Sir Alex Ferguson, did he or didn't he?

[Canaryboy]

Not long after we appointed Alex Neil I saw it mentioned a few times that Sir Alex Ferguson had recommended him, that was then shared without question by many Norwich fans without question (including me). Does anybody know where this claim came from, or was it a Chinese whisper started on twitter or by a lazy journalist? 

Because it would seem a bit odd that Sir Alex would recommend Alex Neil, a 33 year old who he has probably never met, over his right hand man of 6 years (up until his retirement from the game in 2013). Surely this was 2+2=5.

A journalist just using Phelan getting a coaching job to have a wild stab in the dark and create an imaginary Sir Alex link which doesn't even really exist? Because if he were to recommend anybody it would be Phelan wouldn't it?

Phelan has just joined Hull as assistant, and Steve Bruce has a very good relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson (like Lambert does with O'Neill), so it doesn't quite ring true that Sir Alex would undermine Phelan like that does it? 

 

[Tomasz Blazak]

Came from the SkySports Journo at the press conference announcing AN's appointment.

 

[Yellow Fever]

I also find that story hard to believe. Even more so after McAvoy's uninspiring comments in the Pink'un today:

“However, I asked Alex what the plan would be as he has two young kids and stays in Coatbridge and we decided just to go down ourselves and see how things progress. If they go well then we’ll look at bringing the families down in the summer. I don’t think I’ve been away from my family for more than a few days so that along with how long I’d been at Accies was a big wrench. However, in footballing terms I’m going to another world so I’m really looking forward to it, it’s something I have to try and fingers crossed it works out, but time will tell. 

They're leaving their families in Scotland to "see how things progress". Does that sound like a management team brimming with confidence? Neither does "in footballing terms I’m going to another world so I’m really looking forward to it, it’s something I have to try and fingers crossed it works out, but time will tell.”

Just how big a gamble is this?

 

[Boyerboy]

I think that's a bit unfair Yellow ( which is unlike you I must add).

Nowadays many players and managers settle their families and live away. Lambert did of course as did Holt. Jason Shackell' s family stayed in Norfolk when he left. It's a matter of individual choice but. Players and managers no longer drag their families from club and town to the club and town. Harry hasn't moved his family wherever he worked as well. It is not just football. Many people work away from home.

I think it reflects changing times. We now place much more importance on stability for children than a generation ago. Also, with Skype etc it is easier to stay in touch. Travel is quicker and easier than ever.

Given the volatility of football and especially the ever increasing tendency for very swift sackings, it is only good sense to give it some time before making life changing family decisions.

 

[eatonparkboy]

I think that's a bit unfair Yellow ( which is unlike you I must add).

Nowadays many players and managers settle their families and live away. Lambert did of course as did Holt. Jason Shackell' s family stayed in Norfolk when he left. It's a matter of individual choice but. Players and managers no longer drag their families from club and town to the club and town. Harry hasn't moved his family wherever he worked as well. It is not just football. Many people work away from home.

I think it reflects changing times. We now place much more importance on stability for children than a generation ago. Also, with Skype etc it is easier to stay in touch. Travel is quicker and easier than ever.

Given the volatility of football and especially the ever increasing tendency for very swift sackings, it is only good sense to give it some time before making life changing family decisions.

Trouble is, this might sound harsh, but what is most important is the club and its supporters. And I think most NCFC supporters are feeling at bit fragile at the moment.

And although there may be, as you say, a perfectly good reason for what is happening, and BigMac may not be the most gifted orator, these kind of statements don't align with stability. And so I think it is perfectly fair for supporters to wonder what is going on.

 

[Yellow Fever]

Yes you could say it's being realistic and honest even, Boyerboy, but did he really have to emphasise that "in footballing terms I’m going to another world" and "fingers crossed it works out, but time will tell." As EPB says, it conveys an image of uncertainty and even doubt that things are going to work out. Like everyone, I hope it does work out for both Neil and McAvoy and that they do feel confident enough to bring their families down, but if you compare what Phelan said when he joined, the confidence levels are miles apart. Are the players really going to buy into this fingers crossed approach?

 

[hogesar]

In times like this is where people nit-pick what people at the club say...