Dean Smith - Confirmed

[Rigadon]

Well said The Edge.  All failed managers automatically become 'chancers' for some.  Ultimately Bruce never worked out and deserved the sack in the end.  Smith seems to be a breath of fresh air.  Happy times then!

[paul_e]

I agree he wasn't a chancer (even though i probably called him one at times). The truth is that he was lazy and arrogant, thinkimg his experience meant he could coast along doing the same thing that had given him a semblance of success elsewhere and that anyone who disagreed was ignorant of how the game is. If he'd had a better attitude he'd have realised that the game was changing.

[PeterWithesShin]

His record shows he wasn't a chancer, but the game has moved on and he didn't know how to move with it so all his limitations ended up on display.

[SoccerHQ]

SB is just a little bit too lazy for these type of jobs. Barely does stuff on the training ground etc. Can work well at underdog clubs but not where there's more expectation/pressure.

It's similar to MON. Check out the Matt Doherty comments about the differences in approach at ROI and Wolves.

So refreshing we actually have a hands on manager at the training ground for the first time in a long while. That's how you improve players, not making another 5-6 signings as SB inevitably would've done in January if he'd been given longer.

[Rigadon]

Not sure if laziness is the right term exactly, but I get what you mean.  Bruce is like the other British managers of his generation, in that during their own playing careers they had managers (Clough, Fergie etc) who were successful in the 'general manager', rather than hands on coach, role.  It's not 'lazy', more just hopelessly outdated.  It's a bit like a centre half who is fine, fine, then his legs go and it happens really quick and everyone winces when the young centre forward makes him look geriatric.

Anyway, enough about the past...     

[SoccerHQ]

Not sure if laziness is the right term exactly, but I get what you mean.  Bruce is like the other British managers of his generation, in that during their own playing careers they had managers (Clough, Fergie etc) who were successful in the 'general manager', rather than hands on coach, role.  It's not 'lazy', more just hopelessly outdated.  It's a bit like a centre half who is fine, fine, then his legs go and it happens really quick and everyone winces when the young centre forward makes him look geriatric.

Anyway, enough about the past...     

Think it's worth remembering he did start his managerial career in the late 90s. Game has completely changed from that period. As I've said his style works better at likes of SHA and Hull where being solid, scrapping out results and having good team spirit is the order of the day, not excellence in the final third.

Considering some of the attacking players we've had since we've been down here, you can see the difference in training pitch coaching since Smith came in. Jack looking more likely his old self, midfielders being given more licence to attack the box and us finally cutting through teams. We did it a few times last season but many of our results were still generally back to the wall and pinching games (Forest and Sheffield United spring to mind). We'll do some of that under Smith but it becomes a big issue when it's your default setting.

[Pvb1968]

The game is still packed with the mates brigade who get job after job following failure.

[PeterWithesShin]

What I love about him is even after a 4-2 win in a derby he's been critical in his interviews. None of this "that will shut a few up" or "we were excellent" bullshit we've been fed for years.

[dave shelley]

Who let that air freshener into the place?

[mr underhill]

I'm not sad Bruce went but the victory at home earlier this year to SH was decidedly less heart in mouth than this one - but I suppose we did have a better defence.

[dekko]

I'm not sad Bruce went but the victory at home earlier this year to SH was decidedly less heart in mouth than this one - but I suppose we did have a better defence.

They've actually got a decent manager now too

[garyshawsknee]

When you hear him speak, it really fills you with confidence. All the mistakes in the games that we spot, he sees them too and will correct them, he will definitely improve players in the squad. I honestly cant remember the last time we had that here.

[FatSam]

When you hear him speak, it really fills you with confidence. All the mistakes in the games that we spot, he sees them too and will correct them, he will definitely improve players in the squad. I honestly cant remember the last time we had that here.

I think the last time we had it was Brian Little. I think everyone since has seen players regress with us, even during periods of relative success - think about how poor MON's improvement rate was, buying a new defence every season.

[garyshawsknee]

You're right Sam, maybe Houllier if he had stayed on, either way its been far too long.

[Pvb1968]

We're on our way, here we come..