Dean Wilkins

[Napper]

What does this even mean? Didn't we have some of our best performances of the season against the supposedly best teams in the division (Donny at home, Forest away etc.)? Or are you referring to off the field nonsense?

As for it being a weak division, it's probably true that it has got harder in the 2 years since, but to finish 7th with the squad we had was a great achievement and this is borne out by the results since then. I just can't understand anyone who can't see this!

I'm mainly thinking of the diamond at home when it was obvious it was not working. We dropped a lot of points around that time and he needed to be stronger IMO

7th is good yes but if you look at the season as a whole it was a late rally that got us there, we were also a lot of points off 6th.
7th is what history says and being dog minded this can be quoted to win an arguement but it's the season as a whole that needs to be looked at.

 

[BigGully]

I agree, I'm not sniping, just don't think he was the second coming of Jesus Christ and there were no footballing grounds to sack him.. .

But no one said he was the second coming of Jesus Christ, but many reflect, some with hindsight some with not, that he had showed by guiding the club to 7th with a limited budget and a squad full of local talent a managerial record that deserved support.

I think Wilkins role within the club went much further then first team results, it effected every aspect of the playing parts of BHAFC, from the development of under 9's through to under 16's, scholars and young pro's and reserves.

He demanded a level of professionalism that DK and hence the club maybe were not ready for, including some senior players that should of known better than to air personal grievances outside of the club especially on here, after all we all know that if you aint playing you don't like the Gaffer, big deal.

Poyet appointment is exciting and suggests financial support probably not afforded to previous managers and therefore the likelyhood of success beckons and we are all excited.

But ...... will Poyet really care about things outside of the first team as Wilkins undoubtedly did, after all he knows that his tenure is likely to be a couple of years at most, if successful he will move on and if he is a failure he will too.

So of course we will cheer him.

 

[Soul Finger]

Good to see the vast majority of the comments have been positive.

Essentially, DW was an Albion man; someone who loved the club, and everything connected with it.

In an age when people come and go within in the game and basically don't really have any attachment to their employers, Deano was refreshingly loyal and, perhaps, a bit too honest.

The fact that he brought through a great crop of kids - for which he is rightly proud - cements his place in my affection.

Obviously, it's a results game and we all want the best for the Albion but, for me, it's not just about the final score at 4.50 on Saturday - it's much bigger than that. It's about the passion and pride of supporting your local team; about being part of a massive group of people who pull in the same direction; about civic pride; about community.

DW was one of us, he understands why we care about this club. He wasn't motivated by enhancing his CV, or earning more money, he wanted the best for our club.

I will be showing my respect on Sunday for someone who was, until very recently, an integral part of the club for pretty much my whole Albion-supporting life.

 

[London Calling]

Good to see the vast majority of the comments have been positive.

Essentially, DW was an Albion man; someone who loved the club, and everything connected with it.

In an age when people come and go within in the game and basically don't really have any attachment to their employers, Deano was refreshingly loyal and, perhaps, a bit too honest.

The fact that he brought through a great crop of kids - for which he is rightly proud - cements his place in my affection.

Obviously, it's a results game and we all want the best for the Albion but, for me, it's not just about the final score at 4.50 on Saturday - it's much bigger than that. It's about the passion and pride of supporting your local team; about being part of a massive group of people who pull in the same direction; about civic pride; about community.

DW was one of us, he understands why we care about this club. He wasn't motivated by enhancing his CV, or earning more money, he wanted the best for our club.

I will be showing my respect on Sunday for someone who was, until very recently, an integral part of the club for pretty much my whole Albion-supporting life.

Amen and a good summary

 

[Sheebo]

Ami missing something?

Give that money grabbing fucker Hammond as much abuse as poss - Colchester = SHIT money grabbing move...