Quote Originally Posted by Timmy58 View Post
It is a good question. Downgrading the Academy should cut costs but we have to remember that players coming through to the first team save us a considerable amount of money in wages while they establish themselves as part of the first team squad. Players of a similar standard would cost the club much more initially. I think it a little harsh to say this manager can't get us promoted. You may as well say this crop of players won't get us up. Recruitment under Bell's stewardship has been largely very good and aside from some awful luck with injuries we have managed to remain somewhere in the regions of the playoffs. So never say never!
But I'm not knocking the recruitment. That has been a real bonus. My criticism is aimed squarely at the management not taking advantage of the talent available. I've said a number of times that we have the talent in a fairly ordinary league and should be doing better. There often does not appear to be a plan. Formations change frequently. Substitutions have often been mystifying and sometimes disruptive to momentum. These are a few of the things that convinced me have reached the peak of the current managers ability. I do not criticise him lightly. I supported his appointment against a large number claiming he was the cheap option. He's had more than 3 years to stamp his imprint on the team yet, as I said, there is no discernible style of play other centre halves playing long balls to the lone forward and the absence of a developed midfield. This season was our big chance as the quality of L2 is not great but we are unlikely to take advantage. Now the club are looking to save money so maybe the chances of more O'Reillys and Tezgels appearing next season are likely to be slimmer but the approach to running the 1st team probably won't change so what of the future?