Often Partisan

Rowett and Phelan in the frame

According to the Birmingham Mail today, the race to become Birmingham City’s 33rd permanent manager is now hotting up and is down to two main candidates – Gary Rowett and Mike Phelan. Rowett is currently manager of League Two side Burton Albion while Phelan is formerly assistant manager of Manchester United.

Gary Rowett originally became manager of Burton Albion on a non-contract basis and as such Burton Albion can’t stand in his way if another club wants to talk to him. Likewise, Phelan is out of work at the moment and as such he won’t cost Blues anything in compensation to hire either.

I will admit I’m not really fussed about either of them; I think both are half-decent choices and both represent a gamble; the young, up-and-coming manager with Birmingham City connections (albeit supporting the mob from across the expressway as a boy growing up in Bromsgrove) looking to make his mark or the older, more experienced coach looking for his first permanent job. I could see either one working out or flopping – the bitter truth being that while we have the current board in charge they will be working to the same financial strictures as Clark was and it will come down to how much they can get out of what we have.

Blues have appointed a “football panel” of a couple of people from within the club with a football background along with two outsiders, chaired by Panos Pavlakis to deal with the interview process. I can appreciate people might have thought it was scattergun that they approached Karl Robinson of MK Dons, and then Gary Rowett of Burton but the truth is I think they are trying to be methodical; interview everyone they think that they might want and drill it down to who they will will get. The football panel might sound a bit weird but again I think it’s an attempt to try and get the choice right – to work out not only who seems the best manager but crucially who would be the best fit for the club in it’s current circumstances.

Over in Hong Kong, things have turned a little bit strange. Disclosures made to the stock market yesterday show that Carson has all but sold his shares in BIH, retaining a tiny percentage of what he once had. However, before anyone thinks he has gone Carson still has this massive overhang of 6.5billion conversion shares which means he can easily become the largest shareholder again any time he wants – furthermore, from what I have seen those shares are not included in the restraining order against him that has frozen his assets.

Investor Yang Yuezhou was also shown to have sold a chunk of shares last week, making £230,000 in the process. You can see all disclosures made to the stock exchange here – they are confusing at times but it is possible to work out the numbers of shares that people own. As I said on Paul Franks’ show yesterday, the biggest problem we have right now is that you could ask twenty people who owns BIH and get fifteen answers – which would all probably be wrong. There is no leadership at the top and that vacuum has caused all manner of infighting within the board – all of which has had reprecussions at club level. Let’s hope it doesn’t screw up the appointment of the next manager.

On a side note, I’ll be signing my book “Haircuts and League Cups” at the George before and after the game tomorrow. You’ll also be able to buy copies from Made in Brum sellers around the ground.

Talking Points sponsored by John Hicken Industrial roofing and cladding materials

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119 Responses to “Rowett and Phelan in the frame”

  • Mike Raybone says:

    I really enjoyed the book launch last night Daniel. I’ve started reading the book and it’s a must for all ‘noses’ .

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Imagine the scene when the new manager is introduced to the players and the impact it will have.
    Phelan is introduced. He has been at Manchester UTD under Sir Alex and has won amongst other trophys the Champions League and the Premier League.
    Rowett is introduced. He has been at League 2 Burton Albion for 2 seasons.
    It is a no brainer it must be MIKE PHELAN!

    • chris says:

      no reason it can’t be both as we need to replace three coaches, Phelan and Rowett or Rowett and McDermott etc etc.

    • Agent McLeish says:

      Why is it a no brainier? José Mourinho was a lower league player, a PE teacher and a translator.

      • Richard Granfield says:

        You missed my point, it wasn’t about Rowett as a player, but as his track record as a manager I.e 2 years in League 2. Compare that with Phelan’s experience as assistant to Sir Alex in the Premier League.
        Incidendely both Rowett and Phelan played in the Premier League and Phelan played for England.

        • Andy says:

          I can’t see where these Phelan comments are coming from. I think it must be Villa fans trying to wind us all up.

          The fact that he ONCE was ASSISTANT at Utd is in no way an indication of how good he will be as a manager. Look and Sammy Lee, Bryan Kidd and Steve Clarke.

          Out of the bargain, cheap managers, I would be happy with Rowett all day long. Give him 12 months and see what he does. Failing that, I would of loved Chris Hughton back, but maybe he is just too rich for our pockets.

          • Royalblue says:

            Absolutely spot on.

          • Matt says:

            Why would the fact he is an assistant mean he can’t be a manager? Mourinho,AVB, Louis van Gaal were once assistant managers. In fact Rowett and Hughton the guys you want were once assistants.

          • Royalblue says:

            Er, because he’s never been a manager!
            In fact if he’s that good an assistant why has nobody employed him after man u as an assistant?
            Let alone a manager.

          • steve says:

            RoyalBlue,how do you know he hasn’t been approached? He says he virtually ran United for the last 3 years. Successful years at that .

    • 85Coy says:

      No brainer, so you discount the one with actually managerial experienced?

      A waiter does not walk into a kitchen and become head chef, as Brian Kid, Robson and Carlos Queros displayed so spectacularly.

      Lee Clark (it would seem) is a very genuine and passionate gentleman who gave it 100% and tried his best, for that… I am grateful, but for those still fighting in ‘the red corner (Lee Clark)’ and saying it will not make a difference? We stayed up on in the FINAL SECONDS last season, so one would think if we could ‘slightly improve our home form’ (how many wins in 12 months?) then maybe we could confirm our championship status with a week or two to spare.Sorry but Clark had to go, there is not justifiable argument against that.

  • Bluenosesol says:

    You’ve made my point Dan, we could get in Jose Mourinho but at the end of the day if the resources arent available it will be more of the same. One could say that despite everyones opinions about Clarke and his tactics, that he had nothing to work with and neither will Garry Rowett or Mike Phelan. The cynics may say that like the pre-season hype that a sale was imminent to retain interest and boost season ticket sales, then this is just another attempt to revitalise supporter engagement with no realistic hope of progress on the field. We can just hope that when we sell Gray in January that a significant proportion of the funds goes to the manager to enhance the squad.

    • Blueboi14 says:

      The Burnley team promoted last season was made up of lower league players and a few young Man City cast offs that never made the grade. The team cost next to nothing just like ours. And i’m sure if someone analysed promoted teams, they would find more Burnley type outfits that have succeeded at our level.

      Also, in my opinion, Sir Alex has proven the point that with the right managerial mentality, and tactical awareness you can get the most out of average players and compete AS A TEAM above their individual standings. I’m not saying Man U players are average per se, but player-for-player, compared to the best European teams they competed with, I don’t think they were in the same league of many. It’s clear to see with Sir Alex now out of the picture – the true strength of Man U.

      Yes, money helps, but is not the defining factor in achieving success at Championship level.

      Just my opinion!

      • StaffsBlue says:

        It’s not what the player costs as much as what he earns. No player on the planet gives a toss what money changes hands between clubs… it’s what is going to end up in their bank accounts that matters first and foremost to them. I’d be shocked if there was a Burnley player on £5k or less last season. We can pick up Bosman’s for nowt from the Premier League, but we wouldn’t be able to afford their wages. No decent player would get out of bed for £5k.

        • Blueboi14 says:

          Whilst the 5k a week cap has been sensationalised by the press, they’ve not mentioned the average Championship player weekly earnings are only £4059 – But that’s beside the point I’m making Staffs.

          Taking last season, we had a team of lower league, freebies, loans, misfits etc. Yet we showed promotion challenging form AWAY from home (Official stats = away 30pts which was equal 6th in the away league table).

          Therefore, the players proved they were good enough to push for promotion, but LC didn’t have the ability to select the right team and tactics at home.

          So even with the players we have which I don’t think are worse than what we had last season – with the right manager and tactics a promotion push shouldn’t necessarily be out of our reach.

          • Bluenosesol says:

            To be honest BB14 the Sean Dyche scenario does give one reason to hope and I read an interesting blog last year pre-season when the fans were saying that the club had blown £60m and Sean Dyche must go! Having said that Burnley were in a much different place to where we are. They had the capacity to retain 25 goal players like Ings and there were funds available to an extent. We do have the wages cap annd as you know we have to push the boat out to improve, £5k wont cut it. I dont buy your assertion that previous promotion sides shopped at Matalan. Until we get in a regime that provide the manager with a playing budget that includes the ability to progress as well as tread water or worse sink, then even if we get in the world’s greatest motivator the turd will still not polish!

          • StaffsBlue says:

            I get your point blueboi and I agree about the players this season. I’d go as far as saying that I’d take this season’s squad over last season’s shower any day of the week. They may not all be up to Championship level (yet) but they’re putting everything into it. I definitely wouldn’t say that about a lot of the players the previous 2 seasons. With that heart and effort, they just need a decent coach to instill good habits into them… and you never know. I still can’t see a reason why we can’t finish top half. I believe 100% that we won’t go down this season.

  • Anthony says:

    I think we will be going backwards with rowett,at least Clark had league 1 experience,I’d go for tony pulis untill the end of the season,then see what happens,what so you think dan?

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Sorry, but neither of those names do much for me. I’ll support either without question if they’re appointed, but I won’t be too excited at the prospect. Maybe the panel will come up with a doozie of a name out of the blue and we’ll all think “Wow! Didn’t think of him, good appointment though.” Well, we can dream.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Also, it doesn’t appear that the club have narrowed it down to 2 candidates, it’s just BM hearsay as usual. With all the applications they’re supposed to have received, is 4 days long enough to have gone through them all? If so, 99% must have been pants.

      • BigDes says:

        Owen Coyle was in the stand at Blackburn sitting with blue nose seniors. The use of a panel with Pavlos chairing is good and should be applauded.

        • StaffsBlue says:

          I’d have had a bit more confidence if I knew who the people are who make up the panel. The fans at Fulham know who sits on theirs. The fact that PP2 sits at the head means nothing to me.

  • Cornish Bluenose says:

    I totally agree with Richard..it must be Mike Phelan…experience & connections,someone who could attract young playersand improve our position in the league and be ready for new owners. A manager who could make the transition to mew owners. I think we could do well to get his services, he may not be that keen to take on Blues in their current situation..? For any new manager this could end up as a short term fill before new owners arrive..soon I hope..!

  • Mineheadblue says:

    I tend to agree that either management candidate could be a gamble but personally I would go with Rowett. He at least does have experience of being a number one and seems to be building a good reputation. I remember him as being a good defender for us and always used the ball well. I didn’t know about the Villa thing but hey, he was young and anyone can make a mistake!
    I understand that Burton play good attacking football and a manager with that philosophy is a step in the right direction

  • Mickbcfc1875 says:

    I was told on good authority yesterday that Pulis wanted a £5mil kitty, how true im sure OP will know ?
    KRO BIHLOUT

  • James Butler says:

    I think with the youngish team we have we need experience and someone with contacts throughout the game. Phelan surely must be the priority but I think Rowett will be given it. Phelan will bring calm authority and knows how to deflect attention away from all the problems which is what players need. I would love Pulis but he will hold out for a bigger job. I think the future in terms of on the putch is brighter. Fingers crossed anyway

  • Casper says:

    As a bluenose from Burton I’m excited at the idea of setting Rowett on. He’s doing a marvelous job at the Brewers and while I’ll be sad to see him leave Burton when he inevitably gets tempted away by a bigger club, I’d be more than happy for Blues to give him a chance.
    KRO

  • Casper says:

    As a bluenose from Burton I’m excited at the idea of setting Rowett on. He’s doing a marvelous job at the Brewers and while I’ll be sad to see him leave Burton when he inevitably gets tempted away by a bigger club, I’d be more than happy for Blues to give him a chance.
    KRO

  • chris says:

    Downside for Phelan is what does he know about coaching League One players playing in the Championship, at manure he was coaching world class players.
    Then how much knowledge has he of players in the bottom 3 leagues that we would be looking to sign on free’s?
    We don’t even have a european scout, so how would he cope without that outlet?
    Plus side is he may be able to bring in prem loan players from his contacts.
    Phelan and Rowett maybe the best way forward in terms of energy and experience, but could they work together and who has the final decision?

    • StaffsBlue says:

      This is my worry about Phelan. He’s only coached players of premier or champs league quality. What evidence is there that he knows anything about the Championship, or what decent players there are in Leagues 1 & 2? I wouldn’t be too keen on filling the team with premier loan players again. Apart from the odd one, it’s hasn’t worked out that well before. If he does have a wider knowledge of the Football League and can find some lower league gems, then fine. But I’m very doubtful. If I really had to choose one or the other, I’d have to go for Rowett… and least he’s worked down here.

      • steve says:

        Don’t you think Utd would have known about any decent lower league players ? That’s what scouts are for. I would have thought Phelan has a lot more connections than Rowett.

  • blueb says:

    I thought all of Carson’s shares were frozen and he could not sell them. Has that order now been removed?

  • tttpaule says:

    Whoever comes in i can’t see it being more of the same, i know it will be difficult for the new manager because of our financial situation & the fact our squad is quite weak, With all the passion Lee Clark had for the club as a manager he was very limited, personally i would prefer Phelan mainly because he has more experience & i think that is what we need to try to keep us in this division. Its going to be a very difficult time & also embarrassing for us Blues fans/Supporters until these people sell up, i just hope when the club is sold its not to Chinese because the way these people have treated us supporters is nothing short of appalling!! The only way we can help now is forget about the ownership situation & get bums on seats be the 12th man & support our team & the new manager whoever it is. KRO

    • 85Coy says:

      More experience? As in he is ‘older and wiser’? Because only one of the two have been a number one.
      I will support whoever comes in, my personal choice is Gary Rowett, he knows the club, league and caliber of player.

  • rich says:

    Has to be Gary Rowett for me.. Mike Phelan could fall in to the same catergory of a lot of ass managers that have been flops when given the main job. Rowett done great working to a tight budget, has totally turned Burton round from where Pesch left them! Oh and Dan Bromsgrove is probably split 50/50 Blues Vile, so dont tar people from Bromsgrove of supporting the scum from across the expressway..

  • Kazakblue says:

    Would it not be possible for both Phelan and Rowett to work hand in hand as a management/coaching pair, much in the same way as Clough and Taylor did many years ago?
    Possibly with Rowett as manager, Phelan as first team coach / assistant manager, both in effect learning from each other.
    Before anyone jumps down my throat over this suggestion about cost, Pannu has now gone, and should be enough in the kitty to fund a management team of youth and experience.
    I also wonder why Trevor Francis has not been approached for the position of Director of Football, where he could at least be an effective bridgehead between the club and the loyal supporters, communication would be everything to the fans, especially from a person they trust.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      As much as I love Sir Trev and would love him back at Blues in some capacity, I’m afraid that whilst we’re still owned by BIHL, he’ll just be another mouthpiece for the board, with nothing much to say. I’d hate for his image to be tarnished working for that lot. Better to wait for new owners, then bring him in, maybe as club ambassador.

    • BhamCityJulian says:

      Can’t see Phelan playing second fiddle but the Rowett might accept the other way round.

  • Agent McLeish says:

    Looks like our management selections are going to be from the bargain bin as well as our players. Things will keep going downhill until we are rid of the BIHL plague.

  • Agent McLeish says:

    And one thing is for certain that some fans won’t have LC to blame anymore. Who they going to blame now? Maybe the real culprits for once.

    • Tony says:

      Clark was unstable and awful as a manager a total disgrace, lets hear no more about the idiot.

      • StaffsBlue says:

        A polite request: Can we all please stop arguing over Lee Clark now? He’s gone, consigned to history. Everyone knows I was a Clark supporter, but he’s gone now and I’ve forgotten him. I think it’s best if everyone else does the same… for the sake of harmony. The fans have been split over it for far too long. Let’s all concentrate of the team and the new manager now (whoever he may be.) ;)

    • Shirley Blue says:

      Last word on it but nobody from BIHL made the stupid team selections, did the constant tinkering from game to game and baffling tactics that nearly got us relegated last season. Clark made a bad situation worse.

  • Oldbluenose says:

    Of the 2, quoted so far, It has to be Gary Rowett, for me, He has had 2 yrs+ of managerial experience So has the advantage plus younger more enthusiastic and used too a low working budget,!!.

  • Mortonsblue says:

    Dan, when will pre-ordered copies (i paid for mine in March) of your book be despatched? Will these be signed?

  • Retired&Weary says:

    Whoever it is, it needs to be someone the players respect. He must organise the team to make them difficult to beat, put more steel in the team, the complete opposite to what Clark was doing. Don’t pick players who jump out of tackles. We are in a relegation dog fight, play a system that suits lower quality players.
    Regarding Saturday I hope Crosby is going to be braver on team selection. Often caretaker managers leave out 1 or 2 of the previous manager’s favourites & bring in a couple from the cold. He just picked a Clark team unfortunately.
    I do wonder why Hancox, for example, hasn’t been tried in wide left midfield. Good left foot, energy, likes a tackle, pace. Seems ideal to me.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Absolutely agree. I’ve always thought that he would make a better left midfielder than a left back. Also, isn’t Amarai’i Bell playing left wingback/midfield for Swindon? We could do a lot worse than those two.

      • BhamCityJulian says:

        A midfielder has to have vision, complete passes, support his colleagues. Caddis can’t do this. Do we know if Hancox can

        • StaffsBlue says:

          We’ve always looked dangerous with Hancox attacking down the left, his crosses are some of the best, but he looks weak defensively. So if we are to get him into the team, left midfield would be a good option.

          Caddis himself has said that, although he’ll play where he’s asked, he prefers it in midfield. So, on that basis, we’d be playing him out of position. Not my opinion, but I think it would be his.

          • BhamCityJulian says:

            I preferred midfield to full back too. It didn’t mean I was better in that position

          • Retired&Weary says:

            Julian, wide midfielders don’t tend to be the ones with vision, they usually play centrally. I’m not thinking David Silva here, more James Milner, who does a great job for the team. Btw we don’t have a player with vision in the whole squad as far as I can see!

          • StaffsBlue says:

            Sorry, I’ll try again. If you, as a footballer, prefer a certain position and someone else say you’re better in another position, you’ll play in that other position because you have to.. not because you want to. It would be human nature to give less in a position you don’t want to play in. One of the biggest criticisms of the last manager, was that he was playing square pegs in round holes. You say he’s a full back, he says he’s a midfielder. Who’s right?

            This is not my opinion btw… I don’t think he’s that good in either position. But, to play a round peg in a round hole, surely you have to play a player where he feels most comfortable? Or am I missing something?

    • steve says:

      Agree.How could anybody not have respect for Phelan.

  • dave says:

    how much is the book going to be from Made In Brum sellers?

  • Matt says:

    Hope Phelan gets the job, I think the fact he played a big part in United reaching 3 champions league finals and done most of the coaching since Sir Alex rarely ever took training sessions shows hes more than capable. I’m sure it would be a big lift for the players too.

  • Stan Moye says:

    Whoever is appointed by the panel will be a calculated risk, as in all appointments. I think some comments about MP are unfair, who would walk out of the situation at Man U, so know he may feel he has a point to prove. I’m not fussed who our next manager is so long as they bring desire and commitment with them, we’ll certainly be more tactically aware than we have been, and the board just might feel more confident in upping the wage cap. I just want the players to play with their heart and soul in the correct position. At least the post and pre match interviews will improve, l certainly wouldn’t want to be sitting LC if l was feeling down. The panel is a great idea, and l just hope the new man can bring back the missing thousands and a better atmosphere at stans.

  • Richard Granfield says:

    This myth that because Phelan has only coached Premier League players so cannot coach Championship or League 1 players is laughable.
    There is not a separate coaching manual for Premier League and Championship players,the skills and knowledge are the same.

  • John says:

    Just a note, Gary Megson, and his assistant, Mike Phelan, were sacked from three consecutive jobs at Norwich, Blackpool and Stockport. He then went to United as assistant to Ferguison.. Of course, he worked with a vastly different manager, at United and the players were a little bit better as well !

  • Lucy says:

    To everyone saying it doesn’t matter really who we appoint because we have no money so the standard Clark got out the players will be the same as whoever comes. I would say they clearly haven’t been down to the blues this season because if no one can improve on what ive witnessed down there this season it means we have a squad of professional footballers (regardless of there league they are still professionals) who can’t pass a ball and or string a series of passes together. If that’s the case we are doomed!
    I personally would prefer Rowett just because he’s younger and I think it might be a slightly more exciting style of football he’ll bring to the table. That said I don’t know enough about either of them to comment more, let’s just hope that however comes in comes in soon and gets the full backing of the supporters and let’s make it fortress St Andrews again!

  • Rick says:

    I wouldn’t mind Phelan

  • bluenose08 says:

    out of the two it has to be rowett for me as he has proved as a manager he can get lower league players to perform and get results. phelan has no experience in the lower leagues and that is where he would have to wheel and deal.

  • Hillfield blues says:

    Clark’s main downfall as our manager was his lack of guile when it came to breaking teams down when the emphasis was on us to do so (at home). His record away from home was actually pretty good. His record at H’field also bore this out with to many drawn games. Our new man needs to be able show the fans he can be more creative/imaginative when we are on top in games which I think weve all seen to be our biggest problem this season. Heart says give Rowett a go. Head probably says Phelan a safer bet if it’s between these two.

  • Nicco58 says:

    Looks like the tables have turned on hits head as Owen Coyle is now favourite @ 1/1

  • Chris W says:

    Whoever becomes manager, hopefully the only get a set contract and not one a rolling contract.
    Either Rowett or Phelan will both have to work miracles with the squad we have.
    I’m open to either as both have no experience at this level, Phelan may have experience at dealing with high profile players, but at the end of the day decisions were made by SAF.
    KRO+DNM

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Not one of the names mentioned inspired me in any way. I’m hoping this panel pull a surprise rabbit out of the hat… but you wouldn’t hold your breath would you.

    • Shirley Blue says:

      Just wonder if Phelan might have the contacts to get better players. We need some if we are going to stay up.

      • Chris W says:

        That has crossed my mind too, especially being at man U, but then I think of Tyler Blackett.
        Do we want to be a Man U subsidiary club?
        If that was the case I would prefer Gary Rowett
        KRO+DNM

        • StaffsBlue says:

          Of all the possible candidates mentioned by the media this week, is there really one you would choose out of them, given a free choice? I think if the wrong choice is made, the apathy around the ground will continue. They need someone who will excite the fans and get them down to St Andrews to support him and the team. Do the names, Rowett, Phelan, Coyle excite you? Even a ripple?

          • Chris W says:

            Of those three I would personally go for OC, simply because he has the experience at this level.
            If we are looking to build long term and willing to take a drop I’d go for GB and hope the squad start to play to their potential.
            If I was Panos I would sound out Tony Pulis and see if some deal could be worked out, even if it was a match by match basis.
            Of all the runners and riders mentioned on various media outlets none have really got me queueing to get in early tomorrow or any other game for that matter.
            KRO+DNM

          • StaffsBlue says:

            Pulis would be the dream ticket. Unfortunately, I can’t see these owners ever being that ambitious, can you?

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Fulham 2-0 up against Charlton after 12 minutes. If they hold on for the win, we’ll be starting in the bottom 3 against Bournemouth tomorrow .

    • Shirley Blue says:

      The only team I can see finishing below us are Blackpool. Bournemouth are decent – I’m not expecting a win tomorrow but then again we are at home so why would I!

      • StaffsBlue says:

        I see your point, but wasn’t Lee Clark the problem?

        If he was the main thing holding us back, then wouldn’t the team be able to play with freedom tomorrow and express themselves? After all, it’s their second game without him around. If not, then maybe Clark wasn’t the problem. It’ll be interesting to find out.

      • Chris W says:

        If the LC stay aways all return tomorrow there should be a good atmosphere.
        Maybe the tactics will e a lot simpler and everyone knows their responsibility.
        More importantly the players should go out and enjoy themselves.
        Looking forward to a home win tomorrow, but importantly a team free from the shackles that were holding them back.
        KRO+DNM

        • StaffsBlue says:

          That was the point I was making earlier Chris. The team should play with a bit more freedom… plus, any player worth his wages will be busting a gut to impress any watching managerial candidates. If we have a new manager in by next weekend, this is the match to impress in.

          The one thing that worries me a bit, is that Crosby hasn’t decided yet if he’ll be playing 1 up front or 2. Shouldn’t that have been decided yesterday at the latest and worked on over the last 2 days?

          • Chris W says:

            Maybe they have but are keeping things close to the chest.
            The other dilemma is who goes between the sticks, I’d stick with Doyle.
            Be interesting if either or both candidates are seen in the crowd tomorrow.
            KRO+DNM

          • steve says:

            Agree Chris.Doyle was brilliant 2nd half.

          • steve says:

            Rowett won’t be there if Burton are playing.

  • Tony says:

    Cant see what you have against Pullis Staffs, to my mind he would be ideal he did a great job at Palace,
    He established Stoke in the premiership, he would steady the ship.
    It might not pretty for a while but I’m sure it would b effective.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Where have you seen me post against Pulis Tony? If someone offered me Pulis tomorrow, I’d snatch their hands off. We couldn’t find anyone better in my book.

      But realistically? How the f… are we going to afford someone that good, who’s proved he’s a top half premier manager? If we could afford to interview him for the job, the rest could do one for me.

  • Tony says:

    Staffs it was only a few posts back that you suggested we all stop going on about Clark, but your the one on about him now.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    What better way to start off a new era, than by winning tomorrow… yes, even at home. Bournemouth a a decent side, but not unbeatable. As low as we are in the table, we’ve still only lost 2 more games than them. Let’s make it 1 tomorrow.

  • mark says:

    after some soul searching if we are to start firing again i would have go at giving Mike Phelan his opportunity of head coach instead calling him a manager.

    We all know the price if we go down, Phelan older and experience assistance Manager whether we like it or not he is held in high esteem at Manchester Utd his join roll call is impressive with SAF over five years, would have skills and nous in himself, and learned from one of the greatest Manager of our time.
    He covered the lower divisions as a player ( He in Norwich Hall of fame) not bad when you consider our TF ENTERED OURS….. I am sure the panel would have been drooling over that CV it about whether either manager chosen can convert our players into winners.. i got absolutely no problems with Rowett if he should win…….

    • StaffsBlue says:

      That’s actually a good point mark. Are we searching for a manager, or a head coach? Has the club given any indication of their preference? If it’s a head coach they’re after, then Phelan ticks the box.

    • mark says:

      And yes Tony i would happily talk about Clark all day along because he took on one of the most horrible jobs on, and became one of our unlucky managers where the players did not do their self justice on the pitch……even crosby noted the players finishing has been woeful.

      This matter of the manager needs to be dealt with quickly…….as mentioned BM HOPEFULLY before the dogs of war, 2,500 fans will be getting behind the new manager…….all those who are less fortunate watch it on your sky……………

  • tttpaule says:

    I think anyone who thinks Pullis would come to Blues whilst these imbeciles are running our club must be smoking some good s**t !!. Our owners will not be shopping for a top manager but a cheap lower league manager, whoever it is can’t possibly be worse than what we had. I think its going to be hard to keep us up whoever the manager is because of the team that has been assembled by Clark & the shites from BIHL.

  • mark says:

    we are in the bottom three this evening as fulham won 3-0 ….

  • mark says:

    we are in the bottom three this evening as fulham won 3-0 ….

  • BangBang!! says:

    Been a Bluenose for 40 years and I am now worried that our club is just going to disappear. These guys don’t care one way or another as long as they get money. It’s appalling and the League surely should be asking questions at least as to what is going on.

    Getting behind the team is all we can really do and hope we get a manager that at least can get some of these guys to pull their socks up and make an effort for the fans.

  • raymondo says:

    I think that GR is the best we can expect with our budget and owners. I dont think Phelan would come to us knowing as he must do, of our situation. Unless Trevor wants to take it on?

  • tttpaule says:

    We are where we deserve to be & until these morons from BIHL have gone its where we’ll end up,

  • richard di says:

    The only reason why im interested in phelan is that he said he ran man utd for the last few years of fergies reign. He had some balls for saying that. So its up to him to prove people he can run a team. His minus points are experience in the championship. So has rowett though. Coyle has one great season with burnley and 2 failures. Id be happy with phelan or rowett. Has curbishley been thought of?

  • Art says:

    Would love to see CH back in charge but realistically I don’t think this will happen ?So would be happy with a manager who is capable of toughing out a win-survival is a must at any cost and this could mean watching negative football for the rest of this season.

  • RichardM says:

    Rowett for me, just becuase of his knowledge and experience of working with limited ability players on a limited budget, that’s a better fit right now than Phelan. If we could get Phelan as coach as well that would be perfect, but doubt we could afford them both.

    • Chris W says:

      I think if we could afford both then Tony Pulis would be the first choice.
      I’m actually surprised that BIHL are interviewing, thought they would just promote from within and save money.
      I wouldn’t be too shocked if both Phelan and Rowett turn the job down if offered, they will have been told that they are to have their hands and legs tied to take the job on, or are BIHL making false promises until the window opens and then pull the rug from under them.
      KRO+DNM

  • Delboy says:

    A lot of the earlier posts here were on about the wage cap at £5000 per week and talk about it as if it were pennies. £5k per week equals a quarter of a million, yes £250,000 per year. good grief £250k a year and we can only expect crap, no wonder football has gone to the dogs.


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