| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated 07:56 - Jun 3 with 1901 views | unstableblue |
The draw for Fulham is the squad.
I’m not sure the fan base, size of stadium, leadership team are any kind of major draw.
Crucially if McKenna visited the training ground and then thought of the brand new state of the art facility he’s helped to design, would be very much minded to stay. Chalk and cheese.
Plus it’s Croydon. So it’s a family upheavel. Unless he lived separately in the week.
Can’t see it myself. [Post edited 3 Jun 7:57]
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:07 - Jun 3 with 1584 views | SomethingBlue |
They definitely want him but I don't think he'll go, for a lot of the reasons you state. Town are also in a much better position to give things a shot than we were two years ago. |  |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:13 - Jun 3 with 1517 views | Churchman |
It isn’t really Croydon. It’s off the A3 in the triangle between Merton, Surbiton and Worcester Park.
It’s not far from Claygate/ Cobham. Richmond is easy to get to as well should he wish to live there. There’s actually plenty of lovely places to live and lots of good schools. The training facility dates to 2019 and is fine.
The stadium isn’t great despite the state of the art new stand and the support might be limited but like Palace, they’re a good crowd and they’d be behind him 100%.
Whether he’d fit in with the structure and the owners is the only real question mark and is he likely to get a better job than that at the present time? Say Newcastle, should Howe get the chop. |  | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:18 - Jun 3 with 1454 views | unstableblue |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:07 - Jun 3 by SomethingBlue |
They definitely want him but I don't think he'll go, for a lot of the reasons you state. Town are also in a much better position to give things a shot than we were two years ago. |
For me the big question is does McKenna think he can prove himself to become a serious candidate for the top job - Man U* or Spurs - at Town, essentially keeping us up this season and maybe be stabilising over a final season.
Or does he feel he needs to move to one of the high performing stable smaller clubs to get to a platform to then get the big role.
Palace, Brighton, Fulham, Bournemouth, Brentford.
All these clubs have a common theme of strong squads and established recruitment and technical departments. And in Brighton and Brentford top level technical management above the manager.
This is the third club from that group to make a serious approach - Brighton and Palace previously. I think Brighton and Brentford are the most compelling.
*I’m not convinced Carrick will work out in the long run and they’ll not go for a McKenna type manager in their next hire. | |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:46 - Jun 3 with 1314 views | Wright1 |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:18 - Jun 3 by unstableblue |
For me the big question is does McKenna think he can prove himself to become a serious candidate for the top job - Man U* or Spurs - at Town, essentially keeping us up this season and maybe be stabilising over a final season.
Or does he feel he needs to move to one of the high performing stable smaller clubs to get to a platform to then get the big role.
Palace, Brighton, Fulham, Bournemouth, Brentford.
All these clubs have a common theme of strong squads and established recruitment and technical departments. And in Brighton and Brentford top level technical management above the manager.
This is the third club from that group to make a serious approach - Brighton and Palace previously. I think Brighton and Brentford are the most compelling.
*I’m not convinced Carrick will work out in the long run and they’ll not go for a McKenna type manager in their next hire. |
I think this is the thing. Carrick is a rare example but otherwise, you don't tend to go from a club like Ipswich in to one of the top jobs. People like to say he should wait for one of those top jobs and they can't see why he'd leave for Brentford, Palace, Fulham etc... but the truth is, he has a better shot of doing what Iraola has just done for example, than jumping from us to United or a similar club. | | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:53 - Jun 3 with 1271 views | unstableblue |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:46 - Jun 3 by Wright1 |
I think this is the thing. Carrick is a rare example but otherwise, you don't tend to go from a club like Ipswich in to one of the top jobs. People like to say he should wait for one of those top jobs and they can't see why he'd leave for Brentford, Palace, Fulham etc... but the truth is, he has a better shot of doing what Iraola has just done for example, than jumping from us to United or a similar club. |
Good you’ve emphasised the point about Carrick being a unique situation
It was a temporary hire, from a much loved former player, who was out of work and available. Smashed together with a very good assistant coach. That’s worked out, because frankly Man I had some very good players. As I stated that ain’t the norm or going to happen again - and indeed I think Carrick will falter and they’ll be even further away from making that type of hire.
A top job is less likely for a yo club than a high performing mid table team - it’s as simple as that. Look at Iraola - and crucially he was aided by a far superior back room set up to Town. Brighton, Brentford, and Bournemouth are streets ahead of Town in that aspect.
So I think McKennas decision comes down to the stepping stone point, and crucially does he feel he’s got a good stab at survival with what he has at town now.
Transfer pot, training ground, improved recruitment are the big factors.
But I also do think he has an emotional connection to the project here. Just hope all this moaning Town fans so vocal at times last season beating Hirst etc haven’t soured this at all. | |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:55 - Jun 3 with 1248 views | LegendofthePhoenix |
Agree- too many downsides:
1) Training facilities
2) Family upheaval or living away from
3) No stock in the bank, I.e. get a poor run and sacked by Christmas
4) If McKenna can get a good start and keep us up, this would absolutely be a platform to go on to Spurs or Man Utd
5) Fulham are pretty much at their peak - mid table. What’s the peak of ITFC? Definitely higher, how high can we go?
6) Very ambitious owners at ITFC - and a 40k stadium on the way
7) McKenna is in a strong position to get the funds for the players he wants
8) We are much better prepared this time, back room staff, scouting networks etc.
9) He has something to prove this time
There are a few issues that have caused some frustration for KM this past season for sure, but overall I expect the above points to mean he stays until Spurs or Man Utd come calling. |  |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:56 - Jun 3 with 1237 views | unstableblue |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:13 - Jun 3 by Churchman |
It isn’t really Croydon. It’s off the A3 in the triangle between Merton, Surbiton and Worcester Park.
It’s not far from Claygate/ Cobham. Richmond is easy to get to as well should he wish to live there. There’s actually plenty of lovely places to live and lots of good schools. The training facility dates to 2019 and is fine.
The stadium isn’t great despite the state of the art new stand and the support might be limited but like Palace, they’re a good crowd and they’d be behind him 100%.
Whether he’d fit in with the structure and the owners is the only real question mark and is he likely to get a better job than that at the present time? Say Newcastle, should Howe get the chop. |
Yup much more round to the west. Was being lazy Churchie.
I do think it’s a factor though. Fulham’s ground is effectively current Playford Road levels.
With a temporary marquee for the gym as we have now.
And you know McKenna did have a hand in the design of the new facility.
If he left. I’d genuinely lose a bit of connection with the club. | |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:21 - Jun 3 with 1122 views | Churchman |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:56 - Jun 3 by unstableblue |
Yup much more round to the west. Was being lazy Churchie.
I do think it’s a factor though. Fulham’s ground is effectively current Playford Road levels.
With a temporary marquee for the gym as we have now.
And you know McKenna did have a hand in the design of the new facility.
If he left. I’d genuinely lose a bit of connection with the club. |
I only know the area because I worked around there many moons ago. I had no idea their training facility was like that. Interesting. I thought or assumed it was state of the art.
I hope McKenna stays, but sadly all good things come to an end and the club will hopefully be there long after he, the owners, you and me are long gone. | | | |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:28 - Jun 3 with 1067 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:13 - Jun 3 by Churchman |
It isn’t really Croydon. It’s off the A3 in the triangle between Merton, Surbiton and Worcester Park.
It’s not far from Claygate/ Cobham. Richmond is easy to get to as well should he wish to live there. There’s actually plenty of lovely places to live and lots of good schools. The training facility dates to 2019 and is fine.
The stadium isn’t great despite the state of the art new stand and the support might be limited but like Palace, they’re a good crowd and they’d be behind him 100%.
Whether he’d fit in with the structure and the owners is the only real question mark and is he likely to get a better job than that at the present time? Say Newcastle, should Howe get the chop. |
Yeah he won't be short of a nice place to live around there on the sort of money he earns. Lots of Chelsea live around Claygate and Cobham area, or he could live a bit further out in leafy Surrey, or more centrally in Chelsea / Fulham. Geographically & family wise I think its a moot point, that wont be a blocker.
I think it'll just be about his career aspirations. If he sees Fulham as a club he can go to for a couple of years and do what Silva has done over the past few with mid table finishes and maybe a cup run or 2, that will be enough of a stepping stone to set him up for a 'top' job in his mind, a Spurs or United when they next come around. |  | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:32 - Jun 3 with 1041 views | tractorboy1978 |
I'm not even sure the squad is much of a draw. It's obviously better than ours but it is solid and unspectacular. Their best player is off on a free transfer and they don't have anyone else that is going to be threatening to get a move upwards this summer. Unless their owners are changing tact there isn't a huge ambition to really spend and kick on either. They look one of the most vulnerable 'established' clubs.
Palace and Brighton were more appealing projects/prospects at the time he turned them down. And we are in a stronger place than when he rejected those opportunities too. | | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:36 - Jun 3 with 1004 views | Guthrum |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:53 - Jun 3 by unstableblue |
Good you’ve emphasised the point about Carrick being a unique situation
It was a temporary hire, from a much loved former player, who was out of work and available. Smashed together with a very good assistant coach. That’s worked out, because frankly Man I had some very good players. As I stated that ain’t the norm or going to happen again - and indeed I think Carrick will falter and they’ll be even further away from making that type of hire.
A top job is less likely for a yo club than a high performing mid table team - it’s as simple as that. Look at Iraola - and crucially he was aided by a far superior back room set up to Town. Brighton, Brentford, and Bournemouth are streets ahead of Town in that aspect.
So I think McKennas decision comes down to the stepping stone point, and crucially does he feel he’s got a good stab at survival with what he has at town now.
Transfer pot, training ground, improved recruitment are the big factors.
But I also do think he has an emotional connection to the project here. Just hope all this moaning Town fans so vocal at times last season beating Hirst etc haven’t soured this at all. |
Another factor to consider is that, having started in management so young, he has longer than most to develop his career.
He could do two more seasons with us, three with another club and still only be the same age Ferguson was when he took over at ManU, or Guardiola at ManC, still a couple of years short of Wenger when he joined Arsenal - so having the capability of a very long tenure at the topmost level. |  |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:39 - Jun 3 with 981 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:36 - Jun 3 by Guthrum |
Another factor to consider is that, having started in management so young, he has longer than most to develop his career.
He could do two more seasons with us, three with another club and still only be the same age Ferguson was when he took over at ManU, or Guardiola at ManC, still a couple of years short of Wenger when he joined Arsenal - so having the capability of a very long tenure at the topmost level. |
I guess its less about having time on his side and more about cashing his chips at the right time. His stock is pretty high right now, as it was last time we came up. Another relegation on his CV with us and he'll probably be viewed in a different light when it comes to premier league jobs, albeit that would be unfair IMO. | | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:43 - Jun 3 with 943 views | portmanking |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:39 - Jun 3 by _CliveBaker_ |
I guess its less about having time on his side and more about cashing his chips at the right time. His stock is pretty high right now, as it was last time we came up. Another relegation on his CV with us and he'll probably be viewed in a different light when it comes to premier league jobs, albeit that would be unfair IMO. |
I'm not sure that's the case re. 2nd relegation.
We all know how highly regarded he is in coaching/ownership circles. In reality, it's his current contract that's tying him to us until 2028. With no release clause or a modest fee needed, I'm sure plenty across Europe would take a punt. [Post edited 3 Jun 9:43]
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:44 - Jun 3 with 923 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
Moving the family wont be a problem, its part of the job. |  |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:59 - Jun 3 with 865 views | Guthrum |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:39 - Jun 3 by _CliveBaker_ |
I guess its less about having time on his side and more about cashing his chips at the right time. His stock is pretty high right now, as it was last time we came up. Another relegation on his CV with us and he'll probably be viewed in a different light when it comes to premier league jobs, albeit that would be unfair IMO. |
That depends upon whether he thinks another relegation is particularly likely with Town. Successfully keeping us up - especially if he can finish above some established teams - will be a significant feather in his cap, probably above doing averagely well at Fulham.
Last time we weren't ready, on many levels. It was a mad rush to set things up and recruit. Now, we are much further ahead, on facilities, ideas and reputation. Where does McKenna think the risk/reward equation stands? Above all, he has the time to be patient, we have already seen that he does not snatch at the first opportunities (Palace, Chelsea, Brighton).
I tend to think it will come down to whether McKenna feels he wants to finish a job at Town by leaving them established in the Prem, plus how much control he gets (or isn't getting) at another club. It might be frustrating for all the recruitment, player relations and development stuff - at which he is so good - to be done by a DoF, leaving him as a basic coach. | |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:20 - Jun 3 with 748 views | ElderGrizzly |
Won't it simply be, what is best for my career and who gives me the best chance of staying in the PL next season?
I think we are over-thinking the importance of how nice the training ground is at this point.
If Fulham or Palace come calling, they are many many years ahead of us. |  | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:21 - Jun 3 with 738 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:20 - Jun 3 by ElderGrizzly |
Won't it simply be, what is best for my career and who gives me the best chance of staying in the PL next season?
I think we are over-thinking the importance of how nice the training ground is at this point.
If Fulham or Palace come calling, they are many many years ahead of us. |
Well it obviously wasn't that simple previously because he could/should have left us 2/3 times by that metric. | | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:22 - Jun 3 with 735 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 09:59 - Jun 3 by Guthrum |
That depends upon whether he thinks another relegation is particularly likely with Town. Successfully keeping us up - especially if he can finish above some established teams - will be a significant feather in his cap, probably above doing averagely well at Fulham.
Last time we weren't ready, on many levels. It was a mad rush to set things up and recruit. Now, we are much further ahead, on facilities, ideas and reputation. Where does McKenna think the risk/reward equation stands? Above all, he has the time to be patient, we have already seen that he does not snatch at the first opportunities (Palace, Chelsea, Brighton).
I tend to think it will come down to whether McKenna feels he wants to finish a job at Town by leaving them established in the Prem, plus how much control he gets (or isn't getting) at another club. It might be frustrating for all the recruitment, player relations and development stuff - at which he is so good - to be done by a DoF, leaving him as a basic coach. |
As its stands you would have to say its more likely than unlikely. Not saying we don't have a chance of staying up but we're rightly one of the favourites for relegation. Yes we're better prepared than last time, but whether we're 20 points better prepared is another question.
I think it was harder to leave last time, it sounds like it wasn't an easy decision but after back to back promotions and with all the momentum at the time I can see why he would've wanted to have a swing at the premier league with us. After that achievement that emotional attachment of not leading us out in the Prem was no doubt hard to step away from. Not saying he's ever regretted staying necessarily, but 2 years is a long time and I wouldn't be surprised if he sees it a little differently this time around. He won't want another PL relegation on his CV, and if he's to establish himself as a top flight manager you can certainly make a case for Fulham being a better bet in the near term than us. | | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:26 - Jun 3 with 695 views | LeightonBuzzardBlue |
I agree with you that the appeal is the squad
Iwobi, Smith-Rowe, Leno, Bassey, Robinson, Andersen, Berge, Lukic - I think all these players would instantly become our top player or at least top 3.
Yes all these other points: fanbase, training ground, eccentric owner etc. are all valid but I don't think we should count out the appeal of instantly having a squad that McKenna can do more with without the question marks of new signings [Post edited 3 Jun 10:27]
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:30 - Jun 3 with 655 views | GlasgowBlue |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:21 - Jun 3 by tractorboy1978 |
Well it obviously wasn't that simple previously because he could/should have left us 2/3 times by that metric. |
In the 27 months since McKenna turned down Palace they have gone on to win the FA Cup and the UEFA Conference League. That will sure,y come into McKenna’s mind when deciding what is best for his career. |  |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:32 - Jun 3 with 630 views | Mullet |
The idea he won’t go because of this stuff is pure fantasy. He will go where the money and opportunity is. |  |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:36 - Jun 3 with 580 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:30 - Jun 3 by GlasgowBlue |
In the 27 months since McKenna turned down Palace they have gone on to win the FA Cup and the UEFA Conference League. That will sure,y come into McKenna’s mind when deciding what is best for his career. |
It might do yeah. But it might not. We don't know how he is thinking or how he is evaluating things. | | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:36 - Jun 3 with 583 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:26 - Jun 3 by LeightonBuzzardBlue |
I agree with you that the appeal is the squad
Iwobi, Smith-Rowe, Leno, Bassey, Robinson, Andersen, Berge, Lukic - I think all these players would instantly become our top player or at least top 3.
Yes all these other points: fanbase, training ground, eccentric owner etc. are all valid but I don't think we should count out the appeal of instantly having a squad that McKenna can do more with without the question marks of new signings [Post edited 3 Jun 10:27]
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Yep, I think people are making too much of the training ground.
McKenna will want to manage a top 6 / top 4 club, presumably taking Spurs back there or getting the top job at United is his dream. All he'll be thinking is how the next couple of years can best position himself for that and evidence his credentials at a PL level.
2 years at Fulham finishing higher than about 12th, off the back of what he's done with us, and he'll be seen as ready, like an Iraola or Frank who have got the jobs at Liverpool and Spurs respectively in recent times. I think a 2nd relegation with us would be damaging. I'm not saying he'll never work again, there will be plenty of opportunities, but it wouldn't take him closer to a top job. Of course he could flop at Fulham, or we could fly and do a Sunderland, its not an easy decision but I can see why Fulham might be considered a lower risk option for his future prospects. | | | |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:39 - Jun 3 with 553 views | WestStanderLaLaLa |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:30 - Jun 3 by GlasgowBlue |
In the 27 months since McKenna turned down Palace they have gone on to win the FA Cup and the UEFA Conference League. That will sure,y come into McKenna’s mind when deciding what is best for his career. |
Indeed. He’s older and wiser now. I’m sure he didn’t underestimate the size of the task to keep a promoted side up but he’s lived it now. Any emotion involved in his decision to stay previously could be diluted with cold hard facts. |  |
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| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 10:43 - Jun 3 with 502 views | Kieran_Knows |
| Fulham training ground - Motspur Park - is quite dated on 08:07 - Jun 3 by SomethingBlue |
They definitely want him but I don't think he'll go, for a lot of the reasons you state. Town are also in a much better position to give things a shot than we were two years ago. |
Would imagine turning down another job would come hand in hand with a new contract here? |  |
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