Buckley's The Man For Us!

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 08/11/2006

OVER the last few years, we have had a number of managers. Almost each one has been shown the door. Two, Paul Groves and Graham Rodger, were appointed because of their loyalty to the club.

There could not have been any other reason. Groves had no managerial experience and Rodger had some as an assistant, but he never had to make the hard decisions. The manager did that so it is fair to say he had no previous managerial experience.

But now we desperately need an experienced manager. Someone who can manage on a low budget, able to motivate the troops and, discipline them where necessary. Someone who can get them to play football.

My choice, using that criteria, would be Alan Buckley.

I can hear you saying; Is that the Billo who called for his head last time he was here? Yes it is. A bit older, but a bit wiser.

Alan Buckley knows the club, he knows the town and he certainly knows the fans.

He also knows what is needed.

Forget all the nonsense that football has passed him by. He has been spotting for a number of clubs and through that has seen many of today's players around the league.

I said elsewhere, football does not change. Just the clubs, the players and the money. So nothing has passed him by.

I see from John Fenty's comments in the Grimsby Telegraph today that he is a contender. I also noted what Fenty had to say too.

"It will not please everyone but whoever we choose that will happen." Now that sounds to me like saying if we appoint Buckley, you will have to take it or leave it. Which is what he should be saying. In trying to please everyone you end up pleasing no one.

Everyone has their idea of who we should appoint so in the end, only a few will be happy no matter who we pick.

But Fenty should pick the right man. Alan Buckley.

In my opinion, he is the right man. No time wasted finding his way round the club and getting to know everyone. Straight in and getting on with the job.

Even those who disagree with me will surely agree with me that Buckley will not be taken for a ride. He has shown in the past he carries no passengers and those who are here taking an easy ride will soon be either out the door or put in their place.

And according to Rodger's press statements after the game, it appears a strong hand is needed.

Buckley will get a different performance from the same players we have now. He was always good at that. But most of all he will have them playing good football. As good as this league allows that is.

He has his faults. He is not perfect but he is, in my view, the perfect solution to our current problems.

But come January, he will be knocking on the chairman's door, looking for money. I cannot see John Fenty shirking from that. He too knows what is needed.

That is why I think he will appoint Alan Buckley.

In my view, a wise move. Let him get on with it.

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