Just reading the last few posts can't help but agree with almost all of it.
For me there is a lack of communication within their club and I think it is undermining a lot of hard effort to change things, and it is always at the time when large re-orgs are at foot that communication has to be good.
I also read that Brendan went home at 9 on transfer day thinking all was good but can't fully buy into that being of huge significance with what unfolded. He has a mobile phone, Ian Ayre has his number, and would guess those two talk a fair bit anyhow being in the same proximity day to day so I am convinced they were in contact but the deal could not be done for Dempsey. I am fairly sure that once BR had a call with IA that said it was a no go, and with AC already gone on loan, that BR will have called the states personally to urge some action, demand some support, which wasn't forthcoming hence the conversation he is having this week with them regarding "operational issues". Remember US are 5 hours behind on east coast so the transfer window closed at tea time over there.
The point about the chairman is a really valid one as well. The chairman in companies were I have worked have always been the glue that keeps it all together. Works with both sides of the organisation, both board members and senior management, and takes on the role of a powerful facilitator, understanding management requirements and getting resource released to help. TW should be based over here at this moment in time, working with the new manager and IA and a host of others to get under the skin of what we are trying to achieve and then using his influence to get the funds required. Him being in the states adds no value and just makes him one of the others we need to convince.
I think there is strong emphasis on financial management but they will have to be careful they don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Yes they want a sustainable club, BR has promised to help deliver that, BR is also putting his own stamp on things which seems to mean changing a lot of what KD did, not a great way to operate and a little immature, but I think BR thought if he showed enough dedication and bought into what FSG wanted they would reciprocate, I think we have a few signs that things can't be taken for granted on that front. Please no one mention that dossier again, I have seen so many consultants walk into businesses where I have worked with all the answers and seldom can you change the nature of human beings quickly.
I think yesterday we saw that in the players performance. Players trying to take on a new system, who have been working hard, and then seeing the man they are taking instruction from being undermined to the tune of £6m for a striker, and whether they were consciously thinking about it or not a little bit of zeal was missing and we looked all over the place.