I was told this information in late 2021, I was told not to keep it to myself which I did do.
But now I will share it on here.
I know someone who works for the club in the medical setup.
This person told me in December 2021, that the atmosphere in the dressing room at that time was awful, almost toxic.
Some of the first team squad were barely speaking to each other. And Jackson had all but lost the changing room.
The reason behind this unrest was Covid..
Some senior players (I don’t know names or numbers) but certainly two, possibly more players were committed Anti Vaxers.
Other players felt unhappy to mix with anyone who refused to be vaccinated. This divided the squad and hence caused bad feeling.
Because of this, some players shunned the Christmas party. I also understand that some people who did attend the Christmas party then tested positive for Covid days after attending the party. Jackson being one of those.
This caused further bad feeling and unrest.
I don’t know any more, but I will speculate and say that this may well be part of the reason we had such a bad January, and then struggled for the remainder of the season.
Cheers I don't really understand the resentment here though??
I was told this information in late 2021, I was told not to keep it to myself which I did do.
But now I will share it on here.
I know someone who works for the club in the medical setup.
This person told me in December 2021, that the atmosphere in the dressing room at that time was awful, almost toxic.
Some of the first team squad were barely speaking to each other. And Jackson had all but lost the changing room.
The reason behind this unrest was Covid..
Some senior players (I don’t know names or numbers) but certainly two, possibly more players were committed Anti Vaxers.
Other players felt unhappy to mix with anyone who refused to be vaccinated. This divided the squad and hence caused bad feeling.
Because of this, some players shunned the Christmas party. I also understand that some people who did attend the Christmas party then tested positive for Covid days after attending the party. Jackson being one of those.
This caused further bad feeling and unrest.
I don’t know any more, but I will speculate and say that this may well be part of the reason we had such a bad January, and then struggled for the remainder of the season.
Cheers I don't really understand the resentment here though??
If half your work mates phoned in sick, through what you thought was a self inflicted reason, would you be happy?
I think the Christmas games being called off due the Christmas party has been suggested before by Airman but happy to be corrected.
Does the fact this is in the public domain mean anything? I’d be fairly happy with this, although I think Exeter were very clean sheet based rather than attacking football? Happy to be corrected on that.
One things for certain, if he goes after four years of building a promotion team, coupled with the fact the article mentions funding being withheld to do up their training ground, I’ll be pumping money on them to go straight back down.
Does the fact this is in the public domain mean anything? I’d be fairly happy with this, although I think Exeter were very clean sheet based rather than attacking football? Happy to be corrected on that.
One things for certain, if he goes after four years of building a promotion team, coupled with the fact the article mentions funding being withheld to do up their training ground, I’ll be pumping money on them to go straight back down.
Lowest scorers in the top seven, but third best defence in the entire League
Does the fact this is in the public domain mean anything? I’d be fairly happy with this, although I think Exeter were very clean sheet based rather than attacking football? Happy to be corrected on that.
One things for certain, if he goes after four years of building a promotion team, coupled with the fact the article mentions funding being withheld to do up their training ground, I’ll be pumping money on them to go straight back down.
They were but that is a good place to start and a Manager can only cut his cloth according to the tools he's given - their top two scorers had 26 goals between them and they still only missed out on being Champions on goal difference.
I would be happy with Taylor but he doesn't fit the experience of The Championship TS said he wanted.
Can’t remember who shared that but it turned out the poster said they’d like Championship experience and TS said it makes sense.
Given TS has also talked about young coaches being an option I don’t think he’s fixed on the idea that the new manager needs to have managed in the Championship.
I would be happy with Taylor but he doesn't fit the experience of The Championship TS said he wanted.
Can’t remember who shared that but it turned out the poster said they’d like Championship experience and TS said it makes sense.
Given TS has also talked about young coaches being an option I don’t think he’s fixed on the idea that the new manager needs to have managed in the Championship.
Does the fact this is in the public domain mean anything? I’d be fairly happy with this, although I think Exeter were very clean sheet based rather than attacking football? Happy to be corrected on that.
One things for certain, if he goes after four years of building a promotion team, coupled with the fact the article mentions funding being withheld to do up their training ground, I’ll be pumping money on them to go straight back down.
They were better defensively this season but they did lose their whole attack pretty much last summer. The year before they scored a lot more but leaked goals.
Taylor switched to a 3-4-1-2 for this season so he might try and pick up where Jackson left off. If so he will hopefully bring Josh Key with him to play right wing back
Does the fact this is in the public domain mean anything? I’d be fairly happy with this, although I think Exeter were very clean sheet based rather than attacking football? Happy to be corrected on that.
One things for certain, if he goes after four years of building a promotion team, coupled with the fact the article mentions funding being withheld to do up their training ground, I’ll be pumping money on them to go straight back down.
They were but that is a good place to start and a Manager can only cut his cloth according to the tools he's given - their top two scorers had 26 goals between them and they still only missed out on being Champions on goal difference.
Below is what I wrote on the 4th May about Taylor - (13) is all about what the Exeter think of him and the football he tries to play specifically mentioning the increase in crowds as a result of that: I know that this isn't the first time I've mentioned him and I'm going to sound like a warped record but I am scratching my head as to why Matt Taylor isn't being talked up or included in the betting for our next Manager. So, what is wrong with the credentials of someone that
(1) is not just leading his team to promotion but on the verge of being Champions too
(2) is managing a team that has picked up 50 out of the last 66 points available
(3) is in charge of a side that has only conceded 6 goals in their last 12 matches when the pressure for promotion is at its greatest
(4) has been in the same job for four seasons with a win record of 45% and a loss record of just 25% from 212 games in charge
(5) was a major part of CP's League 1 Champions team in playing in 41 of the 46 games that season
(6) is so open to different footballing ideas so much so that, at the very late age of 23, he switched from being a keeper to a centre back. Who has ever done that successfully?
(7) played for his current club as he did for us so has proven credentials for being able to play, coach and manage at the same club
(8) played with a major figure in our backroom staff namely Jason Euell
(9) is known for bringing through young players - six of the 14 players used in their last game are 23 or younger and only two are older than 27
(10) Success despite having to sell the attacking influences of Randell Williams, Ryan Bowman and Joey Randall but identified suitable replacements
(11) Will know how to bring the very best out of Stockley who he managed at Exeter and unless we sell him that will be a major key to our success
(12) on his release as a player, our very own fans said of him on CL: "Never once moaned about losing his place and was always available when called upon. Great pro, good luck to him" "Had the pleasure of a round of golf with him and he was genuinely a great bloke" "Was on Matt's table at the sponsors do in the promotion season. Lovely fella" "Yep good luck to Matt always gave 100% and nice bloke gave my son a signed shirt when he left" "Matt is a good friend of a contact of mine in Manchester. When he heard I was a Charlton fan he went to the trouble of getting me a signed Charlton shirt of all the players in our Division 1 title winning side. That is now framed and has pride of place on my hall wall. Genuine bloke" "If only all players had the attitude, character and commitment that Matt Taylor showed"
(13)the fans of his current club rank him (in his first job as a manager) as one of their best ever Managers as per these comments from half a dozen contributors to their forum: "In four seasons MT has rebuilt a couple of attacking teams now, quite frankly i actually believe last season in periods-that was probably the most formidable attacking team (Randall,Randall,Jay,Bowman) i've ever seen at SJP. Its been a long ten years in League 2 and Matty had gone close, but for me you have to praise him because people were quite rightly questioning if it was ever going to happen, we had just received the Watkins and Randall Money and Fans expectations changed drastically and he got his Marquee signings in and has now fantastically completed the job. For me Taylor is on course to be our Best Manager ever, He's also my favourite manager ever in that he is very humble and will take accountability and i'm sure if things do wrong and he wasn't the man to take the club forward, he would be the first person to say so." "I think if we win the title then it elevates Taylor above Tisdale as it will be one each on net promotions but winning the Championship pips it. Its a close call but then taking into account both of their personalities Taylor wins as Tisdale was a c0ck and Taylor isn't." "Tactically, MT has the edge on the other managers of the promotion sides I have seen." "What really excites though, is looking forward. This season MT has really produced the goods, and for the most part through very entertaining football (which is why I think the crowds this season have been so impressive). He’s had a cash advantage, but still less to play with than a few of the others in the division. I think if he can keep the better players and add a couple the next couple of seasons could put him top for me" "Matt Taylor is the GOAT"
If we want someone who will, potentially, build for the future as opposed to a short term fix then why not go for a Manager with a proven record for doing so and who carries no baggage with him. There are clues from what our supporters who know him said when he left us and what Exeter fans are saying now so far as his personality is concerned. But we also know that he likes his sides to play entertaining football, that he is tactically sound and knows who and what type of player to bring in. In fact, he sounds very much like Eddie Howe and his playing background is similar too - I don't think Howe ever played above League 1.
And for those that still have doubts about his ability to produce the magical, from five years ago when he was the Exeter defensive coach, please watch this!
Re Euell I dont think assistants stepping up for the main job once their boss has gone have any real demonstrable history of success from the ones that have done so in England over the years? (Someone will name some belters now!)
Surely if they had the answer they would have shared it with their boss when the going got tough.
As much as I respect him I'm not sure handing Euell the reins is the way forward as we seem to need a complete new script perhaps.
In truth, be very happy with this 👍 Wasn’t there an Exeter player that we were after but went slightly higher up the pyramid? Could have been Peterborough.
To be honest I think Warburton and Beale are a bridge too far and always have been. Taylor and Manning are both more realistic targets for Charlton at this stage. Both would be a gamble but who wouldn’t be. I’d be happy with either of those. I think both would bring a new ethos and be a breath of fresh air to the club. We need shaking up from top to bottom. I’m quite excited that Taylor is being considered.
Re Euell I dont think assistants stepping up for the main job once their boss has gone have any real demonstrable history of success from the ones that have done so in England over the years? (Someone will name some belters now!)
Surely if they had the answer they would have shared it with their boss when the going got tough.
As much as I respect him I'm not sure handing Euell the reins is the way forward as we seem to need a complete new script perhaps.
As I said above, Euell played with Taylor in our League 1 winning team. If Taylor is joining then I'm sure Euell would have been asked whether he thought he could work with him and equally Taylor would be asked a similar question as opposed to bringing in his own backroom staff.
I think the fact now it’s been released into the public domain, there is a chance this is fairly close.
Risky appointment but one I would be happy with. I think Warburton will get/hold out for a championship gig.
All appointments are a risk. Powell and Bowyer did better jobs than experienced managers in Robinson and Slade, while Jackson got more from this seasons squad than Adkins.
Taylor warburton or beale would do me any of the 3
I messaged a Wiltshire based Addick chum this exact shortlist a week ago. Manifesting from the South West to the South East 🤞🤞
If this goes through I highly recommend everyone checks out Matt Taylor's appearances on the My New Football Club podcast (an Exeter City themed pod hosted by comedians David Earl and Joe Wilkinson). Very candidly gives an insight into his career there and comes across really well in general (quite stern but with a decent sense of humour). Stockley has been on the same podcast too, it's where he originally revealed more about his injury than the club or Cawley had managed to report at the time. Think Taylor may have managed Stockley for a season or so at Exeter actually...
Comments
Some good news at last from Rich...I feel would be a good choice..
I don't really understand the resentment here though??
Especially following the news that Bowyer is staying at brum.
I think the Christmas games being called off due the Christmas party has been suggested before by Airman but happy to be corrected.
Speaks very well here. Uploaded an hour ago
They were but that is a good place to start and a Manager can only cut his cloth according to the tools he's given - their top two scorers had 26 goals between them and they still only missed out on being Champions on goal difference.
Given TS has also talked about young coaches being an option I don’t think he’s fixed on the idea that the new manager needs to have managed in the Championship.
I know that this isn't the first time I've mentioned him and I'm going to sound like a warped record but I am scratching my head as to why Matt Taylor isn't being talked up or included in the betting for our next Manager. So, what is wrong with the credentials of someone that
(1) is not just leading his team to promotion but on the verge of being Champions too
(2) is managing a team that has picked up 50 out of the last 66 points available
(3) is in charge of a side that has only conceded 6 goals in their last 12 matches when the pressure for promotion is at its greatest
(4) has been in the same job for four seasons with a win record of 45% and a loss record of just 25% from 212 games in charge
(5) was a major part of CP's League 1 Champions team in playing in 41 of the 46 games that season
(6) is so open to different footballing ideas so much so that, at the very late age of 23, he switched from being a keeper to a centre back. Who has ever done that successfully?
(7) played for his current club as he did for us so has proven credentials for being able to play, coach and manage at the same club
(8) played with a major figure in our backroom staff namely Jason Euell
(9) is known for bringing through young players - six of the 14 players used in their last game are 23 or younger and only two are older than 27
(10) Success despite having to sell the attacking influences of Randell Williams, Ryan Bowman and Joey Randall but identified suitable replacements
(11) Will know how to bring the very best out of Stockley who he managed at Exeter and unless we sell him that will be a major key to our success
(12) on his release as a player, our very own fans said of him on CL:
"Never once moaned about losing his place and was always available when called upon. Great pro, good luck to him"
"Had the pleasure of a round of golf with him and he was genuinely a great bloke"
"Was on Matt's table at the sponsors do in the promotion season. Lovely fella"
"Yep good luck to Matt always gave 100% and nice bloke gave my son a signed shirt when he left"
"Matt is a good friend of a contact of mine in Manchester. When he heard I was a Charlton fan he went to the trouble of getting me a signed Charlton shirt of all the players in our Division 1 title winning side. That is now framed and has pride of place on my hall wall. Genuine bloke"
"If only all players had the attitude, character and commitment that Matt Taylor showed"
(13) the fans of his current club rank him (in his first job as a manager) as one of their best ever Managers as per these comments from half a dozen contributors to their forum:
"In four seasons MT has rebuilt a couple of attacking teams now, quite frankly i actually believe last season in periods-that was probably the most formidable attacking team (Randall,Randall,Jay,Bowman) i've ever seen at SJP. Its been a long ten years in League 2 and Matty had gone close, but for me you have to praise him because people were quite rightly questioning if it was ever going to happen, we had just received the Watkins and Randall Money and Fans expectations changed drastically and he got his Marquee signings in and has now fantastically completed the job. For me Taylor is on course to be our Best Manager ever, He's also my favourite manager ever in that he is very humble and will take accountability and i'm sure if things do wrong and he wasn't the man to take the club forward, he would be the first person to say so."
"I think if we win the title then it elevates Taylor above Tisdale as it will be one each on net promotions but winning the Championship pips it. Its a close call but then taking into account both of their personalities Taylor wins as Tisdale was a c0ck and Taylor isn't."
"Tactically, MT has the edge on the other managers of the promotion sides I have seen."
"What really excites though, is looking forward. This season MT has really produced the goods, and for the most part through very entertaining football (which is why I think the crowds this season have been so impressive). He’s had a cash advantage, but still less to play with than a few of the others in the division. I think if he can keep the better players and add a couple the next couple of seasons could put him top for me"
"Matt Taylor is the GOAT"
If we want someone who will, potentially, build for the future as opposed to a short term fix then why not go for a Manager with a proven record for doing so and who carries no baggage with him. There are clues from what our supporters who know him said when he left us and what Exeter fans are saying now so far as his personality is concerned. But we also know that he likes his sides to play entertaining football, that he is tactically sound and knows who and what type of player to bring in. In fact, he sounds very much like Eddie Howe and his playing background is similar too - I don't think Howe ever played above League 1.
And for those that still have doubts about his ability to produce the magical, from five years ago when he was the Exeter defensive coach, please watch this!
Surely if they had the answer they would have shared it with their boss when the going got tough.
As much as I respect him I'm not sure handing Euell the reins is the way forward as we seem to need a complete new script perhaps.
If this goes through I highly recommend everyone checks out Matt Taylor's appearances on the My New Football Club podcast (an Exeter City themed pod hosted by comedians David Earl and Joe Wilkinson). Very candidly gives an insight into his career there and comes across really well in general (quite stern but with a decent sense of humour).
Stockley has been on the same podcast too, it's where he originally revealed more about his injury than the club or Cawley had managed to report at the time.
Think Taylor may have managed Stockley for a season or so at Exeter actually...