I must confess I was the first to think that SC had been treated badly. I felt that the players had let him down and that he was saying to the board what we all felt. Having said that since he has left and we have changed our formation, the change in performance and results has been most encouraging . Perhaps after all SL was right to pull the plug?
I was one of his most vocal supporters and was gutted to see him leave. But I've since heard some rather unsavoury rumours about him going back to last Summer, which if true, then I don't understand why he wasn't sacked right there and then.
SC didn't suddenly turn from a good coach to a bad one, but it's hard to argue that things haven't improved since he's been dismissed. I think the switch to a back four has given us the defensive steel that was previously missing, so it could be argued that his tactical inflexibility was his undoing more so than anything else. Obviously, there was the video of his confrontation with a fan (I haven't seen it myself) which I suppose was out of frustration, but didn't exactly help. Maybe if he had been able to get in the right players he could've made his system work at a higher level, though we are seeing signs that the squad is already talented enough and just wasn't set up quite right. I haven't heard much to suggest that there was an issue with the players, though a bit of a question mark over whether there were tensions with the board. I wouldn't be surprised if he was frustrated regarded transfers not coming off, but where the blame (if any) lies is open to speculation (I know plenty on here say the board). Could be a case of it was best for all involved - being sacked isn't much of a blemish on a manager's record nowadays, but a massively successful season last year will be very nice indeed on his CV. I'm confident he'll rock up at another League One side and will more likely than not do a good job - his big challenge is replicating this in the 2nd tier, as it has to be said, his record at this level is patchy at best.
I am breathing deep, am waiting my time but will always support Bristol City FC, all the core players are down to Cotts and I thank him for them and for gaining us promotion as Champions League 1 2014/15.
WE MOST LIKELY WONT unless SC or SL choose to clear the air and put things straight .... they can only be treated as rumours .... nothing else ... we all put thoughts out there, the video the comments on not getting in players etc my 2 main aspersions, with 3 - 5 - 2 coming in a close third .. .. ..
I think round pegs in round holes are the main difference and Fielding and Williams sat on the bench. Nearly forgot, Wagstaff's back.
That he was trying to make money for himself out of transfers last Summer. But this is all just a rumour as I said.
Plenty, but not that recently, or at least none that we know about that have been caught. But previously, Cloughie, George Graham, and of course not forgetting good ol Dodgy 'Arry Redknapp who is probably the king of the bungs....
Dear Harry had a cloud hanging over him for years but was I gather found innocent !!! Still I have to say that one of the truest statements ever made is that every nman has his price. I know I have
I believe that the failure to adapt was a large reason behind the failings. A change of formation and approach has gone a long way.
I think there may have been times, maybe 5 or six during the season 3-5-2 may have worked and got a result .. we didn't have enough players to "rotate" so therefore start differently . I guess we will gradually come round to 4 - 4 (3) - 2 ( 3) or something like 4 - 3 - 1 - 2 / 4 - 1 - 3 - 2 .. do not think less than 4 will be back line but mid field /attack varied ...
It would be nice if Steve could come clean and tell us (the supporters) a) Why money was not made available towards the end of last season for Cotts to build the playing staff, and b) What made SL come to the decision that Cotts had to go (having just landed the club with two trophies and our most successful season for decades) We are after all the club's fan base, and the club exists because of and for the fans, not the other way around
We, the fan base, and our opinions no longer matter to Chairman and owners the way they used to. Lansdown has built, or is still building an empire called Bristol Sport. The football club are now just tenants and have been diluted hugely under this banner. The money from ST's and pay on the days don't even matter that much any more. It's about corporate selling and putting on non sport related events such as concerts that will make Bristol Sport the most money, It's all quite depressing when you think about it in those terms.
