2 games to save his job?

[straightatthewall]

Last Saturdays win gives NC some time, but the poor goal conceded and 2 more red cards - the first was a red all day in the modern game - offsets the MK Dons win to an extent. I’d say we need at least 3 points from the next 6. Anything less and something will need to change.
Too harsh or realistic in football?

 

[clappers]

I’m pretty sure it will be an imposed experienced number 2 to be honest whilst Critchley learns on the job. I said before the match we would lose but needed to see more of a team performance coming together. Ironically as the players left the field the team performance got better. He needs to find a way to get that level of commitment and team work together form the off.

I do think the pass pass pass ethic encourages slow starts as players warm into the passing rhythm. That’s why we are so vulnerable to going behind to early goals. Again at Wimbledon we bucked that trend by starting well for 10/15 mins so he is working on it.

 

[Plumbs]

Depends where you guys want to go but Sadler must have spent a fortune,with the post Os and it would be a third manager that would need backing-set against a backdrop of covid and the income issues.

Some wanted Grayson out,some didn't want to buy season tickets without being able to attend, and to be fair to Sadler he hasn't got a bottomless pit. Seems difficult then to justify sacking the manager particularly as the season is only relatively new?

 

[clappers]

Seems difficult then to justify sacking the manager particularly as the season is only relatively new?

Yep and perhaps that’s part of the problem...Coach Critchley is a bit too comfortable in the knowledge he has lots of time.....but the League One land slip can carry you away before you know it due to the sheer number of games that come ‘thick and fast’ to coin a phrase.

 

[NewburyOne]

If Mansford is as good as he thinks he is, he will already be succession planning. A phone call to Paul Cook to find out how he is doing, what he thinks about Blackpool and if he is ready for a new challenge wouldn't go a miss. I'm all for potting Critchley but we need to avoid a repeat of the fiasco that led to us appointing our 4th or 5th choice candidate. We probably need to give NC another 2 or 3 games, so it would be good practice to plan for the worst and have either a caretaker or full time appointment tentatively lined up.

 

[straightatthewall]

I feel like I'm somewhere in between. I'm comfortable with the notion of patience and letting NC learn and the players develop into the system, but there's clear issues that need to be cut out and I'm seeing nothing from the players or coaching set up that is giving me much confidence. We're conceding cheap goals too often and we've got a bad disciplinary record. Neither of those 2 things can be put down to 'bad luck'. That's just lazy and avoids the issues that need to be resolved.

The answers in the squad consist of players we already know - Virtue and Husband - or players that will need a lot of game time to get up to speed - Dougal - or are untried at this level - Gretarsson.

 

[P t Barnum]

Give Ted howe a go at fullback fast and not been given a real chance

 

[TangerinePeel]

Those next two games are against two teams down there (Burton 24th, Wigan 19th). Followed by a non-league side and an U21 team. It's a cliche Chisnall would be proud of but "these next few games are massive".

The optimist in me thinks that could be the perfect turn around, could be 4 wins on the bounce and the confidence is back. We steamroll every team from this point onwards with Klopp-HeavyMetal-HighPress-Football.

The pessimist is worried it could be the death knell. If we don't get anything in these upcoming games I can't see how going forward, the current situation can work.

 

[HerefordSeasider]

I think the system of having a DOF or Head of recruitment is part of the problem? I'm not for one second saying Critch isn't struggling, but having this system that the top teams around the world have, seemingly isn't working. How many of these signings are Critchley's? Simon Sadler in his interview when Tommy Johnson joined, said this is the way he wants the club to go. Now that's all well and good, but Critch is going to need time to get these players playing a different brand of football, especially if ultimately he hasn't had the final say in signing these players? Does it even matter who is in charge if the players are signed by someone above the manager/coach? Maybe im reading too much into the Head Of Recruitment, but whats the point in him if he isn't signing players?

 

[straightatthewall]

After Wigan, we have 2 cup games, the latter carries zero importance. Then there's a long wait till the next league game.
You could easily argue that making a change after Wigan is the 'best' time to do it.

Edited to add, that I agree with you SouthWales. Recruitment looks an issue to me. Something on that side isn't right and we won't improve on the pitch without recognising that and working out the flaws in the current plan. It's either the coach putting system before players or the coach not being given the right tools to implement a system that (you'd hope) all parties previously thought was a good way forward.

 

[Plumbs]

Yep and perhaps that’s part of the problem...Coach Critchley is a bit too comfortable in the knowledge he has lots of time.....but the League One land slip can carry you away before you know it due to the sheer number of games that come ‘thick and fast’ to coin a phrase.

The perennial problem has always been attracting a decent manager to a club that hasn't much to spend,where players have to be moved on before any incoming.
Paul Cook would be a great appointment for anyone but he'd want a warchest that doesnt seem to be available, and its something we experienced with Warnock who says he was damaged by working under those conditions.
Not sure who you'd get under the circumstances although someone like Graham Alexander would be available. Hmm.

 

[fcblackpool]

I’m pretty sure it will be an imposed experienced number 2 to be honest whilst Critchley learns on the job. I said before the match we would lose but needed to see more of a team performance coming together. Ironically as the players left the field the team performance got better. He needs to find a way to get that level of commitment and team work together form the off.

I do think the pass pass pass ethic encourages slow starts as players warm into the passing rhythm. That’s why we are so vulnerable to going behind to early goals. Again at Wimbledon we bucked that trend by starting well for 10/15 mins so he is working on it.

The No 2 should have been there since Day 1. I find it totally incomprehensible that a Board should meet prior to appointing NC and not discuss this, or if they did to dismiss the idea.

Controversial, I know, but it wouldn't surprise me if Sadler decides running a FC from HK just isn't working and trusting his highest tier appts. is just too fraught with risk.

 

[NewburyOne]

After Wigan, we have 2 cup games, the latter carries zero importance. Then there's a long wait till the next league game.
You could easily argue that making a change after Wigan is the 'best' time to do it.

Edited to add, that I agree with you SouthWales. Recruitment looks an issue to me. Something on that side isn't right and we won't improve on the pitch without recognising that and working out the flaws in the current plan. It's either the coach putting system before players or the coach not being given the right tools to implement a system that (you'd hope) all parties previously thought was a good way forward.

100% agree, if we are to cut our losses that would seem the best time. What a mess we've made of all that pre-season promise. To see us as such a shadow of how we played then is extremely frustrating and annoying. I can understand if Sadler feels cheated.

 

[Memphisboy]

If Graham Alexander is the solution we’ll stick with the problem thank you. Dour nobber who’s been sacked everywhere he’s ever been.

 

[Insider]

Critch definitely appears to over think things. He's clearly a great student of the game and very well qualified in the theory of football.
Perfect for teaching the game when results are not important as an u/23 coach.
It's been said many times that he's serving his apprenticeship at BFC and I'm absolutely certain that he will be learning from his mistakes.
But in the cruel world of League 1 football when the style of football doesn't look great, some of the signings are under-achieving and the results are poor you don't always get to serve out your apprenticeship.
He still deserves time but we need to see signs of progress soon.

 

[AngelBFC]

If Mansford is as good as he thinks he is, he will already be succession planning. A phone call to Paul Cook to find out how he is doing, what he thinks about Blackpool and if he is ready for a new challenge wouldn't go a miss. I'm all for potting Critchley but we need to avoid a repeat of the fiasco that led to us appointing our 4th or 5th choice candidate. We probably need to give NC another 2 or 3 games, so it would be good practice to plan for the worst and have either a caretaker or full time appointment tentatively lined up.

Id be very surprised if BM is doing this.

The focus will be on Critch and helping in.

 

[clappers]

Id be very surprised if BM is doing this.

The focus will be on Critch and helping in.

Who knows but I wouldn’t put it past him, particularly if he thinks Critchley is going to end up costing him his position very shortly.

 

[Plumbs]

If Graham Alexander is the solution we’ll stick with the problem thank you. Dour nobber who’s been sacked everywhere he’s ever been.

Indeed but a name doing the rounds in the lower divisions and who was supposed to have been undermined by a DOF at Salford.
Always a case of being careful what you wish for when things look bad, and there ain't half some rubbish floating about in the managerial stakes.
Who really is there anyway given the circumstances and budget available?

 

[NewburyOne]

Id be very surprised if BM is doing this.

The focus will be on Critch and helping in.

Well if he isn't, he is a poor CEO. Business continuity plans should be in place for all key employees to cover any scenario which may see them leave the club.

 

[King Billy]

I’m pretty sure it will be an imposed experienced number 2 to be honest whilst Critchley learns on the job. I said before the match we would lose but needed to see more of a team performance coming together. Ironically as the players left the field the team performance got better. He needs to find a way to get that level of commitment and team work together form the off.

I do think the pass pass pass ethic encourages slow starts as players warm into the passing rhythm. That’s why we are so vulnerable to going behind to early goals. Again at Wimbledon we bucked that trend by starting well for 10/15 mins so he is working on it.

Well we went 1-0 down after 13 minutes instead of the usual first 5 minutes which I suppose is progress

 

[Davepick]

What this all boils down to is something that we all know, Critchley needs help.
Part of the problem will be, what would we pay him? Will SS go to another salary like Critchleys?
Which is what it would take.

 

[Archibald Knox]

What this all boils down to is something that we all know, Critchley needs help.
Part of the problem will be, what would we pay him? Will SS go to another salary like Critchleys?
Which is what it would take.

They say “never go back”. But I wonder in this case whether the job of Assistant Manager might not be of interest to someone like Gary Bowyer? Or Co-Manager (yes, I know that did not work at Liverpool). A risk, but stranger things have happened. Or perhaps employ him as a “Consultant”.

GB is currently the U-23 coach at Derby County after leaving Bradford. I think he possibly now regrets resigning from us, given that it turned out to be within the last year of the Oystons, who were obviously the reason. Put him on a similar salary as NC with the remit to act as a sounding board and advisor. If the two get on, fine. But, otherwise, there might be some healthy rivalry as well. Bang their heads together.

Sadly, it’s too late for Tony Parkes again.

 

[Rektseasider]

The No 2 should have been there since Day 1. I find it totally incomprehensible that a Board should meet prior to appointing NC and not discuss this, or if they did to dismiss the idea.

Controversial, I know, but it wouldn't surprise me if Sadler decides running a FC from HK just isn't working and trusting his highest tier appts. is just too fraught with risk.

This is also a fear I hold now.

If Critch goes before Christmas, we’ll be on to our third manager under his tenure and most likely a third squad rebuild.

It may start to look like a bad investment and SS won’t risk it becoming a black hole for his capital.

I think this situation with Critch if it goes south has some far reaching impacts we haven’t considered yet.

Saying that he could just fire BM and structure the club differently, but this again comes with a heavy cost attached to it.

 

[straightatthewall]

I don't see an experienced number 2 coming in to act as a quasi-co manager. That wouldn't help anyone.

 

[deary]

Indeed but a name doing the rounds in the lower divisions and who was supposed to have been undermined by a DOF at Salford.
Always a case of being careful what you wish for when things look bad, and there ain't half some rubbish floating about in the managerial stakes.
Who really is there anyway given the circumstances and budget available?

TBF thats a very good point. I like the DOF model in principle, It depends on results though & people will always need scapegoats if things arent going well.
It could be Player(s),Manager, DOF or Owner.
you can guarantee though if we didnt have one some people would be saying we need one!
I think its well known that NC wasnt the 1st choice but it was decided to go with this approach rather than draft in 'Average Joe' Lower league manager.
Obviously because it is not working out at present many are saying ' Joe' is the answer .

 

[Macseasider]

Critchley is far too proud to want any help. Although Sadler pushing him for it could force NC to do the honourable thing.

 

[Archibald Knox]

Critchley is far too proud to want any help. Although Sadler pushing him for it could force NC to do the honourable thing.

It’s a truism that you never get anything by resigning. Not even self respect. And it’s his first managerial position so I don’t expect it.

 

[straightatthewall]

Well if he resigns rather than negotiating his pay off then we'd know he really was out of his depth.

 

[fcblackpool]

TBF thats a very good point. I like the DOF model in principle, It depends on results though & people will always need scapegoats if things arent going well.
It could be Player(s),Manager, DOF or Owner.
you can guarantee though if we didnt have one some people would be saying we need one!
I think its well known that NC wasnt the 1st choice but it was decided to go with this approach rather than draft in 'Average Joe' Lower league manager.
Obviously because it is not working out at present many are saying ' Joe' is the answer .

Simply, but harshly put, NC had never held a meaningful pre-match or HT team talk before PA away. SS has probably as much experience as any having stood in the West Paddock in his youth. BM is a CEO who is using his free copy of EA Sports DoF 2021 to 'brush up'.

How can you run a football club with such limited knowledge and experience?

At least a DoF would be a halfway house between on and off pitch matters.

Again simply, if you are not going to help NC with exp back up, you may as well pot him.

 

[fcblackpool]

It’s a truism that you never get anything by resigning. Not even self respect. And it’s his first managerial position so I don’t expect it.

Never going to quit. Why should he? He's been asked to come in and perform a role with parameters already set- not his fault things haven't been thought through.

I think therein lies the reason why it took the 7/8/9th approach to land a team figurehead.

 

[Mike_BFC]

View attachment 3302

Those next two games are against two teams down there (Burton 24th, Wigan 19th). Followed by a non-league side and an U21 team. It's a cliche Chisnall would be proud of but "these next few games are massive".

The optimist in me thinks that could be the perfect turn around, could be 4 wins on the bounce and the confidence is back. We steamroll every team from this point onwards with Klopp-HeavyMetal-HighPress-Football.

The pessimist is worried it could be the death knell. If we don't get anything in these upcoming games I can't see how going forward, the current situation can work.

Spot on I’d say.

 

[deary]

Simply, but harshly put, NC had never held a meaningful pre-match or HT team talk before PA away. SS has probably as much experience as any having stood in the West Paddock in his youth. BM is a CEO who is using his free copy of EA Sports DoF 2021 to 'brush up'.

How can you run a football club with such limited knowledge and experience?

At least a DoF would be a halfway house between on and off pitch matters.

Again simply, if you are not going to help NC with exp back up, you may as well pot him.

I agree but if you put in a DOF or experienced head to help NC would he feel threatened?
So he has no experienced help & at the moment we dont have a replacement on the staff to take charge if things really go tits.
Unless you see TJ as that man? tbf head of recruitment must be getting into DOF territory?

Obviously i would like that but its very easy to undermine the manager. Yes it should really have been in place originally.

 

[Archibald Knox]

Never going to quit. Why should he? He's been asked to come in and perform a role with parameters already set- not his fault things haven't been thought through.

I think therein lies the reason why it took the 7/8/9th approach to land a team figurehead.

You ought to have quoted Mac’s post not mine. It’s him you disagree with, not me.

 

[CalderwoodCritchleyWon’t]

If Mansford is as good as he thinks he is, he will already be succession planning. A phone call to Paul Cook to find out how he is doing, what he thinks about Blackpool and if he is ready for a new challenge wouldn't go a miss. I'm all for potting Critchley but we need to avoid a repeat of the fiasco that led to us appointing our 4th or 5th choice candidate. We probably need to give NC another 2 or 3 games, so it would be good practice to plan for the worst and have either a caretaker or full time appointment tentatively lined up.

That’s exactly what they should be doing. This isn’t and won’t ever work. NC is a thoroughly honourable guy, has high standards and is incredibly well qualified...However, sadly, it’s clear that he’s a youth coach with no clue of how to cope with football.
I’ve read some of the comments on here about how they battled hard last night with 9 men. Frankly not only is that debatable it’s also laughable to even big that up to any extent, it’s perfectly natural to feel the world is against you when you’re two men short away from home. What a pity there seems no drive or energy to control or dominate a game with 11.
I’ve said it before on here and I’ll say it again, how the club has recruited in such high numbers, but has failed to identify a proven goal scorer I will never know.
We have two strikers at the club, one is 30, but with a career record of one goal every 4 games and the other has just scored 14 in League two but from wide left of a 3.
How did they expect the team to score goals ????
With our resources, it’s unforgivable to have cocked that department up so badly.
Another worry is the goalkeeping situation. Maxwell is under no pressure, we have two kids behind him, both of which will be lucky to be playing Vanarama National League football for the rest of their careers. They are both this years Lewis Edge, Mark Halstead or Myles Boney.
Playing like we are, we’re in big trouble and the club needs to admit this is a bad appointment, which was made with the best intentions,but is absolutely not working.
A new manager will need 2/3 additions but will have to work with what we have but get more out of them. They can’t recruit again in huge numbers, it’s not viable even for SS.
I hope they act soon.

 

[fcblackpool]

You ought to have quoted Mac’s post not mine. It’s him you disagree with, not me.

I was expanding on yours.

 

[CalderwoodCritchleyWon’t]

I agree but if you put in a DOF or experienced head to help NC would he feel threatened?
So he has no experienced help & at the moment we dont have a replacement on the staff to take charge if things really go tits.
Unless you see TJ as that man? tbf head of recruitment must be getting into DOF territory?

Obviously i would like that but its very easy to undermine the manager. Yes it should really have been in place originally.

Won’t happen. Clean break needed.

 

[Archibald Knox]

I was expanding on yours.

Ah, I see. Sorry for misunderstanding.

 

[Finfind]

That’s exactly what they should be doing. This isn’t and won’t ever work. NC is a thoroughly honourable guy, has high standards and is incredibly well qualified...However, sadly, it’s clear that he’s a youth coach with no clue of how to cope with football.
I’ve read some of the comments on here about how they battled hard last night with 9 men. Frankly not only is that debatable it’s also laughable to even big that up to any extent, it’s perfectly natural to feel the world is against you when you’re two men short away from home. What a pity there seems no drive or energy to control or dominate a game with 11.
I’ve said it before on here and I’ll say it again, how the club has recruited in such high numbers, but has failed to identify a proven goal scorer I will never know.
We have two strikers at the club, one is 30, but with a career record of one goal every 4 games and the other has just scored 14 in League two but from wide left of a 3.
How did they expect the team to score goals ????
With our resources, it’s unforgivable to have cocked that department up so badly.
Another worry is the goalkeeping situation. Maxwell is under no pressure, we have two kids behind him, both of which will be lucky to be playing Vanarama National League football for the rest of their careers. They are both this years Lewis Edge, Mark Halstead or Myles Boney.
Playing like we are, we’re in big trouble and the club needs to admit this is a bad appointment, which was made with the best intentions,but is absolutely not working.
A new manager will need 2/3 additions but will have to work with what we have but get more out of them. They can’t recruit again in huge numbers, it’s not viable even for SS.
I hope they act soon.

Excellent post sums it up nicely.
The striker situation I've been saying this for a while your spot on our strikers and midfielders have no record of scoring goals.
When we go one behind as we have been im definitely not thinking we're come back and score twice.

 

[bfcpete]

I think if we lose the next 2 matches then Ssdler will have to act

 

[Plumbs]

Good innings this and a worthwhile knock from one of AVFTTs best batsman.Should keep going when play begins tomorrow unless of course rain stops play.

Goodnight all.