Rams truly a joy to watch

[swaledale]

Using some of my internal knowledge, at the time in question, he was always an interim appointment. He got us into the playoffs but, certainly back then, he was better with the young uns than with the seniors. When the season ended he threw his hat into the ring for the top job. He didn't get it. The why thereof was explained and he was happy with the explanation given. He resumed his previous role with the Academy. Since then the youth results have been getting better. Slowly but surely he got recruitment right, aided and abetted by MM pouring millions into Moor Farm to make it in the top ten worldwide.

2 years ago the U23s escaped relegation on the last day beating Chelsea 2-0. Last season they were, I believe 6th. This season at the Christmas break they get, they are top, 1 point ahead of Chelsea who have a game in hand.

U18s were Champions of England last season. This season they have reached the knockout stages of the U19 "Champions League" and meet Borussia Dortmund at Pride Park in the next round.

Of all the decisions on recruitment made in the past 5 or 6 years, persuading DW to stay at the Academy is probably the best of them all.

It might now be the case that, as and when Cocu goes, as he will within the next 5 years (Dutch coaching philosophy is never more than 3 or 4 years with one club but he might look at a slightly longer term due to the task he has been given with the youth), I think it would be no bad idea to promote from within and then continue to do it that way. Continuity is the way. Look at how it worked for Liverpool from the 60s to 1990 promoting from the bootroom when a change was needed. OK, since then 30 years without a League title but they have still been Champions of Europe in 2005 and 2019 in that time. It ought to work for us as well, provided someone has the sense to start doing just that.

The Dutch think long term then, 12 months is about average for a manager in England!

Mind you if things don't improve Cocu will be gone before then!

[MadAmster]

The Dutch think long term then, 12 months is about average for a manager in England!

Mind you if things don't improve Cocu will be gone before then!

You may be right as a "vote of confidence" is often the forerunner to the sack, however, MM said in the week that although he'd prefer better results than we have been getting, Cocu's appointment is part of a longer term plan and that isn't about to change (or words to that effect)