With a lot of debate over the last few weeks (months) about why we do/don't need a change of manager I was wondering what people think makes a good manager? With a full fit squad to chose from I reckon any manager has a fairly easy choice of his first team and the tactics pretty much pick themselves, but consider when you have injuries, your tactics aren't working or you've gone on a long losing streak. Personally I think a manager earns his money when things aren't going well. His plan A isn't working (everyone can see it, the fans, the media and more importantly the opposition can see it), so can he generate a plan B, C or even E? or does he just blindly carry on with it more in hope than expectation? When his team are under the cosh how does he respond with substitutions? does he play a blinder and with one small change, turn the game on it's head or does he swap like for like with no overall effect? When he speaks to the media does is he like a small scalded puppy, all meek and pitiful or is he bullish and is adamant that things he will kick some arses cos the players aren't doing the job? I'm sure Bruce is a quite capable manager, when the confidence is high and he has a full squad to pick from, but in football (as in life) when things get difficult he struggles, and looks lost. He can't account for injuries (and yes I know we have had a boatload of them, but still surely he could have done a little better) his tactics are sometimes baffling, he only has a plan A and sticks to it even though we are getting tonked and his subs make me scratch my head, wondering if he knows what he's doing. This is my opinion, and as I said last night I don't care if you don't agree or want to label me as part of a brigade. this is a public forum to air views and this is my view. As long as Bruce is our manager I will always give him my support but that doesn't mean I have to feel that he is the man to take us forward. At the end of the Hammers game those people who are in a better position to judge Bruce and how the season has progressed under his influence (rather than us internet forum button mashers with 100's of differing points of view) will have their say, and I like you will still support Sunderland no matter who is in charge or who owns the club. Sorry bout the ramble but just had 2 large red bulls and kinda glad to finally see the end of another mediocre season.
Like MM brucie is quite an affable guy but agree with all your points. Will back him cos he is our manager but whether we/he can step up another level not sure. Would like to say pre january we were playing good footy but lack of tactical nous, strange substitutions etc no plan B at all. If he goes would prefer Moyes or Jol as opposed to Mon.
