Being a “nice bloke” are not the right criteria by which to choose a manager.
In some respects he has quite an easy job at present.....no pressure,everyone expecting relegation AND he’s working with inherited players.
I want a manager to inspire me with a vision and an ethos and to have confidence he can put together a backroom team to enhance HIS choice of players.
I’ve heard Darren talk a lot about “family/togetherness” but these are easy platitudes to trot out.
A great bloke without a doubt and someone the club needs to keep around.
New manager though.......!??
I tend to agree with most of your post Mick, but being a "nice bloke" never did Bobby Robson any harm, infact I'm sure there are a good many more if I put my mind to it. My point is, to be blunt, he looks a tasty fcker but coupled with a nice side it's the "beginnings of the right ingredients" if you follow? I'm not daft enough to let my heart rule my head as we know he's an 'Albion man' which is just what we need for now. Going forward? I don't know, and it's a gamble for sure but watching him, the look in his eye, the respect he has, that will go a long way. The new season will undoubtedly bring new players, could he attract them? Would they respect him as those who knew him previously? I don't know that one either. These are all doubts and questions we'll have if he were to be given the job, it's an appointment we can't afford to gamble on but when I think that Clarke and Irvine weren't even in the running, anything could be possible.
I have actually met and chatted with him when he came to my old work in West Brom, he's quite a humble, quietly spoken man but he had a presence which struck a chord.
I reiterate, my choice is Pearson, but Big D is turning my head more and more.
Its all opinions. And he's still early in his managerial career. You are right in that this is the perfect time for him to manage. Low expectations, season already finished etc. But he also inherited a side which had lost 9 games on the bounce and the confidence must have been rock bottom. So you have to say he's has an impact.
I'm not in the 'we need an experienced or proven manager' camp. I don't want a bloke who's been around the block (and probably failed somewhere) coming to us in his 7th or 8th job. I want a young, hungry manager who will prove himself. Every manager will make mistakes, we probably couldn't have picked a more experienced manager than Pardew and look at the end result there.
He has a great connection and affinity with the club, the fans love him and I think he is ambitious. He's the type of person who would be a great bloke to have behind you and (hopefully) the wrong bloke to cross. I want the club to be bold this summer and pick a young, up and coming manager. Big Dave fits the bill. If not, then someone like Graham Potter, still early in his managerial career who has had success.
Agree with all that 123! If Big Dave keeps this up, then I can't see how he can't be given a crack full time of the job especially as he's Albion through and through, and knows the Championship. This guy clearly loves the club, and deserves a chance. Had Megson or Moore been given the job pre Huddersfield ( I did say to get rid of Pardew then ), I feel we would have got the points to stay up!