Cork and Fonte aren't; they're the ones who were looking to re-sign long-term and apparently haven't heard a peep. As for the big-money players, I would imagine that they too would have liked to have some idea what sort of team they'd be staying with. They are, after all, human beings, and human beings tend not to react well to being given the cold shoulder. This was always going to be a pivotal summer, and it appears that we just wandered aimlessly into it with no plan, no communication and not a goddamned care in the world. That's inexcusable, and if Liebherr truly cares about this team as more than a line-item, she needs to move swiftly to install some people who know what the **** they are doing.
We obviously thought Poch might sign a contract. It isn't unusual to wait for a new manager before offering contracts either. I'm not saying it hasn't all gone to hell - but I can't help the feeling that this is only a problem WHILE there is no manager. It wasn't a problem while POCH was really with us and it won't be a problem with a new manager.
Why won't it be a problem with a new manager? Our board will likely still control contract and transfer negotiations, as they have previous. Our board will still be the primary determinant of the team's direction. If they don't sort themselves out we could have Alex Ferguson as manager and we're still going to have problems.
still, the players are used to a manager AND a chairman they respect. clearly Rodgers and Kreuger are going to fall short on the latter part.
Have to remember, most footballers can't wipe their own arses so for them to be professional and organise a meeting with the board to thrash out issues... is akin to brain surgery. Why do something hard like that, when you can just ask your agent to **** stir and get your transfer move underway.
Kelvin, José and Jack have tried to sort things. Fact is Krueger does his "I'm just the hockey guy!" routine and palms them to Reed, who has continually neglected the issue. Which Blackmore corroborates.
Why? Because due to the responsibilities of the board, it's Les Reed's job to sort contracts & player relations? If true, shouldn't you be targeting Les Reed?
Agree. Krueger is being flown in and used as a human meat shield a lot of the time right now. It's Reed's area. He should do these interviews with BBC and Sky. He is our 'Sporting Director' after all. Krueger spoke about not touching the 'football product' during the season and ultimately that's a mistake.
Krueger is the Chairman...he can't keep hiding behind his ignorance of football. He runs the club...he claimed when he came about increasing openness and improving the staff relationships. Okay, so the office staff may be happier without Nicola, but the most important staff, the players, aren't. This should be of concern to him...especially as he was hung out to dry when Lambert was effectively sold without hours of him denying sales would happen before the new manager was in place. He needs to call a player meeting (for those not on holiday) and convince them he is not a complete hopeless case (and good luck with that).
Well, in Les Reed's defence he has been "inundated" with manager applications and player agents this week... Takes a long time to tell Alan Curbishley to piss off & to say a polite no thanks to Jermaine Pennant
It's a shambles and the really, really sad thing that has been missed by the board and equally the players, is the fans. I do have empathy for the players not getting the right feeling and communication from the board, but now they want to up and go. Well thanks. All that badge and shirt pulling while I screamed your name and celebrated your performances; all for nothing. With what I've read and seen, not happy with the board, MP or the players, but guess what... I'll be there next season no matter what, but neither lot really care about that.
