They print what will sell papers with one eye on the libel laws. Been a big shake up since the News of the World went under. Newspapers are dying anyway. I wouldn't be looking for lifetime employment in your profession but no doubt you will be becoming more and more proficient with the internet which is where the future lies.
My observations are City and Burnley both knew a striker was a number one priority for the summer and both managers knew the budget constaints. Bruce splashed out on Clucas and Obudajo instead of securing his number one target first and then found funds short perhaps because he was counting on selling Elmo but no one came for him......a fatal error of judgement. Burnley didn't spend as much and had the money to pay Brentford's price. I blame Bruce rather than the Allams here.
Maybe Bruce thought Akpom would be the enough? It was Jelavic we needed to shift before we could sign Gray and I don't think we got as much for him as were hoping.
I think you have it right, Bruce tried to be too smart with his budget and they would not give him an overdraft. Bloody stupid on his part and bloody stupid on theirs.
Much more important is the hundreds of supporters considering there future support at the KC Stadium if the insane everyone pays the same idea happens. Bruce out at the end of the season even if we go up.
It's only reasonable to have a budget to work with and if ours couldn't stretch to Gray that's fair enough. We only got into that position because of such poor recruitment of strikers at such poor value in previous years.
Nothing wrong with a budget. Bruce knows how to sell Crown Jewels. I think (note: this is me just thinking) he tinkered, misread signs, brought in desperation players, when he should have targeted real goal scoring quality. This board, and elsewhere, were screaming at him the direction he needed to take and he simply didn't take it. The relationship he is supposed to have with the owners, his quality contacts, his Phelan-good factor, it's all top notch, media sexy stuff, but he doesn't know what's wrong with the team he's put together. He's forced to make strange changes, odd ommissions, unforced errors. Even if the owners don't recognise a lack of football direction, then it is a very good chance that there are those, within their inner circle, who do, the same ones who told them Bruce was the answer, and are now advising them in a different way to what they have previously. I think they will not make a Dowie type blunder, but Bruce's future is probably already decided; it's just a pity it's 16 months late.
I think that if we are not promoted, the owners will be praying he will walk of his own accord without compensation, or that someone like Villa really do want him. If he did go, I worry they might promote Phelan as he doesn't impress me. Norwich were well rid and were promoted after he went. Radical idea..... SACK Phelan now and see if there is a positive improvement/reaction that leads to promotion!
Even more radical idea.......how about not sacking anyone or looking for scapegoats and actually get behind the team for the remaining few games ?
If Bruce goes, and we're not promoted, expect to see either Pennock or Phelan in charge. Do not expect to see any other manager even close to Brucies caliber being brought in. Expect to see us slowly slide down the league and if lucky, end up mid championship.
What?? actually go to games!!! Kinell thats a step too far for many on here. Sneer abuse ridicule thats all its become on here. All you have as a fan is loyalty to the team.
This idea that being critical on a messageboard is failing to support the team. We'll it's ridiculous.
It'll never happen Tubs there's too many ****s on here and elsewhere ready to criticize, sneer at, question and generally spout bollocks about the most successful manager this club has ever had. Some of these negative ****ers need a good slap.
That's a silly post for a variety of reasons. Finances and support might well mean we're going to struggle if we don't go up regardless of manager. What exactly is Bruce's caliber? Are we seeing the fruits of it now? And how daft would it be to take Pennock out of the academy?