Thursday, June 21, 2012

New man, New hopes ..

FSG chose Brendan Rodgers (BR) ahead of Roberto Martinez (RM) and my preferred choice - Steve Clarke. If the club and skipper are to be believed, BR was always their first choice. Makes you wonder why RM was invited to the US and not BR. Anyways RM can probably thank his chairman for "losing" the job. I secretly think LFC didn't pick him just to keep him quiet.

So, BR is the future it seems.
 I'll put it out there, I'm not a fan of BR. I think he's arrogant and has airs about him that are not quite deserved or warranted. Having said that, Swansea did play decent football last season and KD's side couldn't score against them. A buddy of mine constantly reminds me BR inherited RM's team and enjoyed the fruits of RM's labor. My retort is that BR took the Swans to the Prem in his first full season (first Welsh club to do so) and in his sophomore season took the team to 11th place. In my book he's been an instant success.

On paper it  does seem to indicate RM's more experienced; played good footie with Swansea and then with Wigan. He potentially may have been the better candidate. However I think the club acted quickly and more importantly by choosing a young manager with a "bright" future have laid a marker for a good foundation. It's a promising decision and by not signing a "big" name, the owners also show an indication of their expectations. It also may be astute if he does well and moves on to a "bigger club" (more on the manager merry-go-round and how to make money by grooming young managers a.k.a the "Swansea story" in future posts) and earns the club some money back in compensation.

Much has been said about how BR's first media appearance was a success.
Few will remember this by August 18, and fewer still when his first season comes to an end; if he makes it all the way.
I'm looking forward to how he deals in the transfer market. While I'm eager to "tweet" player suggestions, I recognize that a manager's first signing is not an indicator of how well (Si Senor Benitez) or poorly he performs.

I am a Liverpool fan, this means I'm getting behind my gaffer. I'm excited for the season to start with Arsenal on top (purely due to alphabetical order since everyone starts on level peggings). I'm looking forward to new arrivals, maybe an Icelander named Gylfi, some departures and hopefully attractive football with results. I'm also hoping for no negative press due to racial allegations (hear Luis) and the world going back to normal with us finishing above Everton. I'm not expecting a return to Champions League football but an FA Cup or Europa League win and a top-six finish are "aight" by me

1 comment:

  1. So Spurs snag Gylfi and BR is yet to sign anyone. Hmmn. I wonder; I really, really wonder what BR's got planned. Well good to see the lads back @ Melwood.

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