Mikel Merino

[HughieG]

If you talk to the vast majority of Toon Supporters they all recognise what a fantastic job Rafa has done with a limited budget. You will always get a couple though who think he is rubbish.

If you did a poll of the fans at a home game as to who they like the best Ashley or Rafa I think you would see the true consensus of opinion.

You're probably right there Terry. It baffles me though that, even if you don't like the way he plays football and sets up his teams, that you cannot at least acknowledge that he's done exceptionally well in first getting us promoted and then guiding us to 10th (!!!) in our first season back up. Man, I don't even agree with everything Rafa has done and I sometimes question his decisions (though not in the big picture), but you have to hold your hands up for the work that has been carried out by not only Rafa, but the coaching staff and the players - and of course the supporters as always.

[TheOtherTerryMac]

You're probably right there Terry. It baffles me though that, even if you don't like the way he plays football and sets up his teams, that you cannot at least acknowledge that he's done exceptionally well in first getting us promoted and then guiding us to 10th (!!!) in our first season back up. Man, I don't even agree with everything Rafa has done and I sometimes question his decisions (though not in the big picture), but you have to hold your hands up for the work that has been carried out by not only Rafa, but the coaching staff and the players - and of course the supporters as always.

I used to look at the team sheet early in the season and when I saw Diame name on it I thought that’s us beat. Rafa has done a great job with him and for me Diame and Dummet have improved immensely.

Dummet is similar to Frank Clark and doesn’t do anything fancy.

Rafa has his faults but must be applauded for his and his staffs achievements so far.