Give Jackett A Chance

Football Manager Or The Third Coming?

Kenny Jackett arrived at the Vetch with the results having been gone against us for a period of six months. We had a good cup run but it served just to mask some pretty poor league performances. The board were brave enough to make a decision to change and this was the man that they unveiled as the one who would take us into the promised land.

It hasn’t been the start that Kenny dreamed about but I find it absolutely incredible that people are already questioning his ability to do the job that he was promised. Miracles seem to have been expected in some quarters almost immediately to the appointment of a new manager. To be honest, although it hurts, I am not overly concerned about the current run of results nor the appearance of different people in different positions. To me that strikes as a positive of a new man prepared to try different things in what, for us, is a string of meaningless games. I hope (and I think) that he can see the ones that work and the ones that won’t and that he is forming his own idea of those that he wants with us for next season and those that he doesn’t.

However, the finger has been pointed in the direction of "well, that was a good move appointing this one wasn’t it" co-incidentally from many people that were against the change in the first place. Responses of "it’s not his squad" do not go down very well bar the fact that for seven months last season, the very same argument was being used for the previous incumbent as a reason why things were working. One rule for one and not for another? Not that I am saying that we don’t all use that concept at some time or another!!

I think that most realised when the change was made that there was work to be done and that the work would take some time to be finished. I think there have been some positives shown on the pitch already despite the results, Yesterday we looked good on set pieces for half an hour – probably more dangerous than we have been for years and that has to be down to some serious work being done on the training pitch.

I also think that there is a better fitness level already creeping into the play and that has to be a plus point together with some of the ‘team building’ that has been reported in the press which can only help especially if there were any truth in some of the rumours printed on the web sites of a divide in the playing camp.

Kenny Jackett should not be questioned at this moment in time. He has come into a club after the passing of the transfer deadline meaning that he can only play with the hand he has been dealt. Whether he likes that hand or not remains to be seen but he has to work with it. He must also be given the backing to do what he feels necessary in the summer. The club made the decision to make the change and with the appointment they said this was the one, on that basis the backing we have to assume will be there.

I don’t think that Jackett came into this job with his eyes shut and I suspect that after so long in the game he will be well aware of the job that is ahead of him this season. He has a core of decent players that he will be working with through the summer and next season and with the right additions to that squad I can see a few positives already that make me more optimistic for next season than I was four weeks ago – it may sound crazy on a losing streak but it’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

My two season tickets will be renewed during the summer and for me it’s a case of roll on July and the pre-season friendlies before the real stuff starts in August. I think we have a man who can make next season good, just hope that all give him the chance to prove that.

Kenny Jackett’s Barmy Army.

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?