With respect mate, I know which board I'm on, but you lot do that every year, without the bed sheets part. In love with Di Canio/Poyet/Advocaat then it all turns to ****.
Not sure it has anything to do with our previous appointments, Rafa has more major honours to his name that about 14 of the Premier League managers combined.
Yeah probably over exaggerated and chose my words wrong a little there, many were 'unsure', such as Bri on numerous occasions, Comm almost every day... there were others too.
Aye fair, absolutely Rafa is above Championship level, but he joined Newcastle United, in the Premier League. In reality he probably needs to rebuild his reputation a wee bit and what better opportunity? Look at Conte, universally lauded. Started with Juve in Serie B. A club on a rocky road that was far, far bigger than its standing. Circumstances I knew dictated that, but people shouldn't, and don't underestimate that the manager had to be spot on for it to happen. Rafa needs to show he can build a side to suit, adapt to his surroundings and platform. He did this at Valencia, he's got a chance to do it again.
****ing hell mate, I'm trying to help you out here, bollocks to you then you're on your own, daft Geordie plum. Rafa's just a fat chorizo eating turd with a goatee.
I don't dispute, and haven't, that he's top of their realistic level, and a huge step forward. It's this 'far too good for us', it's nonsense mate.
I've no doubt Rafa is easily the 'best' manager that will be in the Chumpionship, next season. Does that necessarily mean he is the best man to manage in the Chumpionship, though? Genuine question.
I didn't want him. I strongly didn't want him. Football IS a fickle business, and that's part of its wonder, the ever changing scenarios.
Fair assessment. I definitely think Rafa has seen a chance to boost his reputation by taking us to a new level, I'm just happy he's chosen us. There are numerous "sleeping giants" in the English football leagues, yourselves included. To be fair, we already have a big global presence so if we ever could get back in to top 7/8 contention then we'd be well set. It's exciting for the future as I don't think Rafa would have come without assurances from Ashley that he would have all the support he needs to do that.
Personally, if I was a fan of any club in the Championship, I'd prefer him to any of the others down there (and many of the others in the PL). It's a complete myth, that you need to be of a certain mentality to manage in a lower league, the standard is poorer ultimately. You need a bigger squad because of the additional games and you definitely need some experienced players to keep their cool at the business end of the season. Warnock knows that league like the back of his hand but there's no way Newcastle's players for example, could take a clown like him seriously.
Even though it was valid, you've had a string of **** managers that's why you wanna keep Benitez. If you'd had Fergie, Jose, Pep, Wenger etc you'd be less bothered about goatee boy. Fact is you've been served **** by **** and you've got a much better waiter now. Nothing at all to do with what other clubs/manager have won.
What's important is the same as us, we've both had the same failings. Buying players we simply do not need and neglecting problem areas. Sam has come in and fixed this, or started to fr us, I've no doubt Rafa will fill in some holes also your end. You have to be realistic with the Championship, it can be brutal and you need not just ability, you need savvy, you need heart and you need to be tough. In reality, you probably need to cut some of the heartless players and replace them with some that aren't as talented, but will smash through walls for a club of that size. It's never pretty fighting back. Keane for us, Kavanagh, Connolly, Edwards. Fixed holes with heart, they all wanted to come and they flipped the club immediately. They were hardly stadium fillers. Well, Carlos had his magic. Rafa needs to balance between keeping some talent and lowering his sights to suit his situation, if he does that, your laughing.
Well said. It's the same with this "get a manager who is used to relegation battles" nonsense. If they're so used to relegation battles, surely that means they're pretty ****e?
Would you boot him today for (what you would consider) a better option? De Boer from Ajax, off the top of my head.
We have, yeah. But to say we are pleased with Rafa because he's better than what we've had is wrong IMO. He's better than half of the premier league put together based on major honours, why wouldn't we be happy?
No, I think he's a perfect fit for the next 2 years, then we look from there. Stability is what we desperately need and Sam can bring that, he gets the club, he knows what's needed. I'd keep him for anyone for now.
Totally agree. Our success in our last Championship season was built on the backs of Barton, Nolan, Carroll etc. We went down this year because we brought in Doumbia to support Mitrovic and never played him, and failed to bring in a defender in January. We need to buy a couple of ****house defenders and a ****house centre midfield thug and we should do okay next season. Mitrovic and Armstrong should tear that league apart.
Your logic is ****ed. McClaren has won more major honours than half the managers in the Premier League for **** sake, that's not the reason, get your head out of your anal canal.
