Seems it is not just Steve McLaren who is being held responsible for Wednesday's debacle. Even the government is warning the FA that they need to bring about some fundamental reforms - or else!
This blogger thinks the FA themselves should be sacked. There certainly seems to be considerable evidence that significant change is necessary. As long ago as 2005, a review undertaken by Lord Burns identified a number of major concerns including:
When you look at the makeup of the Board you can see what he means.
It's always a strange situation when you have a group of people who are the "accountable body". Who are they accountable to? And what power do those they are accountable to have to change anything?
I guess ultimately the FA are accountable to the fans and the commercial investors, which includes the government of course.
There is a real problem though I think when you have organisations who are responsible for recruiting themselves and for assessing their own performance. It is well known for example that so often people and groups recruit in their own image. It is why women and minority groups find it so difficult to reach the top.
Which begs the question, why are there no women on the FA Board? There is a growing women's football movement. You do not necessarily have to have a history within the football world (Brian Barwick the Chair being a case in point) to make a contribution. And maybe just maybe you would get some different perspectives and skills.
Ultimately of course it is about having the right people for the right job and I am not necessarily in favour of quotas or tokenism. But you do have to ask yourself if it is time for a very different approach. Nothing changes if nothing changes.
How different these men in suits seem to our new manager. I heard him interviewed on Talk Sport last night. My impressions were;
- genuine
- passionate
- thoughtful
- open
- kind
- modest
- in-touch
- ambitious
- dedicated
- ordinary (in the nicest sense)
- not simply 'a man in a suit'
What touched me most was when he was talking about the team and the state he has found them in. Not judging, not using it as an opportunity to promote himself, but a genuine sense of concern that here were a bunch of young men who had had a difficult time over recent months, experienced instability and change and who just need a combination of TLC and firm guidance and leadership.
As you have guessed I am impressed so far. Ultimately of course it will be the results that count but I'm prepared to invest my belief in him.
Especially after today's 0 2 win against Bristol City.
Olly Olly Olly - Oi Oi Oi!!!!
I think this post is completely on the money. As you say, something has to change.
ReplyDeleteThe chances of anything radical happening at the FA is highly questionable however. Men is suits are always difficult to shift. Never more so...in my view.
Women, and other interested groups, unfortunately, will have to shoulder these wankers aside. I didn´t see any black or asian people in that line up either.....did you ?
My friend A read your post and said to me by text "I thought he was a pain at QPR but he might now be on the right stage"
I know nothing......can you please fill me in on the "QPR" years ?
JVIP