I wouldn't risk the European Cup (and Super Cup). Definite stick.
I have a theory about this. I don't think Saunders was all that bothered about the European Cup. He wanted to win it, but as far as he was concerned he'd achieved his biggest ambition in 1981 and anything else was a bonus. Whether it was this, or falling out with the Bendalls, he lost a bit of his drive and our results, plus his record after, bore this out.
Quote from: cdbullyweefan on February 23, 2018, 09:12:03 PMI wouldn't risk the European Cup (and Super Cup). Definite stick.My thoughts. We will probably never get close again...
Quote from: dave.woodhall on February 23, 2018, 08:37:11 PMI have a theory about this. I don't think Saunders was all that bothered about the European Cup. He wanted to win it, but as far as he was concerned he'd achieved his biggest ambition in 1981 and anything else was a bonus. Whether it was this, or falling out with the Bendalls, he lost a bit of his drive and our results, plus his record after, bore this out. I ve just finished reading the book 'The Odd Man Out' and it did appear he was falling out with the Bednalls more and more over contract issues. If I read correctly, too, a couple of senior players were non to happy and wanted out, Tony Morley being one, but stayed when Ron left.I'm afraid I don't think we'd have won it had Ron stayed. I do, however, think we'd have had more years challenging at the top of the league, though.
Were there other options considered before they gave the job to Tony, or at least other candidates mentioned in the press? It's some gig when you think about it, it's not often (especially more back then) that the job at the Champions comes up, with them in the 1/4 finals of the big cup.
Quote from: LeeB on February 24, 2018, 08:16:12 PMWere there other options considered before they gave the job to Tony, or at least other candidates mentioned in the press? It's some gig when you think about it, it's not often (especially more back then) that the job at the Champions comes up, with them in the 1/4 finals of the big cup.Tony got the acting manager's job because he was there and Ron Bendall had no interest in football so he didn't have a clue what to do once Saunders had gone. He made a good start so giving him the job permanently was the obvious thing to do.
As I remember it (I was a kid so this may not be right) Barton's appointment was quite a surprise. Roy Maclaren was much more prominent under Saunders - how come he wasn't offered the job?