Mike Bassett, a former manager of England, is undoubtedly the perfect candidate to lead us at the SAFC. He has a lot of expertise, is inexpensive, doesn’t require any staff or compensation fees, is excellent with the media, and won’t put up with any nonsense. Give him a call when everything else fails.
What are our players likely contemplating? Given that the owners don’t seem to be in a rush or even interested, is it worthwhile to stay? The transfer market is open, and who would want to come here if they didn’t know who our new manager—or coach, as they prefer to be called—is? Then there is Chris Rigg, our best young player, who is scheduled to sign his first contract on June 18. Why shouldn’t I feel resentful after 400 miles of round-trip assistance since 1958?
Why are fans putting forward even more names for the open position? The issue is right in front of us. If the rumors are accurate, we have the opportunity to work with possible managers; however, Speakman is the obstacle. Check the fuse if the kettle isn’t working. Replace the kettle if it blows again. It isn’t complicated science. Dan Traynor Note from Ed [Martin]: As I have already stated, I believe that this is Speakman’s final opportunity. He has had a terrible 18 months, and in football, rumors circulate, so if he is a difficult person to work with, potential managers will be aware of it. On that point, though, we’re assuming something. Is Speakman the issue, or is it the task at hand? Or is there something else completely different? I keep coming back to the fact it would be easy to appoint anyone. You or I could take charge and have Kevin Phillips or Jermain Defoe appointed by teatime.
The rigid “model” that KLD and Speakman have imposed means that Sunderland will be lucky to acquire any manager of any distinction. It doesn’t seem like any incumbent will have any influence over football-related issues, which is a bad idea. I worry that the current management group has the same level of football understanding but little desire. Remember that they hired the person they fired, therefore firing a manager or coach shows that they failed. Armchair fans like me and forty thousand stadium goers are being let down on a grand scale. KLD must go buy a French club and sell up.