BOYCOTT STARTS TOMORROW

I’d go even further than say some refuse to see it. There are those out there who actively deride people who disagree with the line that all is well at Valley Parade. There are those who call out ‘negativity’ and ‘toxicity’ but aren’t averse to foul mouthed direct messages and incorrect public accusations.
It’s been patently clear for a while that major change is needed. Until those who actively defend and promote the idea that the current structure is working change their minds I don’t think anything will.

 

It’s a human trait, there have been many with their head in the sand throughout human history for most major human events and then often the shit hits the fan once it finally dawns on them and it’s too late.

Same rules apply to all business including sport.

 

Quite correct. I've publicly backed Adams on this board, never had a bad word for Sparks yet constantly call for Rupp out.
The regression continues under Rupp. He is the constant in our failing.

 

If the use of recruitment consultants is good enough for industry and service, why not here? Give Baldwin a fee to provide RS with some guidance.

 

Yet one of the most renowned clubs in the world with finance we could only dream about are finding it virtually impossible to replace Alex Fergusion when he retired in 2013, 7 managers and counting it's not unique to Braford City or the cast majority of clubs.
Having said that it's not a vote of confidence from me.

 

And the common factor? Both clubs owned by people whos primary interest is NOT about winning football matches.

 

The Glaziers don't need to know about football they employ the top people with past history of sucsess such as their DOF etc, yet keep failing, that's more the point.

 

Only recruited their DoF a year or so ago didn’t they?

 

Their primary focus is commercial gain. Simple as that. They don't give a monkeys about the football, which is why they're stuck in the dark ages.

Very different ends of the spectrum, obviously. The point is, in relation to us, we have a disinterested owner who's only real care is it not costing him money, and he likely takes his consultation fee in the meantime. He's got a novice CEO running the club, and it shows. That CEO only has the gig because it required minimal effort and was almost certainly a cheaper route than going out and running a competitive process. If you're set up wrongly at the top end of the club, you've got no chance.

 

So what about the previous DOF before that they could hardly be classed as sucsefull, it was 2013 when Sir Alex left.

 

Yet United end up in the mix each season whether domestically or abroad. FA cup winners, runners up twice in PL, league Cup winners, even Community Shield winners. Europa league winners and losing finalists.
United undoubtedly have the financial muscle but so do City, Liverpool, Chelsea whom have an identity, plan, a culture and owners whom back the aforementioned. The constant is these teams team predominantly succeed (Leicester being the blip I guess).
Arsenal, are looking to build an identity, plan and the seedlings are there to be seen.

The flip side, look at Everton, as an example. Ancelotti, Benitez, Lampard.... Where is the constant, the plan? Different styles, identity that sees them flirting with relegation this season.

So to Bradford, were is our constant, plan, culture, identity? Where are our heavyweight competitors in League 2 that Manchester United have to work within both at home and abroad?

Name our success since our 'last "successful" manager' PP left akin to SAF. Yet Manchester United have had success. 4 trophies, 4 runners up...

 

It doesn't matter where he was before, it's where he is now.

 

I'd suggest a very sucsefull Mancheter United under Sir Alex wining all before them is hardly being stuck in the dark ages.
You say "Their primary focus is commercial gain" one doesn't come without the other, Manchester United not gaing entry into the Champions league hardly enhances their commercial gain.

 

It’s about how and why he got here

 

I don't think we're disagreeing. United have struggled because they've had non footballing people running the football operation. When Fergusom retired, David Gill also left. They then appointed Ed Woodward to run the club. A man whose background is centered around accountancy and investment banking. Someone who the Glazers trusted because he brokered their deal to buy the club and who is apparently very gifted at commercial leadership. Someone with absolutely zero experience in football and running football clubs. As a consequence, they lost all sense of their footballing identify and anything like a football led strategy, and lurched from bad decision to bad decision, reset after reset, because there was no underlying plan.

Same thing here, just at very different ends of the scale.

 

I honestly do not think this club will get out of L2 under Rupp.

I accept your point on Adams not being endearing. I feel Sparks got caught up in the positivity, the feel good factor pre season, which in effect he replicated a good section of the fanbase. He got his main man, good ST numbers and got a 'squad' in early doors. He believed in what he had built and unfortunately, it hasn't worked out that way. He will learn, I have no doubt.

You are very right in my mind of thinking that"If Adans or Sparks were to leave VP, we'd be back where we started. Still lacking leadership, still operating the club on tickover"

 

Ferguson was a genius. An absolute genius. A freak really, because he did so many of the roles that too clubs now need. He ran the team, he set the vision and strategy for the academy, he was a mentor as much as a coach. He was like a manager, coach, DoF, sports psychologist and head of recruitment, all rolled into one. His genius was what enabled it to work, but it left them with a model thats for behind every other top club in the game. They now seem to be trying to put that right, but they're very much playing catch up.

And yes, you're right on the importance of Champions League Football. Thats why their goal shifted from 'everything we do is about winning trophies and setting standards', to 'we just need to get into the Champions League'.

 

No it isn't, it means jack shit. Most of our recent successful managers were in their first jobs, Kamara, Jewell, Cherry, McFarland as well of I remember correctly. Even Parky who had been a failure elsewhere before he came to us. Past records count for nothing and Both Adams and fans are wrong to quote it

 

Unless things change Rupp might take the club out of league two.