Sounds like Rudkin, Whelan and Neville need to get a move on with new signings.....

It's been a less then ideal pre season, I just hope we can get some of our targets in quickly.

One way or the other, this season will tell us how well our club really is run from a footballing perspective

John, you actually get more one stars than me these days!

Interesting thoughts on the Cambiasso situation from ESPNs Ben Jacobs

"Cambiasso is ultimately irreplaceable. He was an inspired signing and might have opted to stay at the club if Pearson wasn't (unavoidably) axed. One thing is for sure, if Leicester had not been without a manager, a new deal would have been offered significantly earlier. The lack of one, coupled with Cambiasso's exceptional debut season in the Premier League, was always going to give other clubs a chance a poach him."

Pearson's Brownie Pack BS - nice to give them their daily thrill

Actually I thought the same JG, but Ben Jacobs spent most of last season slating Pearson!

I've always said that I think the managerial upheaval has affected the negotiations with Cambiasso. I don't know that of course, but if it's true that it delayed getting a formal proposal out to the player then that's pretty abysmal..

If true.....

Sorry, I thought you were talking about ESPN.....not the Pearson brigade on here...

A JG post that I mostly agree with, a bit of a surprise, on the 15-20 goals a season striker we might not have that but I reckon we have enough strikers who can chip in.

Ulloa- Scored 11 last season in his first year at this level so perhaps may actually reach that 15
Krama- Looked very good last season just lacking experience and a proper pre season with his teamates which he now has
Vardy- Despite his England call up didn't score many but hopefully another year at this level with make him even better (as it did in the championship)
Okasaki- Obviously a bit of an unknown quantity but has been very successful at international level and pretty well for Mainz.

Also JG do you mean Cambiasso is conscious of his reputation I'm unsure that you can be envious of your own reputation.

We still have a bit of time left till the end of the season and the club seem to have some targets so hopefully they can get some deals done

Ranieri will of course have my support. As a fan of our club I am desperate to see him succeed.

Why was Pearson not offered the same grace from you JG?

I would also have preferred an up and coming coach - I always prefer this type of appointment than an aging journeyman. That said, we are where we are and we need to get behind the club and team.

I agree with Shilly in that we should not be overly critical of our owners and management structure. It is they (and Pearson) that have overseen our rise back in to the big time, and they have done that whilst respecting the history of our club and long term future. I am only grateful for this.

That said, I worry they have made a mistake with Ranieri, but hope I'm wrong. And even if they have, they are allowed to, nobody is perfect.

As for signings, I can't help but feel that JG, you are blaming the Pearson regime for this? My view is much the opposite. We have once again had many targets identified but have been unable to close the deals on many of them.

I've no issue when this is driven my agent mismanagement or player greed, but I am concerned by the number of players we're once again failing to convince to sign.

Let's hope the next 2 weeks bear (the right bear?) more fruit.

We need midfield fruit.

Mersey agreed on the above. We should be grateful for what the owners have done for this club, no question. Look at where we were before they came in

But equally the owners are not above criticism. Because I think they need football people in to advise them and I think they have made a huge mistake with this appointment, it doesn't mean I'm not grateful for what they've done.

On the contrary, I'm so desperate to see this club become an established EPL outfit that I'm more worried than ever about the decisions they are taking.

Good article on Cambiasso by the way in the Metro

http://metro.co.uk/2015/07/22/what-next-for-leicester-city-now-esteban-cambiasso-has-quit-5306913/?

Inspired- inspirational , what words to describe Pearson's time at the Club!

Taking us from Div 1 to Premiership stalwarts with real desire to be a top ten Club in such a short time and with that dark 18 month period where the Club went dramatically backwards and so many poster were left bitter by being conned into the Emperors new clothes scenario.

Smashing Club records in every Division.

Taking Vardy from a non league player to England International.

Bringing the Esteban Cambiasso to LCFC.

Giving us a " I was there game" against Man Utd overturning a 2-0 deficit that LCFC fans had never seen and most Man Utd fans hadn't seen against any Team in the Premiership.

Being able to sing we want six against Man Utd.

A truly Golden Era of our generation.

But like most Pearson stalwarts, I'm content to bask in his glory and now give my 100% support to the new man in charge.

Unlike of course most of those with delusions of Grandeur like JG did with NP.

Chesham - my worry about Ulloa is keeping him fit and sharp. Besides carrying brunt of our fairly meagre goals tally last season -he is our "target man" - and with the absence of Woods we have no alternative.

I recollect Gestede terrorising Premiership clubs in the cup last season and he may be worth a punt.

Mersey - Pearson enjoyed my total support on his first appointment but I was disillusioned by him some of his Belvoir attitude and actions during that season and the next. Many of these characteristics were later repeated in his second stint and became public debate. Mandaric tolerated him and checked him largely but eventually this attitude led to his mutually arranged departure.
He was always an accident waiting to happen and unhappily after Mandaric his behaviour was tolerated too long

He should have ben dealt with earlier

Ranieri would not have been my first choice either and I remain a little "jealous" of Southampton who for a similar size of club, continue to make enlightened choices on the management side - JG, I would be interested to know if you any knowledge on the workings inside that club?

That aside, Ranieri must have a pretty sound book of contacts and I would have thought there must be a couple of experienced midfielders out there prepared to help him out, even if it is just for a season and until we can target and bring on younger permanent versions. I share John's concerns about our lack of preparedness (again) this year.

I really don't buy this "Cambiasso would have signed for Pearson" nonsence. Anyone who was at the QPR game could see he was saying his goodbyes and I spoke to an Italian guy who knew him pretty well in June who told he was going. But like many others, I clung onto the hope he could be persuaded to change his mind.

If we can get two quality experienced midfielders in, we have a chance. Without them, I can only see a relegation dog-fight.

I agree Prawn. Cambiasson wasnt staying regardless of manager.

BS Ben is another mate of mine but his finger is not exactly on the pulse of the club! Like Stringy a massive LCFC fan sacked by BBC five live for a late night swearing session.

Now making a name for himself up the road from me in Dubai as highly knowledgeable and talent commentator/Journo who excels at Golf and Tennis analysis.

Anyone thinks that Cambiasso was going to sign for Pearson when he already left is having delusions of Grandeur Pearson style

Also seems like the board have taken their club back from Pearson and prepared to face the press!

Thanks Nev, useful insight actually as I don't know Ben Jacobs at all

A Good bloke and will make it big as he has great knowledge across a number of Sports and most important is a City fan.

comment by Nevsaysagoal2city (U5194)
posted 46 minutes ago
Also seems like the board have taken their club back from Pearson and prepared to face the press!


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I kind of judge potential managers on a swingometer out of ten. 5 being maximum confidence in their appointment to -5 being most sceptical. I’ll be honest in saying that Ranieri starts with something like a -2.5 for me (when Pearson started first time he would have been a 0 and the second time a 4). However, he is our manager now and I’m desperate for him to prove me wrong.

I actually agree with most of the article. Despite disagreeing with Arro about the quality of our squad I still think it’s a very average to poor Premier League squad. It’s true that it looks imbalanced with glaring deficiencies in quality in certain areas (midfield!!!).

My fear is that at least we’d found a way to get most out of it towards the end of last season. Now we may have to incorporate a new style whilst still managing with the same resources. We’re in danger of having a very poor pre-season in terms of recruitment as we did last year.

So, indeed, let’s hope that everyone is supporting the new manager in identifying the targets he needs and getting the transfers over the line. We may have to pay over the odds, but that is better than the cost of surrendering our Premier League status.

I’m looking forward to seeing some action in this regard.

Only Cambiasso knows if he'd have signed for Pearson. I'm going to say it's my opinion he would have, mainly to annoy JG and Nev.

I've been quite impressed with Ranieri in the interviews I've heard this week, and he was on the touchline getting involved last night at Sincil Bank. We'll see if he can deliver on the pitch, if he does as well as Nige I'll be happy!

JG and Prawn - you are spot on about the midfielders, out of the 4 on the pitch last night (2 per half) only King looked good. Lawrence OK, Drinky and Hammond not brilliant. Yes I know it's the first pre-season match and it doesn't matter, but it was against a non-league midfield so I'd hope for slightly better performances.

On the plus side the B team looked good coming forward (King, Albrighton, Krammy, Vardy, Shlupp). Also our young left back Chilwell looked promising. Only Mahrez impressed from the A team.

Early days of course but we do need strengthening in midfield or we'll be in trouble.

Lcfcprawn - travelling for while but will respond on your question ASAP

Nuneaton , what were the A&B team line ups?

Who didn't feature?

Hello Prawn
I am seeking to answer your question regarding Southampton because it may serve to show important differences in the manner that our club is run and theirs and perhaps why we have some issues.
First a sort of “rule” that is often applied where I spend my working life – going in as consultant with little to guide except usually the company is under acheiveing and current management failing to meet targets. Do not look for replacements within the organisation because if they were capable of executive decisions they would be already recognised or would have moved on to another company to achieve ambition. If they were prepared to play second fiddle or keep head down –high risk. Of course this is not always correct but high percentage. The same should apply when you become new owner of a business.

Southampton are owned by Liebherr family(spelling?) and the current hands on member is a tough cookie – I think Kathleen –cannot check easily at the moment. She takes very close interest in team –attends most matches – is prepared to invest family money to achieve goals- but demands a very professional approach within the club with very tough targets –including self sufficiency goals.
Her two key decision makers are both hand picked and head hunted. Chairman Ralph Krueger is a standard setter amongst many top consultancies and has access ti virtually all of the worlds top global companies where many of his recommendations regarding business practice and achieving team driven results are in place. He has in addition a first class sports background in I think I remember –ice hockey – both as player coach and administrator. So absolutely top businessman and also fully understands need for best in class team management at every playing level. He provides much of emphasis in these appointment selections and resource.A global respected businessman who can operate at any level including government.

CEO is an accountant –originally at KPMG – who was on consultancy panel at purchase of club and owner head hunted him to stay. Youngish ? manager who interprets and balances needs of playing side –administration side- and sponsorships in terms of targets- top manager who could work for any top company
Now much of the rest of the club is a massive back up team both at first team -under 21 and of course Academy where their acheivements are well known and they have more people than I have seen in any comparable organisation. Hand picked and all with identified targets which they must deliver and which Krueger has been involved in setting.
Now our owners as Nev knows very well are very strong on King Power loyalty and seek to use people they “know”
Susan Whelan fits this template and was appointed CEO on the acquisition. She should though be compared to Krueger because we have different structure with Owner as “Chairman”. Now she has little if any experience in professional sport – which means she needs absolutely top input and personnel on the football sde. Neville had been part of furniture there for many,many years and is relationship with modern football demands and changes could be questioned. Would he have met the Liebherr model – I think not –just opinion.
Similarly Jon Rudkin who I have known and had many meetings with as Academy manager/director –has inherited DoF role. Is this because he has correct experience and skills or because he is well known and liked by the owners. – I suggest the latter
So differences – quality of leadership and professional selection of playing support staff and management -Sorry getting too long winded but it strikes at our issues so tried to answer question whilst on the move

Incidentally, I never rate articles, but I’ve just given you 5 stars JG to demonstrate that I’m not (necessarily) one of the Pearson Brownie pack.