Hi Jimsdad
My original conversation with The Chairman was to put ducks in a row and do things properly in line with how the modern football industry works rather than being left behind on and off the pitch.
My reasoning for transparency all along with you guys was simple. You can see a timeline of changes and events rather than guess.
So as I said to the supporter groups on zoom, early decisions on key staff, early back to pre season, early player scouting and recruitment were all clearly set out by me as matters of urgency, because the club have been left wanting in many ways in and off the pitch for a number of years.
So although I'm meeting the Chairman tomorrow where we may or may not agree anything regarding a role for me moving forward ( as I've said, it has to have teeth, not interested in cheerleading, I can do that anyway), the important penny drop moments for the Chairman and Phil seem to have at least lead to immediate action.
1. Players know now they have a tough 6 week pre season, back earlier than others, as I suggested should happen.
2. Manager signed up ( my preference is always to have a number of candidates for a job with a CEO/DoF leading an interview process, but Ron wanted Phil so that's his right before other roles have been filled) so that players know wjo they are working with.
3. Key roles to be interviewed and decided quickly. For similar reasons to a manager being signed up. Certainty.
4. Chairman allowing industry professionals to do their job when employed. We'll see if this comes to fruition. The Chairman knows my thoughts on how a proper football structure should work and unless it's allowed to work, the club will be paying the price for sometime to come.
So I'm happy that some of the early issues that I flagged up with the Chairman have been put into practice, fans now at least know the aim is to have a coherent plan to release, sign and line up a group in early July to be ready for the toughest season this club will have faced for a while, even with the two relegations.
For me, as reiterated clearly to supporters and Chairman, the easiest way for success and stability is to let the club structure of industry professionals work its course.
Then if any manager doesn't deliver or decides to go elsewhere, today, tomorrow or 10 years time, like the most successful clubs there are fewer bumps in the road, less damaging changes and more consistency.
Owner employs CEO to run the club.
DoF makes sure club has a comprehensive strategy
Any manager works within the strategy
That avoids excessive or unknown cost implications
That avoids mates, friends of any future manager to be employed by the club on anything other than merit.
My personal view ( i'm not employed by the club) is that a CEO should have been appointed first, a DoF second and then sitting down with Phil as incumbent with a wealth of experience and knowledge of the club putting him in the driving seat but to make sure Southend United at least explored other avenues.
That's not being disrespectful to Phil, someone I know, get on great with and respect. That's just common sense.
I believe the Chairman is meeting 2 potential CEO'S today and I'm meeting him tomorrow.
If I get any role ( which I set out on 2 zoom calls to general supporters and the Trust aside from Ron) it will Insist on doing things properly in every way, every day. Or the Chairman is free of course to go whichever path he wishes.
Talk is cheap. Gestures are cheap.
Action time. ?