I also think we have been too open against the better teams and generally got stuffed as a result. It was irritating at the time but fair play to him, he stuck with finding a formation and personnel that worked and recent results show he got there. If he does get the job full time, I hope and expect he'll work on different approaches that are more appropriate for those situations.
Reading the Neil Warnock autobiography, "The Gaffer" - it's a good read. He comments in an early chapter that one of his teams (think Notts County at some point) were playing good open, possession football - and ended up being relegated. Point taken but a few defeats I've seen this year have been where we have capitulated and clearly showed that in our body language and nervy play - that's as good as throwing a hungry lion a piece of fresh meat. In the recent Blackburn game, for example, we actually had them on the back foot at 1-2 and even Rovers fans admitted that their team have a habit of collapsing when teams come back at them. We came out second half nervy and negative instead of carrying on where we left off. Self belief is vital and we are going in the right direction in finding that with the current team
I thought that in the last few games of the season the guys had started to gel really well on the pitch - they played the team game with the view to a finish. I think it's taken JR a bit of time to get them to figure that out. Have to say that I was a touch sceptical when he first arrived (but then weren't most of us?) but was prepared to give him a few games to see the impact. Ship was steadied at first, then slow progress has begun. Think he's done a fantastic job, and I'd like to see what he could do with more time, training and some monetary investment to the squad. I do think RD is looking at the longer term far more than the short - I get the feeling that CAFC will be a very different club in 24 months time - but in a good way, not for worse.
I agree with @seth plum about the collaboration - it's showed in the final games so we have the potential there already. We need to build on that with the right signings over the summer. Also agree with his point about the backroom staff. JR could have done a David Moyes and kicked out AD & Co. but that would have been further upset to an already fragile situation. Credit to JR for working with them, and recognising that he was filling the shoes of a well-loved manager - but also to them for not baling out when we needed them.
Riga seemed to approach the job with the mindset of 'three points, or no points' - scraping single points here and there seemed pretty secondary, hence he was much more attack minded. Of course he knew he would be paid anyway and there was no pressure to keep his job afterwards which probably eased a bit of the tension - it was just a job right from the start, no personal attachment. If/when he does get a more permanent role (with the first 11, or academy) maybe that will change but I quite like it. There is a lot to be said for a professional defensive display grinding out steady points but it is quite nice to see a Charlton team that looks to attack instead of defend!
I thought his substitutions in the games where we were losing heavily were very clever and sensible. He pulled off important players like Jacko to preserve them for the next game. In some instances this meant that we suffered an even heavier defeat, but the points were already gone anyway. He was in effect writing off the present game and concentrating instead on the next more winnable game.
Riga seemed to approach the job with the mindset of 'three points, or no points' - scraping single points here and there seemed pretty secondary, hence he was much more attack minded. Of course he knew he would be paid anyway and there was no pressure to keep his job afterwards which probably eased a bit of the tension - it was just a job right from the start, no personal attachment. If/when he does get a more permanent role (with the first 11, or academy) maybe that will change but I quite like it. There is a lot to be said for a professional defensive display grinding out steady points but it is quite nice to see a Charlton team that looks to attack instead of defend!
There's a time to play football and a time to shut up shop or park the bus, using a more current adage. Each game will have different degrees of each - the tougher games more of the latter but there must be a mix in all games so the opposition are always wary of you during the whole game. As much as I advocate possession and penetration football, I also recognise the need for some long ball etc. Need to try different things and vary the play. What I don't like to see is the ball coming immediately backward after going forward. In a 4-5-1 the striker needs support around him - too many times in the more negative performances we saw insufficient support and movement, either from midfield or from tentative full backs, apparently afraid to overlap. The Riga era has moved us forward in a very positive way and I sincerely hope he stays and gets the squad he wants because it could be exciting days ahead.
I thought his substitutions in the games where we were losing heavily were very clever and sensible. He pulled off important players like Jacko to preserve them for the next game. In some instances this meant that we suffered an even heavier defeat, but the points were already gone anyway. He was in effect writing off the present game and concentrating instead on the next more winnable game.
That appears to have been the reality but goal difference was getting tighter and tighter so we needed those wins. 3 goals vs Yeovil, 3 goals vs Sheff Wed, 3 goals vs Watford and 3 goals vs Blackpool - and many of the goals from open play and counter attacks - that is what I call progress!
JR has won over many converts, and his fine qualities seem self-evident. It seems rather curious, then, that according to his record shown in Wiki this accomplished and talented guy spent so many years and so much of his career (to date) toiling away in less well-known corners of Belgian football, aside from two spells at SL. He accepted an almighty challenge in taking on CAFC at such a low ebb in our fortunes.
However, as the eight weeks of his tenure have flown by, clearly he has thrived and the team along with him, and working at this different level appears to suit him just fine. Maybe he viewed it that there was nothing to lose - if he managed to achieve the minor miracle of reaching safety all well and good, and an honourable failure, in all the circs, would be no disgrace.
After so many years as the unsung hero he has suddenly found himself very much in the spotlight, and he deserves every chance to relish it. He has achieved much already, but there is surely the promise of so much more still to come.
Now, of course, he didn't appoint himself to the job. Someone had to take quite a chance. Applause, then, to RD who has either been brilliantly advised or perhaps he just knows a bit more about this game (and about people) than he has been given credit for. His next decision will be a highly important one.
A fine night at the POTY party, and a brief opportunity to pay my respects to Jose. I hope very much that there will be the same chance in a year's time.
I was at every 3-0 defeat we suffered this season and the only appalling thrashing I witnessed was away to Doncaster.
Were we conceding late goals in a few of those games? Just wondering if heads were dropping/morale issue or if we simply couldn't hold back the tide against the better team on the day?
I didn't sense heads were dropping with the exception of the Donny game. For most of the season we didn't look like scoring more than one goal a game. Going behind forced us on the front foot which the better sides where able to exploit. For me the sea change came at Sheffield W when we came back from 2-0 to win. I guess it gave the team a self belief that I am not sure previously existed.
I read a comment on another thread by Fanny, who spoke to him. He said that they had few training ground coaching sessions during his time due to players recovery times as a result of the fixture pile up.
I agree that Riga has done a great job in keeping us up, but we did suffer some appalling thrashings under his leadership.
What appalling thrashings ???
Apalling thrashings is a bit strong. Charlton were outclassed against Burnley (0-3) Leicester (0-3), Derby (0-3), Brighton (0-3), Blackburn (1-3), Reading (0-1).
Going toe to toe against the stronger teams, playing more open football this can happen. The more open, passing style lead to getting some good away results Leeds (1-0), Forest (1-0), Wendies (3-2) Blackpool (3-0) and vital home wins against Yeovil (3-2) and Watford (3-1).
The passing football was definitely better to watch, but the gulf in class and quality against the stronger teams was not enjoyable. Against Burnley, Reading and Blackburn the game was effectively over after 60 mins. The last time I have seen Charlton get so comprehensively beaten by the top teams (in form) in the division was in the premiership.
For Charlton to be able to improve and compete more strongly in the division, there needs to be quality throughout the team. Charlton supporters will see what happens in the next 2 to 3 months. There is a lot of player contracts and transfers to negotiate and agree. Katrien Miere will hopefully be very busy (or is in the background already).
I would be happy to see Jose Riga stay in the job. Jose defintiely needs more quality to work with and needs backing.
Silent Addick you lol the comment above. I would be interested to understand which bit you found so laughable,
Charlton were not thrashed but outclassed in some games under Riga. That playing an open passing game and less defensive makes bigger scores more likley against better teams. That Charlton have played some better passing football under Riga. That the level that Charlton were outclassed was similar to the Premiership. Or that quality is needed throughout the team. That Riga should stay That Riga needs to be backed by the owner if he stays.
As we all know, Jose Riga walked into an incredibly difficult and potentially toxic situation following Chris' dismissal; one which could easily have turned horribly ugly and seen us despatched back in the darkness of League 1. I suspect that, if you'd taken a straw poll of Lifers (and supporters generally) following the game at Bramall Lane, most would not have given us a better than a 50% chance of survival, notwithstanding our 3/4 games in hand. The fact that, at the very end, we managed to do so with something to spare is to Jose's immense credit, as well as to that of the coaching team and the players, who have responded so well and professionally over the last two months. Some credit must also go to Roland Duchatelet for getting the right man in, leaving aside, for present purposes, the merits or demerits of his decision to sack Chris Powell.
Jose comes across as an intelligent guy, with a very calm, measured and unfazed approach, which I'm sure communicated itself to, and reassured, the players. He also managed to retain the team spirit which Chris had fostered (particular credit there also to our leaders, Jacko and Morro), get the team to look after the ball much better (assisted by Poyet's outstanding contribution) and, in the end, we even to even score a few goals - despite the paucity of our resources in the striker department. You'd have got very long odds on us breaking the 40 goal barrier with 4 games to go after the 0-0 against Bolton.
As others have said, we don't know if Jose wants the job or what RD's plans are. I'd be very happy for Jose to stay on as 'chief coach' (to give him his official title) but, whatever happens, Duchatelet needs to:
1. make an appointment swiftly - especially with so many critical contract renewals imminent (I imagine that he'll do so); and
2. whoever's in charge, make some meaningful funds available to strengthen the team, especially up front. We won't get away with it again next season. In the teeth of Jiminez's chronic under-investment, followed by Duchatelet's sale of Kermogant and the largely inept replacements foisted upon us, it's a minor miracle that we survived, especially given the fixture pile up.
Let's hope that RD's eyes have been opened to the realities of the Championship and that he'll give Jose or whoever's in charge the tools to make us competitive in this brutal division.
I agree that Riga has done a great job in keeping us up, but we did suffer some appalling thrashings under his leadership.
What appalling thrashings ???
Multiple 0-3 losses. Or has the euphoria of survival clouded your memory?
So you think losing 3-0 ( mostly to teams in the top 6 ) are appalling thrashings ?
I would say your pretty much on your own with that point of view .
I've seen us get some appalling thrashings over the years. Losing 6-1 at home to Leeds or conceding 7 away at Burnley and Brighton back in the eighties. Now they are thrashings.
I agree that Riga has done a great job in keeping us up, but we did suffer some appalling thrashings under his leadership.
What appalling thrashings ???
Multiple 0-3 losses. Or has the euphoria of survival clouded your memory?
You sound disappointed we survived. I don't care that we took a few 3-0 beatings we won seven out of sixteen under Riga that is what kept us up. I am still celebrating because I really thought we were doomed to relegation.
I agree that Riga has done a great job in keeping us up, but we did suffer some appalling thrashings under his leadership.
What appalling thrashings ???
Multiple 0-3 losses. Or has the euphoria of survival clouded your memory?
So you think losing 3-0 ( mostly to teams in the top 6 ) are appalling thrashings ?
I would say your pretty much on your own with that point of view .
I've seen us get some appalling thrashings over the years. Losing 6-1 at home to Leeds or conceding 7 away at Burnley and Brighton back in the eighties. Now they are thrashings.
I would say we went into those games knowing full well we would lose, kepts ourselves in the game but as soon as we went 1 nil down we knew we had no chance and concentrated our energy on the ones we could get results out of.
As we all know, Jose Riga walked into an incredibly difficult and potentially toxic situation following Cohris' dismissal; one which could easily have turned horribly ugly and seen us despatched back in the darkness of League 1. I suspect that, if you'd taken a straw poll of Lifers (and supporters generally) following the game at Bramall Lane, most would not have given us a better than a 50% chance of survival, notwithstanding our 3/4 games in hand. The fact that, at the very end, we managed to do so with something to spare is to Jose's immense credit, as well as to that of the coaching team and the players, who have responded so well and professionally over the last two months. Some credit must also go to Roland Duchatelet for getting the right man in, leaving aside, for present purposes, the merits or demerits of his decision to sack Chris Powell.
Jose comes across as an intelligent guy, with a very calm, measured and unfazed approach, which I'm sure communicated itself to, and reassured, the players. He also managed to retain the team spirit which Chris had fostered (particular credit there also to our leaders, Jacko and Morro), get the team to look after the ball much better (assisted by Poyet's outstanding contribution) and, in the end, we even to even score a few goals - despite the paucity of our resources in the striker department. You'd have got very long odds on us breaking the 40 goal barrier with 4 games to go after the 0-0 against Bolton.
As others have said, we don't know if Jose wants the job or what RD's plans are. I'd be very happy for Jose to stay on as 'chief coach' (to give him his official title) but, whatever happens, Duchatelet needs to:
1. make an appointment swiftly - especially with so many critical contract renewals imminent (I imagine that he'll do so); and
2. whoever's in charge, make some meaningful funds available to strengthen the team, especially up front. We won't get away with it again next season. In the teeth of Jiminez's chronic under-investment, followed by Duchatelet's sale of Kermogant and the largely inept replacements foisted upon us, it's a minor miracle that we survived, especially given the fixture pile up.
Let's hope that RD's eyes have been opened to the realities of the Championship and that he'll give Jose or whoever's in charge the tools to make us competitive in this brutal division.
Jose Riga has won me over, something I didn't really expect to happen to be honest - but I've got a lot of respect for him now and would like to see him offered a more permanent arrangement.
Regarding the 0-3 defeats; unfortunately I get the impression we were losing almost out of necessity as crazy as that sounds. We had a huge fixture pile-up and it would take just one or two players to pick up an injury for us to be in some real trouble; i.e Wiggins - when he got injured I feared the worst.
We showed vs QPR that we were capable of the odd shock-result, and we could compete with the big spenders of the league. So, in a situation where we needed every result we possibly could get, it would've made sense to go out there and play for every single point. Unfortunately, we also had a situation where players we're playing with little rest and training in between.
I think Riga took a huge gamble approaching those big games as "Would be nice to get something, but it's not essential." - and somehow, it paid off. I guess it was a calculated risk, and his calculations came through as correct. That took some guts, but let's not forget he inherited a team at the foot of the table (despite games in hand, I know) without the worry of being sacked - he was after all a temporary appointment. I don't think he had a great deal to lose.
This no doubt allowed him some freedom to pick the players he felt the situation required, and play in a style (and with an attitude) that he felt gave us the best chance of getting points where they were available. All whilst also getting the team to play a less direct game with a more attacking mindset.
Hats off to Jose, he deserves a big round of applause for following in the footsteps of a Charlton legend - at a time when support was polarised - and really tackling the task he'd been given with a pretty brave strategy. With some backing, a pre-season and the ability to take some training sessions then I think he could really be a revelation.
I think we also need to think the staff working with him though, Dyer et al, for they also played an immense part in this season. They could've thrown their toys out of the pram - but it appears they stuck with the club and also did their best to ensure our survival. It would be silly to overlook their contributions to the last couple of months.
I agree that Riga has done a great job in keeping us up, but we did suffer some appalling thrashings under his leadership.
What appalling thrashings ???
Apalling thrashings is a bit strong. Charlton were outclassed against Burnley (0-3) Leicester (0-3), Derby (0-3), Brighton (0-3), Blackburn (1-3), Reading (0-1).
Going toe to toe against the stronger teams, playing more open football this can happen. The more open, passing style lead to getting some good away results Leeds (1-0), Forest (1-0), Wendies (3-2) Blackpool (3-0) and vital home wins against Yeovil (3-2) and Watford (3-1).
The passing football was definitely better to watch, but the gulf in class and quality against the stronger teams was not enjoyable. Against Burnley, Reading and Blackburn the game was effectively over after 60 mins. The last time I have seen Charlton get so comprehensively beaten by the top teams (in form) in the division was in the premiership.
For Charlton to be able to improve and compete more strongly in the division, there needs to be quality throughout the team. Charlton supporters will see what happens in the next 2 to 3 months. There is a lot of player contracts and transfers to negotiate and agree. Katrien Miere will hopefully be very busy (or is in the background already).
I would be happy to see Jose Riga stay in the job. Jose defintiely needs more quality to work with and needs backing.
Silent Addick you lol the comment above. I would be interested to understand which bit you found so laughable,
Charlton were not thrashed but outclassed in some games under Riga. That playing an open passing game and less defensive makes bigger scores more likley against better teams. That Charlton have played some better passing football under Riga. That the level that Charlton were outclassed was similar to the Premiership. Or that quality is needed throughout the team. That Riga should stay That Riga needs to be backed by the owner if he stays.
Dunno why I did that! Must have had one too much cos what you have written lies well within my thinking. The only explanation is that I wanted to click on the like button and slipped over... Sorry about that...
I don't think Riga set out not to win every game. The problem was we didn't have the quality up front to chase a game - especially against a decent side. It didn't help against Leicester that their opener was offside and when we hit the bar for a possible equaliser against Brighton only to find we were 2-0 less than a minute later. What Riga did do was accept that we wouldn't win every game and he ensured the lads didn't let a defeat get to them, so they were ready and prepared for the next game. This is something Chrissy was good at too and the character of the players may have played its part.
There was only one time in all honesty when I really feared relegation would happen, and that was when the massives went 2-0 up! Even when we were bottom of the league, a major reason was that we weren't playing matches. But Riga was terrific and I would feel much more comfortable if he was in charge next season than have a new manager!
I don't think Riga set out not to win every game. The problem was we didn't have the quality up front to chase a game - especially against a decent side. It didn't help against Leicester that their opener was offside and when we hit the bar for a possible equaliser against Brighton only to find we were 2-0 less than a minute later. What Riga did do was accept that we wouldn't win every game and he ensured the lads didn't let a defeat get to them, so they were ready and prepared for the next game. This is something Chrissy was good at too and the character of the players may have played its part.
There was only one time in all honesty when I really feared relegation would happen, and that was when the massives went 2-0 up! Even when we were bottom of the league, a major reason was that we weren't playing matches. But Riga was terrific and I would feel much more comfortable if he was in charge next season than have a new manager!
TWONK Derogitary term, roughly equivalent to idiot. More insulting than berk, but less insulting than gimp. Thought to originate in the Victorian Era meaning a lower-class foreigner.
I feared we were for the drop after the Blades game. The Barnsley game got me worried as it was the first game that Riga's team were beaten by a side we needed to at least get a draw from. 8 mins into the Wendies game, I felt it was all going to cock. Somehow the team found a way to win. As it turns out that was the result that got us enough points to stay up.
Norvel Twonk, Order of Merlin, First Class, (1888 - 1957) was a wizard, who died saving a Muggle child from a manticore. Twonk was posthumously awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class. There was a portrait of Twonk hung at Hogwarts Castle, guarding a secret shortcut between the fifth-floor landing of the Grand Staircase and the Entrance Hall side room. The password required to gain access to said shortcut is "Manticore".
TWONK Derogitary term, roughly equivalent to idiot. More insulting than berk, but less insulting than gimp. Thought to originate in the Victorian Era meaning a lower-class foreigner.
More insulting than berk - really? Most people use the word harmlessly without understanding its derivation!
Comments
He comments in an early chapter that one of his teams (think Notts County at some point) were playing good open, possession football - and ended up being relegated.
Point taken but a few defeats I've seen this year have been where we have capitulated and clearly showed that in our body language and nervy play - that's as good as throwing a hungry lion a piece of fresh meat.
In the recent Blackburn game, for example, we actually had them on the back foot at 1-2 and even Rovers fans admitted that their team have a habit of collapsing when teams come back at them. We came out second half nervy and negative instead of carrying on where we left off.
Self belief is vital and we are going in the right direction in finding that with the current team
Have to say that I was a touch sceptical when he first arrived (but then weren't most of us?) but was prepared to give him a few games to see the impact. Ship was steadied at first, then slow progress has begun. Think he's done a fantastic job, and I'd like to see what he could do with more time, training and some monetary investment to the squad. I do think RD is looking at the longer term far more than the short - I get the feeling that CAFC will be a very different club in 24 months time - but in a good way, not for worse.
I agree with @seth plum about the collaboration - it's showed in the final games so we have the potential there already. We need to build on that with the right signings over the summer. Also agree with his point about the backroom staff. JR could have done a David Moyes and kicked out AD & Co. but that would have been further upset to an already fragile situation. Credit to JR for working with them, and recognising that he was filling the shoes of a well-loved manager - but also to them for not baling out when we needed them.
Each game will have different degrees of each - the tougher games more of the latter but there must be a mix in all games so the opposition are always wary of you during the whole game.
As much as I advocate possession and penetration football, I also recognise the need for some long ball etc. Need to try different things and vary the play.
What I don't like to see is the ball coming immediately backward after going forward.
In a 4-5-1 the striker needs support around him - too many times in the more negative performances we saw insufficient support and movement, either from midfield or from tentative full backs, apparently afraid to overlap.
The Riga era has moved us forward in a very positive way and I sincerely hope he stays and gets the squad he wants because it could be exciting days ahead.
3 goals vs Yeovil, 3 goals vs Sheff Wed, 3 goals vs Watford and 3 goals vs Blackpool - and many of the goals from open play and counter attacks - that is what I call progress!
JR has won over many converts, and his fine qualities seem self-evident. It seems rather curious, then, that according to his record shown in Wiki this accomplished and talented guy spent so many years and so much of his career (to date) toiling away in less well-known corners of Belgian football, aside from two spells at SL. He accepted an almighty challenge in taking on CAFC at such a low ebb in our fortunes.
However, as the eight weeks of his tenure have flown by, clearly he has thrived and the team along with him, and working at this different level appears to suit him just fine. Maybe he viewed it that there was nothing to lose - if he managed to achieve the minor miracle of reaching safety all well and good, and an honourable failure, in all the circs, would be no disgrace.
After so many years as the unsung hero he has suddenly found himself very much in the spotlight, and he deserves every chance to relish it. He has achieved much already, but there is surely the promise of so much more still to come.
Now, of course, he didn't appoint himself to the job. Someone had to take quite a chance. Applause, then, to RD who has either been brilliantly advised or perhaps he just knows a bit more about this game (and about people) than he has been given credit for. His next decision will be a highly important one.
A fine night at the POTY party, and a brief opportunity to pay my respects to Jose. I hope very much that there will be the same chance in a year's time.
That makes his impact even more impressive.
Charlton were not thrashed but outclassed in some games under Riga.
That playing an open passing game and less defensive makes bigger scores more likley against better teams.
That Charlton have played some better passing football under Riga.
That the level that Charlton were outclassed was similar to the Premiership.
Or that quality is needed throughout the team.
That Riga should stay
That Riga needs to be backed by the owner if he stays.
Jose comes across as an intelligent guy, with a very calm, measured and unfazed approach, which I'm sure communicated itself to, and reassured, the players. He also managed to retain the team spirit which Chris had fostered (particular credit there also to our leaders, Jacko and Morro), get the team to look after the ball much better (assisted by Poyet's outstanding contribution) and, in the end, we even to even score a few goals - despite the paucity of our resources in the striker department. You'd have got very long odds on us breaking the 40 goal barrier with 4 games to go after the 0-0 against Bolton.
As others have said, we don't know if Jose wants the job or what RD's plans are. I'd be very happy for Jose to stay on as 'chief coach' (to give him his official title) but, whatever happens, Duchatelet needs to:
1. make an appointment swiftly - especially with so many critical contract renewals imminent (I imagine that he'll do so); and
2. whoever's in charge, make some meaningful funds available to strengthen the team, especially up front. We won't get away with it again next season. In the teeth of Jiminez's chronic under-investment, followed by Duchatelet's sale of Kermogant and the largely inept replacements foisted upon us, it's a minor miracle that we survived, especially given the fixture pile up.
Let's hope that RD's eyes have been opened to the realities of the Championship and that he'll give Jose or whoever's in charge the tools to make us competitive in this brutal division.
I would say your pretty much on your own with that point of view .
I've seen us get some appalling thrashings over the years. Losing 6-1 at home to Leeds or conceding 7 away at Burnley and Brighton back in the eighties. Now they are thrashings.
Regarding the 0-3 defeats; unfortunately I get the impression we were losing almost out of necessity as crazy as that sounds. We had a huge fixture pile-up and it would take just one or two players to pick up an injury for us to be in some real trouble; i.e Wiggins - when he got injured I feared the worst.
We showed vs QPR that we were capable of the odd shock-result, and we could compete with the big spenders of the league. So, in a situation where we needed every result we possibly could get, it would've made sense to go out there and play for every single point. Unfortunately, we also had a situation where players we're playing with little rest and training in between.
I think Riga took a huge gamble approaching those big games as "Would be nice to get something, but it's not essential." - and somehow, it paid off. I guess it was a calculated risk, and his calculations came through as correct. That took some guts, but let's not forget he inherited a team at the foot of the table (despite games in hand, I know) without the worry of being sacked - he was after all a temporary appointment. I don't think he had a great deal to lose.
This no doubt allowed him some freedom to pick the players he felt the situation required, and play in a style (and with an attitude) that he felt gave us the best chance of getting points where they were available. All whilst also getting the team to play a less direct game with a more attacking mindset.
Hats off to Jose, he deserves a big round of applause for following in the footsteps of a Charlton legend - at a time when support was polarised - and really tackling the task he'd been given with a pretty brave strategy. With some backing, a pre-season and the ability to take some training sessions then I think he could really be a revelation.
I think we also need to think the staff working with him though, Dyer et al, for they also played an immense part in this season. They could've thrown their toys out of the pram - but it appears they stuck with the club and also did their best to ensure our survival. It would be silly to overlook their contributions to the last couple of months.
There was only one time in all honesty when I really feared relegation would happen, and that was when the massives went 2-0 up! Even when we were bottom of the league, a major reason was that we weren't playing matches. But Riga was terrific and I would feel much more comfortable if he was in charge next season than have a new manager!
Sorry , i just can't stop singing this song , try it if you're having a crap day , it works a treat.
Derogitary term, roughly equivalent to idiot. More insulting than berk, but less insulting than gimp.
Thought to originate in the Victorian Era meaning a lower-class foreigner.