Thanks Kev - but is a new manager needed?

[Liam AAS]

I'm in my 60's, I was taught '1st is 1st, second is nowhere' by my dad.

I'm 36 and my dad never came out with rubbish like that.

 

[Southend Elvis]

I'm 36 and my dad never came out with rubbish like that.

Answers my question there.
Only 2 teams play each other, 1st is winning 2nd is losing

 

[Napster]

Answers my question there.
Only 2 teams play each other, 1st is winning 2nd is losing

or it’s a draw.

 

[BEERMONSTER]

Answers my question there.
Only 2 teams play each other, 1st is winning 2nd is losing

I'm in my 60's and can easily relate to the attitude of it's all about the winning. As a boy my parents, grandparents and elders were generations that had lived through war so arguably a must win approach was a fundamental approach to life and that mindset was very much prevalent in Society.
My Dad's approach, who either side of WW2 was a keen amateur boxer, was simply in all things 'winning isn't everything but trying to is'
That's why over the years as a Shrimper I have always tried to differentiate between lack of ability and lack of effort and have little tolerance for the latter.

 

[Holy Joe]

I'm in my early 50's so deffo not a youngster but I'm in denial at saying I'm an elder just yet. I'm pretty competitive, but I don't get too upset at results of Southend as it's simply 99.9% outside of my control if we win, lose or draw. The 0.1%, maybe I could be more vocal in my support!

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Totally agree re his involvement and the model. I just find the way the subject is broached here as a little underhand. Say what you see Stan, no need to be cryptic. If it’s the Moncur/Bonne recruitments then just say it.

Saying “Things unravel” seems to suggest more to it and a level of disharmony.

Stan is hardly going to name names. I think him leaving us was a huge shame personally and it's hardly got a mention. He was instrumental in getting Tom in, setting up the football department and actually getting a structure approaching professional in place after years and years of flapping about aimlessly with no long term plan. Something does seem amiss since he's gone. Co-incidence? Time will tell I guess and all eyes will be on our recruitment over the next few months.

 

[Liam AAS]

Answers my question there.
Only 2 teams play each other, 1st is winning 2nd is losing

That is a really emotionally unhealthy outlook.

 

[Blue Yonder]

BW on goalposts being moved do you think the B team is such a set of goalposts? Is it happening? From Stan seemed fundamental to the model of recruiting and developing young players? Seems to me to moan about the lack of doing the latter if the club forgets the former is another challenge?

I think this is a big issue. Players trying to work their way to fitness by playing first team football they're not ready for, young players not developing 'cos they play about 2 hours football a season, players trying to regain form under the full glare of scrutiny. We've watched all three of those this season.

 

[Holy Joe]

I think this is a big issue. Players trying to work their way to fitness by playing first team football they're not ready for, young players not developing 'cos they play about 2 hours football a season, players trying to regain form under the full glare of scrutiny. We've watched all three of those this season.

Are any over age players allowed to play in u21 or whatever age groups we have? That could help with regaining fitness.

 

[Southend Elvis]

That is a really emotionally unhealthy outlook.

I just see everything as winning and losing, it's just a state of mind. I totally get other people's views, and that's fine. I do wonder if people like Alex Ferguson see it my way though?
I just like to ask questions why people think the way they think, it helps me in my second career.

 

[Texas Eslan]

Stan is hardly going to name names. I think him leaving us was a huge shame personally and it's hardly got a mention. He was instrumental in getting Tom in, setting up the football department and actually getting a structure approaching professional in place after years and years of flapping about aimlessly with no long term plan. Something does seem amiss since he's gone. Co-incidence? Time will tell I guess and all eyes will be on our recruitment over the next few months.

Totally agree. I think his input changed the landscape for the better at Roots Hall.

My points were not a dig at Stan per se but more that the comments seemed laced with an undertone which he has now addressed above.

 

[Ricey]

I'm 36 and my dad never came out with rubbish like that.

If you’re not first, you’re last!

 

[Napster]

If you’re not first, you’re last!

If it’s in the game it’s in the game

 

[Texas Eslan]

Nothing personal here. In my post my opinion of Kev, Daz, Benno and Tom are crystal clear. Also said I have no idea what COSU plan is as I'm not privvy to it.

My view is there's a plan that was devised for Southend, based on successful implementation at other clubs, that if continued with, the club would reap the benefits. I have no idea of its still being implemented but looking at club roles, incomings, outgoings, results and "noise" from key people, I'd suggest the strategy no longer exists. And that's fine, a new ownership structure has the right to do things as they like.

A poster asked "what would Stan make of things", so I've given my thoughts.

On a personal level I like Daz, Kev, Benno and Tom. The only consortium members I've met ( 2 long term supporters) I always got on well with, and I hope the others are a resounding success. I can't have beef with people I've never met beyond that, it's just not who I am.

But do I think a plan that was bearing fruit ( the only measure was player relative success and results under a year long embargo and financial issues) has been somewhat abandoned for a less egalitarian football department that had 6 people providing checks and balances for every player who came in and had clear, defined roles?

Yes.

Thanks for responding Stan, I really appreciate the clarity. You have an unusually large influence on the fan base and so when I read the ambiguity in your comments it worries me that it will lead to further disharmony, which I know you have previously done everything in your power to avoid.

Oh, and whilst you are here it would be great to see you back at the Hall again, adding your voice to the new and improved Southend. Especially given the huge part you played in us getting to this point in the first place.

 

[BoyWonder2]

If you’re not first, you’re last!

Shake and bake.

 

[Sherif H]

That is a really emotionally unhealthy outlook.

With respect, that is just an opinion. Those who work in highly competitive industries would get eaten for breakfast if we had anything other than that opinion. The long term impact of winning over coming 2nd, is the difference between getting paid and going out of business.

Whilst I appreciate that everybody reacts differently to different types of encouragement / motivation, I think that the last place you would want to foster a safe, comfortable environment is a professional changing room - this is what creates a mentality of going through the motions.

 

[Tilly Lover]

With respect, that is just an opinion. Those who work in highly competitive industries would get eaten for breakfast if we had anything other than that opinion. The long term impact of winning over coming 2nd, is the difference between getting paid and going out of business.

Whilst I appreciate that everybody reacts differently to different types of encouragement / motivation, I think that the last place you would want to foster a safe, comfortable environment is a professional changing room - this is what creates a mentality of going through the motions.

I never lose, I either win or learn! Said one of the most important, successful men of the last 100 years.

 

[Chris Powell's mate]

If you’re not first, you’re last!

In the London Marathon, if you're not first you might be 55,371st - but not necessarily last.

 

[Ricey]

In the London Marathon, if you're not first you might 55,371st - but not necessarily last.

Whooooosh!

 

[Spenser]

I'm in my 60's, I was taught '1st is 1st, second is nowhere' by my dad.

And on that basis you thought you'd follow the famous all conquering Southend United who had never been promoted when you were a youngster.