relegation fights in four years has seen our lamentable stock drop even further and no matter which way you spin it, even he can’t deny that those false economies just aren’t adding up. After last season’s Houdini manoeuvre on the last day, yet another strategy came into play: whilst never visible to supporters or onlookers, by all accounts Ashley handed over the reigns completely during the illfated McClaren era. Perhaps, in the wake of the ferocious outpouring of venom against him as we lurched towards disaster last year, this was a futile, desperate attempt to absolve himself of any blame, futureproofing himself against another inquest when the inevitable happened. Not a bad idea, in theory, but of course the numbskulls at the controls were still faithful to his parsimonious, small-minded agenda, and couldn’t run a topflight football club if their lives depended on it. Yes, investments were made, but the psychological impact of tf 30
the boss essentially being on extended leave can’t be underestimated. How damaging to the motivation and commitment of those brought in and those who had seen it all before, to ultimately report up the chain to a figurehead who had given up the ghost? Of course the eye-watering wages should more than compensate for this, but this sort of indifference from the top down breeds failure and delinquency throughout the ranks, and as we’ve sadly seen time and again, on the pitch. Do you subconsciously relax, just a little bit, when your boss is nowhere to be seen? Doesn’t really matter if I’m 5 minutes late, does it? These unbidden, lazy inclinations can quickly pervade the entire group. When the place reeks that badly of decay, I’d imagine it’s hard to ignore. An unwelcome presence Ashley may be, but regrettably, he’s all that we’ve got.
on options, almost baffled by the wholesale failure of each previous ploy. Famed for his love of gambling, the potential Rafa redemption may well represent his final roll of the dice. If we pull this off, that’s when things will get really interesting. Fail, and I’ve no doubt he’ll revert to type. But survive, and just maybe common sense could prevail. There can be no sleight of hand when it comes to succeeding at this level, and after nearly a decade of botched blueprints, maybe he’s finally found the magic formula. If Rafa is allowed to manage – and the hideously inept ‘board’ pay due punishment for their crimes – NE1 could finally seem sunny once more.
His recent comments indicate he’s aware that he’s a man desperately short
Just how different could things be? Over to you, Mike.
Getting away with it every year will without doubt blow up in your face at some point, and this year of all years, it seems he desperately doesn’t want to tackle that blaze.
Not a bad idea, in theory, but of course the numbskulls at the controls were still faithful to his parsimonious, small-minded agenda, and couldn’t run a top-flight football club if their lives depended on it
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