Chasetown

[andy]

Jeez Lutley. Give the lad a chance to recover from last night before reminding him of that one!

[AwayDayYeltz]

Kick a man while he is down, Lutley.

[AwayDayYeltz]

Some perspective (feel free to disagree - I know plenty will).

I was a huge Yeltz fan in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s but went off to uni, drifted away, and when I came back, didn’t really start going again. I’d go to the occasional game, came out for Stourbr*dge, saw a bit of the era that must not be talked of, but that was about it.

I started going again later era John Hill and saw lots of the Rob and Larry debacle. My moniker here is a knowing nod to being something of a Jonny-come-lately, but for me, the low point football wise was New Years’ Day away at Redditch in 2019. We were woeful that day - it was really painful to watch- and there wasn’t an enormous following (fair to say it wasn’t non existent, but it wasn’t huge either). Contrast that with what we’ve seen in the three years since…

I remember Nuneaton coming on New Years’ Day in 1999 and an attendance of 1500 blowing me away. How many times have we seen that this year though? These things don’t happen in vacuums. It’s part of the whole project Paul Smith has been at the centre of (I know and appreciate there are many others involved) but it would be naive I think to pretend he’s not part of it. The club is in a sensational place and making decisions on the basis of whether Joey Butlin squeezes someone’s bollocks (speculating obviously) strikes me as mental. Yes he does and says things I don’t like, but so does my boss and so does my mum. I’m not going to agree with everything and neither is anyone else.

I’m as disappointed as anyone at how this season has played out (I’ve just had a big shout and scream), but I look at where the club is (and therefore has the potential to be) and think wholesale changes would be madness. As I say, plenty will disagree and that’s your prerogative, but in context, I think the Smith era has been a success and hope it continues.

Now the dust has settled and I've calmed down, this is the perfect post.

Whilst I'm still of the opinion that players and the management team have underachieved, and have failed in their goal this season, the transformation of this club since our relegation to now is incredible. That's been a massive team effort, from having a consistent group of players that have connected with the fans, Paul Smith being open, honest and putting hard work in around the Grove, and of course the ownership of Keith and Karen.

As I said in my earlier post attending games used to be a chore. It was a frankly horrible place to watch football. Now it's an absolute joy, even when performances fall below the high standards we've set ourselves.

Managers are often judged on results and even trophies, but Paul should be judged on the above, first and foremost. If we part ways, then the role he has played in making the club what it is today is a legacy he should be proud of. If he continues then I truly hope we achieve success and continue to build and move forward.

I see no reason why this club can't continue to grow, regardless of who the playing staff, management or coaches are. Whatever will be, will be, I guess.

[drummyb]

I just hope that when things have cooled off, and the hurting stops, that what the club has become from what it was a few years ago is not trashed by hasty and ill thought decisions.
Paul Smith, in my opinion, deserves to continue with his ambitions into next season.

Exactly that.

[drummyb]

https://youtu.be/I3MONbRgb7o

Genuinely respect the bloke regardless

[andy]

https://youtu.be/I3MONbRgb7o

Genuinely respect the bloke regardless

Wow. Fair play to to Paul for that interview so soon after the game. I could not have done that. In fact I couldn't do any of the the things that the people in charge of this club have done in the last few years, Paul very much included. Yesterday hurt, various games and decisions during the season hurt, maybe lessons will be learnt from any mistakes made and it may just make us stronger. We know what's possible from the Trophy season and I think he can do it again. At times I've despaired with team selection but I reckon with Paul being such an open person he can maybe explain in interviews the how's whys and wherefores of those decisions. There can be no doubt we have not been on a ride like this since 1996 and I want more of it. And ever increasing crowds suggest many others want it as well.

[Rich]

Excellent interview so soon after such an emotional evening.
The club would be mad to let him go and I see no reason why the board would want to end what has become an amazing journey.

If we can keep possibly 10-12 of the current squad and add some more quality in certain areas then we should be right up there again.
The players know they need to perform EVERY week not just big games and if we can keep the squad together then I see attendances rising as more fans get an affiliation with the club.

Time to rest now recharge and trust the powers that be to give us something to look forward to in August

[Rich]

Birch sent off.

Does anyone know why ?

[drummyb]

Birch sent off.

Does anyone know why ?

If you didnt see the tackle, I can only describe it as very hard. Or attempted murder.

[Rich]

Birch sent off.

Does anyone know why ?

If you didnt see the tackle, I can only describe it as very hard. Or attempted murder.

Think my view was obstructed by the other 5 players diving to the floor 'injured'!!!