The West Brom Debate

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 04/08/2000

The West Brom Debate

David Peasgood this weekend finds Bert and Fred have just read the news that Little has been sacked by West Brom. Hear their views and YOU decide in our latest 'fishy' poll.

West Brom Sacking

BERT:
Ridiculous that. Fancy sacking Brian Little. He's a good manager and he's only been at West Brom 8 months.

FRED:
Ah yes, but in that time he's taken them into the relegation zone.

BERT:
I don't deny it, but it takes time to settle a team down and 8 months isn't long enough. WBA have drawn loads of games and given time I'm sure he would have them set up for a strong season next year. It's the same as Platt at Forest. They'll be strong next year after finding their feet and developing their own style.

FRED:
It's no good though if WBA go down. The board reckon they need to step in now and stop that happening.

BERT:
That's what happened with Buckley. He dragged them from relegation, got them mid table, had a bad run and then the instant success merchants kicked him out.

FRED:
You can't blame the WBA board for wanting success.

BERT:
Yes I can. It's not the wanting of success, it's the belief that they have a divine right to it. Too many clubs sack good managers for failing to get promoted, let alone for getting relegated. If they showed faith they may get surprised. Royle had a hairy start at Man City and now is reaping benefit from his board having faith. The same happened years ago with Alex Ferguson and if Danny Wilson stays at Sheff Weds he'll have them back up again next year.

FRED:
That doesn't help if you are losing thousands every week. The board are responsible financially as well.

BERT:
Yes but they look too much at the short term. If for instance WBA DID go down, next year they'd probably top div 3 all season and have a sell out year. Probably win the AWS too.

FRED:
So what IS your point?

BERT:
That boardroom members should stick to what they know and keep their noses out of playing matters. Leave managers alone and take the rough with the smooth. WBA, Aston Villa's chairman and that Ken Bates at Chelsea. They're all impatient and think they know more than the manager about football.

FRED:
Well this is one debate you're gonna lose. I'm sure of that. You ask them lot out there.

Now for the vote...

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