Did he jump or was he pushed?

[The Great Mass Debater]

Thinking about events recently, I realise I've been asking myself why the club chose not to stick with Adams. Then I realised that I have been treating the situation as if Adams was sacked. Adams is supposed to have resigned (suggesting the club were happy to continue under him)

But its that one sentence 'agreed to resign' that has resonated with me. And also his mooted return in July in a new role (which sounds like a severence package)

I dont believe for a minute that Adams fell on his sword completely out of the blue and completely of his own doing. I dont think he was pressured either, I feel it was most likely 'by mutual consent'

So why not phrase it like that?

Do other fans think he was sacked, that he fell on his own sword, or that it was mutual consent?

I've found myself wondering what Adams thinks about this appointment, in the same way I wondered what Hughton thought - but then I rememebere this is supposed to be voluntary and no sour grapes.

I just cant believe Adams was willing to give up so easily - he doesnt strike me as a quitter. So I think there was a meeting and they took a group decision which Adams was involved in, so not a sacking as such. But I dont think the board were happy to continue, and the swiftness of Neils appointment doesnt strike me as the board being taken by surprise (though they should always have a 'go to' list)

I just find it odd that its being made out he resigned. 'Agreed to resign' makes me wonder if there were some conditions to his appointment in the first place (ie a certain level of success has to be achieved by this point in the year or you fall on your sword), a 'gentleman's agreement?', which was perhaps invoked by our exit from the cup, and which might explain the surprisingly strong team for that game.

Thoughts people?

 

[Din]

He was almost certainly pushed. I imagine the conversation went something like this:

"We'll give you two options Neil. Either you can offer your resignation as Norwich manager now, but you will be given a new role within the club for next season. Or we will sack you now, you'll receive a nice amount of money, but will not have a job with Norwich City any more. Your choice." 

 

[Andy]

In my totally uninformed and ignorant opinion I think Adams was sacked but given the opportunity to leave the post with dignity in recognition of his willingness to accept the job at a difficult time & the success he had with the youth team.

I think we have to give the board credit for managing the change in such a professional way.

 

[Boyerboy]

Remember that the press release was drafted by professionals and authorised by lawyers. The wording was careful and deliberate. Reading it as a lawyer, the meaning is clear.

Adams was asked to resign. How strongly and on what terms is not known of course but the word "agreed " rings like a bell. An offer was made by the Club and accepted by Adams.

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

Remember that the press release was drafted by professionals and authorised by lawyers. The wording was careful and deliberate. Reading it as a lawyer, the meaning is clear.

Adams was asked to resign. How strongly and on what terms is not known of course but the word "agreed " rings like a bell. An offer was made by the Club and accepted by Adams.

To bring it back to the 'Gentlemans agreement' suggestion. Do you think this was a novel idea or was Adams given a 6 month trial period (not official so as not to put pressure on him) with the agreement he would stand down if things werent going well?

 

[Boyerboy]

A very good question.

I wonder if that would have necessary as Adams must have known the consequences of failure. But, I have no doubt that both parties would have been very aware that Bournemouth was double or quits moment.

A bad loss would have been Adams's West Brom moment with a sacking and permanent separation. For all sorts of practical and sentimental reasons both sides would have been keen to salvage honour and the best position going forward.

I've been in this situation many times wanting to find the best deal for my client. The best deal always gives both parties enough to walk away with dignity

 

[Canaryboy]

Can you remember when half of us thought it was an odd decision to play such a strong side in the FA Cup 3rd round away to Preston? You should remember, it was only a week ago.

I wonder whether in the run up to that game he was told that we wouldn't accept a defeat, and that explains the strong line up?

Or perhaps the players and staff already knew that Adams' time had run out after the Reading game, perhaps the players already knew? That would explain the complete void of any expressions of surprise on twitter? (although should imagine the squad had been read the riot act after Jacob Murphy's snapchat, so that could equally explain the lack of twitter comments on the sackignation).

 

[Boyerboy]

I've no doubt that Adams was trying desperately to turn things round at Preston. The performance and result meant he would not survive another similar outcome.

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

Does make you wonder, as with any managerial departure, how fond the players were of him. The team on a few occasions seemed lacklustre. I remember when the Leeds bubble burst. David O'Leary released his book and betrayed a number of player confidences. From that moment on the team was different. The dressing room was lost, having previously run through walls for him.

When a team is underperforming, its natural to question the happiness of the players. I think many were frustrated under Hughton, but probably liked him personally. Can the same be said about Adams? Not getting at anything, genuinely have no idea!

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

I've no doubt that Adams was trying desperately to turn things round at Preston. The performance and result meant he would not survive another similar outcome.

Was he stictched up by the players? I didnt see the game so I cant comment

 

[eatonparkboy]

I don't think it matters either way. Mistakes made but instead of lingering on as with Hughton, there is a chance for AN to turn it around thanks to some decisiveness. Lets accept he resigned.

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

Frankly Im gobsmacked it wasnt Phelan. Thought I'd spotted the sensible solution a mile off. Familiarise Phelan with the job, then let him take over in January with the window open and knowing what he wants to do if its not going well.

Kinda happy though that they didnt undermine Adams by doing this. Neil's appointment is bold, brave and exciting. I just hope we dont make failure a self-fulfilling prophecy by crushing Neil with the weight of our expectations.

This guy could really get things going again, but we mustnt demand an overnight turnaround, even though we're desperate for it.

McNally said 'we hope he is here for years to come'. Think we need to show some patience - the patience that wasnt really given to Adams if I'm honest

 

[Killiecanary]

Absolutely agree with this GMD. I really hope he starts well and gets the fans onside really quickly.