Hinckleyfox

Seriously, where do people on here get off telling people what they should and shouldn’t be doing? You don’t want to go, that’s fine, you do you. But leave your judgments on other people elsewhere. We all have different motivations for going and it’s not all down to money. It’s down to steeped family traditions, stuff we have done with family members no longer with us, or ways of keeping social interactions with others alive. You can be a supporter who goes to the games AND be against the ownership, the two are not mutually exclusive.

I'm so conflicted on this. So I'll lay out both sides of the argument. On paper, this could be a good deal for us. Whatever we might think about where he is now, Antonio has a proven track record in English football so injuries aside (which can be allowed for in the 10 million medicals we will do) it appears to be a relatively low risk one if done on a low cost, short term deal. I do understand those saying that we should take a punt on a youngster or someone playing in a more unknown league, but I would say that while they will have a much higher potential for resale, we don't have the luxury of time and we need someone that can get us a respectable amount of goals, right now. Is Antonio that guy? Who knows, but he probably has a higher chance of being that guy than another Carranza. In an ideal world, we need both a proven goalscorer now AND one for the future but have we got the dollars? Doesn't sound like it, and I think realistically Jake Evans is a way off being considered next in line. We need someone in between now and him. All of that said, the success of Antonio if he joins it rests on our ability to negotiate a favourable deal which I have no faith in our recruitment team to do.

Foxestalk - "We always pay over the odds for experienced players just here on the final pay day. Why don't we take a few risks and try and uncover the gems" Also Foxestalk - "That loan looks really rusty and I dont care if he hasn't played a full 90 yet, he's f**king s**t" Seriously, the change in direction from this forum from one day to the next is enough to give a man whiplash. Give the guy a chance, I agree he looks off the pace, but maybe he'll come good. If not, he goes back at the end of the loan. This is how loans WORK. Yes Kone was available, but for whatever reason the club didn't fancy him or he didn't want to come.

I always find this a strange one. His body language definitely supports the theory of bad attitude and can't be bothered. BUT We've had Rodgers, Smith, Cooper, RVN and now Marti all come in and trust him as a starter. Surely this suggests that what we see from the stands in terms of attitude, perhaps isn't the case on the training ground or in the dressing room? We can't really speculate on Enzo's opinion of him as he was out on loan.. again massive assumptions made on hie "refusal" to play in the championship. Don't get me wrong, I don't rate him and there is no way we've got value for money on it, I just find the character assassination a bit short sighted.

Natural to feel that way but as we’ve seen from recent years it’s how we have to operate and sadly he is likely to be our next big money maker. We’ll just have to enjoy it while we can. better than him leaving for free

Whilst I'm not keen on a Dyche / Wilder / O'Neil situation, I dont think we should be losing our minds on it not being Rohl. There are numerous reasons why it might not be him, not least of all perhaps he doesn't want it? And if we have been strung along so far (as with Potter) how much longer do we wait? In addition, while Rohl might be a more exciting appointment, he's arguably the most risky, at a time where risk is probably something not only do we want to avoid, but we probably can't afford. Not sticking up for the club, this situation is entirely of their own making, but we are where we are and we've got to make the best decision on that basis. To re-iterate - I can't say that I want any of the 3 mentioned above, but I dont think its as binary as some make out that Rohl is the correct choice and these are the wrong choice. Nobody knows. Lets play devils advocate and work on the optimistic side of Dyche or Wilder (I don't know enough about O'Neil) Dyche / Wilder - both strike me as types that will instil discipline and won't tolerate some of the antics we've seen so far. They're also much more likely to challenge upwards on the running of the club. Football may not be great on the eye, doesn't mean it won't be effective. Maybe stability is what we need over throwing caution to the wind on a manager that while may be an exciting PROSPECT, is just a that, a prospect.

Went to these loads when I was a lad, bit of a trial run before we got the season ticket for the first team. Our season ticket was rotated between me and my two sisters, but family night football was one that we all went to so I've got very fond memories of this, and as I remember there were some cracking games. Saw Heskey come through the ranks in the process. Got to say a huge thank you to the OP for bringing this back in to my memory. Happy times.

Yeah I don’t disagree, but I just disagree with anyone telling anyone they have no right to moan. live let live and all that.

Everyone is entitled to support the club whichever way they see fit, I’ve no idea how you come to the conclusion that those who continue to support by going to the games (assume that’s what you mean about financially supporting the club) have NO right to complain? Sadly like everything in today’s world everyone is either “right” or “wrong” Everyone has the reasons for going, and not everyone is a “happy clapper”. I go because I always have, and likely always will. I go because it’s something I continue to do with family and despite the horrific lows we’re seeing currently, it’s a part of my life I’m not going to sacrifice just because we have tools in the boardroom. Football is about heritage to me, it’s about tradition, and it’s about not giving up in the club in the dark times. The club will be standing long after who occupies the boardroom and the pitch currently, and long after us. And if I still want to complain about it, then I absolutely will. In the same breath, I also understand why you’d take the stance you have. And just because DONT go, doesn’t mean you can’t voice an opinion either. You do your thing and offer the same courtesy to others.

Exactly. So compensation is totally black and white. Leave the agreement early, you pay compo. End of. Ultimately we offered to handcuff ourselves and put the house on a manager with very little experience. All because we wanted a trendy name with a polo neck. Absolutely unforgiveable, and a much worse crime than the horrendous losing streak RVN took us on.

Whilst I get the frustration, its not how contracts work. Both parties entered in to a contract committing to it, knowing that compensation would be due to either party, if the other was to terminate early. Yes we can be angry at RVN for being stubborn with team selection and prioritising players who shouldn't have been near the pitch. But, we've negotiated the contracted and then not backed him. So we can look at rubbish stats and unwanted records all day long, but ultimately this is our boards doing.

Aggressive? I was just questioning what you said as it sounds bonkers. No aggression intended in the slightest. Whichever way it was inferred makes no sense. scenario one (what I though you meant) is that Top was considering sacking him same month as appointment. scenario two is what you’ve now said but I doubt the owner would go the players as soon as the manager is appointed to say “guys you’d better make this work, can’t afford to sack this one” Surely you can see why that would sound ludicrous without there being any aggression involved

So “apparently” Top discussed sacking him days after he was appointed?

I’m not looking forward to RM and has philosophy but take the emotion out of it and I kind of understand the appointment. let’s assume that we will not have money to spend and besides a few obvious departures the squad largely stays the same… there’s a manager available, for free, wants to come, and plays a style of football that this squad was essentially assembled to play, and managed it with success. Kind of makes sense? that said, football is emotional and the thought of slogging through a season with more tippy gappy round the back nonsense does not fill me with excitement. But as for people having one eye on a return to the premier league, I think we should park that and worry about it if/when happens. I don’t believe for a minute we’re facing back to back relegations like others have suggested (give your heads a wobble) but I thinking we’re going to walk the league is naive. Although hope I’m wrong!

Hardly wonder kid but remember Martin Allen labelling Eric Odhiambo as “outrageous”