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.
