I’m not sure i’m understanding all the concern around O’Neill returning, or rather the rationale I keep hearing/reading. So, I wanted to put my own views across. I would be interested to hear your thoughts.
1) Quite simply, we all want the very best that is available right now (whether currently employed or not), and if O’Neill is that person, then we should do all we can to get him;
2) The fact that O’Neill has history with Leicester City is almost irrelevant in my opinion, and therefore negates the ‘you should never go back’ argument. Why? Well, for me, Leicester City are a totally different proposition now compared to when he was in charge. We are almost an entirely different club, unrecognisable in terms of infrastructure, facilities, finances and ambition;
3) Even compared to when Sven was hired a year ago, and O’Neill was linked then, the owners have gone on since to prove that they mean business and that they are here for the long haul.
When O’Neill was linked last year, he undoubtedly would have been sceptical about the owner’s intentions, which is understandable. But as I say, they have proved their intentions, and for the most part, demonstrated that they have Leicester City’s long term future at heart.
If he did return, and wasn’t as successful (which for me, there’s certainly no evidence that he would fail as has been suggested as a concern by some fans – although ‘failure’ wasn’t defined) there is no reason to suggest that his previous success would be forgotten. Quite frankly, enough time has passed since his departure (well over 10 years) that a second spell would be judged entirely on its own merits, with his first spell cemented in the history books.
I’m certainly not suggesting that he will take the job, or even want the job, I am merely trying to put an alternative out there for fans concerned solely with him returning.
Thank you for reading
Yes, we should all want MON back...
posted on 26/10/11
A sound opinion.
I personally think Martin will see it differently but I agree with the sentiment.
He will be concerned about the expectation but the reality is that at this moment in time, the expectation will be to gain promotion whether you are Martin O'Neill, Billy Davies or God help us, Bryan Robson.
I believe Martin is one of the finest motivators in the game and will bring the belief and organisation that would make all the difference to this decent squad of players.
As I have said, I wouldn't expect it to happen but I do wonder whether he might actually be giving it serious consideration - see the Guardian article in my post titled "interesting!"
posted on 26/10/11
LCFCPrawnSandwich - i've read the Guardian article and it is interesting to read. I feel though that some of it may be 'obvious' and 'lazy' journalism - with foreign owners who have just sacked a manager after only 13 games, it is bound to give an impression that they are trigger happy, particularly given our reputation under Mandaric. However, unlike us, they didn't see the performances that were being churned out.
On the O'Neill front, I agree that he may view things differently. However, as Alan Young said yesterday, the silence from O'Neill is deafening. I have read in an article from a City fan that there's no reason for him to rule himself out if he hasn't been contacted. I disagree - the bookies have him as odds on favourite, the press have him as favourite, if he was genuinely not interested he would have released a statement simply saying that although he hasn't been approached, he is not looking to make a return to Leicester. There. All done. But it hasn't happened.
The girlfriend of my best mate works in a hotel in Melton Mowbray, and she claims to have seen O'Neill there yesterday, with all expenses billed back to Leicester City. I trust my best mate.
posted on 26/10/11
I'm one of those in the "never go back" camp. That was then, this is now. Call it superstition if you like, but which of the following stories has one read more often -
"Joe Bloggs was Rovers’ inspirational former manager, who led the team to league and cup triumphs before leaving for bigger things. Sadly, when he returned to the club for a second spell some years later, he proved unable to replicate his former success, and was fired after just thirteen months in post, following a 0-3 defeat at home to York City in the Carling Cup third round."
"Joe Bloggs was Rovers’ inspirational former manager, who led the team to league and cup triumph before leaving for bigger things. On his return to the club for a second spell some years later he proved he still had the magic touch, and even surpassed his earlier successes by leading Rovers to triumphs at home and abroad."
I couldn't bear to read the first of these in a biography of ON.
posted on 26/10/11
Got to trust your best mate but his girlfriend (and in Melton Mowbray) - bit dubious !
But hey ho; Then plot thickens.
posted on 26/10/11
You've hit the nail on the head with number 1. He's the most qualified man for the job, one of the best managers out there. That's why we should get him back.
posted on 26/10/11
This Joe Bloggs guy doesnt sound to bad! Why dont you just go for him?
Is he available?
posted on 26/10/11
"Got to trust your best mate but his girlfriend (and in Melton Mowbray) - bit dubious !"
I find it very hard to believe. Everyone knows that discussions with prospective LCFC managers take place at the Junction 21A services.
posted on 26/10/11
Great post FOX1884. I would love to see him come back. Not only is he a fabulous manager, but I admire his integrity too. I guess it all depends on what his ambitions are these days. Is he happy to bide his time until a certain job in the Prem becomes available, or would he relish the prospect of restoring us to the top table. I hope he at least takes the option to speak to Top before deciding either way. A Bolton fan I work with said this morning that a factor may be how Martin viewed the dismissal of Sven. If he felt it was harsh, this may add weight to his decision. Martin is his own man of course and likes things to be done his way. This would have been a problem under Milan, but I get the feeling that our current owners wouldn't have a problem with it. Empowering a man like Martin would surely make their lives easier. The hard thing now is waiting to see what happens next! UTF!