I am counting the 38 new players and 1 new manager since the board took over as an investment in new players. It pointless arguing over who they have bought in while in the Championship, although at last count it was 13 players or so requested by Powell. They did not promise a promotonal winning side in year 3 as far as I can recall. This is their 2nd year in the Championship and some want promotion-be realistic. I don't think many on here predicted promotion so why the long face? At least the scoreboard works under this board. And they fixed the broken fence at the back of the West Stand. Sacked non performing staff who took the piss out of this club. They bled us dry and took us down to division 3, is that worthy of keeping your job? Why do we reward failure? Sell the club at a huge loss? Where do you get your figures from? If they cant sell the club now its because they know they can at a later date, this is not e-bay give them some credit. Until someone can provide me with proper evidence that the board are completely bonkers and like losing money, then we must bow to the fact that they can afford to run this club.
The board are under no obligation to tell us diddly. Does Ronald McDonald go up to a 2 star burger flipper and say "Oi Rakeem, you wanna know how we make the special sauce?" This board was rejected by CL the moment it took over and they have stuck it to them ever since. We are better of with this board than the last incompetent incestuous shower and that's a fact.
I don't mean communication with us, I mean communication with the manager. Whatever you may think of CP's abilities as a manager he is an excellent communicator, or can you and V-a-V not see anything good about him? He has not been told why they have refused to enter contract talks with the senior players, and considering that they told us CP was the "Stand-out candidate" for the job they at least owe him a bit of honesty. When Curbs successfully ran the club on a shoe-string he had excellent relationship with his chairman, it wouldn't have been possible otherwise, he has said so himself. That's what I want to see, everyone pulling together. By the way, typical, what's the relevance of CL? Who cares about CL? Not me.
I can see good in anyone but as a manager he is poor. It cant be that bad a relationship with the chairman as he is still in a job or more importantly is still taking his wages without complaint. its almost as good a council job. If he was a fantastic manager there were 6 PL vacancies this season and CP was not considered for any. So one must assume CP is happy enough taking wages and flirting with relegation. So is CP a good communicator? where is the evidence for that? Has he pulled out a Steve Brown? a Lee Bowyer, a (spit) Scrotty Parker, where are these players that AC turned from club players into internationals/legends- who as a player has flourished under Powell? Absolutely nobody has improved under Powell. At least Parky can call on Solly and Jenkinson at Arsenal. I have this theory that CL, which is simply a refuge for five wanabee gola trainer wearing nobodies to assemble every day and outshout each other on all matters cafc and flex their imaginary power and outrageous egos in a bid to be cardigan no 1. they have libelled the current board on many occasions and this behaviour has led to a board/fan breakdown. This is the reason we don't have a relationship with the board, the moment season ticket sales are going up, wages are paid in late, transfers in the offing, it is leaked by these idiots on CL who then will revel in their faeces of their own self importance for another 'scoop'. I don't blame the board for not talking to us, if they think we are all as low as this.
I might be wrong, but I'd argue CP bought Solly to the next level. PP showed reluctance to start him several times. Jordan cousins is another who CP has bought on through. You also have players who were written off at previous clubs - morro, kermo etc who flourished under him. I think it's fair to question aspects of his management this season - especially in recent games. Yet I still think he can turn it around and guide us to safety, which being honest would be another achievement considering he had to slash the wage bill and rely more on the developmental squad.
At any other Club in these circumstances, Powell would have gone by now. I can't accept this faux sentimentality from members of C.A.S.T (Cardigans And Sweaters Together) that just because CP does a lovely tunnel jump a couple of times a season, and turns up at every Bovril gathering in South East England, he should have a job for life. I give you a few examples of some of the comments from the Bovril guzzling, Sports Direct clad goons that I have read since Derby; "I am not ashamed to admit it, I feel man love for SCP" (yes, really) "I long to see his smile again" (oh dear, pass the sick bucket) "Unconditional support for SCP" (what, even in League Two?) This is plain weird. Its like being a dissident member of the Moonies, being forced to stare from in the garden as the Cult worship at the Alter.
Solly for me at least has not shown the early potential, we all saw with parky, he was also as far as I can tell, kept away from some matches by PP a bit like Shelvey in the hope of a mighty sale. Admittedly, injuries have not helped him or CAFC. Kermo is a shadow of the player he can be under Powell. He has not played well at all this season. Injuries not helping. Morro is just to rubbish to even consider as better player. Cousins? Is he a Parker? I don't think so. He might end up as Bowyer but lets reserve judgment on him. He seems to have two average matches and one good one. I just cant see what others see in him. I might be being unkind here but Saturday was a turd of an experience particularly when we clearly had the better team.
Yet another unfair comparison. Curbs was only able to bring on these talented youngsters while John Cartwright was running the Academy. As soon as he left and Mick Browne took over he went SIX YEARS without bringing anyone through. Co-incidence? I think not. It was indeed CP who gave Solly his chance, and Solly has paid tribute to the help CP has given him. Hardly any fans saw Solly's promise before CP gave him his chance, I had several arguments with critics who thought he wasn't good enough. Kermit has been terrible the last few games, needs dropping IMO, but was very good before that, whereas he was a failure at Leicester, and in what respect could he have been a better player than he was the last 2 seasons? I don't think CP handled Pigott well, or maybe the Harriotts, but what's the harm in taking a balanced view? Too boring, maybe?
I can see a Paul Burrell type explosion of grief when he finally get the push, I can see CL really outdoing themselves with a few personal tributes. "I achieved my first orgasm to his picture" - Thank you Mr Bartram. "I wanted him iron my cardigan without his shirt on" Yes thank you Prague.
I was fully in the support Powell and keep him, but recently I've given up that point, I'm not quite with you and Vol in happily giving him a lift from the training ground But now if he goes he goes and I would just hope to god we have a better manager come in and not panic and sack Powell without a replacement lined up.
A good manager brings on average players, we have 9 underperformers even on the most liberal of views. You would have thought on the balance of probabilities someone Powell got in would have gone onto be bought by Wigan. I can't recall selling anyone under the Powell regime. Its like this, the reason that so many players have not had their contracts extended is a) Not good enough b) Can't read or write c) Would be better at other types of employment like 'pizza delivery'
I love the cock fights (pun intended) on CL as to who the Most Important Fan Is. People will think I am joking about what I witnessed in the players car park, pre Derby, but I am not. I nearly choked on my delicious spam fritter, such was the unctuous serfidity on display. It was like watching a Sports Direct clad version of Uriah Heep running towards any one of our bovine, florid and flatulent ex Directors as they emerged smirking from their Jaguars, oblivious to the fact that their chronic maladministration and incompetence pre Jiminez has once again brought CAFC to its knees. And the Uriah's were actually asking them for their autographs. I hope they counted their fingers when they were handed their pens back
Do you think it's co-incidence that Curbs brought on several talented youngsters while Cartwright was running the Academy, and none while Mick Browne did? I'd be interested to read your analysis.
@ FHB Have you seen Powell's public appearances in recent weeks ? We all recognise the character he has become from our own work experiences...every office has the habitual hang dog with the defeated look in his eyes, that is CP now. If we find it demotivating, imagine how the players feel. Even the puppy in the Andrex advert had to be put down eventually.
I said a while ago that if CP doesn't feel he can succeed under his work conditions he should make a decision to let someone try who believes they can succeed. I'm also concerned that players have lost faith in his tactics, and if this is the case it can only end one way. However, the situation behind the scenes seems quite murky, only generalising because that's what we have to do, but My guess is that CP's job is a very difficult one, certainly harder than any job I ever had, and the least he deserves is our respect.
OH DEAR how the mighty have fallen. Want to compare crowd sizes now? Want to talk about Groupon Vouchers, want to talk about relegation? want to talk about your impending financial trouble(rumours are getting stronger by the week.TV's for sale?) Looks like your "we'll never play you again " chant years ago was actually correct.
It's funny - two clubs who've recently come close to actually going out of business and wanting the sympathy of the football world are the same two clubs who are then quick to point out others financial misfortunes. Southampton and palace. Both of whom stitched up several companies on their way
