I can't find anything on the FFC site about the fact that Gray had taken over the role as team coach.
I got this information from the message board.
Nope some say he tool training yesterday others say he didn't. Some say he's going to be head coach others think there will be someone above him. The truth is no one knows
Club is so scarred by the last few weeks they are afraid to say anything.
Would it have been so hard to have released a memo saying something like.
"Mr Gray has been asked to take control of the first team while the search for a permanent replacement goes on".
We all know he's there taking the session, would it be so embarrassing to communicate with the outside world?
And while we are at it explain why Mr Curbishley has not been asked to provide a little input to the situation ?
I assume he's still there and on the pay role?
If he's just handing out the bibs and arranging the cones then its time he was shown the door!
Just announced
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/08/head-coach-update (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/08/head-coach-update)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/08/head-coach-update (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/08/head-coach-update)
Not what I was hoping for Christmas. But let's give him a chance.
Got it on my mobile couple of minutes ago,
Quote from: win-dup on December 08, 2015, 12:07:58 PM
Not what I was hoping for Christmas. But let's give him a chance.
. . .but only as Senior Coach
Chief Football Officer Mike Rigg spoke to fulhamfc.com regarding the search for a permanent replacement to lead the First Team.
"The search for a permanent Head Coach goes on, but it is important to ensure we focus fully on getting results back on track while this process continues," he said.
"With that, I'd like to welcome Stuart Gray, who has joined the Club as Senior Coach and has already begun working with the First Team to prepare for Saturday's home match against Brentford.
"Alongside Stuart will be Steve Wigley, who has assisted Stuart in training and will continue in that capacity while joining him in the dugout on match days.
"Stuart has a proven track record in both coaching and management with caretaker spells at Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to joining Sheffield Wednesday as Head Coach. He also had a full season in charge at Sheffield and secured their highest finish for six years, along with a record number of clean sheets. We all know that we have suffered from defensive frailties all season and Stuart will be focusing on that straight away. He has first-hand knowledge of the Championship and knows how to get the very best out of a group of players, so his work with the First Team will be pivotal as the search continues.
"Peter Grant will return to his permanent position of U21s Coach where his management of that group is exceptionally important in the long term development of our younger players and I would like to thank him for his excellent professionalism and commitment dealing with First Team matters over the last few weeks.
"We have built some solid foundations at the football Club and ensuring we get the right person in for long term success on the pitch is vital to achieve our targets. This is a scrupulous process to ensure that the person we hire full-time understands the Club's aims and philosophy and can deliver for us, immediately and for the long term. While there has been much speculation linking us with many names, we have not and will not discuss the ongoing process, nor will we appoint someone unless they are 100% committed to the Club and to its future.
"Of course I can understand frustrations, not least when results do not go our way, but we are working hard to make sure we get the right appointment as soon as possible. In the interim Stuart has proven coaching expertise and will enable us to stabilise the First Team and when a Head Coach appointment is made, he will still have a key role within the football Club's coaching system.
"The most important thing now is that we focus fully on the pitch to prepare for Brentford and the busy Christmas period ahead, and get back to winning football matches and improving our position in the table. We have every expectation to do so."
Chief Football Officer Mike Rigg spoke to fulhamfc.com regarding the search for a permanent replacement to lead the First Team.
"The search for a permanent Head Coach goes on, but it is important to ensure we focus fully on getting results back on track while this process continues," he said.
"With that, I'd like to welcome Stuart Gray, who has joined the Club as Senior Coach and has already begun working with the First Team to prepare for Saturday's home match against Brentford.
"Alongside Stuart will be Steve Wigley, who has assisted Stuart in training and will continue in that capacity while joining him in the dugout on match days.
"Stuart has a proven track record in both coaching and management with caretaker spells at Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to joining Sheffield Wednesday as Head Coach. He also had a full season in charge at Sheffield and secured their highest finish for six years, along with a record number of clean sheets. We all know that we have suffered from defensive frailties all season and Stuart will be focusing on that straight away. He has first-hand knowledge of the Championship and knows how to get the very best out of a group of players, so his work with the First Team will be pivotal as the search continues.
"Peter Grant will return to his permanent position of U21s Coach where his management of that group is exceptionally important in the long term development of our younger players and I would like to thank him for his excellent professionalism and commitment dealing with First Team matters over the last few weeks.
"We have built some solid foundations at the football Club and ensuring we get the right person in for long term success on the pitch is vital to achieve our targets. This is a scrupulous process to ensure that the person we hire full-time understands the Club's aims and philosophy and can deliver for us, immediately and for the long term. While there has been much speculation linking us with many names, we have not and will not discuss the ongoing process, nor will we appoint someone unless they are 100% committed to the Club and to its future.
"Of course I can understand frustrations, not least when results do not go our way, but we are working hard to make sure we get the right appointment as soon as possible. In the interim Stuart has proven coaching expertise and will enable us to stabilise the First Team and when a Head Coach appointment is made, he will still have a key role within the football Club's coaching system.
"The most important thing now is that we focus fully on the pitch to prepare for Brentford and the busy Christmas period ahead, and get back to winning football matches and improving our position in the table. We have every expectation to do so."
he's been appointed as a member of the coaching staff, not as head coach, which, is actually quite a good idea
Quote from: Chutney on December 08, 2015, 12:13:10 PM
he's been appointed as a member of the coaching staff, not as head coach, which, is actually quite a good idea
Absolutely - supposedly a decent defending coach. Just hope that with all these influences it doesn't make us even worse. Rigg, Curbishley, Gray plus 1...seems a few people who would expect to be top or thereabouts.
Welcome Stuart -I'm sure you will be important in getting Fulham on track to climb the table, along with the rest of the coaching staff.
Now I wasn't a massive Kit (the manager) fan but if Rigg had identified that we need a senior / defensive coach why not hire one to work under Kit and help him out?
It may have been what Kit needed to push on to the top 6?! Unless he rejected the idea of course.
Quote from: leonffc on December 08, 2015, 01:04:13 PM
Now I wasn't a massive Kit (the manager) fan but if Rigg had identified that we need a senior / defensive coach why not hire one to work under Kit and help him out?
It may have been what Kit needed to push on to the top 6?! Unless he rejected the idea of course.
Because Kit was a tactically useless and inept manager, going no where.
Gray and Wigley were at Southampton at the same time, so they know and trust each other. The thing is both are good coaches, and if they work well together (which they should do) then that's positive. The fact that it's not an internal promotion as far as Gray is concerned means he has more authority than Grant who never wanted the job.
Quote from: snarks on December 08, 2015, 01:07:01 PM
Gray and Wigley were at Southampton at the same time, so they know and trust each other. The thing is both are good coaches, and if they work well together (which they should do) then that's positive. The fact that it's not an internal promotion as far as Gray is concerned means he has more authority than Grant who never wanted the job.
It also allows Grant to go back to coaching the u21's where he was doing some very good work by all accounts
Quote from: snarks on December 08, 2015, 01:07:01 PM
Gray and Wigley were at Southampton at the same time, so they know and trust each other. The thing is both are good coaches, and if they work well together (which they should do) then that's positive. The fact that it's not an internal promotion as far as Gray is concerned means he has more authority than Grant who never wanted the job.
Who was the Saints manager at the time, maybe he will be the New Head Coach :o/ Saints are however a good model to use.
Quote from: Northern Cottager on December 08, 2015, 12:56:47 PM
Quote from: Chutney on December 08, 2015, 12:13:10 PM
he's been appointed as a member of the coaching staff, not as head coach, which, is actually quite a good idea
Absolutely - supposedly a decent defending coach. Just hope that with all these influences it doesn't make us even worse. Rigg, Curbishley, Gray plus 1...seems a few people who would expect to be top or thereabouts.
Veysey suggested Curbishley won't be around for much longer - and Veysey was pretty close to spot on about Grey coming in as a coach with someone to be appointed above him (albeit without nailing the official title of 'Senior Coach').
Quote from: J.Perkins on December 08, 2015, 01:06:11 PM
Quote from: leonffc on December 08, 2015, 01:04:13 PM
Now I wasn't a massive Kit (the manager) fan but if Rigg had identified that we need a senior / defensive coach why not hire one to work under Kit and help him out?
It may have been what Kit needed to push on to the top 6?! Unless he rejected the idea of course.
Because Kit was a tactically useless and inept manager, going no where.
Harsh, and not particlarly fair, he was so tactically inept, he had the highest win percentage of fulham managers for several years, and before anyone talks about levels you can only do what your up aainst. Also he left the club as the highest scorers in the division.
Yes defence was a problem, an at that he had a blindspot, (bit like Keegan) but not tactically uselss IMHO
This could be the cart before the horse. Just say, Fulham get the opportunity to hire the right man for the job, whoever it is. He wants the job but only if he brings in his own coaching team. The merry go round goes around again. Not negative, just saying. Some good things said about him but he has not stayed anywhere for very long. I like the fact it is stated he stopped Wednesday shipping goals. If he does that, we will be ok because imho we have 2 of the best strikers in the league who can do the business at the other end. Onwards and upwards.
Point about appointing a defensive coach to supplement Kits clearly very successful team when attacking is very well made.
Could have been done over the summer when we knew we had issues then..
Quote from: FulhamStu on December 08, 2015, 01:09:32 PM
Quote from: snarks on December 08, 2015, 01:07:01 PM
Gray and Wigley were at Southampton at the same time, so they know and trust each other. The thing is both are good coaches, and if they work well together (which they should do) then that's positive. The fact that it's not an internal promotion as far as Gray is concerned means he has more authority than Grant who never wanted the job.
Who was the Saints manager at the time, maybe he will be the New Head Coach :o/ Saints are however a good model to use.
Dave Jones, then Glen Hoddle. Gray also worked under both of them at Wolves too.
Quote from: leonffc on December 08, 2015, 01:04:13 PM
Now I wasn't a massive Kit (the manager) fan but if Rigg had identified that we need a senior / defensive coach why not hire one to work under Kit and help him out?
It may have been what Kit needed to push on to the top 6?! Unless he rejected the idea of course.
After Kit kept us up, there was no firing him. Khan had someone worth giving a shot and the decision had the backing of the 5 man committee as well as a large portion of the supporter base. Rigg could not have come in and fired him straight away. And, I don't believe for a second that Rigg ever wanted Kit in the manager position. I believe Rigg sat back and let Kit use up the rope he'd been given and waited for him to hang himself with it. When Kit failed to meet his target,.....
Now Rigg's going about setting up Southampton 2, apparently.
My thoughts on it anyway.
I think that if Gray had been made head coach we would have rightfully been pissed off. Surely the fact that he's been brought in to sort out our dogsh1t defence while we look for a proper head coach can only be a good thing?
Its just a shame that another season has been written off but Rome wasnt built in a day!
I'm going to take a positive view on this, that Gray is viewed to be more experienced in the short term than Grant (which he clearly is) in order to sort out some of the issues which we are suffering at present, but not considered good and/or proven enough to get the job full-time and that we are seeking someone of a higher calibre and standing because of our committed long term aspirations.
Well, it is nearly Christmas and I can dream can't I.
Quote from: rusty shackleford on December 08, 2015, 02:12:48 PM
I think that if Gray had been made head coach we would have rightfully been pissed off. Surely the fact that he's been brought in to sort out our dogsh1t defence while we look for a proper head coach can only be a good thing?
Its just a shame that another season has been written off but Rome wasnt built in a day!
Along that line, we were only ever told that Top 6 was the target. We weren't promised Top 6 though many behave as if we were. Like you say, we are building toward that end and with Kit gone that building process will speed up.
About the above statements, I've been as angry and impatient as much as many others have. So, not saying anything from atop a high horse.
I believe that Fulham still have communication problems and that if they'd choose their opportunities to communicate a bit better and not be so tightlipped with information regarding their ideas and process, there'd be much less angst amongst the supporters. The angst certainly wouldn't disappear. We are an impatient bunch,.....rightfully so in many ways.
Whats Curbs doing in the mean time. Being paid for seemingly doing not a lot. I wouldn't mind some of that
welcome stuart to Fulham football club.
think if he can sort out the defensive frailties he will be worth his weight in gold.
Quote from: SG on December 08, 2015, 02:29:38 PM
Whats Curbs doing in the mean time. Being paid for seemingly doing not a lot. I wouldn't mind some of that
He's surely got to go.
He was Kit's advisor, and now Kit's gone what's the point?
He said he wanted the job early days, then he didn't even take control of the team in temporary charge.
That to me, shows he's only in it for the money.
If he cared he would have offered his experience to the team while we continued our search.
Later on Curbs.
How does it take 4 weeks to get it so completely wrong?
Quote from: hovewhite on December 08, 2015, 02:37:40 PM
welcome stuart to Fulham football club.
think if he can sort out the defensive frailties he will be worth his weight in gold.
:plus one:
Quote from: snarks on December 08, 2015, 01:10:30 PM
Quote from: J.Perkins on December 08, 2015, 01:06:11 PM
Quote from: leonffc on December 08, 2015, 01:04:13 PM
Now I wasn't a massive Kit (the manager) fan but if Rigg had identified that we need a senior / defensive coach why not hire one to work under Kit and help him out?
It may have been what Kit needed to push on to the top 6?! Unless he rejected the idea of course.
Because Kit was a tactically useless and inept manager, going no where.
Harsh, and not particlarly fair, he was so tactically inept, he had the highest win percentage of fulham managers for several years, and before anyone talks about levels you can only do what your up aainst. Also he left the club as the highest scorers in the division.
Yes defence was a problem, an at that he had a blindspot, (bit like Keegan) but not tactically uselss IMHO
well said
Quote from: andy on December 08, 2015, 04:29:47 PM
How does it take 4 weeks to get it so completely wrong?
Well, I can't see how hiring a guy with a nouce for defensive coaching is a bad thing.
Kits Achilles heel was the coaching staff. Under 21 coaching for the first team did not work and he didn't fix it.
Quote from: BestOfBrede on December 08, 2015, 05:58:20 PM
Quote from: hovewhite on December 08, 2015, 02:37:40 PM
welcome stuart to Fulham football club.
think if he can sort out the defensive frailties he will be worth his weight in gold.
:plus one:
Welcome Mr Gray. Hope you enjoy being part of Fulham and wish you every success.
Welcome to Fulham Mr Gray. You were not the person that I wanted to take us forward, but I have read how well you got Sheffield Wednesday playing I have now changed my mind about you.
If you can sort out our very poor defence (maybe the worst defence in the Championship).
We have conceded so many goals by simply nor marking the scorers. Turn our defence around and you can have a long contract with Fulham. Good luck.
Quote from: Bronaldinho on December 08, 2015, 04:21:14 PM
Quote from: SG on December 08, 2015, 02:29:38 PM
Whats Curbs doing in the mean time. Being paid for seemingly doing not a lot. I wouldn't mind some of that
He's surely got to go.
He was Kit's advisor, and now Kit's gone what's the point?
He said he wanted the job early days, then he didn't even take control of the team in temporary charge.
That to me, shows he's only in it for the money.
If he cared he would have offered his experience to the team while we continued our search.
Later on Curbs.
The alternative scenario, and not an unlikely one, is that he did express an interest in the position and he was turned down.
