Weststander
Well-known member
The stages of grief.I thought Potter did a great job whilst he was here and was disappointed when he left.
I felt no great animosity toward him (I don't believe that many would be able to turn down the kind of money on offer and the chance to land a 'big 6' job, which is what most (all?) up-and-coming managers are trying to achieve), though I have been enjoying watching his 'bumpy' ride at Chelsea
I think it's a bit weird how so many posters have gone from being gutted at the prospect of losing Potter (when Chelsea made the approach) because of the football we were playing (finally scoring the goals our play merited), to retrospectively trashing his whole time and achievements with us. Apparently, the good bits of form were down to the players/recruitment/luck. but the bad patches were Potter's fault as he's a fraud? I assume this applies to RdZ too, so maybe it doesn't matter who the manager is?
Despite all of that, I would not have him back at this point in time (or any time soon, but never say never).
I think he'd struggle to have the moral authority to deal with wantaway/sought-after players (an increasingly big part of the job it would seem); as well as being at an immediate disadvantage with the majority of fans unhappy at his return.
I'd also see it as a big step backward in entertainment value. For me, RdZ's team is so much better to watch. He has definitely benefitted from taking on a defensively solid, tactically flexible and well-coached squad, but they look quicker through the lines when there's a gap spotted or created.
If RdZ is still with us, next season will be far enough away from Potter's influence to see if RdZ is the real deal, or if (to a certain extent) he has just benefitted from Potter's strong foundations, with added Italian flair and BALLS (big balls). FWIW, I think he is the real deal.
Back in the real world, the only two people whose opinions really count are Bloom and Barber's. They saw 1st hand how Potter handled the situation when he left and they also will know what other targets are realistic if RdZ left. If they decide Potter can return, I'd back him again, but I can't see that happening.