Just watched the Martin Allen interview on Gills player and 4 things occured to me. Sadly, 3 negative and only 1 positive. Negatives- 1) Personality- he seems very stubborn and unlikeable. The kind of person I would dislike in person with a very negative personality and seems to be down about everything. 2) Lack of care- now I know no manager will really care about the club as much as the fans and I know thats part of life. However, in the interview he seemed to care more about having a job rather than it being at a big club (for this division) seems to be just as disapointed with his own appointment as some gillingham fans! 3) Just another club- his main arguement was 'I want a promotion', not really a bad thing but it was said in a way that showed he wanted a promotion, so he could go and get another job. Not to stay here and help us up the leagues. I know some people will say he's being "honest" and "realistic" but I call it negative. Surely when you come in as a bit of a groan-worthy appointment, its the time to be positive and upbeat rather than give a realistic Eeyore impersination! Positives- 1) Despite all those negatives I get the feeling that we will get promotion and if you offered me one season of Allen, in which he gets us out of League 2 before he takes another job, I would bite your hand off!
Luke, it is very rare but I think I strongly disagree with everything you have said there. Personality wise I like that Allen clearly knows his own mind and doesn't suffer fools gladly. I can see how you could have taken his tone as downbeat but the interview was very poor, asking pretty inane comments about systems and players when Allen hasn't had a chance to take a detailed look at the squad. I also like the way he didn't partonise the fans with all the "this is the greastest team I have evered managed" crap that get touted out time when a new manager comes in. I also liked the way he dismissed the stress comment, having recently been unemployed I can relate with the relief of getting back into work. To do something you love as your job is one of the greatest priviledges in life and I am glad he recognises what a lucky position he is in.
This is his interview with KentOnLine http://www.kentnews.co.uk/sport/martin_allen_gunning_for_promotion_with_gillingham_1_1434576
BSG, I'll hold my hands up and say you've made some very good, well argued points. I do feel that after a very drawn out process in appointing Allen, he should be delighted to get the job beacuse, lets face it, he obviously wasn't first choice. Oh well, maybe my glass is half empty (I actually drank the other half after seeing Allen appointed, neat whiskey if anyone was interested) but none the less I take your points on board and look forward to the new season Good grief, aren't we civilised!?
I liked the interview and I am impressed. I don't want any promises, I just want us to work within our ability, which by the time Martin has kicked some butt, will be mean us challenging for the autos.
Isn't nice when we all get along I understand your angle too Luke and agree that Allen didn't seem overjoyed with the appointment, but I feel that could just be his character. I don't think we will be getting the up and down in managerial mood swings like we got with Hess, which may be seen as a lack of passion but I think a level head and some detachment is good for a mananger
Just read the Kentonline article. Seems like we will be getting some youngsters going by the 2nd paragraph
Just read this by Jack Gracie (Gills fan)...http://theshoutingmen.wordpress.com/2012/07/06/hessenthaler-turned-down-assistant-manager-role/? I just replied to him saying that Hessy took that offer different to how I would have. I would have been looking at Mad Dog hoping (and expecting) to see his tongue firmly placed in cheek. As I said before, I can see this being one eventful season and looking forward to the entertainment on and off the pitch.
Sport Scientist ! wtf !! Chairman, Director of Football, Manager & Assistant Manager, Physio, Goalkeeping coach. Well it seems that we can't go wrong - so many people to tell the players how to kick the ball. Why do we need a Sport Scientist ? Surely the job of motivating the players should be that of the Manager & his assistant. More waste of money ( that we haven't got )
From what I take from it, He isnt there to motivate the players, he is there for fitness and to try and stop the amount of injuries we have been getting. If it means we dont get an injury every other game hes worth the money.
I feel that there is a duplication of roles, especially at a time when we have limited funds for such 'luxuries.' I share your sentiments that any effort to ensure players remain fit is a good thing - but the last two lines of the report clearly state that the Sport Scientist is there to prepare the mentality of the players. I submit that there is a subtle difference to the physical preparation of the team. I also submit that the mental side of things is definitely a job for the manager - they don't call him 'mad dog' for nothing.
True it does seem quite strange i agree that the mental preparation should be the managers job. On the o/s it states its more of a physical job. http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/ManagersComments/0,,10416~2833924,00.html
I know what it says in the O/S. The article in brb's link is from Kent News. At the end of it Kent News quotes from an interview with BBC Radio Kent. --- are different things being said to different people. There is more than a hint of the ' old boys brigade ' going on. Is there a gravy train that is being jumped upon ? With all the 'chiefs' that we've got, I'd be surprised it we haven't got somebody in charge of diet ( for strength & conditioning.) I have nothing but the best interest of the Club at heart - but I think the Sport Scientist job is part of the managers' role.
i know what your saying always????, i agree that we haven't got money to waste, especially when last season we couldn't afford an assistant coach(not southall either) or permanent keeper coach. lets face it though, if it works and results are the benchmark with every man and his mad dog involved...so be it ! two things: does anyone know if darren hare is still involved at gillingham or not, seeing as mark patterson is development coach ? and let me get this correct...the youth team physio has now stepped up to first team physio and we have got rid of steve allen ???
The sport scientist roll was mentioned in the Gillsplayer interview like GPS said I think it is an overall fitness and training technique roles as opposed to being a mental thing. Allen mentioned that not one player played the 30+ games last season which is pretty awful, if this role has the desired affect it could be like having an additional 3 or 4 players at critical periods during the season... well worth the money in my opinion
g4e - can't help regarding who isn't claiming wages from GFC. With all the 'hangers on' - it's no wonder that ( despite being No.29 in the queue for tickets for our 'last' play-off final ) I couldn't get anywhere near the best seats at Wembley. Can you see why I want us to aim for the top 3 - remove any doubt, and we can spend all summer talking about the appointment of the next manager. ( shall I tell you who it will be )
I recall reading somewhere the both Hare and Patterson have retained their roles... can't recall where though. I may have dreamt it but normally my dreams involve a greater amount of nudity...
Wonder why we have got rid of the first team physio only to give his job to the Youth physio, that does make me wonder but then he obviously believes that he is good enough, I have heard about Julian Dicks wanting to join Mad Dog as a coach which I believe would be brilliant, I think he would work well with Martin and also he has experience as a manager so he would be a good coach.
After Hoadie's revelations, I'd like to say that Am I the only one not being employed by Gillingham Football Club edit - sorry I didn't mean to say 'employed' - I meant taking a salary.
This is where you were reading about the staff, around the middle of the page he talks about the coaches I have to say I am so happy that Mark Patterson is staying as he is brilliant. Hope Darren Hare is staying as he is brilliant aswell. http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/sport/2012/july/5/allen_on_job.aspx It is good to hear that he wants a goalkeeper coach as this is something which is very important to have, I believe that if Julian Dicks is to join he will be First team coach. I also see that he has appointed a Gillingham fan called James Russell, don't have a clue who he is firstly, how does he know him and also is a professional, anyway I am sure he should only be someone extra to help out with the team.
