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The difference under hurst is we never looked like relegation fodder, yes I'll admit he sometimes he got the odd game tactically wrong but 4 promotion pushes shows he had ability...
I'm sorry but if WE are sat in the bottom 3 at xmas, which contrary to some I am.half expecting now, the board has a decision to male....
Recognise these words "I want technically gifted players"???...bignot!!...so many similarities it's frigging frightening!!

I dont trust in anyone,, stood me in good stead in life

All the positivity now gone.
It's embarrassing being a Town fan ☹️☹️

Jesus Christ... we’ve played a handful of games. We look inconsistent at the moment, in my opinion I’ve seen enough to feel we will get our excrement together and be comfortably safe this season.

Let’s not forget our starting point from the end of last season, we are lucky to still be a league team... you can’t change from that to a top end side over one summer.

We also have Thomas, Pringle and Embleton to come into the side.

Nothing is won or lost inside the first 7.

Everyone in the league knows we are a soft touch and 3 easy points.

Quoted from fiveallive

Jolley is the man we have to keep, it's going to take him 5 or 6 years to get in the right direction, he needs the time like Hurst did.

5 or 6 years? FFS we could be playing Cleethorpes Town in a league game by then.

Christmas matches at the lastest and if we are bottom 4 or 5 he has to go then, BEFORE the January window to give the new man a chance to bring players in

Christmas could be too late

Jolley has to be given time and it would be crazy to get rid of him now.
However the warning signs were there from the very 1st game.
FGR came here with a settled starting 11 having played the same players for the final 3 pre season games.
What did Jolley do? He completely changed the starting 11 and formation.
The other disappointing thing is I along with the majority of fans were led to believe he had a lot of contacts within the game and hence we could expect some exciting players on loan.
That hasn't happened but could be down to wages,club location etc.
The squad is looking very average with no real pace and to many lightweight players just standing of the opposition and not getting stuck in.
UTM.

"Nothing is won or lost inside the first 7. [/quote]

Sorry but I disagree, what's lost is any confidence, any momentum and any belief from the fans!!...

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

"Nothing is won or lost inside the first 7. [

Sorry but I disagree, what's lost is any confidence, any momentum and any belief from the fans!!...

Not the point I was making or addressing, and you know it.

We're a million miles away from what's needed. Shades of Slade.

A lot of fans have been lost in the first seven games.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Not the point I was making or addressing, and you know it.

But it is, we may not win or lose the league in the first 7 but you lose faith, momentum, fans ect then you're fighting a losing battle before you have even put your head above the parapet....

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

But it is, we may not win or lose the league in the first 7 but you lose faith, momentum, fans ect then you're fighting a losing battle before you have even put your head above the parapet....

I was clearly talking about relegation/promotion.

And if you can lose the above in 7 games you, by that logic, can win them back in the next seven.

What are we losing faith and momentum in though? Do we really expect anything other than trying to cement ourselves as a league club this year? Especially after last year, Because if we’re expecting more I think that’s a little over optimistic and that was always going to come crashing down.

Poor bloke. We were saying on the way out the ground that Fenty may well be a bit keen this season after waiting far too long last season. We get back on the old tredmill that one man is responsible and there is no chance of that changing anytime soon.

I have no doubt we have signed better players than we had last season. Many of them have consistently played at a higher level. We have 3 or 4 players to come into the side who will improve us when they get up to speed and i don't think the side we are seeing now will be the one we have once everyone gets fit and firing. RHJ has been a loss, Fox is only just getting fit, Thomas has been unlucky, but is clearly a very good player. Pringle and Embleton also to be integrated. A Rose will benefit from his time away. Vernam coming back from a serious injury is i think why he is not playing regularly yet.

I'm not happy at our start, but i'm not yet worried.

Early days.

End Sep
Desperately Disappointed

I've never seen three defeats in a row so easily accepted. FGR was awful and we seem to be getting worse not better.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I've never seen three defeats in a row so easily accepted. FGR was awful and we seem to be getting worse not better.

We're used to it. :-/

Teams that are successful do not play so many players out of position and keep changing the side and formations every game.

Have a good think Mr Jolley you could turn this round when the 3 new signings are fit and in the team.

Don't keep confusing the players with so many different tactics

We are Grimsby playing in the lower end of the 4th division not Real Madrid..

Unless we are cut adrift at the bottom in new year we need to stick with him and give him time, though I am feeling a bit worried at our perfomances so far,

Quoted from ginnywings

I have no doubt we have signed better players than we had last season. Many of them have consistently played at a higher level. We have 3 or 4 players to come into the side who will improve us when they get up to speed and i don't think the side we are seeing now will be the one we have once everyone gets fit and firing. RHJ has been a loss, Fox is only just getting fit, Thomas has been unlucky, but is clearly a very good player. Pringle and Embleton also to be integrated. A Rose will benefit from his time away. Vernam coming back from a serious injury is i think why he is not playing regularly yet.

I'm not happy at our start, but i'm not yet worried.

Early days.

Hit the nail on the head there Ginny - great post!

It's not easy as we all want success but have HAVE to be patient. Jolly WILL get this right once he has a full squad to choose from.

Patience Patience please
Too many people enjoy the soap opera style of life these days.
Stick with it, key players still to come in and gel.
We will come good if we back the manager and players .
If we don't, I fear the worst.

Quoted from Yoda

How many more games do you give Jolley to turn it around. Playing players out of position poor signings cannot change a game.
For me 2 more games the players are not playing for him.

You are talking absolute rubbish! You are nothing but a troll.

Quoted from Cod Cheeks

Patience Patience please
Too many people enjoy the soap opera style of life these days.
Stick with it, key players still to come in and gel.
We will come good if we back the manager and players .
If we don't, I fear the worst.

To be fair it doesn't seem to make any material difference if we back them or not. Nearly 900 there today, good home attendances so far and every man and his dog behind Jolley has not made a jot of difference so far.

I am sure most fans will continue to back the team and the manager hoping we can come good, but I would expect protests against the board to start again with the team doing poorly and the new stadium impasse.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

I am sure most fans will continue to back the team and the manager hoping we can come good.

I really hope that you're right Lew

Quoted from Cod Cheeks

I really hope that you're right Lew

So do I. I am not Lew by the way, I am his lover, metaphorically speaking. ;D

I would be interested to know what position the people, who think Jolley's time is coming to an end, expected us to finish this year?

Personally, I thought we would start poorly but slowly improve during the season possibly ending with a mid-table finish, I think I have stated that previously on here.

We had an awful team last season thanks to Mr Slade. The fact that Jolley kept us up with the players we had should buy him a little time this season, at least. We can't expect him to turn last season's squad into a promotion chasing squad overnight.

There is an awful lot wrong at this football club and much of it comes from the board room. But from what I have heard Jolley has been putting things in place off the pitch. The training sessions are better, the coaching is better and these things will take time to bear fruit but I'm confident they will eventually.

Jolley is not above criticism though. I think he has tactically made mistakes this season and he seems to be chopping and changing far too much. However, I'm sure from each defeat he will learn more and more about his players. Who can do what and who struggles doing what he asks. He himself is a young manager learning, so we have to expect he'll make errors too.

The last thing this club needs atm is another change of manager. Give him time and unless we have been disastrous from now to approaching Christmas, I wouldn't even dream of getting rid of him this season.

A 4-0 defeat is hard to take but treat your misery with a degree of perspective and patience it'll make things easier. ;)

4-0 Jeez
Very Worried
Can I ask those who have been today (couldn’t make it)
If, overall, are we moving forward or backwards?
Does MJ know what he is doing?

Would a Director of Football or some other experienced mentor/consultant type appointment help?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

So do I. I am not Lew by the way, I am his lover, metaphorically speaking. ;D

Oops sorry 😐

I'm concerned by the last 3 league performances, but also retain optimism from the games that we've played well in. We are in desperate need of Wes Thomas starting games in order to give us a focal point up front. At the back we need some stability in terms of a settled line-up. Personally I'd drop Collins and put Davis back in at centre back with Whitmore. Hendrie or RHJ at rightback and Famewo at left back and then stick with it for good few games. Macca does worry me though with his inability to dominate his 6 yard box - been at fault for a fair few goals this season - though I wouldn't drop him for now.

Quoted from sydney

4-0 Jeez
Very Worried
Can I ask those who have been today (couldn’t make it)
If, overall, are we moving forward or backwards?
Does MJ know what he is doing?

Most of the time we were moving sideways and backwards today,

With the occasional long punt up field that came straight back.

We where never going to tear up trees In reality and I’d always thought that lower mid table would be around the place we’d finish.

I sense today from what he said on RH that MJ went for a shape based upon the team we where playing and to deal with their perceived threat, it didn’t work maybe because players at our level can’t adapt to week in week out shape change, in my view for various reasons I don’t think our best 11 was available today.

My big concern was that heads went down and after Welsh went off we looked leaderless and meek, can MJ lift them for next week?

Get everyone fit & available settle to a shape & pattern and we’ll be ok but “just” ok.

Quoted from Mikoo

FFS it's 7 games in. The man performed miracles last season with a shite squad. It'll take time, he's a new manager learning his trade and will go from strength to strength.

It'll be a season of inconsistencies, anybody can see that with how we've played from game to game. We'll be midtable and push on next season. Grow up with these threads and stop talking balderdash

Did you go today, we have had constant player changes, constant formation changes and some of his signings look poor.

If we are in the bottom 4 come the start of January then serious questions have to be asked if he has got what it takes to manage at this level.

After saving us from certain relegation last season, he can do whatever he wants this season, except taking us down.

The game today was terrible, but I do think things will improve slowly, but steadily. Give him and the team the time to get things right. Have a little patience, folks. At this time the team and the manager need all of our support more than ever.

Too much chopping and changing with the formation and line-up, but this has been necessary to some degree because of injuries and suspensions. We've barely had any of the full-backs available this season which is why we've lined up with four centre backs on occasion. I'm a bit bemused by some of the formations Jolley has attempted when we just don't have any wide players in the squad. Hopefully there is a method in the madness and we'll see more of the sorts of performances against Lincoln, Macclesfield and BFS than the FGR/Bury sort.

The other issue is that the players we've signed in recent weeks who ought to improve the team have come a bit late and lacking in fitness. If Thomas and Pringle had been here during pre-season, they may well have improved things (going on their previous pedigree).

Anybody biting on the hooks the usual trolls are dangling should take a step back and not get their knickers in a twist so much. A long, long way to go this season and we've shown enough in some games to indicate we'll be at least mid-table, despite the couple of stinkers as well.

Quoted from geir

After saving us from certain relegation last season, he can do whatever he wants this season, except taking us down.

The game today was terrible, but I do think things will improve slowly, but steadily. Give him and the team the time to get things right. Have a little patience, folks. At this time the team and the manager need all of our support more than ever.

My thoughts exactly!

Disappointing start but I want Jolley to have the full season.

Where would we go if we sacked him...back to the usual merry-go-round of dinosaurs? It's the hope that kills you but it's the hope that keeps you going. In Jolley, we have someone with the potential to build something.

i don’t think the players are playing for MJ

Quoted from conocoloco

My thoughts exactly!

Disappointing start but I want Jolley to have the full season.

Where would we go if we sacked him...back to the usual merry-go-round of dinosaurs? It's the hope that kills you but it's the hope that keeps you going. In Jolley, we have someone with the potential to build something.

I agree to a large extent but didn't expect to see a shitshow of that magnitude today. Hoping that's a blip.

As long as it takes, he was the majority choice let's not forget that.

Let's support the gaffer through the bad times and good

Quoted from Yoda

How many more games do you give Jolley to turn it around. Playing players out of position poor signings cannot change a game.
For me 2 more games the players are not playing for him.

How many games have you played this season? Not an awful lot, you can’t keep sacking managers when you don’t win a few games.

Since Hurst left, under 2 years ago - You are on your 3rd manager ffs. Can you really afford to get rid of yet another manager and bring in another who’ll want a decent budget to bring in his own players, whilst paying other players he’s not going to play.

Give him time, it’ll come good for you.

Quoted from forza ivano

100 ;)

180 !!!!!!!!!!!! ;D

I don't think anybody wants him to get the sack really,

We keep chopping and changing not for every match but during games as well.

This has to stop , I know we have had injuries and suspensions ,

BUT

When Jolley can get a settled side playing in a regular formation and maybe reverting to plan B when needed,

We will be OK then lets see what the next transfer window brings/

Jolley has 100% support from me. Chopping and changing is NOT the way to go.
He is a rookie manager learning his trade, we knew that. Like everyone he makes mistakes and will continue to do so, but if we believe in letting a manager build and develop then let him get on with it with the support firmly behind him.

I understand the anger yesterday, I managed to see it out to the end,but some of the abuse from the kick off wasn’t called for or helpful. One guy was shouting to Woolford that he is a c@£t before kick off and then Davis and Whitmore got both barrels within 5 minutes.
We do need to be patient and supportive. Back when BP was hostile all the bile was aimed at opponents, it was incessant, now it seems to be our own players who get it whenever a misplaced pass is made or a challenged lost.
IF we could turn this anger on to opponents we might just start to make BP a feared place to visit again

Quoted from Cloudy

Jolley has 100% support from me. Chopping and changing is NOT the way to go.
He is a rookie manager learning his trade, we knew that. Like everyone he makes mistakes and will continue to do so, but if we believe in letting a manager build and develop then let him get on with it with the support firmly behind him.

I understand the anger yesterday, I managed to see it out to the end,but some of the abuse from the kick off wasn’t called for or helpful. One guy was shouting to Woolford that he is a c@£t before kick off and then Davis and Whitmore got both barrels within 5 minutes.
We do need to be patient and supportive. Back when BP was hostile all the bile was aimed at opponents, it was incessant, now it seems to be our own players who get it whenever a misplaced pass is made or a challenged lost.
IF we could turn this anger on to opponents we might just start to make BP a feared place to visit again

I feel for the players but they are on the sharp end of tempers frayed by 17 years of dross, with no end in sight yet. Nearly 900 at Bury when the match was being shown on the telly for the price of a couple of drinks is incredible support. Imagine how loud they would be had they something to cheer.

Quoted from AndyDarloFC

How many games have you played this season? Not an awful lot, you can’t keep sacking managers when you don’t win a few games.

Since Hurst left, under 2 years ago - You are on your 3rd manager ffs. Can you really afford to get rid of yet another manager and bring in another who’ll want a decent budget to bring in his own players, whilst paying other players he’s not going to play.

Give him time, it’ll come good for you.

Whilst not many are asking for him to be sacked, many had the same view as you when Slade was in charge and going back to Neil Woods and we know where that ended up.

Quoted from sydney

4-0 Jeez
Very Worried
Can I ask those who have been today (couldn’t make it)
If, overall, are we moving forward or backwards?
Does MJ know what he is doing?

When we had it the ball spent most of the game moving backwards.

Quoted from arryarryarry

Whilst not many are asking for him to be sacked, many had the same view as you when Slade was in charge and going back to Neil Woods and we know where that ended up.

Every manager is going to have a period when questions are asked. He's learning on the job, as we all do in our various professions. Some managers (like the two you mention) I had a gut feeling were never right in the first place, I don't have that with MJ.

Some stats...

MJ has been manager for 17 league games...

Won 5
Drawn 5
Lost 7
GD -8

PPG 1.17 = 54 pts over 46 games

Slade's first 17 games of his 2nd spell...

Won 7
Drawn 3
Lost 7
GD -1

PPG 1.33 = 61 pts over 46 games

To use a snooker analogy though Slade came to the table with most of the balls in decent positions and managed to make a complete mess of it. When Jolley came to the table he got the snookers he needed and went on to win the frame. He's not started the second frame very well and is still partly hampered by Slade's equipment but there are plenty of balls still in play, and he is looking abroad for a new cue and rest.

Quoted from GrimRob

Some managers (like the two you mention) I had a gut feeling were never right in the first place, I don't have that with MJ.

I do, and I have had, right from the day he was appointed

Quoted from GrimRob

To use a snooker analogy though Slade came to the table with most of the balls in decent positions and managed to make a complete mess of it. When Jolley came to the table he got the snookers he needed and went on to win the frame. He's not started the second frame very well and is still partly hampered by Slade's equipment but there are plenty of balls still in play, and he is looking abroad for a new cue and rest.

Hammered by Slade's equipment?

Sorry, but total BS.

Yesterday's team..

McKeown - MJ new contract
Davis - MJ signing
Whitmore - MJ signing
Collins - MJ new contract
Fox - MJ signing
Welsh - MJ signing
Woolford - MJ new contract
M Rose - RS signing
Hessenthaler - MJ signing
Clifton - MJ new contract
Cook - MJ signing

Famewo - MJ signing
Vernam - MJ signing
Hooper - RS signing

So, 12 of the 14 who featured yesterday are either MJ signings or he gave them new contracts.

To apportion even a fraction of the blame for our current plight on RS is frankly ridiculous.

MJ was given everything he asked for during pre-season. The same things that weren't given to Hurst that lead to him walking. He needs to deliver ASAP.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

So, 12 of the 14 who featured yesterday are either MJ signings or he gave them new contracts.

To apportion even a fraction of the blame for our current plight on RS is frankly ridiculous.

MJ was given everything he asked for during pre-season. The same things that weren't given to Hurst that lead to him walking. He needs to deliver ASAP.

This

12-15 games I think before we see if GTFC are going in right direction
With a bit of luck MJ will have had his loan signings plus Thomas playing regularly
We should be seeing MJ's preferred best starting XI

More creativity equals more goals IMO

Still convinced MJ is the right man - and there is no point appointing a raw, untested manager if you ditch them after about 20 games

Quoted from Ipswin

I do, and I have had, right from the day he was appointed

I can't imagine there are many days in the year when you wake up with a positive feeling Swin.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Hammered by Slade's equipment?

Sorry, but total BS.

Yesterday's team..

McKeown - MJ new contract
Davis - MJ signing
Whitmore - MJ signing
Collins - MJ new contract
Fox - MJ signing
Welsh - MJ signing
Woolford - MJ new contract
M Rose - RS signing
Hessenthaler - MJ signing
Clifton - MJ new contract
Cook - MJ signing

Famewo - MJ signing
Vernam - MJ signing
Hooper - RS signing

So, 12 of the 14 who featured yesterday are either MJ signings or he gave them new contracts.

To apportion even a fraction of the blame for our current plight on RS is frankly ridiculous.

MJ was given everything he asked for during pre-season. The same things that weren't given to Hurst that lead to him walking. He needs to deliver ASAP.

Don't forget there are still a few players on big contracts who might not play much but are still eating up a large part of the wage bill that might be spent on better players.

Quoted from GrimRob

I can't imagine there are many days in the year when you wake up with a positive feeling Swin.

On Christmas Day this year it will be 60 years since I first watched Grimsby Town

If you reach that milestone lets see how flipping positive you feel

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Hammered by Slade's equipment?

Sorry, but total BS.

Yesterday's team..

McKeown - MJ new contract
Davis - MJ signing
Whitmore - MJ signing
Collins - MJ new contract
Fox - MJ signing
Welsh - MJ signing
Woolford - MJ new contract
M Rose - RS signing
Hessenthaler - MJ signing
Clifton - MJ new contract
Cook - MJ signing

Famewo - MJ signing
Vernam - MJ signing
Hooper - RS signing

So, 12 of the 14 who featured yesterday are either MJ signings or he gave them new contracts.

To apportion even a fraction of the blame for our current plight on RS is frankly ridiculous.

MJ was given everything he asked for during pre-season. The same things that weren't given to Hurst that lead to him walking. He needs to deliver ASAP.

But he managed to save the football club with 'Slade`s Equipment', in which Slade couldn't find a victory with but Jolley managed to find 3 with. Without boring everybody to death with anti-football either.

This year, we have a lot of new players, we've had a lot of chopping and changing. Some necessary, some self inflicted. But it is 7 games ffs. Slade went 12 games without a win and just 4 points before he was relieved of his position. At least we have 5 points from 7 games already.

Quoted from Ipswin

On Christmas Day this year it will be 60 years since I first watched Grimsby Town

If you reach that milestone lets see how flipping positive you feel

And 40 since you last saw them?

Quoted from Cloudy

And 40 since you last saw them?

Unfortunately not I witnessed last years gutless performance at Cambridge and sadly I expect no change this season either

One other point to consider is that Cardwell started most of the games after Jolley took charge last season. I've questioned where our 'physical presence' up front will come with the forwards who have been playing but perhaps Cardwell's absence through injury has messed up plans more than you might think. I don't imagine he'll ever score that many, but as a hard-working and mobile big bloke up front with a bit of ability, perhaps he would enable our more skilful forwards to show their stuff?

Never heard so much shite less than ten games in and asking how many games the manager should get. ???

THIS POST NEEDS AN ENEMA.

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

Never heard so much shite less than ten games in and asking how many games the manager should get. ???

THIS POST NEEDS AN ENEMA.

Don't be so hard on yourself, I think your post is OK 8)

Quoted from Ipswin

On Christmas Day this year it will be 60 years since I first watched Grimsby Town

If you reach that milestone lets see how flipping positive you feel

Ipswin, don't want to spoil the surprise but Mr Fenty is arranging a special presentation for you at this years Boxing Day game.

Quoted from GrimRob

Don't forget there are still a few players on big contracts who might not play much but are still eating up a large part of the wage bill that might be spent on better players.

There are only 4 player contracts that predate Jolley becoming manager...

JJ Hooper
Mitch Rose
Paul Dixon
Harry Cardwell

The fact that 3 have played fairly regularly (when not suspended) and the other was a regular at the end of last season but is injured suggests that MJ is happy with them. If he wasn’t he could have tried to move them on like Sam Kelly.

Far too early to even think about sacking anyone, at any club.  Yes we're in a bad position in the league and more worrying is the poor performances, but a season has never finished after 7 games.

I share the concerns about the constant chopping and changing of system, style and players.  I find it very difficult to argue with the Bignot comparisons if I'm honest.  Jolley, like Bignot, talks a good game and says the right things.  He talks about a style and a Grimsby way, as did Bignot.  Jolley has also built a squad that is somewhat lopsided, we don't have any width yet options galore in central areas.  That all said I think you can find enough comparisons with any two people if you look hard enough.

Hall-Johnson, Pringle, Embleton, Cardwell and Thomas are all to come back/in and potentially will change how the side looks altogether.  In Pringle and Thomas there's proven quality at a level higher than that, in attacking areas.  That can't be overlooked and how much of an impact they could make.  Cardwell was absolutely key to the turnaround last season, I think his role is often overlooked.  I think a front three of Cardwell, Cook and Thomas would cause no end of problems to teams and would also mitigate our lack of natural width.

The OP was quite rightly shot down for suggesting we should put a time-frame on Jolley's tenure.  But I don't think it's right that we can just say 'In Jolley We Trust'.  Yes he's trying to build something, yes he has to be given time to do so.  However we also have to make sure we don't get dragged into a relegation scrap either.

Quoted from Swansea_Mariner

Would a Director of Football or some other experienced mentor/consultant type appointment help?

Interesting point.

I think we do lack some experience on the management team. Jolley himself is very inexperienced and has surrounded himself with people of similar age/experience. I do feel Jolley and his team would benefit from an old head who has been there, done that etc. Of course as soon as you mention that there's one name that will crop up...

Quoted from diehardmariner

Interesting point.

I think we do lack some experience on the management team. Jolley himself is very inexperienced and has surrounded himself with people of similar age/experience. I do feel Jolley and his team would benefit from an old head who has been there, done that etc. Of course as soon as you mention that there's one name that will crop up...

Lennie Lawrence is at Newport isnt he ;)

Limbrick has more experience than Jolley, and was in charge of Woking when they beat then League 1 club Bury on their own patch in the FA Cup. I think he was in the running for the Town job at one stage. Both have impressive credentials as coaches, but obviously, league 2 footy is a different prospect. I'm really hopeful that these two young men can sort us out between them.

A quick Google says Limbrick managed Woking for 45 games over an 11 month period. That's not a great amount of experience really. Not if he's the experienced one in the set-up.

Not doubting their credentials or their talent as coaches, nor indeed how far they'll go in the game. But just like how you would want some experience in your team on the pitch, I think you need a little in the dugout too.

At the risk of being berated on here, I would support this manager entirely, even if we are in a relegation dog fight all season.

I am sick and tired of chopping and changing managers with no positive outcome. He is a learner manager and I am happy to support him whilst he us learning, even if we only stay up this season by a solitary point or goal difference.

As it happens I don't think that will happen, I think we will probably finish mid table or slightly below that. I have no expectations to finish any higher than that whilst MJ is learning his trade, but if we do I will be pleasantly surprised.

You could have the most experienced manager going and be in no different position this season, so for me I am going to support him no matter what the outcome is. I am going to enjoy watching his journey as a coach and a manager, even if the results on that journey are are painful and difficult to stomach.

I am firmly supporting the manager on his learning journey

Quoted from 120790

At the risk of being berated on here, I would support this manager entirely, even if we are in a relegation dog fight all season.

I am sick and tired of chopping and changing managers with no positive outcome. He is a learner manager and I am happy to support him whilst he us learning, even if we only stay up this season by a solitary point or goal difference.

As it happens I don't think that will happen, I think we will probably finish mid table or slightly below that. I have no expectations to finish any higher than that whilst MJ is learning his trade, but if we do I will be pleasantly surprised.

You could have the most experienced manager going and be in no different position this season, so for me I am going to support him no matter what the outcome is. I am going to enjoy watching his journey as a coach and a manager, even if the results on that journey are are painful and difficult to stomach.

I am firmly supporting the manager on his learning journey

Sure you are. And then we lose on Saturday to Oldham and you'll be on here wanting rid!

Quoted from chaos33

Sure you are. And then we lose on Saturday to Oldham and you'll be on here wanting rid!

No I won't

Quoted from diehardmariner

Not doubting their credentials or their talent as coaches, nor indeed how far they'll go in the game. But just like how you would want some experience in your team on the pitch, I think you need a little in the dugout too.

Not sure how much input he will have in this regard, but Dave Moore has bags of experience of professional football, including a couple of years as a manager.

I tend to doubt we have a 'boot room' type of scenario going on but he would certainly add a lot of experience of the game.

We've basically got three choices of types of manager

1. A "name" who has been around the blocks and sacked a few times
2. Someone starting out from outside the club
3, An "in house" appointment of a senior player or member of the coaching staff.

Almost every successful manager we've had in the last 50 years has been of the second type. A few (e.g. Bignott, Lyons) have been failures, but I think it's the best hope of getting somewhere.

Quoted from 120790

At the risk of being berated on here, I would support this manager entirely, even if we are in a relegation dog fight all season.

I am sick and tired of chopping and changing managers with no positive outcome. He is a learner manager and I am happy to support him whilst he us learning, even if we only stay up this season by a solitary point or goal difference.

As it happens I don't think that will happen, I think we will probably finish mid table or slightly below that. I have no expectations to finish any higher than that whilst MJ is learning his trade, but if we do I will be pleasantly surprised.

You could have the most experienced manager going and be in no different position this season, so for me I am going to support him no matter what the outcome is. I am going to enjoy watching his journey as a coach and a manager, even if the results on that journey are are painful and difficult to stomach.

I am firmly supporting the manager on his learning journey

Agree with this. Doesn't mean I won't have a moan from time to time. I firmly believe MJ and AL are trying too hard at the minute and making things overcomplicated for themselves..

Quoted from diehardmariner

A quick Google says Limbrick managed Woking for 45 games over an 11 month period. That's not a great amount of experience really. Not if he's the experienced one in the set-up.

Not doubting their credentials or their talent as coaches, nor indeed how far they'll go in the game. But just like how you would want some experience in your team on the pitch, I think you need a little in the dugout too.

Agreed. I didn't say he was experienced, just more experienced than Jolley at this time.

In his post match interview Jolley said he had shown how their left sided player liked to cut in and shoot with his right foot.

The players allowed him to do that and he scored 2 goals,

So they either did not understand Jolley's instructions not to allow him to do that or they were not good enough to stop him.

What ever the reason it is a big worry.

Quoted from grimsby pete

In his post match interview Jolley said he had shown how their left sided player liked to cut in and shoot with his right foot.

The players allowed him to do that and he scored 2 goals,

So they either did not understand Jolley's instructions not to allow him to do that or they were not good enough to stop him.

What ever the reason it is a big worry.

This is a point he has made several times this season. He explains what the dangers are , how they should counteract it and how he wants them to play. Then they play and don't seem to take in what he has said.

Quoted from grimsby pete

In his post match interview Jolley said he had shown how their left sided player liked to cut in and shoot with his right foot.

The players allowed him to do that and he scored 2 goals,

So they either did not understand Jolley's instructions not to allow him to do that or they were not good enough to stop him.

What ever the reason it is a big worry.

Yes he was allowed to cut inside, but if he drops his shoulder and deceives our defenders, our defensive line should be as high as those defenders so another challenge or block should come in. Have a look at our defensive line and see who has dropped ten yards deeper than everyone else. For the second one he wasn't even facing play for a few seconds. Symptomatic of our defensive play when Collins is in the side. How deep we were setting a line in our box when defending on Saturday was embarrassing at times and all because one of our defenders can't trust himself to run as fast as any opposing forward. It didn't happen with other pairings the past few games and I'm a bit worried that Jolley will stick with Collins, especially because in the background of videos at Cheapside Collins can be seen coaching with the coaches. MJ is going to have to stand up to our senior players, because three out of the four he designated to be the conduit between the players and the management team have been some of our worst performers, and if the younger players who are playing better and not getting a look in, or playing and getting ordered around by these players, underlying problems could start building up. Seen it happen so many times and it nearly always breeds contempt. Said at the end of last season he should have gone with a youthful (20-28yo) squad to instill his beliefs into a younger, quicker more physically able squad and I haven't seen anything to change my mind this season.. yet..

Quoted from rancido

This is a point he has made several times this season. He explains what the dangers are , how they should counteract it and how he wants them to play. Then they play and don't seem to take in what he has said.

Or some of our players are just not very good.

I really hope Jolley can be a success for us in the future but...........I fear if we get trounced on Saturday at home to Oldham the atmosphere could become a bit toxic after most of us are still coming to terms with the Bury capitulation.

Quoted from promotion plaice

I really hope Jolley can be a success for us in the future but...........I fear if we get trounced on Saturday at home to Oldham the atmosphere could become a bit toxic after most of us are still coming to terms with the Bury capitulation.

How impatient, it is 8 games FFS

Let us get behind the team and manager. If passes go astray encourage not berate. Give Oldham players hell, not our own.

Let us be supporters who support not fans who destroy.

If you were a player would you be more likely to respond to support and encouragement rather than derision and abuse?

Quoted from diehardmariner

Interesting point.

I think we do lack some experience on the management team. Jolley himself is very inexperienced and has surrounded himself with people of similar age/experience. I do feel Jolley and his team would benefit from an old head who has been there, done that etc. Of course as soon as you mention that there's one name that will crop up...

Golfer ?

A new manager wouldn't be able to do anything with regards to what players he could bring in until the next transfer window so whatever happens jolly has to be given until Xmas at least. If things aren't working by then a possibility he would have to go-but we are only assuming what is contract is.

There are players who he has brought in who haven't really featured yet so he has to be given the chance to bed them in to his team. That said, the manner of Saturday's capitulation was really worrying.

I know it's not an excuse but it has to be said that we've been dealt a very hard hand in our first few games. Apart from Macc all of the teams look like being among the better ones this season. I had (and still do) hoped to count ourselves among the promotion contenders. That's why a manager needs to be given at least half a season to see how his team fares amongst the better sides.

If the worst happens and we lose MJ at least we have a squad of mainly younger players on long term deals (by our standards) that someone else (Limbrick would probably would get first shout) could reap the benefits from.

I cannot believe this thread exists.

People just discussing the situation no one is saying sack him now.
But if this run continues when do you start looking at other options.
No one minds losing god where used to it.
The manner of the defeats against Bury and FGR is the worrying thing.

Quoted from marinerdazza

I cannot believe this thread exists.

So do I,

BUT

It does and you have added to it and so will I again,

Fenty is not normally quick to fire the manager so he will be given time,

Whether a 6 month rolling contract is a good thing or a bad one I am not sure at the moment,

If I was a manager I would rather have a 3 year one then at least you know until you the sack is not just a day away.( if it is at least you will get a nice pay off )

I believe Jolley will be here in 2 years time but he will have to sign a few more players that understand his thinking because a few of them now have no idea what they are suppose to do on occassions.

I cannot be bothered to look but I wonder how many of those expressing worry now were a matter of weeks ago demanding the club give the manager a three year deal.

Yes that's a very good point Barra.

We have to give MJ time. After all new players, new manager, new relationships with players to build, new tactics. Not to mention a tough start to the season (excluding FGR & Macclesfield) and some bad luck with injuries and of course some silly suspensions (although WT sending off was a joke).

It was going to be a bit inconsistent even MJ said that. They'll get there I'm sure.

Quoted from barralad

I cannot be bothered to look but I wonder how many of those expressing worry now were a matter of weeks ago demanding the club give the manager a three year deal.

Aye and I was one who was happy with the current rolling contract but also very much in the camp who doesn’t think we should be considering a managerial change.
It’s tough swimming against the tide ;)

I do believe it was always a gamble with MJ, but I still I think it's one that will pay off, as I've stated before this is now all but his team including backroom staff and everyone knows to get the players to build partnerships, settle into a set way of playing will take time and as yet MJ has admitted he hasn't had the 11 starters he wants available to him yet, once this happens then the true judgement can start...The team is evolving, unlike the board which needs dissolving!!...
Will add this, got to give MJ another transfer window but, and a big but, if with a dozen games to go to the end of the season we are staring down the barrel of non league and our play hasn't improved then and only then should his tenure be questioned

Quoted from Meza

Not to mention a tough start to the season (excluding FGR & Macclesfield)

FGR are unbeaten in 9th, to be fair to them.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

I do believe it was always a gamble with MJ, but I still I think it's one that will pay off, as I've stated before this is now all but his team including backroom staff and everyone knows to get the players to build partnerships, settle into a set way of playing will take time and as yet MJ has admitted he hasn't had the 11 starters he wants available to him yet, once this happens then the true judgement can start...The team is evolving, unlike the board which needs dissolving!!...
Will add this, got to give MJ another transfer window but, and a big but, if with a dozen games to go to the end of the season we are staring down the barrel of non league and our play hasn't improved then and only then should his tenure be questioned

All managers are a gamble, even successful ones sometimes struggle to recreate the same success when they move. He either gets results and everyone is happy, or he doesn't and gets fired.

It is nearly impossible for a manager to build for the long term, because six straight defeats and he is normally on his way. Everything has to be looked at through the prism of the first team results, and I certainly would not wait till we are "staring down the barrel of non league" before making a change.

I am sure it won't come to that; I am praying it won't come to that but Michael Jolley will know he has to get results or his dream of reinventing the club will come to an early end.

Lets hope the first good result comes on Saturday - I am looking forward to seeing Wes Thomas as I am really hoping he will make a big difference.

Quoted from arryarryarry

Or some of our players are just not very good.

……..at taking onboard instructions. Yes I agree.

I think we all want him to succeed but I’m realistic enough to expect a lower half position for his first season. But if we are in a relegation spot at the start of the new year then we need a change, Jolley is a clever man I’m sure he would know this.

Let’s be honest, football management is one of the most results-based and cut throat professions anywhere in the sporting and business world.

We find ourselves in the early stages of a season following a narrow escape from relegation (thanks to Jolley no less) looking unlikely to win a league game right now and with only three sides below us in the league. One of those, Notts County, I expect to pull away sooner rather than later leaving only Macclesfield and Morecambe who do at least look like they’re there for the long haul.

It will ultimately come down results and nothing else.

What about Jolley’s unique back story? His Cambridge education. His 9/11 experience. The fact he gave up a promising and lucrative trading career to pursue his dream of an unlikely career in football.

The fact that he seems to be a genuinely nice bloke. Intelligent. Articulate. Sincere. That he commits his own time to good local causes. To commitments outside of his basic job description. That he turns up at people’s birthday barbecues?

His youth? His apparently modern approach to coaching and the game in general. That he seems to want to play football the right way. The fact he kept us up last season, somehow, when all hope seemed lost?

I, I think like most Town fans, like and admire all of those things about Michael Jolley. But what do they mean, really?

Not a lot, most likely. Perhaps at most, that he would get an additional two or three games to turn things around should things get really sticky, than an otherwise less likeable character might be afforded.

Don’t get me wrong, we’re not there yet - not by a long shot. But if push comes to shove, and results don’t improve he’ll find himself staring down the same barrel as Marcus Bignot and Russell Slade.

I hope upon hope that never comes to fruition, because I think given time Grimsby Town and Michael Jolley could be really good for one another. But it would be naive to think that his likeable character makes him impervious to failure or the sack. A result and performance on Saturday would go a long way at the minute...

There is nothing wrong with Jolley its the players that are at fault,

BUT

They will learn and we will get better,

Aslong as we pick up some results and aren't in the bottom 3 or 4 after 15 games I'm happy to give him the season. I still believe he will start to pick up points sooner rather than later... Anyone remember kidderminster quite a few years back (can't remember exact year) I think they lost like the first 5 games and was at the bottom for the first 15 odd games then came flying up the league and just missed out on promotion.

Bet when we start wining matches this board will go quite. They do like a good moan on the Fishy.😱😱😱

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

Bet when we start wining matches this board will go quite. They do like a good moan on the Fishy.😱😱😱

Go quite what? mental or just quiet ;)

Quoted from grimsby pete

There is nothing wrong with Jolley its the players that are at fault,

,

According to Jolley

You can’t blame Jolley for Whitmore’s poor pass that gave Bury their first goal.

Quoted from Poojah

Let’s be honest, football management is one of the most results-based and cut throat professions anywhere in the sporting and business world.

We find ourselves in the early stages of a season following a narrow escape from relegation (thanks to Jolley no less) looking unlikely to win a league game right now and with only three sides below us in the league. One of those, Notts County, I expect to pull away sooner rather than later leaving only Macclesfield and Morecambe who do at least look like they’re there for the long haul.

It will ultimately come down results and nothing else.

What about Jolley’s unique back story? His Cambridge education. His 9/11 experience. The fact he gave up a promising and lucrative trading career to pursue his dream of an unlikely career in football.

The fact that he seems to be a genuinely nice bloke. Intelligent. Articulate. Sincere. That he commits his own time to good local causes. To commitments outside of his basic job description. That he turns up at people’s birthday barbecues?

His youth? His apparently modern approach to coaching and the game in general. That he seems to want to play football the right way. The fact he kept us up last season, somehow, when all hope seemed lost?

I, I think like most Town fans, like and admire all of those things about Michael Jolley. But what do they mean, really?

Not a lot, most likely. Perhaps at most, that he would get an additional two or three games to turn things around should things get really sticky, than an otherwise less likeable character might be afforded.

Don’t get me wrong, we’re not there yet - not by a long shot. But if push comes to shove, and results don’t improve he’ll find himself staring down the same barrel as Marcus Bignot and Russell Slade.

I hope upon hope that never comes to fruition, because I think given time Grimsby Town and Michael Jolley could be really good for one another. But it would be naive to think that his likeable character makes him impervious to failure or the sack. A result and performance on Saturday would go a long way at the minute...

Good post I reckon.

Quoted from oochiad

You can’t blame Jolley for Whitmore’s poor pass that gave Bury their first goal.

Yes you can. Mistakes lead to losses and losses lead back to the manager. Ultimately, the manager carries the can for poor results, whatever the reason.

If your results are poor, it's comes down to more than just individual errors. We are the classic under performing side at present. Conceding way more than we are scoring. If the manager cannot stop that, we and he will be in trouble.

Often wondered what advocates of the 'give manager about 7/8 games' think we should do in the following scenario
Results don't improve
Only 1 win after 10/12 games
MJ departs
New boss comes in and wins first two
Then loses 6 on the bounce

Do we then get rid of another?

and so on and so on....

MJ has had 30 games in his whole managerial career - he proved end of last season he has some special qualities
Surely no point in going for someone like him if we are not prepared for perhaps more downs than ups in first season

If by end of Nov we are bottom and 5/6 points off safety then of course you might have to look at it - but take FGR

I thought Cooper was nailed on to get the sack las year - they stuck with him - they reached safety - this season (sadly!) they are flying

The endless merry go round gets tedious - and 100% nailed on we will get a 'Slade' type as a new boss cos board will not go down the inexperienced route again... fingers burned and all that

MJ not had his best team on the pitch yet - I'm convinced Thomas, Pringle and Embleton will improve things in final third and results will pick up

Quoted from 140067

46

So you're saying he should go when we are relegated?

Quoted from Ipswin

So you're saying he should go when we are relegated?

We won't be relegated. I'm saying give him a season at least.

Time to resurrect this thread.....how any games are we thinking now??...
Me, personally I'd give him 6 more games, that's enough time to have all the squad bar 1 fit and at his disposal....should get at least 3-games out of the next 6 with a settled starting 11 and maybe more of a feel of exactly where we are going under Jolleys stewardship...

I think another home defeat against Morecombe and we could be bottom of the league Fenty will pull the trigger.

He won’t make the same mistake again as he did with Slade.

Jim Bentley will have Morecombe fires up for this match I cannot see MJ doing the same.

https://twitter.com/TheFishyGTFC/status/1043589106259910657?s=19

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Time to resurrect this thread.....how any games are we thinking now??...
Me, personally I'd give him 6 more games, that's enough time to have all the squad bar 1 fit and at his disposal....should get at least 3-games out of the next 6 with a settled starting 11 and maybe more of a feel of exactly where we are going under Jolleys stewardship...

Then if we get another long term injury or two?

17 which takes us to the transfer window.

People say the season end now but the worse the league table looks, the shorter their patience will become.

He couldn't survive another half dozen straight defeats but if we start picking up points, even slowly, then he'll probably see the next window.

I've said It from the off he should be given the season providing certain situations aren't occurring.. Ie we're in or around the relegation zone come Christmas. Kidderminster quite some years back had a horrible start to the season (I want to say they lost their first 10 games?) then virtually went on a unbeaten run (may have lost 1 or 2 in 36 games) until the end of the season and finished 2nd (lost in the play offs)

And who do we get-I'm sure there are loads of top class managers out there lining up to join Grimsby Town.We would be taking an even bigger gamble if he went now. But I forgot -we could always get R.S.-bags of experience

If we deservedly lose against Morecambe on Saturday then that's it for me and Jolley has to go Monday morning.

All this talk of giving him time is wearing a bit thin now.

I'll still be grateful that he kept us up last season, some would say with a bit of luck.

I hope Town are already doing their homework on a potential successor if needed just in case.

Quoted from golfer

And who do we get-I'm sure there are loads of top class managers out there lining up to join Grimsby Town.We would be taking an even bigger gamble if he went now. But I forgot -we could always get R.S.-bags of experience

RS would be no good here.... no good players to leave out the team , giving lame excuses when he just wants to ship them out the door

Hope he turns it rd but getting more and more doubtful with each passing game
Keith Curle would get the players doing 2 things they don’t seem to be doing now
Playing flat out &
100% knowing there job playing to a set system
Come on Town we are better than this current form

Quoted from promotion plaice

If we deservedly lose against Morecambe on Saturday then that's it for me and Jolley has to go Monday morning.

All this talk of giving him time is wearing a bit thin now.

I'll still be grateful that he kept us up last season, some would say with a bit of luck.

I hope Town are already doing their homework on a potential successor if needed just in case.

Name me a manager that does not need luck.

I hope Jolley get the chance to ram all these calls for him to go numpties down their throats big time.

It's a fine line. We have fans that are prepared to give him time and we have fans that want him gone because his football management' level is on par with someone who plays football manager. We have fans that are just difficult to please. It's a really hard one as for me I'm prepared to give him time but I don't want us in this position or to get relegated. There are no sentiments in football and its result driven. I want him to do really well but I also want my club to be higher up the table and not end up in a relegation fight.

On a separate note I'd love to know what age my fellow fishes are.

Quoted from Meza

It's a fine line. We have fans that are prepared to give him time and we have fans that want him gone because his football management' level is on par with someone who plays football manager. We have fans that are just difficult to please. It's a really hard one as for me I'm prepared to give him time but I don't want us in this position or to get relegated. There are no sentiments in football and its result driven. I want him to do really well but I also want my club to be higher up the table and not end up in a relegation fight.

On a separate note I'd love to know what age my fellow fishes are.

I'm 58 and still hoping the new stadium will happen in my lifetime.

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

Name me a manager that does not need luck.

I hope Jolley get the chance to ram all these calls for him to go numpties down their throats big time.

You make your own luck in life or at least put the foundations down, And there are many that want him to go. but would realy like him to succeed and take up up the league.. Problem is that he is a coach and we are paying the price for this at the moment. he does not even show that he can play players in there comfort zone or set a team up to do the basics .. Also many on here dissagree on many things . it does not mean they are numpties ..

Quoted from golfer

And who do we get-I'm sure there are loads of top class managers out there lining up to join Grimsby Town.We would be taking an even bigger gamble if he went now. But I forgot -we could always get R.S.-bags of experience

Giving any manager the job is a gamble, keeping MJ if he doesn't turn it round in the next few games is a gamble.

As for top class managers, was MJ a top class manager?

Quoted from Meza

On a separate note I'd love to know what age my fellow fishes are.

What is your age Meza ?

I am 70 and I hope to sit in our new stadium before I pop my cloggs,

He’s got to be given time . The clubs on its bottom at the moment only just avoiding relegation last year by a minor miracle . Most realistic fans would’ve thought a season in mid table would’ve been progress in reality. Once we get players like Thomas and Pringle match fit and injuries back I’m fairly sure results and performances will improve. MJ and Limbrick seem to come across as forward thinking people who are trying to find their best team . Once they have a full squad to choose from I hope they’ll be able to pick on a settled team and formation . They will also need a couple more transfer windows without a doubt to improve the squad . As long as we’re not in the bottom 2 at Christmas and getting cut adrift no need to panic yet .

I’ve not lost faith yet, nor am I likely to in the near future but I do believe he needs to analyse his group of players better and find a system and playing style that suits more of them than not. Pick the best players in their best positions and I’m sure we’ll look more competitive because the players will know what they’re doing.

Quoted from promotion plaice

I'm 58 and still hoping the new stadium will happen in my lifetime.

I'm 44 and I too hope for a new stadium

I’m 66 and hoping for a new stadium in my lifetime.

Quoted from Meza

It's a fine line. We have fans that are prepared to give him time and we have fans that want him gone because his football management' level is on par with someone who plays football manager. We have fans that are just difficult to please. It's a really hard one as for me I'm prepared to give him time but I don't want us in this position or to get relegated. There are no sentiments in football and its result driven. I want him to do really well but I also want my club to be higher up the table and not end up in a relegation fight.

[b]On a separate note I'd love to know what age my fellow fishes are.

[/b

I'm 70 and have followed town since 1966. I've seen good times and bad ( some of the stuff in the late 60's was dire ). I pray for the good times to return but am also very philosophical about how professional football has changed so much since I first started watching town and how it has impacted on GTFC and most teams in the lower divisions.