As an interesting aside to the current debate, I notice that it has been reliably reported that following their poor performance in the transfer window , Man.U. have decided to go down the DoF route. Despite their current managers dislike of it.
Like other businesses football evolves and responds to ever changing circumstances. It is now the DoF who recruits , and develops the footballing direction of the club. They provide the continuity. This is partly a response to managers themselves often choosing to move on to new challenges , even when successful.
Another reason is the observable fact that clubs who have long term managers nearly always suffer a difficult period when they finally do leave, sometimes disastrous.
It seems the era of the all powerful manager is passing , replaced by the long term DoF and disposable coach.
It is worth remembering though that the powerful manager method itself replaced the longer lived system of a selection committee deciding who would play and who to recruit with a trainer to do what remained.
No doubt when managers where first introduced people were unhappy at one man assuming so much control over the club.
Change is always disturbing to many , but if you don't evolve with the times you get left behind.
As someone who now more than anyone else embodies the footballing future of the club, I think it is important that Brands does take time to communicate with us, I for one will be listening.