Another month has passed so I thought an update might be in order. It continues to be a troubling start to life back in the Championship.
On the positive side, a decision was finally broadcasted about RVN last week, slightly earlier than the 1 July date anticipated, which was a bit strange to say the least, although the financial settlement may be in this year's accounting period; it was reported that this was by mutual consent which presumably limits the financial hit. Ruud was a nice chap, a fantastic player and leaves with my best wishes for the future; this was the correct decision, he proved to be utterly useless in last season's relegation battle, which gave me zero confidence he'd be any better in the bear pit that is the Championship.
The club has also arranged a number of friendlies, including an attractive fixture against Fiorentina. Unfortunately they have for some reason taken the puzzling decision to hold the first two home matches at Seagrave, are they trying to maximise use of this expensive white elephant? Have they relaid the pitch at the KP or something?
The rest of the news has been quite worrying, the parent company is quite clearly struggling with its business as lower amounts of tourism in Thailand have hit it quite hard. There have been recent changes at the top which may go some way to explain the lack of action at Leicester City.
At home this has translated to no manager being in place for the vital pre-season period, with us a mere couple of days before the first friendly. Presumably we are being schooled in the Andy King style at present, to be shortly followed by a change to the Rohl/Dyche/whoever method; not good at all. The rumour mill continues to speculate, but the bookies have Dyche as favourite with Rohl just behind, then Lee Carsley (God no!) and Michael Carrick on a bit longer odds with the following pack much further back. Just get it done FFS!
There has been more speculation on moves but nothing positive, so we are still stuck with the deadwood, are no clearer on whether our prized assets are departing or who might be coming in. To a degree that is understandable, as one would hope that the incoming manager would at least have some input as to the shape of the squad. It does mean however that we have the less than thrilling prospect of our line being led by one P Daka; who knows though, now he isn't faced by the GOAT being in the team all the time, he might blossom back into the free-scoring striker he was previously; he is only 26 after all so should be in his prime.
There are also some rumours about changes to the management at the club, This included me getting excited at news that a director was leaving, but this was tempered somewhat by it being Dan Barnett (no I hadn''t heard of him before either), the erstwhile commercial director who has departed for Scotland - rather than the hoped for Rudders.
I haven't seen any more news about the FFP issues we face, nor any timescale for any decisions/punishments.
With only a month or so to go before the season starts, my message to the club - which is still silent on most matters - would be get on with it! Quickly!
Update on progress (or lack thereof)
posted 1 week, 5 days ago
Watching the fitness game on city's you tube channel
Poor sound and the usual amateurs at work..
At least we'll get a look at the kids
posted 1 week, 5 days ago
Playing our first pre-season game in our training gear because next season's kit isn't ready yet doesn't exactly scream "everything is fine". Just missing our bibs and plimsolls for the full Year 7 PE vibe.
No manager, no kits, no pitch, no signings and most of the backroom staff gone or going. Meanwhile, Dear Leader is still pretending to be some sort of Thai celebrity, hobnobbing with his jersey lifestyle and polo antics.
Yeah That'll Do FC.
posted 1 week, 5 days ago
To be fair our pre-season performances and results are normally ‘unpredictable’ at the best of times. So any positive result will help lift the mood going into the season ahead.
Really good to see some youngsters given free reign for 45 minutes, and it will be interesting if the new manager keeps 3-4 of those used in the second half today as Championship squad players/ potential starters through the season.
Page, Monga, Thomas & Nelson look like they could have an interesting season ahead!
I thought it was refreshing to hear Andy King speak today, he hasn’t been ‘media moulded’ like so many others and you can hear his clear plan.
While we need a manager ASAP I am happy that in Kingy we have a safe pair of hands.
Controversially I would actually prefer Kingy long term over Dyche, Wilder etc….. but let’s see if we get any news over the next 72 hours.
UTF
posted 1 week, 5 days ago
I didn’t get bit see any of the action but did catch Kingy being interviewed afterwards. He has always been a calm and level headed type and that came across today. He clearly knows what he’s talking about and will doubtless be an asset to whoever comes in.
posted 1 week, 5 days ago
"Controversially I would actually prefer Kingy long term over Dyche, Wilder etc….. but let’s see if we get any news over the next 72 hours."
Some strong rumours tonight that we are speaking to Wilder. I would genuinely rather take a punt on King than go for Wilder. Only ever done well at Sheff Utd who were glad to see the back of him at the end, was poor at Middlesbrough and Watford, and would be an even more uninspired appointment than Cooper was.
It would just be another example of how far we have fallen - which is why I can absolutely see it happening. Though I also thought Martin was nailed on, so hopefully I and the rumours are wrong again...
posted 1 week, 5 days ago
I am hoping that it is just lazy ‘click here 1+1=475’ journalism.
My issue with the Wilder/Dyche rumours are two-fold.
1) The owners got burned with Cooper will they go down this type again?
2) A Wilder type of manager just will not complement the type of football that our current squad are capable of in the Championship. We have some good players who are devoid of confidence. A Wilder appt just will not make sense, give it to King & Hughes before Chris Wilder ffs!!!!
UTF
posted 1 week, 4 days ago
Surely not Wilder? Surely??
posted 1 week, 4 days ago
Wilder did OK with Sheffield United. I'd prefer Dyche. I can't see a Man City Lite style keeping us up even if it proves sufficient to gain promotion. Giving it to Kingy would be a massive gamble.
In any even, it's insane that we're into the friendlies with no manager in place.
posted 1 week, 3 days ago
comment by Nuneaton_fox (U7936)
posted 12 hours, 45 minutes ago
Wilder did OK with Sheffield United. I'd prefer Dyche. I can't see a Man City Lite style keeping us up even if it proves sufficient to gain promotion. Giving it to Kingy would be a massive gamble.
In any even, it's insane that we're into the friendlies with no manager in place.
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Could be worse. You could be us (Wednesday). No manager. No training ground. A three window transfer embargo. A further embargo with HMRC. Players and staff not getting paid which means some players can walk away from contracts if not sorted in around nine days. An owner who won't sell the club but hasn't got any money. A massive points deduction incoming. A yearly community event cancelled due to fear of protests. The list goes on and on and gets worse by the day.
You should definitely be after Rohl though. He is currently negotiating the release from his contract. He hasnt covered himself in glory these last few months but its no surprise really with the way the club is going. He will be a top manager one day
posted 1 week, 3 days ago
comment by Sloppy implementer of heroic ideas (U20845)
posted 4 hours, 55 minutes ago
comment by Nuneaton_fox (U7936)
posted 12 hours, 45 minutes ago
Wilder did OK with Sheffield United. I'd prefer Dyche. I can't see a Man City Lite style keeping us up even if it proves sufficient to gain promotion. Giving it to Kingy would be a massive gamble.
In any event, it's insane that we're into the friendlies with no manager in place.
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Could be worse. You could be us (Wednesday). No manager. No training ground. A three window transfer embargo. A further embargo with HMRC. Players and staff not getting paid which means some players can walk away from contracts if not sorted in around nine days. An owner who won't sell the club but hasn't got any money. A massive points deduction incoming. A yearly community event cancelled due to fear of protests. The list goes on and on and gets worse by the day.
You should definitely be after Rohl though. He is currently negotiating the release from his contract. He hasnt covered himself in glory these last few months but its no surprise really with the way the club is going. He will be a top manager one day
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I feel much sympathy to your plight. It is a salutary lesson to those who are eager to be rid of King Power - be careful what you wish for!