Shrewsbury have been something of a stumbling block to Rovers in the past and have not always deserved to take points from us. Taking points from us currently does not require as much effort as it has for a very long time and whilst there was more effort to cling on to them in the last game, the ability to really grasp them effectively was not present.
McSheffery is seemingly more realistic about the resources than his predecessor and I feel that what strength and skill there is will be better utilised in his hands. This will encourage fans to get behind the team, but what matters is the result of the performance which may be creditable, but not necessarily sufficient to better the opposition.
Looking at Shrewsbury, it is my recollection that this time last year they looked like relegation candidates, but they had appointed Steve Cotterill in late November 2020 and he saved them with some very impressive results against top teams including Rovers of course.
He was very ill with Covid for several months and their success waned somewhat without his active leadership, but their L1 status was maintained.
They are currently not having a spectacularly good season, but recently they have in general only lost to good teams and ground out some results against those above them.
On form, it looks unlikely that they would lose and given our limitations they must be favourites to win.
I was unrealistically hopeful about the Oxford game and we were probably fortunate not to be 3 or 4 behind at HT, so losing by only a single goal did not really reflect the difference in ability.
So perhaps the loss will be a narrow one. So 0-2.
DPL v Shrewsbury T
posted on 14/12/21
Based on the interviews he's done so far GM has really impressed. His lack of experience at managing at this level a big question though.. I'm sure he's also come to the attention of other clubs too. So the board need to do something for him to make sure he stays in some capacity
posted on 14/12/21
I agree that the football "industry" could learn a great deal from professional recruiters. Owners/Boards give the impression that they do not base their choices on interviewing and rigorously examining the actual detailed performance of those they choose. They will probably be surveying the options as the need for a replacement becomes likely and may draw up some kind of shortlist. However the usual speed of the appointment is not based on having an application process, but rather looking at the candidate's record with just hearsay evidence of his detailed working methods.
It is laudable that Rovers have a process because whatever club it is, the individual appointed has to fit into an existing management and administrative structure.
posted on 14/12/21
Yes I agree a rational process is absolutely necessary. In this case its unfortunate the January window is putting more time pressure on the process. It does perhaps need tweaking a little to make it more efficient and effective though.
posted on 15/12/21
Looks to be heading for appointing manager/ director of football with McSheffrey as head coach. No Cook, Flynn or Couchlan on short list
posted on 15/12/21
It seems that GM has impressed. It wouldn't surprise me to see an experienced candidate being appointed to mentor / develop GM if the board belueve that he is the best long term candidate for the role.
posted on 15/12/21
2 ex premier league managers on the shortlist. Wonder who? Nigel Adkins?
posted on 15/12/21
And Mick Mccarthy?
posted on 16/12/21
Chris Hughton? That may be a stretch.
posted on 16/12/21
It is good reading your comments on possible manager as I'm not up to speed on who might be available. I'd certainly like to see GM stay on in some role, not "just" the U-18 manager.
I like Crazy's idea of a mentor for GM.
posted on 16/12/21
Chris Houghton, not that crazy an idea. He's a good record re defensive play and could compliment Gmac. Though it's a big come down for him and a long way to travel.
The more I think of it Gmac has very good man management skills as well as a reasonable football brain. It's a big dilemma for him as he has indicated he likes his current job and living in the area. At 39 he must have ambitions for greater things. Putting himself, literally, in the firing line did not seem to appeal a few days ago. A result against Lincoln might give him and the board more confidence for a key role in Rovers future.