LJ will be given the Wolves game ...

[reddogkev]

as his final chance.

As he hasn't been sacked yesterday, it seems like the club are giving LJ the Wolves game as a final opportunity.  When you scrutinise this decision, there is a slight degree of sense.

Clearly, the board and the owner want to retain the services of Johnson Junior (why, we'll never know?).  They must be hoping for a home repeat of the Huddersfield miracle, and pray that it undoes the damage of the last shocking defeat.  From their perspective, it is easier for them to keep a manager, rather than embark on the process of recruiting again and facing all the inevitable transition.

After Wolves we have:

QPR  - Blackburn - Barnsley - Brighton - Birmingham.

If we lose to Wolves, and Lee is finally dismissed, will the above games give us a fair chance of survival, considering the impact of a new boss?  We'd have to beat QPR, avoid defeat to Blackburn, and certainly get at least 4 points from Barnsley and Birmingham.  Brighton is a banker for a City loss.

Is it the right approach to give such a terrible manager one last chance?  I'd be amazed if we somehow beat Wolves on Saturday.

 

 

[Taz]

He's had about 20 last chance games. He isn't going anywhere more's the pity.

[Dr Balls]

I am afraid that much though it will annoy and frustrate the majority on here, LJ will remain until the end of the season.

After that who knows, but unfortunately I would no longer be surprised if LJ is still here next season whatever the outcome this season. SL seems to have decided that stability in terms of keeping the same head coach is more important than (short term) success, even if all the evidence points to him having appointed the wrong person for the role.

All very sad!

[sglosbcfc]

21 minutes ago, reddogkev said:

as his final chance.

As he hasn't been sacked yesterday, it seems like the club are giving LJ the Wolves game as a final opportunity.  When you scrutinise this decision, there is a slight degree of sense.

Clearly, the board and the owner want to retain the services of Johnson Junior (why, we'll never know?).  They must be hoping for a home repeat of the Huddersfield miracle, and pray that it undoes the damage of the last shocking defeat.  From their perspective, it is easier for them to keep a manager, rather than embark on the process of recruiting again and facing all the inevitable transition.

After Wolves we have:

QPR  - Blackburn - Barnsley - Brighton - Birmingham.

If we lose to Wolves, and Lee is finally dismissed, will the above games give us a fair chance of survival, considering the impact of a new boss?  We'd have to beat QPR, avoid defeat to Blackburn, and certainly get at least 4 points from Barnsley and Birmingham.  Brighton is a banker for a City loss.

Is it the right approach to give such a terrible manager one last chance?  I'd be amazed if we somehow beat Wolves on Saturday.

 

 

Hopefully Brighton will be promoted by the time we play them and their players will be half cut. Strange results when a team are done and dusted. Celtic only drew with Partick at home yesterday after smashing the rest of the division all season.

[Monkeh]

the club have truely mis-judged the anger from the fans, they can go **** themselves 

[Guest]

23 minutes ago, Monkeh said:

the club have truely mis-judged the anger from the fans, they can go **** themselves 

The next game SL attends fans should just get up and walk out as he sits down...as for the Wolves game as the players, manager and SL aren't bothered about sod all why should we give a shit whether we win/lose or draw it? too many fine lines and diverting the flack onto others excuses have been rolled out; win lose or draw makes no difference the fool has to go and take a few more with him for me to ever return.

[ColeCiderRed]

4 minutes ago, glos old boy said:

The next game SL attends fans should just get up and walk out as he sits down

Or as we lost by 5 in our last game, not take our seats until the 5th minute of the Wolves match. Won't mean much as banners, boos, ST renewals declined, OUT threads, social media meltdowns, insults etc have done sod all to show the board our upset. But worth a try. 

[Olé]

There isn't any significance to the Wolves game. Johnson is going nowhere. It should be clear to everyone by now that he has long since been assured of his future by Steve Lansdown come what may, this may seem highly unusual and exasperating to the rest of us, but it's abundantly obvious there is some hidden commitment to him that remains unchallenged. There is a guarantee that whatever happens, he will not be accountable nor will he lose his employment.

You can see it in the vacuousness of his comments (down play everything), the apparent normality with which he treats the situation (convinced that his normal schedule will continue), and why it is he never sounds like a man who fears for his job (just think of all those experienced managers down the years who looked downbeat and resigned to their fate after just quarter of what LJ has survived. You know the type, staring at the floor "you'll have to ask the board" etc).

The body language is all wrong. Johnson never sounds beaten, don't tell me it is because he is mentally stronger, you know he isn't, he's a rookie and not really your bloody minded leader type. It's because he simply knows his job is not at risk. You could also see it in the clear irritation Lansdown addressed the subject two (!) months ago. Some interpreted it as 'final chance' anger, I saw it differently - annoyance at having to even deal with a non-negotiable subject for him.

Everyone will have a theory on why such an unbreakable commitment exists (and I'm not at all comfortable with some of the more logical reasons) but I suggest people start to deal with this as there is no point OTIB descending into torrents of one line abuse. Shouting and screaming about Johnson isn't going to change anything (if I'm right, it's likely to do the opposite - make them more defiant), we need to think rationally about the motives of the club and address those.

 

By the way, for what it's worth, whatever the reason there might be for stubbornly protecting Johnson as manager at all costs (and I don't buy the idea it's a manager vs players struggle - he has bought many of the players, they all joined the club open-mindedly, he's tried all of them, and now none are responding to him), the logic for any guarantee has been poorly thought out. It just sets off a chain of complacency that now runs through the club, manager, playing staff.

Winning isn't the most sacred thing in our strategy. That is very dangerous territory. Hell, even as supporters the complacency is real. The reason many people applauded players at Preston, is not because they're stupid, but because there is no accountability for results now, all that is left is to show some gratitude for them turning up. It's black humour. Bigger picture, we're being made tolerant and compliant, once we've learned not to get our way, we'll never get our way. 

I guess what I'm saying, is stop getting an aneurism hating Johnson, who is short term the problem but long term the symptom of a much bigger problem, and start getting to the bottom of what the club's actual strategy is, why it is so imperative to maintain this structure. Sorry to say, but the kind of things proposed in @Kid in the Riot's thread, feel like precisely the sort of things that will end up demonstrating how complacent and compliant so many have been made by this.

Football clubs only exist for one reason. Don't lose your voice.

[Super]

didn't we lose 6-1 to them at home a few years back?

[Guest]

Just now, ColeCiderRed said:

Or as we lost by 5 in our last game, not take our seats until the 5th minute of the Wolves match. Won't mean much as banners, boos, ST renewals declined, OUT threads, social media meltdowns, insults etc have done sod all to show the board our upset. But worth a try. 

post updated but a big broom required and that just aint gonna happen, even if/when we go down as he believes when we top the table below we will all return and LJ walks on water

[22A]

Reported on SSN  that when Arsenal's third goal went in last night, the fans who want rid of their Manager, greeted it with silence!

For those into history. Tuesday night at PNE was City's 4,516th League game. It was also City's 1,600th League defeat. The most games City have lost in one season was the 2013 relegation to League 1.

Our record that season was P46 W11 D8 L27. This season with six games to go; P40 W11 D8 L21. We could equal a club record!

 

[Guest]

5 minutes ago, Olé said:

There isn't any significance to the Wolves game. Johnson is going nowhere. It should be clear to everyone by now that he has long since been assured of his future by Steve Lansdown come what may, this may seem highly unusual and exasperating to the rest of us, but it's abundantly obvious there is some hidden commitment to him that remains unchallenged. There is a guarantee that whatever happens, he will not be accountable nor will he lose his employment.

You can see it in the vacuousness of his comments (down play everything), the apparent normality with which he treats the situation (convinced that his normal schedule will continue), and why it is he never sounds like a man who fears for his job (just think of all those experienced managers down the years who looked downbeat and resigned to their fate after just quarter of what LJ has survived. You know the type, staring at the floor "you'll have to ask the board" etc).

The body language is all wrong. Johnson never sounds beaten, don't tell me it is because he is mentally stronger, you know he isn't, he's a rookie and not really your bloody minded leader type. It's because he simply knows his job is not at risk. You could also see it in the clear irritation Lansdown addressed the subject two (!) months ago. Some interpreted it as 'final chance' anger, I saw it differently - annoyance at having to even deal with a non-negotiable subject for him.

Everyone will have a theory on why such an unbreakable commitment exists (and I'm not at all comfortable with some of the more logical reasons) but I suggest people start to deal with this as there is no point OTIB descending into torrents of one line abuse. Shouting and screaming about Johnson isn't going to change anything (if I'm right, it's likely to do the opposite - make them more defiant), we need to think rationally about the motives of the club and address those.

 

By the way, for what it's worth, whatever the reason there might be for stubbornly protecting Johnson as manager at all costs (and I don't buy the idea it's a manager vs players struggle - he has bought many of the players, they all joined the club open-mindedly, he's tried all of them, and now none are responding to him), the logic for any guarantee has been poorly thought out. It just sets off a chain of complacency that now runs through the club, manager, playing staff.

Winning isn't the most sacred thing in our strategy. That is very dangerous territory. Hell, even as supporters the complacency is real. The reason many people applauded players at Preston, is not because they're stupid, but because there is no accountability for results now, all that is left is to show some gratitude for them turning up. It's black humour. Bigger picture, we're being made tolerant and compliant, once we've learned not to get our way, we'll never get our way. 

I guess what I'm saying, is stop getting an aneurism hating Johnson, who is short term the problem but long term the symptom of a much bigger problem, and start getting to the bottom of what the club's actual strategy is, why it is so imperative to maintain this structure. Sorry to say, but the kind of things proposed in @Kid in the Riot's thread, feel like precisely the sort of things that will end up demonstrating how complacent and compliant so many have been made by this.

Football clubs only exist for one reason. Don't lose your voice.

I am not buying into the new project/5 pillars/dream and not one more penny will be going my clubs way until the big broom is brought out; I will live with my memories of what used to be a caring/sharing/passion filled club; and yes even if LJ WALKS OR IS PUSHED there is no guarantee that a similar "yes man" wont be next in the queue...like MA`s mate

[42nite]

False hopes I'm afraid.

He isn't getting sacked.

 

What are you doing Steve Lansdown?  You have turned us into a laughing stock!

 

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, 42nite said:

False hopes I'm afraid.

He isn't getting sacked.

 

What are you doing Steve Lansdown?  You have turned us into a laughing stock!

 

Like he gives a sh1te

[East End Old Boy]

11 minutes ago, Olé said:

The body language is all wrong. Johnson never sounds beaten, don't tell me it is because he is mentally stronger, you know he isn't, he's a rookie and not really your bloody minded leader type.

I suspect this is more down to media training because, as we know, this is something the club specialise in!

[Major Isewater]

2 hours ago, reddogkev said:

as his final chance.

As he hasn't been sacked yesterday, it seems like the club are giving LJ the Wolves game as a final opportunity.  When you scrutinise this decision, there is a slight degree of sense.

Clearly, the board and the owner want to retain the services of Johnson Junior (why, we'll never know?).  They must be hoping for a home repeat of the Huddersfield miracle, and pray that it undoes the damage of the last shocking defeat.  From their perspective, it is easier for them to keep a manager, rather than embark on the process of recruiting again and facing all the inevitable transition.

After Wolves we have:

QPR  - Blackburn - Barnsley - Brighton - Birmingham.

If we lose to Wolves, and Lee is finally dismissed, will the above games give us a fair chance of survival, considering the impact of a new boss?  We'd have to beat QPR, avoid defeat to Blackburn, and certainly get at least 4 points from Barnsley and Birmingham.  Brighton is a banker for a City loss.

Is it the right approach to give such a terrible manager one last chance?  I'd be amazed if we somehow beat Wolves on Saturday.

 

 

A well run club would have had a replacement lined up since at least December .

Feelers should have been put out as to the availability and interest of potential candidates. 

So I don't imagine for one moment the club could manage to get anyone in before 2018 .

 

[Sweeneys Penalties]

1 hour ago, Super said:

didn't we lose 6-1 to them at home a few years back?

getting a pasting from Wolves isn't that rare. They blitzed us 4-1 at Ashton Gate in 2012 and 5-1 in 1994 (again at Ashton Gate). We could well be due another hammering

[bearded_red]

Nothing is his 'final chance' as he will not be sacked. I actually envy those that thought he might go yesterday.

The bigger question is why this is the case. A couple of months ago I could just about accept, although totally disagree, that this could be explained by misplaced loyalty to a family friend or just plain stubbornness. This has now long passed. 

Why on earth is somebody who has achieved nothing being given endless time to take us down the toilet? What is it about Lee Johnson which means that results are irrelevant? 

[Bris Red]

ANOTHER last chance ay? Christ almighty we have 6 games left FFS. Im so angry at the moment I genuinely want to get Steve Lansdown by the scruff of his neck and ******* shake him!!!!

[Portland Bill]

3 hours ago, Dr Balls said:

I am afraid that much though it will annoy and frustrate the majority on here, LJ will remain until the end of the season.

After that who knows, but unfortunately I would no longer be surprised if LJ is still here next season whatever the outcome this season. SL seems to have decided that stability in terms of keeping the same head coach is more important than (short term) success, even if all the evidence points to him having appointed the wrong person for the role.

All very sad!

I'm all for stability,but with the right manager in charge, plus  someone who doesn't play sterile boring football.

[Super]

Reckon we will have about 200 applicants when Johnson goes! No matter how badly you do your boss will do nothing about it!

[Natchfever]

3 hours ago, Tiree said:

Well said Ole. Comapred to most of the threads this week (this morning's about asking one question is simply pathetic and disgusting)

I know you too were at Preston as frustrated as the rest of us watching.

Interestingly i couldnt get back south after the game so spoke to a lot of football fans the next day. They all believe there will be two BRFCs in League 1 next season. They thinkink Blackburn will capitulate against us and our 4 home games will give us enough points. It sometimes makes me wonder who watches more games; football fans who dont watch BRistol City or those people who simply post rubbish on OTIB.

Thank goodness you are very much an exception and all your posts are worth reading. I do feel Wolves is importnat to the club so we should all be there supporting the players for 90 mins. After the game people can shout and scream as much as they like

is Bristol Sport a good employer? Genuine question.

[redapple]

5 hours ago, sglosbcfc said:

Hopefully Brighton will be promoted by the time we play them and their players will be half cut. Strange results when a team are done and dusted. Celtic only drew with Partick at home yesterday after smashing the rest of the division all season.

Walsall probably thought that when they came to Ashton Gate on the last game of the season 2 years ago ! 

[Tinnions Left Boot]

He'll get 6 more last chances at least! The Board won't sack him for whatever reason so we are stuck with him.

 

[Olé]

2 hours ago, bearded_red said:

The bigger question is why this is the case. A couple of months ago I could just about accept, although totally disagree, that this could be explained by misplaced loyalty to a family friend or just plain stubbornness. This has now long passed. 

Agree. This is the same point I made (more long-windedly) in this thread too. He's not going anywhere and people should turn attention to why that is, not endless arm wringing about the rubbish he spouts.

On the quest for the reasons (and people know my view) I'm also reminded of SO'D. If this was just about stubbornly retaining the 5 pillars (head coach / player development), why didn't SO'D survive?

I seem to recall Lansdown even came out afterwards and said that getting rid of SO'D was like a weight being lifted from around the club, which he felt had been miserable. What is different now? 

What is so important to SL this time, that the negative, miserable atmosphere is okay?

[Kid in the Riot]

8 minutes ago, Olé said:

Agree. This is the same point I made (more long-windedly) in this thread too. He's not going anywhere and people should turn attention to why that is, not endless arm wringing about the rubbish he spouts.

On the quest for the reasons (and people know my view) I'm also reminded of SO'D. If this was just about stubbornly retaining the 5 pillars (head coach / player development), why didn't SO'D survive?

I seem to recall Lansdown even came out afterwards and said that getting rid of SO'D was like a weight being lifted from around the club, which he felt had been miserable. What is different now? 

What is so important to SL this time, that the negative, miserable atmosphere is okay?

Perhaps I can be of assistance. At the end of the Championship relegation season when SOD was in charge SL was asked by AB how working with SOD was. SL's response was very revealing. "We're learning how to get used to working with Sean, he likes to be left alone to get on with the job". I heard at the time that SOD was simply not interested in speaking to SL on a regular basis. SOD was stubborn, as was SC and both ultimately did not find favour with SL.

LJ...I get the impression is more a case of SL saying "jump" and LJ saying "how high", hence he is being given an even longer than usual piece of rope to hang himself.

[Olé]

10 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

SL's response was very revealing. "We're learning how to get used to working with Sean, he likes to be left alone to get on with the job"

Wow. Man alive. Hadn't heard that quote before. The pieces just keep fitting the theory. So no meeting before the match and no call to discuss changes after each match! That won't work. And didn't happen with Cotterill based on the bits and pieces I saw and heard. It's hard to find 'leaders' who allow the chain of command to interfere in and dictate their work.

Better to get people who aren't leaders, and if you find one compliant enough, and who can produce soundbites that don't give the game away, hold onto them at ALL costs!

[CotswoldRed]

32 minutes ago, Olé said:

Agree. This is the same point I made (more long-windedly) in this thread too. He's not going anywhere and people should turn attention to why that is, not endless arm wringing about the rubbish he spouts.

On the quest for the reasons (and people know my view) I'm also reminded of SO'D. If this was just about stubbornly retaining the 5 pillars (head coach / player development), why didn't SO'D survive?

I seem to recall Lansdown even came out afterwards and said that getting rid of SO'D was like a weight being lifted from around the club, which he felt had been miserable. What is different now? 

What is so important to SL this time, that the negative, miserable atmosphere is okay?

I have my own theories but they'd get me into trouble if I shared. 

[Boston Red]

1 hour ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Perhaps I can be of assistance. At the end of the Championship relegation season when SOD was in charge SL was asked by AB how working with SOD was. SL's response was very revealing. "We're learning how to get used to working with Sean, he likes to be left alone to get on with the job". I heard at the time that SOD was simply not interested in speaking to SL on a regular basis. SOD was stubborn, as was SC and both ultimately did not find favour with SL.

LJ...I get the impression is more a case of SL saying "jump" and LJ saying "how high", hence he is being given an even longer than usual piece of rope to hang himself.

It's here at 12:12

 

[GrahamC]

5 hours ago, bearded_red said:

Nothing is his 'final chance' as he will not be sacked. I actually envy those that thought he might go yesterday.

The bigger question is why this is the case. A couple of months ago I could just about accept, although totally disagree, that this could be explained by misplaced loyalty to a family friend or just plain stubbornness. This has now long passed. 

Why on earth is somebody who has achieved nothing being given endless time to take us down the toilet? What is it about Lee Johnson which means that results are irrelevant? 

It can only be personal friendship, no other logical answer applies.

I agree with Ole's lengthy post, we are far too nice and the atmosphere needs to get really unpleasant to strike home.

What was the only thing to rouse Lansdown from his sleepwalking? The so say "toxic" atmosphere against Fulham.

As there is no prospect of this fraud turning it around we need to repeat that.