That old school model isnt used much these days tbh A director of football is key now, managers dont last long because fans want instant success so you need some continuity at the club n that normally comes from the DoF or Techncial director Times are changing in football n we as a club need to move with them (dont saying those changes arw always good mind)
I agree. Weve missed opportunities behind the scences with experienced players where believed would have helped us...im just frustrated because were a big club..and in some respects not acting like it.
Agreed and I have. Stating as fact he's a yes man when nobody knows him feels a stretch though. might just be a language thing as I get (and agree) he seems to fit what Speakman wants.
Any good examples of lads who have come through that academy in the last decade? That might cheer people up somewhat.
Just had a bit of a dive into Le Bris, he was the only one mentioned over the last few days I didn't bother looking at. His record doesn't read great, had a good first season finishing 10th, which is good for a club like Lorient, but was relegated this season with the worst defence in the league. I was more impressed with Digard who is 10 years younger also.
We always support our managers unless its completely obvious he's a shambles. Very patient fanbase in the circs
I don't like Speakman and I don't like the Le Bris appointment. I am comfortable saying that. But the model must remain. Tweaks yes, but the fundamental idea of developing and selling players has to be at the core of every appointment and decision we make. We are trying to compete with clubs who are receiving parachute payments. We need money coming into the club so we can improve the squad. Yes losing a Clarke will be a blow, but if he goes for £20m and we bring in 4 players between the £3-5m bracket we will be a better side in the long run. The DoF/head coach structure works. The youth model works. Just needs better implementation.
Thats his decision he decided to resign….this is not sorely a speakman decision KLD has had a big input in the decision he wont be a yes man he wasnt a LFC. the reaction of this appointment will be based on dodds and proc (i think their is an assistant coming)
A competent d.o.f - we have an over promoted former assistant academy director running things. It's a shambles and it's taken 4 months to replace a woeful appointment with an inexperienced coach from another league who's just been relegated. Sorry for not wanting to celebrate and renew.
I get all of that and agree..i dont think Le Bris will get a say in recruitment..and thats what i mean about being a yes man...youll just to your job...i want a coach to a strong input on areas of the club...style of play, recruitment and youuth level etc
there is a lot worse than Le Bris…we all know he was not first choice but this could explain the delay in some way
Why would it be? He’s right. Look at Moyes for example. He should’ve been chased mid season but there was patience. There’s been others too.
The DoF/Head Coach system is definitely acting like a big club. The player recruitment policy, overall, not just the last couple of windows, is sensible for a club in the position we are in.
on the face of it, it’s not a good look. however, if you read more about him then it makes sense with his academy background etc. I hope the bloke absolutely smashes it but he needs to be backed and backed well by the board. We can’t go another season relying on unproven kids in key positions. Pleased this saga is coming to an end.
I don't hate the model. But I feel like we've abandoned the model we set ourselves. We've gone to extremes. It worked in L1 because we had a good blend. We also signed people like Patrick Roberts and Stewart, looking for value, and not just youth. The kids we did bring in then were basically ready to drop straight in at this level, like Cirkin for example. They weren't as raw and untested. Last summer we signed far too many who had barely kicked a ball in earnest with nothing to balance that. There was too much reliance on kids to isntantly be game changers and step up. We also seem to be switching playing styles continually, there is no continuity in the appointments from what I can see, no long term style or way of playing. Long term plan to invest in youth, finding and unleashing potential in academy rejects from Prem etc., looking for hidden gems, great. Sell them when they come good. Reinvest, progress gradually. All good. But we seem to be chopping as much as we have previously and not signing anyone who is of the required quality for the short to medium term... which just undermines the long term development too. I want it to work, but Speakman is doing a lot to undermine himself at the moment.
Beale was given crap 20/30 minutes into his first game. Loads of fans up next to me on people's backs for simple mistakes.
Well. I’m not renewing my season ticket. nothing to do with any potential or apparent appointment (or lack of), just my solo show is taking me further afield on a weekend and getting to the games will be much more difficult in. 2025
