When are things going to improve?
Last updated 13:20, Tuesday, 28 October 2008
HUMILIATED at Hereford, crushed at Colchester!
A thrashing at Cuckoo Farm described as an 'embarrassment'.
Those were the words of John Ward, who as I write this is still the boss of Carlisle United.
When are things going to start improving on the pitch for the Cumbrians?
I really hope that turns out to be the nadir of United's campaign.
It is the manner in which we keep getting beaten which is so alarming – no fight, no passion, no pride.
At the moment, United resemble a rudderless ship woefully struggling to negotiate the choppy waters as they hurtle out of control towards the abyss of League Two.
A team that, by all accounts, should be playing in The Championship is now battling for survival in a division which they should have been promoted out of last season.
Whose fault is the current mess? The Manager? The Players? The Board?
Well, to be truthful, a combination of all three really.
Ward has the look of a beaten man unable to inspire or motivate his troops. A catalogue of unfortunate injuries have deprived him of some of his key players, however a man with his vast experience really should have done much better in the circumstances.
His group of players, devoid of leadership and discipline, are performing way below their potential.
The Directors are perceived as weak, out of touch with the fans and lacking the financial clout to give the manager the funds needed to take United onto the next level. But then again, with his record in the transfer market, would you trust him?
If United are to preserve their status as a League One club, what is going on at Brunton Park simply cannot be allowed to continue. This is relegation form.
Something MUST change now.
Does Ward have what it takes to drag us out of the present predicament?
I don't know of many Blues fans who believe he can. His support is dwindling by the game and has reached an all-time low, his only remaining backers seem to be the Board.
How much longer will he get?
To give any manager a four year contract is a risk. Because if it doesn't work out and it becomes necessary to dismiss him, he will be entitled to a large amount of compensation. That is something I and many others don't agree with.
The worst thing that can happen is a stand-off – between a board who won't sack a manager because they can't afford to or are reluctant to pay him off, and a manager who won't resign because he will miss out on his severance package.
Such a situation certainly doesn't benefit the club and the supporters.
Regardless of all this, the lifeblood of the club - the loyal and devoted supporters of Carlisle United, particularly those who defied the credit crunch to make those long treks last week, are owed a good performance by the people whose wages they effectively pay.
I hope it comes tonight against Hartlepool.
CHRIS AYRES
Chris Ayers' column is in no way representative of the views of the management of the Beehive.
