Quote Originally Posted by SmiffyPie View Post
Take this board as a sample size and I think those that have said right from the start that they wanted him gone (and are sticking to it for whatever reason) are extremely few indeed. The vast majority questioned the appointment for obvious reasons (me included) but had the grace to give him a chance.
I think that most fans across the leagues, would be clamoring for the managers head if they'd seen what we did after LW left but, many, perhaps most, were quick to recognise that weaknesses in our playing staff, were amplifying our perceived, management problems. Most teams would struggle when you had a defence which through continued 'howlers', had become a laughing stock but you have to admit that at times, SM's set up and apparent inability to make decisive, tactical changes in games, were puzzling and left him further exposed, it was a perfect storm that would bring any manager down.

Although there were those who were viciously, vocal after some games (I was sat in the Pavis for a few games where the reaction of some fans embarrassed me), many had written off the season and were prepared to give him a clean slate with what we hoped would be a revamped team the following season. Although there were doubters pre-season, we've got that team now, one which shows potential and all things being equal, I personally think that this team will take us up so unless he starts playing DC at centre half with JJ in goal, let's put last season down as a blip and get behind SM.