What's In A Name ?

There's been so much doom and gloom recently that for my own sanity, I needed to find a bit of light relief and I think I may have come up with something.

Writing my previous article on the appointment of our new reserve team coach, and don't get me wrong I really do wish him all the best, it suddenly dawned on me that many of City's recent appointments to the back-room staff have an inanimate object theme.

On the way out we have Tim Flowers and Frankie Bunn, who have been replaced by Eric Steele and Kenny Jackett respectively.

I guess a precedent had been set by the first team whose "inanimate" managers include Tony Book and Alan Ball. In fact City's first ever manager was called Lawrence Furniss ( a bit tenuous I know !).

I'm wondering now whether having the same name as everyday objects is a pre-requisite for the job and what possibilities that opens up for future appointments? No doubt I'll get a few decent suggestions.

I'm sure I've missed a few, but I've saved the best for last, as I don't think Arthur Cox will ever be surpassed ;-)

A Gift of Flowers to Pearce

Alas, farewell to Tim Flowers who has joined Coventry City as assistant manager, the club he supported as a lad, and from one sky blue to another, we wish him well.

It's very clear that Stuart Pearce rates Flowers highly, saying that in his opinion, he is the best goalkeeping coach in the country and was desperately disappointed to let him go.

However, with every set-back, comes an opportunity and Flowers departure could prove to be very fortunate, as it gives Pearce the opportunity to shake up his backroom if he so wishes. The club have said they are in no particular rush to appoint a quick, permanent replacement, so he would be well advised to take a step back and consider the wider picture.

I've felt for quite a while now (since the KK days) that City's backroom could really do with a major overhaul as despite changes in managers, we have by and large, been inflicted with the most dire and uninspiring football and it is no wonder that crowds are significantly down.

Even for the bluest of Blues, watching City is hard work with very little to commend it in terms of excitement and entertainment. Yes, I know we're in the FA Cup Quarter Final and Ball and Ireland's goals were spectacular, but these are exceptions and we shouldn't kid ourselves about the standard of football City usually serve up.

I've nothing personally against the current backroom, but we're crying out for a bit of flair and creativity to replace the ultra defensive and excitement stifling performances that City grind out week after week.

There's been a lot of debate about formations.... the whole 3-5-2 v 4-4-2 thing has been argued about in nearly very pub, club and online forum. Personally, I think too much is made of formations. The main problem is the seemingly underlying negative football culture that focuses too much on not losing as opposed to actually going out to attack and win a game.

It wouldn't be so bad if we played cautiously and didn't lose, but that doesn't happen. That's why I believe now is the time to bring in some fresh and positive ideas and produce a more entertaining brand of football. If it's fun and exciting the fans will come back.

Let's hope Pyscho has the courage to take a step back and use the loss of Flowers to his advantage and grasp this opportunity to transform the Club's culture and fortunes - he may not get a better one.


Footnote: Tim Flowers gain was another City old boy's loss, as Coventry parted company with Andy Dibble as goalkeeping coach, having only relatively recently taken up the position. I enjoy my chats with Andy at our local junior soccer club and hope he finds another position quickly; he's a top man !