I was willing to give Hughes time but ever since the 0-5 at Parkhead, that has changed!!

Yes, we reached Cup Final and top 6 again but that was guaranteed before Butcher left.

His record here is ridiculous, he was a defender and yet our defence is poor just now.

Hughes MUST GO imo!!

I've stayed out of this til now but I personally think the board really have to cut their losses now. I never wanted Hughes in the first place, but was prepared to give him a chance. 

 

Since he's arrived we've taken a huge step backwards. The players obviously aren't buying into his 'philosophy', and don't seem to have a clue what he's wanting from them. We were already pretty much guaranteed top 6 when he arrived, and just had the worst team in the league to beat to get to our first cup final. 

 

What's disappointed me the most is our performance in that final. Aberdeen were there for the taking but we were so negative we could still be playing today and not have scored. There seems to be an attitude amongst some that we should be grateful for where we are. Sorry, I don't agree with that...we have a squad full of very decent players who are more than capable of achieving top 6 every year. Before Hughes came we had IMO one of the best central defensive units in the league, but now they look like Sunday park players making the most basic mistakes which teams are punishing us for. The likes of Warren and Meekings don't become bad players overnight so their dip in form has to be down to whatever the manager is instructing them to do. Similarly McKay was on fire before Hughes came...now he just looks shot of confidence. 

 

I'm all for watching great passing football, and there's nothing better than watching the likes of Barca, Bayern or Arsenal when they're on form. Trouble is we're ICT, and if we had players who were capable of playing in that way, the way Hughes likes, they'd be playing at a far higher level than they are now.

 

I used to get excited about going to games, now it's hard to muster up the enthusiasm to even attend.

Most clubs bring in a new manager hoping for a turnaround in fortunes, but not getting one. With Hughes, we were the exact opposite 

I was not unhappy with Butcher's departure. He had brought success but was clearly restless himself and had probably reached his shelf life with the club. At the time I was hugely enthused at the prospect of an energised  dynamic new manager coming in and taking us forward.

 

As soon as I heard who we had appointed my enthusiasm and expectations immediately nose dived. Given that what is happening is no more than I expected from the manager my disappointment may not be as acute as others who expected Hughes to be a success.

 

However, for the long term, we remain a decent club run along prudent financial lines. We have a decent squad of players many of whom are on extended contracts.

 

I suspect the manager will be there for next season but after that we can maybe make a more inspired appointment and resume our ambitions. In the meantime I believe it's important to continue backing the players even if you've lost faith, assuming you ever had any, in the manager.

 

John Hughes is temporary, ICT will survive and prosper after he's gone. Stick with it.

Funny how more and more seem to be in favour of sacking the dud, a couple of weeks ago, when I started this thread, nearly no-one wanted him sacked!

 

Here's where I've stood on the Hughes appointment throughout and why my attitude has changed:

 

1. Amazed that he was shortlisted, given some of the names supposedly (but probably not really) in the hat

2. Astonished that he was appointed for the same reason

3. Understanding of the board's decision after I heard his post-appointment interview - I could see how his enthusiasm and footballing philosophy, coupled with his willingness to embrace the club and community were attractive (especially if the rumours around Hartley's unwillingness to even move here are to be believed). In view of the other 2 candidates short-listed, I felt we'd got the best of a bad (short-listed) bunch.

4. Forgiving of our early form under him because we were already at the staryt of a slump when he came in and we had a real problem with suspensions and injuries in the holding midfield area, which he failed to solve

5. Forgiving of our form up until the league cup final because it was a distraction for players, management and supporters

6. Delighted that he was showing faith in the young players (Christie and Polworth)

6. Forgiving for the form in March due to fixture congestion:a small squad will always struggle with a succession of midweek + weekend games, but nevertheless....

7. Confused by his midfield team selections. They have never been balanced, have consistently played guys out of position, when there are perfectly capable individuals available to play in those positions.

8. Frustrated by the lack of width and use of wingers. I now understand (as of yesterday) that he likes to play through the middle, but that is not what he said he'd do at the start which was along the lines of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"! We do not have the players to play through the middle.

9. Infuriated by his pig-headedness in sticking to a philosophy that is not working and is simply not entertaining. 7 chances in 90 min is not enough for a top 6 team at home. The players we have need to play with width and on the counter-attack with fast, incisive passing.

10. Devastated that he's managed to take a team that worked fantastically well in a 4-2-3-1 system, to one that can no longer defend or create chances and is hamstrung into playing square and backward passes in the name of "possession". Possession football only really works if you've got Iniesta and Messi to make a killer pass or go past 2 or 3 defenders. We have Vincent and Mckay.

11. Depressed that I don't think he will learn from his mistakes, or indeed listen to anybody around him. It wasn't broken....but it sure is now! The best fix will be to go back to where we started, play on the counter, with width and pace. Doran (when fit), Watkins and Williams are all capable and Christie is a revelation. Mckay will score if he gets chances in the 6 yard box (needs crosses to do that!); Draper, Foran, Tansey are all good players in their right places and the defence and keeper were watertight for 6 months. Good players don't turn bad overnight.

 

In summary, I really believe in giving a guy a chance........providing he is willing to learn from his mistakes. Highes isn't doing that and doesn't look like he will anytime soon, so he's in my last chance saloon, I'm afraid. Season tickets are at stake here!

Can I add:

 

12.  Baffled by his decision to cut the number of strikers in the squad from 3 to 1, knowing that we had a congested fixture list up ahead of us.

Can I add:

 

12.  Baffled by his decision to cut the number of strikers in the squad from 3 to 1, knowing that we had a congested fixture list up ahead of us.

yes!

The equivalent of us appointing Hughes when we did, would be the equivalent of Aberdeen losing McInnes and replacing him with Ian MacCall or Dundee United losing McNamara and replacing him with Jim Duffy!  

 

What I thought was interesting was Ryan Esson starting last night.  It's been pretty clear for a while that Brill isn't comfortable with the style of football, yet had a much improved performance on Saturday.  Why was Esson in?  Has Brill told Hughes was he really thinks of his tactics and they've had a bust-up?  I wouldn't be surprised.  The fans aren't happy with the tactics.  The players aren't happy with the tactics.  How long before he properly loses the dressing room?  I've heard two players in-particular are really at their wits end with the tactics.  I'm not going to give away their identities just yet, but unsurprisingly they're both wingers.  

 

Hughes's tactical problems existed at all his clubs.  They didn't score goals at all and kept the ball for what seemed like a matter days, passing the ball round the defence and doing nothing with it.....and often losing it.  Maybe they were all tired as well?

 

I remember when Hughes first came in, he did seem to make a few tactical changes, which paid of.  The defensively solid and swift counter-attacks in our 1-0 win over Aberdeen is a prime example.  That was great to watch and sussed Aberdeen out perfectly.  Why's he being so stubborn now?  When he first came in, he said "he wouldn't change too much".  What rubbish.  He also told the players to go out onto the field and "express themselves".  They like they're doing anything but at the moment.  Many look devoid of confidence and being forced to rigidly stick to a system they're not comfortable with and don't want to play.  And what's this trash about "educating the players"?!  These are professionals, not schoolboys.  

One final thing I find interesting, is the lack of happy clappers on here after last night's debacle.  You know the kind; the ones who sound all smug and attack their fellow fans loyalty to the club, while telling us that we know nothing as we're nothing more than footballing paupers when it comes to tactical knowledge.  I believe their silence this time is deafening and long may that continue.  Viva the realist revolution and all who follow it!

Edited April 2, 201411 yr by Renegade

The SPFL Chairman of the Year will not man up and admit his mistake but he will back Hughes in whatever way he can.
 
The likes of CaleyD and other fans who are involved with the club will continue the mass circle-jerk so that everyone upstairs thinks we en-masse are delighted with the appointment.

 

I said this on the day he arrived, Hughes deserves NO respect and we as fans are not obligated by anyone to give him time to bed in his losing strategy.

Jhesus what if I got it wrong - what if Kenny Cameron is the Head Narcissist !!

Agree the board appointed JH they need to take a look at themselves , sold the club down the river when we were riding high and took what was the cheapest option. Surely he wasn't appointed on his CV the whole charade of taking a month to get the right person seems to look rather silly now.

Got to say after last night I'm struggling to see how John Hughes will move the club forward or even keep them at the current level. The players in general are shadows of their former selves and it's obvious to all that the change in playing style isn't working. No question in my mind he's cost us a European place this season. Next season will be a massive test for all at the club, especially the board if the team struggle in the first half.

Agree the board appointed JH they need to take a look at themselves , sold the club down the river when we were riding high and took what was the cheapest option. Surely he wasn't appointed on his CV the whole charade of taking a month to get the right person seems to look rather silly now.

 

Personally, I don't believe that the appointment process with a charade nor do I believe that our commercially shrewd board would have gone for the short term cheapest option. He clearly wasn't appointed on the basis of his record with previous clubs as it is an objective fact rather than a matter of opinion that it's mediocre to say the very least. 

 

I can only assume that he must have been truly inspirational in his interviews but I can't square that with the John Hughes I have seen and heard. I don't actually understand why fans who were previously doubters were enthused by his initial press conference which was about as predictable and cliche ridden as they come.

Friday could be the tipping point. If it's another terrible performance and embarrassing result, the ultras will 100% be chanting Yogi GTF.

Ultras!?

Ultras!?

That also cheered me up

Friday could be the tipping point. If it's another terrible performance and embarrassing result, the ultras will 100% be chanting Yogi GTF.

 

A few dozen young fans demanding the manager's head will have no impact on the board....and nor should it.

 

Agree the board appointed JH they need to take a look at themselves , sold the club down the river when we were riding high and took what was the cheapest option. Surely he wasn't appointed on his CV the whole charade of taking a month to get the right person seems to look rather silly now.

 

Personally, I don't believe that the appointment process with a charade nor do I believe that our commercially shrewd board would have gone for the short term cheapest option. He clearly wasn't appointed on the basis of his record with previous clubs as it is an objective fact rather than a matter of opinion that it's mediocre to say the very least. 

 

I can only assume that he must have been truly inspirational in his interviews but I can't square that with the John Hughes I have seen and heard. I don't actually understand why fans who were previously doubters were enthused by his initial press conference which was about as predictable and cliche ridden as they come.

 

Has anyone been? Pele was doing very well with Huntly but Robbo and Brewster were first timers with no managerial experience. Butcher's record wasn't all that great before we signed him.

 

I wonder......is where we are right now the real reason for Grassa leaving? Some may not have liked the guy but he had a big say in managerial appointments and we brought in some good ones. Brewster second time being the exception.

 

Friday could be the tipping point. If it's another terrible performance and embarrassing result, the ultras will 100% be chanting Yogi GTF.

 

A few dozen young fans demanding the manager's head will have no impact on the board....and nor should it.

 

Aye maybe it needs a couple of old codgers with a signboard on the Kessock bridge and a lot of shoe waving.

We definitely need to look at the recruitment process.Our board are successful very competent business people who run the commercial side of the club very ably but none of them have a specific knowledge of football any greater than the average fan. Nobody doubts the commitment of the board or their dedication to the club.We are in safe hands from a financial point of view.

 

However, football is not a business like any other and having an eye for a good head coach is at least as difficult and specialised as scouting for players. It's not the fault of anyone currently on the board that they don't have that eye as nobody is good at everything. It's becoming increasingly clear that the process of recruiting and shortlisting went badly wrong with three of the final four being Yogi, Paul Telfer and Kenny Sheils.

 

There's no point in looking back and apportioning blame, what's done is done but we do need to look to how we go about things next time around. We are not in a position to employ a full time director of football but, in my opinion, bringing in someone with a respected and successful football background to act as a consultant the next time we recruit a manager would be a relatively modest outlay well invested.

Edited April 2, 201411 yr by Kingsmills

Someone  has written a blog on Hughes here

Edited April 2, 201411 yr by hislopsoffsideagain

Charlie Christie until the end of the season.

 

He won all his post split game 1-0.  5 wins out of 5!  Imagine that.  (imagine a win against a top 6 team again!)

I'm going to start the Paul Sturrock nonsense again!

 

(purely for my own amusement you understand!)

I wonder......is where we are right now the real reason for Grassa leaving? Some may not have liked the guy but he had a big say in managerial appointments and we brought in some good ones. Brewster second time being the exception.

 

Bennett was quoted as saying at the time, words to the effect "I don't like the way the board want the club to go" IIRC.  It was also days after Butcher went, so I can only presume what he heard from the board in regards to the new manager was one of the final straws.

 

I've also heard rumblings on the grapevine, that he left in the end due to being informed that he would have no role in the interview or recruitment process.  Remember, this was the first time the manager's job was empty since his role was changed from 'Director of Football' to 'Vice Chairman', after Butcher wished to combine the former with the management job.  If there's one thing he has, it's at least some background in football.  He was a player, a manager of Clach for a short time and was obviously the aforementioned 'Director of Football' for over a decade.  He's a football man.  What football background does Kenny Cameron and the gang have?  Cameron might be a good chairman, but what involvement with the game did he have before that?  From what I gather, most of the board have previously far more background in shinty than they do football.  As they probably didn't know much better, it's possible that they were mesmerised by Yogi's talk of philosophy, hard work and all that stuff.  Maybe a football man, would have seen right through it. 

Edited April 2, 201411 yr by Renegade

Would we really do worse with an ICT dream trio of Robbo, Shearer and Christie taking over, either temporarily or permanently?  I think not.  Even getting Pele on board as a scout or advisor?  Can't see it being overly costly if we're short of cash and make an appeal to the heart.

 

If it works, then a contract.  If not, then we are no worse off than that guid laddie at the moment.

Would we really do worse with an ICT dream trio of Robbo, Shearer and Christie taking over, either temporarily or permanently?  I think not.  Even getting Pele on board as a scout or advisor?  Can't see it being overly costly if we're short of cash and make an appeal to the heart.

 

If it works, then a contract.  If not, then we are no worse off than that guid laddie at the moment.

The only positive with Robbo coming in would be that he's done his homework on ICT. He is usually at the TCS every home game with the BBC and can see what our strengthes and weaknesses are.

It's never good to go back and just look at Craig Brewsters second reign.

I personally think the board missed a massive opportunity by not appointing Paul Hartley and his back room staff at Alloa considering how easy and professional they were to deal with.