Honestly is "the fans" still usable?
There is a large enough section of our fanbase that are just normal footie fans like any other clubs. There were enough 'supporters' that called for Rafa's head, believing the lines they were fed, without looking at what was easily seen for anyone that could be bothered to think for themselves. Enough to empower the two cowboys to move the man out. There have been a good number also calling for/agreeing to sacking the King after just one full season.
Seriously, I struggle to think of being a LFC fan as anything special these days. If half our fans don't "get" the club, how can we expect a new manager to "get" the club?
The Mecca has been Mc'Ded.
Let's get one thing straight. The only achievement in football is doing it. That is playing to the highest level possible or coaching to the highest level possible. Even if that's just youth level, it's the fact that you're out there, working, understanding - that is knowing ; doing.
Anything else, and I include myself in that these days, is talk. Even well researched, logically outlined articles here, is talk. During the game, at the pub, among your mates - all talk. No amount of back-slapping among your mates, quoting dead Greek guys from 2000 years ago or being 'intelligent' about football is going to make you rated any more than what is deserved in that specific field.
I've done my share of talking about our issues / analysing etc, but underneath that, there's a cast iron understanding of what my role is, and where my knowledge ends. Over the years, I think that distinction has become blurred, and then downright torn down, to the point that it is possible to create momentum, building from a base of speculation / not so accurate information, make it build with the media (not just here, the entire set up of it), turn up the pressure, and get a man out.
Kenny's more an owners' call imo but the setup was clear enough, Rafa was a good example of the machinations at work.
It may not be nice to hear, but if you look at a forum and its part in the setup, minor as it is, every discussion here about the manager's failings (and I've done my fair share) contributes towards pressure as journos look for an angle. Don't take it as an emotional thing, just look at the set-up. The criticisms of him in the radio / talk shows is fuel to the rest of the media etc and ammunition for the owners. None of this may be done with that in mind, but the nature of the set-up is that's how it pans out. There was a time when all this short term criticism of the manager disappeared once it was said at the pubs post match, at home etc, but now it's a matter of record, liable to be exploited by those who wish to.
A good solution is having owners that have good judgement, keep their own counsel. That's not looking to be the case with us (I suppose it's worth waiting one more time to see them have their own man in place and see how they back him), and with many other clubs as well. Even with the next man, they simply don't have enough football knowledge about the timescales required to hold their own counsel, and will be relying on the circle of advisors. Who knows how that may turn out.
