From Derby to Stoke: My Bold Move and the Real Reasons Behind It

01/11/2024 Raymond 0

Having managed both Stoke City and Derby County, I’m no stranger to either club. I’ve discussed my move from Derby’s Pride Park to Stoke’s Bet365 Stadium before, but sometimes you need to reevaluate where you stand professionally and make the best decision for your career. At Derby, we narrowly missed out on the playoffs, and I was incredibly eager to build on that success. I understood the need to reduce the squad’s age, improve athleticism, and probably lower the budget. I was ready to take on these challenges, but in some key discussions, it felt like we weren’t fully aligned on a forward-thinking plan.

Ultimately, it was a tough call, and I often discuss it with Derby fans, who I still encounter regularly. Most understand; they know what it’s like to face career decisions in their own lives. If Derby had been committed to a concrete plan to reach the top six again, I’d have stayed. I came to Derby to pursue promotion, and in my first full season, we reached the playoffs but fell short in the semifinals.

Reflecting on my time at Stoke, I remember reaching a point where we were just three points shy of the top six. It was frustrating to work so hard and face so many challenges. In hindsight, I let my frustration show, especially in post-game comments. If I had paused to consider what the club and fans had endured since relegation from the Premier League, I might have fostered more unity and adjusted my approach.

Steve Cooper Faces Crisis After Leicester City Clash, Struggles with New Problem Unseen at Nottingham Forest

25/09/2024 Raymond 0

Former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper is determined to win over Leicester City fans after facing criticism during a tense Carabao Cup tie. Despite advancing to the fourth round after a goalless draw against Walsall and a penalty shoot-out victory, over 2,000 traveling supporters voiced their frustration, chanting “Cooper, sort it out!” and even calling the performance “embarrassing.” Acknowledging the criticism, Cooper stressed his commitment to earning the fans’ trust, saying, “I need to build some credit with the supporters and earn the right to do the job… It’s experiences like these that make me even more committed.”

Giants Have A Must-See Gift For Fans

17/05/2024 Raymond 0

The New York Giants are making efforts to engage their fan base by sending celebratory gift boxes to season-ticket holders, featuring replicas of the franchise’s Super Bowl rings and a commemorative ticket. Despite these gestures, the team’s recent performance has been lackluster, with just one playoff appearance in the last seven years and a dismal regular-season record. As they approach the 2024 season, head coach Brian Daboll faces scrutiny amid uncertainties in the quarterback position and the departure of Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley. Nonetheless, fans hold onto hope for a potential resurgence in the team’s centennial anniversary season.