Bob's interview yesterday sounds a bit defensive.
"I was not very happy with the first-half performance."
"Peeters was less impressed by the opening 45 minutes against Welling."
"In the first half I didn’t think we did too well,” said Peeters.
"in the first half I thought it was not good enough."
That's the same thing four times. Sounds as if he is falling over himself to criticise the performance before someone else does.
And what is the crap about "We are certain to sign a new striker by the weekend". Again it sounds like he is trying to fend off criticism from above or from the fans, or both.
A confident manager would admit to the poor performance once, and clearly, maybe even apologise (though hardly necessary for a pre-season warm-up), then move on (to use CP's favourite phrase). And he, or the club, would announce a new signing only once everything was irrevocably signed and sealed.
On another topic, Bob Peeters and his master have repeatedly trumpeted his expertise and interest in developing young players. Indeed we are told that is why he became the chosen one.
Let us hope that is justified. After everything goingly swimmingly under Nathan Jones, we have had a few hiccups since he left. Piggott and Harriott have not progressed, and the u21s lost a few games to mediocre opponents (though mainly I think because the team was messed about with triallists and seniors returning after injury).
I have never thought Euell was up to the job. His appointment looked like a cheap Band-Aid applied to the wound of Nathan Jones' departure by owners who knew they would not be around much longer to witness the outcome.
Now this might be totally unfair, and Euell may be doing a brilliant job, but whether he is or not it is a safe bet Peeters will think he could do a better one. That is only human nature when we think we have some particular expertise. And neither he nor RD have any reason to be loyal to Euell who was appointed because he was CP's mate.
Peeters has his hands full at the moment trying to make bricks wihout straw, but you can bet as soon as he has settled on a first-team formation and pecking order (or given up trying), he and RD will turn to the u21s. Depending on the nature of Euell's contract I am sure he will be moved out or sideways, with control of the u21s more directly under Peeter's purview.
If the first team struggle as I expect them to do, we may even see a new Head Coach appointed and Peeters become u21 coach by the New Year.