To take that literally recruiting no one, or even six duds is going to sink the ship...and very rapidly. Having spent 10-12m buying the club plus a reported 4m staying up bonus it is not logical to think Duchatelet wants to destroy value. I make it two first teamers, two on the bench and two nowhere to be seen. If Duchatelet was vindictive or trigger happy then Powell would have been gone day 1... Again that sinks the ship as most of us would have said wtf! Instead some decent players and the arrival of Poyet from nowhere gives him and us a chance. We might feel Powell was owed more... like a decent striker or two but Duchatelet wasn't here in 2007-10 watching the club fall 10 places a year and he wasn't around to witness the 2011/12 turnaround. In the end, slightly better results and a decent performance against Sheffield United would have extended Powell's reign. I won't revisit that time as it is covered elsewhere and we will all have more perspective over the summer... but results and team selection since that game have shown we had a team in there somewhere, at least for half the games! I expect a much better effort on players - retention and acquisitions because it makes commercial sense and we are about to let go a lot of players. If they don't improve the squad and retain the best players then they miss the chance of our best finish for years next season. (assuming we stay up)
What I was taking ‘literally’ was your reply to my post where you say that the recruitment of 6 new player's of which only 2 were judged good enough to play by 2 different managers was a “Very cute strategy….basically get the existing squad and management to bail themselves out if they want new contracts” – not sure how else I could have taken it?
As for your claim that “If Duchatelet was vindictive or trigger happy then Powell would have been gone day 1”, I’m reluctant to seem to fail to ‘move on’ (and upset Henry) – but if you’re right why did RD eulogise Powell in his first major interview on February 20th and then enter negotiations to renew his contract only to sack him on March 11th – following your logic we’d have to conclude that if he’s not ‘trigger happy’ then he must be devious?
It's pretty obvious Powell wasn't sacked because of results, regardless of what Duchatelet says.
Again, I'm reluctant to go over this again, but Duchatelet didn't say that Powell was sacked because of results. What he said on March 11th was:
“There was good progress, but we could not reach an agreement over the club’s football strategy going forward”
which mirrors what Powell said 5 days earlier:
"we have to agree the football side, players and recruitment moving forward”
Following the Sheffield United result it clearly would have been much easier for RD if he had said that Powell was sacked because of results, league position, late substitutions or whatever - as many fans seem to choose to believe. So the fact that he didn't say that I think should at least raise questions in people's minds about what it was about "players and recruitment moving forward” that Powell couldn't accept in order to sign a new contract. Particularly, as I posted earlier, in the light of RD's 'recruitment' so far - 6 new player's of which only 2 have been judged good enough to play by 2 different managers.
You've been quite selective with your highlighted comments there. He did also outline the defeat at Leicester as a reason. Well Riga has also lost 3-0 to Derby, Burnley and Brighton on that basis.
I was only ‘selective’ for the sake of brevity. I’ve cut and pasted what he said in full below. As you’ll see he makes no reference to the defeat at Leicester (or Sheffield United) and his remarks about the “club’s position in the league and the number of important fixtures upcoming” and “avoiding relegation” etc read more like an afterthought following on from what he says was the main reason for the sacking - “we could not reach an agreement over the club’s football strategy going forward”.
However, I think we're broadly in agreement on the wider issues.
RD: Tue 11 Mar 2014
“We have been working with Chris Powell and his representatives for a couple of weeks to try and agree a contract extension which would have seen us continue to work together.
“There was good progress, but we could not reach an agreement over the club’s football strategy going forward
“The situation put a strain on the working relationship between Chris and the board. Therefore I think it is best for all parties that we part ways at this stage.
“I would like to thank Chris for his commitment and hard work over the past three years. The club enjoyed a number of good times under his leadership.
“However, given the club’s position in the league and the number of important fixtures upcoming, I felt this difficult decision was unavoidable at this time.
“We will look to quickly appoint a replacement who we feel will give us the best chance of avoiding relegation from the Championship.
“I can assure supporters this was not an easy decision, but it has been made with the club’s future in mind. Time will tell if it is the right decision.”
Very few would have picked Harriott after his nightmare versus Barnsley, Riga must be blessed with clever man management skills as well as being tactically astute to get that performance from him yesterday. It also appears he has faith in Marvin, a player that needs to run on to through balls, not have balls hoofed up to him with his back to goal, something the previous manager seemed unable to fathom. Interesting that both these players were excluded from the first team for quite long periods this season, but instigate the win of the season. A good manager will still make mistakes, but learns from them? Well Done Jose.
It was the right decision 100% no matter howuch it pains me to say it Powell had run out of ideas and was unable to work with RD therefore it is unquestionably the right decision whether we stay up or go down
It was right for Powell and right for RD no one should work in those conditions
Nego has been hard done by his one appearance was solid enough he has made the bench often enough as cover and who knows how he will turn out
Koc was a youth squad signing
PP is a good player bits need working on but in there is a good player who will play for us and well
But unfortunately it is not this season
I didn't mind the keeper I fact I thought that the only reason he became the focus was because people were pissed off about Alnwick so let's just say we got lucky at bens misfortune and thuram covered the gap in the injury absence of Ben h
The fact he later was reported to have refused to travel u would never play him again if true
Reza AA been good enough so all 4 find themselves on the Ben and are better options than what we had before therefore the squad is stronger
The RD plan can't be judged in 6 months that's for sure lets see where we are this time next season
Very few would have picked Harriott after his nightmare versus Barnsley, Riga must be blessed with clever man management skills as well as being tactically astute to get that performance from him yesterday. It also appears he has faith in Marvin, a player that needs to run on to through balls, not have balls hoofed up to him with his back to goal, something the previous manager seemed unable to fathom. Interesting that both these players were excluded from the first team for quite long periods this season, but instigate the win of the season. A good manager will still make mistakes, but learns from them? Well Done Jose.
Or he realised it was a mistake to play a left footed winger on the right.
Very few would have picked Harriott after his nightmare versus Barnsley, Riga must be blessed with clever man management skills as well as being tactically astute to get that performance from him yesterday. It also appears he has faith in Marvin, a player that needs to run on to through balls, not have balls hoofed up to him with his back to goal, something the previous manager seemed unable to fathom. Interesting that both these players were excluded from the first team for quite long periods this season, but instigate the win of the season. A good manager will still make mistakes, but learns from them? Well Done Jose.
Or he realised it was a mistake to play a left footed winger on the right.
Disagree. Adjaravic has shown it's possible, the QPR and Yeovil home games spring to mind.
I think it is pretty clear that Chrissy wanted more control over transfers than RD was willing to give. RD probably thought the gap could not be closed which led to the decision. I think Powell is a legend and his loyalty to us prevented him from walking away, but given the fact that he wasn't ever going to get RD to change his philosophy, he either had to accept the restraints or go. As he couldn't accept the restraints, it was only going to become an increasing issue at a time when we didn't need it.
Powell is an honourable man and I think he would have brought us much success if backed. I fills me with regret and sadness that we didn't follow up our League winning season and last season with a little more backing. Powell will always be a hero and I wouldn't rule him coming back someday. Of course many continental clubs have a manager who coaches and have others who lead on recruitment, with the manager having some but not final input. This is RDs system and it can work, but everybody has to sign up to it.
Very few would have picked Harriott after his nightmare versus Barnsley, Riga must be blessed with clever man management skills as well as being tactically astute to get that performance from him yesterday. It also appears he has faith in Marvin, a player that needs to run on to through balls, not have balls hoofed up to him with his back to goal, something the previous manager seemed unable to fathom. Interesting that both these players were excluded from the first team for quite long periods this season, but instigate the win of the season. A good manager will still make mistakes, but learns from them? Well Done Jose.
Or he realised it was a mistake to play a left footed winger on the right.
Disagree. Adjaravic has shown it's possible, the QPR and Yeovil home games spring to mind.
Good point but it doesn't mean Harriott can play on the right. Astrit isn't a winger either and doesn't rely on getting out wide and crossing the ball. He cuts inside instead. Granted, he's a more intelligent and skilful player than Harriott.
As much as i'm impressed, i don't buy this 'better football' stuff as being down to Riga.
The style of football seemed to marginally change on the sale of Kermorgant. Defenders lost their (effective) out ball and were forced to play with a different approach.
But to a greater extent, i put it down to the emergence of Poyet. We started attempting to play differently in Powell's last batch of games, and it is (in my opinion) mainly down to our best player's key attributes in being a holding midfielder in picking the ball up from defence, and keeping possession. He alone pretty much sets the tone to how we play.
I'm sure as a European Riga's preferred style will be one of ball retention, and if he is given the summer he would have an emphasised style impact, but not now, when they have been barely training other than light drills, recovery and shape work.
Agree totally.
Not knocking Riga or pining for Powell but I think the change is as much if not more to the changes in players than managers/coaches.
I like Riga. He comes over well in interviews but remember that he and his selections were less popular after the Barnsley defeat.
Lol He was less popular at 8 minutes past 3 yesterday. I am pretty certain on the match thread there were a few F off Riga's. Small margins. From 8 minutes past 3 tp 5 o clock we had gone from Riga taking us down to Riga saving us probably.
@micks1950 its not a supposed strategy , its a strategy, we may not agree with it, it maybe crap but it is a strategy!!
You are probably right - but I can't recall it being clearly spelt out by RD - hence 'supposed'.
Any thoughts on it's likely success going forward - as I posted, so far 6 players recruited but only 2 deemed good enough to play by Powell and Riga?
Its hard to judge the success or otherwise of the network model based on the Jan transfer window. Of the 6 incoming, the only risk was recruiting Pete the pole, who is young enough to still come good either here or elsewhere in the network. The other 5 from SL and Upjest were sunk costs and would have been sitting on the bench wherever they had been. In fact Astit and Gucci are getting more football here than they would have at SL. You would expect that in the summer you would have the luxury of time to look at players and determine if they were up to the mark for Championship football. Personally I think the only other one signed that was expected to play was Thuram, but Hamers form and fitness has kept him out of the team. The rest were just signed to add depth to the squad
Financial 'risk' maybe - but what about the 'risk' of relegation that we faced when they were recruited (and still do)?
If it wasn't Charlton what would you think of the 'strategy' if it was another relegation threatened club that was bought by a multi-millionaire at the turn of the year who then recruited 6 new player's but only 2 were judged good enough to play by 2 different managers, leaving the rest of the squad playing 2 games a week and the club still in danger of the drop?
I'd probably be more critical of the sales of Kermy and Stephens than I would be of the 6 coming in. imo, only 4 were signed to play, with Pete the Pole and Koc just here for experience. Yuo are right in the fact that only two are playing, but none would be playing if we'd kept those two.
Personally I think we should give the network idea more time. It does make us different to the one club models in the rest of the division. Whether its different in a good way remains to be seen. It doesn't make sense to me to say that there is a pyramid with ethier SL or us at the top, why split your resources in order to do that when you could pour all of your money into making one team successful? I think it makes more sense for all clubs to stand on thier own two feet and the advantage comes from sharing resources and expertise round the group. The network only works with a european model first team coach who does not have the final say on transfers. The issue for us is who does have the final say? There is an Israeli football agent who seems to be involved with most of the transfers in and out of SL, but I doubt he knows much about English football. If he is pulling the strings then that could be an issue for us.
Very few would have picked Harriott after his nightmare versus Barnsley, Riga must be blessed with clever man management skills as well as being tactically astute to get that performance from him yesterday. It also appears he has faith in Marvin, a player that needs to run on to through balls, not have balls hoofed up to him with his back to goal, something the previous manager seemed unable to fathom. Interesting that both these players were excluded from the first team for quite long periods this season, but instigate the win of the season. A good manager will still make mistakes, but learns from them? Well Done Jose.
Or he realised it was a mistake to play a left footed winger on the right.
Disagree. Adjaravic has shown it's possible, the QPR and Yeovil home games spring to mind.
Very different players though. AA is not a winger, doesn't use pace (thankfully!) and has two good feet. Stewart worked well on the "wrong" side but he was at least able to go inside or outside. Harriott is too left footed and too dependent on pace to play on the right.
My understanding was That there was issues over who had control on transfers but there was an issue with Chris Powell wanting the club to give out long contracts for the coaching staff which the club was not prepared to do.
As much as i'm impressed, i don't buy this 'better football' stuff as being down to Riga.
The style of football seemed to marginally change on the sale of Kermorgant. Defenders lost their (effective) out ball and were forced to play with a different approach.
But to a greater extent, i put it down to the emergence of Poyet. We started attempting to play differently in Powell's last batch of games, and it is (in my opinion) mainly down to our best player's key attributes in being a holding midfielder in picking the ball up from defence, and keeping possession. He alone pretty much sets the tone to how we play.
I'm sure as a European Riga's preferred style will be one of ball retention, and if he is given the summer he would have an emphasised style impact, but not now, when they have been barely training other than light drills, recovery and shape work.
Agree totally.
Not knocking Riga or pining for Powell but I think the change is as much if not more to the changes in players than managers/coaches.
I like Riga. He comes over well in interviews but remember that he and his selections were less popular after the Barnsley defeat.
Lol He was less popular at 8 minutes past 3 yesterday. I am pretty certain on the match thread there were a few F off Riga's. Small margins. From 8 minutes past 3 tp 5 o clock we had gone from Riga taking us down to Riga saving us probably.
@micks1950 its not a supposed strategy , its a strategy, we may not agree with it, it maybe crap but it is a strategy!!
You are probably right - but I can't recall it being clearly spelt out by RD - hence 'supposed'.
Any thoughts on it's likely success going forward - as I posted, so far 6 players recruited but only 2 deemed good enough to play by Powell and Riga?
Its hard to judge the success or otherwise of the network model based on the Jan transfer window. Of the 6 incoming, the only risk was recruiting Pete the pole, who is young enough to still come good either here or elsewhere in the network. The other 5 from SL and Upjest were sunk costs and would have been sitting on the bench wherever they had been. In fact Astit and Gucci are getting more football here than they would have at SL. You would expect that in the summer you would have the luxury of time to look at players and determine if they were up to the mark for Championship football. Personally I think the only other one signed that was expected to play was Thuram, but Hamers form and fitness has kept him out of the team. The rest were just signed to add depth to the squad
Financial 'risk' maybe - but what about the 'risk' of relegation that we faced when they were recruited (and still do)?
If it wasn't Charlton what would you think of the 'strategy' if it was another relegation threatened club that was bought by a multi-millionaire at the turn of the year who then recruited 6 new player's but only 2 were judged good enough to play by 2 different managers, leaving the rest of the squad playing 2 games a week and the club still in danger of the drop?
I'd probably be more critical of the sales of Kermy and Stephens than I would be of the 6 coming in. imo, only 4 were signed to play, with Pete the Pole and Koc just here for experience. Yuo are right in the fact that only two are playing, but none would be playing if we'd kept those two.
Personally I think we should give the network idea more time. It does make us different to the one club models in the rest of the division. Whether its different in a good way remains to be seen. It doesn't make sense to me to say that there is a pyramid with ethier SL or us at the top, why split your resources in order to do that when you could pour all of your money into making one team successful? I think it makes more sense for all clubs to stand on thier own two feet and the advantage comes from sharing resources and expertise round the group. The network only works with a european model first team coach who does not have the final say on transfers. The issue for us is who does have the final say? There is an Israeli football agent who seems to be involved with most of the transfers in and out of SL, but I doubt he knows much about English football. If he is pulling the strings then that could be an issue for us.
There is one other club in the division in a network: Watford. They appeared in the play off final thanks to players supplied from the two other clubs. What the Staprix network offers is a certain speed of transaction. Staprix took over early January and by the end of the month six players arrived. But on one thing we all agree - we need to know who has the final say... And do they have the skills and budgets to get the right players in this summer.
It may be that Riga does the training by a kind of proxy, it could be a language thing out on the training pitches and it means he has to put more into planning, and then into feedback and reflection.
I've just looked back on a lot of Riga's post match interviews. It's interesting to observe that his demeanor changes very little whether the interview follows a heavy defeat or a victory. Always calm, always pleasant and always able to smile. He takes defeat very philosophically, accentuates the positives and looks forward to the next game. I think his calm and thoughtful attitude must be very beneficial to the players and must really help to lift them after a bad game. As for the style of football that he likes to play, have a look at his Cogni Training website. There are some insightful videos on there. It's all about repetitive movement, muscle memory, pass move, pass move etc, letting the ball do the work. No running 200km every game like poor old Pritchard had to last season! No humping the ball long 1970's style. I'd like to see what he's capable of achieving with the benefit of a preseason on the training pitch and I think his style of football could be a breath of fresh air for us long suffering Addicks.
One thing that I do like about him is that he is a positive thinker, and always looks to go forward not just park the bus. He is very experienced in working with youngsters, which is our only way forward, I would like to think that he is going to be with us for some time in whatever capacity.
One thing that I do like about him is that he is a positive thinker, and always looks to go forward not just park the bus. He is very experienced in working with youngsters, which is our only way forward, I would like to think that he is going to be with us for some time in whatever capacity.
I wouldn't necessarily agree with that. We are passing it backwards and sideways from attacking positions more than ever before. It's been slightly better recently but ti's definitely more than we used to.
One thing that I do like about him is that he is a positive thinker, and always looks to go forward not just park the bus. He is very experienced in working with youngsters, which is our only way forward, I would like to think that he is going to be with us for some time in whatever capacity.
I wouldn't necessarily agree with that. We are passing it backwards and sideways from attacking positions more than ever before. It's been slightly better recently but ti's definitely more than we used to.
I think that's probably right, but I'd suggest that there are two different questions here and that it might be helpful to separate them.
The first question is whether the team under Riga has been more patient, attempting to retain possession rather than move the ball forward more quickly and risk losing it. I find it hard to believe that anybody can argue that this is not the case. This doesn't mean Riga is less positive than Powell.
The second question is more difficult and, ultimately, a matter of judgement and that is whether this style of play is more effective than the more direct approach witnessed under Powell. My own view, for what its worth, is that it is more enjoyable to watch and likely to help the players improve. Hence, I'd be inclined to believe it will be good for the team long-term. But that's just opinion, of course.
Some might also ask whether Powell too tried to play more of a passing game and failed or, alternatively, whether the arrival of Diego Poyet is the key difference. I guess that's largely academic. Either way the style of play has changed.
He was brought in to keep us up following CP's departure and it looks like he is going to do that, so he deserves a lot of credit for that. Results have been mixed but it has mostly been win or loss and we have picked up 5 crucial wins including 3 away from home. Lets get over the line this season and then we can judge him over next season, if he is still here of course.
No I ain't saying that at all , since the yann incident there has been a real radio silence on matters in and around the changing room and there's very few leaks getting out
I like Riga. I like the fact he sets his teams up to retain possession first and foremost. I dislike the very British obsession with getting the ball forward quickly which is often ugly and ineffective given that lumping it forward very often means immediately losing possession. British football is crammed full of dinosaur managers and coaches which is why our football is technically poor by comparison with virtually every other country and is highlighted by the continually poor standard of the English national teams. If Jose and his team can get Charlton playing an attractive modern style of football then I will be more than happy and am very hopeful that success will follow.
The thing that did kill me about Powell was the lateness of the subs. Mourinho will often make a change at 45 minutes if it's not working, but there were occasions when we were trailing and Powell wouldn't make the right sub until too late. That really frustrated me so I like that Riga rings the changes early on. I loved Powell as a man and a manager but if we stay up then even if you can't 100% say it was the right decision you can certainly say it wasn't the wrong one. Now it all hinges on the next couple of games
I like Riga. I like the fact he sets his teams up to retain possession first and foremost. I dislike the very British obsession with getting the ball forward quickly which is often ugly and ineffective given that lumping it forward very often means immediately losing possession. British football is crammed full of dinosaur managers and coaches which is why our football is technically poor by comparison with virtually every other country and is highlighted by the continually poor standard of the English national teams. If Jose and his team can get Charlton playing an attractive modern style of football then I will be more than happy and am very hopeful that success will follow.
I don't think there's frustration with getting it forward quickly but getting it forward at all would be nice.
He was brought in to keep us up following CP's departure and it looks like he is going to do that, so he deserves a lot of credit for that. Results have been mixed but it has mostly been win or loss and we have picked up 5 crucial wins including 3 away from home. Lets get over the line this season and then we can judge him over next season, if he is still here of course.
Riga's next win (if it comes) will be his sixth of the season... With the same squad as Powell (less Stephens and Kermorgant) When Riga took over we were probably 50:50 for the drop. Now that is more like 5 or 10% Sure we have lost some games 3-0 to top teams but we have won five and secured 1.4 points per game. Only one nightmare result (Barnsley) on the way which I feel was balanced by yesterday. Loved what Powell did for our club but he was in a very difficult situation with new owner, matches postponed and new players...and simply couldn't get the wins needed. Whether he went for results or strategy or some of both, Riga has delivered a WLWL sequence with the odd draw which has taken us to 18th.
Amazing what you can do with the backing of your chairman.
Powell could have done himself a favour and picked up points... Hard to sack him if winning. The only extra backing Riga has had is being hired by RD, although I guess it's easier to blame rd than say powells football was awful and only 2 month later we are already playing better.
Comments
However, I think we're broadly in agreement on the wider issues.
RD: Tue 11 Mar 2014
“We have been working with Chris Powell and his representatives for a couple of weeks to try and agree a contract extension which would have seen us continue to work together.
“There was good progress, but we could not reach an agreement over the club’s football strategy going forward
“The situation put a strain on the working relationship between Chris and the board. Therefore I think it is best for all parties that we part ways at this stage.
“I would like to thank Chris for his commitment and hard work over the past three years. The club enjoyed a number of good times under his leadership.
“However, given the club’s position in the league and the number of important fixtures upcoming, I felt this difficult decision was unavoidable at this time.
“We will look to quickly appoint a replacement who we feel will give us the best chance of avoiding relegation from the Championship.
“I can assure supporters this was not an easy decision, but it has been made with the club’s future in mind. Time will tell if it is the right decision.”
http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140310-chris-powell-leaves-charlton-1411657.aspx#2zjz75RTu74GovPc.99
(apologies to Henry for not 'moving on')
It was right for Powell and right for RD no one should work in those conditions
Nego has been hard done by his one appearance was solid enough he has made the bench often enough as cover and who knows how he will turn out
Koc was a youth squad signing
PP is a good player bits need working on but in there is a good player who will play for us and well
But unfortunately it is not this season
I didn't mind the keeper I fact I thought that the only reason he became the focus was because people were pissed off about Alnwick so let's just say we got lucky at bens misfortune and thuram covered the gap in the injury absence of Ben h
The fact he later was reported to have refused to travel u would never play him again if true
Reza AA been good enough so all 4 find themselves on the Ben and are better options than what we had before therefore the squad is stronger
The RD plan can't be judged in 6 months that's for sure lets see where we are this time next season
Powell is an honourable man and I think he would have brought us much success if backed. I fills me with regret and sadness that we didn't follow up our League winning season and last season with a little more backing. Powell will always be a hero and I wouldn't rule him coming back someday. Of course many continental clubs have a manager who coaches and have others who lead on recruitment, with the manager having some but not final input. This is RDs system and it can work, but everybody has to sign up to it.
Personally I think we should give the network idea more time. It does make us different to the one club models in the rest of the division. Whether its different in a good way remains to be seen. It doesn't make sense to me to say that there is a pyramid with ethier SL or us at the top, why split your resources in order to do that when you could pour all of your money into making one team successful? I think it makes more sense for all clubs to stand on thier own two feet and the advantage comes from sharing resources and expertise round the group. The network only works with a european model first team coach who does not have the final say on transfers. The issue for us is who does have the final say? There is an Israeli football agent who seems to be involved with most of the transfers in and out of SL, but I doubt he knows much about English football. If he is pulling the strings then that could be an issue for us.
He's definitely out there on the training pitches but whether he actually takes the sessions( or some of them) I don't know.
Too busy planting /weeding/watering to take a close look....
What the Staprix network offers is a certain speed of transaction. Staprix took over early January and by the end of the month six players arrived.
But on one thing we all agree - we need to know who has the final say... And do they have the skills and budgets to get the right players in this summer.
As for the style of football that he likes to play, have a look at his Cogni Training website. There are some insightful videos on there. It's all about repetitive movement, muscle memory, pass move, pass move etc, letting the ball do the work. No running 200km every game like poor old Pritchard had to last season! No humping the ball long 1970's style. I'd like to see what he's capable of achieving with the benefit of a preseason on the training pitch and I think his style of football could be a breath of fresh air for us long suffering Addicks.
The first question is whether the team under Riga has been more patient, attempting to retain possession rather than move the ball forward more quickly and risk losing it. I find it hard to believe that anybody can argue that this is not the case. This doesn't mean Riga is less positive than Powell.
The second question is more difficult and, ultimately, a matter of judgement and that is whether this style of play is more effective than the more direct approach witnessed under Powell. My own view, for what its worth, is that it is more enjoyable to watch and likely to help the players improve. Hence, I'd be inclined to believe it will be good for the team long-term. But that's just opinion, of course.
Some might also ask whether Powell too tried to play more of a passing game and failed or, alternatively, whether the arrival of Diego Poyet is the key difference. I guess that's largely academic. Either way the style of play has changed.
If the SLP says it happened I wouldn't disagree
Powell could have done himself a favour and picked up points... Hard to sack him if winning. The only extra backing Riga has had is being hired by RD, although I guess it's easier to blame rd than say powells football was awful and only 2 month later we are already playing better.
We were bottom for a reason.