Angst please.

Teams go through bad patches (and I didn't see the game on the weekend so can't comment on the performance).

But how we now respond will say an awful lot about Ricky.  Does he just continue with a formula that clearly isn't working, or can he successfully change it up?  The fact he still thought we did ok, when the view on here is completely different doesn't fill me with confidence.

Probably his most successful tactical shift ever was moving Manny Muscat into midfield a couple of seasons ago - completely changed our direction.  He needs to pull something out of the bag to change this season around - this combination just isn't working.

Swapping brockie and Ifill would go a long way. 

I agree with this ^, start of the season the lads looked really sharp, passing was crisp and we were dominating teams. I think the "balls into the penalty box" stat is very misleading by the way, we lead this stat and have done for a couple of seasons, but most of our balls into the box are from crossess and often noone is there to make it hurt the opposition. I'd like to see us go back to the start of the year and actually play footy against some of the more possession based teams. We should be taking the game to them not trying to go around them.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/7945332/Ricki-Herberts-job-safe-but-Morrison-rues-slump

Some interesting comments in here.  Morrison says that Ricky's job is safe but then rues the fact that people aren't turning out to support the team - he even sounds a bit angsty about that!  For those who have lost faith in Ricky's ability to deliver results, and as a consequence aren't turning up any longer, that isn't an especially promising equation.  

I'm not in Wellington so I don't know what the view on the ground is but those I speak to aren't really excited by the prospect of the rest of the season if things stay the way they are.

Same with guaranteeing Herbert's presence at the club for the next 3 seasons.  I find it a bit odd that Herbert could be replaced as coach but then move into a more senior role as director of football.  Where would that actually leave the eventual replacement?

It's not really common at all for a manager to be sacked and moved upstairs, can you think of an example?

David Mitchell in Perth 'resigned' mid season to  move upstairs.

And how did that work out?

It's not a common move as you well you well know

Ricki isn't getting sacked. So not sure how that scenario is relevant. 

That's not the point.

If we finish 10th this year would you be happy to see Ricky move upstairs as director of football and then a new first team coach be appointed underneath him?    

I'm fine with Ricki being moved upstairs into a director of football position. But I would be concerned if Ricki gets his coaching contract extended. It is time for a change, 6 years is a very long time in football.

Well that would depend on the required skills a DoF needs in comparison to what skills Ricki has.

McKinna's also just been elected Mayor of Gosford.

Not clear whether that means he's no longer with the Mariners, he's still listed on their website as General Manager.

Ricki for Mayor?

edit: classic quote fail

Yeah Im not saying he gets fired mid season and then goes upstairs.

I hope he does because he has helped path the direction of the club, although not sure how well he would suit the position. Will mean he has more time to focus on the AW's and also the other accdemy setups around the country

Agree a new coach is probably due, as is a fresh crop of youth which we are finally starting to see. 

But who would we get to coach, i like the idea of  having a NZ coach but no one stands out as an obvious choice.

Emblem's name will be touted and he has pretty big wraps (Nelsen loved him apparently at the olympics), but his record (considering who he coached) isn't as great as one could expect.

I enjoy Declan's Edge's philosophy of playing football as its exciting and possession based, (but would be appalled if he got anywhere near the job) is there anyone else trying to install a similar mentality without the baggage and ego?

Do we go abroad? Offer Nelsen the role, he's looking to get into management and clearly has the right skill set and experience.

Nelsen already coaches the team,he may as well get paid to do so. 

I'm not sure sir Alex ferguson and arsene wenger would agree ;-) 

There are a few kiwi guys coaching, or beginning their coaching careers, in the States - either in the MLS or the Colleges

Put it this way then, would you want Herbert charting the future direction of the club i.e. how young players are prepared and coached and gotten ready for the first team?

But it raises an interesting point.  Is there actually enough work for both a DoF as well as an experienced first team manager at a club like ours?  If it's all about the juniors than what you probably need is an academy director

After being a football fan for many years I still have no idea what a Director of Football actually does?

SACK TRANI!!!

For all we know that is what the role will entail. If not, then yeah I actually agree with you. Is that a first? ;)

Timmys surely too busy studying in England and designing shoes

What about Wynton Rufer? Our best player ever, played at the top level in Europe and earned his spurs coaching the Kingz in their first two season He's also a Wellington boy to boot. Just don't mention religion. .

Plus he could play up front with waffles. And Shane rufer could be his assistant. 

And get Rory while we're at it.