[Archived] Gary Bowyer

[RibbleValleyRover]

far from saying it wont be a bad thing, but have you considered that maybe Singh will have a say irrespective of who the manager is? I would point out that if Singh is the owners advisor, and he is telling them who should be new manager, would it not be a problem as well Den? You cant have it both ways, as we still dont know who is actually advising them.

so what is your point RVR? Somebody had to come in at the time, and he did a good job on both occasions. Credit where its due to Bowyer, he picked something up that was broken, and for the time being at least kept it working for a little longer.

Because I see this appointment if it goes ahead as a clear indication that we are going to see a continuation of the norm. I would hold out far more hope for the future if an experienced no nonsense manager was to come in and bring widespread culture change from top to bottom. If that sort of manager was to come in there would have to be change, if Bowyer gets the job I don't think anything will really change and Rovers will continue to struggle.

[47er]

Because I see this appointment if it goes ahead as a clear indication that we are going to see a continuation of the norm. I would hold out far more hope for the future if an experienced no nonsense manager was to come in and bring widespread culture change from top to bottom. If that sort of manager was to come in there would have to be change, if Bowyer gets the job I don't think anything will really change and Rovers will continue to struggle.

I think this totally right. Sadly there is absolutely no sign that Venkys even contemplate selling or changing anything substantially.. They are blaming others for their failure and intend to press on in the absurd belief that they can turn this around.

This must mean more years of misery and failure for us.

[Stuart]

Anyone got Bowyer's reserve team stats?

[den]

maybe im just hanging onto a tiny bit of hope den, that GB might be the one to turn things around. Either that, or im just a fool for it.

No, you're not a fool CTR. Not much we can do but sit and hope that either Bowyer turns out to be a good 'un, or Venky's get the hell out of here.

[imy9]

The biggest problem with our squad is the fitness and followed closely behind with a complete imbalance of the playing staff, closely followed by players who are not suited to the championship imo.

We need to sell a whole host of players and purchase proven championship talent, steady Eddies who can step in when required and do a job. Big job ahead for whoever is in charge but personally think GB deserves a shot, he is also a loyal servant of the club.

[DE.]

The biggest problem with our squad is the fitness and followed closely behind with a complete imbalance of the playing staff, closely followed by players who are not suited to the championship imo.

We need to sell a whole host of players and purchase proven championship talent, steady Eddies who can step in when required and do a job. Big job ahead for whoever is in charge but personally think GB deserves a shot, he is also a loyal servant of the club.

Problem is Imy, the clearout required is monumental. I mean, we're looking at over a dozen players realistically being let go, and a similar amount brought in. The turnover of players would be incredible.

Off the top of my head, players we'd need to be rid of: Murphy, Etuhu, Orr, Goodwillie, Robinson, Marcus/Martin Olsson, Best + all the Portuguese no marks that were brought in to line various agents pockets.

I think in the first 11 we have a decent if not fantastic core group of players like Kean, Hanley, Dann, Williamson (when fit), Dunn (when fit) and Rhodes... but it isn't enough. Hopefully Henley can step up next year and fill one of the full-back slots, and I'm not opposed to Lowe playing a role despite him, IMO, not being good enough. But to compete in this division you need a strong first 11 and a good amount of depth with a group of workhorses available to do the dirty work when required.

I just can't see this kind of transformation happening over the summer. And even if it does, it will take time for that kind of overhaul to settle. I can't see anything other than a relegation fight next season, or at best a mid-table finish.

[Majiball]

I have to agree with Den. After everything that has gone on a proven man, reputed to take no kean is what's needed. Bowyer has done a sterling job, is a top bloke and deserves hero status from saving us from doing a wolves. However with all the @#/? going on behind the scenes and the blatant truth that nothing can be trusted from Rovers, an outsider is best. He comes without any stigma and so starts fresh, if he's also a no keantaker then more faith will be placed in things moving in the right direction at Rovers. This is imperative given all that has gone on and what is rumoured to have gone on. To move forward as a club we need to be more 'united' and Bowyer unfortunately adds too many what if's in a time when certainty is required. Transfer record is required and a good one, we're rumoured to be financially @#/? so we have zero room for mistakes and we must get it right. Impact factor? Pre-season's? Managing over time? The transition to being the dictator and making difficult choices? Season long planning and preparation He has never done this at elite level and whilst I'm ever so grateful he saved our ass, I'd chuck him a brucie and keep him in reserve.

If Singh is to become more powerful at Rovers (How just how it just runs out of his mouth) then strength is needed in the managers role and whilst yes Bowyer maybe be able to do that a proven man 'has' done that. This for me is key as every choice this summer MUST be to maximise our odds of going up without fail.

Too many what if's for me.

On a separate note I notice someone commented on Harry saying his team weren't fit enough. Hughes was using the 'City system' from when he was there, funnily enough the same one we've been using before.

On a separate note yet again, why given the action groups issue with McKinley and stating they wanted a proven man is nothing being said about Bowyer or does ten matches make him experienced? Or does his previous relationship at rovers affect things?

[DE.]

I have to agree with Den. After everything that has gone on a proven man, reputed to take no kean is what's needed. Bowyer has done a sterling job, is a top bloke and deserves hero status from saving us from doing a wolves. However with all the @#/? going on behind the scenes and the blatant truth that nothing can be trusted from Rovers, an outsider is best. He comes without any stigma and so starts fresh, if he's also a no keantaker then more faith will be placed in things moving in the right direction at Rovers.

Like Berg and Appleton?

TBF, you do say a "proven man" but there's no way Venky's will go for that, so the best we'll get is a reputed no nonsense wannabe from the lower leagues or who is unemployed.

[tomphil]

With Bowyer set to be appointed i sadly think we will see next season starting with that useless little turd Murphy first name on the team sheet going off his recent interviews. That is not the way forward.

[Anders]

With Bowyer set to be appointed i sadly think we will see next season starting with that useless little turd Murphy first name on the team sheet going off his recent interviews. That is not the way forward.

He wasnt the first name on the team sheet with Bowyer in charge now

[Ricky]

Didn't he get us to the reserve league final against Chelsea or was that the youth? I know we went away to old Trafford and beat united in the game before that.

[Anders]

Didn't he get us to the reserve league final against Chelsea or was that the youth? I know we went away to old Trafford and beat united in the game before that.

i think it was the youth team

[tomphil]

He wasnt the first name on the team sheet with Bowyer in charge now

He was the first time around. Mark my words if he's still here he'll be starting, clean slate an all that. I like Bowyer and think he deserves his crack but external forces will be at work again.

[RoverScot]

We won the Reserves North title 2 years ago at Old Trafford. The excellent report at the time was from the late Kelbo:

http://www.brfcs.com/2011/05/14/reserves-earn-reserve-league-north-title/

[Lurid Coat]

I think in the first 11 we have a decent if not fantastic core group of players like Kean, Hanley, Dann, Williamson (when fit), Dunn (when fit) and Rhodes... but it isn't enough.

Sadly, chances are that at least two of those will be gone by the end of August. Hanley, Dann and Rhodes are allegedly all keen on leaving, and rumours have it that there are several clubs interested in them. Just imagine how we will fare when/if they leave, and Shebby being given 10 quid to replace them all with no-marks and Kean journeymen.

[Majiball]

Like Berg and Appleton?

TBF, you do say a "proven man" but there's no way Venky's will go for that, so the best we'll get is a reputed no nonsense wannabe from the lower leagues or who is unemployed.

If you mean in relation to when Berg took over Lillistrom (?) and Appleton took over Pompey then yes that's a fair comparison.

Venky's must be panicing by now given the trial defence and money losses this season (I still cannot believe they OK'd that). Anyway the big choice isn't really for me the manager it's the boardroom that matters and what authority they get. Unfortunately you struggle to trust anyone working with Rovers so assume he won't be experienced and Shebbys the man for the job. Both Bowyers stints have coincided with Shebby being away either licking his wounds after Berg or sorting his visa whilst sampling the finest @#/? laden asses in India. So we'll see how Bowyer copes with SS in his trackie and wielding the authority to can him?

I truly wish Shebby had had some mention in court other than declining to mention his title (not even respected in court that's how little people think of him, lol) as then he'd be gone too.

[neophox]

The job Bowyer done as interim manager is magnificent in a very turbulent season, you can wonder what he can do in a whole season! With him as manager we would had been promoted if you look a his points ration when in charge. He only lost 3 games out of 13 games. Of course he deserves his chance.

The only one I would see here if not Bowyer is Zola or Di Matteo. Others like Appleton and Berg was just waste of money and time.

[roverandout]

another @#/? appointment, surprise surprise!!!

[92er]

What manager with any credibility would work for Venkys? None. You can invite applications but all you would get would be replies from the desperate, useless, p1ss taking Dingles and the usual Championship Manager spoofs.

Hopefully we can sell Rhodes, Hanley, Dann and Olsson Mk1. With the proceeds we could pay off Murphy and Etuhu and keep the administrator from the door for another year. With what's left, possibly some half decent kids coming through and clever use of the loan market I'm confident Bowyer could keep us up just about.

.

It's just possible we might not have to pay Murphy off.

In today's LT he says he would like to see out his contract, but he might have to reconsider his options if he's not playing as he wants to keep on playing as long as possible.

[Stuart]

If Bowyer has a terrible run next season - with the quality of players at his disposal reduced significantly - will he be backed or sacked?

And if he's sacked then who will come in to steady the ship? Colin Hendry?

For me, Bowyer as manager means that we are in the gutter looking up at the stars in the alleyway behind the last chance saloon.

[92er]

Wasnt Bowyer in charge when we brought in Kane? He seemed like a decent transfer.

I'm pretty sure Gary Bowyer brought him in and although far from perfect, he was one of the better signings this season.

However, I think GB knew him from coaching a team that played against him.

He's going to need to have an extensive knowledge of players if he's going to do well in the transfer market.

[McClarky]

Bowyer did a good job over the last month but we've been crying out for an experienced manager for over 2 years so there's no point rejoicing in the appointment of another novice. Unfortunately he'll probably be out by the end of September as the downward spiral continues.

[broadsword]

Yes, I just have this horrible intuition that once he's appointe dmanager, results will drop off.

The only question is, once he's sacked, who'll be caretaker? Zippy?

[RockinRover]

To be honest I feel if things were ever going to drop for Bowyer it would have been the second time he became caretaker.

I feel given the fact the players were sad Appleton was sacked Bowyer did a great job turning it around so I think he could be a better manager than we all expect.

Give him a chance I say. At least then we can start preparing for next season correctly. It's not like there's a huge queue for the job.

[Lathund]

Big mistake in my opinion. Further pointer that Venky's don't know which way to turn. He'll be at Singh's beck and call - and with him having no experience in the transfer market whatsoever, coupled with the fact that this season is the last one that comes with parachute payments, we could regret this big time. Massive gamble and all down to Venky's who obviously don't have the knowledge to bring in the best manager available. If you don't look around, invite applications and take advice, you won't find anyone.

It's not.