Houllier confirmed as new manager. Press Conference p22

[Reality]

This summer and circus that is still going on has essentially made me realise that the Yanks, and Faulkner actually don't have a clue at all what they are doing.

You're right. They haven't a clue. They've been fucking awful these last four years - everyone's always said so.

I think if you look back at some of the statements - "We will get the right man in. We will not be rushed. He will be here".

They've confirmed Houllier as manager, yet he still isn't here.

It's laughable and small-time.

[dave.woodhall]

This summer and circus that is still going on has essentially made me realise that the Yanks, and Faulkner actually don't have a clue at all what they are doing.

You're right. They haven't a clue. They've been fucking awful these last four years - everyone's always said so.

I think if you look back at some of the statements - "We will get the right man in. We will not be rushed. He will be here".

They've confirmed Houllier as manager, yet he still isn't here.

It's laughable and small-time.

And that means they haven't a clue about anything. Thank you for that.

[Reality]

They certainly haven't had a clue about this summer, and the evidence towards that is the following:

- Rumours of no money, Krulak says there is, then O'Neill leaves apparently over transfer funds
- Dragging out of the managerial situation - stating they'd get the right man in ASASP, and he "would be here", yet he isn't here, he's off in France
- Why not pay the FFF a compensation package like other clubs? What a bunch of tight-arses
- The constant statements from Faulkner indicating we wouldn't be spending money, when Krulak says we had money to spend.
- Curbishley interviewed first before anyone (A man who said "Going to Aston Villa was the worst mistake of my life", remember that? Yet the board thought he had enough credibility and deserved an interview, when he has spoken publicly about his disdain for the club. I smell desperation.

Too many contradictions, and the circus keeps on spinning around and around.

[dave.woodhall]

They certainly haven't had a clue about this summer, and the evidence towards that is the following:

- Rumours of no money, Krulak says there is, then O'Neill leaves apparently over transfer funds
- Dragging out of the managerial situation - stating they'd get the right man in ASASP, and he "would be here", yet he isn't here, he's off in France
- Why not pay the FFF a compensation package like other clubs? What a bunch of tight-arses
- The constant statements from Faulkner indicating we wouldn't be spending money, when Krulak says we had money to spend.
- Curbishley interviewed first before anyone (A man who said "Going to Aston Villa was the worst mistake of my life", remember that? Yet the board thought he had enough credibility and deserved an interview, when he has spoken publicly about his disdain for the club. I smell desperation.

Too many contradictions, and the circus keeps on spinning around and around.

I know for a fact that at least two of those aren't true.

[Somniloquism]

This summer and circus that is still going on has essentially made me realise that the Yanks, and Faulkner actually don't have a clue at all what they are doing.

You're right. They haven't a clue. They've been fucking awful these last four years - everyone's always said so.

But for four years they have only had to supply the cash and ensure the pies are sorted. Yes they have done stuff like the Holte Pub, the mosaics, Acorns and so on which has raised their appeal. Apart from the Trinity 400 they haven't done anything to really upset fans and when they acknowledged their mistake they did what they could to ensure an easy transition.

But this is their first really big decision that affects the footballing side since they have taken over  and they have definitely screwed the pooch. The shortlist wasn't inspiring, the process weirdly undertaken and the final decision (although on the face of it a good one) was poorly executed.

[Villa'Zawg]

So one manager is a twat for walking out but another should do exactly the same.

Clever answer, but a) Houllier isn't actually manager of France, and b) walking out on a league club where you're pretty well in charge of everything and taking all your staff with you 5 days become a new season starts is a million miles away from leaving a position in the French FA where your presence doesn't really affect day to day matters greatly.  As well you know.  Should we not sign any more players because Milner walked out on us?

The principle is still the same, and as was said earlier, we don't know what's happening in the background.

Perhaps there is a good reason but don't you think Faulkner should explain why it is that we haven't simply paid compensation to FFF in order to release Houllier immediately?

[Somniloquism]

I know for a fact that at least two of those aren't true.

Well there are two statements about money so it could be those two, although I expect the other one is the Curbisley one. But then the first name that was confirmed by yourself and the papers was him so it would have been an easy assumption to make.

[Reality]

They certainly haven't had a clue about this summer, and the evidence towards that is the following:

- Rumours of no money, Krulak says there is, then O'Neill leaves apparently over transfer funds
- Dragging out of the managerial situation - stating they'd get the right man in ASASP, and he "would be here", yet he isn't here, he's off in France
- Why not pay the FFF a compensation package like other clubs? What a bunch of tight-arses
- The constant statements from Faulkner indicating we wouldn't be spending money, when Krulak says we had money to spend.
- Curbishley interviewed first before anyone (A man who said "Going to Aston Villa was the worst mistake of my life", remember that? Yet the board thought he had enough credibility and deserved an interview, when he has spoken publicly about his disdain for the club. I smell desperation.

Too many contradictions, and the circus keeps on spinning around and around.

I know for a fact that at least two of those aren't true.

Ok, could you please point out which two? And why? If you can.

[dave.woodhall]

This summer and circus that is still going on has essentially made me realise that the Yanks, and Faulkner actually don't have a clue at all what they are doing.

You're right. They haven't a clue. They've been fucking awful these last four years - everyone's always said so.

But for four years they have only had to supply the cash and ensure the pies are sorted. Yes they have done stuff like the Holte Pub, the mosaics, Acorns and so on which has raised their appeal. Apart from the Trinity 400 they haven't done anything to really upset fans and when they acknowledged their mistake they did what they could to ensure an easy transition.

But this is their first really big decision that affects the footballing side since they have taken over  and they have definitely screwed the pooch. The shortlist wasn't inspiring, the process weirdly undertaken and the final decision (although on the face of it a good one) was poorly executed.

I love "only supplied the cash" as though it's a mere detail. They've run the club very well since the day they arrived. Then an massive upheaval took place, the sort that would rock any club. It's going to take a long time to put right, and while it might be taking longer than we - and they - would like, I think the evidence garnered over the years indicates they will get there. Yet we're getting "haven't got a clue" and "laughing stock" thrown at them. It's a strange world where after four years Martin O'Neill was still being excused because he hadn't had enough time yet after four weeks Randy Lerner is being castigated.

[dave.woodhall]

They certainly haven't had a clue about this summer, and the evidence towards that is the following:

- Rumours of no money, Krulak says there is, then O'Neill leaves apparently over transfer funds
- Dragging out of the managerial situation - stating they'd get the right man in ASASP, and he "would be here", yet he isn't here, he's off in France
- Why not pay the FFF a compensation package like other clubs? What a bunch of tight-arses
- The constant statements from Faulkner indicating we wouldn't be spending money, when Krulak says we had money to spend.
- Curbishley interviewed first before anyone (A man who said "Going to Aston Villa was the worst mistake of my life", remember that? Yet the board thought he had enough credibility and deserved an interview, when he has spoken publicly about his disdain for the club. I smell desperation.

Too many contradictions, and the circus keeps on spinning around and around.

I know for a fact that at least two of those aren't true.

Ok, could you please point out which two? And why? If you can.

Sorry, but it's a bit tricky. I hope to be able to sort something out in the next few days.

[Somniloquism]

Perhaps there is a good reason but don't you think Faulkner should explain why it is that we haven't simply paid compensation to FFF in order to release Houllier immediately?

Even though I'm critical of the board in the handling, what would the FFF want with £60,000 (paying off Houliers notice period) and being left in the lurch.

What would be better would be some regular updates from the club via the OS on what is happening on the time frames, (if they know). Houllier has had several days before the announcement and press conference and several days after to talk with the FFF. I also would like an explanation on why he couldn't have been at the game at least tonight to check on his players he will be taking over. Randy has a private jet so could have flown him in and out easily. Yes he has video but when managers are scouting a rival team they go and watch them from the stands, not watch a video as they cannot get the same feel and information. I do understand about the awards dinner but as mentioned previously Pullis dedication to Stoke puts that to shame today.

[Reality]

Give the FFF a bit extra then to ensure that it happens immediately. Would the FFF rather have £200-300k, or are they really that desperate for Houllier to attend a French managerial award ceremony? It just seems that the FFF are playing hardball over this, and we are letting them.

[Somniloquism]

I love "only supplied the cash" as though it's a mere detail. They've run the club very well since the day they arrived. Then an massive upheaval took place, the sort that would rock any club. It's going to take a long time to put right, and while it might be taking longer than we - and they - would like, I think the evidence garnered over the years indicates they will get there. Yet we're getting "haven't got a clue" and "laughing stock" thrown at them. It's a strange world where after four years Martin O'Neill was still being excused because he hadn't had enough time yet after four weeks Randy Lerner is being castigated.

I'm talking about the contribution from the footballing side. As we all know MON (rightly or wrongly) ran the footballing side so he choose who to get in and how much to pay and Randy signed it off pretty much on MON's say so. So the contribution to the footballing side was the cash. Most of the complimentary comparisons with Randy and other chairman was along the lines of he is doing a good job as he is leaving Martin to get on with it and not interfering.

As for the four year / four week comment, to build something can take years, to destroy it can take seconds. At the moment it it is just shy of five weeks since the toys were thrown. We could, at worst case, need to wait 12 weeks for Houllier if he has to work his full notice (unlikely I know). That will be 16 weeks of the season gone. Potentially over a third of the games. How many wins would you expect playing the football we have played in the last 5 games under KMac. A potential relegation dog fight as the new manager comes in would not be the best situation, especially if he struggles to turn it around with the limited squad / potential exodus it could entail. I'm talking total worst case scenario at the moment and i don't expect it to get anywhere near as bad as that but the more games KMac has to be in charge, the closer it is getting. That is why the fans are jumpy about this delay.

[Risso]

Yet we're getting "haven't got a clue" and "laughing stock" thrown at them. It's a strange world where after four years Martin O'Neill was still being excused because he hadn't had enough time yet after four weeks Randy Lerner is being castigated.

For the first four years, Randy hardly put a foot wrong.  This summer, though, I think he's hardly put a foot fight, even allowing for O'Neill's actions.  Praise when it's due, criticise when it's due, I don't see what's so off about that.

[woo]

I find it hard to belive Randy & co. aren't trying to hammer out a deal to get him here asap, it's the only thing that makes sense. It's been a pretty depressing summer all round, they must want it over as much as we do.

So much for the cliche that contracts in football aren't worth anything - it seems this is the only one that is worth something!