| Pony Tony's management masterclass 08:34 - Mar 9 with 4010 views | AFCMorant |
A few minutes left, we are 2-1 down and have a corner. Sam Walker comes racing up to the half way gesticulating to the bench for instructions, and he waits and he waits. And what is our tactical genius doing? Who knows, he's not looking at the pitch, maybe he's consulting his idiot's guide to being a chairman's puppet, looking up the route to Accrington or finally showing some integrity and writing his resignation letter? What a clown. |  | | |  |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 09:17 - Mar 9 with 3112 views | noah4x4 |
Begs the question; if not Humes....who?
No manager (imho) with any past experience/success is going to come to a club where gates are so poor (even in good times) that there is zilch money to spend immediately on any senior players under Financial Fair Play. The good ones out of work are sat on huge compensation cheques and amongst those less blessed who would be so insane to come to WHCS when they can instead be somebodies assistant on double the money and walk into a bigger job when he gets sacked on the crazy merry go-round.
Our future financial lifeline must be the Academy that will either produce a pipeline of players that we can use or let go to 'bigger' clubs and get guaranteed compensation. Only then do we have cash to buy any senior experience'. We must have continuity with that system, so if not Hume do we go for McGreal/Brown? Let's be grateful Robbie Cowling is investing into this route given he is prohibited from pumping any more cash into the senior budget. I see no value in changing manager yet again. Why is it some U's fans will never give anybody three transfer windows to fix the problem? |  | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 11:56 - Mar 9 with 3093 views | burnsieespana |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 09:17 - Mar 9 by noah4x4 |
Begs the question; if not Humes....who?
No manager (imho) with any past experience/success is going to come to a club where gates are so poor (even in good times) that there is zilch money to spend immediately on any senior players under Financial Fair Play. The good ones out of work are sat on huge compensation cheques and amongst those less blessed who would be so insane to come to WHCS when they can instead be somebodies assistant on double the money and walk into a bigger job when he gets sacked on the crazy merry go-round.
Our future financial lifeline must be the Academy that will either produce a pipeline of players that we can use or let go to 'bigger' clubs and get guaranteed compensation. Only then do we have cash to buy any senior experience'. We must have continuity with that system, so if not Hume do we go for McGreal/Brown? Let's be grateful Robbie Cowling is investing into this route given he is prohibited from pumping any more cash into the senior budget. I see no value in changing manager yet again. Why is it some U's fans will never give anybody three transfer windows to fix the problem? |
Well said noah and my thoughts exactly.
If we do go down and it has been a distinct likelihood since the first 5 games when Joe D bailed out we must stick with the existing Management team. |  | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 13:38 - Mar 9 with 3076 views | thrillseeker |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 09:17 - Mar 9 by noah4x4 |
Begs the question; if not Humes....who?
No manager (imho) with any past experience/success is going to come to a club where gates are so poor (even in good times) that there is zilch money to spend immediately on any senior players under Financial Fair Play. The good ones out of work are sat on huge compensation cheques and amongst those less blessed who would be so insane to come to WHCS when they can instead be somebodies assistant on double the money and walk into a bigger job when he gets sacked on the crazy merry go-round.
Our future financial lifeline must be the Academy that will either produce a pipeline of players that we can use or let go to 'bigger' clubs and get guaranteed compensation. Only then do we have cash to buy any senior experience'. We must have continuity with that system, so if not Hume do we go for McGreal/Brown? Let's be grateful Robbie Cowling is investing into this route given he is prohibited from pumping any more cash into the senior budget. I see no value in changing manager yet again. Why is it some U's fans will never give anybody three transfer windows to fix the problem? |
Noah - think you've missed the point and 'gone off on a tangent'
I think all AFCM was commenting on was the fact Humes did not provide Walker with any managerial guidance to the question being asked - shall I go up for the corner or stay back? |  | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 14:19 - Mar 9 with 3070 views | noah4x4 |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 13:38 - Mar 9 by thrillseeker |
Noah - think you've missed the point and 'gone off on a tangent'
I think all AFCM was commenting on was the fact Humes did not provide Walker with any managerial guidance to the question being asked - shall I go up for the corner or stay back? |
Had I been Humes I would have shrugged my shoulders; then said NO, but I doubt if Walker would have listened. Big Sam was already charging up the pitch and was in their half before seeking any guidance from the sidelines. Why blame the manager if his attention was on far more likely scenarios and tactics? He had already commited to FOUR up front.
If Walker had scored Walker would obviously have become a folk hero. But If Rochdale had cleared and easily scored a third goal then Humes (and Walker) would have been vilified. The latter was (IMHO) the far more likely outcome and later our goal difference may be crucial. We already had NINE in the opposition box for that corner too, so what did Walker add? When was the last time any keeper scored from a corner? I feel that criticism like this is fruitless.
I don't have a problem with those managers that have decided NOT to spend touchline minutes waving their arms and bawling out players. It is distracting and can be demotivating. "Game plans" can be communicated far more discretely (why let the opposition hear our tactical changes?) and more effectively (e.g. not distracting) during the many breaks in play.
I don't subscribe to the opinion that any manager is poor because he doesn't flap his arms about in the Technical Area. Even when in the Technical Area (and much of the time they are in the seats), you don't see (say) Wenger; Murinho or Van Gaal doing anything other than offer subtle communications (except when targeting officials). It is for the crowd to urge teams on and Managers are there to manage. Players don't actually react well to over enthusistic management; and gone are the days of the 'Hair Dryer' in most clubs. We don't want any more 'Clohissy' fits. [Post edited 9 Mar 2015 14:31]
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 14:56 - Mar 9 with 3061 views | AFCMorant |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 13:38 - Mar 9 by thrillseeker |
Noah - think you've missed the point and 'gone off on a tangent'
I think all AFCM was commenting on was the fact Humes did not provide Walker with any managerial guidance to the question being asked - shall I go up for the corner or stay back? |
Yeah, that's it more or less, but also given his record in seemingly alienating as many senior players as possible, presumably because they've been around the business a few years and not only stand up to him but know he's not up to it. Also once we went two down there was no-one in the team willing to stand up, all the heads went down. Apart from being tactically clueless he obviously has appalling man management skills and wants to surround himself with kids who won't disagree with him. He is the worst manager I've seen in 47 years of watching the U's; probably worse than Roger Brown. There are some good players out there and Szmodics was excellent on Saturday, but come relegation the decent ones will get picked off. I'd sooner he was sacked and we get relegated with a new man with a plan, this clown will take us into the Conference. | | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 17:55 - Mar 9 with 3036 views | pwrightsknees |
An interesting thread.
Several comments cause the old grey eyebrows to be raised. "A manager is there to manage". Correct, but to ignore a player who is seeking advice is not "managing". Worse, it's demoralising when the player is doing his best and showing some enthusiasm. But the captain should also take some responsibility under those circumstances.
True that few goalies actually score from set pieces (Jimmy Glass's goal for Carlisle being a notable exception). But they can unsettle the opponents defence to the advantage of the attacking team.
Moreover, is it worth taking such a risk to salvage a point at the possible expense of conceding a further goal, in a match we're already losing, just to preserve goal difference? Of course it is. We play for points not goal difference. Goal difference may be crucial, but not as crucial as points. Are we really to adopt an attitude of "let's not take any risks so that we can preserve this 2-1 defeat"?
I'll finish this post with a passage (page 69) from Hal Mason's 1993 "The Official History of The U's" at the 1968 dismissal of Neil Franklin: "......Directors said there was little co-operation between the Manager and players; a lack of method and leadership and public relations were at a low ebb." Deja-vu? | | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 19:57 - Mar 9 with 3022 views | wessex_exile |
With virtually no research to speak of, my two-penneth worth is that goalies going up for a last ditch 'everyone in the box' rarely seem to work, and more often than not probably result in a speculative 50+ yard punt into an unguarded net. It looks good, shows willing, enthuses the fans, but if we go on to get relegated on a one goal worse off GD, who's the mug then?
Having said that, a bit like deciding beforehand who's doing a penalty shoot-out, you sort of hope these are maybe conversations that are perhaps had before each game in a relegation dogfight; e.g. "boss, if we're losing by one goal and get a corner in injury time, do you want me up there?" "don't be a tit Sam, the most likely outcome is we'll concede a third". |  |
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 22:09 - Mar 9 with 3006 views | durham_exile |
The one thing that is clear from this thread is that even board members are falling out, unless the players start to perform we are doomed to League Two.
The job may well be beyond TH, but we have to stick with him for the next 11 games.
Until it is mathematically impossible we must believe and keep the faith.
What is concerning is the gap that is appearing between our nearest rival Coventry and the rest of the league!
Up the U's |  |
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 22:27 - Mar 9 with 3003 views | thrillseeker |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 22:09 - Mar 9 by durham_exile |
The one thing that is clear from this thread is that even board members are falling out, unless the players start to perform we are doomed to League Two.
The job may well be beyond TH, but we have to stick with him for the next 11 games.
Until it is mathematically impossible we must believe and keep the faith.
What is concerning is the gap that is appearing between our nearest rival Coventry and the rest of the league!
Up the U's |
Board members falling out - I don't think so.
This board is much more specialist and entertaining with well written articles/ comments (not by me though).
We are all UNITED behind one theme and that is Colchester United | | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 07:33 - Mar 10 with 2983 views | durham_exile |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 22:27 - Mar 9 by thrillseeker |
Board members falling out - I don't think so.
This board is much more specialist and entertaining with well written articles/ comments (not by me though).
We are all UNITED behind one theme and that is Colchester United |
thrillseeker - certain members have already given up the fight, the pressure building on the board is tangible and the tension manifests itself in disparate views.
We may all be united behind Col U but to varying degrees.
Keep the faith
11 cup finals, next two games pivotal.
Onward and upward
Up the relegation threatened U's | |
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 08:54 - Mar 10 with 2980 views | AFCMorant |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 22:09 - Mar 9 by durham_exile |
The one thing that is clear from this thread is that even board members are falling out, unless the players start to perform we are doomed to League Two.
The job may well be beyond TH, but we have to stick with him for the next 11 games.
Until it is mathematically impossible we must believe and keep the faith.
What is concerning is the gap that is appearing between our nearest rival Coventry and the rest of the league!
Up the U's |
I won't be sticking with Humes, just like nearly all managers he'll go eventually and preferably now in my view; but I'll still be supporting the team at the next few away games. Cowling doesn't care about the fans or the club, he's interested in his business model and if us playing in Conference fits in with his plans that's where we'll end up.
Given that we average less than one point a game, we are almost mathematically down anyway.
The original point was not that Walker might score, at best he might cause a bit of confusion in the Rochdale box; but that pony Tony wasn't even looking at the pitch when someone he was supposed to be managing was asking him for instruction, and if he doesn't even know what's going on out there how can he manage? Answer he clearly can't. | | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 10:50 - Mar 10 with 2972 views | thrillseeker |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 07:33 - Mar 10 by durham_exile |
thrillseeker - certain members have already given up the fight, the pressure building on the board is tangible and the tension manifests itself in disparate views.
We may all be united behind Col U but to varying degrees.
Keep the faith
11 cup finals, next two games pivotal.
Onward and upward
Up the relegation threatened U's |
Durham - don't worry about me as I'll keep the faith we can stay up until relegation is confirmed
We definitely need 6 points from the next two home games. Anything less and I fear relegation will be confirmed earlier than expected.
I have no faith in Humes whatsoever but that is driven by his Ipshit connections and my hatred of that team
Humes and his formations and constant changing of team style baffle me.
One example is Hewitt (who you can guess I'm not particularly fond off due to the Ipshit connection). He was playing awful at the start of his U's career and retained his place whilst recently he has began playing well but gets dropped. Surely you play your best (form) players in their correct positions.
The following may divide opinion but I am not currently convinced by Sammie Szmodics. Yes, he runs around but does he actually have an end product? I do however think this may be temporary and as he gets older and more experienced I feel he could become a good player but I just don't see it happening now which is required.
My biggest concern is that I truly believe there is an under current of dressing room tension that is not good for team morale | | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 12:46 - Mar 10 with 2956 views | pwrightsknees |
After 60 years of supporting the U's, I, for one, am not going to give up now - however bad we get.
Regarding this board, different views, honestly expressed and without abuse, gives us healthy debate, and long may it remain so. So keep posting, everyone.
About our present situation, the current bottom 5 look like remaining the bottom 5. The question is, are we better than all (or any) of the other 4? I don't think so, and, for me, relegation is a certainty. I really, really, hope I'm wrong. Our only means of escape is for something to change - anything. And in my view, the first thing to put right is what appears to be an unhappy dressing room. Is TH the right person to do that, or is he the cause of it? | | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 13:36 - Mar 10 with 2950 views | Barsidepete |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 12:46 - Mar 10 by pwrightsknees |
After 60 years of supporting the U's, I, for one, am not going to give up now - however bad we get.
Regarding this board, different views, honestly expressed and without abuse, gives us healthy debate, and long may it remain so. So keep posting, everyone.
About our present situation, the current bottom 5 look like remaining the bottom 5. The question is, are we better than all (or any) of the other 4? I don't think so, and, for me, relegation is a certainty. I really, really, hope I'm wrong. Our only means of escape is for something to change - anything. And in my view, the first thing to put right is what appears to be an unhappy dressing room. Is TH the right person to do that, or is he the cause of it? |
I was early doors of mind that a certain Mark Kinsella, my avatar, should have been appointed manager but have since "warmed" to the notion of TH remaining in place. At least till this plays out. Summer can be a time of serious reevaluation but this is the pitch we've made so let's lie in it.
Why in heaven's name would Mr. Cowling wish to be the owner of a club relegated to League 2? If he decides at some juncture to sell and walk away, that sounds like another devaluation and he is left to lick his wounds and his reputation takes a knock as well. So being a half full not half empty glass mindset, I honestly believe he has the club's best interest at heart.
I mean seriously, people, we have a nice stad with clearly an ambition to ultimately return to the Championship. Otherwise, why would anyone have bothered to go more upscale. Not presently with the ambiance of Layer Fortress, but I rather like the place. (Flew over for the first ever real tie at the Cuckoo Farm, a 0-0 v Huddersfield, turns out, for those who don't recall.)
Unfortunately, quality players and decent gaffers have moved on.
I don't believe Roy McDonough would have accepted this ineptitude. And from the other direction, I also thought and still do, that someone like Alan Devonshire of Braintree --easily punching above their weight-- could turn this around right quick.
So there are two immediate recommendations for a replacement if cv's are sent.
ColU, if in League 2, disappointing, true. Feeling positive, though. Fans are fans and I am. Up the U's.  |  |
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 20:28 - Mar 10 with 2907 views | bwildered |
What ever the outcome at the end of the season the current manager is here to stay, stated the Chairman at the recent forum, with the clear message of live and learning together.
If we are relying on a goalkeeper to come up for a set piece to gain anything in any match, then the TEAM has already not done its job . To much turn around in players, albeit some due to injury , has been are chief demise especially in defence . Unfortunately sorting out defensive frailties at the start of the season where not addressed even though signings where made .
The chairman pulls the strings whoever is the puppet and the academy plan is and will be that's the way to do it in future . |  |
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 08:23 - Mar 11 with 2876 views | noah4x4 |
Let’s get back to the core of this thread. This debate is about Tony Hume’s (alleged) indecision as to whether Sam Walker should have gone up for the ultimate U’s corner…..
Last night, Coventry City played their game in hand and secured a draw; hence now it’s;
Coventry played 35; points 37; goal difference — 12
Colchester played 35; Points 34; goal difference — 18
Simply beating Coventry (and it won’t be simple!) isn’t going to keep us up. Goal difference will be hugely significant, as even a one goal advantage at season’s end is worth a full point to Coventry. We also need to claw back this goal disadvantage in our other ten remaining games (which is certainly possible with a few 2-0 wins!).
The likelihood of goalkeeper Sam Walker scoring against Rochdale to steal a point for the U’s was (almost) zilch. However, the likelihood of Rochdale breaking away; so attacking his empty net; extending their lead and hence worsening our goal difference was extreme. Goal difference DOES matter!
Sam Walker put Humes in an impossible position; damned if he did and damned if he didn’t; but (IMHO) the right decision would have been stay in his goal (he didn't; and what was the Captain's role in this?). Rochdale wasn’t ever a do or die ‘cup tie’ (unlike our next two fixtures). Fortunately we didn’t leak another goal. Humes had already gone to three at the back (e.g. thrusting Osborne forward); and we had eight players in the Rochdale penalty box for that ultimate corner. How much more adventurous do we want him to be?
The bottom line for me is that this has simply been a ghastly season where I doubt if José Mourinho or Arsene Wenger could have done much better. Humes inherited a squad that simply isn’t good enough. To his (and our) despair, our ‘back four’ has since disintegrated with long term injuries to Magnus; Kent; Olefumi (etc.). With only a single transfer window during his tenure (and no money) is it any surprise that Humes has been restricted to loanees and inexperienced youth? He cannot bring in any SENIOR ‘experience’ as the wage bill for over 21’s is already restricted by Financial Fair Play. rules. Loanees Packwood; Kepkawa; Osborne; Hewitt (e.g. until he got thrust forward); PLUS Gordon and Clohessy have all been a nightmare in defence. Thankfully we did have the brief respite with Kaspers Gorkss which has kept us in sight of safety. But how frustrating to then lose him to a higher bidder!
Frankly, Osborne was awful on Saturday, and we urgently have to get Shaun Clo-hissy-fit to show some respect to his manager; so we can restore the Wynter; Eastman; Briggs; Clo-hissy-fit combination. It's weak at right back, but the best we have until the summer (when injuries hopefully heal).
In a similar vein to my last comment about respect; by all means let’s have constructive debate about team selection; formations; tactics and similar (and I too have been critical where justified about all). But frankly, I don’t think Tony Humes deserves the personal abuse that is being heaped on him from some quarters. It would not be tolerated in any other workplace. He has been a fantastic servant to this club and has worked miracles with the youth team. He deserves his chance as First XI Manager and surely we can’t blame him for five years of progressive demise? Changing the manager now will archive nothing; and I think there are sufficient new shoots coming via HIS academy SQUAD to suggest that HE might get us out of our current hole and prosper next season. We certainly can't criticise Humes for not trying new stuff, albeit that good fortune hasn't gone our way (like hitting the post four times at Crawley). I say get behind him until seasons end. It's not constructive to do anything else, and undermining team and manager isn't going to assist us one bit. [Post edited 11 Mar 2015 8:44]
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 17:48 - Mar 11 with 2841 views | burnsieespana |
When I think about the last few years so much money has been wasted by Williams, Lambert, Boothroyd, etc and just maybe we supporters need to take a reality check. The first season in the Championship does seem to have made many think we are a bigger club than actually we are.
I feel somewhat disappointed with many of our supporters with the abuse being heaped on Tony Humes. When he took over we were already in the mire and at least hwe has kept us fighting as would have been very easy for us to have folded and got left behind.
Come on you U's give us something to cheer about over the next few games. | | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 08:44 - Mar 13 with 2793 views | AFCMorant |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 08:23 - Mar 11 by noah4x4 |
Let’s get back to the core of this thread. This debate is about Tony Hume’s (alleged) indecision as to whether Sam Walker should have gone up for the ultimate U’s corner…..
Last night, Coventry City played their game in hand and secured a draw; hence now it’s;
Coventry played 35; points 37; goal difference — 12
Colchester played 35; Points 34; goal difference — 18
Simply beating Coventry (and it won’t be simple!) isn’t going to keep us up. Goal difference will be hugely significant, as even a one goal advantage at season’s end is worth a full point to Coventry. We also need to claw back this goal disadvantage in our other ten remaining games (which is certainly possible with a few 2-0 wins!).
The likelihood of goalkeeper Sam Walker scoring against Rochdale to steal a point for the U’s was (almost) zilch. However, the likelihood of Rochdale breaking away; so attacking his empty net; extending their lead and hence worsening our goal difference was extreme. Goal difference DOES matter!
Sam Walker put Humes in an impossible position; damned if he did and damned if he didn’t; but (IMHO) the right decision would have been stay in his goal (he didn't; and what was the Captain's role in this?). Rochdale wasn’t ever a do or die ‘cup tie’ (unlike our next two fixtures). Fortunately we didn’t leak another goal. Humes had already gone to three at the back (e.g. thrusting Osborne forward); and we had eight players in the Rochdale penalty box for that ultimate corner. How much more adventurous do we want him to be?
The bottom line for me is that this has simply been a ghastly season where I doubt if José Mourinho or Arsene Wenger could have done much better. Humes inherited a squad that simply isn’t good enough. To his (and our) despair, our ‘back four’ has since disintegrated with long term injuries to Magnus; Kent; Olefumi (etc.). With only a single transfer window during his tenure (and no money) is it any surprise that Humes has been restricted to loanees and inexperienced youth? He cannot bring in any SENIOR ‘experience’ as the wage bill for over 21’s is already restricted by Financial Fair Play. rules. Loanees Packwood; Kepkawa; Osborne; Hewitt (e.g. until he got thrust forward); PLUS Gordon and Clohessy have all been a nightmare in defence. Thankfully we did have the brief respite with Kaspers Gorkss which has kept us in sight of safety. But how frustrating to then lose him to a higher bidder!
Frankly, Osborne was awful on Saturday, and we urgently have to get Shaun Clo-hissy-fit to show some respect to his manager; so we can restore the Wynter; Eastman; Briggs; Clo-hissy-fit combination. It's weak at right back, but the best we have until the summer (when injuries hopefully heal).
In a similar vein to my last comment about respect; by all means let’s have constructive debate about team selection; formations; tactics and similar (and I too have been critical where justified about all). But frankly, I don’t think Tony Humes deserves the personal abuse that is being heaped on him from some quarters. It would not be tolerated in any other workplace. He has been a fantastic servant to this club and has worked miracles with the youth team. He deserves his chance as First XI Manager and surely we can’t blame him for five years of progressive demise? Changing the manager now will archive nothing; and I think there are sufficient new shoots coming via HIS academy SQUAD to suggest that HE might get us out of our current hole and prosper next season. We certainly can't criticise Humes for not trying new stuff, albeit that good fortune hasn't gone our way (like hitting the post four times at Crawley). I say get behind him until seasons end. It's not constructive to do anything else, and undermining team and manager isn't going to assist us one bit. [Post edited 11 Mar 2015 8:44]
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I don't know if you are wilfully missing the point or not, I never said I expected Walker to score (and I repeated that point) like Marvin Hitz did the other week for Augsburg; my point was indicative of just how useless Humes is that he wasn't even looking at the game!
If he had any integrity he'd go, just as someone said you wouldn't tolerate abuse in the workplace I would suspect that in a normal workplace a manager who got rid of or caused the number of "resignations" Humes has would be shown the door himself, unless of course it was a deliberate policy. And as for abuse, as someone often says, it's a man's game; I pay my gate money and train fare to away games I'll call Humes what I like; I'll still be supporting the U's long after he's disappeared into the annals as the worst U's manager of all time. | | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 10:48 - Mar 13 with 2783 views | noah4x4 |
No, I am not "deliberately missing the point"; simply expressing an alternative and valid opinion. The joy of this board is that we can have honest debate; sometimes agree; often disagree; but all of us will (hopefully) still be commited to the same positive U's cause.
When the U's have won the next two games and we eventually get out of this long term frustrating mess that Tony Humes inherited; I wonder how many fans may think he is possibly the best manager of RECENT times (e.g. since Lambert)? If he fails, then the current 'clan negative' obviously win the debate and rightfully can say "told you so". That is football - and why we love it.
Admittedly, many fans already think that Humes is a bad manager (fair enough and such opinion should be expressed). However, the modern workplace and employment law demands that people don't suffer 'personal abuse'. Why should football managers or players tolerate lesser protection? By all means let's constructively criticise errors, tactics, team selection and similar, but let's not refer to anybody other than as 'human beings'. Calling anybody a 'pony' or 'donkey' is only marginally less offensive than other forms of racial or gender stereotype or abuse. People are not 'animals' and in (say) any newspaper, today you won't ever read descriptions of human activity expressed in such terms (e.g. thugs acting like 'wolves', 'dogs', 'packs') when it was accepted journalistic parlance back in the 1960's.
Frankly, I don't subscribe to the thought that everything substandard today is the fault of the incumbent manager and that we should repeat this constant merry go round of annual sackings that blights football. The U's have a record over three decades of rarely giving any manager more than a single transfer window to resolve squad problems. I spent almost my entire career as a senior marketing trouble shooter recruited into management by companies that had typically fallen on difficult times. It was always a long hall turning lost juggernaughts around (usually three years). I usually succeeded, but the necessary 'change' was rarely popular with the people that resisted it and huge barriers were inevitable. I mention this because Robbie Cowling isn't stupid. He owns one of the most successful human resources companies in the UK. He knows about 'people' and recruiting managers. I hence trust his judgement as regards whether Humes is the man to turn around the WHCS failing juggernaut - but Humes must be given enough time.
Here, we need to look back over multiple season's of squad mismanagement. Few disagreed with the appoointment of Ward or Dunne, so why did they fail? The answer has since been recognised (no money to buy 'experience') and that is why we have pursued the Academy; which is still in infancy. Tony Humes (IMHO) has inherited an absolute 'pile of poo' and no sooner had he taken the reins our 'back four' disintegrated with injuries. Humes (IMHO) is the first to attempt and first in a position to something different (e.g. Academy =more youth input; far more significant and innovative use of the loan system; but admittedly not always successful - as yet). As somebody has already pointed out, it took the Crewe Academy many years to produce a truly home grown squad. We can no longer buy 'experience' So let's give the man (and Cowling) some proper time to develop 'talent'.
Lastly, how can any manager in the modern business environment tolerate the shameful and public petulant display of treachery of (say) Jabo Iberhe and Clo-hissy-fit. Whatever inter-personal relationship issues might exist, such things have to be handled behind closed doors. Some of our senior players have been acting like teenagers; when those that are teenagers are those showing greatest dignity and fight. Why such respect - because they grew up with Humes in the Academy; and that (IMHO) counts greatly in his favour. Those players that have exited under Humes management have not been snapped up by Championship clubs (e.g. other than Sears) which suggests that most are not as good as they though. Once again, Cowling has made his money in the management of human resources and if something was badly wrong inside the dressing room (e.g. beyond a few hissy fits) surely he would have reacted and/or sacked Humes long ago. He might not 'know' football as well as some professionals, but he certainly knows about people management.
Lastly, I can't understand those fans that are consipuously anti-Humes; anti-Hewitt; and anti-Marriott simply because they are ex (or current) Ipswich. Hewitt has been in the CUSA top three for (away) MOM in almost every game he has played. While wearing 'blue & white ' all have displayed utter loyalty with no treachery (unlike Jabo; Clo-hissy-fit etc.). Hopefully by Tuesday we will all have something to be joyful about. After that, my opinion might change (and I too join ' clan negative'), but until then, I feel that we should be 100% behind our manager and his team. [Post edited 13 Mar 2015 11:04]
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 11:37 - Mar 13 with 2768 views | Barsidepete |
I enjoy reading your opinions, but Noah? "Missing the point" is the cousin of an "interrogatory."
Or like one of Happy's favourite terms, banter.
But thank you for another long essay. Get it?  | |
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 13:35 - Mar 13 with 2746 views | Leadbelly |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 10:48 - Mar 13 by noah4x4 |
No, I am not "deliberately missing the point"; simply expressing an alternative and valid opinion. The joy of this board is that we can have honest debate; sometimes agree; often disagree; but all of us will (hopefully) still be commited to the same positive U's cause.
When the U's have won the next two games and we eventually get out of this long term frustrating mess that Tony Humes inherited; I wonder how many fans may think he is possibly the best manager of RECENT times (e.g. since Lambert)? If he fails, then the current 'clan negative' obviously win the debate and rightfully can say "told you so". That is football - and why we love it.
Admittedly, many fans already think that Humes is a bad manager (fair enough and such opinion should be expressed). However, the modern workplace and employment law demands that people don't suffer 'personal abuse'. Why should football managers or players tolerate lesser protection? By all means let's constructively criticise errors, tactics, team selection and similar, but let's not refer to anybody other than as 'human beings'. Calling anybody a 'pony' or 'donkey' is only marginally less offensive than other forms of racial or gender stereotype or abuse. People are not 'animals' and in (say) any newspaper, today you won't ever read descriptions of human activity expressed in such terms (e.g. thugs acting like 'wolves', 'dogs', 'packs') when it was accepted journalistic parlance back in the 1960's.
Frankly, I don't subscribe to the thought that everything substandard today is the fault of the incumbent manager and that we should repeat this constant merry go round of annual sackings that blights football. The U's have a record over three decades of rarely giving any manager more than a single transfer window to resolve squad problems. I spent almost my entire career as a senior marketing trouble shooter recruited into management by companies that had typically fallen on difficult times. It was always a long hall turning lost juggernaughts around (usually three years). I usually succeeded, but the necessary 'change' was rarely popular with the people that resisted it and huge barriers were inevitable. I mention this because Robbie Cowling isn't stupid. He owns one of the most successful human resources companies in the UK. He knows about 'people' and recruiting managers. I hence trust his judgement as regards whether Humes is the man to turn around the WHCS failing juggernaut - but Humes must be given enough time.
Here, we need to look back over multiple season's of squad mismanagement. Few disagreed with the appoointment of Ward or Dunne, so why did they fail? The answer has since been recognised (no money to buy 'experience') and that is why we have pursued the Academy; which is still in infancy. Tony Humes (IMHO) has inherited an absolute 'pile of poo' and no sooner had he taken the reins our 'back four' disintegrated with injuries. Humes (IMHO) is the first to attempt and first in a position to something different (e.g. Academy =more youth input; far more significant and innovative use of the loan system; but admittedly not always successful - as yet). As somebody has already pointed out, it took the Crewe Academy many years to produce a truly home grown squad. We can no longer buy 'experience' So let's give the man (and Cowling) some proper time to develop 'talent'.
Lastly, how can any manager in the modern business environment tolerate the shameful and public petulant display of treachery of (say) Jabo Iberhe and Clo-hissy-fit. Whatever inter-personal relationship issues might exist, such things have to be handled behind closed doors. Some of our senior players have been acting like teenagers; when those that are teenagers are those showing greatest dignity and fight. Why such respect - because they grew up with Humes in the Academy; and that (IMHO) counts greatly in his favour. Those players that have exited under Humes management have not been snapped up by Championship clubs (e.g. other than Sears) which suggests that most are not as good as they though. Once again, Cowling has made his money in the management of human resources and if something was badly wrong inside the dressing room (e.g. beyond a few hissy fits) surely he would have reacted and/or sacked Humes long ago. He might not 'know' football as well as some professionals, but he certainly knows about people management.
Lastly, I can't understand those fans that are consipuously anti-Humes; anti-Hewitt; and anti-Marriott simply because they are ex (or current) Ipswich. Hewitt has been in the CUSA top three for (away) MOM in almost every game he has played. While wearing 'blue & white ' all have displayed utter loyalty with no treachery (unlike Jabo; Clo-hissy-fit etc.). Hopefully by Tuesday we will all have something to be joyful about. After that, my opinion might change (and I too join ' clan negative'), but until then, I feel that we should be 100% behind our manager and his team. [Post edited 13 Mar 2015 11:04]
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I can't claim to be an expert on employment law but I'm not convinced by the workplace comparison. Whatever abuse Humes is subjected to is coming from the fans (customers) rather than players and board (staff and management).
We, as fans, don't have the luxury of typical customers in being able to take our custom elsewhere (OK, I do!) so some fans make known their displeasure with the product by hurling abuse. I've never booed the team, though I've been sorely tempted, and have only really been vocal once about wanting a change of manager, in the case of Steve Whitton.
Recent attendances have fallen, the result of customers voting with their feet perhaps. If we are relegated and Humes is still in charge next season I will almost certainly renew my season ticket but I think there are bound to be those who decide otherwise.
Relegation, if it happens, cannot be seen as the inevitable consequence of the chairman's observance of FFP rules and promotion of academy players but these things will have played their part. So to, in my opinion, will the elevation of Humes to manager. Not all good players or coaches make good managers and I feel we could and should have done better this season with the resources available. A more experienced manager would, I'm sure, have learned the lessons from some of the mistakes we seem destined to repeat game in, game out. Humes always says we will but we haven't done yet. [Post edited 13 Mar 2015 17:06]
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 13:43 - Mar 13 with 2743 views | Barsidepete |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 13:35 - Mar 13 by Leadbelly |
I can't claim to be an expert on employment law but I'm not convinced by the workplace comparison. Whatever abuse Humes is subjected to is coming from the fans (customers) rather than players and board (staff and management).
We, as fans, don't have the luxury of typical customers in being able to take our custom elsewhere (OK, I do!) so some fans make known their displeasure with the product by hurling abuse. I've never booed the team, though I've been sorely tempted, and have only really been vocal once about wanting a change of manager, in the case of Steve Whitton.
Recent attendances have fallen, the result of customers voting with their feet perhaps. If we are relegated and Humes is still in charge next season I will almost certainly renew my season ticket but I think there are bound to be those who decide otherwise.
Relegation, if it happens, cannot be seen as the inevitable consequence of the chairman's observance of FFP rules and promotion of academy players but these things will have played their part. So to, in my opinion, will the elevation of Humes to manager. Not all good players or coaches make good managers and I feel we could and should have done better this season with the resources available. A more experienced manager would, I'm sure, have learned the lessons from some of the mistakes we seem destined to repeat game in, game out. Humes always says we will but we haven't done yet. [Post edited 13 Mar 2015 17:06]
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Can't figure this out yet. But why are our writers better than any tabloid or otherwise?
Thank you, Lead. | |
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 18:47 - Mar 13 with 2712 views | noah4x4 |
I can see where you are coming from Leadbelly.
However, if you look at the T & C's for public transport or supermarkets (etc.) they all state that their employees are entitled to protection from 'personal abuse' from customers. Hence, there are actually two levels to consider in the workplace; employer/employee and employee/customer.
Frankly, I don't have any problem with fans (e.g. customers of football) venting their feelings at the FINAL whistle with collective " boos" or even by crys of (say) "rubbish Humes". I can even understand and tolerate chants of "Humes Out" (but disagree, as I don't think he has had long enough) as sadly that goes with the football manager territory and doesn't impact on his contractual relationship. Put another way. if he got sacked, the rest of his contract is paid off, so only his reputation has suffered.
But when it gets 'personal' I think he deserves the same protection as any other employee. Try calling a railway worker that is merely doing his job a 'donkey' or the 'chairman's puppet' or some other malicious sarcasm and await arrest.
As regards Barside's observation of the quality of writing and comment in here; isn't that why we all congregate in this notable forum? As I said before, we sometimes agree; often disagree; but the difference is that in here even the most critical comments are usually respectful to their target (unlike those in the Gazette). I think we should keep it that way. Although now in my sixties, I have accepted the 'political correctness' of the modern world without reluctance; that's why Nigel Farage will never get my vote. | | | |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 19:49 - Mar 13 with 2700 views | Barsidepete |
Unlike those in the Gazette? Comments? Or the so-called official site. That's one major reason I left back when. Nasty behaviour by young knobs who wouldn't express what they do if face to face, in reaction
On this site, the first ever for ColU, writers can actually string together competent sentences. | |
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| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 20:04 - Mar 13 with 2695 views | noah4x4 |
| Pony Tony's management masterclass on 19:49 - Mar 13 by Barsidepete |
Unlike those in the Gazette? Comments? Or the so-called official site. That's one major reason I left back when. Nasty behaviour by young knobs who wouldn't express what they do if face to face, in reaction
On this site, the first ever for ColU, writers can actually string together competent sentences. |
"Competent sentences" - now there is a subject we should perhaps debate!
Sharia Law has some possible merit as regards thieves, but the beating of a woman for the removal of her Burka cannot be justified. So whilst we don't want that level of legal extremism, I do feel that the UK judiciary has lost the plot with sentencing. No wonder that the Gazette and Official Site has so many 'nasty young knobs'. A slap from my Dad's belt never did me any harm. | | | |
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