Back or sack the manager Poll

Should Critchley be removed now or given to the end of the season?

  • Get rid of him now whilst there’s time!

    Votes: 81 30.5%

  • Critch will deliver, he always does!

    Votes: 151 56.8%

  • I’m too pussy to make a decision so I’ll sit on the fence

    Votes: 34 12.8%
  • Total voters
    266
Chunkylad

Chunkylad

Well-known member
We ran this in September and it was almost 25% go, 25% stay and 50% sit on the fence.

Now we are approaching Jan so it’s now or never time - stay or go?
 
The problem with this fan base, or perhaps more specifically this message board, the fans are so reactionary to each and every result it’s unbelievable.

4-0 away from home against Portsmouth and we’re going up in the automatics.

2-1 away from home against Cambridge and we need to get rid of the manager.

Where’s the middle ground? We’re doing ‘Ok’ at the moment, some great performances mixed in with some weak away results. There’s a general lack of consistency at the moment but ultimately we’re coming back from a disastrous season with a lot of positives. I believe we will get promoted within the next two years if we carry on with Critch.
 
Middle ground "pussy" here

I'm voting for the pussy option in the absence of a "give him a chance but I'm not convinced unless he changes from his stubborn 3 5 2" option

I also don't see any point in getting rid of a manager / coach who knows how get out of L1, add to that the cost of paying a manager off and it's pretty clear to me that he's staying anyway. It's not a great start at all, but I'm struggling to recall a recent good start to a season. When Critch got us promoted, it was a second half of the season improvement. Not convinced this season though, but I'm hopefully wrong.
 
I never vote for sacking the Manager in these things…..people who own or who are paid to appoint Managers are the ones who live or die by their decisions…its those who should be judged.
 
I would say it would be a bit reactionary to get rid of critch now but overall I've been very disappointed with the season and would give it 5/6 out of 10 so far.

This formation doesn't work and teams know how to do a number on us away from home. 9 wins out of 22 is not promotion form. The Pompey game gave us false hope as before the red card they started to come back In to the game.

Let's see how he does over the Christmas period but we need to win 5 of the next 6 to repair the damage done.
 
TangerineTom said:
The problem with this fan base, or perhaps more specifically this message board, the fans are so reactionary to each and every result it’s unbelievable.

4-0 away from home against Portsmouth and we’re going up in the automatics.

2-1 away from home against Cambridge and we need to get rid of the manager.

Where’s the middle ground? We’re doing ‘Ok’ at the moment, some great performances mixed in with some weak away results. There’s a general lack of consistency at the moment but ultimately we’re coming back from a disastrous season with a lot of positives. I believe we will get promoted within the next two years if we carry on with Critch.
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Sorry Tom, but it's the inconsistency that is my issue. And the other issue, is your complete lack of ambition as a Blackpool FC fan.

This is one of the worst quality League One's there's been in a long time. Portsmouth have a pretty average squad in terms of out and out quality but consistency is what is getting them results and a good strong identity.

We have a top 6 budget according to those above. So going into January potentially being around 8 to 12 points behind a play off spot is unacceptable.

Also, the amount of performances I've seen this season where the football is slow, dull, boring and absolutely ** shite is ridiculous. The Portsmouth performance just masks that.
 
Bluecabinboy said:
On what planet do you pot the manager when you’re 8th in the table mid-season & 4 points off the play-offs??

Sure, there have been some disappointing/inconsistent performances this season. That’s football - get over it….
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We'll be 7-10 points behind the play offs. Most teams above have 1 or 2 games in hand.

Isn't great for a side with a "top 6 playing budget"

He shouldn't be sacked, if we get to the end of January and we are further adrift he should be potted.
 
Dave62 said:
Middle ground "pussy" here

I'm voting for the pussy option in the absence of a "give him a chance but I'm not convinced unless he changes from his stubborn 3 5 2" option

I also don't see any point in getting rid of a manager / coach who knows how get out of L1, add to that the cost of paying a manager off and it's pretty clear to me that he's staying anyway. It's not a great start at all, but I'm struggling to recall a recent good start to a season. When Critch got us promoted, it was a second half of the season improvement. Not convinced this season though, but I'm hopefully wrong.
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The problem with your summation Dave is its not the start to the season, we’re halfway there. His supporters were saying see were we are after 10 games, see were we are at Christmas. Well were nearly at Christmas and its not getting any better, not worse, but certainly no better. How long do you wait before climbing down off that fence?
 
He should stay put for now - but in the world today - snooze you lose.
If we drop to bottom half - then time for action.
 
Whilst there's a Portsmouth performance there's also a Cambridge one. If that carries on for the rest of the season the po's will be out of reach sometime in March.

Will that inconsistency be reversed? I can't see how it can be.

Sack him? The easy, but not the cheapest option. A better option is to get someone in alongside him. There's a lot of money potentially to be gained by doing the right thing now and not meandering to the March scenario. I can't see NC having a road to Damascus moment and if he doesn't like the idea of a No 2/Joint No 1 (more difficult obviously) then he can walk.

SS needs to be strong about it along with the new bods recently brought in. And I can't imagine they won't be having chats about the situation. Needs more than chats though.
 
I didn't want him back here, I still don't get his tactics nor his pure stubbornness to change things early when we are struggling. In the main this season, he has (as he did last time) constantly changed winning teams, harping on about the opposition being so strong, he has in my opinion cost us a lot of points this season with his attempts to nullify the opponents rather than let them worry about us,
 
There is an old saying, 'out of the frying pan into the fire', which sums up the question for me, so I've gone for the pussy choice.

What happened the last time Critch went? Oh yes we got the wonderful, statuesque bloke who himself was fired, replaced by a Dinosaur who was no better. As someone has already pointed out, 4-0 away from home against Portsmouth and we’re going up in the automatics but 2-1 away from home against Cambridge and we need to get rid of the manager. That sort of thinking doesn't hold water in my book.

I wasn't at Cambridge but will be at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday and Saturday giving the team and manager my full support.
 
I don't want him as our manager but there is no way Sadler will pot him, so as Fount's says he needs an experienced coach or manager next to him because he isn't good enough with the 2 he has by his side. I think he will be given all this season and if we are still sniffing around the play offs by the end of the season then I see him being here for next season too, it depends what's in his contract, if it was to reach the play offs this season and he fails then Sadler has a decision to make.

The thing is, as the season progresses there are manager casualties and there may be a few times when someone would be a great choice for us so if we are not doing well he has a decision to make then as well but it will cost him.

I think it was a poor decision in the first place and Sadler hasn't got a very good track record with managers he's employed apart from Critchley first time round and he had a couple of excellent assistants then. It was an unimaginative appointment and for me Sadler's one Achilles heel is his lack of football nouse and that he is a bit one dimensional, that doesn't mean he is the wrong person to run the football club, he has improved everything else massively and at a sensible pace but it's what goes on, on the pitch that matters to most supporters and although there are signs of something we are too restricted by the tactics and player selection and it needs some fish input from someone alongside him if he is going to stay.
 
SeasideKurt said:
Sorry Tom, but it's the inconsistency that is my issue. And the other issue, is your complete lack of ambition as a Blackpool FC fan.

This is one of the worst quality League One's there's been in a long time. Portsmouth have a pretty average squad in terms of out and out quality but consistency is what is getting them results and a good strong identity.

We have a top 6 budget according to those above. So going into January potentially being around 8 to 12 points behind a play off spot is unacceptable.

Also, the amount of performances I've seen this season where the football is slow, dull, boring and absolutely ** shite is ridiculous. The Portsmouth performance just masks that.
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Respect your view, but you’re mistaking a lack of ambition for measured progress. This is a tough league and we were an embarrassment last season, it’s not easy to go from the whipping boys of the league to promotion favourites - there needs to be a process to regain confidence and build up new players in the team.

I want the team to get promoted and believe we do have a chance to do it this year - but it seems unreasonable at best to define the success of the season over taking the top 3 spots. I don’t believe the fans would be this harsh on our expectations if we had Dobbie in, or any other manager for that matter.
 
ElBurroSinNombre said:
The best thing about Critchley is that he can spot and nurture talent. A great quality to have, in my mind he has got at least another 18 months.
It's hard to remember but he has been clearing up the mess left by the other two managers
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Will you be using that line on the politics thread when Labour get in? Saying they are ** it up because those useless tories made such a mess they are having to deal with that? That's fine for a certain amount of time but you can't use it forever. This is football, not politics and managers don't get that amount of time, if he keeps us around the play offs then he will get next season too but if we end up below 12th then I think he will be at risk of being potted. Sadler isn't stupid, he won't accept mediocrity. Let's hope Critchley can deliver as he has all season to do so.
 
ElBurroSinNombre said:
The best thing about Critchley is that he can spot and nurture talent. A great quality to have, in my mind he has got at least another 18 months.
It's hard to remember but he has been clearing up the mess left by the other two managers
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As a first team coach, what talent has he ever spotted and nurtured?

I would say the opposite, he plays players like Connolly before talent like Casey
 
When was the last time before Critchley that we got good money for a player that we developed? Like Yates or Bowler? He mmm ade the club a lot of money on those two alone.
 
Personally, I'd back him.

I think he's a decent coach at this level and I can't see somebody else and doing much better with this squad. There's question marks around too many of our players and I think we lack character so I don't think we look like a promotion side.

I'm happy to see how this season pans out, I don't think we'll bomb but I don't think we'll go up, we'll probably finish close to where we are now. I think he'll get another shot next season and I'd be fine with giving him that opportunity.
 
hertfordseasider said:
Will you be using that line on the politics thread when Labour get in? Saying they are ** it up because those useless tories made such a mess they are having to deal with that? That's fine for a certain amount of time but you can't use it forever. This is football, not politics and managers don't get that amount of time, if he keeps us around the play offs then he will get next season too but if we end up below 12th then I think he will be at risk of being potted. Sadler isn't stupid, he won't accept mediocrity. Let's hope Critchley can deliver as he has all season to do so.
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Sacking the manager every few months as people on here demand is a recipe to go nowhere. Give him 2 years, if he fails after that time he will have to go. His strategy is to develop talent and that takes time, it's the only sustainable strategy a club like ours can follow.
 
hertfordseasider said:
Sadler isn't stupid, he won't accept mediocrity. Let's hope Critchley can deliver as he has all season to do so.
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Not sure I agree

Sadler clearly has great, extreme strengths however these usually come with weaknesses as well

Being massively successful in one field sometimes leads to arrogance, in sadlers case we see his inability to accept criticism as a weakness, he believes he can’t be wrong
 
Curryman said:
There is an old saying, 'out of the frying pan into the fire', which sums up the question for me, so I've gone for the pussy choice.

What happened the last time Critch went? Oh yes we got the wonderful, statuesque bloke who himself was fired, replaced by a Dinosaur who was no better. As someone has already pointed out, 4-0 away from home against Portsmouth and we’re going up in the automatics but 2-1 away from home against Cambridge and we need to get rid of the manager. That sort of thinking doesn't hold water in my book.

I wasn't at Cambridge but will be at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday and Saturday giving the team and manager my full support.
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And the man who reappointed Critchley was the same one who lectured us for being disappointed at the appointment of Appleton.
 
Sven said:
Personally, I'd back him.

I think he's a decent coach at this level and I can't see somebody else and doing much better with this squad. There's question marks around too many of our players and I think we lack character so I don't think we look like a promotion side.

I'm happy to see how this season pans out, I don't think we'll bomb but I don't think we'll go up, we'll probably finish close to where we are now. I think he'll get another shot next season and I'd be fine with giving him that opportunity.
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Don't think many are questioning him as a coach as such, more as a manager with his selections, tactics and in game management. Though you have to wonder what he's said to the defenders on the training ground to defend like that.

I think we are seeing the classic, good coach, crap manager. The players are there.
 
Stanah said:
Not sure I agree

Sadler clearly has great, extreme strengths however these usually come with weaknesses as well

Being massively successful in one field sometimes leads to arrogance, in sadlers case we see his inability to accept criticism as a weakness, he believes he can’t be wrong
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That’s why he and Critchley have a bromance, neither believe they can be wrong and they both think the other is the best thing since sliced bread.
 
THIS is the long game. there is an awful lot of negativity on here. IF we do not get out of League One then like all clubs we take stock at the end of 23/24. Not one of us wants to be in the THIRD tier of English football but its what it is. there WOULD be a queue round the block IF he was removed but i for one say Critch stays.
 
fcblackpool said:
Don't think many are questioning him as a coach as such, more as a manager with his selections, tactics and in game management. Though you have to wonder what he's said to the defenders on the training ground to defend like that.

I think we are seeing the classic, good coach, crap manager. The players are there.
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Apologies, not sure why I went for the modern terminology by referring to him as a coach. To clarify, I meant what we would of traditionally called a manager but is Head Coach these days.

I do question him on all those things and don’t think he’s perfect by any stretch but I’m still backing him for now.
 
Lack of suitable options really in the poll.

I've voted he'll deliver however I've only done that as you can't sack him now.

He may well deliver, however I'm concerned about us falling so far behind.

The reality is were in a false position right now and could be really far behind if teams win the games in hand.

We will definitely be further behind some teams as they play each other and points must go somewhere. Other sides above have some easier games too.

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Before I vote I’ll give him until the January transfer deadline. If Rhodes departs then our goals scored tally will soon diminish. Let’s see who we bring in first and what quality they bring with them.
As for being 8th, yeah that would be great if we were 8th in the championship, but we’re in a piss poor league 1 where we should never be out of the top 6 at any given time.
Pompey win was a fluke, nobody saw that coming. Reality were the defeats to Northampton and Cambridge along with the poor 3-3 draw against a lacklustre Cheltenham side.
 
TangerineTom said:
The problem with this fan base, or perhaps more specifically this message board, the fans are so reactionary to each and every result it’s unbelievable.

4-0 away from home against Portsmouth and we’re going up in the automatics.

2-1 away from home against Cambridge and we need to get rid of the manager.

Where’s the middle ground? We’re doing ‘Ok’ at the moment, some great performances mixed in with some weak away results. There’s a general lack of consistency at the moment but ultimately we’re coming back from a disastrous season with a lot of positives. I believe we will get promoted within the next two years if we carry on with Critch.
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Without realising it, you’ve identified the exact reason fans are asking the question. We will always do well against teams that come out and try to beat us. We have a lot of quality and pace to hurt such teams.

The major issue with NC is his inability to find a way around teams that sit in. He’s limited in these situations and that was evident in his first stint too.

His other major issue is team selection. Not one of us would have Connolly playing in the middle of a back 3. Yesterday was a disaster and good defenders like Hubby and Pennington were dragged down. Connolly is a fighter, he does not have pace or quality. If you pick him there, you’re going to concede and lose games. Against Carlisle last week he was the standout weakest in a very strong team performance.

So, I can see why people are fed up. You say we’ll be promoted within 2 years with NC, but this season L1 is dreadful and our better players won’t hang around for 2 years.
 
JOHNMAJORTOM said:
WTF are people expecting. Win the division as champions. HOW many seasons have POMPEY been in League one. Forever it would seem.
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That is why it's so important to get out first time while we still have some championship quality players because next season our team will look very different to what we have now. He is underperforming and there is no denying it.
 
Martonmosser said:
No option to keep him as a coach and employ a new manager?
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I don’t see that as ever feasible Moss?

He could be a number 2 / coach at a much higher level on more cash. Plus it would be humiliating for him taking a demotion, more so than being removed.
 
I’ll revisit this thread in January.
At the moment I back him.
However I don’t get how we can demolish Pompey away (flying at home not lost since March ) top of the league long trip down etc and then lose to Cambridge.
It’s crazy.
 
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Given the title there was no option for giving him to the end of the season. So as I’m not really on the fence or for sacking him now I’ve been forced to go for Critchley will deliver, he always does, but with the proviso to the end of the season. Unless we make a remarkable assault on the top 2 😂 or at least the playoffs.
 
Chunkylad said:
I don’t see that as ever feasible Moss?

He could be a number 2 / coach at a much higher level on more cash. Plus it would be humiliating for him taking a demotion, more so than being removed.
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Villa? Much higher level #2/coach, that went well. And don’t quote Gerrard sacking, if Critchley was any good at that level he would have been kept on.
 
JOHNMAJORTOM said:
THIS is the long game. there is an awful lot of negativity on here. IF we do not get out of League One then like all clubs we take stock at the end of 23/24. Not one of us wants to be in the THIRD tier of English football but its what it is. there WOULD be a queue round the block IF he was removed but i for one say Critch stays.
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It's not the getting out of league one for me, I have always believed it was not going to be easy this season, but what I do want to see,is a team with some plan and commitment, and playing for 90 minutes, not the 45 we sometimes get at the moment, we have the odd game where we are excellent (re: Portsmouth) but then are absolutely clueless the next game, there is only one man you can blame, and that's Critchley, he's manager/coach, so the buck stops with him, he just does not seem able to motivate the players to play for the full 90mins, and that's what worries me,
 
He’s not what he was. But we can’t keep sacking managers. We are stuck with him and mid table meandering I’m afraid. No option to vote for that so had to go fence sitting instead. I will post the original poll below. It appears Critchleys support base is still ahead of the sceptics despite far fewer fence sitters who appear to be coming down on both sides in equal measure more or less.
 
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