Coppell was right

[howser]

SSC was obviously made aware that the cloth was going to be torn to shreds and done the best thing and got the hell out, when he is ready to return he will be well in demand. No problems with him he saw what was happening and got out>

[Uke]

11 games in and we resemble a pig with lipstick.

You mean like this?

[Harpers So Solid Crew]

i would!!!!

[jollyjiminy]

I think all that happened was Coppell found a system that could get a bunch of players to exceed themselves. That way, players from lower leagues could compete in a way that they never had before, and they developed skills that, to some extent, they could take with them. I say to some extent, 'cos I think the only two that can seriously compete at top level are Sidwell (which is no surprise, as he came with Wenger's blessing) and Doyle (who surprised everyone, hence his bargain price). The others maybe have a trick each (maybe Kitson has a bit extra), so they struggle a little.

The problem is, that the other Premier League clubs, with their wise gurus and technical expertise, eventually (after a year) cracked the code on Coppell's magic system, which explosed the players, and brought the whole thing crashing down. Sadly, after a few months, Championship clubs cracked it too.

I think Coppell was right to go, and the old players too. We need a NEW system (maybe Brendan has this?), the managerial nous to make it work (maybe Brendan has this too - he did this at Watford) but we also need some quality to build it around (at least one good premiership player who's ended up playing in the championship - a new Sidwell). Tommy Smith, perhaps, could have been that man (he was crucial to HOW Brendan succeeded at Watford). I don't think we've got that man at the moment. Therefore, if we get shot of Brendan, but the new guy doesn't bring that quality in with him, we're no further forward. If we're patient, and can hang on in this division, will Brendan identify, bring in, and develop the new talent? I think he might - he cut it at Watford, and was successful developing talent at Chelsea. But it will need patience - these kind of players are so rare, and if it goes wrong, it may well be because of the failed deal for Smith, who was, in all probability, the card that we needed to give us a competitive hand. Ultimately, given time, I can't see why Brendan can't find another, but he's probably having to start from scratch again.

[Barry the bird boggler]

The problem is, that the other Premier League clubs, with their wise gurus and technical expertise, eventually (after a year) cracked the code on Coppell's magic system, which explosed the players, and brought the whole thing crashing down. Sadly, after a few months, Championship clubs cracked it too.

No don't think they did. If any thing Coppell cracked it as he did not replace Sidwell and chose not to buy a right winger despite Little being injured and Seol being pushed out to Fulham asap. With those spots filled we would have survived.

[Stevie G]

if it goes wrong, it may well be because of the failed deal for Smith, who was, in all probability, the card that we needed to give us a competitive hand.

And there's the crux of whether he deserves more time or not. Funds were 'available', but we never moved surely enough to capture BRs prized asset and no doubt what he saw as the capstone to developing success.

Boxing with one arm behind your back?

[RoyalBlue]

if it goes wrong, it may well be because of the failed deal for Smith, who was, in all probability, the card that we needed to give us a competitive hand.

And there's the crux of whether he deserves more time or not. Funds were 'available', but we never moved surely enough to capture BRs prized asset and no doubt what he saw as the capstone to developing success.

Boxing with one arm behind your back?

We were repeatedly told that 'funds were available' for Steve Coppell's us too. Perhaps those funds are held in a long notice account!!

[Woking Royal]

Having wondered when SC might return to management I wonder if that day might be near? With the sacking of Notts Countys manager they will be looking for a man of substance prepared to take on the challenge of lifting a club out of the lower leagues. With budget not a problem it is a job where SC might be tempted??

We shall see ....................

[Ryn]

SC has traditionally worked with smaller budgets and less 'bling'.

Notts County will be far too grandiose and 'in your face' for SC, there is no chance he would go there.

[Dirk Gently]

if it goes wrong, it may well be because of the failed deal for Smith, who was, in all probability, the card that we needed to give us a competitive hand.

And there's the crux of whether he deserves more time or not. Funds were 'available', but we never moved surely enough to capture BRs prized asset and no doubt what he saw as the capstone to developing success.

Boxing with one arm behind your back?

But funds weren't available until we'd sold off existing players. Immediately we sold Shunt or Bikey (forget which) we were in contact with Watford with an offer at the price they'd previously told us they'd accept. They then raised that asking price (but only a little bit) but that did show things down a few days, but agreement was made a few days after that.

[Ian Royal]

And of course, our problems are much more extensive than 1 player would solve.

Pinning your season on signing one player from a team who's chairman hates you is anohter sign of poor management.

[ZacNaloen]

We didn't do that though did we Ian?

[Ian Royal]

We didn't do that though did we Ian?

Didn't say we did, I'm saying if we (or in fact Rodgers) did do that as implied above, it would be another sign of poor management.

[RoyalBlue]

And of course, our problems are much more extensive than 1 player would solve.

Pinning your season on signing one player from a team who's chairman hates you is anohter sign of poor management.

I very much doubt the Watford Chairman hates Rodgers and/or RFC. Of course he made some noise to try to keep the Watford supporters off his back but, given the financial challenges facing Watford, he was more than happy to bite our hands off and take the money for Rodgers. What he didn't take too kindly to was our negotiator (presumably Hapless Hammond) offering way below what he felt was the market price for one of his players - for the stupid on here market price is what the market is prepared to pay and isn't necessarily directly related to age of player or time left to run on contract.

If further evidence of the absence of hatred (or at least a willingness to overlook it) is required, look no further than our subsequent purchase of McAnuff!

[brendywendy]

And of course, our problems are much more extensive than 1 player would solve.

Pinning your season on signing one player from a team who's chairman hates you is anohter sign of poor management.

I very much doubt the Watford Chairman hates Rodgers and/or RFC. Of course he made some noise to try to keep the Watford supporters off his back but, given the financial challenges facing Watford, he was more than happy to bite our hands off and take the money for Rodgers. What he didn't take too kindly to was our negotiator (presumably Hapless Hammond) offering way below what he felt was the market price for one of his players - for the stupid on here market price is what the market is prepared to pay and isn't necessarily directly related to age of player or time left to run on contract.

If further evidence of the absence of hatred (or at least a willingness to overlook it) is required, look no further than our subsequent purchase of McAnuff!

i think the delaying, upping of price etc demonstrates that at the same time as requiring the money, and wages off their books, he was also gleefully happy to be able to give rodgers and RFC a kicking while he was at it