Thanks Kev - but is a new manager needed?

[Zeuss]

Tell me about it. Flew back for both.

Actually,there were 3 of those “Cup Finals”.

 

[Linda Loan Shark]

Didnt Justin say the 5 year plan was to get back in the football league? It would be very harsh to get rid of Kev if we finish mid table.

We didnt have a proper pre season and we was under an embargo so missed out on loads of targets. Why are some of us turning on Kev when he had another bad summer with these resources?

We need to be patient. We are lucky we still have a club. Lets enjoy the season and see what we can do next season.

I am fully behind Kev and Justin's plans

 

[overseas shrimper]

Actually,there were 3 of those “Cup Finals”.

Yep, that's been established.

Poorly worded by me as I was referring to the 2 in Cardiff.

 

[Cricko]

Yep, that's been established.

Poorly worded by me as I was referring to the 2 in Cardiff.

You no doubt get memory lapses at your old age. Understandable.

 

[overseas shrimper]

You no doubt get memory lapses at your old age. Understandable.

 

[Leeboy]

We didnt have a proper pre season and we was under an embargo so missed out on loads of targets. Why are some of us turning on Kev when he had another bad summer with these resources?

I think the main issue is the fanbase are not happy with the way we play, style of play, and KM consistently picking a team made up of his favourites who are out of form

 

[Jay_SUFC]

I think the main issue is the fanbase are not happy with the way we play, style of play, and KM consistently picking a team made up of his favourites who are out of form

Agree, and other than the top 3/4 sides, the rest of this league is complete pony from what I've seen, so I feel we should be doing a lot better than 6 wins so far.

 

[Supa Shrimpa]

I think the main issue is the fanbase are not happy with the way we play, style of play, and KM consistently picking a team made up of his favourites who are out of form

True. For instance, when George Wind plays he gets voted POTM, but is then dropped the following game

 

[fbm]

Back on topic and here's my take (which will probably be an unpopular one).

Firstly, and I feel I need to make this point, that I was never a huge Kevin Maher fan when he was a player. I mean, I admired his loyalty and he was obviously a good player, but I couldn't see why successive managers thought he was the person to build a team around. The only reason I mention this is to show that I have absolutely no pro-bias for him in the managerial role.

And the following statements are pretty factual and I would be surprised if anyone thought otherwise -

1) We wanted Martin out
2) We want to be in the EFL and as high up as possible
3) Aside form the odd performance, this season has not been an enjoyable one

Well, Martin is now out. And as part of that painful and incredibly stressful process, we have a consortium made up of predominantly SUFC fans and who are like most of us on here, only with a few quid they are prepared to lose.

In the final chapter of the Martin reign, we really relied on these guys as they dug deep into their own pockets to keep us afloat long enough for the deal to eventually go through. They did this with no guarantee of anything, least of all getting their money back. We had a small but tight squad and a management team who had worked for sometime without reward. Kevin clearly loves the club, and Darren and Mark must also have some pretty strong affinity to us. The squad stuck with them as well and we were all unbelievably grateful as we could have easily had no club to support.

Then, one day it all happened. The fan's euphoria was incredible, the club was saved, what a story! We were on the way back.

The only thing that didn't kick in was the on field stuff, because we had been under an embargo, our primary and probably secondary targets were missed, the facilities were awful and we started a good 3 weeks behind everyone else.

So we are playing catch up again.

The we lose the spine of the team; Collin to confidence, Miley to injury, Kensdale to stupidity and Cardwell to Forest Green. No doubt to placate the fans clamour to "Just sign someone, anyone!", we ended up going outside our preferred parameters to sign Moncur and Bonne, who sounded fabulous on paper but that's always forgetting that we play on grass. There are obviously players in there, but for whatever reason they haven't yet come out to play.

So, here we are at roughly the halfway point, lower-midtable, more-or-less equidistant between play offs and the relegation places with all outcomes possible. and now with a growing clamour for the consortium to get rid of Maher & Co.

I know there probably isn't a fan who doesn't appreciate the loyalty shown by the 3 Amigos, but it really cannot be overstated as to just how much their part in keeping this club afloat was.

And the new owners have been in charge just 5 months.

So as far as I am concerned I have written off the past - can't change it so no point in dwelling on it - and in my head, next season will be the first proper season with facilities and a pre-season and no embargo and the ability to go after the primary targets, and, and and... etc. The first chance to have a proper go at getting this club back into the EFL.

I'll judge them halfway through the 2026/27 season. We need stability and they need a fair crack of the whip. They have been pretty much unpaid custodians for much of the last 2 years and to judge them now would be scandalous.

So no, it isn't time for a change at the top. If the consortium got rid of the management now I think I would destroy my season ticket as it would show horrific behaviour towards our most loyal servants.

The change needs to happen at fan level, lowering the expectations, exercising some patience and understanding and acting as the 12th man, as we have done so many times in the past.

I would rather see poorer quality football and have a sustainable club. I do not want to return to the "Splash the cash" days, or the times where short termism means that managers get dumped after a few defeats so that another one comes in until the next bad run. Rinse and repeat.

My advice to fans is that if you don't like it, don't watch. It's as stunningly simple as that. But if you decide to come along, then make sure you get behind the team.

And on that note... Happy Christmas and New Year everyone - rant over... for now!

 

[Medway Blue]

I think the main issue is the fanbase are not happy with the way we play, style of play, and KM consistently picking a team made up of his favourites who are out of form

2 things that I, personally, would expect to improve with a bit of a rebuild, which can only happen if KM is given an unobstructed run at next summer's business.

I also think some memories might be a bit short. Most supporters sat through Bond's and Moseley's tenures. The product is objectively no worse now than it was then. The issue, really, is that some have less patience for it because we're playing the likes of Maidenhead and Tamworth week-to-week, rather than Bradford, Walsall and Bristol Rovers.

 

[bluethroughandthrough]

We all want success ASAP, and nobody is happy with the current position on the pitch, but one person's "rose tinted glasses" is four or five other people's glass of realism.

Think you've missed the point and on what realism is

 

[Medway Blue]

Back on topic and here's my take (which will probably be an unpopular one).

Firstly, and I feel I need to make this point, that I was never a huge Kevin Maher fan when he was a player. I mean, I admired his loyalty and he was obviously a good player, but I couldn't see why successive managers thought he was the person to build a team around. The only reason I mention this is to show that I have absolutely no pro-bias for him in the managerial role.

And the following statements are pretty factual and I would be surprised if anyone thought otherwise -

1) We wanted Martin out
2) We want to be in the EFL and as high up as possible
3) Aside form the odd performance, this season has not been an enjoyable one

Well, Martin is now out. And as part of that painful and incredibly stressful process, we have a consortium made up of predominantly SUFC fans and who are like most of us on here, only with a few quid they are prepared to lose.

In the final chapter of the Martin reign, we really relied on these guys as they dug deep into their own pockets to keep us afloat long enough for the deal to eventually go through. They did this with no guarantee of anything, least of all getting their money back. We had a small but tight squad and a management team who had worked for sometime without reward. Kevin clearly loves the club, and Darren and Mark must also have some pretty strong affinity to us. The squad stuck with them as well and we were all unbelievably grateful as we could have easily had no club to support.

Then, one day it all happened. The fan's euphoria was incredible, the club was saved, what a story! We were on the way back.

The only thing that didn't kick in was the on field stuff, because we had been under an embargo, our primary and probably secondary targets were missed, the facilities were awful and we started a good 3 weeks behind everyone else.

So we are playing catch up again.

The we lose the spine of the team; Collin to confidence, Miley to injury, Kensdale to stupidity and Cardwell to Forest Green. No doubt to placate the fans clamour to "Just sign someone, anyone!", we ended up going outside our preferred parameters to sign Moncur and Bonne, who sounded fabulous on paper but that's always forgetting that we play on grass. There are obviously players in there, but for whatever reason they haven't yet come out to play.

So, here we are at roughly the halfway point, lower-midtable, more-or-less equidistant between play offs and the relegation places with all outcomes possible. and now with a growing clamour for the consortium to get rid of Maher & Co.

I know there probably isn't a fan who doesn't appreciate the loyalty shown by the 3 Amigos, but it really cannot be overstated as to just how much their part in keeping this club afloat was.

And the new owners have been in charge just 5 months.

So as far as I am concerned I have written off the past - can't change it so no point in dwelling on it - and in my head, next season will be the first proper season with facilities and a pre-season and no embargo and the ability to go after the primary targets, and, and and... etc. The first chance to have a proper go at getting this club back into the EFL.

I'll judge them halfway through the 2026/27 season. We need stability and they need a fair crack of the whip. They have been pretty much unpaid custodians for much of the last 2 years and to judge them now would be scandalous.

So no, it isn't time for a change at the top. If the consortium got rid of the management now I think I would destroy my season ticket as it would show horrific behaviour towards our most loyal servants.

The change needs to happen at fan level, lowering the expectations, exercising some patience and understanding and acting as the 12th man, as we have done so many times in the past.

I would rather see poorer quality football and have a sustainable club. I do not want to return to the "Splash the cash" days, or the times where short termism means that managers get dumped after a few defeats so that another one comes in until the next bad run. Rinse and repeat.

My advice to fans is that if you don't like it, don't watch. It's as stunningly simple as that. But if you decide to come along, then make sure you get behind the team.

And on that note... Happy Christmas and New Year everyone - rant over... for now!

Post of the year.

 

[Medway Blue]

Think you've missed the point and on what realism is

I beg to differ.

 

[leeblue]

2 things that I, personally, would expect to improve with a bit of a rebuild, which can only happen if KM is given an unobstructed run at next summer's business.

I also think some memories might be a bit short. Most supporters sat through Bond's and Moseley's tenures. The product is objectively no worse now than it was then. The issue, really, is that some have less patience for it because we're playing the likes of Maidenhead and Tamworth week-to-week, rather than Bradford, Walsall and Bristol Rovers.

100% this.
Kev will get next season to make a push after his 1st summer of normal football club goings on instead of the shambles hes had to contend with.

 

[dusterman]

I beg to differ.

Let’s be realistic about this.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

I get why Kev should probably be given more time, I also get he hasn't been able to get his first choice targets in. I get why he plays with 5 at the back, I get that we were severely hampered by the departures of Kensdale and Cardwell. But that doesn't mean surely that we have to accept anything that happens on the pitch.

What I don't get is picking out of form players .. and I can only assume it's because 1/he doesn't trust the replacements enough and 2/he wants to show loyalty to those players.
It's been clear that he's struggled to find a way of playing that suits this current bunch, it's also clear that in the whole of KM's tenure the same weaknesses are there - set pieces being one.

I don't buy into the fact these players are all rubbish. We should be higher up the league. It's been painful to watch at times but also, we took Charlton right to the brink. We played very well against FGR and Solihull. On our day we knock it about nicely, we look decent. Yes we need reinforcements, definitely better players in some areas of the pitch. But could more be squeezed out of the current lot, yes I think so (and it seems others do). This is the issue maybe. We undoubtedly overachieved last season and with COSU coming in expectations were high & some felt we could challenge. Unrealistic maybe, but such are football fans. We like to hope & dream not be sensible or realistic.

 

[Medway Blue]

I get why Kev should probably be given more time, I also get he hasn't been able to get his first choice targets in. I get why he plays with 5 at the back, I get that we were severely hampered by the departures of Kensdale and Cardwell. But that doesn't mean surely that we have to accept anything that happens on the pitch.

What I don't get is picking out of form players .. and I can only assume it's because 1/he doesn't trust the replacements enough and 2/he wants to show loyalty to those players.
It's been clear that he's struggled to find a way of playing that suits this current bunch, it's also clear that in the whole of KM's tenure the same weaknesses are there - set pieces being one.

I don't buy into the fact these players are all rubbish. We should be higher up the league. It's been painful to watch at times but also, we took Charlton right to the brink. We played very well against FGR and Solihull. On our day we knock it about nicely, we look decent. Yes we need reinforcements, definitely better players in some areas of the pitch. But could more be squeezed out of the current lot, yes I think so (and it seems others do). This is the issue maybe. We undoubtedly overachieved last season and with COSU coming in expectations were high & some felt we could challenge. Unrealistic maybe, but such are football fans. We like to hope & dream not be sensible or realistic.

I don’t either. We have probably 4-6 players who I think are good enough to be in a playoff-pushing team on ability alone, but the balance is wrong, and sometimes I think there maybe comes a point in some circumstances where club and player might need a fresh start, regardless of ability. Some of these players have been through a lot here, and have had to muster a siege mentality a couple of times. Issues spilling over into this season and the upheaval at the start - it might just have been one time too many for some that they’ve had to dig deep.

I think we need some added quality, and a bit of a refresh outside of ability too.

Until/unless we’re in real danger of relegation, I think we should avoid ****ting the bed. Calm heads and a 12th man needed. I suspect we’ll finish between 9th and 14th. Not great for a club of this size, obvs, but given the recent past - enough for KM to be given a fair crack of the whip over the summer.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

I don’t either. We have probably 4-6 players who I think are good enough to be in a playoff-pushing team on ability alone, but the balance is wrong, and sometimes I think there maybe comes a point in some circumstances where club and player might need a fresh start, regardless of ability. Some of these players have been through a lot here, and have had to muster a siege mentality a couple of times. Issues spilling over into this season and the upheaval at the start - it might just have been one time too many for so,we that they’ve had to dig deep.

I think we need some added quality, and a bit of a refresh outside of ability too.

Well, I guess we will find out in Jan if the rumoured new faces come in. The balance is wrong yes absolutely. I think we have to see an improvement from here and what a perfect 2 games coming up to boost everyone’s morale. Assuming we win of course!!

 

[Thundersley Blue]

Back on topic and here's my take (which will probably be an unpopular one).

Firstly, and I feel I need to make this point, that I was never a huge Kevin Maher fan when he was a player. I mean, I admired his loyalty and he was obviously a good player, but I couldn't see why successive managers thought he was the person to build a team around. The only reason I mention this is to show that I have absolutely no pro-bias for him in the managerial role.

And the following statements are pretty factual and I would be surprised if anyone thought otherwise -

1) We wanted Martin out
2) We want to be in the EFL and as high up as possible
3) Aside form the odd performance, this season has not been an enjoyable one

Well, Martin is now out. And as part of that painful and incredibly stressful process, we have a consortium made up of predominantly SUFC fans and who are like most of us on here, only with a few quid they are prepared to lose.

In the final chapter of the Martin reign, we really relied on these guys as they dug deep into their own pockets to keep us afloat long enough for the deal to eventually go through. They did this with no guarantee of anything, least of all getting their money back. We had a small but tight squad and a management team who had worked for sometime without reward. Kevin clearly loves the club, and Darren and Mark must also have some pretty strong affinity to us. The squad stuck with them as well and we were all unbelievably grateful as we could have easily had no club to support.

Then, one day it all happened. The fan's euphoria was incredible, the club was saved, what a story! We were on the way back.

The only thing that didn't kick in was the on field stuff, because we had been under an embargo, our primary and probably secondary targets were missed, the facilities were awful and we started a good 3 weeks behind everyone else.

So we are playing catch up again.

The we lose the spine of the team; Collin to confidence, Miley to injury, Kensdale to stupidity and Cardwell to Forest Green. No doubt to placate the fans clamour to "Just sign someone, anyone!", we ended up going outside our preferred parameters to sign Moncur and Bonne, who sounded fabulous on paper but that's always forgetting that we play on grass. There are obviously players in there, but for whatever reason they haven't yet come out to play.

So, here we are at roughly the halfway point, lower-midtable, more-or-less equidistant between play offs and the relegation places with all outcomes possible. and now with a growing clamour for the consortium to get rid of Maher & Co.

I know there probably isn't a fan who doesn't appreciate the loyalty shown by the 3 Amigos, but it really cannot be overstated as to just how much their part in keeping this club afloat was.

And the new owners have been in charge just 5 months.

So as far as I am concerned I have written off the past - can't change it so no point in dwelling on it - and in my head, next season will be the first proper season with facilities and a pre-season and no embargo and the ability to go after the primary targets, and, and and... etc. The first chance to have a proper go at getting this club back into the EFL.

I'll judge them halfway through the 2026/27 season. We need stability and they need a fair crack of the whip. They have been pretty much unpaid custodians for much of the last 2 years and to judge them now would be scandalous.

So no, it isn't time for a change at the top. If the consortium got rid of the management now I think I would destroy my season ticket as it would show horrific behaviour towards our most loyal servants.

The change needs to happen at fan level, lowering the expectations, exercising some patience and understanding and acting as the 12th man, as we have done so many times in the past.

I would rather see poorer quality football and have a sustainable club. I do not want to return to the "Splash the cash" days, or the times where short termism means that managers get dumped after a few defeats so that another one comes in until the next bad run. Rinse and repeat.

My advice to fans is that if you don't like it, don't watch. It's as stunningly simple as that. But if you decide to come along, then make sure you get behind the team.

And on that note... Happy Christmas and New Year everyone - rant over... for now!

In my opinion the post of the year. Thank you.

 

[It'sGrimUpNorth]

I think the main issue is the fanbase are not happy with the way we play, style of play, and KM consistently picking a team made up of his favourites who are out of form

You’re not wrong there Lee.
Twice he has set up a more positive way and that’s been it. Always going out to get a draw it would seem.

Boring, negative and I can’t be arsed to keep travelling a 5 hour round trip for it!