I don't blame McNally

All season long, I think he's looked completely worn out. Perhaps that's the reality of being a Premier League CEO; perhaps it's because of the personal tragedy he's gone through; perhaps it's been because of boardroom politics.

To me, his comments a couple of months back practically screamed that he wasn't behind Hughton - meaning I can only conclude that others on the board still were. And in a choice between his record in football, and Messrs Smith and Jones' record, I know who I'd give the benefit of the doubt to.

But I don't blame them either really. I think it's at least understandable that Hughton remained in place as long as he did; he kept winning the must-wins, so the calculation was always that we'd survive... until West Brom changed all that. And I was much, much, MUCH angrier in 2005 - when I felt we should've stayed up, but didn't - 05/6, when we should've got rid of Worthington, but didn't; then during the Gunn debacle, than I am now.

Bottom line? The squad is choc full of very average players and has barely any leaders or big personalities. We've never reached the stage whereby anyone other than a really, really good manager could have us looking comfortable in this league. Hughton was merely a decent manager, so it didn't work out - now, barring a miracle, we have to rebuild.

My great fear is that'll happen without McNally, who I'm convinced will resign when/if we go down; and maybe without Bowkett too. If so, I can't pretend I'm confident about Delia and Michael, who are both seriously long in the tooth as regards football club ownership goes, getting in the right people.

Posted By: thebigfeller, Apr 13, 22:47:17