Whatever happened to the likely lads as Bradford City development squad dies an early death (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

The development squad was an idea out of the realms of Walter Mitty. I don't know of any club who sign players in order to develop them when their first team squad is not good enough for the league they are in.
The dev squad was an ego trip for Christie. The worst part of this squad was that the Board appeared to be backing Walter in opposition to the then city manager.
The players Walter had brought in were no more than Conference standard or less.
This reflected City's league position. Going down. The Boards forward thinking. Going nowhere.
The departure of Archie Mitty should have happened sooner, and was the best thing to happen at the club.
The question needs to be asked. Who was Archie Christie? It did appear that he had no apparant ability in anything he did. He was all hype and the worst thing was he was being offered a more important role at the club.
I can only say, thank God he's gone. The City board can now get on a realistic approach to building for the future by leaving the team in the hands of those who know what they are doing.

Nothing changes at City.
What was a failure last season (a team full of loan players) has just been repeated this season.
Useless, a decade of failure and still those at the helm are seen as gods by some.

YEP!!........Parkins
ons idea of throwing lots of loan players at a wall.......and hoping one or two will stick around!!........FITS the Lawn/Rhodes idea of running a club!!.
YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!!

uneasy rider wrote:
The development squad was an idea out of the realms of Walter Mitty. I don't know of any club who sign players in order to develop them when their first team squad is not good enough for the league they are in.
The dev squad was an ego trip for Christie. The worst part of this squad was that the Board appeared to be backing Walter in opposition to the then city manager.
The players Walter had brought in were no more than Conference standard or less.
This reflected City's league position. Going down. The Boards forward thinking. Going nowhere.
The departure of Archie Mitty should have happened sooner, and was the best thing to happen at the club.
The question needs to be asked. Who was Archie Christie? It did appear that he had no apparant ability in anything he did. He was all hype and the worst thing was he was being offered a more important role at the club.
I can only say, thank God he's gone. The City board can now get on a realistic approach to building for the future by leaving the team in the hands of those who know what they are doing.

Are you for real or are you just trying to stir up a reaction? Archie Christie "had no apparent ability in anything he did", on what basis do you make that comment?
.
Firstly, he arranged to set up the Development Squad, only to see it fall flat after just a couple of months. Now, we don't know the reason AC walked away when he did, but just because he did, that shouldn't have affected the Development of the players brought in. The lads like Burns, Brown and Dixon were highly thought of and NOT just by Christie. As such, it is highly surprising and disappointing that we are looking to release them after just 6mths at the club. How can they develop if we are not giving them time?
.
Secondly, who was it that prevented Man U from bullying us over Cleverley? Who was it that picked up his contract and phoned United until they paid us what they owed? Was it Baldwin or Lawn? No. Was it Rhodes or Owen? No, it was none of those four, it was the guy you have just described as having "no apparent ability in anything he did"!!!!
.
If you were having a go at the idea of the Development Squad, fair enough - you are entitled to a view point. However, to openly have a go at someone in the way you just have was bang out of order....!

Thee Voice of Treason and Shaun the sheep.

2 men who have not felt the love of a good woman for years.

So bitter and twisted. Sad and despised. Angry and resentful. Provocative without reason. Looking for someone to bite. Someone they can converse with. It makes them feel special. Like they are important. Like they have human interaction.

Why don't you meet up. Have a Greggs at Bradford Interchange. Shaun could wear a red rose. Have a good old moaning and groaning session together. Feel happily morose with each other.

You may both find true happiness together. You could sit by the fire place moaning about the world.

AND GIVE US ALL A BREAK FROM YOUR PATHETIC SAD COMMENTS

shaun from richmond wrote:
YEP!!........Parkins

ons idea of throwing lots of loan players at a wall.......and hoping one or two will stick around!!........FITS the Lawn/Rhodes idea of running a club!!.
YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!!

Well your the one wanting to change Managers every 5 minutes Shaun remember? Tell us how we get any continuity with your strategy. You've got what you wanted, McCall's gone, Taylor's gone, you got your wish to have Jacko take over the reins but he wasn't up to the job -that was his view anyway- and left us after digging up the previous foundations a failing to complete putting in place any of his own.

OK, so you didn't manage to get your way re Parkinson getting sacked before Bonfire night but your past record suggests you wont be put off crowing for his head at every available opportunity. However, it does seem to me that we have, as a Club, practically carried-out YOUR 'strategy?' to a 'T'. Has the penny dropped yet Shaun? I hope so, because 15 changes of manager since 2000 doesn't seem to be doing the trick does it?

Oh, nearly forgot, NURRRRSSE!!!!, SHAUN'S CONDITION HAS REGRESSED AND HE'S SHOUTING AGAIN!

Onebrianmitchell wrote:
Thee Voice of Treason and Shaun the sheep.

2 men who have not felt the love of a good woman for years.

So bitter and twisted. Sad and despised. Angry and resentful. Provocative without reason. Looking for someone to bite. Someone they can converse with. It makes them feel special. Like they are important. Like they have human interaction.

Why don't you meet up. Have a Greggs at Bradford Interchange. Shaun could wear a red rose. Have a good old moaning and groaning session together. Feel happily morose with each other.

You may both find true happiness together. You could sit by the fire place moaning about the world.

AND GIVE US ALL A BREAK FROM YOUR PATHETIC SAD COMMENTS

Facts speak for themselves, years of decline with no sign of improvement.
Do you think the continual use of loan players approach is working? Even Rhodes said lessons had been learn't only for the same thing to happen.

Waynus1971 wrote:

uneasy rider wrote:
The development squad was an idea out of the realms of Walter Mitty. I don't know of any club who sign players in order to develop them when their first team squad is not good enough for the league they are in.
The dev squad was an ego trip for Christie. The worst part of this squad was that the Board appeared to be backing Walter in opposition to the then city manager.
The players Walter had brought in were no more than Conference standard or less.
This reflected City's league position. Going down. The Boards forward thinking. Going nowhere.
The departure of Archie Mitty should have happened sooner, and was the best thing to happen at the club.
The question needs to be asked. Who was Archie Christie? It did appear that he had no apparant ability in anything he did. He was all hype and the worst thing was he was being offered a more important role at the club.
I can only say, thank God he's gone. The City board can now get on a realistic approach to building for the future by leaving the team in the hands of those who know what they are doing.

Are you for real or are you just trying to stir up a reaction? Archie Christie "had no apparent ability in anything he did", on what basis do you make that comment?
.
Firstly, he arranged to set up the Development Squad, only to see it fall flat after just a couple of months. Now, we don't know the reason AC walked away when he did, but just because he did, that shouldn't have affected the Development of the players brought in. The lads like Burns, Brown and Dixon were highly thought of and NOT just by Christie. As such, it is highly surprising and disappointing that we are looking to release them after just 6mths at the club. How can they develop if we are not giving them time?
.
Secondly, who was it that prevented Man U from bullying us over Cleverley? Who was it that picked up his contract and phoned United until they paid us what they owed? Was it Baldwin or Lawn? No. Was it Rhodes or Owen? No, it was none of those four, it was the guy you have just described as having "no apparent ability in anything he did"!!!!
.
If you were having a go at the idea of the Development Squad, fair enough - you are entitled to a view point. However, to openly have a go at someone in the way you just have was bang out of order....!

Waynus, you've omitted to state that Archie negotiated the record George Green transfer to Everton. He put him in the shop window and did the deal. In addition, he evidently set up the deal that transferred Jake Speight to Wrexham, and even managed to recoup city's original outlay. To those who witnessed Speight's displays, that was some achievement.

Yesterday, fatbloke took some flak for suggesting Rodney was on £1,200 per week. It appears he may not be far off the mark. If true, it's unbelievable that such terms were agreed for such a novice.

Pablo wrote:

Waynus1971 wrote:

uneasy rider wrote:
The development squad was an idea out of the realms of Walter Mitty. I don't know of any club who sign players in order to develop them when their first team squad is not good enough for the league they are in.
The dev squad was an ego trip for Christie. The worst part of this squad was that the Board appeared to be backing Walter in opposition to the then city manager.
The players Walter had brought in were no more than Conference standard or less.
This reflected City's league position. Going down. The Boards forward thinking. Going nowhere.
The departure of Archie Mitty should have happened sooner, and was the best thing to happen at the club.
The question needs to be asked. Who was Archie Christie? It did appear that he had no apparant ability in anything he did. He was all hype and the worst thing was he was being offered a more important role at the club.
I can only say, thank God he's gone. The City board can now get on a realistic approach to building for the future by leaving the team in the hands of those who know what they are doing.

Are you for real or are you just trying to stir up a reaction? Archie Christie "had no apparent ability in anything he did", on what basis do you make that comment?
.
Firstly, he arranged to set up the Development Squad, only to see it fall flat after just a couple of months. Now, we don't know the reason AC walked away when he did, but just because he did, that shouldn't have affected the Development of the players brought in. The lads like Burns, Brown and Dixon were highly thought of and NOT just by Christie. As such, it is highly surprising and disappointing that we are looking to release them after just 6mths at the club. How can they develop if we are not giving them time?
.
Secondly, who was it that prevented Man U from bullying us over Cleverley? Who was it that picked up his contract and phoned United until they paid us what they owed? Was it Baldwin or Lawn? No. Was it Rhodes or Owen? No, it was none of those four, it was the guy you have just described as having "no apparent ability in anything he did"!!!!
.
If you were having a go at the idea of the Development Squad, fair enough - you are entitled to a view point. However, to openly have a go at someone in the way you just have was bang out of order....!

Waynus, you've omitted to state that Archie negotiated the record George Green transfer to Everton. He put him in the shop window and did the deal. In addition, he evidently set up the deal that transferred Jake Speight to Wrexham, and even managed to recoup city's original outlay. To those who witnessed Speight's displays, that was some achievement.

Yesterday, fatbloke took some flak for suggesting Rodney was on £1,200 per week. It appears he may not be far off the mark. If true, it's unbelievable that such terms were agreed for such a novice.

Not sure why Lacey and Rodney are being quoted as being integral to the DS blueprint.

My understanding is that Rodney was signed by Jacko as part of the 1st Team NOT as a DS player. Jacko had to beat off Notts County for his signature so this may add weight in support of the rumours of him being on a 'good' weekly wage.

Lacey had spent time at City prior to AC joining and prior to any talk -publicly at least- as to a DS. He was a young player that Jacko believed had potential and would have -IMO- been brought into the Club regardless of any DS being in existence. Therefore, I don't think he could be classed as an example of evidence that the DS is in it's 'death' throes either. I would expect the DS to be tweaked here and there and to have it's level of importance vary depending on how critical the situation and priorities of the 1st Team Squad is -as viewed by the Manager, who would expect the necessary, timely, backing of the Board.

Most of the players mentioned in the article are still at the Club and some are playing for other Clubs, and some HAVE played for other Clubs as part of the 'toughening up' process that was identified in the DS plan.

lonniejockstrap wrote:

shaun from richmond wrote: YEP!!........Parkins ons idea of throwing lots of loan players at a wall.......and hoping one or two will stick around!!........FITS the Lawn/Rhodes idea of running a club!!. YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!!

Well your the one wanting to change Managers every 5 minutes Shaun remember? Tell us how we get any continuity with your strategy. You've got what you wanted, McCall's gone, Taylor's gone, you got your wish to have Jacko take over the reins but he wasn't up to the job -that was his view anyway- and left us after digging up the previous foundations a failing to complete putting in place any of his own. OK, so you didn't manage to get your way re Parkinson getting sacked before Bonfire night but your past record suggests you wont be put off crowing for his head at every available opportunity. However, it does seem to me that we have, as a Club, practically carried-out YOUR 'strategy?' to a 'T'. Has the penny dropped yet Shaun? I hope so, because 15 changes of manager since 2000 doesn't seem to be doing the trick does it? Oh, nearly forgot, NURRRRSSE!!!!, SHAUN'S CONDITION HAS REGRESSED AND HE'S SHOUTING AGAIN!

SORRY....I aint taking lessons from a bloke who wanted "JACOBS" as our next Manager???
Your not the only one with a long memory!!!!

shaun from richmond wrote:

lonniejockstrap wrote:

shaun from richmond wrote: YEP!!........Parkins ons idea of throwing lots of loan players at a wall.......and hoping one or two will stick around!!........FITS the Lawn/Rhodes idea of running a club!!. YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!!

Well your the one wanting to change Managers every 5 minutes Shaun remember? Tell us how we get any continuity with your strategy. You've got what you wanted, McCall's gone, Taylor's gone, you got your wish to have Jacko take over the reins but he wasn't up to the job -that was his view anyway- and left us after digging up the previous foundations a failing to complete putting in place any of his own. OK, so you didn't manage to get your way re Parkinson getting sacked before Bonfire night but your past record suggests you wont be put off crowing for his head at every available opportunity. However, it does seem to me that we have, as a Club, practically carried-out YOUR 'strategy?' to a 'T'. Has the penny dropped yet Shaun? I hope so, because 15 changes of manager since 2000 doesn't seem to be doing the trick does it? Oh, nearly forgot, NURRRRSSE!!!!, SHAUN'S CONDITION HAS REGRESSED AND HE'S SHOUTING AGAIN!

SORRY....I aint taking lessons from a bloke who wanted "JACOBS" as our next Manager???
Your not the only one with a long memory!!!!

No need to apologise Shaun, I have to admit i'm not trained in giving lessons to the mentally challenged. However, your pathological inabillity to learn from your previous mistakes is only making it less likely that you will be allowed back into normal society. Get well soon.

Those who think everything's fine and rosy at VP really need to take their heads out of the sand.

Looking at yet another season in League 2 - Our 6th consecutive, despite having the best infrastructure, by far the biggest fan base, one of the biggest budgets in the division every year, and yet we flirt with relegation or finish mid-table at best. Is this good management of a football club? Are we moving forward?

We are told at the start of the season the club's whole philosophy will now change and the future will be the new development squad which will make the club sustainable in the future. Fast forward 6 months and the devlopment idea was rubbish.

Sorry, and it pains me to say it, but the club becomes more of a joke year on year. You cannot defend the indefenceable.

lonniejockstrap wrote:

shaun from richmond wrote:

lonniejockstrap wrote:

shaun from richmond wrote: YEP!!........Parkins ons idea of throwing lots of loan players at a wall.......and hoping one or two will stick around!!........FITS the Lawn/Rhodes idea of running a club!!. YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!!

Well your the one wanting to change Managers every 5 minutes Shaun remember? Tell us how we get any continuity with your strategy. You've got what you wanted, McCall's gone, Taylor's gone, you got your wish to have Jacko take over the reins but he wasn't up to the job -that was his view anyway- and left us after digging up the previous foundations a failing to complete putting in place any of his own. OK, so you didn't manage to get your way re Parkinson getting sacked before Bonfire night but your past record suggests you wont be put off crowing for his head at every available opportunity. However, it does seem to me that we have, as a Club, practically carried-out YOUR 'strategy?' to a 'T'. Has the penny dropped yet Shaun? I hope so, because 15 changes of manager since 2000 doesn't seem to be doing the trick does it? Oh, nearly forgot, NURRRRSSE!!!!, SHAUN'S CONDITION HAS REGRESSED AND HE'S SHOUTING AGAIN!

SORRY....I aint taking lessons from a bloke who wanted "JACOBS" as our next Manager??? Your not the only one with a long memory!!!!

No need to apologise Shaun, I have to admit i'm not trained in giving lessons to the mentally challenged. However, your pathological inabillity to learn from your previous mistakes is only making it less likely that you will be allowed back into normal society. Get well soon.

You been burning the mid- night oil again!..........Mrs Lonnie will be pleased!!

Babbsy wrote:
Those who think everything's fine and rosy at VP really need to take their heads out of the sand.

Looking at yet another season in League 2 - Our 6th consecutive, despite having the best infrastructure, by far the biggest fan base, one of the biggest budgets in the division every year, and yet we flirt with relegation or finish mid-table at best. Is this good management of a football club? Are we moving forward?

We are told at the start of the season the club's whole philosophy will now change and the future will be the new development squad which will make the club sustainable in the future. Fast forward 6 months and the devlopment idea was rubbish.

Sorry, and it pains me to say it, but the club becomes more of a joke year on year. You cannot defend the indefenceable.

It seems you can. Look at how those who point out the situation as it is to others get jumped on. Some people don't being told as it is. Year after year we see a team of loanees thrown together and expect promotion. Its not working and I doubr it ever will. The development squad may or may not have worked given time but at least it was forward thinking and not another of the short term thinking that has got us nowhere.

Babbsy wrote:
Those who think everything's fine and rosy at VP really need to take their heads out of the sand.

Looking at yet another season in League 2 - Our 6th consecutive, despite having the best infrastructure, by far the biggest fan base, one of the biggest budgets in the division every year, and yet we flirt with relegation or finish mid-table at best. Is this good management of a football club? Are we moving forward?

We are told at the start of the season the club's whole philosophy will now change and the future will be the new development squad which will make the club sustainable in the future. Fast forward 6 months and the devlopment idea was rubbish.

Sorry, and it pains me to say it, but the club becomes more of a joke year on year. You cannot defend the indefenceable.

Babbsy, who do you think believes 'everything's fine and rosy'? I certainly don't, but I don't spend most of my time criticising without putting forward any constructive suggestions. There are many of us on here who are fully aware of the Teams predicament. We are also aware of all the financial problems that have existed included the rental issues with the ground. I don't know of any supporters who I would class as seeing things as fine and rosy but I could name a few on here who are unable or unwilling to acknowledge that the Club has been reducing it's liabilities whilst STILL providing -as you suggest- comparatively large player budgets for managers but failing to get much in return as regards progress up the league.
.
There is criticism of course that can be made about the strategy that has been followed but if you can tell us when and where the wrong decisions were made, why you would have made a different decision and for what reason and how that would have changed the situation to such a positive extent then we can find and pick out faults in your strategy.
.
You have the benefit of hindsight so your criticisms and the actions that should have been taken should be correct in every way and we would be playing probably in the premiership by now (I am pretty certain ML and JR would have done things differently as well with hindsight). Can we have your version of what should have been done over the last 6 seasons please. You say we have the best infrastructure and biggest budgets (and not been in massive debt by the way!) whilst asking/suggesting the Club is badly run, not sure how those claims can be put together and make sense! Maybe you are confusing the running of the Club with the Managing of the Team?
.
Whilst ever we are in this league keeping the books balanced we get harder and harder, but short of given ML and JR the job of Managing Team affairs I am unsure of how we can claim they are to blame for us struggling to get out of league two.
.
Why do you say the development squad is regarded as 'rubbish'? Would you prefer PP to have been refused the support he has requested to bring players in in order that the DS players get a run out in the first Team regardless of the position the Team finds itself in? Just be specific and then we can debate. I have lots more questions I could put but I will save them until you have responded providing some specific points and backed by evidence to support. Then, I will have a go at 'defending the indefenceable'. Cheers.

lonniejockstrap wrote:

Babbsy wrote: Those who think everything's fine and rosy at VP really need to take their heads out of the sand. Looking at yet another season in League 2 - Our 6th consecutive, despite having the best infrastructure, by far the biggest fan base, one of the biggest budgets in the division every year, and yet we flirt with relegation or finish mid-table at best. Is this good management of a football club? Are we moving forward? We are told at the start of the season the club's whole philosophy will now change and the future will be the new development squad which will make the club sustainable in the future. Fast forward 6 months and the devlopment idea was rubbish. Sorry, and it pains me to say it, but the club becomes more of a joke year on year. You cannot defend the indefenceable.

Babbsy, who do you think believes 'everything's fine and rosy'? I certainly don't, but I don't spend most of my time criticising without putting forward any constructive suggestions. There are many of us on here who are fully aware of the Teams predicament. We are also aware of all the financial problems that have existed included the rental issues with the ground. I don't know of any supporters who I would class as seeing things as fine and rosy but I could name a few on here who are unable or unwilling to acknowledge that the Club has been reducing it's liabilities whilst STILL providing -as you suggest- comparatively large player budgets for managers but failing to get much in return as regards progress up the league. . There is criticism of course that can be made about the strategy that has been followed but if you can tell us when and where the wrong decisions were made, why you would have made a different decision and for what reason and how that would have changed the situation to such a positive extent then we can find and pick out faults in your strategy. . You have the benefit of hindsight so your criticisms and the actions that should have been taken should be correct in every way and we would be playing probably in the premiership by now (I am pretty certain ML and JR would have done things differently as well with hindsight). Can we have your version of what should have been done over the last 6 seasons please. You say we have the best infrastructure and biggest budgets (and not been in massive debt by the way!) whilst asking/suggesting the Club is badly run, not sure how those claims can be put together and make sense! Maybe you are confusing the running of the Club with the Managing of the Team? . Whilst ever we are in this league keeping the books balanced we get harder and harder, but short of given ML and JR the job of Managing Team affairs I am unsure of how we can claim they are to blame for us struggling to get out of league two. . Why do you say the development squad is regarded as 'rubbish'? Would you prefer PP to have been refused the support he has requested to bring players in in order that the DS players get a run out in the first Team regardless of the position the Team finds itself in? Just be specific and then we can debate. I have lots more questions I could put but I will save them until you have responded providing some specific points and backed by evidence to support. Then, I will have a go at 'defending the indefenceable'. Cheers.

On and on and on.........and on!

lonniejockstrap wrote:

Pablo wrote:

Waynus1971 wrote:

uneasy rider wrote:
The development squad was an idea out of the realms of Walter Mitty. I don't know of any club who sign players in order to develop them when their first team squad is not good enough for the league they are in.
The dev squad was an ego trip for Christie. The worst part of this squad was that the Board appeared to be backing Walter in opposition to the then city manager.
The players Walter had brought in were no more than Conference standard or less.
This reflected City's league position. Going down. The Boards forward thinking. Going nowhere.
The departure of Archie Mitty should have happened sooner, and was the best thing to happen at the club.
The question needs to be asked. Who was Archie Christie? It did appear that he had no apparant ability in anything he did. He was all hype and the worst thing was he was being offered a more important role at the club.
I can only say, thank God he's gone. The City board can now get on a realistic approach to building for the future by leaving the team in the hands of those who know what they are doing.

Are you for real or are you just trying to stir up a reaction? Archie Christie "had no apparent ability in anything he did", on what basis do you make that comment?
.
Firstly, he arranged to set up the Development Squad, only to see it fall flat after just a couple of months. Now, we don't know the reason AC walked away when he did, but just because he did, that shouldn't have affected the Development of the players brought in. The lads like Burns, Brown and Dixon were highly thought of and NOT just by Christie. As such, it is highly surprising and disappointing that we are looking to release them after just 6mths at the club. How can they develop if we are not giving them time?
.
Secondly, who was it that prevented Man U from bullying us over Cleverley? Who was it that picked up his contract and phoned United until they paid us what they owed? Was it Baldwin or Lawn? No. Was it Rhodes or Owen? No, it was none of those four, it was the guy you have just described as having "no apparent ability in anything he did"!!!!
.
If you were having a go at the idea of the Development Squad, fair enough - you are entitled to a view point. However, to openly have a go at someone in the way you just have was bang out of order....!

Waynus, you've omitted to state that Archie negotiated the record George Green transfer to Everton. He put him in the shop window and did the deal. In addition, he evidently set up the deal that transferred Jake Speight to Wrexham, and even managed to recoup city's original outlay. To those who witnessed Speight's displays, that was some achievement.

Yesterday, fatbloke took some flak for suggesting Rodney was on £1,200 per week. It appears he may not be far off the mark. If true, it's unbelievable that such terms were agreed for such a novice.

Not sure why Lacey and Rodney are being quoted as being integral to the DS blueprint.

My understanding is that Rodney was signed by Jacko as part of the 1st Team NOT as a DS player. Jacko had to beat off Notts County for his signature so this may add weight in support of the rumours of him being on a 'good' weekly wage.

Lacey had spent time at City prior to AC joining and prior to any talk -publicly at least- as to a DS. He was a young player that Jacko believed had potential and would have -IMO- been brought into the Club regardless of any DS being in existence. Therefore, I don't think he could be classed as an example of evidence that the DS is in it's 'death' throes either. I would expect the DS to be tweaked here and there and to have it's level of importance vary depending on how critical the situation and priorities of the 1st Team Squad is -as viewed by the Manager, who would expect the necessary, timely, backing of the Board.

Most of the players mentioned in the article are still at the Club and some are playing for other Clubs, and some HAVE played for other Clubs as part of the 'toughening up' process that was identified in the DS plan.

Rodney was not part of the DS, but Lacey was. I watched DS squad games pre-season and Lacey was a stand out performer. Alas, he's another who "withered on the vine".

It still doesn't excuse the club paying £1200 per week for such a novice, because there was no chance of him being a regular member of the squad.

The DS doesn't exist anymore. I don't class Rowe and Dean as DS, and Brown, Overson and Burns don't constitute a squad.

Pablo wrote:

lonniejockstrap wrote:

Pablo wrote:

Waynus1971 wrote:

uneasy rider wrote:
The development squad was an idea out of the realms of Walter Mitty. I don't know of any club who sign players in order to develop them when their first team squad is not good enough for the league they are in.
The dev squad was an ego trip for Christie. The worst part of this squad was that the Board appeared to be backing Walter in opposition to the then city manager.
The players Walter had brought in were no more than Conference standard or less.
This reflected City's league position. Going down. The Boards forward thinking. Going nowhere.
The departure of Archie Mitty should have happened sooner, and was the best thing to happen at the club.
The question needs to be asked. Who was Archie Christie? It did appear that he had no apparant ability in anything he did. He was all hype and the worst thing was he was being offered a more important role at the club.
I can only say, thank God he's gone. The City board can now get on a realistic approach to building for the future by leaving the team in the hands of those who know what they are doing.

Are you for real or are you just trying to stir up a reaction? Archie Christie "had no apparent ability in anything he did", on what basis do you make that comment?
.
Firstly, he arranged to set up the Development Squad, only to see it fall flat after just a couple of months. Now, we don't know the reason AC walked away when he did, but just because he did, that shouldn't have affected the Development of the players brought in. The lads like Burns, Brown and Dixon were highly thought of and NOT just by Christie. As such, it is highly surprising and disappointing that we are looking to release them after just 6mths at the club. How can they develop if we are not giving them time?
.
Secondly, who was it that prevented Man U from bullying us over Cleverley? Who was it that picked up his contract and phoned United until they paid us what they owed? Was it Baldwin or Lawn? No. Was it Rhodes or Owen? No, it was none of those four, it was the guy you have just described as having "no apparent ability in anything he did"!!!!
.
If you were having a go at the idea of the Development Squad, fair enough - you are entitled to a view point. However, to openly have a go at someone in the way you just have was bang out of order....!

Waynus, you've omitted to state that Archie negotiated the record George Green transfer to Everton. He put him in the shop window and did the deal. In addition, he evidently set up the deal that transferred Jake Speight to Wrexham, and even managed to recoup city's original outlay. To those who witnessed Speight's displays, that was some achievement.

Yesterday, fatbloke took some flak for suggesting Rodney was on £1,200 per week. It appears he may not be far off the mark. If true, it's unbelievable that such terms were agreed for such a novice.

Not sure why Lacey and Rodney are being quoted as being integral to the DS blueprint.

My understanding is that Rodney was signed by Jacko as part of the 1st Team NOT as a DS player. Jacko had to beat off Notts County for his signature so this may add weight in support of the rumours of him being on a 'good' weekly wage.

Lacey had spent time at City prior to AC joining and prior to any talk -publicly at least- as to a DS. He was a young player that Jacko believed had potential and would have -IMO- been brought into the Club regardless of any DS being in existence. Therefore, I don't think he could be classed as an example of evidence that the DS is in it's 'death' throes either. I would expect the DS to be tweaked here and there and to have it's level of importance vary depending on how critical the situation and priorities of the 1st Team Squad is -as viewed by the Manager, who would expect the necessary, timely, backing of the Board.

Most of the players mentioned in the article are still at the Club and some are playing for other Clubs, and some HAVE played for other Clubs as part of the 'toughening up' process that was identified in the DS plan.

Rodney was not part of the DS, but Lacey was. I watched DS squad games pre-season and Lacey was a stand out performer. Alas, he's another who "withered on the vine".

It still doesn't excuse the club paying £1200 per week for such a novice, because there was no chance of him being a regular member of the squad.

The DS doesn't exist anymore. I don't class Rowe and Dean as DS, and Brown, Overson and Burns don't constitute a squad.

I agree Pablo, £1200/wk does seem a lot -if that is correct?. However, we have had posters on here like the Rampton stutterer criticising the City Board for not backing Jacko when he wanted to bring HIS choice of player in. When Jacko has be backed and brought in the likes of Rodney then they get criticised for backing Jacko. Jacko's choices have obviously not impressed Parkinson and that is one of the problems of changing Managers regularly. Parkinson is now getting the backing of the Board which means allowing him to offload the likes of Lacey, Rodney, OB etc etc.
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You say you don't class Rowe and Dean as DS is that because they are on the fringe of the 1st Team squad? What about Nahki Wells? Thats 3 players that have progressed from DS to 1st Team and 1st Team fringe players isn't it? Stevenson you didn't mention.

Disappointingly, an article which had the potential to fuel a decent debate has once again turned into petty insults and name calling.
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Perhaps the T&A could provide the the grown-ups a site where we could get together and have a reasoned debate whilst the children continue to squabble on here?

lonniejockstrap wrote:

shaun from richmond wrote:
YEP!!........Parkins


ons idea of throwing lots of loan players at a wall.......and hoping one or two will stick around!!........FITS the Lawn/Rhodes idea of running a club!!.
YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!!

Well your the one wanting to change Managers every 5 minutes Shaun remember? Tell us how we get any continuity with your strategy. You've got what you wanted, McCall's gone, Taylor's gone, you got your wish to have Jacko take over the reins but he wasn't up to the job -that was his view anyway- and left us after digging up the previous foundations a failing to complete putting in place any of his own.

OK, so you didn't manage to get your way re Parkinson getting sacked before Bonfire night but your past record suggests you wont be put off crowing for his head at every available opportunity. However, it does seem to me that we have, as a Club, practically carried-out YOUR 'strategy?' to a 'T'. Has the penny dropped yet Shaun? I hope so, because 15 changes of manager since 2000 doesn't seem to be doing the trick does it?

Oh, nearly forgot, NURRRRSSE!!!!, SHAUN'S CONDITION HAS REGRESSED AND HE'S SHOUTING AGAIN!

Well said Lonnie, I said I wouldnt contribute to this forum again but your analysis of Shaun I want the manager sacked and I don't like the team was brilliant. I never felt my comments were any better than anyone elses shaun but I'm sure your comments arn't welcome to most genuine Bradford City fans, and if anyone won't be missed it's you.

eebygum wrote:

lonniejockstrap wrote:

shaun from richmond wrote:
YEP!!........Parkins



ons idea of throwing lots of loan players at a wall.......and hoping one or two will stick around!!........FITS the Lawn/Rhodes idea of running a club!!.
YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!!

Well your the one wanting to change Managers every 5 minutes Shaun remember? Tell us how we get any continuity with your strategy. You've got what you wanted, McCall's gone, Taylor's gone, you got your wish to have Jacko take over the reins but he wasn't up to the job -that was his view anyway- and left us after digging up the previous foundations a failing to complete putting in place any of his own.

OK, so you didn't manage to get your way re Parkinson getting sacked before Bonfire night but your past record suggests you wont be put off crowing for his head at every available opportunity. However, it does seem to me that we have, as a Club, practically carried-out YOUR 'strategy?' to a 'T'. Has the penny dropped yet Shaun? I hope so, because 15 changes of manager since 2000 doesn't seem to be doing the trick does it?

Oh, nearly forgot, NURRRRSSE!!!!, SHAUN'S CONDITION HAS REGRESSED AND HE'S SHOUTING AGAIN!

Well said Lonnie, I said I wouldnt contribute to this forum again but your analysis of Shaun I want the manager sacked and I don't like the team was brilliant. I never felt my comments were any better than anyone elses shaun but I'm sure your comments arn't welcome to most genuine Bradford City fans, and if anyone won't be missed it's you.

Cheers eeby, don't let the hyper-negative posters put you off contributing.

The only bit that is smart in what they do is that they avoid telling us beforehand what should be done because that would leave THEM open to questioning and analysis. They, of course, are brilliant AFTER the event armchair critics and strategists. Adding to their criticisms of how poor the Club is run, is an odd accusation here and there kept to a half-dozen or so words. This makes them feel safe from having to defend or provide evidence to a any great degree to support what they have claimed. However! I have managed to corner our 'Fault Finder Generals' once or twice and discovered that they are not beyond deliberately making false claims in an attempt to undermine members of the Board -or me for that matter .

So eeby, 'Illegitimi non carborundum' pal.

lonniejockstrap wrote:

eebygum wrote:

lonniejockstrap wrote:

shaun from richmond wrote:
YEP!!........Parkins




ons idea of throwing lots of loan players at a wall.......and hoping one or two will stick around!!........FITS the Lawn/Rhodes idea of running a club!!.
YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!!

Well your the one wanting to change Managers every 5 minutes Shaun remember? Tell us how we get any continuity with your strategy. You've got what you wanted, McCall's gone, Taylor's gone, you got your wish to have Jacko take over the reins but he wasn't up to the job -that was his view anyway- and left us after digging up the previous foundations a failing to complete putting in place any of his own.

OK, so you didn't manage to get your way re Parkinson getting sacked before Bonfire night but your past record suggests you wont be put off crowing for his head at every available opportunity. However, it does seem to me that we have, as a Club, practically carried-out YOUR 'strategy?' to a 'T'. Has the penny dropped yet Shaun? I hope so, because 15 changes of manager since 2000 doesn't seem to be doing the trick does it?

Oh, nearly forgot, NURRRRSSE!!!!, SHAUN'S CONDITION HAS REGRESSED AND HE'S SHOUTING AGAIN!

Well said Lonnie, I said I wouldnt contribute to this forum again but your analysis of Shaun I want the manager sacked and I don't like the team was brilliant. I never felt my comments were any better than anyone elses shaun but I'm sure your comments arn't welcome to most genuine Bradford City fans, and if anyone won't be missed it's you.

Cheers eeby, don't let the hyper-negative posters put you off contributing.

The only bit that is smart in what they do is that they avoid telling us beforehand what should be done because that would leave THEM open to questioning and analysis. They, of course, are brilliant AFTER the event armchair critics and strategists. Adding to their criticisms of how poor the Club is run, is an odd accusation here and there kept to a half-dozen or so words. This makes them feel safe from having to defend or provide evidence to a any great degree to support what they have claimed. However! I have managed to corner our 'Fault Finder Generals' once or twice and discovered that they are not beyond deliberately making false claims in an attempt to undermine members of the Board -or me for that matter .

So eeby, 'Illegitimi non carborundum' pal.

Too true Lonnie if Shaun the sheep and co are so good at knowing whats good for Bradford City why arn't they Manager or Chairman?

Thanks Lonnie, it's decent sensible fans like you that are the bread and butter of this forum and make it entertaining and worth reading rather than the negative tripe that some waste our time and energy on.

Thanks Lonnie, it's decent sensible fans like you that are the bread and butter of this forum and make it entertaining and worth reading rather than the negative tripe that some waste our time and energy on.

eebygum wrote:
Thanks Lonnie, it's decent sensible fans like you that are the bread and butter of this forum and make it entertaining and worth reading rather than the negative tripe that some waste our time and energy on.

So instead of keeping your word....ie..Never to post on here again!!.
You have decided to be a BROWN NOSE!!.
Enough said!!