Hurst Out!

Quoted from rancido

Yes , they are closing the gap but having lost two on the bounce then it is no surprise really. Our position as 3rd is testament , in some way , as to how we have performed since our poor start. We are all disappointed at not being in with a shot as champions but there are two opportunities of getting promoted out of this league and we must now concentrate on the 2nd option via the play-offs. IMO it would be foolish to sack PH now - it could have a negative affect on the squad and dash any chance of promotion. You also have to consider how we , as a club , would appear to prospective new managers - in a play-off position and still sacking the manager. That is the kind of scenario that would put off a lot of possible applicants, implying that only going up as champions is the criteria and anything less ie making the play-offs will result in dismissal. If we don't get promoted then the Board have to get a new manager , even if we win the FAT ( although that wouldn't look good to prospective managers). If we get promoted then the choice is more difficult. If PH's brief was to get promotion back into the Football League then he would have achieved that and to subsequently sack him would be completely wrong and again send out a damaging message to the footballing world about the character and ethics of the club. PH has become like Marmite to a lot of our fans but his record does stand up to scrutiny at this level - two non-league promotions prior to coming to our club ( admittedly in tandem with The Mouthy One ) , two FAT Final appearances and on track for a fourth consecutive play-off including one play-off final. Of course some would say it counts for nothing if we don't get promoted, which is a fair comment, but in some ways if we were looking for a new manager and PH had been with a lesser club at this level then he has the credentials that would be appealing. We are a very demanding set of fans because we believe we belong back in the League and not being so hurts like crazy. Unfortunately we are now competing at a level with clubs that have the same attitude and the ability to challenge us in getting back to what we believe is our " rightful level ".All we , as fans, can do is get behind the club ( and manager ) until the season is over and if we haven't achieved our goal then the " blood letting " can begin .

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

The only reason not to call for Hurst's head is that it is like urinating into the wind at the moment, a pointless exercise. That doesn't mean that we have to get behind anybody, be positive or believe in miracles.

It is still surely fair, rational and reasonable to make comment on things like team performance and selection. Otherwise we end up like a Mickey Rooney picture "Aw come on, kids, we can still do it, let's do the show right here" and squirming with embarrassment. People need to talk, let off steam. Managers and players are fair game, it's a part of the job. Doesn't mean to say that what we think should happen will happen, or that we even have any influence on it one way or the other. But we feel better for it.

Quoted from rancido

Yes , they are closing the gap but having lost two on the bounce then it is no surprise really. Our position as 3rd is testament , in some way , as to how we have performed since our poor start. We are all disappointed at not being in with a shot as champions but there are two opportunities of getting promoted out of this league and we must now concentrate on the 2nd option via the play-offs. IMO it would be foolish to sack PH now - it could have a negative affect on the squad and dash any chance of promotion. You also have to consider how we , as a club , would appear to prospective new managers - in a play-off position and still sacking the manager. That is the kind of scenario that would put off a lot of possible applicants, implying that only going up as champions is the criteria and anything less ie making the play-offs will result in dismissal. If we don't get promoted then the Board have to get a new manager , even if we win the FAT ( although that wouldn't look good to prospective managers). If we get promoted then the choice is more difficult. If PH's brief was to get promotion back into the Football League then he would have achieved that and to subsequently sack him would be completely wrong and again send out a damaging message to the footballing world about the character and ethics of the club. PH has become like Marmite to a lot of our fans but his record does stand up to scrutiny at this level - two non-league promotions prior to coming to our club ( admittedly in tandem with The Mouthy One ) , two FAT Final appearances and on track for a fourth consecutive play-off including one play-off final. Of course some would say it counts for nothing if we don't get promoted, which is a fair comment, but in some ways if we were looking for a new manager and PH had been with a lesser club at this level then he has the credentials that would be appealing. We are a very demanding set of fans because we believe we belong back in the League and not being so hurts like crazy. Unfortunately we are now competing at a level with clubs that have the same attitude and the ability to challenge us in getting back to what we believe is our " rightful level ".All we , as fans, can do is get behind the club ( and manager ) until the season is over and if we haven't achieved our goal then the " blood letting " can begin .

Quoted from rancido

Partially agree but if we don't get behind the team then what is the point of supporting them in the first place? I certainly don't think it would be a miracle if we got promoted via the play-offs as we have the same chance as any of the other three teams involved.
Of course we need to let off steam and vent our frustrations on a message board, the team and manager obviously in the direct firing line.

Quoted from ginnywings

We do get behind the team. Doesn't mean we can't have an opinion about the manager on a GTFC forum. Wish people would grasp that concept.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

What absolute rubbish.

Of course reaching playoff semi finals and tinpot cup finals mean nothing because they led to nothing !