megansdad

committed, energetic performance where we dominated the 2nd half, could have had a penalty and on another day would have taken a point. Given absences that's a testament to the squad and to Nige...a loss today certainly no disgrace - 6 points from the next two games would see us in a healthy position going in to a much needed break. Will leave OTIB alone until then as the negativity from many is something I really can do without.

and TGH looking very accomplished and composed

All City for this half so far....

had forgotten just what a miserable place this can be - hugely weakened by injury we have nevertheless played with energy and a clear plan. I see that is quite positive but hey ho.

decent 1st half showing and unfortunate to be behind -not sure how Meite has not been booked!

4 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

You keep sticking up for SL, pal.

He still will think you’re not worth a moment of his time, like the rest of us.

Personally agree 100% with Orange500 11 out injured would tax any squad.

likewise

2 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Yes, that probably is in alignment with the national regs although dunno whether it still is the case post Covid.

In 'ordinary' areas of the ground, 1 steward per 250 fans.

In areas deemed a greater risk, which I guess this might be due to the new livelier element and promixity to away fans- 1 steward per 100 fans.

Question is what to do about it..is the status quo in E34 ideal or sustainable? Like I say facts on the ground too.

What do you propose exactly.

no proposal as I don't have sufficient information on which to base one - but something worth looking at as part of a wider atmosphere review.

18 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Could you elaborate? My understanding is that it initially arose organically at half time in a Cup tie v Swansea and then took its own life from there. Probably more to it..

Block was half empty at least being a Sunday lunchtime FA Cup game just after Christmas, as I recall those who funnelled to Dolman A Block in old money, E34 Upper in new money and the lower half was basically blocked off.

Is the present situation satisfactory? Probably not. However I don't see any easy solutions, facts on the ground etc.

seems to be an area with extra stewarding required is my only observation. Proximity to opposition fans seems a driver for some.

May not be the main issue on the agenda but surely a CEO would at least want to ask the question - and want to makes sure teams making such decisions have a well thought out process. Asking the question would require an answer which might be revealing of wider issues?

I have, its a team role - still the items that need focus whether the role is in the hands of one person or a team.

Have been musing since the weekend on the issues I think should be priorities for a new CEO. Since the new team is now in place maybe we can focus their minds, with some constructive ideas as to where fans think they should be concentrating. These would be mine, not necessarily in order of priority (much of this may be happening but clarity on these issues would go along way to allaying the fears of some):

• Agree budget for next window ASAP and allow Nige and Brian to work on bringing new players in and controlling sales.
• Sit down with SL and get a clear idea of his plans re ownership. If a sale is wanted then actively seek investors. Communicate with greater clarity intent to the fanbase.
• Sit down urgently with NP and agree a new contract, assuming he wants one. He and coaches have the team playing a clear brand of football, which gives significant cause for optimism. The relationship between Manager and Academy seems to be as good as it has ever been and there is a willingness to give youth a chance. Consistency of thought is now required to see this to fruition. Until things are resolved there will be a high degree of uncertainty and an open issue causing concern among fan base.
• Find out why efforts are seemingly being made to introduce blue, and the infamous flying bird into our colour scheme/image. Any team/brand has its colours, blue is patently not one of ours so why is it increasingly part of the clothing range, along with the cartoon flying bird. Set up a group with fan involvement to screen future ideas. I can't imagine these items have been successful and seems the process does not involve anyone with sufficient understanding of fanbase or with a desire to have clarity around image/brand.
• Consider how to improve home end to create better atmosphere...more standing, behind goal instead of in corner? At the same time I'd look at the make up of Dolman A block and whether the increased stewarding that seems to be required is a cost worth bearing.
• programme production - a momento of a visit which is no longer available, what is rationale behind this decision?

That would be my initial to do list, thankfully matters on the pitch seem to be well in hand.

looks to me like more responsibility for Brian and Nige with no one sitting between them and ultimate decision makers.....

maybe he did not get on with Nige, who worked well with Richard Gould. None of us know.

2 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

Everything that happens on the field is supported and derived from what happens off it. Clubs in turmoil behind the scenes rarely do well on the pitch in the long term.

We don't all need to experts on boardroom politics and financial matters, but we should all care that it's being done right.

Alexander leaving means we're onto potentially our 4th CEO in two and a half years. Ashton left on 31 May 2021, Gould at the end of January 2023, and now Alexander. However you cut it, it's not exactly stability.

Stability of ownership, manager and head of development more important and we have that - would have preferred if RG had stayed but ECB came calling and that's a huge role. New CEO has not been in place long enough to be missed.

personally will wait and see. Looking forward to visiting for Plymouth on Tuesday night and more concerned about what happens on the field than waht may or may not have happened off it....

best home performance of the season in the league - had Sykes managed to cross for a Nakhi tap in, or had ball fallen more kindly on that and other occasions would have been 3 points. Excellent 1st half not quite matched i the second.

3 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

Unsurprisingly for a CEO appointed by SL he’s bigging him up

The message is crystal clear , 

 

SL has set the budgets as he does not wish to put in the same money annually as he’s done

Oh but we still have Top 6 ambitions

 

And despite spending time fanfaring new contracts for Pring , Vyner etc , ‘wasn’t prepared on a radio show’ to discuss NPs contract situation 

 

Hmmmmmm 

Pring and Vyner contracts signed and sealed. Nige still to be discussed so surley nothing in that

cashflow and budgets.....

good performance but for a few lapses at the back. Should be ahead. Ref awful.

just watched the press conference and seemed no different to many others NP has given so see nothing new in it.

personally have no reason to doubt that he has a knock to the knee- I do not believe for a minute that NP would provide detail on an injury he knew not to be true. He has always been pretty open and transparent so see no reason he would change now. Hopefully Alex back for Millwall challenge.

almost a work of art

would be a great signing - another leader both on and off the pitch who knows the club and has played top level.

don't understand why we would not extend Andy Kings contract. He has been excellent when called upon and is clearly a positive role model for the younger players.