I get what you’re saying, and in an ideal world I’d agree – treating people well should be the standard. It’s part of what made Wycombe special for so long.
But the reality is the status quo has changed. Once you step into the corporate money world, the culture inevitably changes – not because anyone here wants it to, but because the structures, budgets and decision-making are all run that way now. You can fight it for a while, but eventually it catches up. A lot of people are “happy” to be in this world because of the remuneration packages.
And sure, Dan Rice (or any leader of a corporate structure) would reject my premise – because no leader wants to admit their environment is cold, transactional, or driven by process over people.
Also, it’s not about being proud of it – it’s about recognising that the playing field we’re on today is nothing like the one from the Ainsworth days. And that’s why, if people are unhappy, the finger needs to point to the actual top.
I’ve said my two cents about this now though, and can leave this thread in peace :).
It certainly is the way in sport at the highest level. MB’s departure could have been handled better, arguably done when they took over with their person lined up. Didn’t happen, looked classless and no-one will convince me Dodds was their man from the start.
Dodds may learn more on the job as time goes on and if he does then I’ll be a little surprised, very pleased and singing his praises.
As for Lomtadze, his motives still seem unclear to me. I don’t see how developing a fantastic academy in England will massively benefit Kazakhstani football which is a stated aim. Take that off the table and using the academy to build Brentford 2.0 may work but it’s a gamble and then some.
If this is truly a Lomtadze long term passion project then I’m surprised we haven’t seen a bit more of him. I’m not expecting full Ryan Reynolds but not seeing the club and no immediate plans to do so? Seems unusual unless he’s bought has an asset to flip or it is a gift for his son-in-law?
Extraordinary that the only Director who utters a word is Dan Rice. Perhaps that actually makes him the very best of the bunch?
Even if we buy Lomtadze being too busy to offer up a five minute zoom interview, his boy is actually here on the ground. Come on Eduard, give us a twirl.
That’s not entirely true. Eduard did take the slightly unusual route of taking to LinkedIn to say actions speak louder than words (or to that effect).
A post that elicited a response by @petecouhig to tell him to fuck off on this forum. Which the nosey part of me is fascinated to know why it seemed to need that level of reply from one of the previous regime…
I do remember once Brian Clough narrated a story about being criticised by a fan, when Mr Clough replied that he had just won the European Cup twice and the fan then replied, “ah but you didn’t win it in style though”!
On another note the Daily Mail has a two page spread on the re- emergence of Sunderland and the way they are run. Reading the column it looks like this is the way we are now doing things. Probably why we have appointed Dodds.
The apolitical mrs micra has had the Mail delivered daily for many years. It occasionally wakes me up when it plonks on the mat at 5.30 am but at least I can’t hold that against it. I take it between thumb and forefinger and have a quick glance at the latest outrageous headline before returning to the sack.
Having said that, I’m not averse to reading the sports pages and look forward to the article referred to. Thanks @ForeverBlue.
To think that in the early days of Gasroom 2.0 I used to describe myself as virtually apolitical ! And I really was.
If anyone should go it’s Rice, ruined the ethos of a club in 12 months and supplied Dodds with a squad and playing style that’s so disjointed it’s going to get us relegated.
