ITFCReuser
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Posts posted by ITFCReuser
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20 minutes ago, Sonny said:
Jack doesn’t want to steady a ship and sit mid-table. Before a ball was kicked this season, and having avoided relegation only on the last day of the previos season, Jack declared his goal was winning the League. Many laughed and we were certailly not bookies’ favourites. But win it we did and at a canter. The BoD give him free reign and back him to the hilt.
Jack has already stated he is excited about pitting his wits against the like of Brendan Rodgers. Steven Gerrard, Stevie Clark and Derek McInnes. He is not desperate to jump ship. Unless Ipswich declare their goal is promotion and will back it Jack will have great reservations about going there.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!
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17 minutes ago, Sonny said:
When Jack took over year ago in October the first thing he did was bin many of the useless existing squad and brought in youngsters from our Academy. We then had a midfield of McAllister (17), Mallan (19), Magennis (17), Morgan (18) with Baird at Centre Half at 20. From being more than a dozen points adrift at the bottom of the table we survived. 3 out of that 5 have now been sold. We have an excellent Academy that churns out decent players over the last few years (McGinn, McLean, Naismith).
Jack can bring on young players from our academy or sign young players and develop them. Most games this season we fielded 4 or 5 players U21 - one loan signing, a couple from the Academy and a couple of signings who struggled with Premiership teams.
However Jack doesn't want to just be a coach. He wants to win things. Developing young players is not his sole aim. His young players have got to be capable of winning. If Jack doesn't think he can gain promotion then I do not think he will take the job. I know we are not going to win the Premiership but it is an exciting place to be and will be a good test for Jack for next season with the aim of getting into the top six (ie winning a League of the other 7 clubs outwith the top 5). That is quite appealing to him and if Ipswich do not have a hard target of promotion and the appropriate resources then I can see him staying for now.
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.
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13 hours ago, Isle Of Bute Saint said:
What makes you clearly think he wants the job ? Yes agree it could be life changing for Jack money wise. But was not Barnsley? MK Dons ? Dundee ? Though I think he would have went to Aberdeen if it had come up. There is a big difference in Jack in that he needs to believe he can take a club forward watch the interviews. I'm not a dreamer St Mirren is be all of course not for Jack. Ipswich is a good club but if their ambition is 2 million transfer kitty where money seems no object to other clubs Jack must how can I take Ipswich forward ? I'm quite hopfull he will stay now. He is a hugely patriotic his dream is to manage Scotland the way he talked up Scottish football I'm very, very hopfull he will stay Stu. You pretend not to be a Saints fan yet you post here daily we know you luv Saints
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!
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1 hour ago, Sonny said:
Ok. When Jack takes over which great young talent can you send us on loan?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?
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2 minutes ago, helpmaboab said:
And a mediocre run would burst his bubble. He knows that only too well.
Who is the front runner for the job?
If he doesn't get the job he should lodge a complaint for racial discrimination against Scottish people.
Maybe nobody in England could understand his Scottish accent. He might need an interpreter.
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.
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4 minutes ago, ShefkiKuqisSkidmarks said:
And this is what we want to do and build through youth and pick up some bargains.
We bought Cresswell for not a lot and sold him for £4m, we bought Mings for £10k and sold him for £8m.
We got Garner and Waghorn from Rangers for a combined fee of about £500k and they have been fantastic, our GK is arguably the best in the league and cost peanuts from Notts County.
We really have some great young players coming through and whilst money helps we are the sort of club that likes to be self sufficient and it can work.
I might be an old fart but I believe a club can compete with good foundations and the right people.
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.
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2 minutes ago, ShefkiKuqisSkidmarks said:
Maybe but I can't see why if Mick was on £20k we wouldn't pay our new target £15k. It would undermine the manager if a chunk of the first team were getting more than the manager. Mick just picked up what seems to be our going rate, the £1m thing that was floating about was I believe a separate bonus for keeping us up.
Anyway, as I say, it was just a guess. Either way it seems that it is a life changing thing as he would be on a minimum of £10k - £12k
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?
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10 minutes ago, ShefkiKuqisSkidmarks said:
I'm just guessing at that figure but I think McCarthy was on about £20k and our highest player on about £18k so I just assumed the figure.
I think a young manager would be given a two year contract - which would be worth £1.5m
One has to look after oneself and and ones family. From what I have read over the past couple of days it seems that your man will go at some point, I would like it to be us as he sounds a good guy and he will get every chance with us. If he went to Derby, Leeds etc he could be undermined and face with the sack at any time.
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...
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11 minutes ago, Bud the Baker said:
Must be a diddy outfit - Morton got 182 applications!
And all but two were from Morton fans with decent Football Manager stats... ;)
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50 minutes ago, helpmaboab said:I would have thought winning Scottish manager of the year would be deserving of a 'bigger' club that Ipswich. Fergie went to MU after all, but admittedly he had huge success at Aberdeen and St.Mirren. Jack has only had success in the poxy Scottish Championship. Maybe he could return Leeds United to the EPL, they have a huge draw and heritage. Ipswich are a boring club. Even taking over Sunderland and rebuilding them would be more fitting for JR. The big question really is he really good enough?
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.
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1 minute ago, Bud the Baker said:
Blue rinse more like...…………………
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!
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15 minutes ago, lenziebud said:
I think Ipswich should go for Hurst over Ross.
Hurst has done an outstanding job at Shrewsbury and could very well get them into Championship.
Ross has in effect won the Conference in England.
Ross is untested at a higher level and for me Ipswich would be taking a far bigger gamble appointing him over Paul Hurst.
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!
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4 minutes ago, DougJamie said:
Was that not in Alan Partridge Season 2
Yes, sir- it was! Never fails to crack me up.
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1 minute ago, ironsaints87 said:
Lol can’t say I’ve an interest in spice or owls
though I hear spice is big in Manchester these days
I like cathedrals and Norwich have a beauty 
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.
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1 minute ago, ironsaints87 said:
Flat boring
You've obviously never been to Longstanton Spice Museum or one of our cracking owl sanctuaries.
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13 minutes ago, ShefkiKuqisSkidmarks said:
He tends to divide opinion because some of (shall I say possibly younger) fans want the moon on a stick.
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!
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2 minutes ago, djchapsticks said:
Think you're barking up the wrong tree with Jack. He's hopeless and only inherited a fantastic squad from Tommy Craig, Ian Murray and Alex Rae.
Any one of those three are the sort of forward thinking mavericks you as a club should be going for. Not hopeless Jack.
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.
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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
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5 minutes ago, Cornwall_Saint said:
Ross' dressing rom influence has been incredible. It was noticeable as we were making our comeback to avoid relegation in 16/17 and he managed to make a lot of his Jan signings permanent in the summer. All the player interviews mentioned the "feeling" in the dressing room. The positivity never left them through the season. Most of them may not experience it on such a good scale again. It was brilliant.
The connections could be a problem. His connections in Scotland (combined with his assistant Fowler) are excellent for a club like ourselves. But where Ipswich is an obvious step up in quality this could be difficult. That being said Alex Neil hasn't been held back by that since moving to England, so it's not something he can't work around.
Quality of football? Best the Saints have seen in years. The fans who disliked MM for style needn't worry, Jack had us playing some wonderful football.
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 ;)
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4 minutes ago, Sonny said:
Well Barcelona congratulated us on a great team move ending with a wonderful goal which was nominated for Goal of the season. Like Barcelona we play with a team of midgets but its hard working, free flowing and exciting. The best football we have watched in many a year.
Blimey. That's some superb football. Imagine us being set up with seven at the back for years then looking at that!
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25 minutes ago, Yflab said:
http://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town-finances-16-17-debt-rises-to-89m-1-5316977
ipswich are £90M in debt.
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!
Disappointed in it all
in General St. Mirren Discussion
Posted
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