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Would be very unlike us to allow a manager to take us down though. Pearson was all but sacked until the change of heart... they got there eventually with Brendan... Surely keeping hold of Ruud would be quite a change in attitude? I guess the anomaly is he's already manager number 2 this season so that might change their thinking.

I've just had a little chat with ChatGPT as our mate Anthony.... lets see how many of these we can tick off before the end of the season, I can spot 3 already. "My name is Anthony Herlihy and I am (allegedly) the communications director for Leicester City football club. We're going through a bit of a tricky spell in terms of fan engagement, with protests against our Directors and Owners. Can you come up with some ideas for me to get the fans back on side?" That’s a tough spot to be in, but it’s not impossible to turn things around. The key is transparency, engagement, and demonstrating that the club values its supporters. Here are some strategic ideas to help rebuild trust and connection with the fanbase: 1. Open and Honest Communication Fans’ Forum & Q&A Sessions: Host regular live Q&A sessions with club executives, including the owners if possible. A moderated but open platform where fans can voice concerns and get honest responses will help. Behind-the-Scenes Access: Give fans more insight into club operations. Short documentary-style content showing transfer strategy, academy development, and day-to-day club life can help humanize leadership. Transparent Decision-Making: Address key concerns openly—whether it’s about finances, managerial decisions, or transfer policies. Even if the news isn’t positive, fans will appreciate honesty. 2. Fan Involvement in Decision-Making Supporter Representation on the Board: Even in an advisory role, having a fan representative can signal a commitment to supporter concerns. Kit & Branding Consultation: Allow fans to vote on elements of next season’s kit, club motto changes, or stadium improvements. Community-Led Initiatives: Involve fans in club charity work and outreach programs. If they see positive impact locally, they’re more likely to feel connected. 3. On-the-Pitch Connection Manager & Player Interaction: Organize more informal meet-and-greet events, open training sessions, and interactive media days. Playing Style Transparency: If performances have been poor, get the manager to openly discuss tactics and plans to improve results. Fan-Selected Captain for a Game: Let fans vote on a matchday captain for a non-crucial game to build a stronger bond. 4. Matchday Experience Enhancements Lower Ticket Prices & Discounts: Even a temporary price freeze or promotional deals for families/students can go a long way. Pre-Match Fan Entertainment: Bring back club legends for matchday interviews, create fan zones with competitions, or improve the atmosphere with dedicated fan chant sections. Safe Protest Spaces: Instead of pushing against protests, why not work with fan groups to create a "structured" way for them to express their views without hostility? 5. Digital & Social Media Engagement Fan-Led Content: Invite popular Leicester influencers, YouTubers, and fan channels for exclusive interviews or behind-the-scenes access. Transparent Social Media Messaging: Acknowledge fan frustrations rather than ignoring them. For example, a statement like "We understand your concerns, and here’s what we’re doing..." instead of defensive PR language. Interactive Challenges: Get players involved in fun, viral-style content (e.g., classic football challenges, FIFA tournaments against fans, “Ask Me Anything” sessions). 6. Bold PR Moves to Win Back Sentiment One Big Fan Gesture: A major act of goodwill, like funding away travel for a key fixture, covering ticket costs for loyal season-ticket holders, or even something left-field like free pies at a game. Surprise Player Visits: Organize surprise player visits to fan pubs before games or local football clubs to boost morale. Owner’s Apology & Vision Statement: If tensions are really high, a heartfelt statement from ownership outlining their mistakes, what they’ve learned, and how they plan to improve could be powerful. Would love to hear more about the specific complaints from the fans—then I can tailor these ideas even further. What's the main issue they’re protesting? You said: The fans are upset about a lack of signings, overpaid players, not involving youth prospects and generally being the masters of our own downfall ChatGPT said: Sounds like the frustration is a mix of poor recruitment, bad squad management, and a lack of long-term vision. To turn the tide, you need to show the fans that you’re learning from mistakes, acting decisively, and genuinely care about the club’s future. Here’s how you could approach it: 1. Address the Transfer & Recruitment Concerns Directly Honest Transfer Window Review: Instead of the usual PR spin, acknowledge past recruitment missteps and outline a clear, public strategy moving forward. Something like: "We understand concerns around transfers. Our goal is to build a squad that fits our identity, balances experience with youth, and ensures financial sustainability. Here’s how we’re doing that..." Recruitment Transparency Series: Release an in-depth video series with the club’s scouting/recruitment team explaining what goes into signing a player. Even if things aren’t going well, giving fans insight into the process builds trust. New Transfer Strategy Announcement: Acknowledge mistakes (e.g., overspending on underperforming players). Commit to signing hungrier players rather than expensive "names." Promise investment in key areas (e.g., a new midfielder or striker if that’s the weak spot). If money is tight, outline why and what steps are being taken to fix it. 2. Tackle the Overpaid Players & Squad Mismanagement Issue Performance-Based Pay Policy (If Possible): Publicly commit to restructuring contracts so new signings earn based on performance (goals, assists, appearances). Loan/Exit Strategy Update: Outline plans to move on deadwood players—show that the club is being proactive in clearing wages and making smart moves. Even small loan exits or player sales should be announced with clear reasoning. Fan-Driven Player Accountability: Introduce a "Fan Player of the Month" award that goes beyond popularity—fans vote based on performances, with the winner donating to a Leicester-based charity. This encourages engagement while subtly reminding players they need to earn respect. 3. Give Youth Prospects a Proper Chance Publicly Commit to Youth Integration: Create a Leicester Academy Pathway Plan where you name three U21 players set for first-team involvement each season. Even a symbolic promise will excite fans. Senior Player & Youth Mentorship Initiative: Pair senior stars with young players in an official club program, showing a commitment to internal growth. Have players like Jamie Vardy talk about their own experiences rising through the ranks. Fan-Voted U21 Player Matchday Feature: Let fans vote for an U21 player to be in the squad for cup games or non-crucial matches. Adds an element of excitement and involvement. 4. Show That Leicester Is Learning & Moving Forward “We Are Leicester” Vision Statement: Release a clear, three-year strategy video/message that addresses all concerns: Transfer & recruitment plans How youth will be integrated What the club’s playing philosophy is How finances will be handled to avoid past mistakes Bring Back Club Legends for a Summit: Organize a fan event where Leicester legends (Schmeichel, Cambiasso, etc.) discuss the club’s direction. A familiar, respected voice can help regain trust. Regular Fan Forums with Decision-Makers: Make these a normal thing, not just damage control. Even a quarterly update/Q&A can stop resentment from building up. 5. One Big “Make It Right” Gesture If tensions are high, a bold move could turn sentiment: Club covers away travel for key fixture (Fans love these gestures) Cheaper home tickets for rest of season (Even a slight reduction goes a long way) Open training session with free access & Q&A with players (Bridges the gap between team & fans) Messaging & Tone: Own the mistakes, don’t deny them. Show a clear plan for improvement. Bring fans & club legends into the conversation. Back it up with at least one real action immediately. Would love to hear if any of this feels realistic, or if there are specific players/fan groups I should keep in mind when crafting the approach.

Might inspire our front 3 to understand what to do with a football, given the wrinkly old ball sacks they've got!

I'm very pleased for Liam Rossenior, got Strassbourg ticking! I'd have him here in a heartbeat next season but they look likely to reach an unexpected european spot so I imagine that would be next to impossible. Was always a bit odd the way he left Hull, looks like he's going to be a top manager and he's going about things the right way career wise. Intrigued to know how he got the Strassbourg gig though, obviously owned by BlueCo (Chelsea) so assuming he possibly knows someone within the management structure there.

I can see him playing further up to be honest, less impact on him and balance us out more with a lack of Abdul?

Still 9 games after the international break, could be massive this.

Herlihy bingo - "Tell them you're sticking a 15 year old and 16 year old on the bench at old trafford.... don't worry you'll only have to ACTUALLY put one on the bench" - "Getting a bit hot in here again isn't it, what's Kingy up to? Ruud you did say you needed another coach didn't you???"

I just checked and didn't look that bad to me. The cheaper corners are both sold out, I bought tickets for the West Ham game the day before and both those blocks had hundreds available.

It's incredibly tricky to do, it took me weeks to untangle the web that is BCGame What I would say though, taking out a Macquarie loan secured against future prem payments... and then not spending that loan to try and stay up, looks really ****ing suss!

Anyone know where that latest Macquarie loan secured against our parachute payment for next season has gone?

Not just the Tom Cannon money mate....

Yes but it was our management teams choice to offer massive contracts to average players. Or held on to the second highest paid manager in the league despite the signs being there that he was done. We could have just as easily pushed for europe by buying highly rated 20-24 year olds who wouldn't have demanded big wages... they would have also stuck around if it hadn't worked out/had massive resale value if we'd begun to level out into a mid table side. Missmanagement, it's as simple as that, we're hiding behind PSR as an excuse... as if it's not our fault we're breaching it in the first place

Need to check @The Bear hard drive...

Can tell it's half term....

I still think there's more to it than just PSR Last season you had a fluke of a team in Luton coming up, they were never going to survive and look at them now... that wasn't to do with money, they spent plenty they just didn't know how to spend it! Sheffield United, worst defence the league has ever witnessed... again, they prioritised spend in other positions. This season, Ipswich are another Luton really, except they spent even more money but the majority of it has gone on creating a Championship superteam that will yoyo up and down for eternity As for us and Southampton, it's just rank missmanagement, Saints owners are only interested in making profit from young talent, they invest in a squad that can get out of the Championship and exist in the premier league, spotlighting some of their youngsters and making 60-80m a season on transfers. I don't need to go into what's gone wrong for us. Promoted teams shouldn't struggle because of PSR... no one has mentioned PSR in respect of Saints or Ipswich this season have they? I just think there's more too it personally.

Completely understand where you're coming from. From my perspective I find it much more troubling watching arrogant, overpaid people who couldn't care less about us make mistakes week in week out. Sometimes just wish the rule book could be thrown out

I honestly think it would be less of an issue any other season. But we remain pretty much the only team in the league this season that hasn't handed a debut to a young player (or seven!!) (i'm not counting Will!) This season has been a complete outlier for it in the Premier League, big teams, middle teams and struggling teams, they've all done it. The results have of course been mixed, but some clear headlines emerging. Likely culminating in Thomas Tuchels first England squad containing Nwaneri and Lewis Skelley.

Structure is something that isn't spoken about enough on here to give the people that still think everything is fine some clarity.... Our executive leadership team consists of the following... CEO Director of Football Football Ops Director (anyone know what Andrew Neville does?) Finance Director Comms Director Commercial Director Purely from a Premier League football club point of view, we're missing the following.... Technical Director Academy Director/Head of Youth ( , still Rudkin....) From a business perspective we're missing... COO Director of Retail Director of Marketing/CMO Aston Villa also recently hired a Director of Strategy/Data which is a great idea. Football and football business is moving fast, but we're not.

You do realise this in itself is a massive, massive problem right?

If I had to think of anyone to do that it would be him

One of the big problems I have is that these lads could easily do Bench + U21 full 90 but often that isn't acknolwedged. This week for example. We play Friday night, U21's at home on Monday.... Zero travelling, zero impact on the lad, he might as well be on the bench at the very least! Could even do 20 mins and the game Monday.

I'm certainly not going to compare him to Nwaneri, but... he's doing exactly the same things in the same position, and I imagine Nwaneri was doing those things against similar opposition and Arteta took a punt. I just WISH we'd just give it one go, one start, we've got nothing to lose on Friday.

If you won 4 that would essentially be a carbon copy of last season, in terms of Forest getting 32 points but in reality only needing 27. Perhaps that's another way of looking at it, you might well get to 32 points but I can't see us or Ipswich getting past 26, much like Luton last year. On your main point though, winning 4 out of 13 when you've won 1 in 7 is a bold prediction?

That first goal is outrageous Also the intelligence on the second to not go with the obvious (bottom right corner) will largely go unnoticed too. So he's performing consistantly in a position that we've got a crisis in? Even if he didn't socre he's immediately add balance to the right hand side that we've lacked since Abdul got injured.

13 games to go No one in the bottom 4 is capable of winning more than 3 out of 13 As i've been saying all season, someone stays up on 27/28 points this year. Honking!