Like most, I was amazed at this decision last night and since then I have been trying to work out why the Board have done this. I don't buy the 'cheap option' theory, as McNally has insured that the club is in excellent shape financially, so what might be the reasons?
1. Adams is known and probably well liked by the players while other candidates would have been 'unknowns' to them. This could encourage more players to stay and that would be a big plus factor if it happens.
2. Though less experienced, he is actually older than any of the other candidates at 48 (MacKay & Lennon are 42, Zola 47). I think McNally puts a lot of importance on the 'character' of the man, which is why he went for Lambert, who was relatively unproven at the time. Were there doubts about the temperaments of the others over the long term, especially if results don't go well?
3. MacKay's approach (and possibly Lennon's as well) is conservative and this could have continued to aggravate fans who want 'entertaining football' played the 'Norwich way'. I'm convinced that Adams will play attacking football in the Championship (where he won't be playing the top PL teams). I also think that he's a good tactician who will use the squad well. Zola would also play attacking football, but would his approach fit the players we have or are likely to get?
4. Adams had a good record as a player, including a League Championship medal with Everton and this is important in commanding the respect of players. Zola also had an excellent playing record, but his management record shows two sackings (winning only 28.75% with West Ham and 44% with Watford). McNally actually made a point about the fact that MacKay had never played in the Premier League and of course Lennon's whole career has been in Scotland.
These are the positive points I could find, but I am still quite amazed at the decision. I've decided to look at it as an adventure which just might surprise us all! OTBC!
1. Adams is known and probably well liked by the players while other candidates would have been 'unknowns' to them. This could encourage more players to stay and that would be a big plus factor if it happens.
2. Though less experienced, he is actually older than any of the other candidates at 48 (MacKay & Lennon are 42, Zola 47). I think McNally puts a lot of importance on the 'character' of the man, which is why he went for Lambert, who was relatively unproven at the time. Were there doubts about the temperaments of the others over the long term, especially if results don't go well?
3. MacKay's approach (and possibly Lennon's as well) is conservative and this could have continued to aggravate fans who want 'entertaining football' played the 'Norwich way'. I'm convinced that Adams will play attacking football in the Championship (where he won't be playing the top PL teams). I also think that he's a good tactician who will use the squad well. Zola would also play attacking football, but would his approach fit the players we have or are likely to get?
4. Adams had a good record as a player, including a League Championship medal with Everton and this is important in commanding the respect of players. Zola also had an excellent playing record, but his management record shows two sackings (winning only 28.75% with West Ham and 44% with Watford). McNally actually made a point about the fact that MacKay had never played in the Premier League and of course Lennon's whole career has been in Scotland.
These are the positive points I could find, but I am still quite amazed at the decision. I've decided to look at it as an adventure which just might surprise us all! OTBC!
