All managerial appointments are important, but this one comes early in the season with us sitting in the middle of a big pack towards the wrong end of the table in a division that is very stay-in-able. I would like to see a younger manager with fresh ideas who can work on a tight budget (because in relative terms that is what he will have), bring young talent through and play bright, attacking football. I understand the shout for Hasselbaink but although he has obviously done well so far he hasn't done it for long. I like Lee Johnson but he has only just moved to Barnsley and probably fancies the job there. My shout would be for Dean Smith at Walsall, who I haven't seen mentioned much yet. He has had four years at Walsall and has improved them year on year, building a young, attacking side on a nothing budget. He conducts himself well and seems a bright guy. He has a bit of the Eddie Howe about him. I would guess we could tempt him salary wise and he might be ready to take on a challenge in the next league up. He might not be a big name, but he could be the right man for the job.
There are a few candidates who fit your list smiler.
For my two pence worth, someone not mentioned so far...............Darren Ferguson. He seems to fit the requirements rather well?
Pro's : Managed on a tight budget / Championship experience / 3 league titles with Posh / Wembley win (JPT) / May know someone with influence who could get some loan players in from a Premier club (lol) / Plays attacking possession football / Promotes home grown talent / Turns good players into very good players / Wages would be affordable? / Available now.
Con's : Relegated twice from the Championship / Failure at Preston / Been out of work 6 months
Only my thoughts, as like everyone else on here, our opinions will not matter a jot as TS will make the best decision for the club.
Anyone who knows me knows enough to back me up when I can categorically state that Darren Ferguson is not up to the job at championship football manager level.
Heman
Anyone who knows me knows enough to back me up when I can categorically state that Darren Ferguson is not up to the job at championship football manager level. Heman
Sorry Heman, I do not know you (I don't think?), but respect your opinion.
My logic was that Posh and the Millers, on paper, are very similar clubs (budget/support/standing/ etc) and DF ticks an awful lot of the boxes that we need ticking, although to be fair, there are probably another 30 out of work managers that also do?
Anyone who knows me knows enough to back me up when I can categorically state that Darren Ferguson is not up to the job at championship football manager level. Heman
I see that Dean Smith has leapt from nowhere to a strong contender in the admittedly fragile betting market, and has been identified in the admittedly unreliable press as being a front runner. I must say that I have been surprised he was not a strong candidate earlier. As per my o/p he ticks every box except that he has no championship experience as a manager. People favour Hasselbaink over him because Hasselbaink is a big name (in more ways than one) but Smith has been doing a top job for a few years. He is exactly what we need.
Dean smith: Interesting one; Not actually got a great record in terms of league finishes. Flirted with relegation and play offs. Signs lots of players.gives youngsters plenty of chances. Highly esteemed.
I'm getting a bit fidgety about some of the candidates and the number of names linked that have apparently turned away from us. I reject the idea this is not an attractive job for those League one potential candidates. Perhaps they don't have the self confidence.
not sure this has any direct relevance but in looking for a new manager its interesting (marginal) to note that SE was our longest serving manager (except for Ronnie) since the great Jimmy Mcgugan.
