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Moyes Potential Replacement

Who do you want? - being realistic

  • Roberto Martinez

    Votes: 221 13.8%
  • Vitor Pereira

    Votes: 594 37.2%
  • Neil Lennon

    Votes: 40 2.5%
  • Di Matteo

    Votes: 58 3.6%
  • Slaven Bilic

    Votes: 73 4.6%
  • Michael Laudrup

    Votes: 410 25.7%
  • Malky Mackay

    Votes: 33 2.1%
  • From within the club

    Votes: 60 3.8%
  • Other

    Votes: 108 6.8%

  • Total voters
    1,597
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what the effing hell does a director of football even do

"Director of football" is a term describing a senior management figure at a football club, most commonly used in Europe. The exact nature of the role is often unclear and extremely variable and causes much debate in the sports media. The term is almost exclusively used in the United Kingdom, with "sporting director" or "general manager" often used elsewhere.
The presence of a director of football acts as an intermediary between the manager and the board and may relieve pressure on a manager by handling aspects away from day-to-day coaching, allowing a manager to focus on on-pitch performance. The director may also help to stabilise the club – many examples exist of director stepping in as a caretaker manager on the departure of the manager. The director – often an experienced football figure – may also positively advise a less experienced manager or the board of a less well developed club.
In contrast, there are many examples of tensions arising between director and manager, often due to questions over the remit and powers of the two positions; particularly with regard to control over transfer policy. This had led to many well publicised and often, highly damaging disputes within clubs.
In general, directors of football are not shareholders in the club, or hold a nominal stake. This is opposed to other members of the board with whom the director of football will sit.
As a figurehead [edit]

The level of power and influence in the day-to-day and transfer operations of the club held by a director of football may vary considerably. In some cases, the position may be as a figurehead or as a club ambassador, with transfer dealings, team affairs, squad selection and day-to-day operations handled exclusively by the manager and his staff. Often, the position in this case is filled by a former famous player. Bobby Charlton at Manchester United is such an example. In such a case, the role of the director of football is more one of club promotion and marketing than that of actual control over footballing operations. Employing a well-known football personality in such a position may also be used to enhance the perceived prestige of the club, improving the club's position in the transfer market.
Tension may arise even in this role between manager and director, even if the director is merely a figurehead – should the role be filled by a former (often successful) manager, the presence of that individual within the club may act to undermine the authority of the present manager and act to add pressure during periods of poor performance (for example, from the fans wishing the return of the director to managerial duties). The presence of Sir Matt Busby at Manchester United as general manager after retirement is generally considered to have undermined his immediate successors, despite his retirement from day-to-day club affairs.[1]
Appointments in this case are often long-term, likely due to the negative reaction of fans to the removal of a former club legend. On occasion, the role has been filled until the death of the director – such as the aforementioned Busby, Bob Paisley for Liverpool and others.
As a technical director [edit]

In this case, the director of football may be sought by a board – or even manager – in order to provide advice or technical assistance on footballing or other aspects that are perceived as lacking or desired by the club. This may be the case where the manager is inexperienced or perceived as naive in a particular aspect, allowing the director to advise against potentially costly errors. This may also be the case where a club in a lesser league or lower division with ambitions to develop further and improve their league position seeks an experienced former manager or director from a more prominent league or club in order to use their experience to further the club. Such an example is that of Giovanni Trapattoni at Red Bull Salzburg or Sven-Göran Eriksson at Notts County.
In this case, however, the tag "director of football" may be dropped in order to prevent the "director" from undermining the present manager by his presence at the club with the person taking up a position such as with the youth academy perceived as subordinate to the manager.
Appointments in this case are often short term – for between 1/2 seasons – with the director imparting their advice and departing to another club.
As a go-between [edit]

In other cases, the role of the director of football may include control over transfer dealings and targets and aspects outside coaching and squad selection which are handled by the manager. The director may oversee all levels of the club – youth to first team – with the manager dedicated to first team affairs. Often, a director in this case is a former manager or experienced former coach, often a predecessor of the present manager. This type of director is often installed at the behest of the owners of a club to oversee the manager and act as a go-between between the board and managerial team, or if required help select a new manager. However, such an arrangement has led to controversy in English football due to issues over roles and responsibilities of manager and director – either perceived excessive interference of the director in affairs (such as squad selection) beyond his remit or by attempting to control and criticise aspects of management. A notable recent example of such tension is that of manager Kevin Keegan and director of football Dennis Wise at Newcastle United.
An example of the description of the role in this case as from the perspective of the manager is given by Dave Bassett as:
" ..... a buffer. The director of football is answerable to the board but there to assist the manager. He's experienced in football and there to help the board members who don't have that experience."
Length of appointments in this case are often linked to the fortunes and tastes of the manager and board – directors often departing after the sacking of a manager (for example, Damien Comolli at Tottenham Hotspur) or on appointment of his replacement. On occasion, the director may remain through a number of managers, such as David Pleat.
As a general manager [edit]

In the most extreme case, the director of football may act in a role similar to the continental club 'sporting director' or general manager; holding control over transfer policy and targets, team affairs, stadium and training affairs, travel, fixture selection and having input into squad selection and day-to-day club affairs. This is generally confined to the 'sporting' side of the club, with marketing and financial aspects handled by another director or executive. However, rarely is such a position referred to as 'director of football', with 'sporting director' or akin preferred.
The director of football's job is sometimes compared to that of a general manager in a North American professional sports organisation, and often referred to as 'sporting director' or some equivalent in continental Europe. In a structure with a powerful director of football, the position of manager may be officially called 'head coach' or 'head of 1st team affairs' in order to more clearly define the remit of the traditional 'manager' and 'director of football'.
In this case, the length of appointment is intrinsically linked to on-pitch performance, in the same way as a manager.
Notable directors of football
 

From a Porto Fan Blog...

"UNLIKELY THE DRAGON - VITOR PEREIRA

Hello friends tricampeões and other followers of this World Blue and White.

It is with sorrow that I have managed to give more attention to this space. But as promised is due and as I said some time ago that when the season would finish my evaluation Vitor Pereira, here she goes.
During these two periods have always been an advocate of continuity Vitor Pereira when many are two seasons ago asking lashes psychological mid-season. My way of thinking proved correct.
Vitor Pereira will remain forever in the history of FCP, won a championship without defeat equaling the feat of Villas-Boas, in two seasons lost just once in the league.
It is true that at the international level has not yet reached a level of excellence, but how many coaches in the history of FCP did? Mourinho, Artur Jorge, Villas-Boas, but these are rather special. I believe Vitor Pereira is an excellent coach, a knowledgeable football, humble and with a love of FCP equal to the vast majority of us all and it overcomes some of the lack of "Special". It lacks a bit of speech, rhetoric, true, but carago won two national championship titles in two years, not even lost a game in the league against the best 5L3 the last 20 years. Yes, we also have to recognize that our main opponent is better than it has been for many years and recognize this is to better prepare the next challenges!
Being as our opponent, who thinks he is "the greatest good" of their street there, is that riding is languishing and have times like this. This is not the 5L3 Artur Jorge, Paulo Authority, Ivic, Fernando Santos, Quique Flores Camacho, this 5L3 though as I have a coach banal, is a 5L3 that has great players, have a budget much larger than I mentioned these. Now we know it does not make a great team, you need something more that they can not reach!
So think Vitor Pereira should continue, I'll be disappointed if it does not and would be very annoyed if I ever were to get a coach who kneels against primary opponent and crying on the bench during the discounts of a Cup final in Portugal instead of be focused on trying to turn the bad result.
I know it is probably a "love" Pinto da Costa but JJ is unable to train the FCP until the relationship it has with fans FCP.
Incidentally I've said it once and I'll say it, if you ever come to JJ coach FCP my place up annual leave to renew and I know that many portistas too.
Vitor Pereira has shown he deserved more respect from fans FCP. For two years it was always a unloved, disrespected and even wronged! Made mistakes, but he made it clear that not wrong! Now I do not forget the joy and humility that celebrated these two titles won and if any of these titles was portista deserved it!
Some of us must make a self-criticism and think what is best Be Porto. Due to the behavior of some fans got to predict what we might become adepts in the type of adept 5L3, while we know that Pinto da Costa thing is under control, but the man will not last forever and after he left us fans , more than anyone, have a fireproof. We will we have to demonstrate that it is the flame of this club!
Another thing that I do not forget the assists were heartbreaking that the Dragon had this year, I know that life is not easy for anyone, I know that we are in an area of ​​the country most affected by unemployment but also know many places that are paid annually for the whole season failed many games, I also see that the games are more expensive that everyone wants to go. We must always remember that the game is theoretically weaker players need to feel a strong environment in Dragon to stimulate them and goad them. Who says a Dragon full against Olhanense would not have given the victory? We fans have a very important role and should not be present only in wins, our presence in difficult times is that we will prepare to face everything and everyone!
This week I will know the fate of Vitor Pereira after the interview Pinto da Costa was in doubt that it is, I think Pinto da Costa has a name in mind and will of someone who had not finished the season sincerely hope not, Vitor Pereira stay but I will respect if not himself want to stay, like it says Mourinho should be where we like!
Thanks Vitor for these two championships and two Super Cups!

The Improbable Dragon
John Carlos"
 
But does a relegation mean he shouldn't be considered for a top job? Who else should we consider apart from Pereira? I don't see a lot out there who would work under BK

Why do you say there are not a lot who would work under BK? despite the feelings of a number of Rvrtonians he has an excellent reputation in the echelons of football, and he has proved to others that he is loyal to his manager. Bill will iniatially see whoever he appoints as a long term appointment and the chance to have a long term opportunity will appeal to many potential managers. We all would like to see the big exciting appointment, but the big exciting managers tend to flit from job to job every few years. Martinez has sjown loyalty to Wigan, and in Bills eyes this is a major plus. Bill will be less certain with a come day go day European or South American.
Personally I would like Perreia or similar, but I have doubts that this will happen...not because Bill is deliberately holding the club back, but because Bill will err on the side of safety first, as much as possible. I don't think , in fact I'm certain that there is not an internal candidate with sufficient experience and more importantly, ability, and hope that Bill realises this as well. If irs not Martinez,it might well be someone who has not yet been mentioned in the speculation (mostly speculation without any concrete evidence).
 
Why do you say there are not a lot who would work under BK? despite the feelings of a number of Rvrtonians he has an excellent reputation in the echelons of football, and he has proved to others that he is loyal to his manager. Bill will iniatially see whoever he appoints as a long term appointment and the chance to have a long term opportunity will appeal to many potential managers. We all would like to see the big exciting appointment, but the big exciting managers tend to flit from job to job every few years. Martinez has sjown loyalty to Wigan, and in Bills eyes this is a major plus. Bill will be less certain with a come day go day European or South American.
Personally I would like Perreia or similar, but I have doubts that this will happen...not because Bill is deliberately holding the club back, but because Bill will err on the side of safety first, as much as possible. I don't think , in fact I'm certain that there is not an internal candidate with sufficient experience and more importantly, ability, and hope that Bill realises this as well. If irs not Martinez,it might well be someone who has not yet been mentioned in the speculation (mostly speculation without any concrete evidence).
True, we never know which players we're going to sign until the last minute and the media is the same. So this could also apply to the manager.
 

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