Will we qualify for the CL?

[Percy McCarthy]

Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.

[Smithy]

Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.

I would love to know more about this, and how the structure actually "works" rather than how it looks on paper, as it seems to me that, in reality, Unai is at the centre of everything.  I have no doubt managers all over the world would crave the level of control Unai has, but I don't see it replicated too often elsewhere.

[Chris Smith]

My nephew mentioned recently how when he was getting excited during the Lerner years I told him to make the most of it because it never really lasts. He asked what I thought this time and I said that it feels different, that there’s a clear plan that all involved are working to and that I’m as confident as I can be that it is sustainable.

[Drummond]

I agree Chris, It feels it this time. It feels like we have the right structure, where the manager is the most important part. When you look at successful teams over the years, it's usually the manager as the most important piece of a good structure. Ferguson, Wenger, Guardiola, Paisley etc that were all allowed to be the most important part. Who knows what could have happened for us in the 80s if the Chairman hadn't tried to be more important than the manager.

[TheToffnar]

Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.

I would love to know more about this, and how the structure actually "works" rather than how it looks on paper, as it seems to me that, in reality, Unai is at the centre of everything.  I have no doubt managers all over the world would crave the level of control Unai has, but I don't see it replicated too often elsewhere.

I was talking about this with my uncle last home game. Is it simply because we're sort of uniquely positioned?

Prestigious English club with a fair bit of history, a committed fan base and the requisite funds to back an elite manager (almost) to the hilt, yet not SO big that the owners can't risk gambling everything on a single appointment, else the empire collapses if it fails?

[LeeB]

Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.

I would love to know more about this, and how the structure actually "works" rather than how it looks on paper, as it seems to me that, in reality, Unai is at the centre of everything.  I have no doubt managers all over the world would crave the level of control Unai has, but I don't see it replicated too often elsewhere.

I was talking about this with my uncle last home game. Is it simply because we're sort of uniquely positioned?

Prestigious English club with a fair bit of history, a committed fan base and the requisite funds to back an elite manager (almost) to the hilt, yet not SO big that the owners can't risk gambling everything on a single appointment, else the empire collapses if it fails?

I think we are uniquely positioned in that sense, and also when the time comes when Unai does leave I think we will be a very interesting proposition for serious managers who wouldn't enjoy the same opportunities anywhere else..

I could see for example Tuchel looking on and thinking it would suit him given he's encountered similar issues to Emery at 'mega clubs'.

[itbrvilla]

Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.

Hopefully the recruitment is better...

[PaulWinch again]

That Manure equaliser is annoying, but that’s two very good results for us tonight. Need to win tomorrow.

[Beard82]

Hopefully those results remove pressure rather than add to it, we seem to be better when we dont feel the weight of expectations.

[Beard82]

As annoying as it seems the late equaliser - I am quite up for Man Utd finishing below us but getting European football.  That will probably give Carrick the job, and he'll have a few years in a OGS type reign.

[Sexual Ealing]

As annoying as it seems the late equaliser - I am quite up for Man Utd finishing below us but getting European football.  That will probably give Carrick the job, and he'll have a few years in a OGS type reign.

OGS finished second and third, which wouldn't be ideal.

[Meanwood Villa]

Teed up nicely for another 0-1 tomorrow

[Pat McMahon]

Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.

I would love to know more about this, and how the structure actually "works" rather than how it looks on paper, as it seems to me that, in reality, Unai is at the centre of everything.  I have no doubt managers all over the world would crave the level of control Unai has, but I don't see it replicated too often elsewhere.

I was talking about this with my uncle last home game. Is it simply because we're sort of uniquely positioned?

Prestigious English club with a fair bit of history, a committed fan base and the requisite funds to back an elite manager (almost) to the hilt, yet not SO big that the owners can't risk gambling everything on a single appointment, else the empire collapses if it fails?

I think we are uniquely positioned in that sense, and also when the time comes when Unai does leave I think we will be a very interesting proposition for serious managers who wouldn't enjoy the same opportunities anywhere else..

I could see for example Tuchel looking on and thinking it would suit him given he's encountered similar issues to Emery at 'mega clubs'.

Exactly Lee, I said this to my nephew last week as he was fretting about the day Emery leaves.

I think everything at the club now would allow the owners to seek out a very good manager, completely different to the calibre we have generally been linked with pre Emery.

Hoping Unai stays for as long as it takes of course.

[Beard82]

As annoying as it seems the late equaliser - I am quite up for Man Utd finishing below us but getting European football.  That will probably give Carrick the job, and he'll have a few years in a OGS type reign.

OGS finished second and third, which wouldn't be ideal.

Works for me so long as were above them. 

I was more thinking of a manager that is ultimately replaced with out any foundational improvement.

[Smithy]

As annoying as it seems the late equaliser - I am quite up for Man Utd finishing below us but getting European football.  That will probably give Carrick the job, and he'll have a few years in a OGS type reign.

OGS finished second and third, which wouldn't be ideal.

Works for me so long as were above them. 

I was more thinking of a manager that is ultimately replaced with out any foundational improvement.

That's true, we do want that club remaining a Glazer-influenced mad-house.  But also, clubs in the traditional 'top 6' missing out on Europe helps us advance our own longer-term objectives.  Not necessarily financially, as those 6 have built a commercial operation around regular European appearances, that a couple of years outside Europe doesn't stop them having the money to buy top players - but not being IN the top European competition makes them slightly less attractive TO those players.

We need to catch up financially, yes, but also reputationally with players looking to advance their careers.  And a few regular years of European football helps enormously with that, especially if there are clubs around us failing to achieve that.

Spurs will be out of European next season (unless they win the whole thing, obviously - shudder), so that's one down.  I would like to think one of Man U, Chelsea or Liverpool will also be outside the champions League places.  It won't hit them in any hugely significant way financially, but it will help in elevating our reputation with ambitious players.