We need as a club to sit down and really do some major brainaching about where we are going and what our longterm plan is. The difference between us and Liverpool is that they have been developing their youth talent, buying intelligently and have repeatedly stated that they have a five year plan and a ten year plan. Our strategy would appear to be constantly firefighting and getting past on a wing and a prayer. This will lead nowhere other than mediocrity at best and relegation at worst. The board are probably being honest when they say that they are going for success but they need a firm strategy for achieving this and really ought to apply their minds to coming up with a sensible plan before we embark on another season. Once they have actually come up with a plan, they should ensure that supporters are aware of the plan and its mechanics and should carry on in a transparent manner which allows them and us to monitor progress. As it is, we lack direction, leadership, infrastructure and a plan beyond tomorrow. What the board does this summer is absolutely critical and I really hope they are aware of this.

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

Answers

dougal, I'll admit this differs (drastically?) from most of my previous postings (I've had a couple of bevvies + it's a holiday here the morra!); the board appears to take our PHENOMENAL support for granted, i.e. season ticket sales (+ merchandise) are guaranteed and mediocrity will suffice...

more the morra from me + at least you're on the answers page now!

;-)

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

Really it is just a case of the fans not knowing what the Board's plans are. Conflicting statements from the PLC chairman and Douggie Hall have all confused the fans.

Whatever they come up with I am sure the intentions are to qualify for Europe next year.

They have to back Robson with the investment which is sorely needed in the team and be ruthless in clearing out some people at the club who have simple not performed this season and that is not just the playing staff.

More importantly I would like to see a bit more direction from the Manager and his team. This season we have lacked balance, width and defensive nouse to such an extent that we have had a piss poor season.

I have seen no direction from Robson and his team on this matter and the continual selection of 3 central midfielders when it obviously offers very little, baffles me. Other teams in the Premiership have prospered this season with the 'sum being greater than the parts'. Our Sum has been infinetly lesser than the parts.

I want to see a plan from the management team which will induce a structure in the team. The reserve side will play that way too, everyone at the club will know how they are expected to perform in relation to their team mates and to the opposition. Too many times this season we have reacted to the opposition rather than dictate the way the game is played and until we start doing that we're going to win fuck all.

But more importantly and a fundamental issue in ANY plan that is put in place we need to sort out the feckin injury list. We could have 20 great players but if they are injured for long periods of the season we can't expect to compete. That comes down to the medical staff, the Management team and the training facilities, the latter is the one which needs radically sorting out.

Oh and we need to find a more suitable alternative to Warren Barton, as long as the replacement can clap like a trooper.

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

I feel that we are on track in a lot of areas. The youth and reserves are both doing well, young Chopra seems to be the real deal up front and he should be our man in a season or two. The problem exists as to what do we do in the meantime.

I would seriously seek to develop a top flight youth academy and, moreover, some appropriate training facilities.

I DO NOT however think spending huge amounts on overpriced talent can do much. Certainly YBR should address the squad areas that need to be addressed, the defense, the wings, but the possibilities for next season with a HEALTHY first 11 could be good even without huge changes.

The main thing is not to sell off players the like of YKD, instead we need to show them that we are serious about wanting to be one of the best teams going. How and when we achieve that is the question.

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

big club my ass

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

Illiterate halfbred, incestuous oxygen thief

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

lol the vicars wint like you making address like that bumpkin! Need any advice on the nationwide in a few years? As us, as unlike some we DID manage 40,000 week in, week out when we were shite in recent times

Bye bye bye bye!, bye bye BYE BYE!, bye bye bye bye, bye BYE bye BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol ha ha

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

Why do you all keep posting repies the the silly postings of "souperkev". as long as you do, you give him the credibility his dad needs to allow him onto the computer.

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

DB, that's exactly my point - our stated intention has been to get into Europe and win a Cup for about 5 years but there seems to be no base plan for achieving this, other than hoping that the manager can achieve miracles.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

I agre with you dougal, and this is entirely symptomatic - as I said an another recent thread, Club management is high on ambition/intentions but lacking in execution (that includes the associated strategic planning).

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

I agree, Clarky - the club is suffering from Del Boy "I'll be a millionaire this time next year" syndrome.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001