rock bus

I’m a bit surprised this interview is getting so little reaction (or maybe I shouldn’t be) given the pages of rhetoric we saw when he first talked about his mountaineering aspirations. I was a big fan of Webber when he arrived and whilst there was always a bit of arrogance about him, I admired his straightforward and honest approach. Must admit my faith in him was seriously diminished by the comments re his commitment and I guess mainly due to how badly his signings worked out and how bad we performed on the pitch. But he has won me back with this interview. Yeah the digs at local media are probably unnecessary but once again he is nothing but honest and comes across as just being human (including getting things wrong). The whole mountain climbing is put into perspective and I admire his desire for him (and other staff) to have interests and recognise the need to take some time away. despite his perceived arrogance and reiteration about ‘ignoring the noise’ it is clear he has been badly affected by the abuse he has got and this seems to have made him decide he wants to work out of football next (he’s pitching big for a job in formula 1). That’s a bit sad and does make me think that many of us have over reacted in taking all our frustrations with the club out on him (something he will argue he has at least partially orchestrated). Also worth noting that he is very clear that his and the clubs ambition is for us to be an established premier league team. He’s certainly got me back on side and I’d really encourage everyone to give it a listen with an open mind.

Do we though! Not doubting he has made a contribution to our recent wins BUT I see nothing in those or his previous performances for us or Ireland that he can score on a regular basis.

I'm in danger of getting a bit sucked into the Wagner love fest but it does seem he is really keen to develop positive relationships with the players and certainly seems a lot more engaged and likeable than Smith. In particular noticed the hug he gave to Tzolis just before he came on .. obviously really conscious of the need to demonstrate his support and confidence in the player (which is something it at least appears Tzolis in particular needs).

I'd love it if we did end up sneaking in at the expense of Watford!

But that's kind of the point being made. McGovern wasn't given a 5 year contract - it was a series of contracts where the club could make a decision on whether to continue with his employment dependent on our needs and his performance (in McGovern's case I expect that's maintain a decent level of fitness and being an able emergency stand in whilst supporting development of younger keepers). I guess if Idah becomes a huge success and a goal scoring machine then we will all be saying what a great move to tie him down for so long so we can sell for millions. I've yet to see signs of this and am worried the result will be we aren't able to offload him due to him having years of being paid more than other interested clubs can afford.

Doesn’t deserve any abuse from his own fans (and certainly not at the game) but let’s be honest he really isn’t good enough. decision to give a 5 year contract seems particularly stupid as effectively sets him up for life (if he’s sensible) and doesn’t give him any motivation to really strive to improve.

I think McNally and Webber are more similar than many (including Webber) would like to think. They both brought us great success with arguably a bit of luck/shrewd appointments (Lambert, Holt v Farke, Buendia). But then also both failed to cement that success and create the legacy that was possibly (whilst spending/wasting a LOT of money). Even on the above point - McNally reacted on twitter but Webber also inappropriately reacted to the fans outside of the ground. Sadly, I think it just comes down to the fact that as a club with the ownership and model we have we can only afford to employ CEO/Sporting Directors/Manager/coaches/players that are probably Championship rather than premier league quality level.

Must admit I’m not really a fan..but would love to be proved wrong. The key thing for me is limited evidence he can finish, that would be my main criticism (as well as poor control). In contrast, and as proved last night, Sargent does seem to have an ability to score even when he has not really been involved in much of the game….mind you I’d never have said that last year!

Idah control is awful. waste having him and Sargent alongside each other, only need one of them and I’d choose Sargent

Crazy! I can understand resting Pukki and giving Sargent chance down the middle.. but no way would I be replacing him with Idah!

Honest and open communication both direct with fans and the local press. Basically just less bull 💩 like we have a strategy for appointing the next manager designed to keep the playing style and ethics of the club and then appointing an idiot like smith who wasn’t initially available and clearly had no desire to identify with our club!

I still think we are capable of sneaking into the play offs and IF we do that i can see us winning the whole thing and being promoted. wrongly the prospect of that terrifies me, this squad would get alienated week in week out in the premier league. We’d effectively need to buy a completely new starting 11. That would be impossible unless we had HUGE investment and even then I wouldn’t trust Webber to spend it. Goes totally against the grain but I’d actually prefer us to reset the 5 year plan and give Wagner the time to gradually build a squad that are committed to the club and play in his style (in hope that may be more competitive in the premier league when (if) we get there….unlike Farkeball sadly)

I’ve tried to keep backing Webber but by God he has wasted a lot of money and this current squad is quite pathetic given the opportunities to build we have had. I’m hoping new investments brings new senior management with webber going

Sadly I agree. Keep hearing he has all the attributes to be a good player, which I agree with…he IS big, strong and quick. Sadly he doesn’t know how to use those attributes. Honestly don’t think he is a very good football player! He also seems decidedly uninterested half the time, just seems a bit dopey in his play and not particularly bothered. For the life of me I can’t understand why in earth we gave him a 5 year contract, if anything that will just make him even more complacent.

Gunn not an option today but does seem he should come back in. Mclean is ‘ok’ as CDM agains weaker teams when we press but can’t be relied upon or handle any semi decent opposition midfield. How long can we go without getting a decent CDM? Surely Webber can find someone somewhere ? in the interim I think we should just try Gibbs the chance, let’s play him for rest of season

I know this may not be well received after todays game but I honestly don’t think we are far off a having a good team who could be exciting to watch. we need changes in the old guard, ie the likes of Hanley and Krul. BUT if we can get players like Sara, Nunez, Sargent and Tzolis clicking and playing well together as a joined up unit it could be special. I honestly think Wagner can deliver that, just look at the improvement in players like Aarons and Dowell since he arrived. Too late for this season but a couple of key signings and next could be very different.

First 20 very poor and ridiculous mistake by Krul. But much better last 20. we can definitely win it! im going Tzolis for late winner and a new hero is born (we can all dream!)

Given the balls he gave away at Coventry I’m genuinely wondering if Krul is betting on us conceding 😡

Can I change my vote please!

Yep, that's exactly what I've done! Krul has now been given the shirt (mainly I think because of his experience, character and ability to organise the defence rather than being 'the better goal keeper'..if that makes sense?). But if he does start making stupid mistakes then he gets dropped and Gunn is given another go to fully claim the No1 shirt for good.

I'm far from convinced that Gunn is the better keeper and not sure stats do prove that... happy for you to show which ones do. They are both decent keepers but with weakness eg Krul's distribution is awful but he commands the area much better. Krul at his peak was a far better keeper than Gunn is now, my hope is that Gunn continues to grow and learn from Krul so we have a seamless transition to him either again this season or for next season.

It is a big show of faith...and not one I am particularly sure on if I'm honest. I just dont think he will ever be of a quality needed for top championship/premier league. Interesting that Wagner describes him as having a 'raw, natural ability' but given he is 21 surely by now some of his potential should've been realised. I still think he would benefit from time on loan (preferably in Championship) so he gets chance to play week in week out rather than a bit player like he is at moment.

That first day video is really interesting and gives some good insight into the club. He may not be popular but I like the way that Webber personally escorts them all and knows everyone in the club. Hernandez instantly likeable and McLean definitely a character. Wagner is indeed very tactile with the players and you can tell how much he wants to build a good relationship with them. In total contrast, Hanley gives a miserable hello and then just walks off....not exactly what I'd expect from our captain.

It's interesting how Wagner seems to have made very quick decisions in terms of: Liking the look of Tzolis Immediately knowing that Hugil and Sinani arent good enough Sargent plays through the middle or not at all No point giving Cantwell any more time Heck he's even managed to make a star player out of McLean!!! It could all go disastrously wrong but I certainly have faith in his opinion.

Everything’s been covered in this thread but have to say I’m gutted that he has left. Probably for the best for him and the club but I certainly wish him all the best and hope he knuckles down at rangers and eventually really fulfils his potential.