Searching for the Holy Grail

[James.]

I've just been reading through a few of the threads and one recurring theme is that there is a "deep-rooted problem at Leicester City". However no one seems to know what that problem is.

That's probably the single most worrying thing about this club at the minute. No matter what we have done since being relegated from the Premiership we have always ended up in the same place.

I believe there is a combination of factors at work. What would be interesting to know is what we all think are the key changes that need to be made in order for this "deep-rooted problem" to be identified and rectified.

1. Stability - probably the most obvious and most important factor that must be addressed. The last few seasons have been characterised by vast and disruptive changes on and off the pitch. This is why we must stick with Holloway and support him through bad decisions and good. Mandaric won't pull out until he has had some degree of success. That's off the pitch. On it we need to build a squad that stays together and isn't constantly seeing new faces like the debacle of the previous summer.

2. Balance - the team needs balance and I believe Holloway is well aware of that. Playing Hume and Hayles on the wing suggests otherwise though. We must start playing a team that has proper wingers that will provide width. If that means recalling Gradel then so be it. We should also play a strike force that isn't two big hulks. Howard and Campbell for me. Furthermore we need to encourage a more balanced approach to games. That means not resorting to long ball tactics. It also means fully utilising our midfield, particularly our wingers.

3. Spirit - Manwell touched on this. The club feels like it has lost its soul. Part of the reason Hume is loved so much is because he reminds us of days when players wore the shirt with pride and ran themselves into the ground week in week out. That has gone. And we desperately need it back. This must come from the players and the manager. Holloway needs to demonstrate his motivational skills in a way that seemed so obvious at Plymouth. And we may well need to discard those players that do not respond.

To be successful all 3 issues need to be addressed. Sorting out 1 or 2 of them is not sufficient.

[Zingari]

yes all that and move the kop to the family stand

seriously though thats a very good post

[Raj]

I've just been reading through a few of the threads and one recurring theme is that there is a "deep-rooted problem at Leicester City". However no one seems to know what that problem is.

That's probably the single most worrying thing about this club at the minute. No matter what we have done since being relegated from the Premiership we have always ended up in the same place.

I believe there is a combination of factors at work. What would be interesting to know is what we all think are the key changes that need to be made in order for this "deep-rooted problem" to be identified and rectified.

1. Stability - probably the most obvious and most important factor that must be addressed. The last few seasons have been characterised by vast and disruptive changes on and off the pitch. This is why we must stick with Holloway and support him through bad decisions and good. Mandaric won't pull out until he has had some degree of success. That's off the pitch. On it we need to build a squad that stays together and isn't constantly seeing new faces like the debacle of the previous summer.

2. Balance - the team needs balance and I believe Holloway is well aware of that. Playing Hume and Hayles on the wing suggests otherwise though. We must start playing a team that has proper wingers that will provide width. If that means recalling Gradel then so be it. We should also play a strike force that isn't two big hulks. Howard and Campbell for me. Furthermore we need to encourage a more balanced approach to games. That means not resorting to long ball tactics. It also means fully utilising our midfield, particularly our wingers.

3. Spirit - Manwell touched on this. The club feels like it has lost its soul. Part of the reason Hume is loved so much is because he reminds us of days when players wore the shirt with pride and ran themselves into the ground week in week out. That has gone. And we desperately need it back. This must come from the players and the manager. Holloway needs to demonstrate his motivational skills in a way that seemed so obvious at Plymouth. And we may well need to discard those players that do not respond.

To be successful all 3 issues need to be addressed. Sorting out 1 or 2 of them is not sufficient.

Top stuff Mr.

It seems pretty easy on paper(Or on screen!!!)

But however many managers/players we have had over the last 4 years have had no success and we've always ended up down the bottom of the table.

The Club just seems to have a cloud over it and a losing mentality.

And it seaps down to all levels,not just the players.

The whole workings of the club is suffering.

To say that 3-4 wins in a row would help is an understatement.BUt we all know that is not going to happen

What is going to help??

FCUK KNOWS!!!

[Alexikokopops]

Found it

[Zingari]

i expect a couple of monty python quotes soon

[Ibbyfox]

i expect a couple of monty python quotes soon

What did Milan Mandaric ever do for us?!!

[Nick]

i expect a couple of monty python quotes soon

"He's been taken up."

"No.....no, there he is."

[James.]

Top stuff Mr.

It seems pretty easy on paper(Or on screen!!!)

But however many managers/players we have had over the last 4 years have had no success and we've always ended up down the bottom of the table.

The Club just seems to have a cloud over it and a losing mentality.

And it seaps down to all levels,not just the players.

The whole workings of the club is suffering.

To say that 3-4 wins in a row would help is an understatement.BUt we all know that is not going to happen

What is going to help??

FCUK KNOWS!!!

It IS easy on paper. While I was writing I kept thinking it was fairly easy to recognise the issues but the hardest part is exactly HOW they are to be addressed. How do we ensure stability? How do we create and sustain a balanced squad? How do we foster a good team spirit?

No easy solutions but Mandaric and Holloway obviously have critical parts to play in answering these questions.

[Darkzzz_]

This is a great post mate!!!

My Opinion is this:

I also agree with Manwell, we have lost a lot of that spirit, i also said yesterday about other teams being able to replace key players, i dont believe we have... And with that, the spirit left this club and has yet to return!!

Stability is the key.... I know its been touched upon so many times here, but it really is how we move forward. Yes Ollie got it wrong yesterday, but we are all human and we all make mistakes dont we? In football mistakes can prove so costly as we all know... I think we must stick with Ollie at the moment, Martin O'Neil soon won us over, and that story as we all know is apart of what has made this club!!

But that was then, we have now got to face reality and build this club up from scratch if you like.... We have lost our Identity!! We need to get that old never say die attitude back around this club!! It will take a long time, thats football, it happens that way.... The main thing we as fans must do is stick by our club and help them from this difficult and frustrating time!!

I for one will stick by Ollies, because i dont want another manager yet again walking through the doors!!

Ok, he has made some errors, but thats sometimes what it takes to get things right, you have to rub the rough with the smooth!!

I am sure he will get it right!!! The last thing i want is for Leicester City F.C to become the next Newcastle Utd!!

Im sure you all know what i mean.

Things will get better!!

[Raj]

It IS easy on paper. While I was writing I kept thinking it was fairly easy to recognise the issues but the hardest part is exactly HOW they are to be addressed. How do we ensure stability? How do we create and sustain a balanced squad? How do we foster a good team spirit?

No easy solutions but Mandaric and Holloway obviously have critical parts to play in answering these questions.

Its frustrating cos of the fact that even most City fans(those with half a brain!) know what the problems are.

So you ask yourself...Why dont the men in charge of our club?

BUt the thing is,they DO know!

MM has backed his managers with cash and even paid out millions(a guess) to pay off the likes of Kaebi etc...

So you cant blame him.

Ollie realised we needed better players and in Howard(argueably!) and OAkley(defo) we have a couple.

He introduced the hungarians as we needed wingers and the result was Cov and a great in and good dsplay.

BUt why did we not build from THAT.

He knows we have played crap since...what is his next move??

Why do we have these false dawns??

It will be VERY intersting to see what happens on Tues nightand the performance from the players.

It will say ALOT about the belief they have in Ollie

[Joe.]

I'm really confused as to why we're so poor as well. I still can't put my finger on it. Those reasons you stated above JTB do seem logical to be honest.

But the most important thing is obviously the team. On paper it seems we have a team capable of doing fine in this division. A good enough goalkpeer, two solid centre backs, two good central midfielders and strikers capable enough of scoring goals. I suppose I've answered it myself really, the wide players we have.

In theory James Chambers should be more than capable and now we have Clapham, and experienced left back. As for wingers, we don't really have much going for us really. This the the area of the team we have to improve on.

Maybe I'm being too complimentary on the rest of the team. Maybe the players who we consider to be good e.g. Clemence are really just average, I really don't know.

[Zingari]

very simplistic but,

i've just come to the concluson that "middling clubs" such as leicester go through periods of peaks and troughs and so long as we do nothing too drastic and just keep on plugging away ( with or without the present manager ) eventually we will get back into the prem, ( 2,3,4,5 years who knows ) have a few goodish seasons and it will all start again

[Nick]

It IS easy on paper. While I was writing I kept thinking it was fairly easy to recognise the issues but the hardest part is exactly HOW they are to be addressed. How do we ensure stability? How do we create and sustain a balanced squad? How do we foster a good team spirit?

No easy solutions but Mandaric and Holloway obviously have critical parts to play in answering these questions.

Good posts mate, (I wouldn't expect anything less from a educated Birstall lad like yourself...... aside: I do know you don't I?) I would like to have a gander at the syllabus for the degree in football management, this surely should have a good perspective and grounding in need, strategy/ ethos and may start a topic of debate about what options/action the club should take.

Finding a balance between encouragement, guidance, screaming and apathy would be for me where it is at in terms of managing motivation.

I watched the game on sky yesterday and I am trying for the life of me to see any pre-rehearsed plays and style of football beyond hit it up in the air to the big Stevie Howard. Crossing the ball accurately was banged on about upon Holloways arrival but not playing established wingers undermines that sentiment.

Lets find a specific football management syllabus and debate how to stop the rot via an established plan.

Any takers?

[davieG]

Leadership at the very top is what we need and what we've been sadly lacking, many people pinned their hopes on MM leading us to the so called promise land but all he has brought so far is further chaos couple that with the high expectations that MM & the Mercury put into many people's minds and you end up with disillusionment.

I also don't think it helps the moral of the club when the owner is being arrested and bailed on money laundering charges.

Everyone has got to stop talking about play-offs (although I'm sure as a discussion matter that's finally a dead duck) and think purely about winning the next game.

Of course you wont get leadership with out stability and like it or not we have to stick with Ollie at least until the end of the season. The only way we are going to get out of the doldrums is for Ollie to conjure up a winning streak. All this talk of half-time entertainment, moving the kop, cheap tickets etc would disappear in the wind with some wins.

It's no use relying on the fans to make it happen either because they are tired and exhausted from 4 years of dross.

Over to you Ollie.

[Ultra]

i expect a couple of monty python quotes soon

He's not the messiah, just a very naughty boy..

[Nick]

He's not the messiah, just a very naughty boy..

The Holy Grail......

Knights of Camelot: [singing] We're knights of the Round Table, we dance whene'er we're able. We do routines and chorus scenes with footwork impec-cable, We dine well here in Camelot, we eat ham and jam and Spam a lot. / We're knights of the Round Table, our shows are for-mi-dable. But many times we're given rhymes that are quite un-sing-able, We're opera mad in Camelot, we sing from the diaphragm a lot. / In war we're tough and able, Quite in-de-fa-ti-gable. Between our quests we sequin vests and impersonate Clark Gable / It's a busy life in Camelot

[solo]

Knights of Camelot: I have to push the pram a lot.

King of Swamp Castle: Listen, Alice...

Prince Herbert: Herbert.

King of Swamp Castle: Herbert...

Minstrel: [singing] Bravely bold Sir Robin rode forth from Camelot. He was not afraid to die, oh brave Sir Robin. He was not at all afraid to be killed in nasty ways, brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Robin. He was not in the least bit scared to be mashed into a pulp, or to have his eyes gouged out, and his elbows broken. To have his kneecaps split, and his body burned away, and his limbs all hacked and mangled, brave Sir Robin. His head smashed in and heart cut out, and his liver removed, and his bowels unplugged, and his nostrils raped and his bottom burned off and his penis...

Sir Robin: That's, uh, that's enough music for now, lads... looks like there's dirty work afoot.

Minstrel: [singing] Brave Sir Robin ran away...

Sir Robin: *No!*

Minstrel: [singing] bravely ran away away...

Sir Robin: *I didn't!*

Minstrel: [singing] When danger reared its ugly head, he bravely turned his tail and fled.

Sir Robin: *I never did!*

Minstrel: [singing] Yes, brave Sir Robin turned about, and valiantly, he chickened out.

Sir Robin: *Oh, you liars!*

Minstrel: [singing] Bravely taking to his feet, he beat a very brave retreat. A brave retreat by brave Sir Robin.

God: What are you doing now?

King Arthur: Averting our eyes, oh Lord.

God: Well, don't. It's just like those miserable psalms, always so depressing. Now knock it off!

King of Swamp Castle: Please! This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Let's not bicker and argue over who killed who.

God: Every time I try to talk to someone it's "sorry this" and "forgive me that" and "I'm not worthy"...

French Soldier: I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.

Sir Galahad: Is there someone else up there we can talk to?

French Soldier: No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time.

Sir Lancelot: We were in the nick of time. You were in great peril.

Sir Galahad: I don't think I was.

Sir Lancelot: Yes, you were. You were in terrible peril.

Sir Galahad: Look, let me go back in there and face the peril.

Sir Lancelot: No, it's too perilous.

Sir Galahad: Look, it's my duty as a knight to sample as much peril as I can.

Sir Lancelot: No, we've got to find the Holy Grail. Come on.

Sir Galahad: Oh, let me have just a little bit of peril?

Sir Lancelot: No. It's unhealthy.

Sir Galahad: I bet you're gay.

Sir Lancelot: Am not.

King Arthur: [after Arthur's cut off both of the Black Knight's arms] Look, you stupid Bastard. You've got no arms left.

Black Knight: Yes I have.

King Arthur: *Look*!

Black Knight: It's just a flesh wound.

French Soldier: Un cadeau.

Other French soldiers: A what?

French Soldier: A present.

Other French soldiers: Oh. Un cadeau.

Other French soldiers: Oui oui.

French Soldier: Allons y!

Other French soldiers: What?

French Soldier: Let's go!

Other French soldiers: Oh.

[repeated line]

King Arthur: Run away!

Sir Bedevere: What makes you think she's a witch?

Peasant 3: Well, she turned me into a newt!

Sir Bedevere: A newt?

Peasant 3: [meekly after a long pause] ... I got better.

Crowd: [shouts] Burn her anyway!

Large Man with Dead Body: Who's that then?

The Dead Collector: I dunno, must be a king.

Large Man with Dead Body: Why?

The Dead Collector: He hasn't got shit all over him.

French Soldier: You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, you sons of a silly person. I blow my nose at you, so-called "Arthur King," you and all your silly English K-nig-hts.

French Soldier: Go and boil your bottoms, you sons of silly persons!

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Who goes there?

King Arthur: It is I, Arthur, son of Uther Pendragon, from the castle of Camelot. King of the Britons, defeater of the Saxons, Sovereign of all England!

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Pull the other one!

King Arthur: I am, and this is my trusty servant Patsy. We have ridden the length and breadth of the land in search of knights who will join me in my court at Camelot. I must speak with your lord and master.

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: What? Ridden on a horse?

King Arthur: Yes!

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: You're using coconuts!

King Arthur: What?

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: You've got two empty halves of coconut and you're bangin' 'em together.

King Arthur: So? We have ridden since the snows of winter covered this land, through the kingdom of Mercia, through...

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Where'd you get the coconuts?

King Arthur: We found them.

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Found them? In Mercia? The coconut's tropical!

King Arthur: What do you mean?

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Well, this is a temperate zone

King Arthur: The swallow may fly south with the sun or the house martin or the plover may seek warmer climes in winter, yet these are not strangers to our land?

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?

King Arthur: Not at all. They could be carried.

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: What? A swallow carrying a coconut?

King Arthur: It could grip it by the husk!

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: It's not a question of where he grips it! It's a simple question of weight ratios! A five ounce bird could not carry a one pound coconut.

King Arthur: Well, it doesn't matter. Will you go and tell your master that Arthur from the Court of Camelot is here?

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Listen. In order to maintain air-speed velocity, a swallow needs to beat its wings forty-three times every second, right?

King Arthur: Please!

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Am I right?

King Arthur: One, two, five!

Sir Galahad: Three sir!

King Arthur: THREE!

Prince Herbert: But mother,

King of Swamp Castle: Father, I'm father.

Prince Herbert: But father...

The Witch: I'm not a witch I'm not a witch!

Sir Bedevere: But you are dressed as one

The Witch: *They* dressed me up like this!

Crowd: We didn't! We didn't...

The Witch: And this isn't my nose. It's a false one.

Sir Bedevere: [lifts up her false nose] Well?

Peasant 1: Well, we did do the nose.

Sir Bedevere: The nose?

Peasant 1: And the hat, but she is a witch!

Crowd: Yeah! Burn her! Burn her!

Sir Bedevere: Did you dress her up like this?

Peasant 1: No!

Peasant 3, Peasant 2: No!

Peasant 3: No!

Peasant 1: No!

Peasant 3, Peasant 2: No!

Peasant 1: Yes!

Peasant 2: Yes!

Peasant 1: Yeah a bit.

Peasant 3: A bit!

Peasant 1, Peasant 2: A bit!

Peasant 2: a bit

Peasant 1: But she has got a wart!

Random Person in the crowd: *cough* *cough*

King Arthur: Old woman.

Dennis: Man.

King Arthur: Man, sorry. What knight lives in that castle over there?

Dennis: I'm 37.

King Arthur: What?

Dennis: I'm 37. I'm not old.

King Arthur: Well I can't just call you "man".

Dennis: Well you could say "Dennis".

King Arthur: I didn't know you were called Dennis.

Dennis: Well you didn't bother to find out did you?

King Arthur: I did say sorry about the "old woman", but from behind you looked...

Dennis: What I object to is you automatically treat me like an inferior.

King Arthur: Well I am king.

Dennis: Oh, king eh? Very nice. And how'd you get that, eh? By exploiting the workers. By hanging on to outdated imperialist dogma which perpetuates the economic and social differences in our society.

King Arthur: I am your king.

Woman: Well I didn't vote for you.

King Arthur: You don't vote for kings.

Woman: Well how'd you become king then?

[Angelic music plays... ]

King Arthur: The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. THAT is why I am your king.

Dennis: [interrupting] Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.

Dennis: Oh, but you can't expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you.

Dennis: Oh but if I went 'round sayin' I was Emperor, just because some moistened bint lobbed a scimitar at me, they'd put me away.

Dennis: Come and see the violence inherent in the system. Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

King Arthur: Bloody peasant!

Dennis: Oh, what a giveaway! Did you hear that? Did you hear that, eh? That's what I'm on about! Did you see him repressing me? You saw him, Didn't you?

Sir Bedevere: ...and that, my liege, is how we know the Earth to be banana shaped.

King Arthur: This new learning amazes me, Sir Bedevere. Explain again how sheep's bladders may be employed to prevent earthquakes.

[the King gestures to the window]

King of Swamp Castle: One day, lad, all this will be yours.

Prince Herbert: What, the curtains?

King of Swamp Castle: No, not the curtains, lad, all that you can see stretched out over the valleys and the hills! That'll be your kingdom, lad.

King of Swamp Castle: When I first came here, this was all swamp. Everyone said I was daft to build a castle on a swamp, but I built in all the same, just to show them. It sank into the swamp. So I built a second one. That sank into the swamp. So I built a third. That burned down, fell over, then sank into the swamp. But the fourth one stayed up. And that's what you're going to get, Lad, the strongest castle in all of England.

Sir Lancelot: Look, my liege!

[trumpets play a fanfare as the camera cuts briefly to the sight of a majestic castle]

King Arthur: [in awe] Camelot!

Sir Galahad: [in awe] Camelot!

Sir Lancelot: [in awe] Camelot!

Patsy: [derisively] It's only a model!

King Arthur: Shh!

King Arthur: On second thought, let's not go to Camelot. It is a silly place.

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?

Bridgekeeper: Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.

Sir Lancelot: Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper. I am not afraid.

Bridgekeeper: What... is your name?

Sir Lancelot: My name is Sir Lancelot of Camelot.

Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?

Sir Lancelot: To seek the Holy Grail.

Bridgekeeper: What... is your favourite colour?

Sir Lancelot: Blue.

Bridgekeeper: Go on. Off you go.

Sir Lancelot: Oh, thank you. Thank you very much.

Sir Robin: That's easy.

Bridgekeeper: Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.

Sir Robin: Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper. I'm not afraid.

Bridgekeeper: What... is your name?

Sir Robin: Sir Robin of Camelot.

Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?

Sir Robin: To seek the Holy Grail.

Bridgekeeper: What... is the capital of Assyria?

[pause]

Sir Robin: I don't know that.

[he is thrown over the edge into the volcano]

Sir Robin: Auuuuuuuugh.

Bridgekeeper: Stop. What... is your name?

Galahad: Sir Galahad of Camelot.

Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?

Galahad: I seek the Grail.

Bridgekeeper: What... is your favourite colour?

Galahad: Blue. No, yel...

[he is also thrown over the edge]

Galahad: auuuuuuuugh.

Bridgekeeper: Hee hee heh. Stop. What... is your name?

King Arthur: It is 'Arthur', King of the Britons.

Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?

King Arthur: To seek the Holy Grail.

Bridgekeeper: What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

King Arthur: What do you mean? An African or European swallow?

Bridgekeeper: Huh? I... I don't know that.

[he is thrown over]

Bridgekeeper: Auuuuuuuugh.

Sir Bedevere: How do know so much about swallows?

King Arthur: Well, you have to know these things when you're a king, you know.

[the Black Knight continues to threaten Arthur despite getting both his arms and one of his legs cut off]

Black Knight: Right, I'll do you for that!

King Arthur: You'll what?

Black Knight: Come here!

King Arthur: What are you gonna do, bleed on me?

Black Knight: I'm invincible!

King Arthur: ...You're a loony.

Dingo: You must spank her well, and after you are done with her, you may deal with her as you like... and then... spank me.

All: And me. And me too. And me.

Dingo: Yes. Yes, you must give us all a good spanking.

Dingo: And after the spanking, the oral sex.

Galahad: Well, I could stay a bit longer...

Knight 1: We are the Knights who say... NI.

King Arthur: You fight with the strength of many men, Sir Knight.

[the Black Knight doesn't respond]

King Arthur: I am Arthur, King of the Britons.

[No response]

King Arthur: I seek the bravest and the finest knights in the land who will join me in my court at Camelot.

[No response]

King Arthur: You have proved yourself worthy. Will you join me?

[No response]

King Arthur: You make me sad. So be it. Come, Patsy!

[Attempts to get around the Black Knight]

Black Knight: None shall pass.

King Arthur: What?

Black Knight: None shall pass!

King Arthur: I have no quarrel with you, good Sir Knight. But I must cross this bridge.

Black Knight: Then you shall die.

King Arthur: I command you, as King of the Britons, to stand aside!

Black Knight: I move for no man.

King Arthur: So be it!

[They fight until Arthur cuts off Black Knight's left arm]

King Arthur: Now, stand aside, worthy adversary!

Black Knight: 'Tis but a scratch!

King Arthur: A scratch? Your arm's off!

Black Knight: No, it isn't!

King Arthur: Well, what's that then?

King Arthur: I've had worse.

King Arthur: You liar!

Black Knight: Come on, you pansy!

[They fight again. Arthur cuts off the Knight's right arm]

King Arthur: Victory is mine!

[Kneels to pray]

King Arthur: We thank thee, Lord, that in thy mercy -

[Cut off by the Knight kicking him]

Black Knight: Come on, then.

King Arthur: What?

Black Knight: Have at you!

King Arthur: You are indeed brave, Sir Knight, but the fight is mine!

Black Knight: Oh, had enough, eh?

King Arthur: Look, you stupid bastard. You've got no arms left!

Roger the Shrubber: Are you saying Ni to that old woman?

King Arthur: Um, yes.

Roger the Shrubber: Oh, what sad times are these when passing ruffians can say Ni at will to old ladies. There is a pestilence upon this land, nothing is sacred. Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress in this period in history.

King Arthur: Did you say shrubberies?

Roger the Shrubber: Yes, shrubberies are my trade. I am a shrubber. My name is Roger the Shrubber. I arrange, design, and sell shrubberies.

Knight 1: We are now no longer the Knights who say Ni.

Knight 2: NI.

Other Knights: Shh...

Knight 1: We are now the Knights who say...”Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-PTANG. Zoom-Boing. Z'nourrwringmm.

King of Swamp Castle: We live in a bloody swamp. We need all the land we can get.

Prince Herbert: But I don't like her.

King of Swamp Castle: Don't like her? What's wrong with her? She's beautiful, she's rich, she's got huge... tracts of land.

Tim: Follow. But. Follow only if ye be men of valour, for the entrance to this cave is guarded by a creature so foul, so cruel that no man yet has fought with it and lived. Bones of full fifty men lie strewn about its lair. So, brave knights, if you do doubt your courage or your strength, come no further, for death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth.

King Arthur: What an eccentric performance.

[Holding the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch]

King Arthur: How does it... um... how does it work?

Sir Lancelot: I know not, my liege.

King Arthur: Consult the Book of Armaments.

Brother Maynard: Armaments, chapter two, verses nine through twenty-one.

Cleric: [reading] And Saint Attila raised the hand grenade up on high, saying, "O Lord, bless this thy hand grenade, that with it thou mayst blow thine enemies to tiny bits, in thy mercy." And the Lord did grin. And the people did feast upon the lambs and sloths, and carp and anchovies, and orangutans and breakfast cereals, and fruit-bats and large chu...

Brother Maynard: Skip a bit, Brother...

Cleric: And the Lord spake, saying, "First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it.

Brother Maynard: Amen.

All: Amen.

King Arthur: Right. One... two... five.

Galahad: Three, sir.

King Arthur: Three.

Sir Bedevere: Well, now, uh, Launcelot, Galahad, and I, wait until nightfall, and then leap out of the rabbit, taking the French by surprise - not only by surprise, but totally unarmed!

The Dead Collector: Bring out yer dead.

[a man puts a body on the cart]

Large Man with Dead Body: Here's one.

The Dead Collector: That'll be ninepence.

The Dead Body That Claims It Isn't: I'm not dead.

The Dead Collector: What?

Large Man with Dead Body: Nothing. There's your ninepence.

The Dead Body That Claims It Isn't: I'm not dead.

The Dead Collector: 'Ere, he says he's not dead.

Large Man with Dead Body: Yes he is.

The Dead Body That Claims It Isn't: I'm not.

The Dead Collector: He isn't.

Large Man with Dead Body: Well, he will be soon, he's very ill.

The Dead Body That Claims It Isn't: I'm getting better.

Large Man with Dead Body: No you're not, you'll be stone dead in a moment.

The Dead Collector: Well, I can't take him like that. It's against regulations.

The Dead Body That Claims It Isn't: I don't want to go on the cart.

Large Man with Dead Body: Oh, don't be such a baby.

The Dead Collector: I can't take him.

The Dead Body That Claims It Isn't: I feel fine.

Large Man with Dead Body: Oh, do me a favor.

The Dead Collector: I can't.

Large Man with Dead Body: Well, can you hang around for a couple of minutes? He won't be long.

The Dead Collector: I promised I'd be at the Robinsons'. They've lost nine today.

Large Man with Dead Body: Well, when's your next round?

The Dead Collector: Thursday.

The Dead Body That Claims It Isn't: I think I'll go for a walk.

Large Man with Dead Body: You're not fooling anyone, you know. Isn't there anything you could do?

The Dead Body That Claims It Isn't: I feel happy. I feel happy.

[the Dead Collector glances up and down the street furtively, then silences the Body with his a whack of his club]

Large Man with Dead Body: Ah, thank you very much.

The Dead Collector: Not at all. See you on Thursday.

Large Man with Dead Body: Right.

King Arthur: Can we come up and have a look?

French Soldier: Of course not. You're English types.

King Arthur: What are you then?

French Soldier: I'm French. Why do you think I have this outrageous accent, you silly king?

Sir Galahad: What are you doing in England?

French Soldier: Mind your own business.

King of Swamp Castle: You only killed the bride's father, you know.

Sir Lancelot: Well, I didn't mean to.

King of Swamp Castle: Didn't mean to? You put your sword right through his head.

Sir Lancelot: Oh dear... is he all right?

Guard: Who goes there?

King Arthur: It is I, Arthur, Son of Uther Pendragon, from the castle of Camelot. King of the Britons, defeater of the Saxons, sovereign of all England.

Guard: Pull the other one.

Sir Bedevere: There are ways of telling whether she is a witch.

Peasant 1: Are there? Oh well, tell us.

Sir Bedevere: Tell me. What do you do with witches?

Peasant 1: Burn them.

Sir Bedevere: And what do you burn, apart from witches?

Peasant 1: More witches.

Peasant 2: Wood.

Sir Bedevere: Good. Now, why do witches burn?

Peasant 3: ...because they're made of... wood?

Sir Bedevere: Good. So how do you tell whether she is made of wood?

Peasant 1: Build a bridge out of her.

Sir Bedevere: But can you not also build bridges out of stone?

Peasant 1: Oh yeah.

Sir Bedevere: Does wood sink in water?

Peasant 1: No, no, it floats!... It floats! Throw her into the pond!

Sir Bedevere: No, no. What else floats in water?

Peasant 1: Bread.

Peasant 2: Apples.

Peasant 3: Very small rocks.

Peasant 1: Cider.

Peasant 2: Gravy.

Peasant 3: Cherries.

Peasant 1: Mud.

Peasant 2: Churches.

Peasant 3: Lead! Lead!

King Arthur: A Duck.

Sir Bedevere: ...Exactly. So, logically...

Peasant 1: If she weighed the same as a duck... she's made of wood.

Sir Bedevere: And therefore...

Peasant 2: ...A witch!

Sir Galahad: What a strange person.

Sir Galahad: Zoot!

Dingo: No, I am Zoot's identical twin sister, Dingo.

[He tried to get past her]

Dingo: Where are you going?

Sir Galahad: I seek the Grail! I have seen it, here in this castle!

Dingo: No, oh no! Bad, bad Zoot!

Sir Galahad: What is it?

Dingo: She has been setting a light to our beacon, which, I've just remembered, is Grail shaped. It's not the first time we've had this problem.

Sir Galahad: It's not the real Grail?

Dingo: Oh, wicked, bad, naught evil Zoot! Oh, she is a bad person, and she must pay the penalty!

[Turns to camera]

Dingo: Do you think this scene should have been cut? We were so worried when the boys were writing it, but now we're glad! It's better than some of the previous scenes I think.

Left Head: Our was better visually.

Dennis: Ours was committed, it wasn't just a string of pussy jokes.

Bridgekeeper: Get on with it.

Tim: Yes! Get on with it!

Army: Get on with it!

Dingo: Oh, thank you, thank you!

God: Get on with it!

Sir Lancelot: [bursts into the Prince's room and kneels before him after killing the guards] Oh, fair one, behold, I am you humble servant Sir Launcelot. I have come to take

[looks up and realizes that he is kneeling before an effeminate Prince, not a Princess]

Sir Lancelot: Oh, I'm terribly sorry!

Prince Herbert: You got my note!

Sir Lancelot: Uh, well, I got a note.

Prince Herbert: You've come to rescue me! I knew someone would! I knew that somewhere out there, there must be someone who

[Music swells]

King of Swamp Castle: Stop that! Stop it! Stop it!

[Music stops]

King of Swamp Castle: Who are you?

Prince Herbert: I'm your son!

King of Swamp Castle: No, not you!

Sir Lancelot: I am Sir Launcelot, sir.

Prince Herbert: He's come to rescue me, father!

Sir Lancelot: Well, let's not jump to conclusions.

King of Swamp Castle: Did you kill all those guards?

Sir Lancelot: Um... oh, yes! Sorry.

King of Swamp Castle: They cost fifty pounds each!

Sir Lancelot: Well, the thing is, I thought your son was a lady.

King of Swamp Castle: Well, I can understand that.

Zoot: Welcome, brave sir Knight. Welcome to the Castle Anthrax.

Sir Galahad: The Castle Anthrax?

Zoot: Yes... it's not a very good name, is it? Oh, but we are nice, and we'll attend to your every need.

[after slicing one of the Black Knight's arms off]

King Arthur: Now stand aside, worthy adversary.

Black Knight: 'Tis but a scratch.

King Arthur: A scratch? Your arm's off.

Black Knight: No it isn't.

King Arthur: What's that, then?

Black Knight: [after a pause] I've had worse.

King Arthur: You liar.

Black Knight: Come on ya pansy.

King Arthur: NI.

Sir Bedevere: NOU.

King Arthur: No, NI.

Sir Bedevere: NOU.

King Arthur: No No, NI... NI.

Sir Bedevere: No,No,No,No... NI.

Woman: Oh. How do you do?

King Arthur: How do you do, good lady? I am Arthur, King of the Britons. Whose castle is that?

Woman: King of the who?

King Arthur: King of the Britons.

Woman: Who are the Britons?

King Arthur: Well, we all are. We are all Britons. And I am your king.

Woman: I didn't know we had a king. I thought we were an autonomous collective.

Dennis: You'rw foolin' yourself! We're living in a dictatorship. A self-perpetuating autocracy in which the working class...

Woman: Oh, there you go bringing class into it again.

Dennis: Well, that's what it's all about! If only people would...

King Arthur: Please, please, good people, I am in haste. Who lives in that castle?

Woman: No one lives there.

King Arthur: Then who is your lord?

Woman: We don't have a lord.

Dennis: I told you, we're an anarco-sydicalist commune. We take it in turns to be a sort of executive officer for the week...

King Arthur: Yes...

Dennis: ...but all the decisions of that officer have to be ratified at a special bi-weekly meeting...

King Arthur: Yes I see...

Dennis: ...by a simple majority in the case of purely internal affairs...

King Arthur: Be quiet!

Dennis: ...but by a two thirds majority in the case of...

King Arthur: Be quiet! I order you to be quiet!

Woman: Order, eh? Who does he think he is?

Sir Robin: Would it help to confuse it if we run away more?

King Arthur: Oh shut up and go and change your armour.

[King Arthur has just cut the Black Knight's last leg off]

Black Knight: Okay, we'll call it a draw.

King Arthur: [Preparing to leave] Come, Patsy.

[King Arthur and Patsy ride off]

Black Knight: [calling after King Arthur] Oh! Had enough, eh? Come back and take what's coming to you, you yellow bastards! Come back here and take what's coming to you! I'll bite your legs off!

King of Swamp Castle: Guards, make sure the prince doesn't leave this room until I come and get him.

Guard #1: Not to leave the room... even if you come and get him.

Guard #2: [hiccups]

King of Swamp Castle: No, no. *Until* I come and get him.

Guard #1: Until you come and get him, we're not to enter the room.

King of Swamp Castle: No, no, no. You *stay* in the room, and make sure *he* doesn't leave.

Guard #1: And you'll come and get him.

Guard #2: [hiccups]

King of Swamp Castle: Right.

Guard #1: We don't need to do anything, apart from just stop him entering the room.

King of Swamp Castle: No, no. *Leaving* the room.

Guard #1: Leaving the room, yes.

King of Swamp Castle: All right?

Guard #2: [hiccups]

Guard #1: Right. Oh, if, if, if, uh, if, if, uh, if, if, if, we... oh, if... oh...

King of Swamp Castle: Look, it's quite simple. You just stay here, and make sure he doesn't leave the room. All right?

Guard #2: [hiccups]

Guard #1: Oh, I remember, uh, can he leave the room with us?

King of Swamp Castle: No, no, no, no, you just keep him in here, and make sure...

Guard #1: Oh yeah, we'll keep him in here, obviously, but if he had to leave, and we were with him...

King of Swamp Castle: No, just keep him in here...

Guard #1: Until you, or anyone else...

King of Swamp Castle: No, not anyone else. Just me.

Guard #1: Just you.

Guard #2: [hiccups]

King of Swamp Castle: Get back.

Guard #1: Get back.

King of Swamp Castle: All right?

Guard #1: Right, we'll stay here until you get back.

King of Swamp Castle: And make sure he doesn't leave.

Guard #1: What?

King of Swamp Castle: Make sure he doesn't leave.

Guard #1: The prince?

King of Swamp Castle: Yes, make sure he doesn't leave.

Guard #1: Oh, yes, of course.

[Points at Guard #2]

Guard #1: I thought you meant him. You know, it seemed a bit daft me I were to guard him when he's a guard.

King of Swamp Castle: Is that clear?

Guard #2: [hiccups]

Guard #1: Oh, quite clear. No problems.

King of Swamp Castle: Right.

[King of Swamp Castle turns to leave the room, both guards follow him]

King of Swamp Castle: Where are you going?

Guard #1: We're coming with you.

King of Swamp Castle: No, no, no. I want you to stay here and make sure *he* doesn't leave.

Guard #1: Oh, I see. Right.

King Arthur: Who are you who can summon fire without flint or tinder?

Tim: There are some who call me... Tim.

[Concorde has just been shot in the chest with an arrow bearing a message]

Concorde: Message for you, sir.

Tim: There he is!

King Arthur: Where?

Tim: There!

King Arthur: What? Behind the rabbit?

Tim: It *is* the rabbit!

King Arthur: You silly sod!

Tim: What?

King Arthur: You got us all worked up!

Tim: Well, that's no ordinary rabbit.

King Arthur: Ohh.

Tim: That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on!

Sir Robin: You tit! I soiled my armor I was so scared!

Tim: Look, that rabbit's got a vicious streak a mile wide! It's a killer!

Sir Galahad: Get stuffed!

Tim: He'll do you up a treat, mate.

Sir Galahad: Oh, yeah?

Sir Robin: You manky Scots git!

Tim: I'm warning you!

Sir Robin: What's he do? Nibble your bum?

Tim: He's got huge, sharp... er... He can leap about. Look at the bones!

King Arthur: Go on, Bors. Chop his head off!

Sir Bors: Right! Silly little bleeder. One rabbit stew comin' right up!

Woman: Dennis! There's some lovely filth down here!

[after Bors is killed by the killer rabbit]

Tim: I *warned* you, but did you listen to me? Oh, no, you *knew*, didn't you? Oh, it's just a harmless little *bunny*, isn't it?

King Arthur: [about the inscription on the rock] What does it say, Brother Maynard?

Brother Maynard: It reads, "Here may be found the last words of Joseph of Aramathia. He who is valiant and pure of spirit may find the holy grail in the Castle of Aaauuuggghhh...”

King Arthur: What?

Brother Maynard: "The Castle of Aaaauuuggghhhh"

Sir Bedevere: What is that?

Brother Maynard: He must have died while carving it.

King Arthur: Oh come on!

Brother Maynard: Well, that's what it says.

King Arthur: Look, if he was dying, he wouldn't have bothered to carve 'Aaaauuuggghhhh'. He'd just say it.

Sir Galahad: Maybe he was dictating it.

King Arthur: Oh shut up!

Sir Robin: Well does it say anything else?

Brother Maynard: No, just "Aaaaauuuugggghhh".

[knights making groaning sounds]

Sir Bedevere: Do you think he could have mean, 'Camaaaauuuuggghhhh'?

Sir Galahad: Where's that?

Sir Bedevere: France, I think.

Sir Lancelot: Isn't there a Saint "Aaaaavvvveeeesss" in Cornwall?

King Arthur: No that's Saint "Ives".

Sir Lancelot: Oh, yes. "Iiiiiivvvveeessss"!

[All knights saying, "Iiiiiivvvveeessss"]

Sir Bedevere: Whooooouuuuaaa!

Sir Lancelot: No no no, it's "Aaaaauuuugggghhhh" from the back of the throat.

Sir Bedevere: No I mean, "Whoooouuuuaaa!" as in surprise and alarm.

Sir Lancelot: Oh, you mean like, "AAAHH!"

Sir Bedevere: Yes, that's it. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

[the cartoon Knights are being chased by the animated Beast of Aaaaauuuugggggghhh]

Narrator: And as the Black Beast lurched forward, escape for Arthur and his knights seemed hopeless, when suddenly, the animator suffered a fatal heart attack!

[cut to the animator shown cringing]

Animator: Ughck!

[falls backwards in his chair]

Narrator: [back to the cartoon] The cartoon peril was no more.

[beast of Aaaaauuuugggggghhh disappears]

Narrator: The quest for the Holy Grail could continue.

Wedding Guest: Look! The dead prince!

Concorde: He's not quite dead.

Prince Herbert: Oh, I feel much better.

King of Swamp Castle: You fell out of the tall tower, you creep!

Prince Herbert: I was saved at the last minute.

King of Swamp Castle: How?

Prince Herbert: Well, I'll tell you.

[music begins playing, the townspeople begin dancing and singing, "He's going to tell, he's going to tell!"]

King of Swamp Castle: Not like that, not like that! No! Stop it! Nooo!

Minstrel: [singing] He is packing it in and packing it up And sneaking away and buggering off And chickening out and pissing off home, Yes, bravely he is throwing in the sponge.

[last lines]

King Arthur: [Arthur and Bedevere have found out that the Holy Grail is in Castle Augh, which is guarded by the frenchmen] We shall attack at once.

Sir Bedevere: Yes, my liege.

[an army of hundreds of soldiers appears]

King Arthur: [to Castle Augh] French persons, today the blood of many a brave knight shall be avenged! In the name of God, we shall not stop our fight till every one of you lies dead, and the Holy Grail returns to those who God Himself has chosen!

[turns to army]

King Arthur: Charge!

[the army charges forward, but is stopped by the police and the historian's wife]

Historian's Wife: [points to Arthur] It's that one, I'm sure!

[the police arrest Arthur and Bedevere]

Policeman: [turns to cameraman] All right, sonny, that's enough, just take off.

[turns off camera]

King Arthur: Well, we'll not risk another frontal assault. That rabbit's dynamite.

Knight 1: ...You must cut down the mightiest tree in the forest... WITH... A HERRING!

[first lines]

King Arthur: Whoa, there!

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Am I right?

King Arthur: I'm not interested!

Second Swallow-Savvy Guard: It could be carried by an African swallow.

King Arthur: Will you ask your master if he wants to join my court at Camelot?

1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Oh yeah, an African swallow, maybe, but not a European swallow. That's my point.

Second Swallow-Savvy Guard: But then the African swallow's not migratory...

God: Arthur, King of the Britons, your Knights of the Round Table shall have a task to make them an example in these dark times.

King Arthur: Good idea, O Lord!

God: 'Course it's a good idea!

Monks: Pie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem

[bonk!]

Left Head: Halt! Who art thou?

Minstrel: [sings] He is brave Sir Robin, brave Sir Robin, who...

Sir Robin: Shut up! Nobody really, just passing through.

Left Head: What do you want?

Minstrel: [sings] To fight and...

Sir Robin: Shut up! Uh, n-n-nothing, really. J-j-just passing, uhm, just passing through.

French Soldier: You don't frighten us with your silly knees-bent running around advancing behavior!

King Arthur: Go and tell your master that we have been charged by God with a sacred quest. If he will give us food and shelter for the night, he can join us in our quest for the Holy Grail.

French Soldier: Well, I'll ask him, but I don't think he will be very keen. Uh, he's already got one, you see.

King Arthur: What?

Sir Galahad: He said they've already got one!

King Arthur: Are you sure he's got one?

French Soldier: Oh yes, it's very nice!

Narrator: And now on to scene 24. A smashing scene with some lovely acting...

[Geo V]

I was having a similar discussion with my brother the other day.

We have obviously lose our way and are trying to buy our way out of it and have tried managers who have either left us or have not been up to the job. We have lost our way and the staff from players to behind the scenes haven't a clue what is going on. Add to the fact that we have yet to get Filbert Street out of our system after all these years and are still in mourning for the MON years and you get what we have at the moment, a club without a soul and direction.

Lets hope Ollie can resurrect us but after reason half the shite on these boards, it seems that people want Ollie out as well

[Thracian]

I've just been reading through a few of the threads and one recurring theme is that there is a "deep-rooted problem at Leicester City". However no one seems to know what that problem is.

That's probably the single most worrying thing about this club at the minute. No matter what we have done since being relegated from the Premiership we have always ended up in the same place.

I believe there is a combination of factors at work. What would be interesting to know is what we all think are the key changes that need to be made in order for this "deep-rooted problem" to be identified and rectified.

1. Stability - probably the most obvious and most important factor that must be addressed. The last few seasons have been characterised by vast and disruptive changes on and off the pitch. This is why we must stick with Holloway and support him through bad decisions and good. Mandaric won't pull out until he has had some degree of success. That's off the pitch. On it we need to build a squad that stays together and isn't constantly seeing new faces like the debacle of the previous summer.

2. Balance - the team needs balance and I believe Holloway is well aware of that. Playing Hume and Hayles on the wing suggests otherwise though. We must start playing a team that has proper wingers that will provide width. If that means recalling Gradel then so be it. We should also play a strike force that isn't two big hulks. Howard and Campbell for me. Furthermore we need to encourage a more balanced approach to games. That means not resorting to long ball tactics. It also means fully utilising our midfield, particularly our wingers.

3. Spirit - Manwell touched on this. The club feels like it has lost its soul. Part of the reason Hume is loved so much is because he reminds us of days when players wore the shirt with pride and ran themselves into the ground week in week out. That has gone. And we desperately need it back. This must come from the players and the manager. Holloway needs to demonstrate his motivational skills in a way that seemed so obvious at Plymouth. And we may well need to discard those players that do not respond.

To be successful all 3 issues need to be addressed. Sorting out 1 or 2 of them is not sufficient.

Exactly the same point had struck me today about people knowing there's something wrong but not being able to define what it is and you offer some damn good pointers.

There are so many potential theories you could write a thesis but good management to me may involve the most detailed attention to detail but is essentialy instinctive. It's about having a feel for people and understanding what makes them tick and how to get their best response.

I remember Levein humiliating Nils. I remember Kelly talking about "going with experience" and I've read of Holloways actual and veiled public criticism of the players. The instincts of all three let them down.

A manager has to "live" his players. He's the head of the family, the guy who's personal strength and charisma makes he players think they can walk on water while he's around.

Successive city managers have been flawed.

[Nick]

Exactly the same point had struck me today about people knowing there's something wrong but not being able to define what it is and you offer some damn good pointers.

There are so many potential theories you could write a thesis but good management to me may involve the most detailed attention to detail but is essentialy instinctive. It's about having a feel for people and understanding what makes them tick and how to get their best response.

I remember Levein humiliating Nils. I remember Kelly talking about "going with experience" and I've read of Holloways actual and veiled public criticism of the players. The instincts of all three let them down.

A manager has to "live" his players. He's the head of the family, the guy who's personal strength and charisma makes he players think they can walk on water while he's around.

Successive city managers have been flawed.

Good post, Thrac.

It got me thinking, as a manager of a number of staff that moved in to a new job, it took me two or three months at least to get results.

Although I knew what I wanted, others were set in their ways and content with their previous roles and job descriptions and did not want a new relationship with a stranger that encompassed change.....

Man management was key -the problem was that cohesion does not occur unless the whole team embrace their roles fifty percent of people doing what you want and the rest doing what they think is right doesn't work....

All or nothing, that's why if the ethos is right some teams dominate with limited quality,

N.

[Super Arj]

great post..

why doesnt ollie catch on though

clearly every time he puts campbell on.. he shows more spark than the whole team put together

why not start him???

[Dames]

I think its the weight of expectation and its putting them under immense pressure.

Mandaric has been mouthing off about the play offs/promotion all season and he's got a few fans on that bandwagon aswell.

It seems as if all the players are scared to express themselfs incase they make a mistake.

[Simi]

Good post, Thrac.

It got me thinking, as a manager of a number of staff that moved in to a new job, it took me two or three months at least to get results.

Although I knew what I wanted, others were set in their ways and content with their previous roles and job descriptions and did not want a new relationship with a stranger that encompassed change.....

Man management was key -the problem was that cohesion does not occur unless the whole team embrace their roles fifty percent of people doing what you want and the rest doing what they think is right doesn't work....

All or nothing, that's why if the ethos is right some teams dominate with limited quality,

N.

Agree.

I saw Jason McAteer earlier talking about the possible people in line to be the new Ireland manager and he said that man management was absolutely paramount.

I agree with him, if you can get people to listen and respect you early on then there's a good chance that most of what you say is going to be taken in. However, if you haven't got that respect from other players then I guess it's hard to get the rewards from them.

Certainly seems to have worked well with Stearman - He's improved no end under Holloway. Others, I'm not so sure.

[Nick]

Agree.

I saw Jason McAteer earlier talking about the possible people in line to be the new Ireland manager and he said that man management was absolutely paramount.

I agree with him, if you can get people to listen and respect you early on then there's a good chance that most of what you say is going to be taken in. However, if you haven't got that respect from other players then I guess it's hard to get the rewards from them.

Certainly seems to have worked well with Stearman - He's improved no end under Holloway. Others, I'm not so sure.

Exactly, and when everybody coins the phrase "give him time" this is what they should be referring to...... relationship building. It's a pink and fluffy concept but in any job yo've ever had you work for your manager not for the company.

N.

[Dames]

Exactly, and when everybody coins the phrase "give him time" this is what they should be referring to...... relationship building. It's a pink and fluffy concept but in any job yo've ever had you work for your manager not for the company.

N.

Some people around here are unwilling to give him time though.

Though one thing i think Holloway should dispose of is that ugly brand of route one football. Its never going to work effectively or consistantly.

[Nick]

Some people around here are unwilling to give him time though.

Though one thing i think Holloway should dispose of is that ugly brand of route one football. Its never going to work effectively or consistantly.

And thats what he's getting.

The question is, is he asking for route one football?

N.