) Saracens staying 9) Knackered pitch staying 10) No word on player investments or loan signings 11) No word on how our finances are doing 12) Finally, our new manager Seano has never managed any club at any level Whilst i agree with One Lars I still remain deeply sceptical of this person who has bought our club, I am also wary of the happy clappers on this board who can't abide anyone putting in anything negative about the club. Like another couple of people on this site I will continue to be sceptical about the new owner until I can see substance and commitment from him! COYH's
I'm bored of all these 'happy-clapper' remarks, it's been explained already but I'll give it another go... This time last season, what was better/worse? (I'll try to follow your order) 1) We were owned by a group of individuals who had no care for our well-being as a club, and we nearly went into administration. It's probably Bassini's last chance to redeem himself, and he has done nothing in particular that should be worried about. WORSE 2) We knew who was behind the scenes, and they were not great. NOT SURE 3) Mystery man? It what sense? NOT SURE 4) The board members are his choice, they've not had enough time to prove themselves. NOT SURE 5) Last season half our squad left. A LOT WORSE 6) Winters wasn't here. SAME 7) Rodgers gone. SAME 8) Saracens were there, but now we get to re-negociate on our terms, so more money for the club. WORSE 9) The pitch was a little less knackered. BETTER 10) We had no idea in June who we were going to sign, most of them came in quite late. WORSE (due to small squad) 11) What do you mean no word on finances? We know as much now as we did in June last year? SAME 12) Malky had never managed at any level. SAME So things are the same if not BETTER now than they were at this time last season. I'm not a happy-clapper, I'm just not going to jump on a gloom-and-doom train without any factual evidence, and so far there is nothing that worrying. I'm actually quite hopeful for next season. COYH
Kev and BHD--Of course Mr B has changed the structure of the club. He has changed us into a private company, so now there are no shareholders able to ask questions, and no full published accounts that reveal the financial status of the club. The club is now owned by a holding company, in which Mr B is the main (only?) shareholder but has his shares held in trust by Panos--why? The football club board is reduced to three, and we appear to have no CEO; Mr B seems to be running the club without wanting to be CEO, or even on the board, or getting paid--why? The financial model the club is now committed to is quite different from the "Winter plan" that saw revenue from player sales used for working capital or re-investment. The first charge on it is now to pay back the bonds on an agreed schedule (sorry to say this again Bradleysdad,--sincere apologies--old record I know, but it seems some have not heard it). I would not accuse Mr B of being "incompetent" because of the sales of DG and Buckley or MM leaving--all inevitable and would have happened anyway. I would say he has been less than sure-footed in his handling of the media, communication with fans, board appointments (the granny) inability to keep Winter on side and initial handling of the Cardiff inquiry. However, he has handled the managerial replacement well, and if he lets Dyche appoint his own no 2 and can announce a couple of new signings/loans, and , crucially, if he keeps GT on-side, then he can begin to win over some sceptics. Why not a "fans forum" or a proper interview with the WO if he really wants to do that? He says he is learning the "Watford Way"-- well that way includes candour/solidarity with the fans and transparency in the running of the club. This is so easy to do if he is confident in his motives and abilities, so why not do it?
I am not saying things are perfect, but they are no where near as bad as they could be and if everyone within the club can be positive why cant we???
What an ace thread bhd , I do believe some folks spirits have lifted a little ! a very good contribution
Roger68 Nice one.......... I am a sceptic but nonetheless a true Hornet supporter (like the other sceptics) and I agree we should get behind the new manager BUT I have to tell you that my right ear is waggling!?!
