Stand by (a bit longer yet) for an announcement

[bobskeldon]

The problem is that folk keep making up problems.

Are suggesting that we are not skint?

 

Are you suggesting that Craig Levein is not a problem?

[bobskeldon]

That would be a bit strange, given that we went through a process of sifting cv's and interviewing a short list from that. That process was only blown out of the water yesterday when the last decent candidate went public and withdrew.

 

Between that time and the statement we've identified someone at another club and we're making an announcement about it next week. We're that confident we'll have something to say from that approach ? Sorry that's just not making sense.

 

Feck knows what we're doing to be honest. My take on it would be that the board want to change structure but Levein is resisting. Don't ask me why. its a guess.

 

I'd be betting on some form of restructuring which involves Levein taking a back seat and Pressley, Hartley and Daly (or a combination of those) running the first team. I think they are having trouble selling it to Levein and they are going to have to resolve that, one way or another, before pressing on with the announcement. I just cant see men like Pressley and Hartley tolerating Levein's brand of hands on micro-management. I think Levein's position is under threat here. I think that's why we are not terribly active in the market and why he's been missing in action for the last 2 weeks.

I sincerely hope you are right. 

[JamboAl]

That would be a bit strange, given that we went through a process of sifting cv's and interviewing a short list from that. That process was only blown out of the water yesterday when the last decent candidate went public and withdrew.

 

Between that time and the statement we've identified someone at another club and we're making an announcement about it next week. We're that confident we'll have something to say from that approach ? Sorry that's just not making sense.

 

Feck knows what we're doing to be honest. My take on it would be that the board want to change structure but Levein is resisting. Don't ask me why. its a guess.

 

I'd be betting on some form of restructuring which involves Levein taking a back seat and Pressley, Hartley and Daly (or a combination of those) running the first team. I think they are having trouble selling it to Levein and they are going to have to resolve that, one way or another, before pressing on with the announcement. I think Levein's position is under threat here. I think that's why we are not terribly active in the market and why he's been missing in action for the last 2 weeks.

Do you not think Levein's position is immaterial?  If AB wanted to change the structure and sideline him, or dilute his influence, she would just do it.  Whether he then leaves and claims constructive dismissal, or stays, we are still paying him so there would be no material financial differences for the club.  He has been less active probably because she now feels able to take a more meaningfyl role than hitherto.  My earnest hope is that it will not be either Snakey or Hartley because, as someone said above, you'd think they would have been appointed by now.  I'd guess we are now looking at interested parties who are in post, hence the delay.

[JamboAl]

Are suggesting that we are not skint?

 

Are you suggesting that Craig Levein is not a problem?

I'd suggest that you know no more about what's happening in the background than anyone else so your negativity is without foundation.

[Walter Bishop]

I think the problem is twofold

 

1 We are skint.

 

2 Craig Levein

 

I think as a fanbase, we deserve a degree of honesty about this shambles!

This 100%

[Escobar PHM]

Do you not think Levein's position is immaterial?  If AB wanted to change the structure and sideline him, or dilute his influence, she would just do it.  Whether he then leaves and claims constructive dismissal, or stays, we are still paying him so there would be no material financial differences for the club.  He has been less active probably because she now feels able to take a more meaningfyl role than hitherto.  My earnest hope is that it will not be either Snakey or Hartley because, as someone said above, you'd think they would have been appointed by now.  I'd guess we are now looking at interested parties who are in post, hence the delay.

To be making 'an announcement' next week we've got some idea surely of what we're going to be doing. If we're looking at interested parties who are in jobs then how do we know what we will announce and when we will announce it ?

 

Having a DOF, and particularly having Levein as a DOF, is undoubtedly IN MY OPINION, making people exclude themselves from the post in one way or another. The structure is geared up for apprentice coaches working under and being mentored by Levein. It doesn't work and it wont work and I think Ms Budge will be spending a week reviewing it. I have no doubt if she agrees it isn't working that Levein will have his wings clipped and have his duties clearly re-defined. I'm of the opinion that she told him 'Cathro must work or its on your head' Clearly it didnt work

[wavydavy]

The main thing I took from yesterday's statement is that neither Pressley nor Hartley has been announced as manager a full 10 days after they were interviewed which could suggest that they didn't do enough to impress, or perhaps in Pressley's case, the club maybe realise that for many fans, he'd been a very unpopular appointment.

 

The on-going situation seems to point to either widening the search, perhaps now looking at candidates who are currently in employment or simply giving Daly more time to make it easier to appoint him.

 

The only other scenario I can foresee is if Levein himself takes over for say the rest of the season. That could in effect, be the best scenario for Ann and Craig, whereby it gives us an experienced manager, which seems to suit Ann, plus it allows Levein to remain in control of his production line of home-grown head coaches, with Daly being groomed into the role?

 

I dunno!

 

 

.

 

Your last sentence sums up what we all know.

[Jamhammer]

Are suggesting that we are not skint?

 

Are you suggesting that Craig Levein is not a problem?

I think he's suggesting that no one outside the club either on here or in the press has a scooby what's actually happening so the press or punters on here come up with gossip and the feeble minded lose their shit over stuff that hasnt happened.

As far as Levein is concerned I've no idea what he is doing behind the scenes just now but, as others have said if this appointment is wrong then his position is under threat IMO.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wavydavy]

To be making 'an announcement' next week we've got some idea surely of what we're going to be doing. If we're looking at interested parties who are in jobs then how do we know what we will announce and when we will announce it ?

 

Having a DOF, and particularly having Levein as a DOF, is undoubtedly IN MY OPINION, making people exclude themselves from the post in one way or another. The structure is geared up for apprentice coaches working under and being mentored by Levein. It doesn't work and it wont work and I think Ms Budge will be spending a week reviewing it.

 

It would be interesting to see how many SPFL Coaches/Managers have applied for the post but I don't suppose the club will reveal who they are.

 

I wonder if someone from abroad might be interested given that the DOF seems more common and accepted?

[Escobar PHM]

It would be interesting to see how many SPFL Coaches/Managers have applied for the post but I don't suppose the club will reveal who they are.

 

I wonder if someone from abroad might be interested given that the DOF seems more common and accepted?

Yes it is more common and accepted, but its more of an admin/management role abroad than the mentoring advisory overeeeing role we seem to have it working as. I don't think a club our size needs or benefits from a DOF.

[wavydavy]

Yes it is more common and accepted, but its more of an admin/management role abroad than the mentoring advisory overeeeing role we seem to have it working as. I don't think a club our size needs or benefits from a DOF.

 

I agree. I have said before that if AB was so unsure about footballing matters then she could have taken someone such as CL on an advisory basis almost like a contractor type position.

 

He sets up the system and gets it working and then once the model is in place there is no real need to keep him on a day to day basis.

 

I am sure his work involving the academy has been valuable however soem elements of the master plan seem to falling by the wayside now.

[Taffin]

Are suggesting that we are not skint?

 

Are you suggesting that Craig Levein is not a problem?

The actions around the stand suggest we aren't skint. Though the lack of discussion around funding and what the additional cost is along with lack of signings and appointment of a manager suggests we are.

 

It's hard to call and agree that we probably deserve a bit more transparency on the funding ins and outs of the main stand so we know what sort of shape we are in.

 

No debt and foh should really mean we are in quite a good place financially but if we haven't costed and funded the stand correctly coupled with poor prize money and paying for Murrayfield could mean we really are tight on cash and teetering a bit.

[JamboAl]

It would be interesting to see how many SPFL Coaches/Managers have applied for the post but I don't suppose the club will reveal who they are.

 

I wonder if someone from abroad might be interested given that the DOF seems more common and accepted?

I've never heard of an organisation revealing who the applicants are unless it's public office.

[JamboAl]

To be making 'an announcement' next week we've got some idea surely of what we're going to be doing. If we're looking at interested parties who are in jobs then how do we know what we will announce and when we will announce it ?

 

Having a DOF, and particularly having Levein as a DOF, is undoubtedly IN MY OPINION, making people exclude themselves from the post in one way or another. The structure is geared up for apprentice coaches working under and being mentored by Levein. It doesn't work and it wont work and I think Ms Budge will be spending a week reviewing it. I have no doubt if she agrees it isn't working that Levein will have his wings clipped and have his duties clearly re-defined. I'm of the opinion that she told him 'Cathro must work or its on your head' Clearly it didnt work

That may possibly be the case and the time gap is maybe to allow the other club more time to find a successor or to let their manager take this week's fixture before the international break.

We already know what your opinion is re Levein and DoF.

[bobskeldon]

I'd suggest that you know no more about what's happening in the background than anyone else so your negativity is without foundation.

I'd suggest that it is my opinion (no more, no less) that we are skint and Craig Levein is a problem. 

 

If you think we are not skint and that Craig Levein is not a problem, that is your opinion (no more, no less). 

[Dusk_Till_Dawn]

With regards to the transfer window, don't forget that you can still sign free agents after the window closes.

 

Free agents are often shite and we specialise in signing shite so expect that to be the route we go down.

[bobskeldon]

I think he's suggesting that no one outside the club either on here or in the press has a scooby what's actually happening so the press or punters on here come up with gossip and the feeble minded lose their shit over stuff that hasnt happened.

As far as Levein is concerned I've no idea what he is doing behind the scenes just now but, as others have said if this appointment is wrong then his position is under threat IMO.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

But we do know some things e.g. shortfall in stand money, Craig Levein's appointment of IC and his subsequent poor transfer windows! Unless of course you think there is not a shortfall and our signing policy has been spot on!

[The Old Tolbooth]

So nobody has a clue then? Splendid! 

 

I actually love the way the cards are being played so closely to our chest with nobody having any clue, I smell a rabbit coming out of the hat that no one has talked about next week. 

[Dusk_Till_Dawn]

So nobody has a clue then? Splendid!

 

I actually love the way the cards are being played so closely to our chest with nobody having any clue, I smell a rabbit coming out of the hat that no one has talked about next week.

 

Dream on John old boy. We all know what's coming.

[The Old Tolbooth]

 

Dream on John old boy. We all know what's coming.

Stop pishing on my parade, I had myself convinced there [emoji22]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Robbo-Jambo]

Actually getting fecking fed up with the whole manager farce.

 

Just want some decent midfielders in before the window closes.

 

This has been a long standing problem that has not been dealt with.

 

We have got a couple of decent strikers who are not going to score goals with our current midfield behind them creating the square route of **** all !!!

[Richard Dawkins]

We need a big name manager if our club is to move forward.

 

The bigger the name the better in my opinion.

[EreWeG0..]

If we beat Motherwell I'll bet my house it's daly's job.

 

Has to be the right appointment as I'm not sure CL will survive another disaster.

 

Silver linings and all that.

[hmfc_liam06]

We need a big name manager if our club is to move forward.

 

The bigger the name the better in my opinion.

 

What's Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink up to these days?

[wavydavy]

With regards to the transfer window, don't forget that you can still sign free agents after the window closes.

 

Free agents are often shite and we specialise in signing shite so expect that to be the route we go down.

 

We could do with another couple of right footed left backs mind you and another static central midfielder.

[wavydavy]

I've never heard of an organisation revealing who the applicants are unless it's public office.

 

Yes I know that's why I said I don't suppose the club will reveal who they are. It doesn't stop the media revealing who it could be though if they find out.

[Des Lynam]

Yes I know that's why I said I don't suppose the club will reveal who they are. It doesn't stop the media revealing who it could be though if they find out.

 

Where does it end with folk like you?

 

Do you want to know what Ann and Craig have for lunch?

[Craig Herbertson]

As far as I can see Craig Levein has been trying to implement a system widely used on the continent and his focus has been on creating a successful academy and a modern club structure.

 

If you judge on our current standing, Scottish football is failing dramatically and this reflects on the club situation. I'd guess Levein's object is to raise our game up to a point where Hearts can compete internationally. Given that the SPFL and SFA appear to live in the dark ages and probably still think we use jumpers for goal posts this innovative approach is commendable especially as the old ways would never get Hearts anything but third place. We would be left with the status quo. That is, we couldn't even dream of being remotely successful.

 

People who talk about interfering seem to be missing the fact that the DOF role is widely used abroad and Levein is simply remaining in the background because that's what his job is. Interviews with ex managers, statements by managers and interim managers all point to him not interfering with the role of manager. The heavily prejudiced media lays into any apparent weakness at Hearts because if we keep working at it we may actually be a real threat to the duopoly. They don't want that and when we fall for their mantra they love it even more. As an older bloke I get a bit tired of instant demands for apologies, sackings, explanations comments, updates. In better days, the Pink news and the radio were about all you learned. I couldn?t have told you who was directing Hearts as a kid. Never mind office staff, possible mangers, possible signings, who hated the club, who was a secret rangers fan. I was purely interested in the football on the field.

 

Where the whole thing breaks down is that we have been woeful on the field. Immediate results are what everyone wants. Long term strategies are meaningless when you've just watched a trouncing by Dunfermline or the like.

 

Cathro's appointment didn't work out. It was risk most people were happy to take but sadly it failed. Player recruitment has also been a mixed bag. Both these areas are responsibilities of the DOF. However, in his defense we are simply not rich. Because we are not rich we can't get everything we want and Levein has rightly taken chances on players. It's a speculative approach but it's driven by lack of cash.

 

I do feel that there is a flaw in the theory behind being a 'stepping stone' club and it's simply that a stepping stone is not a fixed structure; it's always transitional so when you get a good player or manager they are always in the process of moving elsewhere and the perception is that they are not concentrating on where they actually are. But then again, that has been the unspoken rule of football for a long time so I think it's more about the emphasis on this aspect of our club.

 

When the new stand with all its facilities comes through and if we can fill it and increase revenue we will be able to sign better players and keep them longer. We will be able to take less risks. We will become more of a prospect for talent. With that we will be more successful.

 

For these reasons Levein should remain where is.  Rome wasn't built in a day and the league isn?t won over night.

[jr ewing]

Where does it end with folk like you?

 

Do you want to know what Ann and Craig have for lunch?

Humble pie.

[alanbauld]

As far as I can see Craig Levein has been trying to implement a system widely used on the continent and his focus has been on creating a successful academy and a modern club structure.

 

If you judge on our current standing, Scottish football is failing dramatically and this reflects on the club situation. I'd guess Levein's object is to raise our game up to a point where Hearts can compete internationally. Given that the SPFL and SFA appear to live in the dark ages and probably still think we use jumpers for goal posts this innovative approach is commendable especially as the old ways would never get Hearts anything but third place. We would be left with the status quo. That is, we couldn't even dream of being remotely successful.

 

People who talk about interfering seem to be missing the fact that the DOF role is widely used abroad and Levein is simply remaining in the background because that's what his job is. Interviews with ex managers, statements by managers and interim managers all point to him not interfering with the role of manager. The heavily prejudiced media lays into any apparent weakness at Hearts because if we keep working at it we may actually be a real threat to the duopoly. They don't want that and when we fall for their mantra they love it even more. As an older bloke I get a bit tired of instant demands for apologies, sackings, explanations comments, updates. In better days, the Pink news and the radio were about all you learned. I couldn?t have told you who was directing Hearts as a kid. Never mind office staff, possible mangers, possible signings, who hated the club, who was a secret rangers fan. I was purely interested in the football on the field.

 

Where the whole thing breaks down is that we have been woeful on the field. Immediate results are what everyone wants. Long term strategies are meaningless when you've just watched a trouncing by Dunfermline or the like.

 

Cathro's appointment didn't work out. It was risk most people were happy to take but sadly it failed. Player recruitment has also been a mixed bag. Both these areas are responsibilities of the DOF. However, in his defense we are simply not rich. Because we are not rich we can't get everything we want and Levein has rightly taken chances on players. It's a speculative approach but it's driven by lack of cash.

 

I do feel that there is a flaw in the theory behind being a 'stepping stone' club and it's simply that a stepping stone is not a fixed structure; it's always transitional so when you get a good player or manager they are always in the process of moving elsewhere and the perception is that they are not concentrating on where they actually are. But then again, that has been the unspoken rule of football for a long time so I think it's more about the emphasis on this aspect of our club.

 

When the new stand with all its facilities comes through and if we can fill it and increase revenue we will be able to sign better players and keep them longer. We will be able to take less risks. We will become more of a prospect for talent. With that we will be more successful.

 

For these reasons Levein should remain where is.  Rome wasn't built in a day and the league isn?t won over night.

 

A sensible post on Kickback ? What is going on here !

[jr ewing]

As far as I can see Craig Levein has been trying to implement a system widely used on the continent and his focus has been on creating a successful academy and a modern club structure.

 

If you judge on our current standing, Scottish football is failing dramatically and this reflects on the club situation. I'd guess Levein's object is to raise our game up to a point where Hearts can compete internationally. Given that the SPFL and SFA appear to live in the dark ages and probably still think we use jumpers for goal posts this innovative approach is commendable especially as the old ways would never get Hearts anything but third place. We would be left with the status quo. That is, we couldn't even dream of being remotely successful.

 

People who talk about interfering seem to be missing the fact that the DOF role is widely used abroad and Levein is simply remaining in the background because that's what his job is. Interviews with ex managers, statements by managers and interim managers all point to him not interfering with the role of manager. The heavily prejudiced media lays into any apparent weakness at Hearts because if we keep working at it we may actually be a real threat to the duopoly. They don't want that and when we fall for their mantra they love it even more. As an older bloke I get a bit tired of instant demands for apologies, sackings, explanations comments, updates. In better days, the Pink news and the radio were about all you learned. I couldn?t have told you who was directing Hearts as a kid. Never mind office staff, possible mangers, possible signings, who hated the club, who was a secret rangers fan. I was purely interested in the football on the field.

 

Where the whole thing breaks down is that we have been woeful on the field. Immediate results are what everyone wants. Long term strategies are meaningless when you've just watched a trouncing by Dunfermline or the like.

 

Cathro's appointment didn't work out. It was risk most people were happy to take but sadly it failed. Player recruitment has also been a mixed bag. Both these areas are responsibilities of the DOF. However, in his defense we are simply not rich. Because we are not rich we can't get everything we want and Levein has rightly taken chances on players. It's a speculative approach but it's driven by lack of cash.

 

I do feel that there is a flaw in the theory behind being a 'stepping stone' club and it's simply that a stepping stone is not a fixed structure; it's always transitional so when you get a good player or manager they are always in the process of moving elsewhere and the perception is that they are not concentrating on where they actually are. But then again, that has been the unspoken rule of football for a long time so I think it's more about the emphasis on this aspect of our club.

 

When the new stand with all its facilities comes through and if we can fill it and increase revenue we will be able to sign better players and keep them longer. We will be able to take less risks. We will become more of a prospect for talent. With that we will be more successful.

 

For these reasons Levein should remain where is.  Rome wasn't built in a day and the league isn?t won over night.

Most people weren't happy to take.

[Jammy T]

Spot on Craig H

 

Spot on.

[Morgan]

Where does it end with folk like you?

Do you want to know what Ann and Craig have for lunch?

Their Daly bread?

[Jamhammer]

But we do know some things e.g. shortfall in stand money, Craig Levein's appointment of IC and his subsequent poor transfer windows! Unless of course you think there is not a shortfall and our signing policy has been spot on!

Has he made mistakes? Aye

Is he Satan? Nope

Manager wise he's got 1 right and 1 wrong. I, along with a few who seem to have conveniently forgotten thought Cathro, based on his reputation was worth a punt, sadly he most definitely wasn't.

Is his presence/position stopping us getting yer McLarens/Freedmans or is it lack of dough? No idea.

I'm not blaming him for the stand shortfall. Why would you.

The signing policy was wrong. It's been changed. We're starting to see players from the U20's breaking through again, which is nice to see.

As I've said elsewhere we MUST get this appointment right. IF we don't then I'll perhaps reconsider my opinion about CL's input: If we do then a lot of people are going to look a bit daft

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Beast Boy]

Can't wait until we appoint a head coach that isn't on this "short list". Be more egg on people's faces than if Kirk Broadfoot went on Masterchef.

[Beast Boy]

Craig picked it. Ann didnae get a choice.

She has no prior experience in ordering food. Craig runs the whole dining out side of the operation.

[Jammy T]

Cathro was a risk that didn't work out (you can call that a mistake I guess) but people should re-read the Cathro appointment thread.

 

He is a mistake the majority of us would have made

 

As was the signing of Oshinwa

 

Hindsight is a wonderful stick to beat someone with.

[Dusk_Till_Dawn]

Cathro was a risk that didn't work out (you can call that a mistake I guess) but people should re-read the Cathro appointment thread.

 

He is a mistake the majority of us would have made

 

As was the signing of Oshinwa

 

Hindsight is a wonderful stick to beat someone with.

It sure is and I'm not going to throw any stones about Cathro's appointment. I was happy with it.

 

I would, though, question the club's judgement in sticking with him through the summer when two bad League Cup results were enough to earn him his jotters.

 

This is the thing, see - there's a difference between bad luck and bad judgement and we're seeing both at Hearts. I fear we're about to see more poor judgement in the lazy/convenient appointment of Daly.

[Jamos]

She has no prior experience in ordering food. Craig runs the whole dining out side of the operation.

 

That will be prawn arrabiata for all then

[jr ewing]

and giving out 3 year contracts has cost the club ???????????????.00

[132goals1958]

As far as I can see Craig Levein has been trying to implement a system widely used on the continent and his focus has been on creating a successful academy and a modern club structure.

 

If you judge on our current standing, Scottish football is failing dramatically and this reflects on the club situation. I'd guess Levein's object is to raise our game up to a point where Hearts can compete internationally. Given that the SPFL and SFA appear to live in the dark ages and probably still think we use jumpers for goal posts this innovative approach is commendable especially as the old ways would never get Hearts anything but third place. We would be left with the status quo. That is, we couldn't even dream of being remotely successful.

 

People who talk about interfering seem to be missing the fact that the DOF role is widely used abroad and Levein is simply remaining in the background because that's what his job is. Interviews with ex managers, statements by managers and interim managers all point to him not interfering with the role of manager. The heavily prejudiced media lays into any apparent weakness at Hearts because if we keep working at it we may actually be a real threat to the duopoly. They don't want that and when we fall for their mantra they love it even more. As an older bloke I get a bit tired of instant demands for apologies, sackings, explanations comments, updates. In better days, the Pink news and the radio were about all you learned. I couldn?t have told you who was directing Hearts as a kid. Never mind office staff, possible mangers, possible signings, who hated the club, who was a secret rangers fan. I was purely interested in the football on the field.

 

Where the whole thing breaks down is that we have been woeful on the field. Immediate results are what everyone wants. Long term strategies are meaningless when you've just watched a trouncing by Dunfermline or the like.

 

Cathro's appointment didn't work out. It was risk most people were happy to take but sadly it failed. Player recruitment has also been a mixed bag. Both these areas are responsibilities of the DOF. However, in his defense we are simply not rich. Because we are not rich we can't get everything we want and Levein has rightly taken chances on players. It's a speculative approach but it's driven by lack of cash.

 

I do feel that there is a flaw in the theory behind being a 'stepping stone' club and it's simply that a stepping stone is not a fixed structure; it's always transitional so when you get a good player or manager they are always in the process of moving elsewhere and the perception is that they are not concentrating on where they actually are. But then again, that has been the unspoken rule of football for a long time so I think it's more about the emphasis on this aspect of our club.

 

When the new stand with all its facilities comes through and if we can fill it and increase revenue we will be able to sign better players and keep them longer. We will be able to take less risks. We will become more of a prospect for talent. With that we will be more successful.

 

For these reasons Levein should remain where is.  Rome wasn't built in a day and the league isn?t won over night.

 

 

A fair and sensible overview. If an old codger like me can exercise a bit patience then hopefully the more impetuous on here can calm down and do likewise.

[gorgieheart]

As far as I can see Craig Levein has been trying to implement a system widely used on the continent and his focus has been on creating a successful academy and a modern club structure.

 

If you judge on our current standing, Scottish football is failing dramatically and this reflects on the club situation. I'd guess Levein's object is to raise our game up to a point where Hearts can compete internationally. Given that the SPFL and SFA appear to live in the dark ages and probably still think we use jumpers for goal posts this innovative approach is commendable especially as the old ways would never get Hearts anything but third place. We would be left with the status quo. That is, we couldn't even dream of being remotely successful.

 

People who talk about interfering seem to be missing the fact that the DOF role is widely used abroad and Levein is simply remaining in the background because that's what his job is. Interviews with ex managers, statements by managers and interim managers all point to him not interfering with the role of manager. The heavily prejudiced media lays into any apparent weakness at Hearts because if we keep working at it we may actually be a real threat to the duopoly. They don't want that and when we fall for their mantra they love it even more. As an older bloke I get a bit tired of instant demands for apologies, sackings, explanations comments, updates. In better days, the Pink news and the radio were about all you learned. I couldn?t have told you who was directing Hearts as a kid. Never mind office staff, possible mangers, possible signings, who hated the club, who was a secret rangers fan. I was purely interested in the football on the field.

 

Where the whole thing breaks down is that we have been woeful on the field. Immediate results are what everyone wants. Long term strategies are meaningless when you've just watched a trouncing by Dunfermline or the like.

 

Cathro's appointment didn't work out. It was risk most people were happy to take but sadly it failed. Player recruitment has also been a mixed bag. Both these areas are responsibilities of the DOF. However, in his defense we are simply not rich. Because we are not rich we can't get everything we want and Levein has rightly taken chances on players. It's a speculative approach but it's driven by lack of cash.

 

I do feel that there is a flaw in the theory behind being a 'stepping stone' club and it's simply that a stepping stone is not a fixed structure; it's always transitional so when you get a good player or manager they are always in the process of moving elsewhere and the perception is that they are not concentrating on where they actually are. But then again, that has been the unspoken rule of football for a long time so I think it's more about the emphasis on this aspect of our club.

 

When the new stand with all its facilities comes through and if we can fill it and increase revenue we will be able to sign better players and keep them longer. We will be able to take less risks. We will become more of a prospect for talent. With that we will be more successful.

 

For these reasons Levein should remain where is.  Rome wasn't built in a day and the league isn?t won over night.

 

Hold on !

 

How dare you come on here and post something so sensible, balanced and positive..!

 

Expect to be hounded out by the keyboard slaverers who seem to be prevalent here at the moment.

 

From this Jambo ..i say well done sir ! 

[Beast Boy]

As far as I can see Craig Levein has been trying to implement a system widely used on the continent and his focus has been on creating a successful academy and a modern club structure.

 

If you judge on our current standing, Scottish football is failing dramatically and this reflects on the club situation. I'd guess Levein's object is to raise our game up to a point where Hearts can compete internationally. Given that the SPFL and SFA appear to live in the dark ages and probably still think we use jumpers for goal posts this innovative approach is commendable especially as the old ways would never get Hearts anything but third place. We would be left with the status quo. That is, we couldn't even dream of being remotely successful.

 

People who talk about interfering seem to be missing the fact that the DOF role is widely used abroad and Levein is simply remaining in the background because that's what his job is. Interviews with ex managers, statements by managers and interim managers all point to him not interfering with the role of manager. The heavily prejudiced media lays into any apparent weakness at Hearts because if we keep working at it we may actually be a real threat to the duopoly. They don't want that and when we fall for their mantra they love it even more. As an older bloke I get a bit tired of instant demands for apologies, sackings, explanations comments, updates. In better days, the Pink news and the radio were about all you learned. I couldn?t have told you who was directing Hearts as a kid. Never mind office staff, possible mangers, possible signings, who hated the club, who was a secret rangers fan. I was purely interested in the football on the field.

 

Where the whole thing breaks down is that we have been woeful on the field. Immediate results are what everyone wants. Long term strategies are meaningless when you've just watched a trouncing by Dunfermline or the like.

 

Cathro's appointment didn't work out. It was risk most people were happy to take but sadly it failed. Player recruitment has also been a mixed bag. Both these areas are responsibilities of the DOF. However, in his defense we are simply not rich. Because we are not rich we can't get everything we want and Levein has rightly taken chances on players. It's a speculative approach but it's driven by lack of cash.

 

I do feel that there is a flaw in the theory behind being a 'stepping stone' club and it's simply that a stepping stone is not a fixed structure; it's always transitional so when you get a good player or manager they are always in the process of moving elsewhere and the perception is that they are not concentrating on where they actually are. But then again, that has been the unspoken rule of football for a long time so I think it's more about the emphasis on this aspect of our club.

 

When the new stand with all its facilities comes through and if we can fill it and increase revenue we will be able to sign better players and keep them longer. We will be able to take less risks. We will become more of a prospect for talent. With that we will be more successful.

 

For these reasons Levein should remain where is. Rome wasn't built in a day and the league isn?t won over night.

Excellent post.

[moonraker]

Wont quote it yet again but Craig Herbertson's post is spot on.

[Tasavallan]

I once got so angered by Willie Ormond selling Eamonn Bannon to Chelsea that I burned my scarf and posted it to the wee, greasy, drunken, Hibby.   Of course I was too young to realise that the money Hearts received from Chelsea likely stopped the club from bankruptcy. 

 

Fans are myopic.

[Coco]

As far as I can see Craig Levein has been trying to implement a system widely used on the continent and his focus has been on creating a successful academy and a modern club structure.

 

If you judge on our current standing, Scottish football is failing dramatically and this reflects on the club situation. I'd guess Levein's object is to raise our game up to a point where Hearts can compete internationally. Given that the SPFL and SFA appear to live in the dark ages and probably still think we use jumpers for goal posts this innovative approach is commendable especially as the old ways would never get Hearts anything but third place. We would be left with the status quo. That is, we couldn't even dream of being remotely successful.

 

People who talk about interfering seem to be missing the fact that the DOF role is widely used abroad and Levein is simply remaining in the background because that's what his job is. Interviews with ex managers, statements by managers and interim managers all point to him not interfering with the role of manager. The heavily prejudiced media lays into any apparent weakness at Hearts because if we keep working at it we may actually be a real threat to the duopoly. They don't want that and when we fall for their mantra they love it even more. As an older bloke I get a bit tired of instant demands for apologies, sackings, explanations comments, updates. In better days, the Pink news and the radio were about all you learned. I couldn?t have told you who was directing Hearts as a kid. Never mind office staff, possible mangers, possible signings, who hated the club, who was a secret rangers fan. I was purely interested in the football on the field.

 

Where the whole thing breaks down is that we have been woeful on the field. Immediate results are what everyone wants. Long term strategies are meaningless when you've just watched a trouncing by Dunfermline or the like.

 

Cathro's appointment didn't work out. It was risk most people were happy to take but sadly it failed. Player recruitment has also been a mixed bag. Both these areas are responsibilities of the DOF. However, in his defense we are simply not rich. Because we are not rich we can't get everything we want and Levein has rightly taken chances on players. It's a speculative approach but it's driven by lack of cash.

 

I do feel that there is a flaw in the theory behind being a 'stepping stone' club and it's simply that a stepping stone is not a fixed structure; it's always transitional so when you get a good player or manager they are always in the process of moving elsewhere and the perception is that they are not concentrating on where they actually are. But then again, that has been the unspoken rule of football for a long time so I think it's more about the emphasis on this aspect of our club.

 

When the new stand with all its facilities comes through and if we can fill it and increase revenue we will be able to sign better players and keep them longer. We will be able to take less risks. We will become more of a prospect for talent. With that we will be more successful.

 

For these reasons Levein should remain where is.  Rome wasn't built in a day and the league isn?t won over night.

 

What are the innovative strategies?

 

What is Levein doing that the Chief Executives of other clubs aren't doing?

[HMFC86]

Wont quote it yet again but Craig Herbertson's post is spot on.

I concur

[graygo]

Wont quote it yet again but Craig Herbertson's post is spot on.

 

/\ This.

[Craig Herbertson]

What are the innovative strategies?

 

What is Levein doing that the Chief Executives of other clubs aren't doing?

One way of measuring innovation is to tally it against the outcry from the status quo. Check out the negative press, the ridicule, the attempts to undermine the club. I'm not talking about conspiracies, just the establishment kicking in when they see something different. The introduction of a DOF was an innovation. The way the Academy was set up was innovative. Changing the entire approach and style of play was innovative, taking a manager (Robbie) who no one knew was innovative and successful, taking an untried manager (Cathro) who was known for being an innovative coach was innovative and unsuccessful. Revamping the whole club, going for a new innovative stand rather than changing club was innovative.

 

Not all innovation is successful but for me it's better to try than just accept the way things are.

[wavydavy]

Where does it end with folk like you?

 

Do you want to know what Ann and Craig have for lunch?

 

I have no interest in what either of them have for their lunch. What do you mean folk like me? Just because I show an interest in perhaps knowing who from the Scottish game other than those already named. may have applied for our Coaches job. What's that all about?