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Reply | Scott Quigley
at 18:07 1 Sep 2022
Charman out on loan and Tulloch loan annulled if the Twitterati are to be believed. |
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Reply | James Ball
at 13:00 31 Aug 2022
If he's scored, he can do what he wants. Somersaults, handstands or what the bloody hell he likes. Couldn't care what he does.
Cantona was famous for scoring and standing like a statue, motionless, hands on hips, awaiting the adulation. That was his style. Don't remember much criticism for him. |
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Reply | A Question ....
at 13:16 25 Mar 2021
We mustn't fall into the trap of letting the BBM contract saga camouflage the real problems affecting the very soul of our club. At the recent farce of a forum, I think that Mr. Rawlinson was genuinely unaware of the contract extension and only found out there and then, as did we. That certainly isn't the fault of BBM, who was prompted to make the announcement himself. It's as a direct result of too many decisions being taken, rightly or wrongly, by too few people. Again, that's not the fault of BBM.
Undoubtedly, everything started to go awry when Mr. Dunphy left. The full reasons of how and why he left have been the subject of much chatter and speculation. We will probably never know chapter and verse, what actually took place. Only those involved can enlighten us, but it still stinks to high heaven and the atmosphere has never recovered.
We have since lurched and slumped from one disaster to another, even before the matters on the pitch are considered.
Former manager Keith Hill was given his marching orders within 48 hours of a public announcement from the CEO saying that his (KH) job was safe and that this club has never been one for making 'knee-jerk' decisions!! That was a complete disaster for the club PR machine and as an exercise in communication and trust with supporters and the media world. Even worse is the rumour that the decision to part company with Hill had already been made, before that announcement, but KH hadn't at that time been told, so we got the bluff and bluster nonsense as a result.
The club has generated more income in the last 4 or 5 years than at any other time in its history. We have produced and/or transferred more saleable assets in the last 7 years than ever before. (Remember that BBM has actually played a massive part in that particular success story)
It is now being implied that it will be 'an achievement' if we reach the end of the season whilst still solvent. WHAT? There is presumably something we aren't privy to. No other explanation.
On the field, the season has been utterly miserable, save for a few sporadic - even spectacular - highlights. The injury situation has been a complete nightmare and is entirely out of the control of the manager and the players.
We went into this season ill-prepared from the start in terms of experience and numbers. BBM was given an unrealistic budget and an unworkable small squad for League One and then effectively asked to make a silk purse from a sow's ear. Never, ever going to happen, however willing, able, keen that the squad and management team were. BBM may not be entirely blameless for the on-field situation but he was more or less set up to fail.
The one thing that stands out to me is that the situation on the pitch is recoverable. 4 points from a possible 6 against two of the so-called better teams at this level.
The players obviously have a massive spirit of togetherness and determination. They clearly think they can escape the drop between now and the end of the season and along with BBM are as united as it is possible to be. It shows. As things stand, we are a very young, inexperienced team but the squad is unable to withstand the loss of key players for lengthy periods. These key players are now returning from injury/suspension at a crucial time. Cause for hope.
We are quite capable of playing football to a standard which suggests we should currently be a mid-table side at worst. Hopefully, we can survive the drop and move into next season afresh, with a full squad with some key experience added.
It's apparent that the real issues affecting the lifeblood of the club are at the other end of the players' tunnel. No-one questions the love people have for the club, in whatever capacity they serve, but someone, somewhere desperately needs to get a grip of the Boardroom and sort it out. It's a bloody embarrassing mess. There is a desperate need for fresh, young blood and modern ideas. The game has changed. We need to keep up.
If there was half as much spirit and togetherness upstairs as there appears to be on the pitch, the club would be in a better place. Currently, it's afloat without a rudder. It has no clear direction and it needs a firm, decisive Chairman and the sooner the better. It should never be a one-man show. [Post edited 25 Mar 2021 16:36]
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Reply | Mark Hodkinson: Inside the Boardroom
at 15:27 21 Mar 2021
Excellent news. At least they will always belong to people with the good of the club at heart. Can't ask for more than that. |
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Reply | Fan's forum 10.3.2021
at 11:32 11 Mar 2021
If there was ever any doubt about the commitment of the senior club officials, last night surely removed it. Also a great back-slapping exercise. The mutual appreciation society in full flow.
A group of people who are entirely and unanimously agreed on the way forward. Except of course, the Director who knew nothing about the contract extension of the team manager, which now appears to have been the personal gift of the CEO. Who else knew is the real question. No-one else commented. Mr. Rawlinson was obviously embarrassed and surely should have been briefed as a matter of courtesy, before the meeting, by the one man who already knew the answer to the question. Instead, he was hung out to dry.
The problem is, when you effectively give the keys to the shop to one man, he gets to enjoy it at his leisure and as he sees fit, without the necessary scrutiny.
It may well turn out to be the right thing to keep BBM in charge. Time will tell. The points that people have made about loss of players through injury and suspension are undoubtedly valid and everybody (none more than BBM) looks forward to him being able to pick from a full squad.
It seems that if we go down (by no means yet a certainty by any means) the same structure will remain in place and the same people will get the opportunity to rebuild.
With the same CEO at the helm.
I wish Mr. Kelly well in his recovery from illness. Clearly he is currently in poor health and the club suffers from his absence. RAFC needs an actively involved Chairman to oversee what's going on. The sooner, the better. |
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Reply | Sporting director
at 16:46 17 Feb 2021
I think this is an excellent idea and it looks as though the Board are really trying to give the manager every ounce of support. I think he's one of the brightest managerial prospects in the game today and I really hope he can achieve his success with RAFC.
He is totally focused and committed to the task in hand and these players have great faith in him. The spirit amongst them is massive and that's obvious during games.
I'm sure there will be many applications received for this job from some very experienced and well-qualified candidates.
A very positive move and one that gives me much encouragement. |
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Reply | Mendez
at 12:06 2 Feb 2021
Must be the 'Warnock Factor' with NML. Sunday paper and ANixon on Twitter had him nailed on for Rooney at Derby. Nixon usually on the mark with his snippets. |
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Reply | Dale sign Vale?
at 12:02 2 Feb 2021
He's off to Scotland with Motherwell is Magloire. Someone must think he will benefit their squad. |
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Reply | Irish team
at 10:55 2 Feb 2021
John O'Sullivan |
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Reply | Statue for Cloughie
at 18:08 30 Jan 2021
Cloughie's statue appeal has raised more money in 24 hours than Bury FC raised to save their club. |
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Reply | Baah to West Ham?
at 17:14 29 Jan 2021
The deadline is Monday night, so there's time yet. |
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Reply | Take a bow Stuart Ashworth
at 12:54 27 Jan 2021
He was excellent. A touch of humour, (Hornets) some great phrases (as YTD alludes to) and a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Super effort. |
| | Ignatius_Sancho
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Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 14 | | Comment Votes: | 0 | | Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 14 |
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