Originally Posted by
neutrino
I dont know where the rumour of Sean Connor has come from and would be very surprised if it's originating out of the Management Committee. I thought Connor was a decent manager in terms of getting results, but his methods of getting things done were not right and his treatment of people at the club was out of order. He went over the MC's head on numerous occassions,dismantled the Youth Set-Up to appropriate funds being used there to the 1st team, Gerry Carr left and how Raf was let go for asking his market-value is absurd. If Raf was an English low-league player that couldnt cut it, he'd have got the deal he wanted.Instead he was alienated for being a local player, which should never have happened. Considering all this the MC must have very short memories. It would take a strong Chairman (and MC) to keep a reign on Connor. His methods are what got him fired at Bohs too.
I think Paul Cook is a very good manager.He has the team playing for each other for every game against any opposition and the football we are playing is refreshing and simply brilliant to watch. Of course some days it doesnt work out but we've had alot more good days out than bad this year. I think Cook has a couple of areas he needs to improve - one would be tactically IMO.But we must remember that Paul Cook (like any manager) is still learning his trade and trying to develop himself into a very good manager.He is developing all the time at Rovers, and I would give him a long term deal (if he's open to it). As good as he is now just starting off, in 3 years time he'll be top of the game here. On the flip side he could move to a fickle Dublin club and be out of a job in a season or two. Sometimes the grass is not always greener as many a player or manager has found out after leaving Rovers.
The MC are looking to cut the budget next season and that is the correct decision.It is finally being realistic in terms of financial planning going forward.This should not be seen as an indication of lack of ambition - it's just being realistic. It's pertinent to remember that budget's are not set in stone. If we budget what we can afford and then bring in extra finance during the season then all the better.If we dont get extra funds, well at least then we're not going into the red based on inaccurate budgeting.
I really think we can compete on a reduced budget. I believe the squad should be at the core derived from localised (Sligo,Mayo,Galway,Donegal,Leitrim,Roscommon,Ferma nagh etc etc) talent with 5-6 professional players supplemeting the talent pool to give us an extra edge in terms of quality and that something different and creative (ala Boco).I cant see why Michael MCNamara cant be enticed back into the fold - and that is just one example of a part-time player having the quality to benefit the team.Paul Cook is ambitious and rightly so - challenges feed ambition and in football the aim is to be successful at that challenge, whatever it may be. His challenge should be to keep Rovers competitive in the division,bringing through players for the now re-
established Youth Structure and to bring a decent run in both cups.In the current climate that is a real challenge - but Shamrock Rovers have shown it can be done. The time will come for Paul Cook to be in a position that he will want to chase trophies and that is natural but I think it would be mutually beneficial to him and the club if he stayed for at least 2 more seasons.
I do not expect Sligo Rovers to be back in the 1st Division in 2/3 years time. Remember at worst we only need to be better than 1 team to survive in this division in the next few years and I believe we can acheive that and more. With other clubs recklessly spending more and reaping the consequences, it shows that Sligo Rovers are in a healthier position than many others.We are reducing our cost base, but don't forget that other clubs are trimming back too.We have a wonderful base of supporters, willing to row in behind the club and ensure it continues to be year after year.
As supporters we are entitled to ask questions and give ideas.But there's no reason to be caught up in doom and gloom. We have come along way in recent years and we should be happy with that.With all that's happened we still have a chance (slight or not) of attaining a European berth - how fantastic is that.To still have something to play for with 3 games left-brilliant.
No matter what happens we will always have a club.Sure,we would like to compete for trophies-cups are always a possibility,but we are not in that position.I would never want to win the league one season and go bust the next. Above all, come next season we will be in a position to compete and compete well. We may not beat all the big teams all of the time but we can give any team a game, not just on our day but on any day.There will always be plenty of ups and downs, but we will always come through them however difficult it maybe- becuase simply we are Sligo Rovers and that just what we do.
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