Quote Originally Posted by ManchesterMagpie View Post
I think it's less about them having a blind spot to appointing a successful and effective leader, and more about them not being able to attract an experienced coach who is prepared to work in the way that our owners want them to (ie. as a Head Coach and not as a 'traditional' Manager being responsible for recruitment etc). It's clear that these owners will not change their model - which to be fair has been fairly successful to date - so any new Head Coach looking for a new role will have to accept that model if they want to come to Notts. It's a big part of their Job Description and only a certain type of coach would be happy to work that way. Luke Williams, Ian Burchnall and Neal Ardley were happy with these arrangements and it generally worked for them.

I agree with you on the Leadership element though. Luke was the right kind of character, big on discipline and he was respected by the players who would run through walls for him. Remember that 'never say die' attitude which saw us come back so many times during the promotion season, including the infamous Borehamwood play-off game? Luke instilled that mentality in the players. Maynard clearly couldn't inspire them and (with all respect) his interviews used to bore a lot of fans so imagine his influence in the dressing room!

Now if only there was another coach like Luke Williams available....
Very true. I've said before that the type of character we need is the type of character who will want to come in and run the whole show, including recruitment, so our strategy self-selects for coaches with less dominant personalities.

As you say, it worked with LW, and LW is available and presumably would consider a return on the right terms. It all makes too much sense, which is why it probably won't happen. Our owners will want to find the next Luke Williams, not the Luke Williams.