Subject: New U21 manager

I thought i would post my thoughts on this before tonights game so that it doesnt look like im chucking in the towel if we get beaten.

This season shall be my last season being u21 manager. It has been absolutely great to do, it has got my interest at an all time high in this game and i cant say any bad word about doing it. It is my thoughts that the next under 21 person should be another person with no NT experience (however that is just my opinion). To that extent - IF the next u21 manager IS to be an inexperienced at this level would it be good for us to have like a mini vote or something and for that manager to get used to the NT Dbase, the trolling of players, the time needed to actually do the job?

IMO the only thing required to be half decent at U21s is time - it takes quite a while getting players updated, setting tactics and scouting other teams. I would go as far as saying its a harder job (time wise) than the NT *awaits the backlash for that statement.

If we have a few chuck their hat into the ring then they can maybe take a few games each.

Clearly tactical wise i will still be controlling that - tho formation and possibly "can you place player X really wide all the time" can be added by myself.

Next years crop coming through and the next after that look pretty good imo with Phil Rosel only 19 who has the same keeper skills as Mark Harper who is in goals just now for the u21. My man Todd Vaghan who is only 2 skill pops away from the current 21 yr olds (he is only 19 as well). These are but a few coming through.

What say thee?

IF we win the WC then there will be 7 friendlies up to a maximum of 10 depending when/if we get knocked out

Nope, I agree its more time consuming as you have a higher player turnover than the full NT.

Takes along time for a new NT player to be developed. U21 player updates happen thick and fast and it can change your thinking, formation ideas etc.

Plus every season you loose the majority of your best players. So I guess its similar to being in charge of a provincial SPL club!

But this gives the job an extra bit of challenge. And is a very good learning curve for the NT post.

I guess you'll be wanting my job now, rtg?
(edited)

maybe in a few seasons who knows. Its time for me to concentrate on getting my own team up a few good levels and developing Vaughan into a Scottish superstar. Added to that i see a load of things i can do/change to the ntdb in the next season or 2.

as rtg has said, i really agree that it would be best if we get someone new involved with the NT setup. Managing the NT side was what really got me into sokker in a big way. You get to experiment with a wide range of players and try different strategies and tactics out that you wouldn't be able to do with your own side

unless of course you lose the first few important games then we will be baying for your blood ;)

Fortunately I've never seen that happen to a Scottish manager.........yet!

I agree that a fast tracking system is a good idea, I just hope that some of Scotland's managers are interested. There's quite a lot out there who I feel can do a good job.

Be a shame to lose you from the job rtg mate - you have done a fantastic job and the effort you have put in not just to the u21 but sokker on the whole is much appreciated by many more than me id imagine

Thanks for everything you been doing mate !

this might just be the kick start you need ;)

not a shame stevie - call it progression ;). I will miss it, no doubt but its time for someone else to love the challenge and get hooked in the game. Its the best thing for SK Scotland going forward.

do i sense you maybe gots an eye on the Big boys job ;) lol

just had a more in depth look at the squad for next season. It looks pretty good in keep, defe and midfield. The forwards are lacking in depth but if we can keep Ritchie Gordon injury free he will end up better than Colson.

Right now Ritchie is incredible strik and pace and tech outstanding.

With Mark Harper in goals who is getting trained in both keeper and pace you have a brick wall again in the sticks.

The defence in general needs some pace training to be effective but have better tech than the last 2 seasons.

Hey this is someones chance for glory here.

Still no one stepping up? Come on its great fun - honestly

no one? Maybe its time to put this thread into the main forum to see who steps forward. Hey if no one wants it ;) tho i would prefer someone else to get hooked on sokker :D

shame to lose you from the NT set up RTG, you have been so enthusiastic and have brought a wee breath of fresh air to the game. At the end of the day your job is the most important, encouraging managers to train prospects etc for the future and your comunication to the Scotland community has been 1st class.

Unless you have really important shit to deal with, i think you should fire on, you are doing a top job and as you said "gaining a lot of experience in the game"

Either way top marks and good luck man

I think that maybe rtg has his eyes on a bigger job having now served his apprenticeship ;)

That should be another incentive for any new u21 blood.

correct but not right now. I have the time and the effort to do it again BUT i think its best for the community as a whole to get someone else in and get them as hooked as me. Im not going away - hell i may take over another country's team. I WILL keep going if no one wants to do it but as said earlier I would love someone else to do it and get into the enjoyment of it all.

I dont think its fair me hogging all the fun

It is a good idea to try and blood someone, let them see what's involved now - I've been fortunate enough to pick the U21 side once under your stewardship and it was a somewhat enjoyable experience.

It's just a shame no one seems interested. If it wasn't for real life stuff getting in the way, I might have had a go, but I just don't have the time right now (and arguably I would be a risk given my lack of Sokker experience and ability!). Hopefully the post in the main forum will attract someone. It only takes one good candidate to make it all worthwhile.

And whilst on the subject, if it is to be your swansong rtg, then let me convey some congratulations on your tenure..............