He's been offered what he sees as a better job (presumably on more money), nearer to what he sees as home. Stevenage promotion aims are effectively over. Hard to see what he has done wrong here tbh.
Mathematically, it’s still possible for Stevenage to pip Oxford to the post but, again mathematically (and even less realistically), it’s still possible for us to finish above Stevenage.
Only signed a new contract with Stevenage 8 weeks ago, extending his contract until 2026, now has a much bigger three year offer from Rotherham and leaves immediately.
Rotherham sack Leam Richardson on the same day they appoint Steve Evans.
Leam Richardson’s compensation and Steve Evans buy out clause will cost Rotherham huge sums, at a guess £400k-500k.
I never begrudge anyone leaving a job in football for a better one, even if they have just signed a contract. If Stevenage have a bad first half of the season the same fans would be calling for his head. The only caveat is leaving honestly, with no attitude issues, and also if it was someone who has been connected to the club for a long time you would expect it to unfold differently (like the manner GA and Dobbo left).
I don't like Steve Evans at all, but he is an exceptional manager and was always going to be in demand.
Also, Stevenage fans booed Luke Leahy fighting for his life, so I am perfectly happy for them to sink like a stone.
One more word on "loyalty in football" which fans always claim exists on their side, with Oxford as a case study:
Karl Robinson: Stays with the club a long time, has tremendous success generally, and during his FIRST bad season the "loyal" fans are calling for his head.
Liam Manning: Sacked by MK after following up a great season with a struggling one. Goes to Oxford, keeps them up, and then gets them to 2nd this season before leaving for a much better four sided opportunity at Bristol City. The fans howl about disloyalty, then immediately speculate if they can grab Notts County's manager in the same way Bristol City grabbed theirs, even saying things like "why would he not leave Notts for a better opportunity?"
Des Buckingham: The same "loyal" fans have a poll at about 90-95% saying he should be sacked after he has an understandably rocky time transitioning from India to Oxford. The club itself shows more loyalty, and he has them still in the hunt for the playoffs.
Of all the tired cliches, fans bleating about loyalty when a manager cashes in on success is one of the most wearying. Fans are only "loyal" if things are going well and there is something in it for them - if things are going badly, they turn on managers and players like a pack of vicious hyenas.
I don't think every fan does - but as far as whether a manager should continue in the job, I feel that general loyalty of any fanbase is tied to success. Fans tut-tutting over lack of loyalty in football almost only happens when they have been successful enough for their manager to obtain a better opportunity.
Port Vale gave Darren Moore a five and a half year contract. Ouch. I could see them keeping him just in the hopes he does well next season and saves them some money.
Comments
Is it ok to say I think he is an utter cnut?
Odious lump.
(Evans, not you Eric)
Maybe we can get Nick Freeman back, he would be a good squad addition.
Hahaha!
The pies must be better there. What a knob.
No, more money to buy larger pies!
He's got form for chucking a wobbly and walking out on clubs hasn't he?
Walking?
He's been offered what he sees as a better job (presumably on more money), nearer to what he sees as home. Stevenage promotion aims are effectively over. Hard to see what he has done wrong here tbh.
Ok I'll be the first to say it... Gareth to Stevenage ??
Oh god.
He's an old school Glaswegian and that's enough to get the SouthBucks SoyBoys into a tizzy.
You never know.
I made that prediction 6 months ago
https://gasroom.org/discussion/comment/312137/#Comment_312137
That may well come to fruition.
Mathematically, it’s still possible for Stevenage to pip Oxford to the post but, again mathematically (and even less realistically), it’s still possible for us to finish above Stevenage.
Can we imagine Gareth coming to AP next season as Stevenage manager. 🤦🤦
Only signed a new contract with Stevenage 8 weeks ago, extending his contract until 2026, now has a much bigger three year offer from Rotherham and leaves immediately.
Rotherham sack Leam Richardson on the same day they appoint Steve Evans.
Leam Richardson’s compensation and Steve Evans buy out clause will cost Rotherham huge sums, at a guess £400k-500k.
Stevenage play Oxford on Saturday.
Imagine the scenes if they beat Oxford to put them out of the Playoffs and Gareth is in charge.
I never begrudge anyone leaving a job in football for a better one, even if they have just signed a contract. If Stevenage have a bad first half of the season the same fans would be calling for his head. The only caveat is leaving honestly, with no attitude issues, and also if it was someone who has been connected to the club for a long time you would expect it to unfold differently (like the manner GA and Dobbo left).
I don't like Steve Evans at all, but he is an exceptional manager and was always going to be in demand.
Also, Stevenage fans booed Luke Leahy fighting for his life, so I am perfectly happy for them to sink like a stone.
One more word on "loyalty in football" which fans always claim exists on their side, with Oxford as a case study:
Karl Robinson: Stays with the club a long time, has tremendous success generally, and during his FIRST bad season the "loyal" fans are calling for his head.
Liam Manning: Sacked by MK after following up a great season with a struggling one. Goes to Oxford, keeps them up, and then gets them to 2nd this season before leaving for a much better four sided opportunity at Bristol City. The fans howl about disloyalty, then immediately speculate if they can grab Notts County's manager in the same way Bristol City grabbed theirs, even saying things like "why would he not leave Notts for a better opportunity?"
Des Buckingham: The same "loyal" fans have a poll at about 90-95% saying he should be sacked after he has an understandably rocky time transitioning from India to Oxford. The club itself shows more loyalty, and he has them still in the hunt for the playoffs.
Of all the tired cliches, fans bleating about loyalty when a manager cashes in on success is one of the most wearying. Fans are only "loyal" if things are going well and there is something in it for them - if things are going badly, they turn on managers and players like a pack of vicious hyenas.
Hmm....you're a fan. When was the last time you turned against a manager and or player(s)?
GA quoted as 6 to 1 to become new Stevenage manager according to the local paper. 3rd favourite apparently.
I don't think every fan does - but as far as whether a manager should continue in the job, I feel that general loyalty of any fanbase is tied to success. Fans tut-tutting over lack of loyalty in football almost only happens when they have been successful enough for their manager to obtain a better opportunity.
The thing that scares me is that squad actually appears well suited to GA.
I'd say Gaz should hold on for the Port Vale job, but things seems absolutely toxic there last night.
I can’t see Dobbo making the move to Port Vale should GA decide to go there.
Port Vale gave Darren Moore a five and a half year contract. Ouch. I could see them keeping him just in the hopes he does well next season and saves them some money.
I believe we have only had 12 managers in 30 years, which is very loyal. That is just a mildly busy Tuesday for Watford.
Ainsworth now the favourite at 2/1. Someone chucked a cheeky tuppence on him, evidently.