31 Dec 2017 15:26:48
Sad to see another manager sacked after such a short time in charge, and as unpopular as it might be on here, I did see some positives in what was going on this season.

Having said that, this was Watburton's own doing. I think the whole "Plan A, Plan B" debate will roll on for a while, but from what I saw this season, he just allowed too much attacking freedom. It seems the front 4 had very little defensive responsibility, regardless of who was playing there. Brereton and Walker aren't even midfielders, so their mindset was always more attacking, but to allow Dowell and McKay to neglect the midfield work meant that we were almost always defending with only 6 players, whereas most teams will try to defend with 9 or 10.

It's only an opinion, but for all the good that has come along (bringing through the youth, signing a couple of good prospects, instilling an attacking, passing game), if you can't shore up a leaky defence, your days are numbered. I think it was clear that a change in formation was needed, not even necessarily the personnel, and yet he didn't budge. You can't blame Marinakis for pulling the trigger.

On that, I don't think it's fair YET to compare Marinakis to Fatwaz. He has quietly installed a bavktoom and let them all do their jobs. He has much more experience in football than the last guy, so I'll trust him on this sacking, but if the next one ends the same way, questions will be asked.

Either way, here's hoping for a speedy appointment. Hopefully it's all lined up already.

If rumours are to be believed, I think I'd cash in on Worrall at £12m, as sad as it would be to move the kid on as he's a true red, but £12m plus what's left from Britt (if anything) in the hands of a new manager could bring in some useful players. Pay off Hobbs, give Cohen a backroom role, maybe move for a defensive leader like Dawson, even at his age, and hope the new man can find a leader for the centre of the park.

Fingers crossed for the coming weeks. Let's TRY to kick the negativity. I know the season has felt flat and depressing, but we really ARE so much better off than last year, upstairs and in the league. I know we could be dragged further into the scrap at the bottom, but we could also win 3 and be in the top 10. It's the Championship; LITERALLY anything can happen every week.

Happy New Year and here's wishing for an upturn.


1.) 31 Dec 2017
31 Dec 2017 15:40:59
He’s had nine months and a full pre season and still couldn’t pick a team.we will be ok without him


2.) 31 Dec 2017
31 Dec 2017 15:54:38
What a great post. Fair and well balanced and truly reflective of the sadness we all feel at yet another casualty but cognitive of the reasons why there simply was no option


3.) 31 Dec 2017
31 Dec 2017 16:14:22
Dawson, please no.


4.) 31 Dec 2017
31 Dec 2017 17:17:31
Cheers 2Star,

Grey, I’m not saying good we NEED Dawson, but an old head who cares about the club with bags of experience and still plenty to offer at this level would be a decent fit, no?

Who knows. I hope the new man comes in and has his targets in mind. I’ll trust whoever arrives.


5.) 31 Dec 2017
31 Dec 2017 17:28:09
Dont ever sell Joe. Keep our best young guns and be a force in a season or two with home growns.


6.) 31 Dec 2017
31 Dec 2017 19:29:02
I think Dawson could do a job for us IP for sure


7.) 31 Dec 2017
31 Dec 2017 23:05:30
Great post Irish and a good tactical analysis imo. Have a happy New year eds and all posters!Just think how lucky we are to support a club that's never ever boring and always full of surprises!