Thanks Kev - but is a new manager needed?

[BEERMONSTER]

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!

Excellent post! I don't believe your views will be unpopular with the 'majority', you have perfectly encaptured the feeling of disappointment felt across the whole fanbase in terms of on field events, but like you, many have accepted the reality of the impact the stop start takeover has had. Yes for some this is just excuses and KM and for my part, the players, should have and are more than capable of producing better.
I made reference on a previous post that both COSU and Kev are still in a 'Honeymoon' period with the majority, who against the normal mentality and expectations of a Supporter are accepting poor results as secondary importance to still having a Club. It's important that both COSU and KM use this period of tolerance, not abuse it, or otherwise the 'noisy' will no longer be the minority.
Hopefully COSU will be able to give the fans a late Xmas present with a positive January player recruitment period.

 

[Southend Elvis]

COSU is more up with 10+ members, I'm sure there is a fair split of opinions, as there is on here about our current plight. Add the several hundreds of thousands of pounds they have invested, the opinions are probably a little stronger.
They haven't put much money into the playing budget it seems, is that because we don't have the money or maybe they don't want to give it to the management, who have only won 6 games out of 23.
Things have got to change on the pitch for the positive, or that budget could get smaller. Just put yourself in their position, and I think you will see things differently.

 

[RHB]

COSU is more up with 10+ members, I'm sure there is a fair split of opinions, as there is on here about our current plight. Add the several hundreds of thousands of pounds they have invested, the opinions are probably a little stronger.
They haven't put much money into the playing budget it seems, is that because we don't have the money or maybe they don't want to give it to the management, who have only won 6 games out of 23.
Things have got to change on the pitch for the positive, or that budget could get smaller. Just put yourself in their position, and I think you will see things differently.

I'm not sure how that supposition works. It's been said numerous times on here that the Consortium were exposed to far more debt and thus liabilities than they originally signed up for. Because of the need to sustain the Club after the take over, the playing budget was probably reduced because of the increased debt, and as for waiting until they saw our results, they have committed what funds they could to assist Kev as best they could. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding your stand on this, but it feels like you don't have much interest in the state of the Club and it's infrastructure as long as more cash is poured into new players. If I've read that wrong then I apologise. We will see, come January, whether there is confidence in the coaching team and their shopping list.

 

[Thundersley 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

Tottenham supporters wanted more exciting football. Supporters got it but not many wins and loads of goals conceded !

 

[Southend Elvis]

I'm not sure how that supposition works. It's been said numerous times on here that the Consortium were exposed to far more debt and thus liabilities than they originally signed up for. Because of the need to sustain the Club after the take over, the playing budget was probably reduced because of the increased debt, and as for waiting until they saw our results, they have committed what funds they could to assist Kev as best they could. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding your stand on this, but it feels like you don't have much interest in the state of the Club and it's infrastructure as long as more cash is poured into new players. If I've read that wrong then I apologise. We will see, come January, whether there is confidence in the coaching team and their shopping list.

I'm just laying out the possibility that the faith in the management, isn't as strong as some people think is is on here. I'm not advocating a splurge on players, I'm just pointing out that, would a firm buy an under performing salesman a new company car and equipment if his sales are really poor.
I'm saying, could Kevs poor record this season be affecting the recruitment of players.

 

[Spenser]

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!

I would also say that (as in so many cases in this world driven by social media) there is a noisy minority claiming to speak for the fanbase and 'most' fans and demanding sacking these loyal guys. It may be that they actually don't speak for the majority who don't post on here ?

 

[MisterStubbs]

I would also say that (as in so many cases in this world driven by social media) there is a noisy minority claiming to speak for the fanbase and 'most' fans and demanding sacking these loyal guys. It may be that they actually don't speak for the majority who don't post on here ?

I’ve seen no one claiming to speak for the fan base when they say that they feel like the end is near for Kev. I certainly haven’t.

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

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!

It's not a rant at all fbm. And your view will be much supported by many. I speak to many on away days and these feelings are echoed, the poll on SZ reflects the same by the fan base. No matter the continous sledging by some posters after a loss, there is a well held respect for the management and coaching team. No one gets a free pass and everyone wants more wins and no coach is perfect. The exceptions have to be realised. Our time will come and when it does, watch out National League, it'll be fun to see 10k shrimpers at Roots Hall again.
Like Kev, i'm binding my time and enjoying the ride, win or lose. There's not a better sleeping giant than us and it's not going to take 5mins to correct the training facilities, the behind the scenes scouting network, the management setup, the stadium facilities, the squad size and quality, all of the things that clubs like Chesterfield, York, Notts County and more have had to do.
One thing i do agree with, is keep questioning the coaching team and lets keep them on their toes.
Dont mind that at all.

 

[Southend Elvis]

I'm not sure how that supposition works. It's been said numerous times on here that the Consortium were exposed to far more debt and thus liabilities than they originally signed up for. Because of the need to sustain the Club after the take over, the playing budget was probably reduced because of the increased debt, and as for waiting until they saw our results, they have committed what funds they could to assist Kev as best they could. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding your stand on this, but it feels like you don't have much interest in the state of the Club and it's infrastructure as long as more cash is poured into new players. If I've read that wrong then I apologise. We will see, come January, whether there is confidence in the coaching team and their shopping list.

I agree, there could have been far more debts that COSU hadn't budgeted for, but with 6 months of 7k + home gates it should loosen a few purse strings, if they don't I would say they don't have faith in Kev.

 

[RHB]

I agree, there could have been far more debts that COSU hadn't budgeted for, but with 6 months of 7k + home gates it should loosen a few purse strings, if they don't I would say they don't have faith in Kev.

It's all about opinions I guess, and I reckon they do have faith in all the Coaching staff. Time and new players will tell.

 

[Liam AAS]

I agree, there could have been far more debts that COSU hadn't budgeted for, but with 6 months of 7k + home gates it should loosen a few purse strings, if they don't I would say they don't have faith in Kev.

We run at an annual loss of ~£2m. That was with gates of 5.5k - 6k.

 

[Spenser]

I’ve seen no one claiming to speak for the fan base when they say that they feel like the end is near for Kev. I certainly haven’t.

Just read this thread.

 

[Gt Yarmouth Shrimper]

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!

This says what I want to, only with style and clarity that I could never achieve. Bravo fbm.

 

[Sherif H]

Tottenham supporters wanted more exciting football. Supporters got it but not many wins and loads of goals conceded !

Better than watching utterly ****e football which results in losses the majority of the time.

 

[Gt Yarmouth Shrimper]

Better than watching utterly ****e football which results in losses the majority of the time.

Do we presume you're staying away then?

 

[It'sGrimUpNorth]

Do we presume you're staying away then?

As if that’s got anything to do with you.

 

[kentblues]

@Medway Blue playing 5-3-2 don’t help at all, it’s holding the players back, most of NL side play 4-4-2/4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, with paces and athleticism.

Mahar style of football is boring, slow, bland and no paces at all. He played 4-3-3 twice, against FGR and Halifax, we played better and at paces too. It’s play to our player’s strengths too.

We don’t play 532 we play 352? By no stretch is Bridge a defensive wing back or Gus? Part of the reason clubs exploit the gap behind them is for the very reason they both push high up the pitch.

The issue isn’t the formation it’s having the right players to make it work. Same would apply to other formations, but we are nearer to having the right players for 352 on the basis of that being how we set up…

 

[kentblues]

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.

10 of the 15 above us are EFL sides not so long ago and a number have bigger budgets. Whilst there’s not a Wrexham, Notts County etc. the overall standard continues to go up. I would argue the days of getting out of this league quickly AND cheaply are long gone… regrettably…

 

[Roger The Alien]

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

It’s his dour & unimaginable style of football that frustrates everybody…

 

[Spenser]

It’s his dour & unimaginable style of football that frustrates everybody…

And to answer the earlier question, there's someone claiming to speak for 'everybody' right there.