piearce9 wrote: ↑09 Apr 2019, 13:14
Yeltz27 wrote: ↑09 Apr 2019, 12:14
And Piearce, the owners could have had a fresh start last summer but chose not to, so what makes you think this summer will be any different?
Part of me can't be bothered to debate, but then I'm a sucker and I can't really help myself...
- It was the right decision (at the time) to let John Hill continue as manager into this season.
- It was the right decision and the right time to relieve John Hill of his duties - which was well handled too.
- It FELT (at the time) like the right decision to appoint Rob & Larry.
- It was the right decision (at the time) to get rid of them and have one last throw of the dice with Hughes to try and save the season.
Now- what I know you'll say is "aha, these can't be good decisions, we're just about to be relegated". But that's because it's easy to reflect and analyse what went wrong after the event. But, in each of these scenarios, I think the owners have acted promptly and tried to drive some positive change. That could not have been said of the previous owner.
I believe that from Karen and Keith's perspective, you're bang on. I can not fault their intentions and reasons as to why they made those choices. It certainly shouldn't be a stick to beat them with.
In relation to Hill, I think we all know my opinions, and many others would have agreed with me, when I argued that he should have been relieved of his duties as soon as the takeover was completed. It was clear to all that a fresh start was needed for all parties. But I completely understand as to why Karen and Keith wanted to be loyal to Hill and see what he could do under their leadership, as opposed to Lynch's leadership. It's a decision I respected, understood but didn't agree with.
The timing of sacking, in terms of during the season was correct. It left enough time for us to appoint someone else and for them to turn it around. I was happy with the appointment at the time, and for a brief period, performances were improved. However the results didn't.
In hindsight, I believe Smith and Larry stayed too long. It was clear long before they left, it wasn't working. Now, I read it as Smith and Larry resigned? Is this not correct? If they were sacked, it was too late. There is a possible theme emerging here, in that relieving a failing management is taking too long.
It's a very difficult balance, and it's a decision I wouldn't like to make. On one hand I'm a massive believer that consistency and continuity breads success. So as a fan I want to see owners be patient with managers, and allow them time to get it right. On the other hand, if I see a manager constantly getting things wrong, and repeating the same mistakes, I then see that as a sign he will not get it right, and a sign that things will not improve, no matter how much time you allow the management. It's at that time, action should be taken. It must be near impossible to judge, for an owner, and as I say, a decision or position, I do not envy.
At the time key decisions were made, I've either been happy or understood them. Our owners shouldn't come under heavy criticism for me. They're new to ownership of a football club, and are making decisions with the clubs interests at heart. They may not get it right first time, and I can appreciate it's a learning curve.
With regards to Colin Brookes, I can understand where Yeltz 27 is coming from. I do not agree with him at all, but if you take time to message or talk to him, and he explains why he thinks what he thinks, his reasoning makes sense, and it's certainly not him moaning for the sake of moaning. You don't have to agree with him, but respect his opinion.
Colin has been here for many years, as we all know, and has overseen and / or worked with a number of owners, who have seen us through difficult times, that have almost left the town without a club.
I don't believe for one second there is any criticism due to Colin. Infact the only thing Colin is perhaps guilty of is being a true gentleman and giving various people, over the years, the benefit of the doubt, and even trusting them with a second chance, out of good nature, only for them to go back on that second chance, and mess him, the fans and club around. I would bet anything that anything Colin has said or done, in relation to this club, has been in genuine good faith and for the best interests of the club.