A Complete Surprise.

Following Lee Dixon’s decision to step down from managing the Canaries at the end of the season, I was presented with an open goal as to the subject matter of my first ‘proper’ blog entry.

First of all, I have to say that Lee's decision has come as a complete surprise to me. I have read comments on various social media outlets from supporters who claim to have seen this coming for a few weeks and, for the life of me, I cannot imagine how or why they would have any inkling that Lee was contemplating stepping down. 

Being a member of the club’s committee I imagine that I have more contact with the manager than most supporters and I did not see anything out of the ordinary in him at the Oval on Saturday. The Gaffer went about his business in his usual professional manner and in fact, in exactly the same way as he always has done since joining us. Granted, he was not the happiest I have seen him after the match, but from what I have seen, he is only ever completely happy post match when his team has won.

I was informed of Lee’s decision late on Sunday night and the chairman then phoned to tell me to prepare a press release. At that time, I was still in shock, and had no idea how to go about it, but decided to ask Arfon and Lee for their comments. I think it’s always better to ask the people involved in a story to give their own views and comments as it gives a press statement real authenticity.

I kept my phone on all day Monday, hoping to see a message from the chairman that Lee may have had a change of heart but, alas, it never came and so, with a heavy heart, we released the club statement, which you will find by following this link: http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/caernarfontown/News/view/876418

There was no doubt in my mind that the announcement would come as a shock to supporters (and maybe even to those who say they saw it coming!) and, judging by the level of response on facebook, twitter and my telephone, this has certainly been the case.

It goes without saying that I am disappointed at the news, and I say this as both a supporter and committee member. In my opinion Lee Dixon has been the best manager this club has had since John King in the mid-eighties and the work he has done for us has been remarkable. The team has won one league title and four cups in his time in charge and we are presently third in the league with an outside chance of winning the title. I cannot think of many other man who could have achieved this much in such a short period of time. However, there is also a lot of good work he has carried out behind the scenes that will help the club in the future, and this is something I will be addressing in future posts.

Thankfully, Lee has agreed to stay on until the end of the season, and this should give the club plenty of time to start searching for his successor, although of course I would prefer it for the Gaffer to change his mind and carry on the superb job he is doing.

I don't think that will happen but I live in hope ……………………..   

Paul.