BUTOR

21 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Which is what you’ve just done.

Is it? I wasn’t aware I had an agenda around Lansdown either way, I’m fairly neutral towards the guy. He’s made mistakes and continues to make them. I’m more in the stick than twist camp because of associated risks but I understand most angles from the anti-SL camp. I guess from my previous posts you’re suggesting I come across as an OTT pro-Sl’er. I’m not, I just try to focus on the situations at hand and struggle with the way oddly dark intentions are often assumed of SL/JL. I just don’t buy it because I believe that broadly speaking, and from having conversations with people who know and have worked with them closely, the Lancdowns, despite their howlers, have the good of the club at heart. Maybe that’s the fundamental disagreement, which is fine. 

Based on the posts I see from you, you’re far more accomplished at basing perspective on the evidence/actual situation at hand than myself, particularly in the heat of post match (which is bloody hard), so it confuses me when I see you suggesting things like PA has gone because he wanted to give Nige a contract and Lansdown didn’t! That’s a real deep bitterness and pettiness you’re suggesting SL holds towards Pearson, that he would dismiss a senior executive primarily because of a personal vendetta. I guess I’d like to know what is that actually based on? It just seems to me that it’s beyond reading between the lines and drifting into completely unfounded speculative territory. If he was capable of that sort of thing then with a life spent in business and football I think it would be more generally understood that he is a bit of a ***. There’d be more cases of similar conduct to point to. The truth has a way of escaping these days. We all know the stories around MA, who is genuinely the type of man to sack someone based on personal vendettas. So I do think the dark conspiratorial assumptions are unfair and I tend to call them out. Still don’t really see that as an agenda. 

Goes without saying this isn’t a dig as I always enjoy your takes regardless if I disagree. 

34 minutes ago, TV Tom said:

Just been reliably informed by my postman that the reason he was”sacked” was because he was completely shyte at his job, all seems fair enough to me 

This is at least what people around the club understand. People are moulding this to suit their own agendas/opinions around Lansdown (don’t disagree with a lot of what’s being said) but on this occasion I think it was genuinely a case of SL acting early on someone who was underperforming. Far easier to join up those dots than the more conspiratorial ones. Pretty much a whole thread thought he sounded clueless giving the RB interview. He certainly didn’t live up to Gould who by all accounts was a really impressive CEO and person, but most importantly a great fit for City. Following him was probably part of the issue too. Perhaps after so long in the game and at higher levels PA couldn’t find the passion to give the role his all here. It happens.

4 minutes ago, Ivorguy said:

If that is the case, and I guess if Dollymarie says so it is true, then it is quite staggeringly amateur for no statement to come out of the club.

Come on JL, it is up to you.  Please respond

It was only last week. I guess they’re working out how to communicate it. It depends on the situation which is anyone’s guess at this stage. ‘Sacked’ was the word I heard on Saturday, rather than resigned. I wouldn’t jump to a Lansdown bashing conclusion on this one. 

Is another possibility, if he is indeed gone, that Alexander simply wasn’t pulling his weight? Gould may have been a tough act to follow.

12 minutes ago, bcfc01 said:

A couple of weeks ago w/end of 2nd/3rd I believe.

Ah, well that wouldn’t contradict the rumours at all. Said to have all happened in the last week.

1 minute ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

I don't know, tbf.

So are you saying there actually was a disagreement, and subsequent parting of the ways, over the handling of the Scott transfer?  

I’ve no idea of the specific reasons, I don’t think anyone does really 

5 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

Well if I was appointed as CEO, having already performed a similar role at a far more successful club than Bristol City, and then the owner "butted in" on the summer's major transfer deal, taking all the credit and suggesting the deal wasn't being concluded quickly enough....

I'd have the self respect to resign - if that's what's happened. 

And if it's dismissal rather than resignation, maybe it's because he's had the good sense to tell Lansdown what he thinks of all that?

Doesn't explain the golf day though! 

When was the golf day? 

3 minutes ago, Bristol Rob said:

The CEO has already resigned.

I heard dismissal, but yep. Gone.

Note the significant absentee, and the rumours going around yesterday…

2 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

Just rumours isn’t it? 

Would be very surprised if so. Coming from a 100% track record. 

Big news regarding a change at the top floating about today. It will please a few. 

Oldham - Did well, left them in a much better place than he found them 

Barnsley - Mixed bag, struggled for a period but had turned a corner and had laid some strong foundations down by the time he left. 

City - Led us to our highest finish since 07 and a League cup semi final. Overstayed his welcome and things were past stale when he was eventually sacked. Spent large amounts of money but that was down to our strategy, no stick to beat him personally with, can be argued he always did better with a tight squad anyway.

Sunderland - Seemed to capitulate but was still sacked when challenging for autos. Also won a JPT and secured a play-off finish whilst there. At smaller clubs sacking him at the point Sunderland did would have been deemed crazy.

Hibs - Probably his weakest stint so far, but still a mixed bag. Ups and downs, always trying to win over the fan base much like his previous two jobs. On the balance of things his dismissal was fair.

Looking the facts of his CV I think it would be seen as a sensible appointment for a club like Fleetwood. It could still take off for him somewhere but he will need to achieve something above expectation soon. Great chance to do that here. There are managers on the merry go round with far worse CV’s than that. He has no relegations, but the way people speak about him you’d think he does. 

4 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

I don't agree with this really. Demographics of supporters around the country are pretty homogenous now, so it's not a case of some clubs having more supporters who create atmosphere.

Most clubs with a good atmosphere have developed a culture that helps create that, and it needs buy-in from the club. Liverpool is a prime example, the Kop as a concept is synonymous with Liverpool as a club. I always get the impression 'the club' are supportive of the old EE and the current singing block through gritted teeth rather than overtly. 

The club's idea of a good atmosphere is something like that Man City home game, where it was quite a family affair really. Lots of pomp and circumstance with that display conceptualised by the club. It was very "Come on you reds" and PG if that makes sense. There's nothing wrong with this as such, and it's obviously an improvement on the current regular home atmosphere but it's a stark contrast to, for example, Rovers at home in 2013. 

I think a lot of the issues with home games boil down to what the club want to endorse as a good atmosphere. If the club were 100% committed to having a vociferous, supportive and hostile AG - there's not a chance the current placement of away fans vs our singing area would be as it is.

Fair shout. Think it’s more of a worry for myself that the culture of the club has changed (or been manoeuvred) irreversibly towards that type of PG comfortability you mention. Which is what I mean when I ask whether we’re actually capable of getting that sort of Rovers 2013 atmosphere back anymore. 

I’m actually fascinated by what the atmosphere would be like if the Gas came to the new AG. I’d hope we would turn out in ferocious voice but there’s such a divide between generations now in terms of the importance of the rivalry. It would be interesting. I remember in 2013, getting out the car near the ground and just feeling it in the air. The intensity. For a first round JPT game. It’s just different. Don’t know if I’ve felt that since barring Man United but even that had quiet periods.

11 hours ago, Red Skin said:

Unfortunately, we have zero talent in S32 to create unique and original songs.  They don't even seem to copy good ones.  Really monotone dull ones that have no passion. 

Clubs like Liverpool and Man Utd have some great songsmith and a way to get these songs known by supporters.  Appreciate they have many many more fans to draw on, but surely S32 could come up with one decent effort?  

These conversations have been happening on repeat since the rebuild and there’s one common denominator throughout that time - us!
 

We are perfectly capable of creating a good atmosphere. But we need to organise and put a bit of effort in on match days. A Block seemed to be the turning point and for the first few games the atmosphere was really improved. This also proved the club are willing to, if not work with us, turn a blind eye to such movements. But it fizzled out fast, there was even some (understandable) backlash to it from within our own fan base and this all leaves me wondering whether there’s actually enough appetite to turn it around, or whether we’re the type of fan base who puts atmosphere down as a priority anymore. Perhaps we are just used to comfortable, modern, sleepy Ashton Gate and aren’t that bothered about getting embarrassed by away support every week. 

7 minutes ago, petehinton said:

They made far far too much of that minor ankle roll. Had nothing to do with the outcome. Delicious 

That’s why I much prefer American coverage of boxing. They don’t milk excuses and detract from the winning fighter. And they call a spade a spade (bad points decision etc) most of the time.

2 minutes ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Kalle is still on the gear,he’s had a good weekend 

Honestly he can’t be that much of a gear head no ticker can take it (mind you there’s blokes in the maytree who’d disagree). But some sort of facial spasm issue surely!! 
 

1 minute ago, BS3 Ark at Ee said:

As much as I hate the Gas, having an anthem brings a closeness in a fan base. Been on a few stag dos with Gas lads and as soon as they pipe up about “Irene” they all join in and people who don’t know us take notice 

Arsenal reckoned they had the same problem as is being suggested here and birthed one up out of nowhere last season. Now the whole stadium joins in on match days. Maybe a similar campaign here? Any City fan artists kicking about at the moment? 

8 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Enjoy mate! I was gonna go until I found out Viagra Boys couldn't make it! VISA issues - cheers Brexshit! 

Quite looking forward to tonight. Predict another Smith win but hopefully it's a decent tear-up!

That right is it? What a shame. Their energy is unmatched live. Still a cracking line up, gutted to be missing it. I had a ticket but in the arse end of Hungary.

Smith late for me, Eubank looked a little broken in the build up. Behind the facade.

Strangely excited for Clarke vs Allen too.

Strong league on paper but so many sides finding their feet with a bunch of new players. Quite a few that have overhauled their squads. The market returning somewhat back to regularity has encouraged a few clubs to happy shop. And obviously relegated/promoted clubs are never the most stable. It’s going to take time for them to figure out what can generate a sustained period of form and what can’t. The core of our side being together for a while now could be very beneficial for consistency. Most already know their roles and the system like the backs of their hand.

Don’t underestimate how determined this group are not to let this season slide into mediocrity. I honestly don’t believe they will. 

Just now, Spike said:

We're getting pushed back now, less pressure on the Swansea defence who are pushed up higher, this is where we need to prove we can manage a game and push Swansea back before they feel they can get back into this.

Yep my thoughts too. This is now where the progress either shows or doesn’t

Ex-Derby striker Chris Martin is available on a free

Very similar game to the Hull one so far

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

As per my OP…I posted this to show what Nige said.  There was no inference of him being moody, having a go, etc.

Purely posted along with snippets of James Piercy’s transcript to give clarity to the Qs we’ve all been asking.

In summary.

Nige didn’t set the budget, he will adhere to it as best he can.

He doesn’t know why he can’t use some of the funds generated from the Scott sale and any further questions should be directed as others, he can only front-up the football-ops stuff.

 

I don’t think there is hysteria on here, but justified annoyance at what Nige is having to deal with PLUS the lack of any noise from “above”….based on expectations from previous comments from Nige, Tins re recruitment and SL re “what football makes it can spend”

This forum isn’t unhinged at all.  If fans being annoyed at what appears to be a renege of promises from SL is unhinged, then send me to my padded cell now.

I completely understand annoyance. Especially if you’ve been witness to what people feel is now a cycle repeating itself for many years over. It must be maddening. But I’m talking about some of the more shadowy conspiratorial stuff. Inferences that the Lansdown’s are plotting NP’s downfall or have lined up his successor with a war chest ready to burn. I don’t feel that some of the things being said reflect the actual reality of the situation, or what we’ve heard from the lips of NP. I defintely don’t think I’ve ever seen a managers words be quite as hyper analysed. To me he just seems content to be getting on with the job and has faith in the players he has. Why don’t the very positive things he says in press conferences get quoted and stuck up online? Rhetorical question, but as it did yesterday a small, potentially negative snippet being plastered everywhere before the full presser is even available massively adds to the imbalance of opinion. 

What I don’t want is for us as a fan base to write off a season and squad that could yet prove positive before they’ve even had a chance. The manager has faith in them, most of us have faith in the manager, so let’s see how they develop. 

The need for clarity I fully appreciate and that would put a lot of questions to bed. That silence is really something that feeds wayward narratives too. You have to hope it’s coming. 

5 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

That’s completely fair.

I do think it isn’t unreasonable to say though that even the more cautious amongst us expected Pearson to be able to bring in more than one loan player with Scott sold & Kalas & now HNM’s futures being elsewhere.

There is some complete nonsense on here but also anger at SL’s comments & apparent desire to create this bloody “nest egg”.

At the same time, if Lansdown suddenly allocates 20% of the Scott fee towards a creative midfielder and a centre back, does some of this vitriol suddenly go away? I doubt it. The margins don’t seem that tight. It seems like it’s the result of years of frustration which again I understand.  Some of you have been supporting City a lot longer than I have and if you are a senior fan I can see how you’d be completely ground down by the prospect of another false dawn. However there has to be some perspective on the actual situation at hand, today, right now. We’ve adopted a strategy that most of us thought was necessary after the mess we found ourselves in recently and we’re sticking to it. We’ve spent money, yes not proportional with the incoming but still not insignificant amounts across the last two windows. We’ve got a manager determined to get on with the situation in hand despite what scrolling past news bites might suggest.

We’ve seen this club in crisis, it isn’t in crisis now.

I remember a thread after the West Brom Boxing Day loss last season. ‘The Lansdowns are a pox on this football club’, or something like that. Football is a results business in every way and this is what bad results do. They tint the perspective on everything and cause frantic, dramatic responses. Especially when expectation isn’t met. It’s always been the same. A couple of wins, a good performance and a result at Swansea, everything settles down. People start seeing the positives more, the players due to come back from injury, perhaps Yeobah makes an impact and all of a sudden we’re looking towards the horizon of a successful season. As it happens we have had 3 poor home performances which, in my opinion, has accounted for the overwhelming majority of this negativity. 

By the way, I called for the managers head that day against West Brom, I’m not claiming to be above the reactionary fan, I would also love to see a new addition to the midfield and think we need one. But there is a real imbalance and paranoia to some of the stuff being written on here recently that is genuinely quite bizarre. We’re four games into the league season, let’s see how things unfold and try not to let the past overwhelm what could be possible in the present.