Poison chalices


In Scotland old firm fans of either persuasion expect instant success as regards title winning or the manager gets the blame. And the worst thing that can happen to a new manager is taking over from a successful one.

At Celtic those who followed Gordon Strachan, who despite his four league titles in a row, was never a big favourite with the green and white brigade suffered because of Walter Smith’s success in Govan. If the press reports are to be believed Neil Lennon was set to quit when his side were well off the pace in the league some months ago. Now he is a hero until the next time he loses the league. That said, he looks pretty safe for a long time given the current state of affairs at Ibrox.

Ally McCoist who was one of Rangers most successful players probably won’t last long unless he can achieve the success levels of Mr. Smith.

The next possible death trap awaits the unfortunate soul who takes over from Fergie at Old Trafford as no matter how hard the poor soul tries there is no way he can come close to the success rate of Alex Ferguson. Davie Moyes is being touted as his possible replacement and whether it is Davie or someone else who is given the invitation they should only settle for at least a four year high value contract to sweeten the pill of early redundancy.

Last but not least is the England job which is highly dangerous because of the unwarranted expectation of their fans. As for the FA itself the leadership are so far up their own orifices they can only see the inside of their skulls, thus screening them from reality. They seem to believe that by offering rediculous salaries to perceived top managers, usually foreign, they are going to achieve success. Harry Redknapp looks like the unlucky man who could be offered the post and if he does he should set his contract demands at the same level as his would be employer’s inflated egos.

Football fans used to be exceptionally loyal to their club through thick and thin as they had enough savvy to realise what real prospects they had for success. now the favourite occupation of many is to indulge in petty vendettas against the clubs owners or manager because they have set their expectations higher than their clubs ability to realise them. The abuse suffered by Steve Kean and his family at the hands of so called Blackburn fans was nothing short of criminal.

Who would be a manager?

Allan Alexander.

A Alexander
