When presenter George Gavin then asked: "But we hear they have no money, lots of problems left over from the previous regime, they are bottom of the league and are as far north in England as you can go - do you think there will be many managers, even those out-of-work, who would apply for, even given the potential you speak of, such a tough job". Little replied: "George, I'm telling you now, the problem for their new chairman won't be a shortage of applicants, it will be a case of so many, it will make the job of appointing someone even more difficult." Ironically the next night I had a call from the chief who had not seen the show but course I could not resist asking about who had applied and let's just say Brian Little was just about spot on in what he had to say. I can't breach the gaffers confidence - and nor would I want to - but some of the names who have "shown an interest" in the Brunton Park hot-seat left me a bit gobsmacked, as they surely would you. But there are a lot of out-of-work coaches and would be managers out there and as JC says "how many of them really want to come up here and do the job for Carlisle United football club - and how many of them just want a job". . Good and very important point when you think about it. There's a world of difference between the two reasons! Incidentally John - ringing folks from Spain on your mobile for half-an-hour might just be playing a part in that bloody horrendous monthly phone bill they keep sending you. Anyway hope the taxi turned up in the end..... I think its fair to say that where most CUFC fans are concerned, making and taking that decision over Roddy has earned him even more respect than ever. Of course not everyone agrees, the lads on the CUFC message board who went on there after the Darlington match to "suggest" the best thing the club could do would be to bring back Michael Knighton, obviously don't. (Think I'm making that up - check it out with Al Woodcock) And of course everyone is entitled to their opinion but my feeling is the majority now rate Courtenay with higher regard. And to those who question his commitment then to you I'd say, at the end of the day he took, what was for him, one of the hardest decisions of his life, but he did take it - and in doing so put our football club first - before anything else. Not a bloke to be down in the dumps about many things I'd imagine. But believe me if you had seen our chairman in the days after the decision over Roddy Collins, well lets just say, it hit him hard. And that is an understatement! I apologise to you John for writing some of this stuff. But it wants saying and sure as shot you won't say much, if anything, about it. Anyway I'm in London today so you can't chin me until the next home game! One thing is 100% certain, and I don't envy John Courtenay or the United directors one iota in having to decide on who our next manager will be, because to say it's important, no thats not a strong enough word, a vital decision, is putting it mildly. Good luck to yas with that fellas! So back to that Sky TV show. Do check it out if you can, it's interesting for clubs like ours and when United do appoint a new manager, they are sure to discuss it on the programme. And on the subject of football on television. Here's a bit of news for you that "they" are trying to keep quiet but believe me it's going to happen. Not that its bad news if you're a footy fan but if you happen to hate the game (there are a few such people) and enjoy your Saturday night in watching the box, you won't be happy. As you probably know Match of the Day will make a welcome return to BBC Television on Saturday nights next season. Think a lot of people didn't realise how much they enjoyed MOTD until it had gone. And how was it possible for ITV to have the same material as the Beeb would have had - and still get it so wrong! What is bound to please some and upset many is the fact that a new Premiership highlights show will also be screened on Saturday nights BEFORE Match of the Day next season. The programme, which will start at 8.30, will feature extended coverage of one of the day's non-live matches. Despite the potential damage to its 10.30pm viewing figures the BBC have said they don't think the new programme will impact on Match of the Day. That remains to be seen of course but I tell you what fellow Blues - it's bloody bad news if you like 'Casualty'.. Go well and repsect to CUFC folk everywhere Mick |
