Sack Slade? Keep Macca?

By: Khun Ross & Claire Streeter
Date: 11/11/2004

AFTER the loss at Scunthorpe, with the inquest on the ref, the chanting of the crowd and the quality of the pies, talk eventually got round, as expected to the capabilities of Russell Slade and the players. Khun Ross and Claire Streeter give us their feedback.

Khun Ross gives his view on Russell Slade's performance so far

If Town lose at Exeter on Saturday I guess everyone will be calling for Slade's dismissal, so time for a calm and balanced assessment of the new manager. First thing to say is that this was always going to be a rebuilding season, and expectations of promotion overly optimistic. Not impossible, but unlikely.

He's brought in some good players (Gordon & Forbes), some decent players (Parkinson, Ramsden & Reddy), some talented players (Pinault & Sestanovich) and a skipper and a keeper he deems reliable (Whittle and Williams). He got them playing 3-4-3 and tearing the opposition to shreds without winning. Instead of adjusting the system, he wasted a couple of loan signings (Robinson & C. Williams) to discover he couldn't easily get better players on loan than those he has.

Then he signs Cramb, who has some sort of credentials as a goalscorer - and instead of patiently bedding him into the side he gets Daly on loan. From Stockport...who are so blessed with quality strikers they can afford to let the answer to Town's problems leave?

Slade has shown he's prepared to include players who aren't 100% fit. Poor thinking in my view - he risks more serious injury for the player, and demoralises the squad players hoping for a game.

Did anyone else notice that Greg Young went on loan saying he wanted first-team football "in a competitive environment"? He got a game (v. Charlton), played well by all accounts, and then gets dropped for a player not 100% fit.

Football is a squad game these days, and the manager has to be astute enough to keep everybody happy(ish). If Slade has faith in the players he's brought in to the club (and let's be fair, he didn't have big money to spend) he should demonstrate that faith by playing a solid 4-4-2 formation (good enough if the players are). My team:

(I prefer another keeper!)

Play it wide to Parky and Hocky, er...Buckley style??? This system has brought us most success in recent years.

Slade HAS shown faith in Whittle and Williams - the jury is still out on the former, but the judge is reaching for a black cap regarding the latter!

So as you can see, I've several misgivings about Slade - BUT I'D STICK WITH HIM ALL SEASON.

Why? Because if you sack him the next guy may well be worse! How many quality football managers are out of work and thirsting for an opportunity to manage GTFC, do you think?

And a new guy would change stuff around again, when what is needed (I think) is some patience and continuity. After back-to-back relegations the new manager is ENTITLED to a full season. And if it all goes wrong and we're in the Conference next year, don't blame the manager who's done his best and been found wanting - blame the Board who appointed him.

They will also pick his successor, don't forget.

Macca is my ultimate hero as I think he is Grimsby through and through. His dedication to this club is second to none and it's so nice to see Macca putting everything he's got into every game!

His consistency and work rate are unbelievable and you wouldn't think even through two successive relegations Macca would still be his good old loyal self and still proudly play in our black and white stripes!

I think he deserves every bit of credit he gets and at 35 he's still playing as good as ever!

Without people like Macca, footballer would be nothing and it takes true legends like him to make the game what it is now!

P.S: MACCA FOR CAPTAIN!!! (Why is Whittle captain when macca is here!)

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