January Farewells

[Matty]

If you compare it to last season we were to play another two months of turgid stuff before looking dead and buried in late February. Over half the season to go yet. As a typical Barrow fan I was a little depressed about it all in the aftermath on Wednesday but having had a few days to think there's certainly glimmers of hope and confidence that weren't there after that Morecambe game.

Cooper knows how to spot a player, FGR fans will tell you that, the squad that finished in the playoffs last season and are doing so well this season were made up of players he signed. Obviously they've kicked on but that's not to say we don't have a far better manager in place now than at any point last season.

[tictactoe]

No offence but Mark Hetherington isn’t really a director of football is he? We need someone experienced in that role to sort this shower out if that’s the route we are going down

A brief explanation off Mark of his role Lisa.

Helping the club with recruitment of players, medical teams, strength & conditioning coaches, analytical performance training facilities plus support around the football side of things & a link between the Board and management.

Lol.

[Falstaff]

Stockport and Wrexham get huge crowds at least; Fylde definitely do not

Very true HK. I'm not saying Uncle Dave is not driven by his own narcissism - just that the man has a plan, in fact he has several and they all involve him making money. And he does.

RE gates the same could be said of both Wrexham and Stockport. Despite gates in the thousands there is absolutely no way either club would ever break even on gate receipts. Indeed that would probably be the case even if their gates were higher. They are totally dependent (as are Fylde) on benefactors, not corporations or consortia but individuals. This will increasingly become a problem for the EFL as these funds are used to propel a team into the EFL at which point the financing has to get ramped up again. At some point limits are reached. This approach very nearly killed Swindon. Plymouth are another example more inteesting because they are still moving forward. But they carry a huge debt. If they flop they will be in financial trouble. If they get promoted they will need huge additional investment to maintain status adding to their huge debt. At some point the balloon will pop.

Just as an aside, Wrexham is a fairly unique situation. As I understand it most of their income is generated through business wanting the 'association ' with their celebrity owners. For example their shirt sponsorship with Tik Tok is apparently worth double last seasons playing budget on its own! All because Tik Tok wanted to get Ryan Reynolds involved with them. It's also caught the public imagination with 5000+ season ticket holders and an average home gate above 8000.

[MrSmith]

What are Mark Hetheringtons qualifications in football that has allowed him to take on this role? What does he do outside of football for normal work?

[Hadrian]

What would 'suitable' qualifications be, in your view?

[blue nige]

What would 'suitable' qualifications be, in your view?

Exactly, I make comments on here but at least I try to justify them ( sometimes badly !)

[HenneysKnee]

Ah so Mark Hetherington is the forum scapegoat for our troubles this season is he?

[blue nige]

Ah so Mark Hetherington is the forum scapegoat for our troubles this season is he?

yeah don't forget how lot's of "experts " on here were praising the signing of Zanzala and now he's a pariah!

[will3988]

Think we should be asking questions of key players who’s contracts end this summer mainly Platt, don’t want to end up with another Dixon scenario so looks like we may have to sell

[ruins]

A brief explanation off Mark of his role Lisa.

Helping the club with recruitment of players, medical teams, strength & conditioning coaches, analytical performance training facilities plus support around the football side of things & a link between the Board and management.

Lol.

Why is that funny? Ian is trying to explain.

[Holkerbird]

Lol.

Why is that funny? Ian is trying to explain.

I thought that was strange too Daz.
Usually it is a thanks for the update and reply.
Oh well.

[Pedro]

To date this season has been disappointing.
The FA cup and TV money has been a bonus.
What happens with signings will be crucial.
The problems been highlighted with the need for a couple of decent forwards and a midfielder since the beginning of the season.
Likes of Devitt etc been disappointing but had lemon written all over him.Think his agent did well for him.

Zanzala signing was seen as a big signing because we got him to leave Carlisle, 25 % goals per game is not outstanding.
Farman I think is a better keeper than Dixon.

The season starts again now let's see some decent players come in.
As Corporal Jones used to say don't panic - yet

[ruins]

Why is that funny? Ian is trying to explain.

I thought that was strange too Daz.
Usually it is a thanks for the update and reply.
Oh well.

Each to their own Elaine xx hope you had a lovely Christmas and New year hopefully see you soon x

[tictactoe]

Lol.

Why is that funny? Ian is trying to explain.

I thought it strange that he felt he had to explain that is all. Opinions are opinions

[spirit of 1990]

A brief explanation off Mark of his role Lisa.

Helping the club with recruitment of players, medical teams, strength & conditioning coaches, analytical performance training facilities plus support around the football side of things & a link between the Board and management.

Lol.

Not a response I would’ve expected…a bit uncalled for actually.