Hurst in or out?

Well?

I’ve had enough.

Same players til January. What do you think a new manager can do?

Shame there’s not a “it’ll make no fûcking difference” option.

Out

The fans and boards loyalty towards him has been admirable- he's had more time than maybe he would get anywhere probably  .

But we have dropped to under 1PPG - relegation form with a third of the season gone , enough time to judge .

Act now , or it may well become toxic on Saturday .

That's time up for me. For the most part, I've liked Hurst, but this is truly despairing football at the moment. We're back to the Fenty era, time for 1878 to really show what they are made of.

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

Same players til January. What do you think a new manager can do?

Alot of the players looked good until Hurst got his hands on them and wore them down

On the bounce of an FA Cup pay out we look like we are in real trouble. We hoped for a promotion push, we look as bad as anyone in this League.

5 at the back at home against one of the worse teams in the league. Poor team selection, poor tactics, negative football

Thanks Paul you’ll always be appreciated for past endeavours, but now unfortunately is time to go.

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

Same players til January. What do you think a new manager can do?

Is that a serious question?

It’s not inconceivable that a different manager might have a different style of play, different management style, might be able to motivate the players differently…

Even when January rolls around, is it a good idea to sit through Hurst’s sulking everytime he gets asked about transfers only to sit on his hands and ignore the gaping holes in the squad? Or maybe act now and give someone else the chance to assess the squad & bring their own players in.

He has to go..

Good manager and I respect him but its time for a change. The board now need to do the job that needs to be done and not let the friendship they clearly have with Paul get in the way.

Defending is absutelyf***ing awful week after week after week. That can’t go on.
Hurst out.

For me, I really didn’t want it to come to this. I feel gutted for Hurst. He is my second favourite Town manager in 30+ years following the club.

But he’s also made a complete hash of a very promising situation, and there are too many risks associated with allowing things to continue like this unabated. The signs of possible recovery just aren’t there.

I’ve been on the fence until now, and it hurts me to say it, but I think it’s time for a change.

If there's something or someone better available who'd be keen then out. 2nd half today was half decent by the players but 2 things worry me.

1. Green was the best town player when he came on.

2. 3 2 down he makes an attacking sub in the 89th minute? Surely you do that at 75/80 knowing your necks on the line with the fans

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

Same players til January. What do you think a new manager can do?

There's enough talent to do better than this.. Tactics, team selection, motivation, a fresh perspective, new training methods and a fresh start can do wonders for a squad. Hurst definitely isn't getting the best out of them.. that's for sure..

Is Andrews really better than Hunt? What does he offer?

The players look shot mentally.. they need a lift, not more Hurst pragmatism..

Quoted from ska face

Is that a serious question?

It’s not inconceivable that a different manager might have a different style of play, different management style, might be able to motivate the players differently…

Well said. I know I've had a few runs ins with you in the past but you've nailed this . Heard similar from the horses mouth from  those who have played the game

Hurst should do the honourable thing and resign. He has taken us as far as he is capable.

Genuinely, thank you very much PH for some incredible memories yet again, but unfortunately the time has come for us to part ways.

I'm not sure who needs to come in, but I know we need change.

Enough Now
But who do we bring in?
Graham Alexander?

I hope he resigns. There was a little rumour that he might become 'director of football' but at the mo that doesnt seem to be a realistic, or cost effective, solution

Quoted from forza ivano

I hope he resigns. There was a little rumour that he might become 'director of football' but at the mo that doesnt seem to be a realistic, or cost effective, solution

Director? Surely not.

Dull, depressing and uninspiring. Tondeur’s commentary matching the football.

It's gut wrenching because Hurst is a genuinely decent bloke and as a younger fan, he's the only town manager who has ever delivered a team I felt proud of.

It's the old cliché that nothing lasts forever and I think it's better that we move on now, before any animosity builds. I'd hate for the lasting memory to be of Hurst leaving us in deep relegation trouble which is the way we're heading.

Square pegs round holes to suit his formation. Green did a great job when he came on, we missed 2 open goals, our keeper is an accident waiting to happen. We huffed and puffed but couldn't even blow a straw house down

He must go.
I think another club needs him more than we do.

Tonight swung it for me. Player by player im SURE that this is or at least close to the strongest league 2 squad weve had (post 2000). I think we need a fresh perspective and new ideas,  I just think its not even a personal thing about not being good enough, it simply happens to alot of managers that are lucky enough to get into a 3rd or 4th season, unable to bring about that needed refresh and blank slate energy required to move the team into a new phase

Quoted from Mariner93er

It's gut wrenching because Hurst is a genuinely decent bloke and as a younger fan, he's the only town manager who has ever delivered a team I felt proud of.

It's the old cliché that nothing lasts forever and I think it's better that we move on now, before any animosity builds. I'd hate for the lasting memory to be of Hurst leaving us in deep relegation trouble which is the way we're heading.

I like him , I think most do - I know there is the odd hater but he seems a good guy and a good manager .

I still don't understand how this has happened - constructing a seemingly powderpuff team short of both character & confidence when in the past his teams had ample of both most of the time .

I find it quite bizarre .

He should do the right thing and offer his resignation rather than wait for the inevitable axe to fall whether now or later when there will be less time to bail out the sinking ship.
He must know in his heart of hearts that his time is up.

Apparently he won't be doing an interview with Humberside....

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Apparently he won't be doing an interview with Humberside....

I think he is, just not in time for a live one.

Quoted from Mappers

I like him , I think most do - I know there is the odd hater but he seems a good guy and a good manager .

I still don't understand how this has happened - constructing a seemingly powderpuff team short of both character & confidence when in the past his teams had ample of both most of the time .

I find it quite bizarre .

It’s really weird isn’t it. Even in the NL, with pitiful budgets and a huge stigma surrounding the club, he always assembled likeable teams that competed almost every week, even if they lacked creativity and flair at times. With the exception of Kieran Green tonight, there looked to be no character whatsoever on the pitch, and we continue to ship easy goal after easy goal.

Every quality I expect to see from a Paul Hurst side isn’t just missing, it’s almost opposite land.

I can’t fathom how we got here.

Back to the conference we go if he stays.

I’m not sure what the problem is but something isn’t right. The squad that looked so able in pre season and the first few games have become a quivering wreck.

Out. There may be a parallel universe somewhere where he stays on and guides us to promotion, but it seems an edge case. The players are mainly here for 2-3 years, give someone else the transfer window. I'd rather it was someone completely new, no former players/managers/coaches - just a total reset.

When Town sign players - is there a chap who profiles them all as suitable to play for Town?  or is it all PH who signs them?’ Thought there was a profiler in the background ?

I have been on the fence until now, but there obviously has to be a change. Thank you for so many great memories Mr. Hurst - you have done well and will always be remembered as one of the very best managers for the club. Unfortunately, the way football is, almost every manager has a sell-by date and the time has come for a new manager to get the best out of a team that is heavily underperforming. This team has shown in glimpses this season what they are capable of, and now is the time for someone to make good of the promise these players represents.

Suspect i'll be on my own with this one but I remember that absolutely horrific run the season before last around the turn of the new year that felt eerily similar to this. Like now, we were in every single game, the better side in many, but we just kept losing by the odd goal. The calls for him to go were getting deafening. Now, obviously i'm not saying we're going to turn it around and end up in the play offs but neither am I worried about relegation either at this point. Yeah, we're not going to battle for the play offs and probably not the top half and that's disappointing but Hurst's got more than enough goodwill in the bank with me to be given the chance to turn this slump around as he did then and I'd like to think we can be an outlier in modern football and show a bit of loyalty and faith. Toxicity and vitriol certainly doesn't help anyone, we need to get behind him. There must be no one hurting more and more livid than PH right now. The players are letting him down, they need to show far more character than they currently are. I expect he'll look to ship a number out in January, if he's given the chance of course. I just really want him to succeed and i'm not willing to write him off yet

I've been narrowly on the side of Hurst In over the last few weeks but that performance seals it for me - Hurst out.

The worst team for most of a home game against a side that has been in relegation battles for the last few years, is right down there again and is in an awful run themselves with a temporary manager. All that and we are playing 5 at the back and still concede twice even after being gifted an own goal for the ages to give us a head start. Sure we eventually managed to score ourselves and look interested for 15 minutes or so of the 90 but against a team as rank bad as that it's nowhere near good enough.

I don't think he has lost the dressing room as in players are rebelling against him, I just think they have no belief in his system, or themselves and no idea what they are being asked to do. No fight or desire in them at all apart from Holohan and Green, which is very very concerning. Regardless of what some people might think we are knee deep in a relegation battle now. Yet Colchester seemed to show more desire for their interim boss!

We've got 2 weeks after the Donny game before another league match - do NOT kick the can down the road. Hurst sadly needs to be let go tomorrow, with thanks for all that he's done for us last year and before. But we are in a worse position than when he took over us 3 years ago aren't we, and he couldn't turn it around then - this is a mess of his own making so even less chance of him making the changes necessary soon enough. Davies and Pearson can take care of the Donny Game, might even improve things with a new perspective, and it gives us two and a half weeks to get some one in for the Morecambe game. Whoever comes in has to be given time so they can act immediately in January. Hurst didn't have much time before January 3 years ago and then by the time he acted it was too late.

Like many others I'm a bit shell shocked at how it's gone so so badly wrong so quickly. These players looked far better than this at the beginning of the season but we are getting worse and worse, we have the stink of relegation about us now, we should all recognise the foul odour.

I didn’t go tonight. I didn’t watch it. I didn’t listen to it either.

Despite the impression some of my posts might have given I was in the camp of giving Hurst until Doncaster at least. I no longer see the point in giving him Saturday.

Get rid now and we have 2 and a half weeks to find somebody else before we return to L2 after the FA Cup break.

If Ben Davies get us anything from Doncaster and we’re still in the Cup when a new manager is appointed that’s a bonus.

Quoted from immariner

Suspect i'll be on my own with this one but I remember that absolutely horrific run the season before last around the turn of the new year that felt eerily similar to this. Like now, we were in every single game, the better side in many, but we just kept losing by the odd goal. The calls for him to go were getting deafening. Now, obviously i'm not saying we're going to turn it around and end up in the play offs but neither am I worried about relegation either at this point. Yeah, we're not going to battle for the play offs and probably not the top half and that's disappointing but Hurst's got more than enough goodwill in the bank with me to be given the chance to turn this slump around as he did then and I'd like to think we can be an outlier in modern football and show a bit of loyalty and faith. Toxicity and vitriol certainly doesn't help anyone, we need to get behind him. There must be no one hurting more and more livid than PH right now. The players are letting him down, they need to show far more character than they currently are. I expect he'll look to ship a number out in January, if he's given the chance of course. I just really want him to succeed and i'm not willing to write him off yet

The difference then was we were going on a slump from top of the table to 10th or so. This is more like when he took over with us what, 17th (?) and couldn't turn our form around enough and we ended up relegated.

Quoted from toontown

The difference then was we were going on a slump from top of the table to 10th or so. This is more like when he took over with us what, 17th (?) and couldn't turn our form around enough and we ended up relegated.

I don't think it's more like that, this squad has far more ability than the one he inherited from Hollowords and we weren't in games the way we are now, and as we all know, external factors meant he was left with not a lot of choice for bringing players in to try and turn it around. It's probably somewhere between the two situations to be fair. I just think he can get us out of it but ask me again closer to the January window, if we still can't buy a win

Sticking with Hurst for now. We’re much more likely to be sucked into a relegation fight with the turmoil of bringing a new manager and the subsequent tearing everything up regarding the team. We need to pick up points in the next month, and we’re much more likely to do that with Hurst, given it’s his team, than without him.

I'm just feeling gutted for him. Again tonight, we had 60% possession, 18 shots to their 9, with 6 on target to their 4, and still we lose. It seems that every speculative shot or cross somehow ends up in our net. Hurst must be tearing his hair out.

I see Accrington won away at Wimbledon tonight, scoring 4 goals, and they didn't look anything special to me.

We have strikers scoring goals, but the defence has gone to pieces, which is most unlike a Hurst team. Mullarkey and Rodgers looked really good acquisitions at the start of the season, but they look shot now.

We could do with Eastwood breaking his finger or something, so we can get an emergency loan keeper in.

I desperately want to see PH succeed, but the chop is getting closer by the game. If that's his last game, I can't argue with the decision.

Quoted from davmariner

Sticking with Hurst for now. We’re much more likely to be sucked into a relegation fight with the turmoil of bringing a new manager and the subsequent tearing everything up regarding the team. We need to pick up points in the next month, and we’re much more likely to do that with Hurst, given it’s his team, than without him.

We have already been sucked in and make no mistake we are in a relegation fight and look nailed on for thr conference with the current managment team.

Quoted from Azimuth

We have already been sucked in and make no mistake we are in a relegation fight and look nailed on for thr conference with the current managment team.

We’re still only just a quarter of the way through the season. A new manager will still have to play over two months with a team not necessarily suited to how they want to play. This is a team that’s not picking up enough points, but only by fine margins. Tearing everything up is a huge risk, which the owners I’m sure are aware of.

Quoted from davmariner

We’re still only just a quarter of the way through the season. A new manager will still have to play over two months with a team not necessarily suited to how they want to play. This is a team that’s not picking up enough points, but only by fine margins. Tearing everything up is a huge risk, which the owners I’m sure are aware of.

But currently, PH doesn't have them playing how he wanted them to play, and probably how the players wanted to play when they signed.
He built a squad and prepared the playing style to fit the new players he was bringing in, only to rip that plan up and revert to last seasons style after no more than a couple of months of the season.

I get that it's a gamble/risk to change the manager, but after 3 wins in 15, allowing this to continue is a bigger risk.

No doubt about it, Paul appears to be an honest hard working bloke. At the last fans forum we saw the human side of Paul with his dry sense of humour and I for one warmed to him. But it’s time for him to move on. The fans have turned. I would have hated to see him leave on a sour note after the two promotions and that FA cup run, but I fear it’s too late. After listening to the Humberside interview I think he knows it too.

Quoted from heppy88

No doubt about it, Paul appears to be an honest hard working bloke. At the last fans forum we saw the human side of Paul with his dry sense of humour and I for one warmed to him. But it’s time for him to move on. The fans have turned. I would have hated to see him leave on a sour note after the two promotions and that FA cup run, but I fear it’s too late. After listening to the Humberside interview I think he knows it too.

Fans are fickle and to be honest, decision making at a football club should not be based on fans moaning and groaning. We’d be sacking managers every few games if we did.

I’m genuinely curious, if say, a new manager came in and lost the first 6 games, would fans be calling for their head? And if so, should they be listened to?

My point is, the owners need to weigh up the bigger picture. It’s clearly a bad time at the minute, but who at this point is best placed to turn things around. Hurst hasn’t suddenly become a bad manager overnight, so they can be forgiven for giving him a bit more time with the team he’s assembled.

Thanks for everything Paul, behind Buckley he is the most competent manager we have had in last 30 years in my opinion...but think we and possibly Hurst needs a change over to you owners...

Quoted from davmariner

Fans are fickle and to be honest, decision making at a football club should not be based on fans moaning and groaning. We’d be sacking managers every few games if we did.

I’m genuinely curious, if say, a new manager came in and lost the first 6 games, would fans be calling for their head? And if so, should they be listened to?

My point is, the owners need to weigh up the bigger picture. It’s clearly a bad time at the minute, but who at this point is best placed to turn things around. Hurst hasn’t suddenly become a bad manager overnight, so they can be forgiven for giving him a bit more time with the team he’s assembled.

Yep fans are fickle, emotional and can change on a whim. But I think there is something deeper at play. I think there has always been an under current of fans who simply didn’t warm to him, but gave him the benefit of doubt due to his promotion/FA cup success. But apart from results they are turning because the games are tedious to watch. Fans are more accepting if they can see the players playing with grit and determination, backed up by a clear game plan. But this has been sadly lacking. Of course it’s a risk changing a manager. But there is no reason that risk cannot pay dividends and I would argue that this stage of the season is the ideal time to do it.

The poll at the moment is 80% want him out.

That's from 160 fans on here which is a tiny percentage of the 6,000+ who normally attend games.

Whatever happens it had better happen in the next 2 to 3 weeks or the new man will not have time to access who deserves to stay and who doesn't.

If on the other hand we start winning a few games he is safe until the end of the season.

If we don't have a decent cup run and struggle just keeping out of the drop zone the ST numbers will be well down making it more difficult getting decent players in the summer.

So will the board decide to stick or twist ?

Time will tell.

It pains me to vote out. I have always backed Hurst and know how much we owe him as a club but something is desperately wrong here.. I genuinely can't be bothered with the clown show of manager selection again.. the years prior to Hursts second coming were just a nightmare but really starting to think we have no choice at this point as relegation is starting to look a real possibility again

Quoted from davmariner

Fans are fickle and to be honest, decision making at a football club should not be based on fans moaning and groaning. We’d be sacking managers every few games if we did.

I’m genuinely curious, if say, a new manager came in and lost the first 6 games, would fans be calling for their head? And if so, should they be listened to?

My point is, the owners need to weigh up the bigger picture. It’s clearly a bad time at the minute, but who at this point is best placed to turn things around. Hurst hasn’t suddenly become a bad manager overnight, so they can be forgiven for giving him a bit more time with the team he’s assembled.

Let's say Hurst stays and keeps us up this season ?
Would you believe he could mount a promotion charge next season?
Do you believe he can assemble a team that would play more attractive football at home?
By the looks of it our season is already over in October , I'd be tempted to try and find someone that can use the rest of this season to put a team together that can do some good next year as this one is going nowhere other than down

The gate of 5010 was only slightly better than Barrow with 148 away fans. This means only 4862 fans turned up in what was an expected win match. I am sure this is a figure already worked out by 1878, which means that many ST's didn't turn up but also many walk in's.

Barrow was the lowest for home fans, 4831, and was not much better. It is time for JT & AP to act before the home fans attendance drops even further.

Quoted from DB

The gate of 5010 was only slightly better than Barrow with 148 away fans. This means only 4862 fans turned up in what was an expected win match. I am sure this is a figure already worked out by 1878, which means that many ST's didn't turn up but also many walk in's.

Barrow was the lowest for home fans, 4831, and was not much better. It is time for JT & AP to act before the home fans attendance drops even further.

Pretty sure the 300 or so in the Osmond are freebies too?

So who would you replace PH with?  Nigel Clough?

I'm gutted for PH that its not going great, who is generally a top bloke but i feel like he always has to change the team round for the sake of keeping players happy or so it feels like that.  If you constantly keep changing the team how can you gain any consistency, form partnerships and above all keep the shirt that you are fighting for, you might generally feel you have had a decent game (not the worst) but then not playing the following week you probably be a bit miffed, annoyed etc.  PH can also be too cautious and its this type of negativity of football that makes us come unstuck.  He needs to let the shackles off.

78% say out, speaks volumes.
I voted out not because we lost last night but in the manner of how we did. If we'd have played well and lost I'd be half tempted to stay in the 'in' camp. But the football we are playing is dreadful.

I voted Out but with a very heavy heart. I'd love the option "Give him Doncaster and watch him turn this ship right around and march up the league" and more so that it actually materialises but it's hard to muster the belief that would turn to be true.

I really like Hurst,but something has to change.To m it's obvious, why didn't we sighn a decent    experienced,goalkeeper when Max left? Fans round me last night were regretting they wanted Max to leave.! That said the vile shouting at Eastwood, that he obviously heard ,from the Pontoon was well out of order.

Has he gone yet?

Time for a change?

Quoted from Pontoon bill

That said the vile shouting at Eastwood, that he obviously heard ,from the Pontoon was well out of order.

Going on for a few weeks.   Was some moron at Stockport literally red in the face from screaming over and over again at Eastwood how he was as useless girl private.  

That'll help him.

Hurst taking a few C Bombs on Twitter today/last night as well.  He's not doing the job we hoped he would this season and without even going down the path of respect owed for what he's done, just show a bit of respect.  He's not a girl private, far from it.  He's a genuinely decent bloke.  I honestly despair at the sheer amount of empty air between the ears of some of our fanbase.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Hurst taking a few C Bombs on Twitter today/last night as well.  He's not doing the job we hoped he would this season and without even going down the path of respect owed for what he's done, just show a bit of respect.  He's not a girl private, far from it.  He's a genuinely decent bloke.  I honestly despair at the sheer amount of empty air between the ears of some of our fanbase.

Whatever the outcome Hurst deserves some respect we should all keep our opinions polite. Yes I want him gone
but instead of calling him I thank him for all his hard work and just say it has not worked for us this time.You only have to look at our home form since we have been back in the league  that alone deserves the sack.
Sorry to see you go Paul but like Buckley mk3 you have been here too long go now before it gets really toxic on here as I said you don't deserve that.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Going on for a few weeks.   Was some moron at Stockport literally red in the face from screaming over and over again at Eastwood how he was as useless girl private.  

That'll help him.

Hurst taking a few C Bombs on Twitter today/last night as well.  He's not doing the job we hoped he would this season and without even going down the path of respect owed for what he's done, just show a bit of respect.  He's not a girl private, far from it.  He's a genuinely decent bloke.  I honestly despair at the sheer amount of empty air between the ears of some of our fanbase.

The joke’s on them at the end of the day. Hurst is emotionally intelligent to realise that, and that a few idiots don’t speak for the majority (even if the view of the majority seems to be that things need freshening up).

I honestly don’t get the dread and fear around appointing a new manager. Jumping the gun a bit, admittedly, but I’d see it as a positive, a clean slate for the whole squad, a fresh approach and new ideas.  

This would/could be the first appointment not made by Fenty for going on 20 years. I’m failing to remember a manager that hadn’t been tainted with the stain of the former leadership for one reason or another - cheap option, easy option, Holloway’s bizarre investment plans & ulterior motives, returning losers, short-termism, etc.

I can’t remember a time where all the fans were united behind a manager and board - there always seemed to be an issue somewhere, whether it was living under the yoke of the old regime or a negative view of the incoming manager.

We’re under new ownership with a new approach and decent prospects. A chance to freshen things up should be relished by all.

I vote in, but that vote, and all the others on here mean absolutely nothing.  Do you think the owners read and take notice and act on what a very small minority of town fans say on a public forum?

Quoted from 123614

I vote in, but that vote, and all the others on here mean absolutely nothing.  Do you think the owners read and take notice and act on what a very small minority of town fans say on a public forum?

They offer an insight into the general sentiment amongst the fanbase, albeit based on a sample of ~5% of match going fans. Incidentally, the results have gradually improved in Hurst’s favour, from 1 in 10 backing him immediately after the game last night, to 1 in 5 first thing this morning, to 1 in 4 as of right now.

Given where are we are, 25% still wanting him in seems pretty decent, and a bit higher than I had anticipated.

Quoted from ska face

I honestly don’t get the dread and fear around appointing a new manager. Jumping the gun a bit, admittedly, but I’d see it as a positive, a clean slate for the whole squad, a fresh approach and new ideas.  

This would/could be the first appointment not made by Fenty for going on 20 years. I’m failing to remember a manager that hadn’t been tainted with the stain of the former leadership for one reason or another - cheap option, easy option, Holloway’s bizarre investment plans & ulterior motives, returning losers, short-termism, etc.

I can’t remember a time where all the fans were united behind a manager and board - there always seemed to be an issue somewhere, whether it was living under the yoke of the old regime or a negative view of the incoming manager.

We’re under new ownership with a new approach and decent prospects. A chance to freshen things up should be relished by all.

I genuinely don't think we ever will either. Call me cynical but there has always been - and will always be - a small group of fans who get high off negativity. We could appoint De Zerbi or Guardiola and they wouldn't have the track record at this level to do well. We could appoint an up and coming manager who steers us to a miraculous 2nd place finish, but the board haven't delivered a training ground yet. We could reach the FA Cup Semi Final next season and the following year, when we haven't signed some Championship regular we'll be lacking in ambition.

Quoted from gtfc_chris

I genuinely don't think we ever will either. Call me cynical but there has always been - and will always be - a small group of fans who get high off negativity. We could appoint De Zerbi or Guardiola and they wouldn't have the track record at this level to do well. We could appoint an up and coming manager who steers us to a miraculous 2nd place finish, but the board haven't delivered a training ground yet. We could reach the FA Cup Semi Final next season and the following year, when we haven't signed some Championship regular we'll be lacking in ambition.

It's human nature Chris. A friend of mine is a season ticket holder at Man City and is bemoaning the fact they've lost a couple of games.

That is the attitude to have to be honest; perfection should be the aim even if it is unattainable.

The silence from the club today is deafening, it felt inevitable he’d be sacked last night and now it feels inevitable he’ll be given yet another lifeline.

It must be brilliant knowing not matter what you do in your job, you’re almost certain to remain in it.

Quoted from pontoonlew

The silence from the club today is deafening, it felt inevitable he’d be sacked last night and now it feels inevitable he’ll be given yet another lifeline.

It must be brilliant knowing not matter what you do in your job, you’re almost certain to remain in it.

I don't know what 'silence from the club is deafening' means when the club is pretty much silent most of the time.  The fact that there is still 5 months left of the season to play out gives PH time to get to the bottom of the problem currently, and fix it.

Quoted from 123614

I don't know what 'silence from the club is deafening' means when the club is pretty much silent most of the time.  The fact that there is still 5 months left of the season to play out gives PH time to get to the bottom of the problem currently, and fix it.

Ha the ostrich mentality right on que.

Quoted from 123614

I don't know what 'silence from the club is deafening' means when the club is pretty much silent most of the time.  The fact that there is still 5 months left of the season to play out gives PH time to get to the bottom of the problem currently, and fix it.

Hurst is the problem.

Quoted from 123614

I don't know what 'silence from the club is deafening' means when the club is pretty much silent most of the time.  The fact that there is still 5 months left of the season to play out gives PH time to get to the bottom of the problem currently, and fix it.

So we’re going to sleepwalk into a relegation battle with a manager who’s EFL record is worse than the majority of managers in our league and the guy who appears to have drunk away the money from our most lucrative cup run ever?

Whilst I respect the opinions of those who want him to stay, I still can’t get my head round it. I’ve not seen a single justification for him staying in the job that I can get on board with & the thought that our board probably think he should stay too worries the hell out of me in all honesty. It makes me seriously question what our long term ambitions actually are and where 3 wins in 19 games fits into that.

I said it before Stockport, I said it before Colchester and I’m saying it before Doncaster, if we win the next game, then what? Is everything suddenly okay and does the clock reset on Hurst for another run of defeats? It’s a never ending cycle that needs to be cut today.

Quoted from pontoonlew

The silence from the club today is deafening, it felt inevitable he’d be sacked last night and now it feels inevitable he’ll be given yet another lifeline.

It must be brilliant knowing not matter what you do in your job, you’re almost certain to remain in it.

tbf our social media Prescence is dire recently, i feel we need a statement on clarity at least

I think it's probably time to start draping Hurst Out banners around the Town

Quoted from 1mickylyons

I think it's probably time to start draping Hurst Out banners around the Town

FFS no, Dont be a Jacko

Quoted from pontoonlew

So we’re going to sleepwalk into a relegation battle with a manager who’s EFL record is worse than the majority of managers in our league and the guy who appears to have drunk away the money from our most lucrative cup run ever?

Whilst I respect the opinions of those who want him to stay, I still can’t get my head round it. I’ve not seen a single justification for him staying in the job that I can get on board with & the thought that our board probably think he should stay too worries the hell out of me in all honesty. It makes me seriously question what our long term ambitions actually are and where 3 wins in 19 games fits into that.

I said it before Stockport, I said it before Colchester and I’m saying it before Doncaster, if we win the next game, then what? Is everything suddenly okay and does the clock reset on Hurst for another run of defeats? It’s a never ending cycle that needs to be cut today.

And what if we win the next one after Donny, and the next one after that, chuck in a few draws and a few more wins?  5 months is a long time, and plenty of points can be won, just because we are going through a really bad spell atm doesn't mean it's going to go on for the rest of the season.

Quoted from Hagrid

tbf our social media Prescence is dire recently, i feel we need a statement on clarity at least

The last thing Paul Hurst wants from the chairman is a vote of confidence.

Quoted from Hagrid

tbf our social media Prescence is dire recently, i feel we need a statement on clarity at least

Yesterday's statement at 3.38 that the game would go ahead seemed a reactive one to queries on here and twitter rather than a proactive service to the thousand or so exiles who travel to home games.

Quoted from 123614

And what if we win the next one after Donny, and the next one after that, chuck in a few draws and a few more wins?  5 months is a long time, and plenty of points can be won, just because we are going through a really bad spell atm doesn't mean it's going to go on for the rest of the season.

Even if we looked remotely capable of that, you’re talking about a scenario where we play this season out believing we can avoid relegation, that is absolutely unacceptable to me.

It also involves him getting yet another transfer window, after cocking up every single one since our return to the EFL

Quoted from pontoonlew

The silence from the club today is deafening, it felt inevitable he’d be sacked last night and now it feels inevitable he’ll be given yet another lifeline.

It must be brilliant knowing not matter what you do in your job, you’re almost certain to remain in it.

Think I recall JS stating, in one of his earlier interviews, that he didn’t see the Manager after games so as to keep immediate emotion on a performance from affecting any discussion I.e. to avoid an over reaction to a poor result.

Clearly discussions will be ongoing and for all we know they could be in the process of agreeing his severance package before any announcement is made.

Listening to Hurst last night he referred to a discussion held last week with members of the board and then made comments about the fact they must do whatever they feel is right for the Club.

Personally I would be surprised if he gets another game in charge but, for the 75% wanting change, they may be sussing out potential replacements before doing anything so Donny may be his last chance. Hope his family don’t make the short journey to attend as it’s likely to be pretty volatile if we go down to yet another defeat.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

It's human nature Chris. A friend of mine is a season ticket holder at Man City and is bemoaning the fact they've lost a couple of games.

That is the attitude to have to be honest; perfection should be the aim even if it is unattainable.

True but context has to be placed. Man City are potentially the best team in the world right now. It doesn't mean they will win every game but they are to all intents and purposes are going to be competing on every stage they play.

I understand the fact that at our level everyone is largely within the same sphere of ability, but there are outliers, such as Wrexham and Stockport who have some cash behind them. That said, how close to perfection do you consider acceptable? I don't disagree with the premise at all, nor would any manager, PH included.

My dig is more based on how high fans place the expectations. Our current position I would suggest falls below expectations which I know fans agree hence the concern and questions around PH job. But who said we're right in those expectations and we're not exactly where we should be? Matter of opinion, the popular one being that 20th place is too low a level. How about 12th and a steady, sometimes inspiring, sometimes mundane level? Play-off skirting team? Automatic promotion?

My personal view, I predicted an 8th place finish which in my opinion was finishing above expectations given our modern history. On a timescale of upward trajectory, I would say attaining a play off place is something we should aspire to in 2025/26, with promotion by 2028/29. I think that is reasonable, attainable with everything before that designed to provide the foundation for improvement every year.

You (or any other fan) may think that the play offs should have been this year. You may have thought next but with promotion as an expectation, no first time failure allowed. Hoping to push those expectations sooner should - as you say - be inherent from all. My caution/concern is that our (fans) desire to keep improving might not happen at the rate that is realistic, or where an improvement is made, be that starting at Doncaster this week with/without PH, or next season with new additions in all areas, fans will accelerate their expectations beyond the pace the reality can maintain.

[quote=140962

My personal view, I predicted an 8th place finish which in my opinion was finishing above expectations given our modern history. On a timescale of upward trajectory, I would say attaining a play off place is something we should aspire to in 2025/26, with promotion by 2028/29. I think that is reasonable, attainable with everything before that designed to provide the foundation for improvement every year.

You (or any other fan) may think that the play offs should have been this year. You may have thought next but with promotion as an expectation, no first time failure allowed. Hoping to push those expectations sooner should - as you say - be inherent from all. My caution/concern is that our (fans) desire to keep improving might not happen at the rate that is realistic, or where an improvement is made, be that starting at Doncaster this week with/without PH, or next season with new additions in all areas, fans will accelerate their expectations beyond the pace the reality can maintain. [/quote]

I believe a number of us older fans were hoping for a somewhat faster timescale as we might well not be here in 28/29!!

Quoted from 123614

I don't know what 'silence from the club is deafening' means when the club is pretty much silent most of the time.  The fact that there is still 5 months left of the season to play out gives PH time to get to the bottom of the League problem currently, and fix it.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Even if we looked remotely capable of that, you’re talking about a scenario where we play this season out believing we can avoid relegation, that is absolutely unacceptable to me.

It also involves him getting yet another transfer window, after cocking up every single one since our return to the EFL

No, that is not what I am talking about.  Initially moving away from the relegation spots is vital, but putting together enough wins/draws to climb higher up the League is also important, hence why I mentioned getting some wins and some draws into the mix as well.   I truly believe that once we start winning games again, we will start to climb the table, and I hope it is with PH still the GTFC manager.  No team has a divine right to win the League, or get into the playoffs, we have to work hard to get there, and I believe that, with the addition of some pace into the team in January, that we will improve the squad and continue to climb the League table.

Quoted from ska face

I honestly don’t get the dread and fear around appointing a new manager. Jumping the gun a bit, admittedly, but I’d see it as a positive, a clean slate for the whole squad, a fresh approach and new ideas.  

This would/could be the first appointment not made by Fenty for going on 20 years. I’m failing to remember a manager that hadn’t been tainted with the stain of the former leadership for one reason or another - cheap option, easy option, Holloway’s bizarre investment plans & ulterior motives, returning losers, short-termism, etc.

I can’t remember a time where all the fans were united behind a manager and board - there always seemed to be an issue somewhere, whether it was living under the yoke of the old regime or a negative view of the incoming manager.

We’re under new ownership with a new approach and decent prospects. A chance to freshen things up should be relished by all.

MK. Dons started well under Williamson last night won 4-1 home to Bradford.

Quoted from pontoonlew

The silence from the club today is deafening, it felt inevitable he’d be sacked last night and now it feels inevitable he’ll be given yet another lifeline.

It must be brilliant knowing not matter what you do in your job, you’re almost certain to remain in it.

I don’t think the club opens until 11AM the day after a night match. I’m sure somebody can confirm this?

Quoted from 123614

I vote in, but that vote, and all the others on here mean absolutely nothing.  Do you think the owners read and take notice and act on what a very small minority of town fans say on a public forum?

I sure they don’t read this forum. They will however listen to the boos at half/full time. In addition they’ll also be looking at the attendance figures in some detail. When fans start voting with their feet in reasonable numbers the message will be loud and clear that the customer is unhappy with the product

Quoted from grimsby pete

Whatever the outcome Hurst deserves some respect we should all keep our opinions polite. Yes I want him gone
but instead of calling him I thank him for all his hard work and just say it has not worked for us this time.You only have to look at our home form since we have been back in the league  that alone deserves the sack.
Sorry to see you go Paul but like Buckley mk3 you have been here too long go now before it gets really toxic on here as I said you don't deserve that.

Quite right. Personal attacks are not to be tolerated.  Racism and Personal attacks should be driven out of this forum, and elsewhere.    

Last night I wanted him sacked at half-time but now mainly in response to the volume of unnecessarily opprobrious tweets and comments from the mouth breathing section of our fanbase i'm learning towards giving him a bit longer to turn it around. I just don't understand why so many of them feel the need to be so rude and classless about Hurst when he has (in the past, not now) achieved more success than any manager not named Alan Buckley at this club in the last 40 years. Yes you can want a change of manager (and i'm about 90% of the way to feeling the same myself), but is there really any need to be a vile sharp object about it?

Quoted from lukeo

78% say out, speaks volumes.
I voted out not because we lost last night but in the manner of how we did. If we'd have played well and lost I'd be half tempted to stay in the 'in' camp. But the football we are playing is dreadful.

Well said. We can all, reluctantly accept defeat, but it is the manner in which we have played at home. After a win, the second thing is it has to be entertaining and it hasn't for most of both this season and last season at home in the league.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Last night I wanted him sacked at half-time but now mainly in response to the volume of unnecessarily opprobrious tweets and comments from the mouth breathing section of our fanbase i'm learning towards giving him a bit longer to turn it around. I just don't understand why so many of them feel the need to be so rude and classless about Hurst when he has (in the past, not now) achieved more success than any manager not named Alan Buckley at this club in the last 40 years. Yes you can want a change of manager (and i'm about 90% of the way to feeling the same myself), but is there really any need to be a vile sharp object about it?

its absolutely disgusting, Some of the usual suspects, I myself am in the middle of an argument with a female fan who tweeted that she wanted Hurst to intercourse off and he is a " excrement girl private", when I pulled her up on what she said, she said she hasnt been abusive.

Another bloke called him a boring yorkshire midget.


It absolutely sickens me

Here are some stats for you. 4 managers have been sacked in L2 so far this season. There compare their final 8 league results with our most recent 8 league results under Paul Hurst…

10/09/23 - Ian Dawes (Tranmere)
W 1! D 0 L 7 GD -5 Pts 3
*included 1 match at end of 22/23 season

04/10/23 - Mark Hughes (Bradford)
W 2 D 3 L 3 GD -2 Pts 9

05/10/23 - Neil Harris (Gillingham)
W 3 D 1 L 4 GD -5 Pts 10

16/10/23 - Graham Alexander (MK Dons)
W 0 D 4 L 4 GD -5 Pts 4

Paul Hurst (Grimsby Town)
W 1 D 1 L 6 GD -8 Pts 4

Quoted from Poojah

They offer an insight into the general sentiment amongst the fanbase, albeit based on a sample of ~5% of match going fans. Incidentally, the results have gradually improved in Hurst’s favour, from 1 in 10 backing him immediately after the game last night, to 1 in 5 first thing this morning, to 1 in 4 as of right now.

Given where are we are, 25% still wanting him in seems pretty decent, and a bit higher than I had anticipated.

Another insight at last nights game was the gate, 5010. There would have been walk ins so over 1,500 ST's voted with their feet. It is said on this forum that at least up to10% of ST's do not turn up for evening matches, which still over !,000. No doubt JS & AP took note.

Quoted from 123614

And what if we win the next one after Donny, and the next one after that, chuck in a few draws and a few more wins?  5 months is a long time, and plenty of points can be won, just because we are going through a really bad spell atm doesn't mean it's going to go on for the rest of the season.

Yep, 5 months is a long time. But if all goes wrong there isn't enough time to change it around. Hurst has had 15 games and a maximum of 45 points to achieve but managed only 14 points. Time is not a luxury in football as our relegation season proved.

Quoted from 123614

I vote in, but that vote, and all the others on here mean absolutely nothing.  Do you think the owners read and take notice and act on what a very small minority of town fans say on a public forum?

I think you’re living in cloud cuckoo land if you don’t think the owners , management and players don’t look at the fishy .