Steve Lansdown Legacy: I'm grateful, but if LM doesn't work, it's time to sell.

[Superjack]

3 minutes ago, Bris Red said:

100%. I have said it a million times before but if Pearson was allowed the warchest that little Lee was allowed to spunk up the wall we would have had at least a shot at the Play-offs by now.

I think that if he was interested in the job when Cotterill went, and he had got it, we would have had PL football by now.

[Numero Uno]

Just now, Barrs Court Red said:

Knowing the disparaging views senior BS bods have about football fans I would surprised if he cared 

Be careful what you wish for…….apparently.

[Superjack]

Just now, Numero Uno said:

Be careful what you wish for…….apparently.

If I wish for anyone else in key positions at the club, rather than what we have, do I still need to be careful?

I think not.

[REDOXO]

33 minutes ago, Superjack said:

And a reasonable asking price.

Do we know what the ask is? That would be interesting to know!

[Bris Red]

21 minutes ago, Superjack said:

I think that if he was interested in the job when Cotterill went, and he had got it, we would have had PL football by now.

Indeed. I am quite surprised to hear he was interested when Cotts left to be honest, to think that Steve Lansdown chose LJ over Pearson back then truly is astonishing really and shows how clueless him and his boy are. 

 

[Cole Not Gas]

Staggering insight as to how some people think Pearson's win rate of 30% was anywhere near as good as 'Litlle Lee's of 40%. Maths, extenuating circumstance, whatever.

Under Little lee we looked like getting to the P.Os until Covid struck. Under Pearson we fell asleep and then all died of 'frustration' as we continually conceded late goals.

[bearded_red]

1 minute ago, Cole Not Gas said:

Staggering insight as to how some people think Pearson's win rate of 30% was anywhere near as good as 'Litlle Lee's of 40%. Maths, extenuating circumstance, whatever.

Under Little lee we looked like getting to the P.Os until Covid struck. Under Pearson we fell asleep and then all died of 'frustration' as we continually conceded late goals.

Come on, you must be due a decent post. I believe in you.

Edited March 6 by bearded_red

[BrizzleRed]

3 hours ago, NickJ said:

That post should be pinned.

Was thinking exactly the same.  A perfect wake up to anyone who still manages to consider NP as a failure.

[Sheltons Army]

4 minutes ago, Cole Not Gas said:

Staggering insight as to how some people think Pearson's win rate of 30% was anywhere near as good as 'Litlle Lee's of 40%. Maths, extenuating circumstance, whatever.

Under Little lee we looked like getting to the P.Os until Covid struck. Under Pearson we fell asleep and then all died of 'frustration' as we continually conceded late goals.

Are you David Icke ?

 

You  absolutely deserve another spell of ‘Little Lee’ the Wonderboy , spend no issue ‘

, Points deductions and a return to League 1

 

’We looked like getting in the play offs until Co Vid struck’

 

[bpexile]

6 hours ago, Tim Monaghan said:

I've been a devoted Bristol City supporter for 34 years, I find myself at a crossroads, a juncture if you will, where admiration and concern intersect. Its all steamed from the debate this morning on the FBC Podcast. Steve Lansdown, the visionary behind our beloved club since 1996, has left an indelible mark on our history. His passion, commitment, and financial backing have propelled Bristol City to new heights, this is undeniable, yet, as we stand on the precipice of another season of mediocrity (some on here will argue self inflicted), I can’t help but feel that this is a pivotal moment—a last chance saloon—for Lansdown’s ownership.

First of all, let me begin by expressing my gratitude. Steve Lansdown’s journey with Bristol City mirrors that of many fans. From fan on the terraces through his sons love of Bristol City, he transitioned from a passionate supporter to a director, and eventually, the owner. His investment in the club has been transformative. Nobody can deny that. The redevelopment of Ashton Gate stands as a testament to his commitment. Our new modern facilities and infrastructure have surpassed expectations, providing our players and fans with an environment befitting a club with ambitions.

But success in football is a fickle mistress. It demands results, both on and off the pitch. And herein lies the conundrum. While I will forever be grateful for Lansdown’s contributions, I can’t ignore the recent growing turbulence. Liam Manning’s appointment as head coach—I feel a pivotal decision—has placed the spotlight squarely on Lansdown’s shoulders yet again. I feel his success or failure will reverberate through the corridors of Ashton Gate on this occasion. 

As fans, we yearn for stability in fact its a must, however, football and sport in general is about progress, and silverware. But I'm asking myself, is it too much to ask for both? I want to see our team compete at the highest level, challenging for promotion, and perhaps even gracing the Premier League. I get that football is a game of fine margins, tiny percentages and a dash of luck, but I feel that they have made so many wrong decisions on the football side, that if Mannings tenure doesn't work out how we hope, the Lansdowns must introspect. He must consider whether it’s time to pass the baton—to let someone else steer the ship with new ideas and investment into the team. 

If, or as some are convinced, when, Manning fails, Lansdown must be prepared to make the toughest decision of all. Selling up. By his own admission, SL isn't a footballing man. JL is, I've actually played football with him, but this is also under question with a vast majority of our supporters. He will also always be the rich boys son or crayon boy as the highest intellectuals will crow. A highly unfair tag, but one he will never shake, lets be fair. 

Above all, do I trust the current set-up to choose another manager should (when) this one fails? After all, their track record is somewhat erm, shite (when you also include hires when he was part of the board etc): 

• John Ward - Success
• Benny Lennartsson - Failure
• Tony Pulis - Failure 
• Danny Wilson - Played nice football, but... 
• Brain (judge me on) Tinnion - Huge failure 
• Gary Johnson - Success 
• Keith Millen - Failure 
• Steve Coppell - Huge Failure after owners signing of David James meant he only lasted 3 months
• Derek McInnes - Huge Failure
• SOD - Huge Failure
• Steve Cotterill - Huge Success (pretty sure he was Keith Dawes appointment though and SL didn't want him)
• Lee Johnson - Mixed
• Dean Holden - Failure 
• Nigel Pearson - Failure 
• Liam Manning - Looking like its failing (even though I feel its too soon to tell) 

Anyway, this is a very long winded way, and maybe a chance for me to verbal diarrhoea some words on to a page, to say that if this doesn't work out then maybe enough is enough. Bristol is one of the biggest cities in the United Kingdom. Our catchment area is insane. We as a football club should have tasted success, especially with how committed, and lets be honest, patient, our fanbase have been. 

Mr Lansdown, selling isn’t a sign of defeat; it’s an acknowledgment of responsibility. It’s saying, “I’ve given my all, but now it’s time for fresh ideas, renewed vigour, and a different path.”

My mind has been swung. I appreciate your dedication, your love for the club, and the dreams you’ve woven into the fabric of Bristol City. But we also recognize that this is a critical juncture. I'm praying the footballing gods smile upon us, and Liam Mannings reign lead us to glory, I believe it can, but if I'm wrong (and many of you think I am) may you find the courage to pass the torch—to let another custodian shape our destiny. I feel its time. 

 

 

 

 

I agree with most, the financial stability SL has given this club has possibly been one of the best in all the leagues. In saying that it could have been so much different with managerial appointments being made by some-one who knows the game ala the Steve Cotts appointment.

I cannot agree with your take on NP as a failure, he was not given the financial backing, he spent the majority of his tenure fixing the mismanagement of previous & we will never know how far NP could have taken us if given the chance. I'm now in my 76th year & followed BCFC for approx 70 of those years & like you I am at the crossroads. City will always be in my blood but I now never rush to see the results come in or get confident on games we should win such as bottom team fixtures, which have had dismal results for a long time.

As I said, City will always be in my blood but I'm rapidly needing a transfusion, as does our club .

[Red Billy]

5 hours ago, bearded_red said:

Hi Nigel, Steve Lansdown here, just wondered if you'd be interested in the vacancy we currently have?

Ok, slight heads up, we have an uninterested, unmotivated and unfit squad which is currently suffering a quite preposterous injury crisis. Eleven players are out of contract and leaving at the end of the season as we desperately need to reduce both the size of our squad and wage bill. We are currently on a run of losing seven straight games (and twelve of the last fifteen). After the game on Saturday one of our caretaker managers basically pleaded for help as soon as possible and made it clear he had no idea how we would get out of this slump. Our captain and record transfer fee was holding back tears while telling the media that he had never played in a team like this and admitted that every game we spend ninety minutes desperately defending and trying to keep the score down.

Fortunately we only need a two or three wins to see us safe this season so we would like you to achieve them as quickly as you possibly can. Should we stay up we would be interested in offering you a three year deal. We have to be honest and say that the first two of those years we will be operating under austerity measures due to the threat of points deductions and transfer embargoes for failing FFP, the squad will have to be small and we will have to rely on young unproven players from the academy. It goes without saying that we cannot get relegated as the financial issues we have would be massively exaggerated should we end up playing League 1 football. After these two seasons are up and all contracts from our previous big spending have came to an end you will have an opportunity to start looking forwards and targeting competing for playoff places.

Its not all bad though, you will be 'inheriting' a 17 year old that hasn't played a minute of professional football and a 21 year old forward that hasn't scored a goal in 43 Championship appearances. If you could provide the opportunities, coaching and guidance that help turn these two into assets we can sell to the Premier League for around 35 million that would really help our current financial plight.

Should you achieve all these things while building a spirited, professional and committed squad, we will thankyou for your efforts by firing you as soon as we (wrongly) believe we have an excuse and someone on our most used fans forum will call you a failure.

This is the answer to just about every regurgitated thread that has been posted on this forum in the last couple of month. If the statement is “What is the question?” Then dear Sir this mostly definitely is the answer. My dear God there is some shit posts on this forum based on opinion and bollocks from people who have absolutely no clue. I doff my cap! If we have a OTIB post of the year award you get my vote.

[NickJ]

1 hour ago, Cole Not Gas said:

Staggering insight as to how some people think Pearson's win rate of 30% was anywhere near as good as 'Litlle Lee's of 40%. Maths, extenuating circumstance, whatever.

Under Little lee we looked like getting to the P.Os until Covid struck. Under Pearson we fell asleep and then all died of 'frustration' as we continually conceded late goals.

Well you're not very bright are you, "covid struck". What, just us?

Moreover, Lee fricking Johnson was 38.7% and NP was 32.1%.

And see post of the decade above as to the best, but of many examples as to why NP did a great job, and as to why Lee fricking Johnson will 100% never ever be manager of a Championship club again.

[Gert Mare]

9 hours ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Both times the problem is the structure behind the manager. McInnes knew he was out of his depth and asked for help from the board and got none. Albeit in Scotland, McInnes has gone on to have a good career in management. 

SOD seems to have had similar problems to Manning in style of play. SODs Donny teams were superb and great to watch. Despite some trying to diminish his previous achievements, Manning got both MK Dons and Oxford playing very attractive, attacking football. He was "fairly hot property" as you describe and likely would have been picked up by another Cship club this season, if not us. 

The problem is both were/are operating in an empty vessel. Behind the scenes there's no structure, no plan, and frankly a couple of people out of their depth in the most senior positions. 

It's the same as it was 10 years ago, and it's just become completely laughable. 

For me it seems like there are huge trust issues for the Lansdown’s. Sadly, the ones they seem to trust appear to be bad choices.

Their involvement appears to be too intense and suffocating.

I might be way off the mark, but from various sources there seems to be a sense of micro-managing going on. That’s never good in any industry, let alone in football.