Jaffka's gossip thread on the ins and outs at the 'Bok

[Dr Hotdog]

Chrisfuuuuuuuuuuuuu I miss youuuuuu

[Bruce Rioja]

Chrisfuuuuuuuuuuuuu I miss youuuuuu

Steady

[Dr Hotdog]

Haha! The Back to the Future reference in his last post really made me chuckle.

[Prufrock]

Have to say Im a bit worried about this season. Logically we should be one of the teams that challenge for automatic promotion....I cant think of a better team in this league, on paper.

The main issue to me is Coyle. He has made a long career out of moving from club to club every two years, and it is not until now that he is trying to do something long term. And I feel that it is that initial spark and enthusiasm that he brings to a new project that makes him successful. Once that goes he is what his talent (or lack of) makes him....an average manager (just as he was an average player). Gartside wants him to build the club as Allardyce did, but BSA was a good long term strategist whereas Coyle, now the initial breezy couple of years are over, appears to operate more in a game to game fantasy world of magnificent free flowing stylish football....without any backbone or long term vision whatsoever. Having said all of that, I dont necessarily think it was a mistake to stick with him, I think that was the best option available, a case of damned if we do, damned if we dont, but at least sticking with him does provide some stability.

Just like last season I will be watching games hoping that somehow we can prevail despite the manager, or hoping that Ive got it completely wrong and Coyle majestically leads us to a successful season (i.e. promotion), but with a deep rooted sense that it will not end well.

I too am pretty peeved about the Portsmouth result... not so much other pre-season results, as I expected we'd hit our stride by the Portsmouth game. But to say Coyle has *no* long term strategy is off the mark. His first real aim was to ensure the stability of the club by slashing the wage bill, which he has done. Then, he replaces them with much cheaper and when possible, younger players that are (on paper at least) knocking on the door of a first-team place.

The only thing he hasn't managed to do yet is make that gel on the pitch, which realistically he has to do in competitive league games. He'll get the standard "let's see where we are come December" from the board. If we're doing shite, we shop around for someone else.

I'll stick my neck out and say that if we're not challenging for the a play-off place by the beginning of December that he'll be on his way, I have no doubts about that. Until then, the club need to stay calm and now take any silly risks by upsetting the apple cart right before the start of the season.

I can see what you are getting at, but I do love how you have phrased that. The 'only' thing he has not managed to do is get enough points from football matches. Otherwise, a roaring success!

[ohjimmyjimmy]

Have to say Im a bit worried about this season. Logically we should be one of the teams that challenge for automatic promotion....I cant think of a better team in this league, on paper.

The main issue to me is Coyle. He has made a long career out of moving from club to club every two years, and it is not until now that he is trying to do something long term. And I feel that it is that initial spark and enthusiasm that he brings to a new project that makes him successful. Once that goes he is what his talent (or lack of) makes him....an average manager (just as he was an average player). Gartside wants him to build the club as Allardyce did, but BSA was a good long term strategist whereas Coyle, now the initial breezy couple of years are over, appears to operate more in a game to game fantasy world of magnificent free flowing stylish football....without any backbone or long term vision whatsoever. Having said all of that, I dont necessarily think it was a mistake to stick with him, I think that was the best option available, a case of damned if we do, damned if we dont, but at least sticking with him does provide some stability.

Just like last season I will be watching games hoping that somehow we can prevail despite the manager, or hoping that Ive got it completely wrong and Coyle majestically leads us to a successful season (i.e. promotion), but with a deep rooted sense that it will not end well.

I too am pretty peeved about the Portsmouth result... not so much other pre-season results, as I expected we'd hit our stride by the Portsmouth game. But to say Coyle has *no* long term strategy is off the mark. His first real aim was to ensure the stability of the club by slashing the wage bill, which he has done. Then, he replaces them with much cheaper and when possible, younger players that are (on paper at least) knocking on the door of a first-team place.

The only thing he hasn't managed to do yet is make that gel on the pitch, which realistically he has to do in competitive league games. He'll get the standard "let's see where we are come December" from the board. If we're doing shite, we shop around for someone else.

I'll stick my neck out and say that if we're not challenging for the a play-off place by the beginning of December that he'll be on his way, I have no doubts about that. Until then, the club need to stay calm and now take any silly risks by upsetting the apple cart right before the start of the season.

I can see what you are getting at, but I do love how you have phrased that. The 'only' thing he has not managed to do is get enough points from football matches. Otherwise, a roaring success!

[Chrisfu]

Chrisfuuuuuuuuuuuuu I miss youuuuuu

Steady

We were, yeah, but that was a long time ago. Since then things with Dr. Hotdog have never been the same.

Well, apart from Birmingham away last March. I've still got the ticket in my wallet.

[Chrisfu]

Have to say Im a bit worried about this season. Logically we should be one of the teams that challenge for automatic promotion....I cant think of a better team in this league, on paper.

The main issue to me is Coyle. He has made a long career out of moving from club to club every two years, and it is not until now that he is trying to do something long term. And I feel that it is that initial spark and enthusiasm that he brings to a new project that makes him successful. Once that goes he is what his talent (or lack of) makes him....an average manager (just as he was an average player). Gartside wants him to build the club as Allardyce did, but BSA was a good long term strategist whereas Coyle, now the initial breezy couple of years are over, appears to operate more in a game to game fantasy world of magnificent free flowing stylish football....without any backbone or long term vision whatsoever. Having said all of that, I dont necessarily think it was a mistake to stick with him, I think that was the best option available, a case of damned if we do, damned if we dont, but at least sticking with him does provide some stability.

Just like last season I will be watching games hoping that somehow we can prevail despite the manager, or hoping that Ive got it completely wrong and Coyle majestically leads us to a successful season (i.e. promotion), but with a deep rooted sense that it will not end well.

I too am pretty peeved about the Portsmouth result... not so much other pre-season results, as I expected we'd hit our stride by the Portsmouth game. But to say Coyle has *no* long term strategy is off the mark. His first real aim was to ensure the stability of the club by slashing the wage bill, which he has done. Then, he replaces them with much cheaper and when possible, younger players that are (on paper at least) knocking on the door of a first-team place.

The only thing he hasn't managed to do yet is make that gel on the pitch, which realistically he has to do in competitive league games. He'll get the standard "let's see where we are come December" from the board. If we're doing shite, we shop around for someone else.

I'll stick my neck out and say that if we're not challenging for the a play-off place by the beginning of December that he'll be on his way, I have no doubts about that. Until then, the club need to stay calm and now take any silly risks by upsetting the apple cart right before the start of the season.

I can see what you are getting at, but I do love how you have phrased that. The 'only' thing he has not managed to do is get enough points from football matches. Otherwise, a roaring success!

To be fair I was referring to our pre-season when I wrote that, but point taken all the same.

Least season was pure inconsistency which, bottom line, means that the team didn't gel. There was no real talisman on the field apart from NRK, who was more of a voice off the field than on it. You could argue that we still don't have a player with the sort of Nolan-esque presence on the field, which we desperately need to anchor the team from the middle and help the headless chickens maintain their shape.

My overall point was that it's a new season, new league, and a smattering of new players (hopefully with some new ones on the way). He's done it in this league before, I'm willing to wait and see if he can do it again.

[Bruce Rioja]

Oh eh?! What was it that Nixon had to say about this?

Wanderers have offered Carlos Sanchez a take-it or leave-it deal to anchor their midfield this season. The highly-rated Colombia international has finally met with the club after flying in at the weekend but, with Owen Coyle desperate to land a ball-winner, he will not be given time to dwell on whether he wants to play at the Reebok. Tonight's BEN.

[Relentless09]

Oh eh?! What was it that Nixon had to say about this?

Wanderers have offered Carlos Sanchez a take-it or leave-it deal to anchor their midfield this season. The highly-rated Colombia international has finally met with the club after flying in at the weekend but, with Owen Coyle desperate to land a ball-winner, he will not be given time to dwell on whether he wants to play at the Reebok. Tonight's BEN.

Nixon says he's eventually in the country now and Bolton apparently won't wait a long time for a decision for him

[Worthy4England]

Have to say Im a bit worried about this season. Logically we should be one of the teams that challenge for automatic promotion....I cant think of a better team in this league, on paper.

The main issue to me is Coyle. He has made a long career out of moving from club to club every two years, and it is not until now that he is trying to do something long term. And I feel that it is that initial spark and enthusiasm that he brings to a new project that makes him successful. Once that goes he is what his talent (or lack of) makes him....an average manager (just as he was an average player). Gartside wants him to build the club as Allardyce did, but BSA was a good long term strategist whereas Coyle, now the initial breezy couple of years are over, appears to operate more in a game to game fantasy world of magnificent free flowing stylish football....without any backbone or long term vision whatsoever. Having said all of that, I dont necessarily think it was a mistake to stick with him, I think that was the best option available, a case of damned if we do, damned if we dont, but at least sticking with him does provide some stability.

Just like last season I will be watching games hoping that somehow we can prevail despite the manager, or hoping that Ive got it completely wrong and Coyle majestically leads us to a successful season (i.e. promotion), but with a deep rooted sense that it will not end well.

I too am pretty peeved about the Portsmouth result... not so much other pre-season results, as I expected we'd hit our stride by the Portsmouth game. But to say Coyle has *no* long term strategy is off the mark. His first real aim was to ensure the stability of the club by slashing the wage bill, which he has done. Then, he replaces them with much cheaper and when possible, younger players that are (on paper at least) knocking on the door of a first-team place.

The only thing he hasn't managed to do yet is make that gel on the pitch, which realistically he has to do in competitive league games. He'll get the standard "let's see where we are come December" from the board. If we're doing shite, we shop around for someone else.

I'll stick my neck out and say that if we're not challenging for the a play-off place by the beginning of December that he'll be on his way, I have no doubts about that. Until then, the club need to stay calm and now take any silly risks by upsetting the apple cart right before the start of the season.

DECEMBER!

He ain't getting anything like until December off me.

[Wandering Willy]

I could use a laugh - give us your suggested replacement candidates.

[Worthy4England]

I could use a laugh - give us your suggested replacement candidates.

There's no point. There is no-one. Woe is us.

Actually, Graeme Souness is doing nothing.

[Wandering Willy]

On a serious level - I think it was discussed elsewhere (DSB?) that it would be unlikely that Souness would come to us after past history.

Not sure I would be keen on someone who has warmed his arse on a pundit's sofa for a few years without working.

[Worthy4England]

On a serious level - I think it was discussed elsewhere (DSB?) that it would be unlikely that Souness would come to us after past history.

Not sure I would be keen on someone who has warmed his arse on a pundit's sofa for a few years without working.

It was - I also mentioned it when the Bish originally suggested Souness. He was well miffed at the role of Mark Curtis (ex agent of G. Megson) in the process to replace Sammy Lee with (ultimately G. Megson).

He felt it was a stitch-up, which is why he withdrew his candidature.

So no, I don't think Souness would be very likely at all.

[Jokers in White]

You'd give him till December ?? If the shambles of the, albeit preseason, Pompey gave is how we are when the gun goes off he should be gone by September.

... & that's early September.

I Agree Bobo, we can't afford to be pissing about this season, we need to hit the ground running or else he's out on his arse!

[BWFC_Insane]

He's got three games (proper ones not friendlies) for me. 7 points would be the mark from the first three. Or if 6 signs that we look organised and disciplined as a team.

Someone's bound to say that's harsh, and clearly he won't be sacked so soon. But after last season, for me those first three games will tell us if he can motivate the players to perform for him again or not.

[Jokers in White]

He's got three games (proper ones not friendlies) for me. 7 points would be the mark from the first three. Or if 6 signs that we look organised and disciplined as a team.

Someone's bound to say that's harsh, and clearly he won't be sacked so soon. But after last season, for me those first three games will tell us if he can motivate the players to perform for him again or not.

It isn't harsh, 7 points minimum Burnley, Derby, Nottingham Forest 3 shit teams we really should be getting maximum points from. Fans are on his case now so owen knows the score.

[Wandering Willy]

He's got three games (proper ones not friendlies) for me. 7 points would be the mark from the first three. Or if 6 signs that we look organised and disciplined as a team.

Someone's bound to say that's harsh, and clearly he won't be sacked so soon. But after last season, for me those first three games will tell us if he can motivate the players to perform for him again or not.

It isn't harsh, 7 points minimum Burnley, Derby, Nottingham Forest 3 shit teams we really should be getting maximum points from. Fans are on his case now so owen knows the score.

Aye alreet - 2 of last year's promoted teams had less than 7 points after 3 games. One of them had 4 and finished top of the league.

[Harry Genshaw]

It isn't harsh, 7 points minimum Burnley, Derby, Nottingham Forest 3 shit teams we really should be getting maximum points from. Fans are on his case now so owen knows the score.

It's comments like this that make (some of) us look as bad as Spam fans.

[Worthy4England]

He's got three games (proper ones not friendlies) for me. 7 points would be the mark from the first three. Or if 6 signs that we look organised and disciplined as a team.

Someone's bound to say that's harsh, and clearly he won't be sacked so soon. But after last season, for me those first three games will tell us if he can motivate the players to perform for him again or not.

It isn't harsh, 7 points minimum Burnley, Derby, Nottingham Forest 3 shit teams we really should be getting maximum points from. Fans are on his case now so owen knows the score.

Aye alreet - 2 of last year's promoted teams had less than 7 points after 3 games. One of them had 4 and finished top of the league.

One of 'em had 9. After two away games.

Reading had 4 after two away games

West Ham has 6 after two away games.

We have two home games.