by hector » 03 Jan 2014, 13:03
When there was speculation towards the end of last season, as to whether Ling would return or whether he would leave and Knill replaced him, I remember at the time feeling that it was probably for the best that Ling left (not that I wanted Knill) but because I felt, that because people were swept up in the supposed euphoria of staying up and were clamouring for Knill to stay, I felt that Ling would never get a fair crack of the whip if he did return. That it would only take a couple of results for people to get on his back.
However, over the last couple of months, I had felt, I would gladly take Ling back because of the absolute horror-show that was Alan Knill's management. If Ling came back, perhaps people would be more appreciative of what he did and see that the grass isn't always greener.
I would worry about his 'stress-related illness' re-emerging and seeing as the club sacked him for 'footballing reasons' it would be difficult for them to reappoint him on for the same reasons. So I would imagine it unlikely that he would return but for me, it wouldn't be the end of the world if he was reappointed.
However, things were starting to turn before he even went sick. The team was chucking away leads and around this time last year we conceded goals after the 85th minute for about 6 games running. Some clubs would have sacked their managers anyway for the run of form we were having under ling at that time.
There is an element of what he says that is true - someone who knows the players and club, could be good. A short-term contract until the end of the season and if it works out, a renewal, perhaps.
But then if it went wrong, they would have to sack him a second time, so it is probably best that we appoint someone new.
However, whatever people's opinion of Ling, I think it is quite magnanimous of him to even consider applying again for a job he had been sacked in and by a club he perhaps is entitled to feel, treated him harshly. I know I couldn't. Plus, he is opening himself up to further disappointment by publicly announcing he will be applying and then perhaps not getting it. He may have been better served keeping quiet for now.
He is a decent bloke by all accounts and a knowledgable football man. I probably wouldn't discount him completely.
When there was speculation towards the end of last season, as to whether Ling would return or whether he would leave and Knill replaced him, I remember at the time feeling that it was probably for the best that Ling left (not that I wanted Knill) but because I felt, that because people were swept up in the supposed euphoria of staying up and were clamouring for Knill to stay, I felt that Ling would never get a fair crack of the whip if he did return. That it would only take a couple of results for people to get on his back.
However, over the last couple of months, I had felt, I would gladly take Ling back because of the absolute horror-show that was Alan Knill's management. If Ling came back, perhaps people would be more appreciative of what he did and see that the grass isn't always greener.
I would worry about his 'stress-related illness' re-emerging and seeing as the club sacked him for 'footballing reasons' it would be difficult for them to reappoint him on for the same reasons. So I would imagine it unlikely that he would return but for me, it wouldn't be the end of the world if he was reappointed.
However, things were starting to turn before he even went sick. The team was chucking away leads and around this time last year we conceded goals after the 85th minute for about 6 games running. Some clubs would have sacked their managers anyway for the run of form we were having under ling at that time.
There is an element of what he says that is true - someone who knows the players and club, could be good. A short-term contract until the end of the season and if it works out, a renewal, perhaps.
But then if it went wrong, they would have to sack him a second time, so it is probably best that we appoint someone new.
However, whatever people's opinion of Ling, I think it is quite magnanimous of him to even consider applying again for a job he had been sacked in and by a club he perhaps is entitled to feel, treated him harshly. I know I couldn't. Plus, he is opening himself up to further disappointment by publicly announcing he will be applying and then perhaps not getting it. He may have been better served keeping quiet for now.
He is a decent bloke by all accounts and a knowledgable football man. I probably wouldn't discount him completely.
