Next Up - Freeman's Replacement

[Bruce Rioja]

So, who would people like to see try and turn this whole sorry mess around?

These are the early odds;

Next Permanent Bolton Wanderers Manager

Jimmy Phillips 5/2

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 12/1

Malky Mackay 12/1

Mike Phelan 14/1

Brian McDermott 16/1

Tony Mowbray 16/1

Chris Hughton 20/1

Gary Rowett 20/1

Gianfranco Zola 20/1

Garry Flitcroft 20/1

Neil Lennon 20/1

Nicky Butt 25/1

Paolo Di Canio 33/1

Roy Keane 33/1

Tim Sherwood 33/1

Alan Curbishley 33/1

Chris Coleman 33/1

Glenn Hoddle 33/1

Neil Redfearn 33/1

I note that Chorley's Garry Flitcroft is quoted, but not Bury's Dave. A mix-up perhaps? Or not?

[enrdentw]

I would like to see us go after Malky McKay. He needs a route back into football. I think we can offer it him. My second choice would be a punt on Jackie McNamara who is doing really well at Dundee United and bringing through youngsters there.

I doubt we will see a foreigner and I don't want one.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Presumably, Bruce, a complete lack of lower-league knowledge. (I know Chorley are lower than Bury, but David F never played top-level.) The fact that none of them bar JP are particularly short odds means the bookies have no idea.

A whole lot of same-old same-old there. I think we should deprioritise Premier League experience, because we probably won't need it. Forget anyone who'd think he's bigger than the club and would be looking for the first ticket out of here. IMO better to have someone who knows League One, from where we might be buying players, than the top flight.

I would also like a thoughtful selection process, not a Megson railroad, a Coyle kneejerk or a Freedman punt. I'd like to hear about a stream of interviewees being seen at Euxton or Middlebrook. I don't want a preferred-candidate system. I want the best man for the job.

And he may not be obvious. Precisely seven days after we hired Freedman, up the road a bloke who'd been binned off after one mid-table Championship season took over at Burnley; they've done alright since. Get them in, let them explain their vision. For a start it'd be intriguing. We're a very different proposition to the one Freedman inherited, for reasons which aren't entirely (but are partly) his fault. We should think about that when hiring. Don't just get a short-term fire-fighter who'd be useless if we went down (ask Fulham).

[Bruce Rioja]

I would like to see us go after Malky McKay.

Indeed. What I can't understand is how come Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's being touted at the same odds?

[Bruce Rioja]

Presumably, Bruce, a complete lack of lower-league knowledge. (I know Chorley are lower than Bury, but David F never played top-level.)

Sorry mate but you've completely confused me with that

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I would like to see us go after Malky McKay.

Indeed. What I can't understand is how come Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's being touted at the same odds?

Odds needn't necessarily reflect likelihood as much as bookies covering their potential losses, so popular but pointless punts are shorter odds than they should be. That's why England are usually about third favourites for World Cups - not because they'll probably win, but more because the bookies would go bust if they actually did.

[Worthy4England]

Hmm when I said "anyone but this clown" on previous threads, I might want a longer think, in retrospect, seeing that list.

Where the fcuk are David O'Leary, Graeme Souness and Iain Dowie? They're ALWAYS on the bogey man list.

Di Canio might be a decent laugh, to our set of pampered players.

I'd want Pulis (but we ain't going to get him).

Someone with experience would be good - ideally with more experience than Lee, Coyle or Freedman had when we appointed them.

Maybe Mackay if he's bored.

[bobo the clown]

Eluned says Ole Gunner's available ... & 9 months ago he was viewed as more or less God-like.


My hope would be McDermott.

Where's all this Jimmy-Floyd stuff coming from ?

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Presumably, Bruce, a complete lack of lower-league knowledge. (I know Chorley are lower than Bury, but David F never played top-level.)

Sorry mate but you've completely confused me with that

Heh! Wasn't well-put. Basically: The bookies and punters have heard of Garry Flitcroft, because he played for Blackburn and was in the papers. His brother, they couldn't pick out in a line-up. So Garry's odds are lower (and present at all!) whereas David F will only appear on the list if his odds come down because he gets mentioned.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

McDermott might be the best-known, or best-CV'd, realistic candidate. Not sure he'd set pulses racing, though...

[bobo the clown]

McDermott might be the best-known, or best-CV'd, realistic candidate. Not sure he'd set pulses racing, though...

True, but he's worked with no money and amid chaos at Leeds. He has succeeded in this league and always struck me as a decent, competent guy.

I may have said Mackay but some of his behaviours have been questionable of late.

[Bruce Rioja]

Presumably, Bruce, a complete lack of lower-league knowledge. (I know Chorley are lower than Bury, but David F never played top-level.)

Sorry mate but you've completely confused me with that

Heh! Wasn't well-put. Basically: The bookies and punters have heard of Garry Flitcroft, because he played for Blackburn and was in the papers. His brother, they couldn't pick out in a line-up. So Garry's odds are lower (and present at all!) whereas David F will only appear on the list if his odds come down because he gets mentioned.

Ahh, getcha. Cheers.And yes, I agree.

[Bijou Bob]

I think we may stick with Jimmy Phillips in the interim to save money and hopefully push up the table a little. I don't think there's a mad rush to get a replacement in, given that I suspect we can't afford Pulis, McDermott or anyone half decent.

I thought Ricky Sbragia did a decent job both with us and at Sunderland in the short term, but he hasn't been mentioned. Neil Lennon at 20/1 is someone I'd like to see given a chance. He's unlikely to get a Premiership job straight out so may fancy cutting his teeth in the Championship.

[enrdentw]

McDermott might be the best-known, or best-CV'd, realistic candidate. Not sure he'd set pulses racing, though...

On what basis is McDermott's CV the best?

[Bruce Rioja]

I may have said Mackay but some of his behaviours have been questionable of late.

Is there only me that wouldn't be in the least bit bothered by them?

[Worthy4England]

I may have said Mackay but some of his behaviours have been questionable of late.

Is there only me that wouldn't be in the least bit bothered by them?

No, I'm not too bothered by them either.

Storm/Teacup with a fcking idiot of a Chairman.

[bobo the clown]

McDermott might be the best-known, or best-CV'd, realistic candidate. Not sure he'd set pulses racing, though...

On what basis is McDermott's CV the best?

see above ^^^

True, but he's worked with no money and amid chaos at Leeds. He has succeeded in this league and always struck me as a decent, competent guy.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

McDermott might be the best-known, or best-CV'd, realistic candidate. Not sure he'd set pulses racing, though...

On what basis is McDermott's CV the best?

see above ^^^

True, but he's worked with no money and amid chaos at Leeds. He has succeeded in this league and always struck me as a decent, competent guy.

...and add in "realistic", afore someone suggests Pulis, Moyes or Trapattoni.

McD did also win this league with Reading, which deserves mention.

[Relentless09]

Please just not Neil Lennon...

[Hoboh]

Please just not Neil Lennon...

His brother John ain't available either