Before anyone thinks I'm being negative, a wum or whatever, let me just say I was over the moon when he took on the job. His impact was immediate and within 3 months we were not only safe but in a position to push on for Europe. The messiah had returned!! We then hit the wall and the season came to an end earlier than expected and there were one or two comments about seeing the "same old same" (on the whole I think almost everyone is still 100% behind MON, at least I hope so!). OVer the weekend I was asked what I thought of our manager, said I was chuffed to have him but concerned about the way things fell away at the end of the season. He seems to be seen as more of a motivator than a shrewd tactical technician and it was suggested to me that once he can't motivate the current squad wherever he is at that time that he then moves on (which may well be reason enough for any manager to do so, without new funds), not that I'm suggesting that - it had only been a few months, after all. Here's the point (sorry it took so long!) It was then suggested that its possible that once we'd had a few bad results and knowing we were safe, that instead of trying to reignite the team and push on for that top7 position, that instead he "stepped back" to watch how the squad reacted, to see who tried to rise to the pressure and who didn't, so that come end of season he knew who to keep and who to get rid of. If that were the case, I'd assume from that he's looking to the long term which I'd be over the moon with. I just wondered, how you guys, most of whom get to the game week in week out, would react to that? I can understand the intention behind the management plan, but what if that plan was to see how squad reacted REGARDLESS OF RESULTS, knowing that our league status was already achieved? First post in a while guys so if Im talking bollocks - just say so!!
Bollocks I don't think that is what he did, just for the money at stake alone, but if it was, it's certainly a gamble, or maybe a shrewd move.....just to see who really can, or wants to play.....sneaky but hey ho, if it gave him some insight, fair play.
Don't think that has been his M.O. anywhere else. Just circumstance and fate left us to muddle through the season after losing in the cup. MO'N will know what he needs to kick us on. Just hope he is given the resource to do it. x
We all know he is a one hit wonder and should be sacked now before any more damage is done. Lets get a top manager in, come in Phil Brown, your time is here.
I think the squad did slack off after the cup loss and the 40 points on the board. I dont think Marty did it intentionally though. I do think he used it as an opportunity to see who was performing and committed. Those that weren't will be gone. If I slacked off at work when the job was half done, I wouldn't have a job to go back to! As would 75% of the people on here! (the other 25% have done their time and are reaping the rewards of their labors)
MON is a team builder and motivator in one, not saying he is a superman, but a guy who knows the type of player he likes and that had better be the one who never gives up. I suspect there will be few "star" signings but good honest pros who will be welded into a team of fighters.
