Bit of a shock, but GA has left football completely in favour of the business world. Seems he is much more interested in "building industry disruptive business critical solutions".
I was wondering when GA might show up back at AP (not that it effects me, but it would be nice to see the reaction, even on TV). I suspect that from his sacking until now it would have seemed like undermining MB a bit when we were struggling. The ideal is obviously when things are on an upswing. Possibly unlikely to be last day of the season against Charlton as that is the lap of the honour for the players and current manager. Next season might not work if he is employed by then. So I wonder if he will be back for one of the final home games before Charlton, or if he sees it as simply too soon all round?
I'd be very surprised if he wasn't. Remember him popping in for a soft drink or two at a mate's 50th after travelling back from an away game at Blackpool. He must've been knackered and still spent a good while chatting to everyone.
Have they revealed any more details about who is turning up?
At least it looks like we should be safe (touch wood) well before the end of the season, so maybe JJ can get a couple of games in then.
I thought it was self depreciating when JJ described how he'd "triggered" the extra year deal, as opposed to being specifically offered one, but he's had a fairly underwhelming last season so far. Poor form him and the team, injury, not even getting on the bench with Saxon, KVY injured and playing a midfielder at left back.
Testimonial, Wembley final, and his evening are all big plus points, but would still be nice to see him on the pitch a few more times.
Agreed, @Malone - with JJ on 99 goal involvements, we need to lock up safety as quickly as possible so we can start putting him on the subs' bench every game and dive like swans for penalties all game long.
With seconds to go in Bradford semi, and penalties imminent Blooms left JJ (our best pen taker) on the bench, that was the moment his time was up. Luckily we had that last gasp winner.
As much as he's been an all timer for us, it would have to be an insane deal to offer a then 36 year old a 2 year extension based on hitting xx games wouldn't it!!
True! It is always a little melancholy when legends age, and in Bayo and JJ, we had two absolute unicorns who cannot be replicated. Other top players might have someone approaching like-for-like, but with those two, we will never see that particular skillset again.
I suspect if we are 6-0 up at Wembley, JJ might get the final 10 mins. Imagine the uproar on Facebook if we are 1-0 down and he gets the final 10 mins!
It's a strange feeling, this "hoping Peterborough win" business. But I don't want Stevenage to get into the playoffs (Nick Freeman aside) and I can always have a shower later.
I remember the hatred that was thrown his way by a certain family (they will remain nameless!) when he came on. It was unjust as he actually offered us something different against Sunderland and he was probably our best chance at getting back into the game.
Comments
Good catch! He did show admirable restraint in deciding against 'Haka 3: The Conclusion' though.
Bit of a shock, but GA has left football completely in favour of the business world. Seems he is much more interested in "building industry disruptive business critical solutions".
Ainsworth steps out of ‘comfort zone’ to become Godel CEO (businesscloud.co.uk)
Cutting his hair has made him look so much younger though.
WTF is building industry disruptive business critical solutions?
Sounds like anti spyware?
First day went as expected....
Does it involve shouting Press! Press! Press! ?
I used to deal with this IT guy up until last year.
(9) Gareth Ainsworth | LinkedIn
Only lives about 8 miles from Gareth too.
Sounds like smoke and mirrors and bullshit to me.
I was wondering when GA might show up back at AP (not that it effects me, but it would be nice to see the reaction, even on TV). I suspect that from his sacking until now it would have seemed like undermining MB a bit when we were struggling. The ideal is obviously when things are on an upswing. Possibly unlikely to be last day of the season against Charlton as that is the lap of the honour for the players and current manager. Next season might not work if he is employed by then. So I wonder if he will be back for one of the final home games before Charlton, or if he sees it as simply too soon all round?
Would be good for him to be at JJ's thing next week
Good point!
I'd be very surprised if he wasn't. Remember him popping in for a soft drink or two at a mate's 50th after travelling back from an away game at Blackpool. He must've been knackered and still spent a good while chatting to everyone.
Have they revealed any more details about who is turning up?
At least it looks like we should be safe (touch wood) well before the end of the season, so maybe JJ can get a couple of games in then.
I thought it was self depreciating when JJ described how he'd "triggered" the extra year deal, as opposed to being specifically offered one, but he's had a fairly underwhelming last season so far. Poor form him and the team, injury, not even getting on the bench with Saxon, KVY injured and playing a midfielder at left back.
Testimonial, Wembley final, and his evening are all big plus points, but would still be nice to see him on the pitch a few more times.
Agreed, @Malone - with JJ on 99 goal involvements, we need to lock up safety as quickly as possible so we can start putting him on the subs' bench every game and dive like swans for penalties all game long.
With seconds to go in Bradford semi, and penalties imminent Blooms left JJ (our best pen taker) on the bench, that was the moment his time was up. Luckily we had that last gasp winner.
I wonder if there's as much risk bringing on a player cold before a pen shoot out as there is security from doing it though.
It didn't work out too well in the Euros final
So does Charlton become the JJ goodbye game if we are safe by then? Or did him triggering a clause mean next season too?
As much as he's been an all timer for us, it would have to be an insane deal to offer a then 36 year old a 2 year extension based on hitting xx games wouldn't it!!
True! It is always a little melancholy when legends age, and in Bayo and JJ, we had two absolute unicorns who cannot be replicated. Other top players might have someone approaching like-for-like, but with those two, we will never see that particular skillset again.
I suspect if we are 6-0 up at Wembley, JJ might get the final 10 mins. Imagine the uproar on Facebook if we are 1-0 down and he gets the final 10 mins!
In some ways it’s better for JJ to age as a squad player so we remember him in his pomp. There’s nothing sadder than a legend going on too long.
Gareth is in the Sky Sports studio tonight as a pundit for the live Peterborough v Stevenage game
We brought Bayo on for a much more important game when losing.
Yes you could argue that even last season Bayo still created havoc, but Ainsworth has said he was always bringing him on come what may.
It's a strange feeling, this "hoping Peterborough win" business. But I don't want Stevenage to get into the playoffs (Nick Freeman aside) and I can always have a shower later.
As our season is pretty much done we need Peterborough to have other things on their mind to make the BSM as easy as possible.
I remember the hatred that was thrown his way by a certain family (they will remain nameless!) when he came on. It was unjust as he actually offered us something different against Sunderland and he was probably our best chance at getting back into the game.
As a sidebar, Nick Freeman's move has paid immediate dividends for his playing time, which was the reason he left:
Wycombe L1 22/23: 43 appearances, but only 41.86 minutes per appearance on average.
Stevenage L1 23/24: 34 appearances at 64.82 minutes per appearance on average.
I hate Stevenage, but Nick appears to have made the best call for himself.
2-0 Posh - nice goal.
The great tragedy of 23/24 is that the Wycombe of 22/23 would've comfortably managed at least 6th place this season.