Yes. I also thought WBA made a supremely poor move in parting with Pepe Mel. Apparently, that was by mutual consent though. These mutual consent partings have several different ways of being looked at, for example: WBA: You're not good enough. Mel: Yes, you're probably right. WBA: Well, you better clear your desk. Mel: OK. or Mel: If you want me to create a bloody miracle then you're going to have to show some ambition and money. WBA: Don't tell anyone, but we don't have any ambition or money. We're happy to be PL fodder. Mel: That's it, I'm off. WBA: Here's our last bit of cash so that you keep your gob closed, OK..? Mel: OK. and so on...
It's the latter in Mel's case. He said in his last post-match interview that he would need 8 or 9 players to come in to have a chance of competing next season. The board weren't having it, so he went. There's also the fact that the players didn't really like his style of playing, and basically he was the wrong man for the wrong job. Best for all concerned that he left.
Looking back, he was an uneasy fit, but if WBA had had the courage to do things his way I suspect he would have made a difference for the better. Another hi-pressing up the pitch manager, but the WBA players either wouldn't do it, or couldn't do it. I think I'm right in saying Pepe Mel took Poch through his coaching badges..? Someone might confirm that or blow it away.
Sherwood had the best PL record of any Spurs manager and gets the sack. He's given a few players a chance as well and they've done well (Kane). Leads me on to why would Poch want to go to a club like that? Completely alien to his philosophies. Clubs are making early moves this season. I guess there is a small window to get things sorted before the world cup, once that's done its only a month before the league starts again. Certainly can't stand still.
Not sure but you're right about his style. Ben Foster was interviewed yesterday and said they were more used to soaking up pressure and then attacking on the break, which is the opposite of what Mel wanted to do. Just a total clash of styles. Perhaps with more effort or convincing they'd have given it a crack but it wasn't to be. Just indicates they have someone bigger lined up. Most likely de Boer.
And to think when he did his first interview in broken English the media said "at least he's trying to speak the language" in another veiled dig at us.
Did you watch them though? Their tactics at times were poor, their players looked lost. West Ham made them look like a bad bad team. I'm not surprised to see him go, he reminds me very much of Steve Mclaren. He may improve in the future but this was a gap too far for him in my opinion. Also, they grabbed 6 points from us and I have no idea how that happened as they looked a shambles at times against us. (apart from the obvious fact that they scored more than us)
So glad City won the title. I don't have to deal with any smug Liverpool, United, Chelsea or Arsenal fans at work. No one supports City down here!
Sherwood came over badly in interviews...honesty is admirable up to a point, but you need to be a bit smooth in the EPL. Didn't come over as a manager at a big club.
I still think he's a good manager, given the right club. Ironically perhaps, he might not be the worst replacement for Pochettino.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27401986 No come back against a Referee who got it wrong yet again?
That'd be interesting. My only concern (not knowing much about his track record) is that hasn't he had a shed load of clubs in a short time?
Any one mentioned Fat Sam's situation on here? Just read that they are reconvening in ten days to assess whether he has a job or not. Seems a little bizarre unless they are waiting to see whatever managers are available or he is going to some interviews first.
He had a two hour interview with Sullivan yesterday and apparently a decision has to wait for a full Board meeting scheduled for 23/5. I think he'll go.
I mentioned that he might be sacked, but that was just from the papers. It's a bit silly waiting 10 days, because they could make a start on new players, contracts etc. I'm certainly not a fan of Allardyce's football, I mean who is, but he keeps clubs up. West Ham need to stay in the division for the Olympic Stadium move, otherwise they will look pretty stupid playing in that stadium in the Championship.
If I was feeling cynical I'd say they had started looking for his replacement so they can make a swift announcement when they sack him.
