Whatever your take on the Grabban affair, you'll have to admit that AN has handled it impeccably. First, he puts him on for the last 15 minutes of an away game at Liverpool when he is very likely to have much say in anything that happens. Next, he introduces him in a Cup tie for his first game at CR, and in a role where he isn't likely to do one of his spectacular misses from 2 yards out. According to a few reports I've read from people who were there, the crowd were not particularly hostile to him, so AN has laid the ground for his return in a league match. Then, Grabban is the first guy he takes off, sending a very clear message who is boss, even to someone as up his own arse as Grabban. Well done, AN.
I'm sure most would have liked to see him kicked to the curb but as you say, Alex has done a brilliant job of reintegrating and settling everyone down. It's his steely calmness that makes him such an effective manager, both with that players and for the fans.
Agree that AN has handled it well. According to Chris Goreham, he went off to warm applause so perhaps we can all move on.
I think the applause was more for Wes coming on than Grabban going off. Atleast that's how it felt to me.
Fully agree about AN. I also feel that AN also made it clear to the fans that he, who obviously rates Grabban, is in charge and not the fans who wanted Grabban out. I thought Grabban played quite well as did Lafferty when he came on. Quite clearly there is no room for Hooper so the quicker we move him and his wages on the better.
Good point, 1950. I'd not really thought of it like that, but now you mention it I definitely feel that Neil has told us in no uncertain terms that he doesn't pay attention to fan pressure either. At the moment that's a great thing, when it goes pear-shaped, it's the sort of attitude that fans hate, but I'm confident it's a great attribute for Neil.
I can see your point Rob, but IMO, AN would say that his decisions are made for football reasons - what contributes to the success of the team is paramount. It's part of his single-minded sense of purpose, as was his bringing back Bassong. That doesn't mean he's ignoring fan concerns, just that his priority is the team's success.
Oh I don't disagree with you. It's just raised the point that I'd not really considered but is of course obvious- he's not going to take any **** from fans either. He's the boss.
I really think Alex could go all the way to the top. Wouldn't surprise me if he is a future Man U manager.
He just never seems to find it hard. Every time he's goes up a level he seems to take it in his stride. I know we don't talk about him anymore but people were saying the same thing about the now unemployed Lambert. AN doesn't seem like such a Prima Donna but there will still be challenges that will test him, Lambert would have been given a lot of leeway by the fans and Neil is the same but as a result he needs to capitalise. There will be a hard point this season and it's how he reacts then will be how to judge him.
Yes, but I hope AN has more patience than Lambert, who gave himself away too easily to the first suitor who came calling. AN is ambitious, but I think he's more level-headed and will stick with us for a while. Not out of loyalty, but from a recognition that we give him a perfect platform to make his reputation. The fact he is so young might help, too - no need to rush.
As far as I can tell, the big difference personality wise seems to be the sulky vanity and smugness. Lambert was a bit like Mourinho in that sense and I think we loved him for it. There was a distinct air of arrogance. I don't know why or how relations broke down with the board, but I suspect it was likely to do with his pride and ambitions in part. Neil, I don't get that at all. He's obviously supremely confident and backs himself, and I haven't met him or anything, but I don't get the impression that he's doing it for vanity. I think he's likely a pretty odd guy - very driven, focused, not because he wants everyone to know how good he is but because he's challenging himself. Maybe I'm over analysing it! But I definitely get the impression they're very different personalities, with Lambert more of a Mourinho style and Neil closer to perhaps Wenger. Personality that is, not style of football.
AN also has moved his family down and settled them in Norfolk, not something he would lightly do if he considered us a stepping stone to the top in the quick term. Something drastic will have to happen if he does not get to the top, but I can see him here for at least next season, by which time his star should have risen to the point where it would be almost impossible for us to retain his services. Good luck to him when that time comes, just don't go to Villa Alex.
Oh come on, he stuck his own head into the noose with that earlier comment He knows I'm only joshing anyway
