Of all the head coach appointments made by MC this latest one is surely the best. He might have been "third choice" as one leading pundit suggested but for me, on reflection, he's the right one.
Young, ambitious with good experience already under his belt, could there be better credentials for the man tasked with taking this club to the next level? Robinson is a manager that has a reasonable reputation in the game, I wasn't enamoured with him.
Clarke had the feel of the next Eddie Howe about him but his experience was in the lower leagues. I'd have been happy with him but wary of his ability to attract proven talent.
Monk made the transition to manager from player with more than a reasonable degree of success. He also seems to have used his time "out of the game" diligently.
We've a new director of football too!
If we can fill the remaining vacancies within the back room with the right calibre of people then this club will start to move in the right direction.
I'm not particularly overawed by the season ticket offer. It's limited and not a refund, if it kicks in, it's a discount if the club fails to reach the top 6 off the following season's ticket. Clever marketing at best.
For me the new head coach is a statement of intent. My learned friend in Wakefield argues that MC is going nowhere fast. Conversations with those in the know, and my work now embraces the murky world of football, suggest he really wants out but tell me this, to get interested parties to pay the "right" price is it better to have a failing club, on and off the field, or a successful one?
I want to see the club retain its better players and ship out those that are not committed to the cause or simply not good enough. I recall another poster, whose comments I do respect, that wholesale changes are not going to help the club get promoted but I seem to remember Sgt Wilko having an influx of new players to get the club promoted and then a further influx as we prepared for life in the first tier of football.
It can work. Only if the right players are put into the mix. £10,000,000 investment? I'm not sure any club of the size and stature of Leeds United is going to have that sort of cash available at this level. £3,000,000 is a more realistic figure for me plus cash from any sales.
I'm encouraged. I'm living three days a week on the wrong side of the Pennines now but that gives me more opportunity mid week to see my team. I personally can't wait for the new season.
And Muhammad Ali. A true legend, RIP.
MOT
A good week for Leeds United
posted on 4/6/16
Peak, I have a feeling that the 'Chinese' group you're referencing are the group that now own Villa. Could be wrong here. But, we have Stoopo who has knowledge of that Chinese group. Maybe he can confirm?
posted on 5/6/16
I have a feeling that even when anything happens we wont know buck fizz untill after it happens!..
As sad as life can be, it'll never say the truth even when it happens!.
Here's hoping the sad side off life isn't to far away?..
posted on 5/6/16
"fans venomously abusing owners has a direct negative impact on the club itself."
I suggest that current and prior owners have brought upon themselves due to the disdain and disrespect they have shown for their fans.
posted on 5/6/16
JLA Here here!!
posted on 5/6/16
Strange how the numpties are not seeing the point, it's not the owners or past owners only that are being affected. If you read the comments properly, you'll realise that the actions and venom presented by a moronic few to the current and previous regime spouses (warranted or not to the owner) that has damaged the prospects of a buy out by an individual universally accepted as a genuine Leeds United fan, one who wants to do the club good.
posted on 5/6/16
Interesting stuff Eric. Whilst there's no doubt that in different ways each of our last 3 owners have not done themselves any favours with their running of the club to say the least, there'll always be people in this day and age who take it too far and target families and act like the tough guy. I don't like it, it's not acceptable but it will keep happening. Sadly every club, every celebrity on social media etc attracts this venemous attention.I know that some would say Cellino's family with their provocative instagram posts and offensive statements have made themselves fair game to this sort of attention.
It seems that Parkin has that love of the club that those owners/prospective owners don't have but frustratingly not the financial power needed to really make a difference in this world of parachute payments and billionaire backers. If he could just find somebody to come in with him that may be the key.
posted on 5/6/16
It would not matter if we had Jose Mourinho as manager, a club, company or any organisation cannot thrive in a negative culture and philosophy that Cellino has built.
Leeds is run by a megalomaniac with a massive ego and even less patience, this is not a recipe for success, he has treated employees of past terribly and lost so many court cases.
What makes anyone think he will suddenly be a great guy to work for and establish a positive culture. It is not going to happen, I hope I am wrong but Leeds under Cellino is always likely to be sh*t.
posted on 5/6/16
League Leader.
Well intentioned, good prospective owners should recognize that they will be given a chance. Yes, there will always be a bunch of people one cannot make happy but even now thousands are still behind the Big C as they were behind Bates until the better end, even a few on this thread.
posted on 5/6/16
there will always be a bunch of people one cannot make happy but even now thousands are still behind the Big C
Blimey JLA never thought you would concede that...!
Whay are thousands still behind him....?
I do however agree with this comment by you "...Well intentioned, good prospective owners should recognize that they will be given a chance..."
But you may need to look at some of your close bosom buddies and advise them that they need to give folk time, before before you go preaching to everyone else...!
League Leader
The malaise was here at Leeds before Massimo Cellino came. He didn't build that. Admitted he has added to the woes, but he's not responsible for all of them. There have been failings at Leeds since Peter Ridsdale's time.
posted on 5/6/16
I heard a cracker today, this'll cheer everyone (or perhaps not!)
I was told today that if Leeds gain promotion to the PL there is a clause in the deal with GFH that they will be rewarded for their assistance with a considerable dividend payout..! Millions...!!
You couldn't make it up could you..?