Personally I'd rather let Neil have his tried and tested assistant with him than someone more experienced but not really up for the challenge. The Olsson thing is a tricky one. Not had a great season but a good player. I think Garrido is a decent replacement so not the end of the world if he leaves but agree, a little disappointing. I'm not overly concerned by either development.
Interesting that McAvoy moved up from youth team coach to become Neil's assistant at Hamilton. It's a bit strange that he hasn't got a Wiki page. What was he like as a player?
Swansea have Neil Taylor at LB and Dutch FB Dwight Tiendalli who can play either LB or RB. May depend on whether Taylor leaves.
Neil didn't have Phelan at Hamilton and they did pretty damn well. Olsson wants a guarantee of Premier League football, that's it. Let's not over-react.
I had a feeling we might sell one of our 'prized' assets this window. Personally I feared Redmond would be off. Olsson is not as big a loss, that's for sure (assuming he leaves). And if it allows us to pocket a bit of cash AND reinvest in the team, then I'm ok with that.
With Olsson in the defence we leak goals so maybe if he goes we can find someone who may do a better job or fit in better?
As 1950s mentioned, Phelan's body language and demeanor was all wrong - look at the highlights when the new boss comes down the tunnel to be introduced to the Carrow Road faithful. Phelan is glowering like a bloke who's been cuckolded in the background. That was never going to last
Surely the manager picks the team both on and off the field. If Phelan was so bloody great then Neil wouldn't be here. Can't say that I'm that fussed that he's gone. To be honest I'd have been more concerned if he'd stayed. Equally won't get upset if Olsson goes, but he might find out the grass ain't always greener.
Completely agree. It's why I liked someone's suggestion (Canario?) that Olsson should be moved forward to left wing and Garrido brought back in. I know a lot of people took a disliking to Garrido because he's not the quickest, but I think he would be more than adequate, even excellent, at this level. And his delivery is, IMO, the best in the squad since Snodders left.
Didn't Paul Scholes say that Phelan didn't do any hands-on coaching? Said he merely oversaw the day to day running of training. I thought it was a weird thing to say as he then said he thought he'd be a great appointment for City as coach - and be a good manager in the future. All a bit odd.
I can fully understand why he is leaving. It's just that the management team is much weaker without his experience, which feels to me much like when Royle left. This seems to be an even bigger gamble now. I just hope it works.
I agree with that, Rob, and wonder why that hasn't been given a chance. It'd be much better defensively as well with Olsson tracking back.
Does it? I think Adams absolutely needed an experienced head to help him but not sure it's the same scenario now. His age is irrelevant. He's been a manager and managers tend to work with backroom staff they're familiar with and know they work well with. I'd argue we're stronger once McAvoy arrives than we were with a half-hearted Phelan.
