[Archived] Michael Appleton - New Rovers Manager

[Amo]

In some ways, this is arguably the worst appointment they could've made for the fans.

Hughes would've made us sit up and slap ourselves silly until we came back to reality, and the likes of Taylor or Ali would've whipped fans into open revolt.

But once more we find ourselves with another unknown quantity with a shiny head. Appleton? More like Apathy, eh? eh?

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

Yeah, but what´s your point?

He´s Rovers manager whether you or I like it or not. We don´t really have much choice but to support him as he has been appointed now. Unless Appleton is a success we will not be promoted.

Therefore, we might as well give him a chance.

My point is as a fanbase we should stop acting as if we don't mind being made fools of. Shaw and Agnew are treating us like a bunch of gullible children they can sell fake sweets to, the rest of the football world is laughing at or feeling sorry for us, and some of our fans seem enthusiastic about the whole thing. To me it sends out the message that we don't really care whether Venkys pull out all the stops to get a decent manager. They can make the laziest, most corrupt choice they want and we'll smile and dementedly clap our hands about it.

I'm all for getting behind the team but for some fans that isn't all this is. The way Appleton has been praised for totally unimpressive and some might say slightly dissappointing feats is very exasperating. Its a carbon copy of what happened just 2.5 months ago when Berg was getting praise for non-entities such as "being a strong character", a good player, and his mediocre record in Norway. If you take into account the enthusiasm for these 2 and the disgruntlement under Allardyce, a sizeable section of our support seem to have a pretty moronic take on what it is to be a good manager.

[John]

My point is as a fanbase we should stop acting as if we don't mind being made fools of. Shaw and Agnew are treating us like a bunch of gullible children they can sell fake sweets to, the rest of the football world is laughing at or feeling sorry for us, and some of our fans seem enthusiastic about the whole thing. To me it sends out the message that we don't really care whether Venkys pull out all the stops to get a decent manager. They can make the laziest, most corrupt choice they want and we'll smile and dementedly clap our hands about it.

I'm all for getting behind the team but for some fans that isn't all this is. The way Appleton has been praised for totally unimpressive and some might say slightly dissappointing feats is very exasperating. Its a carbon copy of what happened just 2.5 months ago when Berg was getting praise for non-entities such as "being a strong character", a good player, and his mediocre record in Norway. If you take into account the enthusiasm for these 2 and the disgruntlement under Allardyce, a sizeable section of our support seem to have a pretty moronic take on what it is to be a good manager.

Whilst apathy has taken over, I think some fans still don't realise we are, as a club, a car crash at the moment about to take an almighty wallop - directors/the owners have been taking the complete p**s out of the fans for over 2 years now.

[Rover_Shaun]

It would be nice for people to hear from the new manager within a week.

[FourLaneBlue]

Whilst apathy has taken over, I think some fans still don't realise we are, as a club, a car crash at the moment about to take an almighty wallop - directors/the owners have been taking the complete p**s out of the fans for over 2 years now.

Most fans know about it. They have been watching the wreck that is Blackburn Rovers Football Club for over 2 years now.

Marches didn´t work. Falling crowds didn´t work. Adverts in the Indian press didn´t work. So...what´s the point being negative about an appointment when the owners of our club don´t really care if all the fans go and take a proverbial running jump.

If there is any way to get these clowns to sit up and take notice, then I´m all for it.

Otherwise, what´s the point in doing anything but waiting and seeing what happens?

Or shall we all just jack in this supporting lark as it´s a lot easier than keeping a tiny bit if faith going?

[BuckyRover]

Football is all about faith. We may be the laughing stock of the moment but plenty of other clubs have had that title over the years. We have just been very lucky over last 20 years or so which now appears to have run out.

[bazza]

I've just had a look at Mr Appleton on Google Images. I wouldn't like to meet this guy in broad daylight, let alone a dark alley at night.

Let's hope he puts the frightening heeby-jeebies into most of our well paid soft players.

I want to see Appleton's team come out scrapping and playing to win for over 90 minutes.

But then again looks may deceive. He may be a big soft pussy cat.

[had.e.nuff]

I've just had a look at Mr Appleton on Google Images. I wouldn't like to meet this guy in broad daylight, let alone a dark alley at night.

Let's hope he puts the frightening heeby-jeebies into most of our well paid soft players.

I want to see Appleton's team come out scrapping and playing to win for over 90 minutes.

But then again looks may deceive. He may be a big soft pussy cat.

Someone said on the radio the other day "now we have signed lord voldemort our move to the dark side is complete" lets hope he knock this lot into shape.

[Salgado Is A Hero]

From another thread that belongs on here I suppose.....I'm getting the cautiously optimistic feeling that I had with Berg.....we know how that turned out but I had it with Hughes as well.

Appleton had a hard job at Blackpool.....Holloway is over-rated.....people make a big deal of him getting a team promoted on a small budget whilst ignoring the fact Coyle did the very same and also how Holloway failed at other places.......Holloway got Blackpool promoted but McLeish got Birmingham relegated, that's how it works on here.

On a podcast I've just listened to, and posted on the podcast thread, a Blackpool fan mentions their players appalling fitness and how Holloway used to give them 3/4 days off a week....that, and the fact he doesn't even try to organise a defence, it's no wonder Appleton didn't do that well there.

First thing he did was sort out their defence.....right thing to do and what Eric Black did.....Black didn't win any of his first 4 games......then a home win against a team battling relegation when their manager was disappointed not to get anything from the game.

Results take time when you're taking over a struggling team, like Appleton was at Blackpool.......12 games isn't usually enough to judge a manger......if it was, Hughes wouldn't have lasted long here.

His time at Portsmouth shouldn't be considered either....they could barely muster enough players on a Saturday.

[T.J.Newton]

Here's Appletons 1st press conference for Portsmouth and a small interview from his Blackpool start(strangely no press conference available from his Blackpool start)

and an older one from his caretaker stint at westbrom

And one of Nicole Appleton(and the mighty Liam) for good measure

[Rover_Shaun]

If it was ever doubted that the top 4 are out to ruin football

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2261817/Arsenal-Manchester-United-financial-fair-play-plot-ruin-Premier-League--Martin-Samuel.html

[Neil Weaver]

possible reasons for cancelling of the presser

1) The saving Shaw made on chairs is because he didn't order enough , him and PNE are off to Ikea at Warrington this afternoon

I've got a theory........ Ikea is too damn expensive after all.

Ever the one for a bargain, Shelfman entered into an innovative arrangement with his mates at PNE to share chairs. I mean just thnk of the £££ savings. Trouble is they couldn't lend us enough on Wednesday so the presser is postponed till Thursday.

[philipl]

Press conference just another kean up at the brewery they have keaned up.

Other clubs manage them. We don't.

Appleton at least is starting on an all time low. Anywhere else we could say the only way left is upwards.

But not at Rovers....

[Stuart]

I've just had a horrible vision: Appleton giving the squad a fresh start and 'blooding' the likes of Etuhu and Pedersen.

It could be another 10 games wasted as we shuffle the deck every week!

[ABBEY]

I've just had a look at Mr Appleton on Google Images. I wouldn't like to meet this guy in broad daylight, let alone a dark alley at night.

Let's hope he puts the frightening heeby-jeebies into most of our well paid soft players.

I want to see Appleton's team come out scrapping and playing to win for over 90 minutes.

But then again looks may deceive. He may be a big soft pussy cat.

He's an ex pro .. He's a Mard arse .. They ALL are

[chris_h]

He's an ex pro .. He's a Mard arse .. They ALL are

I'll let you tell Noel Blake and Mick Harford that.

[alexanders]

Anyone know how hew as a a midfielder in his playing days ?

[Rover_Shaun]

Venkys are attending the match this weekend to take all the negative feelings off Appleton.

I wonder if it will be the same as the last time they attending when NOT A MURMUR WAS AIMED IN THEIR DIRECTION from the supposed angry, on the end of their tether Rovers fans??

[Parsonblue]

He's an ex pro .. He's a Mard arse .. They ALL are

Did you ever see John McNamee play Abbey?

[Kelbo]

Did you ever see John McNamee play Abbey?

Tell you what Parson, we were 3rd from bottom in the league when he joined from Celtic in November and we almost got promoted that year, awesome at that level and hard as nails, as was Keeley!!

[PAFELL]

Press conference just another kean up at the brewery they have keaned up.

Other clubs manage them. We don't.

Appleton at least is starting on an all time low. Anywhere else we could say the only way left is upwards.

But not at Rovers....

Because of a training match that is sceduled. Whats more important, getting the team sorted out or press conferences?

[ABBEY]

Did you ever see John McNamee play Abbey?

Not old enough lol

[OJRovers]

I wonder what tricks the PR company will try to pull at the press conference?

[philipl]

Because of a training match that is sceduled. Whats more important, getting the team sorted out or press conferences?

What a surprise, they scheduled a press conference which clashed with a training match and had to cancel it.

What a bunch of useless keaners!!!!

[Gav]

Marches didn´t work. Falling crowds didn´t work. Adverts in the Indian press didn´t work. So...what´s the point being negative about an appointment when the owners of our club don´t really care if all the fans go and take a proverbial running jump.

Just on the point about the marches and falling crowds, yes they did work, it brought attention to issues, and forced the owners hand to eventually put the wheels in motion to sack king rat, he wouldn't have resigned if he'd not have got wind he was about to be sacked.

The falling gates actually brought the situation to head in my opinion, so they did work.

What a surprise, they scheduled a press conference which clashed with a training match and had to cancel it.

What a bunch of useless keaners!!!!

Another day another kean up!