Post by Neko Bazu on Apr 1, 2009 7:55:03 GMT -1
I've said all season that I won't give up until it's mathematically set in concrete that we're going down, and I still stand by that - 11 adrift and 18 to play for is a bit steep at the best of times, I'll grant (and when you factor in who our last three games are against, it's even worse), but none the less, the hope is there. Dimmed, but ever-present. Wasn't there one season where we were 8 adrift with 9 to play for, and survived?
Anyway, setting that aside, I've been thinking about management for next season. For me, Harford is the man, relegated or not - when he was first appointed, I admit I had my doubts, but he's won me over this season. He's doing more than just picking the team and making substitutions; he's clearly got an eye for bringing players in, and the ability to persuade them to join us (I'm still stunned that Craddock joined us from a Premiership side!), and had he had an extra week or two, I'm sure he could have built a stronger side than he did in... was it one week?
Considering the deficit the team started with, and the hindrance that would have had caused in attracting players to the club and mentally for the players, I think he's done a very good job - not amazing, but very good.
Over the season, he's been accused of not having any tactical nous, and of not being able to motivate the players. Over the last month or two, I'd like to think he's gone at least some way to assuaging those concerns (certainly in the motivational department!) - our results have certainly improved, and while it may prove to be too little too late, I'm feeling more optimistic about next season regardless of where we may be.
Also, while I personally can't offer any examples, I've heard from those that would be in the know that Mick does a lot of work behind the scenes too, far beyond what a manager would be expected to do. If this is the case, and he is as integral to 2020's long-term plans as I've heard, that's another reason to keep him on.
I'll freely concede he's not perfect; certain selections have caused me to raise an eyebrow, and I would still argue that he could do with having a more experienced #2 to help with match-day tactics - whether our budget can cover this is another matter, of course. He's still very young in managerial terms, though, and has clearly improved over the course of the season. He'll continue to improve, and I'm happy for him to have another year of his education with us.
Anyway, setting that aside, I've been thinking about management for next season. For me, Harford is the man, relegated or not - when he was first appointed, I admit I had my doubts, but he's won me over this season. He's doing more than just picking the team and making substitutions; he's clearly got an eye for bringing players in, and the ability to persuade them to join us (I'm still stunned that Craddock joined us from a Premiership side!), and had he had an extra week or two, I'm sure he could have built a stronger side than he did in... was it one week?
Considering the deficit the team started with, and the hindrance that would have had caused in attracting players to the club and mentally for the players, I think he's done a very good job - not amazing, but very good.
Over the season, he's been accused of not having any tactical nous, and of not being able to motivate the players. Over the last month or two, I'd like to think he's gone at least some way to assuaging those concerns (certainly in the motivational department!) - our results have certainly improved, and while it may prove to be too little too late, I'm feeling more optimistic about next season regardless of where we may be.
Also, while I personally can't offer any examples, I've heard from those that would be in the know that Mick does a lot of work behind the scenes too, far beyond what a manager would be expected to do. If this is the case, and he is as integral to 2020's long-term plans as I've heard, that's another reason to keep him on.
I'll freely concede he's not perfect; certain selections have caused me to raise an eyebrow, and I would still argue that he could do with having a more experienced #2 to help with match-day tactics - whether our budget can cover this is another matter, of course. He's still very young in managerial terms, though, and has clearly improved over the course of the season. He'll continue to improve, and I'm happy for him to have another year of his education with us.
