PSJ Managerial Announcement

[Al C]

Following discussions at the PSJ committee meeting yesterday I can announce that am planning to step down as PSJ Gaffer at the end of the season.

This is my fourth year in charge and feel like it is time for somebody with some fresh ideas to have a go at it. Have enjoyed taking on the responsibility over the last few years but can sometimes find it a difficult task and that it can detract from enjoying the match we are playing in.

PSJ means a lot to me and I am delighted to continue helping out behind the scenes as do just now in terms of organising fixtures, updating forum etc. Also plan to keep playing every week which most will probably term bad news!!

Have been thinking about it for a while but don't want to just quit right away and leave the team in the lurch or whatever - we have quite a lot of fixtures organised so happy to keep going just now and stop at the end of the season.

At the meeting yesterday we decided that the best way ahead would be to give the news to everyone and to see if anyone had any ideas/suggestions about who should take over. Any ideas are encouraged and happy to discuss them either in this thread or via PM/telephone etc. Essentially I guess we are looking for someone to take over from me and we can then work on some kind of transition.

Anyhow please have a think and let us know any thoughts you have - nothing has been decided and think it is important that everyone involved with PSJ gets to have their say.

Cheers.

[perthsaint1884]

Sorry to hear this Al, but im sure everyone can see where you're coming from! The hard thing is geting someone else who would be there on a regular basis to be manager and would preferably probably be someone who has hung up their boots or something so they can concentrate on it without worrying about scoring 2 goals each game ;)

Anyway sad news but its fair enough!

[G]

Thanks again for everything in your time as boss Al. You have done a great job and will be a hard act to follow.

[Saintkev]

Knowing how difficult it can be, I can only thank Al for all his incredibly hard work.

I would also add that if anyone is interested, that they will be supported by a very hard working Committee and not left to struggle.

I will also look to set down a set of standards that players will be asked to adhere to which should make the organising aspect that bit easier.

Please think this through and just ask if you are at all interested.

[lethamsaintee]

I will do it, although you face stiff competition from Barca and East Fife.

[Saintkev]

I will do it, although you face stiff competition from Barca and East Fife.

Do you seriously fancy this gig Letham?

[lethamsaintee]

I dunno, would be guid crack. Cannae really play now, far too unfit and have a slightly dodgy knee, so would like to be involved somehow in the game. What exactly does the job entail, other than managing the side?

[Saintkev]

Gonna have to go, I'll let Al describe the job tomorrow as he is currently doing it.

Others please note that is not the vacancy filled, so feel free to add your name too.

[nips]

I've already said to Al I'd be up for it, but due to work I miss a lot of games so probably wouldn't be ideal. Would be happy to help out when available if that helps at all.

[Al C]

Gonna have to go, I'll let Al describe the job tomorrow as he is currently doing it.


Cheers for your interest Letham, Nips and to others for their thoughts.

In terms of describing the job;

It would probably be beneficial to the team if we got a manager who concentrated only on managing and not playing. One of the most difficult aspects of it for me has been combining the two. As Nips has eluded to I think it is vitally important that the manager is available every week to allow for continuity.

Essentially the major things that you need to do are get the squad together during the week before the game and then on the Saturday pick the team, give team talk, set tactics etc. I will let others decide how successfully that has been done in recent years!! Getting a squad together essentially involves setting up a thread here but not everyone has access to WAP so it can involve a lot of texting/phoning to get players, especially for the more random away games.

Those are the main functions that I will be giving up come the end of the season. I am happy to continue organising the fixtures, being point of contact for opposition (Kev also does this) but can work in tandem. We are not an uber serious team but I have always tried to pick a team to win any given game whilst also trying to be as fair as possible to the squad. Can be a difficult balance but part of the job.

Overall have found it enjoyable, just this is the 4th year and fancy a break from it. Want to concentrate on playing again and also think the team would benefit from a fresh approach.

So there you go!! Have stated that happy to keep going till end of season so anyone that does take over could work on "shadowing" this season. Nips is also keen to be involved, he just has obvious concerns about his work.

[Spew]

Can't say I'm upset about Al giving up at end of the season. I am under immense pressure to perform every week at fives to makes sure I am in the managers plans on the saturday. I also need to set up countless chances for him in order to keep him happy so you boys don't feel the wrath in his pre match team talks!

I would however like to thank Al for the best piece of advice I have ever been given..."No football from you the day" he once told me. Simple but effective.

[Al C]

Are you interested in this then Letham or not?

[lethamsaintee]

Are you interested in this then Letham or not?

Certainly would give it some serious thought, really down to what you guys want. I would be willing to have a go.

[Al C]

Certainly would give it some serious thought, really down to what you guys want. I would be willing to have a go.

Well I have stated that am happy to keep going until the end of the season - best idea might be for you to start coming along this season, get a feel for it and see what you have got to work with. I am flexible however and only said until the end of the season so that we had time to consider our options; if a changeover happens sooner than that then excellent.

We will have games most weeks until the end of the season - Raith at home on Saturday if you want to come along. Would also give you the chance to discuss things after the game over a mince roll.

[lethamsaintee]

Well I have stated that am happy to keep going until the end of the season - best idea might be for you to start coming along this season, get a feel for it and see what you have got to work with. I am flexible however and only said until the end of the season so that we had time to consider our options; if a changeover happens sooner than that then excellent.

We will have games most weeks until the end of the season - Raith at home on Saturday if you want to come along. Would also give you the chance to discuss things after the game over a mince roll.

Saturday should be fine. I am then away on holiday for a fortnight so would be mid october before i had another chance to see a game.

[Al C]

Think we need to get to some kind of stage where we can take this forward. Letham you have indicated you are interested but not really heard much else from you; was hoping to do something at Raith game couple of weeks back but you were not there. Am happy to discuss, show you what is involved etc but this needs to be taken relatively seriously.

Nips has also indicated his interest but has obvious concerns due to work etc. Sure we could work out something around that though. Again it is open to discussion for anyone to air their thoughts. Not expecting everyone to rush in and volunteer to take it on, I know that it is a big commitment but still think it is important for everyone to have their say regardless.

Alternatively I will just ply someone with drink until they agree to take it on as that is what Kev did to me :D

[ODAB]

Having given it some consideration, and mainly due to the lack of interest from others, I would like to be considered to take over from Al should there be no other suitable candidate found. I've loved playing for PSJ and think the whole set-up is fantastic. I initially hadn't even considered offering to help but as nobody else has come forward I felt that I should at least offer. I’m aware that there would be some that would not be thrilled with this, due to my tendencies and the fact I’m Rodge, but I’m a qualified coach (not saying much as my brother is a qualified ref) and have been running football teams for a number of years. I am fully aware of the responsibilities and organisation that such a post would require and know that I am capable of giving these. I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes, but nobody else has put their toes or indeed any other part of their anatomy forward. If anybody has any views or worries about these then please voice them regardless of whether they’re positive or not as I’m not easily offended.

Cheers ta

[wee lee #1]

go for it think you would do a good job. but does this mean your going to be louder :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[Saintkev]

All I want to know is what's your opinion on where I should be playing? :wink:

[nips]

I'll support you as long as your first step is to drop yourself! ;-)

Personally I can't see anyone having any major problems with this despite you being a dirty Arab. You're increased commitment might make it easier for us to convert you from the dark side!

[G]

Well done ODAB. You get my vote (will you keep me on as assistant manager though - your first tough decision should you be appointed?)

[williamwonka]

You get the kitmans vote! Man its like eurovision...... and over to china for the chineasy dury!

I think you will do a geat job Arab strap:)

[nips]

Anyone else debating whether Wonka commenting on China's participation on Eurovision was a deliberate mistake or if he is genuinely an idiot?!

[Burn]

Idiot!

[Saintkev]

Anyone else debating whether Wonka commenting on China's participation on Eurovision was a deliberate mistake or if he is genuinely an idiot?!

No debate... prize idiot!

[williamwonka]

no was deliberite you mmmggnnnhhhss!!:)

[Al C]

Cheers to ODAB for his interest, much appreciated.

More than happy for him to take the reigns, if others have an alternative view then feel free to express it. We can schedule a committee meeting in the near future in order to ratify the appointment so if anyone has any thoughts please state them either here or via PM as soon as possible. Cheers.

More or less an impossible job taking over from the legend that is me but you can do your best :D

[perthsaint1884]

Seriously, were going to let a mad Richard twin in the sence of lookalike-personality take over???? Sounds good to me :D

[Al C]

Will unstick this also. The intentions have been stated - anyone with any thoughts feel free to post them.

[Al C]

There have been recent developments on this front with Spew and Nips expressing an interest in taking it over as a pair. They will be the new management team for the new season. Obviously both work weekends sometimes but it is hoped at least one of them will be available for any given game. Main part of the role anyway I guess is just getting a team together for any Saturday so this will transfer to them - can't say will miss that side of things!!

Big thanks to Rodge who also put himself forward for this as you know and apologies for having him hanging on if you like for such a long period of time. It is appreciated that he was willing to take this on if there was no other interest and I am to blame for the length of time in getting this situation clarified/resolved.

I have agreed to continue as "fixture secretary" if you like so will continue to arrange games etc.

There will also be an update with regards to sponsorship etc - Kev has to speak to Bear about it but as you probably know Badgers has been sold. Need to see where that leaves us not just in terms of the pub but also pitch etc. It would be good to remain in Almondbank though I reckon.

Anyone with any views/comments etc feel free to state them!! Cheers.

[Beej]

Rhubarb is a vegetable and shouldn't be used in deserts.

Beej

[Al C]

Some people have said they were completely oblvious to this PSJ news so am making this one a sticky!!

I believe Spew & Nips are appearing on Johnathon Ross tonight to discuss their aims as the new PSJ management team.