Hicks:"I am solidly behind Rafa"

[MARTINOZ]

Interesting. These boys look like being around for the long haul and we now have to accept that. They have to step up and show Rafa the support required for him to run the team. Saying that I don't think he should be given wads load of cash (as if) to splash around. He needs to tell them who his top targets are, and they should do their utmost to get them on board. No panic buying should be accepted by them or us, and if in the next couple of years we are no closer to the league leaders, an executive decision has to be made, and our emotions can have nothing to do with it.


Having re-read that, it's all very obvious really.

[homer1]

Should we read anything into the fact that he is saying "I am solidly behind Rafa" as opposed to Gillette too who has been incredibly quiet over the past while

Also bit of a change in strategy if he is speaking with Rafa about targets for the summer already when he wouldnlt talk about January signings until the second last week in December

[Vermilion]

Back him then with a new contract. They have previously doubted Rafa's commitment to the club haven't they? Wasn't Hicks' justification for talking to Klinsmann that there were rumours Rafa was going to Real Madrid? Ok then, turn things around a bit, put Rafa's long term commitment to the test - offer him a new deal and see if he takes it.

EXACTLY.

[Neil Young]

You know what i mean.

Tbh it was ambiguous.

[Alpha]

Is no-one even vaguely excited by confirmation of :

- money for future player transfers (NOT Torres and Babel); and

- is in discussions with Rafa and Club management regarding additional player signings this summer.

?!

Sorry, stupid question

I'm vaguely suspicious.

[blacky]

A nothing statement. No mention of discussing a contract extention with Rafa. His job is still in the balance, no doubt in my mind at all that Rafa will walk this summer with these 2 cowboys still in charge.

[Bari]

[QUOTE=disco;918580]Is no-one even vaguely excited by confirmation of :

- money for future player transfers (NOT Torres and Babel); and [QUOTE]

We'll see if it lasts beyond the summer transfer window

[Dhav]

Of course he's behind Rafa ffs!!




Where else would he be?




It's the best place to be,so he can stab him in the back again!!!

I don't think anyone is going to believe that Rafa is Hicks first choice but recent events may have persuaded him that for the short term (next season included possibly) he is the best choice. We have seen a steady stream of young players picked up and Skrtel come in this window which indicates that G&H have at least acknowledged Rafa's concerns about CB cover and appear to back his reorganisation of the youth setup.

For me to be convinced that their statement means anything more than a temporary truce I would want to see at least one more attacking signing this month or a deal done for Mascher.

It's possible mate, but we know that words are cheap to these guys. If they really back Rafa then they need to prove it with actions.

I'm speculating here but I reckon with all the yanks' maneuvering behind the scenes there is probably nothing like a workable relationship between owners and manager and that relationship would be nigh on impossible to fix, even if they do have faith in Rafa beyond this season (which I seriously doubt anyway).

[tomasjj]

Sorry, I don't believe these people.

Why should I start believing them now after all the lies?

[Skillz]

If Rafa stayed here till the of the season and we lost every game and finished 16th. I would still respect him very highly. He is a freak IMO, would love to meet him. The fact he has stayed here so far tells me how much he wants to manage us going forward.

Whatever happens he deserves to be lauded for his honesty and dignity..... and his humungus balls. Fair play Rafa

[Neil Young]

I'm vaguely suspicious.

Really? I've always thought you seemed a straightforward enough chap.






It's sad but is no-one to be trusted these days?

[Dhav]

Is no-one even vaguely excited by confirmation of :

- money for future player transfers (NOT Torres and Babel); and

- is in discussions with Rafa and Club management regarding additional player signings this summer.

?!

Sorry, stupid question

I also remember promises last summer about Snoogy Doogy and dollars being waved in front of tv cameras. You'll forgive me if I am a bit more sceptical this time.

[Vermilion]

Now is the time to let them know they dont fool anyone, sorry scrap that, i mean they dont fool Everyone, E-mails etc to tell them this has not made any difference.

[Dhav]

Sorry, I don't believe these people.

Why should I start believing them now after all the lies?

If Rafa stayed here till the of the season and we lost every game and finished 16th. I would still respect him very highly. He is a freak IMO, would love to meet him. The fact he has stayed here so far tells me how much he wants to manage us going forward.

Whatever happens he deserves to be lauded for his honesty and dignity..... and his humungus balls. Fair play Rafa

Absolutely, the way they have maneuvered behind his back, he could have walked and been in line for a big payout to boot. But he hasn't and you have to resepct him for that.

[Tee]

Lieing ****head. Sell up and **** off!!!