Wardie

Hello Senor, it's been a while. I know what you mean but, curiosity and all that.

I hope the club gives us a good, detailed insight into their recruitment process and why Thompson is the preferred candidate [if he actually is]. Of course, some may say they are under no obligation to disclose that info.

Hopefully the next incumbent is announced this week because I cannot see any squad additions until the new manager is in place, even then, it will be too late for strengthening before the Alty tie. Meanwhile, ST could probably be asking the players once again why the fuck they stop playing after twenty minutes. It's not like there will be players on the phone every day, flocking to come to BP now that Unsworth has gone. * * Sarcasm

I bet Thompson thinks or wanted to say "they are slipping back to type". Thompson knows what's required but there's the rub, the board won't back him unless he gets the job. A new man will want to assess the players in training [more time] and may come to a different conclusion regarding what is achievable with this group of players. It's all up in the air.

It was 'doctor evil' who raised the Unsworth point first and I think 'southwaleslatic' is quite correct in what he posted and has probably moved on, like the rest of us, although the legacy of what Unsworth did will dog us for a long time. Great post by Yarddog73 and, despite the effing and jeffing, pretty much sums it all up.

That would be a backward move and I would hazard a guess at it not being a popular one.

It's so gutting. All that pre-season hype, the excitement of bringing in what we thought would be quality players and pushing at promotion. Evaporated again and I'm sick of it. No drama, just disappointment and the hope of something better but it ain't going to come anytime soon, I feel.

Somebody who has actually managed a football team as a manager and not caretaker, a role which I think does not carry the same weight and pressures with it.

So, are we saying Lundstrum is not match-fit, not the player we think he is or being told to play that way?

He was on the pitch but does that answer your question?

I think we have players who are very capable in this division, they need managing by someone who is experienced and able to get more out of them plus bring more in to balance the squad.

Two points from six available, in what were apparently 'winnable' games, is not going to go down well. Make the appointment sooner, rather than later and get some payers in to balance the squad or persist with what we have? It's a third of the season gone, I'd say Chesterfield are going up and Latics an outside chance of scraping into the playoffs at best, if the right moves are made.

Were beating them. FFS!

Fondop back in the fold and it appears Shelton is the only option available as a midfield sub. Is Willoughby able to play in midfield?

Thanks, not entirely unexpected. Let's hope it's not the same kind of game [second half].

I'm not that excited that I'm going to edit it. Any team news yet?

I am still stinging from them throwing away a playoff spot on Tuesday and hopefully, ST will have the team firing on all cylinders for this one. Looks winnable on paper but as we all know, football is played on grass. Team selection? I'm not even going to guess. Come one Oldham, FFS!!

Mightily pissed off with that second half collapse last night when a win would have them in the playoff positions and a great springboard to carry on. You can't underestimate what results like last night can do. Two points off the playoffs is much better than where Latics would have been under Unsworth but the need to get this situation sorted with manager and players is something the club has to get over the line as soon as possible. Even after a night's sleep and some reflection on the game, I am still not convinced the season will end in success. Better than last season, yes, but not what we all want and maybe expected, given the hype which has proved to be bullshit.

He's a striker, I think he would tell Thompson to fuck off.

"..need another left back in case anything happens to Kitching 2 new right backs" Is that not three players? Thompson ain't going to get it, he's does not have enough to achieve what the board want to achieve. Regardless of whatever happens, promotion is not on the cards, we don't have enough in the tank to achieve it. All that pre-season hope was for nothing.

If a team is going to gain promotion, they do not concede to teams in the bottom four. Latics should be on 20pts now and sitting in seventh, they are not and that says it all. Weak team or mismanaged? Nuttall and Shelton should not have come on for Reid and Lundstrum and Tollitt is not up to the standard we need.

You are asking for at least three players. Do you honestly think we are going to get what you are asking for? I doubt it.

As much as he is better than Unsworth, Thompson is not the answer and as a caretaker, he never would be. We need someone with a track record and experience in management. Champions and promotion contenders do not concede like we did tonight, Chesterfield apart.

A turd! With the squad assembled? This squad, on paper, as the bookies confirmed, should be promotion candidates. Unsworth fucked it up, Thompson, as much as he has manged to get them initially playing better, is not a manager with a sense of identity. He is not the man to take charge, as much as I respect him, he just isn't up to it. We need someone with experience and a track record. Let's face it, we ain't going anywhere this season, it's done, gone beyond us and a mid-table to maybe just missing the playoffs is on the cards. Miracles do not happen.

I feel you may be right. Norwood should be ripping defences apart by now. It's not happening.