Whilst I dont agree with the notion that Tilly should be replaced yet, I dont think, given our league position, it is above speaking about, nor do I believe the people are brave enough to raise the issue should be treated with contempt.
The last 3 years have been magnificent if you're a Southend fan, no one can deny that, and that has to go down to Tilly, Brush and the players (and I may also add a bit from Wignall as well, lets not forget the majority of the squad which came up was built by him) but no one person is bigger than Southend United football club.
Of course we all knew it was going to be a struggle this season, butit shouldnt be as hard as we are making it out to be, thats for sure.
I do believe fundamental decisions by the management have been wrong this season, the quality of players being bought in, the amount of players being bought in (or lack of) and tactical decisions which have left even those with the minutist knowledge of football baffled.
I have said it before, but we continue to act like a League Two club at times, fans included, with this Oh well, we have had a good go, enjoy it while we can attitude. I dont want to be here for just one season, and I dont enjoy getting beaten every week, and why should I?
We got here on merit and there is absolutely no reason I can see why we shouldnt be here next season. We did it before, for 6 successful years, so stop thinking because were a small club thats why we are at the bottom and thats why its OK if we go back down from where we came from.... It isnt.
We are at the bottom for the reasons I stated above, fundamental decisions which have been got wrong, and they have cost us dearly.
If you look at other clubs in our division which are of a similar size, Luton, Col Ewe, Barnsley, Burnley and even QPR, they are all, with the exception of Barnsley, having good seasons or have had good seasons recently at this level, and the majority will be here next season, so i dont buy this small club cant survive here nonsense. Its like having a chip on your shoulder.
I think the excuses are running a bit thin now for our current predicament and they really do need to be sorted out PDQ before it is too late, although I have a feeling that we are past that mark now.
As I said, I am not advocating the sacking of the manager, BUT, he along with the players has to raise his game, and I agree that the next 3 games are crucial for us. One away to our relegation rivals and then 2 winnable home games.
I also think RM needs to come out and explain why such little activity happened in the transfer window? Is it because we simply cant afford the players (which if the case, then I am baffled as to where all the money we have collected recently has gone) or is it Tilly's inability to get in better class of players?
I dont believe Tilly is above criticism, or above losing his job if it means we can stay at this level, but I do agree with giving him more time to try and resolve it, as people have said, performances have improved slightly recently, and if we can build on that then all well and good.
If the position is still the same after the hectic Christmas period and we are adrift like we are now without and signs of improvement, then I believe the situation needs to be reviewed by the board and if necessary, action taken.
As for naming replacements, well if the times comes, then we can all do that, but dont think there are not managers out there who could do just as good a a job as Tilly because there are. For example, someone mentiond Stan Ternant in a previous post, journeyman perhaps, successful?... Definately.
