How does a manager survive a 5-1 home drubbing from a title rival?
It turns out he doesn't. And rightly so.
The Csaba Laszlo era died a painful and utterly inevitable death on Saturday (well, Sunday, the board for some reason decided to sleep on it) as United were utterly humiliated by Ross County at Tannadice on Saturday.
It epitomised the United team under Laszlo - poorly organised, haphazard, woeful defending and limited attacking threat. It has been a disaster from start to finish and the reality is that he shouldn't have been allowed to limp on as long as he has. I think most United fans were deeply concerned at the end of last season but I think you had to give him the transfer window in the summer to build his team. He now has that (Saturday's team only contained one survivor from last season) and he is not getting anything from his new players.
Any positives from the Laszlo era? Very few. He did sort out some issues off the park in terms of organisation and coaching structures, and I don't think we've necessarily been left with a bunch of haddies.
And so we look for our latest manager, and we've had quite a few in the last three or four years. A few names have come up:
Robbie Neilson - One of the favourites for the post, had a great period at Hearts, got them out of this league in what was a much tougher league. Didn't do well at MK Dons but then neither has his two predecessors, who have done significantly worse. Probably my pick.
Jim McIntyre - another favourite to come in along with Billy Dodds, both of whom had spells at the club. I think this is who we'll end up with, and McIntyre has attended a few games recently. I'm not entirely convinced however,
Barry Robson - Outside bet but not necessarily a bad shout with the right assistant manager alongside him. He's a winner, someone who you have to assume will get into underperforming players and I don't think is a bad shout.
Outsiders - Duncan Ferguson, Billy McKinlay. Can't see either happening.
The pressure is now on Mike Martin and his board to get this right. If they don't then his position becomes untenable.
DUFC 1 RCFC 5
posted on 1/10/18
Robbie Nielsen turned down St Mirren for some reason. Perhaps his history with Dundee Utd may help get him?
posted on 1/10/18
comment by Dominic Shimmin (U1734)
posted 4 minutes ago
How about the guy that has gone to Falkirk and quickly turned their fortunes around? He has only been there a few weeks though so I doubt he'd leave that soon after joining.
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Call Sign - the problem is that I don't think United are an attractive prospect for any manager at the moment. We're a disaster in every aspect so it'll take a strong character to pull the club back from the brink. I think I say this every time we sack a manager, but this decision really is crucial. We have run out of lives and can't afford another mistake.
posted on 1/10/18
Was reading Pie & Bovril to see the fans' reaction to this, and who other than "Chewing Taffies" pops up on the thread to gloat. If that isn't the death knell for a manager then I don't know what is.
Hopefully the team begins to care again, as they clearly didn't under Csaba. The defending at the weekend was non-existent. By far the worst I've seen in any form of football. Juniors, wheelchair or even women's!
posted on 1/10/18
chewing taffies, ffs that's a blast from the past
posted on 1/10/18
comment by Drunken Hobo (U7360)
posted 13 minutes ago
Was reading Pie & Bovril to see the fans' reaction to this, and who other than "Chewing Taffies" pops up on the thread to gloat. If that isn't the death knell for a manager then I don't know what is.
Hopefully the team begins to care again, as they clearly didn't under Csaba. The defending at the weekend was non-existent. By far the worst I've seen in any form of football. Juniors, wheelchair or even women's!
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I think there's a market for starting a gay football league. Seeing as there are no gay men in men's football. Also a straight women's football league might work, seeing as none of the women in women's football are straight.
posted on 1/10/18
Never nice seeing anyone lose their job, right decision though. Wonder at what point we’ll see Yogi’s name quoted?! Also wondered if Alex Neil is working just now? Could be the type of manager we need?
posted on 1/10/18
Alex Neil's in charge of Preston. Seems to be slim pickings for United right now.
posted on 1/10/18
Is it definitely set that it will be someone out of work? I'm really not sure how expensive he would be but Tommy Wright would be a decent move as I think St Johnstone have gone as far as they can. Possibly be too expensive though.
posted on 1/10/18
Couldn't see Wright moving down a level to United (ugh that was depressing to type).
The problem with the United job is that isn't even a poisoned chalice at the moment - at least a chalice is nice to look at. More like a poisoned tea-stained mug with a big crack down the side and a chip in the handle that jabs you every time you pick it up.
posted on 1/10/18
I think its still a job that would interest managers. But as you say its not something ready made to be successful immediately.