Publicity prized over sense
FOOTBALL seems to be going through a bizarre “publicity is everything” phase at the moment, and although it makes for exciting stories to read, not all of it rests comfortably with me.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s move to work as director of football at Notts County is strange to say the least.
Yes, it’s great to have quality people like Sven in our game, but to see him in a director of football role – and at League Two level – is a little disturbing, I must admit.
I’m not sure what Notts County have for a budget but it must be pretty substantial to have lured Sven, and now they bear all of the hallmarks of a club putting their money where their mouth is and buying their way to success.
WAITING GAME
Just 24 hours after the Sven revelations, we heard stories linking Diego Maradona to a role at Portsmouth. Personally, I will be astonished if Maradona arrives on the south coast. He does not speak the language and has no connection either with the club or English football as a whole. How could he be of any help to manager Paul Hart?
Not only that, but Maradona has hardly done a great job as manager of Argentina, so I wouldn’t imagine he’d be top of anyone’s wish-list.
As you may have already guessed, I’m not a great fan of the director of football role in football. I mean, when was the last time it brought success to any club? The only way I can see Maradona arriving at Portsmouth would be for a highly paid ambassador role, but then, why would he leave his job as national team manager?
While silly season reigns elsewhere, the transfer window is suffering a bit of a lull at the moment with many clubs playing the waiting game before making one key signing.
This is the point where managers assess their options in pre-season and iron out particular issues or voids in their club. It won’t be long, however, before the panic sets in as the window nears its end and the transfer merry-go-round spins into overdrive.