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Rovers board must take the blame ; LETTERS . [Bristol Evening Post (England)](Bristol Evening Post (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) IHAVE been a supporter for more than 50 years. What the management under John Ward, and lately Darrell Clarke (who I think was put in an invidious position, as a young inexperienced manager, but nevertheless is one who keeps tinkering, instead of getting players settled in a formation) have been doing is beyond imagination and as a long-time supporter the enormity of it is only just sinking in. It was clear very early in the season that the team had serious deficiencies, highlighted not only by performances in the league, but the gulf in class when we entertained Watford in the league cup and played Bristol City in the J P Trophy. Elliot Richards - a young player of promise, who knows where the goal is - is sent on loan to a rival club, Exeter. The board must take some blame. John Ward, with some ineffectual loan signings, and bizarre team selections (players always out of position) may not have saved the club from relegation, but to appoint Clarke, with no league management experience, at such a crucial time, cannot be justified. Shaun North, Ward's No. 2, before not being offered a new contract, always knowledgeable and experiences was allowed to go at the end of last season - why? The board made exactly the same mistake, at the last relegation from League One, appointing a player - Stuart Campbell, with no management experience, to save the club, over the last few games, and what happened? It failed, yet they do it again. It is a sad day, not only for Bristol Rovers and their great supporters, but for Bristol football. I am sure the red side of the city will be smiling, but this is not the time to smile, whatever your allegiance. The City of Bristol is the loser. Promotion back will not be a simple task, but it will only be achieved by professional management, and a board of directors adopting common sense. Brian Head Horfield (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |