Originally Posted by Jeg Red
I've had this post written for the past 2 weeks, but haven't wanted to tempt fate and post it - however, now we've assured ourselves from relegation, I'm safe to continue!
During our poor mid season run, I went on record on this forum and posted that I didn't think the manager was up to the job, that I didn't feel he was good enough or had the force of personality to see us safe in the league. I also questioned the leadership in the Board room on being indecisive at that point in time and changing the manager.
I still have some doubts about how the club is being led at Board level, still feel they took the cheap option on appointing Leam in the first place, and feel the only reason they didn't replace him during that run was that we simply couldn't afford to financially.
However, I was wrong about Leam having the managerial ability to keep us in the football league. Every one of his signings has improved the squad. I also questioned the acquisition of Linganzi, based on the limited time I saw him at Blackburn - he has simply been colossal for us. Leam appears to have been able to tap into something to get the best from Molyneux. I also feel that given the number of late goals we've scored recently, the fitness levels and team spirit are high. I do know they work on the positive thinking/psychological side of things a lot with the players.
If I was to be extremely picky, I would add that I'm still not sure what Leam's footballing style philosophy is, and that Hatfield should have got his chance sooner, however, we were in a situation where results were paramount over any pretty football, and I do not want to detract from what an achievement it has been for Leam to have kept us in the division. We may even end up being a reasonable placing, position wise.
For me, Leam deserves the opportunity to continue this good work, try and get more of his own men in during the summer, have his own pre season regime with the players and lets take stock of we are end Oct/early Nov. I've no doubt that this summer will be a normal, difficult'Stanley summer' for the manager, with many of our players being linked with other clubs. Some will sign for other clubs, some will be released, and a plethora of new faces will come and go throughout the pre season period, as the manager wheels and deals to get a squad together.
I was wrong and not afraid to acknowledge I was. Leam's a very young manager in his first job trying to make his way and this experience will only serve him well. And before I, or too many other Stanley fans get too carried away, given our resources and the position we were in, it's a magnificent achievement.
Leam, thank you.
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