Well, Scally's letter invites some input from fans and however doubtful we might be about the sincerity of the invitation, it does seem appropriate to respond in a constructive way. So, rather than suggest names let us concentrate on the characteristics fans are looking for. Set out below are a series of choices with an either/or option which people need to score from 1 to 10. If you agree completely with the first choice score 1, if you believe totally in the second choice you score 10 with a sliding scale in between so that almost total agreement with first choice scores 2, if you are equally swayed by the two choices score 5 and so on. At the end of this exercise, assuming there is a decent number of responses, somebody at Priestfield can analyse the scores. It might help decision making. So, here goes and if people think I am missing a few choices they should can suggestions. The point of the exercise is to highlight tradeoffs which need to be made in the manager selection process. a. Size of salary is unimportant if the applicant is a good fit/It would be better to hire cheap and spend on players. b We need a person with plenty of management experience/we should go for an ambitious newcomer to management. c. Someone who played at a high level should be sought/ we just need management ability playing record is irrelevant. d. Coaching badges are really important/management aptitude is all that counts e. Past connections with the club are useful/past connections with Gillingham count for nothing. f. A track record of developing youngsters is important/ youth development is too long term to matter. g. Football league management experience is vital/ non league or overseas management experience is just as good. h. The new manager must champion attacking play/ results are all that will count. i. The new guy needs to be a good communicator with fans/ fans are only interested in results. j. Ability to work with a tight budget is essential/ the new guy must fight to get the money needed. k. The new guy must have credibility with other managers (for loans and transfers)/ Other managers opinions count for nothing. l. The new guy needs to work with the existing backroom staff/ the new guy should choose his own backroom whatever the cost. So, my scores would be; a-6,b-2,c-10,d-8,e-9,f-2,g-3,h-7,j-1,k-3,l-3.
