thebells

Why does Vic need to score to have him in the mix? Collins hasn't scored either! Vic was part of our best spell of last season and, so far, part of our best spell of this season!

I'd be surprised if they move the game to next season!

This is the crux of it. I've been scratching my head all week trying to think of an example of a manager that has reversed a position like this. The only example i can think of is Ian Evatt, funnily enough, during that first season. Fans not being in the ground helped! 2-0 down at Mansfield felt like he was done for. We won 3-2. Rioch was 2-0 down at Chester in his first season (superfan points) and came back to draw 2-2 before going on to promotion. A comeback from this would eclipse those. I want it to work out for him. If i see a midfield 2 and Schon playing left back / wing back tomorrow, I'll be fearing the worst though.

I think Evatt has two issues here. One, he is so far inside the problem, he can't see the wood for the trees. We've all been there in life. Two, he has nailed his colours to this new formation (and recruited for it to an extent). I hope he changes, but don't expect him to. As much as people criticised last seasons rigidity, there was at least a system and a plan. Saturday in particular was a tough watch, with players (midfield in particular) not knowing where to look for a pass. Cogley (who i like) and Schon (looking at you Ludonautics) are now expected to do even more work than before to compensate for losing a midfielder. When the ball does make it forward, the gap between midfield and front 3 is huge. We 'might' win on Saturday (I don't think we will if nothing changes), but it will only paper over cracks. Feel sad it has come to this for Evatt. I've never enjoyed his touchline behaviour, but he's clearly a guy who is desperate to succeed professionally. Ian, if you're reading, ignore the requests for a Plan B. Just go back to Plan A (and we'll worry about the rest in a few weeks)

I know. God forbid we’d have different points of view.

Humour doesn't always travel well with the written word :-).

We'd have all wanted Schumacher sacked after a 4-0 defeat at Wembley!

Shares a minor issue to sort. The £100k he owes the club a bigger problem. If he resigns he waives any right to a pay off and is liable for that debt. He’ll be looking to come to an agreement. But if the club want him to stay (possible) he’s in a tricky spot

Yep. I think time has come for change. But I’ve no idea who comes in. Challinor probably best shout I’ve heard.

Exactly that. Wayne Rooney is currently a manager in the championship. Clubs will take a punt because, as we’re about to find out, there ain’t exactly a huge number of amazing managers out there.

As I’ve said before, I hear ‘bits’. But would never pass it off as gospel or ITK.

I don’t think players have downed tools as such. Yesterday didn’t look great, but I think that was a group of ‘beaten’ players rather than a group that aren’t playing for him. Everything I hear is that they’re (virtually) all behind him. Evatt will get another job. Don’t be surprised if he rocks up in the Championship! He’s highly rated in the game. Also highly doubt Sharon going anywhere. Let’s see what happens this week first. I don’t think a replacement will happen quickly personally and I’d expect another young manager to come in. We’re a ‘project’ club now, which rules out quite a few. Evatts biggest issue is that we’re at home next week. If we were away, I think the board would give him another game or two. Anyway, he wants out. Just a question of which day this week he goes.

Whatever anyone’s opinions of Evatt the man, yesterday was clearly a tough day for him (as well as us supporters). I find the personal judgements around mental health, bullying, etc pretty distasteful as it’s serves no purpose to discuss it. It’s pretty clear that he’ll meet with Sharon and some others in the next day or two and, by Weds, they’ll have parted by mutual consent. Have opinions about his tactics by all means, but I think we just need to let this play out. It’s worth remembering that the staff and players are all his (and almost to a man believe in him). The change to a new manager won’t be easy. There’ll probably be a short term bounce as there usually is. But new staff, new systems, etc can take a long time to embed. I hope I’m wrong but there’ll be a lot of upheaval at the end of the season with players out of contract, frustrated big money signings and a team of investors unlikely to back a new manager to the same level (this will also affect the calibre of manager were able to attract).

My lad is Under 15's now. Noticed a big change last year when into Under 14's. Have to say, almost all lads themselves are still in it for the right reasons. The parents get worse though. If your kid hasn't been picked up by an Academy at this point, it almost certainly isn't happening. So chill out and enjoy watching your child have fun on a Sat / Sun morning. I just don't get it. Some of the things I saw last season made my eyes bleed (though not as much as IE's Amy video)

The 'only' way he comes back is on a short term gig, if Evatt went after Christmas for example. Keep the ship moving whilst a longer term appointment is found. I love the fella, brown envelopes and everything. But he's definitely slowed down mentally, and having seen various interviews / podcasts with him, comes across to me as yesterday's man. I'm one of the few in the Evatt camp anyway. Give the fella some time. 2 wins from next 2 and we all start talking very differently. I'd love us to go up, but having come so close to going under, I'm genuinely happy to have footy to watch on a Saturday afternoon. Probably doesn't fit the narrative of many on here, but it's my view!