Football / Fan's View
‘Who’ll take over a side in relegation zone?’
I had just finished writing this weeks offering when the news broke of Cotterill’s sacking. I feel, obviously, that I need to rewrite it now. So here goes. But, firstly, I’m going to give an idea of what I have just written.
As I left Ashton Gate on Tuesday night I spoke to some of the disappointed fans exiting our stadium. I chatted with three younger fans, late-teens I guessed. They were unanimous in their wish for Cotterill to go.
I then spoke to an older man, maybe in his 60s. He agreed with me that Cotterill should certainly stay and that our current plight was the result of poor, or actually non-existent, recruitment last summer.
is needed now More than ever
Cotterill was right to label his side tired, we didn’t look up for the fight like we usually do as we succumbed a Preston side who – if truth be told – were not a great deal better than us, if at all.
We started with the same eleven who had so heroically, and so nearly, beat West Brom just three days earlier. And herein lays the problem. Our squad is talented no doubt, but it lacks depth and experience.
We recruited one full-time player, Jonathan Kodjia last summer. Then came a string of last minute loan signings, most of which have returned to their parent clubs. Only Baker, who has been excellent, remains.
This is me back in real time now… So, the youngsters got their wish and me and the other fan are left disappointed. As I have said in recent weeks I supported Cotterill. I did find him stubborn, reluctant to change tack and at times frustrating.
Having said this he took us from a dark place a few years back to one of relative light, and for this I will be eternally grateful.
The issues with the squad remain. We need new players, and ones of quality and preferably experience. Will a new manager have more luck at this? Is there anybody lined up to take charge?
Who will come to a side in the relegation zone and with a track record for not being able to bring in players, how many players have we gone for this season that haven’t come off? So many questions. One more, might Jose Mourinho be up for a real challenge?
So, it’s with bewilderment and some disappointment I sign off. The future looks uncertain. Cheers Steve, I would have stuck with you but the powers that be have spoken. Fingers crossed they’ve made the right choice, that remains to be seen however. I just hope we an start with a back four this weekend!
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