David Hopkin

There are comparisons with Hopkin and Grayson in how things have panned out early in their City spells. Both were quick to question the attitude of the players and whether the squads they have at their disposal are fit for purpose. Grayson realised the enormity of the task in hand at Bradford and decided not accept the offer of a two year contract, probably because he thought he would walk into another one. Hopkin won't walk away but now realises just how big a task he has to turn this club around.

 

But no-one would come to Bradford if they weren't up for a challenge!

 

Didn't Grayson say It's a coup for Bradford City to have me here? Not sure what context anyone needs to judge that arrogant.

We agree, Grayson did say the players weren't good enough. In fact nothing was really good enough for him - the training facilities, the budget, the philosophy and of course all these were the reasons why a manager of his standing wasn't able to get the results. It had nothing to do with him.

Hopkin has never said the players aren't good enough. He went on record saying that he has a talented squad and has lauded the players - particularly the younger ones in an effort to raise confidence. In fact he's protected the players preferring to emphasise the injuries, the fact that we have a young squad, the ref should have given a penalty the ref shouldn't have given a penalty - anything that diverts criticism of players shortcomings or abilities. I've never heard him criticise the training ground or anything else and seems genuinely delighted to be here.

Despite this and in common with Grayson results have not come. Perhaps his behaviour this week is similar but the circumstances giving rise to it are poles apart. Hopkin's frustrated and wants to try and jolt the club (not just the players) out of the lethargy that's encompassed it for the past year. Grayson just liked a good moan so attention was diverted and his billy-big-balls reputation remained intact.

The difference in reaction you have identified is understandable and justified imo.

 

He was very close in his post match interview, on Saturday.

He said 'we don't have the players to play out from the back. We would concede more goals if we did'.

If that's not saying the players aren't good enough, then it's very close!

 

Fair point but generally I think he's been more supportive certainly compared to Grayson.

 

Hopkin has been more patient and complimentary throughout his tenure- without a doubt. However, unlike under Grayson, the players have put in effort and there have been small signs that we might have been able to improve results. To little avail of course, but there's always been that glimmer of hope which has allowed him to use a relatively calm and measured approach. It's now dawned on him that we are in dire straights and that he's unable to turn things around and his comments are on par with Grayson's.

The only time Grayson got a response whilst he was here was the second half vs Charlton and if you look back at his post match comments, he was very encouraging and would have been if the was more to sing praise about. That also applies for Hopkin of course, and he wouldn't have made his comments over the past week or so without reason, but you can also defend Grayson using the same stick which no one would dare do.

 

lets just get on with supporting the club in the next two home games and get some points on the board , never mind grayson and the germans get behind the club .

 

Good interview with Hopkin today. Forget Edin and concentrate on the pitch.

If only....

 

Its what we should be doing....the ER thing is just getting ridiculous.

 

When have the Bradford City fans done anything else, Ive heard very little dissent with regard vocally supporting the manager and players.
Sunderland was a great atmoshere, and the fans got behind the players at Accrington, but sorry to say the two go together, what we are seeing on the pitch is very much to do with our owners past involvment, far more Edin than Stefan.

 

Hopkin is agreeing with what you say. He says it’s give and take.

 

Grayson is a good manager and no-one can argue with his record at this level but he is a step-by-step, lay the foundations manager. (Not knocking it btw). I was happy with his appointment initially but his experience at Sunderland seem to affect how he approached the job here. I ended up being relieved when he decided not to stay. I've been nothing but impressed with Hopkin. He's appraised the situation well and adopted sound management techniques to tackle the problems that exist. The fact that he's not got points on the board has given rise to him varying his approach somewhat. Again this is good - why do the same things when they're not working. He's no mug, he knows he needs to get to January but by the same token he's got to try and eek some points from the current crop. It's imperative we keep hold of this guy imo which is why I jumped on your original post which implied criticism of him. Having seen your subsequent responses I don't think we're really disagreeing much.

 

That Dave Hopkin is no fool he must read Bantam Talk.

 

Disagree about being relieved Grayson deciding to leave.

Grayson should have been backed to the hilt by the clowns in charge, and left to his own devices in terms of recruitment, pre season planning etc.. We certainly wouldn't have been in the mess we are in now, that's for sure.
Still believe if Grayson had been allowed to do his own thing, he would have got us promoted within 2 years

 

Wonder if he has read today's WOAP

 

Another good piece from WOTP and Jason McKeown unfortunately as fans we can only wait and see what transpires when the ego returns, as I posted previously he needs to take stock of his time at Valley Parade and hopefully sweet talk the money man into trying to help salvage this season with a few quality signings come January.

 

Probably because he didn't want his excellent CV tarnishing with a club that was going to have its modest budget slashed yet again, to repay a loan that wasn't made to the club but to the owners.

 

I think Hopkin has laid it out fairly and squarely that there has to be players brought into the club in January and he would decide who those players are. If either of these events do not materialise I think on 1st February those in charge of the club will almost certainly be looking for another head coach.

 

we ALWAYS support the team. apart from last week, and maybe the final few seconds at home the other week there's been very little chanting or what have you directed at the owner.

he's got away very lightly in that respect.

of course, it is possible to support the team and voice discontent at the ownership. they aren't exclusive.

 

Hopkin today? Meh.

Im not being funny, but we can't carry on as we are, under these clowns. We can put the animosity to one side maybe, but what does that achieve?

We go down under R+R and I won't be able to justify my season ticket. For me, this is a massive deal with major personal repercussions.

But whatever.

Pretend it isn't, right?