The Parker Conundrum

[Jimsbeerbelly]

Wasn't a fan at first, still aren't, however, can't ignore the fact, that he's lifted morals, put smiles back on faces, and has players playing for the Club.

Still a few games to go yet, and who's to say that he shouldn't get his chance, he could be the next Eddie Howe, he could also be the next Kit Symons.

For me, his appointment would be 'high risk', and, I take on board that any appointment is high risk, but I just feel the Fulham job is a little to soon for Scotty Parker.

If, and I say an experienced coach comes along, and I'm talking hypothetically here, that Benitez wanted to drop a division to manage Fulham, this type of opportunity shouldn't be overlooked.

I understand that people think that we'll keep the majority of the team under Parker, however, when it all comes to ahead, and wages are reduced, I think a few will jump ship, and we'll have an inexperienced chap trying to piece it all together.

I'm hoping that the owners are looking at this, and this time around, make a business decision from the head, rather than the heart, otherwise, not only will they kill our chances of returning quickly, they will most likely kill a potential good, English coach in Parker.

Club has 2 options I my eyes, they appoint the best, based on their ambitions, trying to keep Parker, Grey, and the others as part of that coaching team, although the new guy would want to have this.

Or, they give Parker the gig, however, the owners buck their ideas up, and back him like no other coach has been backed before, with experienced staff, maybe someone up top, like a Pardew figure, quality transfers, and some say in how we run things.

Personally, I don't think Tony is that flexible, and I reckon we'll end up with another coach from somewhere, at the start of next season.

[The Rational Fan]

Scott Parker is still too inexperienced to be permanent manager. If we want to continue him as caretaker indefinitely fine.

[I Ronic]

It's not just the managers role you have to take into consideration. It's the coaches who work under a particular manager. Alistair Harris has been with the club a few years. Stuart Grey has come back. Three of Ranieri's coaches and one of Slavisa's are still working with Scott and Matt Wells has joined from Spurs. Bringing in someone else will probably lead to more upheaval. If the team puts in good performances in the last three games I'd leave Scott to get on with it. We (along with other clubs) brought in managers with all kinds of experience and it wasnt worked out.

If I had a vote it would be for SP!

[..FOF..]

It's not just the managers role you have to take into consideration. It's the coaches who work under a particular manager. Alistair Harris has been with the club a few years. Stuart Grey has come back. Three of Ranieri's coaches and one of Slavisa's are still working with Scott and Matt Wells has joined from Spurs. Bringing in someone else will probably lead to more upheaval. If the team puts in good performances in the last three games I'd leave Scott to get on with it. We (along with other clubs) brought in managers with all kinds of experience and it wasnt worked out.

If I had a vote it would be for SP!

I agree, it seems the Khan is at least improving the backroom staff.

Parker need not be the best now, he only need to be able to work with the best.

[Moltobueno]

Wasn't a fan of him at first either, changed my mind by now. If he gets manager role for the next season, I'm backing it 100%.

Some mention here we need an experienced manager rather than Parker?
Someone who has won PL few years ago with a surprise team?
Has experiences coaching a top6 team and a middle table team?
Is Italian?
Allows players a Big Mac for a reward?

What can go wrong?

[Nick Bateman]

Parker has one major reason for being kept on in charge - he knows the players!!  Another Raneiri or Tinkerman could require half a season before he knows his best squad.

[snarks]

Well as the favourites are Clarke or Lennon, I would much prefer SP, mind you I thought there were definite improvements against Chelsea and Liverpool, of SP's games in charge the worst was Man City and that's not a shock.

[Woolly Mammoth]

Why would we want Clarke or Lennon, when we have Parker.

[aaronmcguigan]

If it is Parker, then give him the best backroom team we can find
. None of this bits of Ranieris team, some of Slavs men just to fill position.
We need a full experienced backroom team who work well together , complimenting each other and getting the best out of each other, whether that means poaching coaches from other teams then so be it.

Parker's lack of experience needs to be backed up with a lot of people he can rely on if he gets the job. I think Kit was given the job and was left out to dry in my opinion .

The managers job is only one position and i think the management team is vital to get right regardless of who is number 1.

[RaySmith]

Clarke and Lennon are the unknown - or what we do know about them isn't too inspiring, whereas Parker is in place, knows the club, and , most importantly, is doing a very good job with players who have  abjectly failed up to now this season.

Ok, so we did this before with Symons - but he actually steadied the ship after Magath, though  we obviously would expect more from Scott, with the potential squad he will have.

[The Old Count]

Why would we want Clarke or Lennon, when we have Parker.

Exactly. 

[Yamus]

I can't remember the last time we were better in the second half,at least he seems to be able to read the game

[The Old Count]

Clarke and Lennon are the unknown - or what we do know about them isn't too inspiring, whereas Parker is in place, knows the club, and , most importantly, is doing a very good job with players who have  abjectly failed up to now this season.

Ok, so we did this before with Symons - but he actually steadied the ship after Magath, though  we obviously would expect more from Scott, with the potential squad he will have.

This is spot on right.  The more I see of how the players are reacting and the more I hear from SP the more I think he is the best choice for manager.

[WindyCity]

Wasn't a fan at first, still aren't, however, can't ignore the fact, that he's lifted morals, put smiles back on faces, and has players playing for the Club.

I wouldn't put a whole lot of 'optimism' in the clubs recent wins and the inference that it is a result of our new coach.  The remaining games are really no more than exhibition matches, with no pressure or importance attached.  Don't mean to be a downer about these wins, would rather see wins than not, but that is the reality.  Ownership will be charged with finding the best possible coach to bring the club back up to the PL in the shortest time possible AND improving the clubs' back line Defense!  I don't care what league FFC is in, if this defense is not improved, they will see bottom of table results and another possible drop.

[grandad]

I would give the job permanently to Parker provided we get a real D of F. Move TK to the business side of the club with no input into transfers.

[Arthur]

I don't care what league FFC is in, if this defense is not improved, they will see bottom of table results and another possible drop.

We only need a right back, in my opinion, to have a decent Championship defence. I think that Bettinelli, Mawson, Ream and Bryan will do well, and Le Marchand and Odoi offer versatile cover. If we add more cover - fine. If we can add an even better centre-back to that group - great. But if our players are fit, I would say we're no more than one good full-back shy of not having any worries about being defensively vulnerable.

[WindyCity]

I don't care what league FFC is in, if this defense is not improved, they will see bottom of table results and another possible drop.

We only need a right back, in my opinion, to have a decent Championship defence. I think that Bettinelli, Mawson, Ream and Bryan will do well, and Le Marchand and Odoi offer versatile cover. If we add more cover - fine. If we can add an even better centre-back to that group - great. But if our players are fit, I would say we're no more than one good full-back shy of not having any worries about being defensively vulnerable.

Well, I would think FFC needs more than just 'one' more strong backliner.  Maybe 2, or even more for cover.  Taking a look at a goalkeeper upgrade should also be on the table. 

[Mitch]

Part of the problem of making a coach with ambition to manage an interim is that they will look to do their best for themselves, which perversely may not always be the best for the club. That sounds strange, but I'm sure you follow my thinking at least - we're relegated so wins are fun and good for morale now, but 1. haven't done much for next season, in that we're playing players who won't be here and 2. where we've won, could almost force the owners arm when it comes to appointing the interim to a full-time role. That said, if Scott can get us winning consistently, then maybe he is a worthwhile bet as a manager compared to anyone else - particularly if it's from the same old merry-go-around.

[WindyCity]

Part of the problem of making a coach with ambition to manage an interim is that they will look to do their best for themselves, which perversely may not always be the best for the club. That sounds strange, but I'm sure you follow my thinking at least - we're relegated so wins are fun and good for morale now, but 1. haven't done much for next season, in that we're playing players who won't be here and 2. where we've won, could almost force the owners arm when it comes to appointing the interim to a full-time role. That said, if Scott can get us winning consistently, then maybe he is a worthwhile bet as a manager compared to anyone else - particularly if it's from the same old merry-go-around.

Not only that, but once we were officially relegated, they should have perhaps brought up some of the younger players to get their feet wet and understand what the 'speed' of the PL game looks like.  Sess has a kid brother who by all accounts should be a good player, why not at least let him play here at the end of season, along with some of his younger team mates.  I know we'll be in the Champ next year, but sure wouldn't hurt to have some players get a taste of PL speed.

[AnOldBrownie]

Part of the problem of making a coach with ambition to manage an interim is that they will look to do their best for themselves, which perversely may not always be the best for the club. That sounds strange, but I'm sure you follow my thinking at least - we're relegated so wins are fun and good for morale now, but 1. haven't done much for next season, in that we're playing players who won't be here and 2. where we've won, could almost force the owners arm when it comes to appointing the interim to a full-time role. That said, if Scott can get us winning consistently, then maybe he is a worthwhile bet as a manager compared to anyone else - particularly if it's from the same old merry-go-around.

Which players are you referring to that won't be here next year that should be replaced by youth?

Babel and Chambers?   I think both will be replaced with loan players next season.