Levy's Plan

[harr1984]

While I have defended Levy repeatedly on here I think it's way too early to come to any conclusions on the new people in charge.

Exactly, hence why I said I'd like to see what happens in the summer window. We don't have all the information, what we do know is there is a fair chance they are unconvinced about the current manager, and that January windows aren't easy to acquire genuine quality players that will improve us - especially when we are so low in the league.

There were enough reasons for us not to invest heavily in the January window unless the opportunity was there to, and I'm glad we didn't just bring in a load of bodies for the sake of spending.....

 

[braineclipse]

Agree on this - i do also agree with the idea they haven't exactly helped themselves with not following through on the big talk at a time when we're in a bad spot

Absolutely. Seeing it from their perspective I can understand being reluctant to spend big in a January window (difficult window), with so much uncertainty around both the DoF situation and manager situation.

I struggle to believe that they would have just lied to us about wanting to spend more, a change of approach. That would just be setting themselves up for a rather quick and strong negative reaction. I'm a strong believer in human fallability, but this would just be incoherently stupid to do.

But also definitely not a good look the way it panned out. I'm hoping that steps will be taken to be in a good position to act differently come the summer and deliver more on what they promised.

 

[ricky2tricky4city]

I definitely agree that a lack of identity and clear approach over time was a significant problem.

I continue to have my doubts about that changing for the better regardless of who is in charge. Doing that seems the exception rather than the norm, most bigger clubs ending up getting that identity through getting a managerial decision really right and then the identity and approach follows.

I don't think identity and approach follows tbh....I think you just ride the wave of having a very good manager. Credit or luck given in whatever quantities for appointing said manager BUT always bricking yourself of the day you have to appoint a new one. Look at United and the Goons post Fergie and Wenger, and us post Poch....back to the wilderness, clutching, hoping.
You can still be doing the same things, using the same approach, just the fella (manager) who ultimately sets the mood and direction of travel of the club is not as good as the last one.

Our example post Poch is even greater, as we could change our approach in having more money to spend (the ultimate tool), but never the right guy.

 

[braineclipse]

I don't think identity and approach follows tbh....I think you just ride the wave of having a very good manager. Credit or luck given in whatever quantities for appointing said manager BUT always bricking yourself of the day you have to appoint a new one. Look at United and the Goons post Fergie and Wenger, and us post Poch....back to the wilderness, clutching, hoping.
You can still be doing the same things, using the same approach, just the fella (manager) who ultimately sets the mood and direction of travel of the club is not as good as the last one.

Our example post Poch is even greater, as we could change our approach in having more money to spend (the ultimate tool), but never the right guy.

I think we mostly agree, I just wasn't clear enough. I meant follows as long as that manager is in place.

But looking at somewhat smaller clubs. Brentford, fair enough only the one change of manager in the PL, but it seems clear that the identity and approach wasn't tied to Frank, but to the club/higher up. Brighton too who have had several manger changes.

I don't think us, Arsenal or United have tried to follow the same identity post Ferguson, Wenger or Poch. It's way more get the best/most accomplished manager available, not one that can continue working on an established identity.

Bayern going for Kompany would for me be an example to follow. "Failed" at Burnley in the PL, not the most accomplished, not the biggest name as such (though seen as a real managerial talent), but suited the identity and what Bayern want to be. Most big English clubs would rather go for someone proven in very different circumstances at a higher level than someone proven to have done a similar job at a lower level. Going for "the best" rather than the most suited.