ITFCReuser

Hello again to all you Buddies. Our forum has been up and down like a whore's draws all afternoon with this. Most believe, indeed, Marcus has waited far too long to offer JR the job. After Hurst, we have no one of any real stature lined up. The JR link seemed to inspire and excite our fans. Hurst will seem like the ugly sister option, though many would still value him being at our club. Evans is a businessman and expects top candidates to wait three, four, five, god-knows-how-many weeks before being offered a position. We were always going to conduct a thorough and proper search for our next manager, which is welcome, but it seems Evans wants the chance to interview everyone before deciding. This is football, not a Ltd company. Imagine being JR and being told to wait and see if the other candidate will hold talks. I'd be half tempted to stay put. We completely agree that this heel-dragging hasn't been good for anyone. We just want things to be sorted quickly so we can crack on for the new season, which is exactly what you want considering your situation. I still protest that Ipswich would be a better option for Jack given the stable platform and patience we can provide, as well as being a league above Sunderland, while also having a considered, if not sometimes flawed, owner who doesn't go on talk radio and seemingly can't keep his trap shut. What Sunderland would look like under new ownership is anybody's guess. But geographically it could definitely suit. Who knows where now. Let's just hope it's sorted soon for everyone's benefit. Cheers

If you're right then that's ITFC's cornflakes pished all over! Hope either Hurst or JR get the nod and the Simon Grayson link was some sort of sick joke. But it's the hope that kills ya!

You know you're supposed to be putting us off your man, right? Haha. Sounds very promising that. As for winning things... hmm. We haven't been on a cup run since MM took charge, exiting the competition at the first hurdle in most cases, so that is something we'd like to see any new manager take on. We understood it when we were in play-off contention but every other season we had nothing to play for so may as well have had a go. Being humiliated live on BBC one by Lincoln was one of our lowest recent ebbs. Getting into the play-offs, or being thereabouts throughout the season, is our real aim. However, most of us would take a mid-table place again next year provided that our playing style improves, our youngsters get another year's experience under their belts and the new man is allowed to settle in properly. I'm not sure if you'd regard that as ambitious or not. Indeed, I can really see the appeal of sticking with you guys and having a crack at the Prem, especially considering the great relationship you've built with each other.

You're bang on that that's the scope of our budget, but Evans wants someone who can develop our very promising youths this season- many of whom have been in the first-team this season due to injuries, or out on successful loan spells. Just off the top of my head, we have: Dozzell, Downes, Nydam, Fowler, Folami, Emmanuel, Kenlock andWoolfenden ready to take up their first-team places next term. That's a hell of a lot of talent to work with! Now, I'm not sure if this question's been asked before about JR and youth development? You lot have many youngsters in and around the squad at present? That may prove a stumbling block if he hasn't had that level of experience, although we do have a great U23 coaching team on-hand to lend support. As regards other clubs in the Champ, we quite enjoying watching Derby's annual multi-million-pound implosions, and the sister-botherers up the road and Leeds have both spent considerably more than us this season, only to finished lower. Silk purses and sows' ears come to mind with us. In fact, I quite like our perception as poor club as I think it gives us much more leverage in the market. As opposed to say, Wolves or someone, announcing a huge war chest- imagine all those agents licking their lips!

Good question! We've got so many great youngsters coming through just now. Most have been in the first team this season due to injuries and more than lived up to expectations. But some have gone out on loan too and has done them the world of good. Which positions do you need most?

You may well be right, but it's worth noting that during our worst recent spell under Paul Jewell, we didn't even sack him- he handed in his notice. Tough one though, isn't it, from JR's point of view. I'm a bit of a sentimental softy and would probably stay! Paul Hurst is the front-runner. Shrewsbury are in the play-offs though so we have to wait on him. And I reckon Town are the last club you could accuse of Scottish racism, mate! Haha.

Totally agree. This is where being tight-fisted is actually a bit of a virtue in my opinion. Derby try to spend their way to promotion every season with zero payback thus far. Wolves are now in the pocket of Mendes. Look at Wednesday's strike force and their current league position. We were promoted to the Prem as a close-knit squad with superb team spirit. We then learnt a painful lesson after reaching Europe again with signings like Sereni. Already had our fingers burnt like that to know better. Pay a decent manager decent money and make him selective in terms of recruitment. Our youth team players are now the best we've had in years; we need someone who can inspire them, spur them on and find the experienced heads to guide them through a brutal league. Going to be a very interesting season whatever happens (for both our clubs!)- haven't felt this excited in years.

Absolutely agree we should pay whoever handsomely regardless, but as you say, even half of MM's salary would be very good for him. I've said back on TWTD that I believe paying a good manager more to make a silk purse out of the proverbial is the best approach. But here's a question: If you were in JR's position would you take the extra £500k per season to improve your squad and chances of success, if it meant taking a pay cut?

Yes, agreed about Mick's figures but he's a very big name and his £1m contract was about right for his stature. Given the step up, I'd imagine a significant decrease in JR's potential salary (we love having options with contracts these days, don't we?!), so reckon two years, plus one year option and half of what MM was on. Half a mil a year could add significantly to a few wage bills/transfers too. Could even manage to get the North Stand roof cleaned...

And all but two were from Morton fans with decent Football Manager stats... ;)

While we freely admit to being mid-Championship status these days, we are still a big draw for many, hence the 100+ applications received so far. You've answered your own question though there really as you go on to talk about JR's relative lack of experience. So why would he be deserving of a bigger club? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he's not a very good prospect, more that I think we have more value than you perhaps suspect. Leeds may have more money than us but they're a complete basket-case club. He'd be handed a two-year contract there and depart within six months. Now that's how you'd ruin this guy's career. We've only had 15 managers in 80 something years; you'll always get the chance to prove yourself at Portman Road, for better or for worse sometimes! Same applies to Sunderland. They are in League One, need a huge clear out and their performances/morale could not be lower. How you would find that a better fit than Ipswich honestly baffles me.

There's lead in Burley's pencil yet, bud! Chris Hogg also works as lead coach of our academy and is married to Burley's daughter... not sure how well the Hibs connection goes down on here though!

I make you right on pretty much all that. Until JR's name was mentioned, and we found out a bit more about him, Hurst's name was the definite front-runner. Waiting to see how the Shrews' situation works out really, and you're absolutely right that he'd be a potentially better fit given his experience at a similar level. The Burley/Butcher combo is the blue-tinted spectacles choice (and one I'd quite fancy tbh!). Seeing two Town legends back in the dugout could only end in tears. Whether they're of joy or misery would remain to be seen... Another name in serious contention was Mowbray but he's now likely to stay put as Blackburn will hand him a new contract and a decent budget. Scott Parker is the surprise package, 'big name' ex-player with zero first-team experience option. Lovely player that he was, that represents a gamble that borders on the insane for us. Reckon he'll start much lower down and actually do well for himself- v. highly spoken of at Spurs' academy. An interesting name to look out for in the future, for sure. I'd say it's about neck and neck with JR and PH. Burley probably in third. Our owner does apparently take note of social media and our forum so, thank god, when we went ballistic over the names of Pardew and Sherwood, this was duly noted. May not be so good for you guys as we seem slightly enamoured with JR at present... and many have adopted St Mirren as their team north of the border!

Yes, sir- it was! Never fails to crack me up.

They've got two... and an airport, which they never tire reminding us of. They've also got six fingers on each hand and an empty trophy cabinet, which we never tire of reminding them of.

You've obviously never been to Longstanton Spice Museum or one of our cracking owl sanctuaries.

It's not only younger fans who are financially illiterate and believe ME is using the Club as a method of tax-evasion. Swear we have to explain this point every week or so. Losing £6m+ a year is saving money... er, OK! As I've said before on this thread, the main goals for a new man are to keep that togetherness and make a few shrewd acquisitions, no big time Charlies, who want to prove themselves at Portman Road. That alone gives us a fighting chance of the play-offs. We're a bit of an odd bunch, I think, who are very down to earth with our expectations. Just try to play some football on the deck and bring through the youngsters... and don't swear at the fans!

To be honest mate, I'm torn. Burley's thrown his name in there and I'd love to see him manage us again. Clearly loves the club, gave me some of my best Town memories and speaks so passionately about the job. Only prospective name that's got my heart racing... until now- JR sounds right up our street. It has to be said that our owner's two top 'advisors' are fecking 'Arry and David Pleat... god help us.

Our forum guru HarryFromBath has now done one of his famous 'Notes' on St Mirren and Jack Ross by delving through your forum. He does this before every game, compiling opinions on managers/players/us from opposition forums. Always well worth a read, very balanced and informative. You might even recognise one of your posts... What do you reckon? Fair assessment? https://www.twtd.co.uk/forum/430228/st-mirren-supporters’-thoughts-on-jack-ross…/#0

Great post, cheers. Encouraging to hear he can really galvanise a group of players during tough times and foster such a positive spirit amongst the squad. Sadly, we've had to endure the man-management/press-relation style of Roy Keane ("No players want to come to Ipswich because the town is sh1t."), followed by Paul Jewell (Lovely man, wet as water, awful manager), and then MM who 'allegedly' told the fans to f*ck off during our derby with N*rwich. A more positive mood from a manager who appreciates the role would be very welcome. Our Prem loans over recent years have been vital to our relative successes, so this, for me, is the major problem of an appointment. Burley has thrown his hat in, though, and could possibly contribute in some way to that, as well as having Bryan Klug (great links at Spurs) as our Head of Academy. Alex Neil is a budgie gollum. Though I'm pleased to see PNE doing well. As I've said in a reply to another post, the football looks scintillating- despite some posters trying to fool us otherwise ;)

Blimey. That's some superb football. Imagine us being set up with seven at the back for years then looking at that!

Hi guys, another Ipswich invader here. Just like to echo my fellow East Anglians' sentiments on your board- some decent discussion on this thread, unlike some forums we could mention! Would like to pull up on this point. Though we are £90m in 'debt', that debt is personally underwritten by Evans with the understanding that it would be written off in case of a sale. It is only reflective of his net investment over 10 years. We aren't big spenders by any means, so need a manager who can spend shrewdly and search the lower/foreign leagues for gems. We had happy hunting with Mings who was scouted at non-league, bought for £10k and sold for £8m+, though since leaving has been completely crocked. Not only that but we need a strong, positive character who can keep the currently sky-high dressing room morale as it is. McCarthy was great at doing that and quickly weeded out negative influences. Ross seems the type to do that. However, my only concern would be his connections in the game, in terms of attracting Prem loans, etc. McCarthy, again, had excellent connections, so we were able to capitalise on loans from Spurs, City, et al. And here's the other thing: no one's asked about style of play yet. How does your man approach games? We're craving more attacking intent and quality. MM's football was suited to Suffolk in that it was agricultural, but not to ITFC fans who have enjoyed free-flowing, gung-ho football for decades. Anyways, wish you all the best for next season and will certainly keep an eye out for you whatever happens. Cheers!