Gc!!!!!!

A lot of the criticism aimed at Coughlan was, in my view, not fair, and was largely due to the fact that he followed on from a hugely popular manager in the form of Darrell Clarke. 

But Coughlan needs to take a hard look at himself over the way he has handled himself today.

He has worked outside of Sheffield for more than a decade. If his family circumstances have changed, then give your notice and request that your employer free you from your contract. You then work out an amicable basis on which this can be done. 

He also took the job after Darrell Clarke had openly criticised the board in precisely the same terms that he himself is now doing. He believed he could do the job with these resources then, what has changed since? 

He has also forced the issue by declaring his decision to leave to his players before actually resolving the terms of his release with his employer. For me, there is the strong suspicion that he has been tapped up and is trying to force the board's hand. 

Its a minor point, but I also disliked his treatment of club legend Chris Lines. 

Clarke, Holloway and Ward aren't attractive options because they will get the club promoted. They are attractive because they 'get' the club and are likely to treat the fans and their employer with the respect they deserve.

As long as they maintain league one football (and all three have shown that they can do this), then that is sufficient. 

I’m another one with Holloway top of the list.

There are examples going back does work. He’s made it clear he wants to be here to end his career. But for me not the emotional thing that the club colours pump in his veins but that he will bring a wealth of contacts for the wheeling dealing clubs need to do these days down here in third tier, to find the cheap gems, and has the passion and celebrity to attract and sell the club to ensure good signings, another important part of the equation. The top trump of his first spell here was exactly this, aided by penny.

Of course he has been around a bit and has a lot more experience now, which is also handy.

But most of all I would see Olly as director of football, appointing the manager and coaches he wants, and working with them on the recruitment whilst they focus on training and matches. In this sense third tier status can be held despite the madness behind the scenes caused by want away/money back owners.

Are you sure?  Mansfield 3000/4000 at the most and even then mid table League 1 is the height of their capabilities. They’ve got rid of Murray, been ditched by Steve Evans, attracted Flitcroft from Swindon before sacking him and made silly decision over the guy they’ve just sacked. All in two seasons, the clubs a basket case.  They’re no further forward for all that. If GC thinks that represents a step up then his judgement isn’t as good as I thought it was. As to who would blame him, well he certainly hasn’t gone about it the right way. After a great win at Ipswich, he pours cold water over all the fans with his interview. At the moment I don’t know the reason for his opinions but not much has changed in the past year and he seemed very, very happy a year ago to get the opportunity no one else would give him.  Time will tell I’m sure, but Mansfield. Crazy.
UTG!