Coppell gone- official

[Dave]

The other thread got trashed


PALACE PART COMPANY WITH COPPELL
SportingLife
Tuesday, August 1, 2000

Crystal Palace manager Steve Coppell has left the club by mutual consent.

Chairman Simon Jordan claimed on Tuesday that following a meeting at the weekend between himself and Coppell an amicable agreement had been reached.

He said: "Steve has been a Palace manager and supporter for many years and I have enjoyed watching the team under his control over recent years.

"The record book shows he has been the club's most successful manager and will certainly have some very happy memories of his management career here. I wish him every success in the future."

Coppell said: "I have been associated with Palace for many years now and I am proud to have been an integral part of the salvation of the club for the past 20 months, culminating with the successful purchase by Simon Jordan last month.

"Having come through the survival process for the past two seasons I believe it is in the best interests of all concerned if I move aside to let Simon Jordan bring his own man in so they can work in tandem for the task ahead.

"It goes without saying that I wish Palace, Simon and my successor the best of luck in the future."

Palace will hold a news conference on Tuesday afternoon to announce a new manager.

[Chocky]

Bloody hell - this happens and the bbs is about to go tits up...

[Sandy of Cornwall]

My reaction is still the same. Tearful.

Gutted of Cornwall.

[Chocky]

Please not Alan Smith - the bloke is a total F**KING W@NKER

[Small number]

o my... Will smith or Jordan b at the friendly tonigh... hope so.. some abuse going there way!!

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat

[Son of Selhurst]

Ron Noades is pretty useful as a manager. Perhaps Jordan has persuaded Venables to return.

I wonder....

Christ! It don't matter how hot yer chips get, there's always some arse ready to piss on them.

SoS


[This message has been edited by Son of Selhurst (edited 01 August 2000).]

[viking's no1]

I thought Jordan was wanting the old successful Palace lot to surround the club again. Surely Coppell was the reason for that success. Seems strange to boot him out so soon.

I suppose he knows what he's doing.

Good luck to Steve in the future. I'm especially glad now that I went to Tranmere.

[fnord]

in gods name, WHY?

[Dave]

Smith new Manager-

[Mendosa]

Am I the only one who receives this news with less than tearful surprise ?

I am very sad for Coppell after his incredible hard work last season and am eternally grateful to him for that, but, personally I don't rate him that greatly as a manager and I don't think we'd be going very far if he'd stayed with us.

New chairman, new manager, new players, new era. Now is not the time to start slagging off Jordan for having the strength of his convictions to do the right thing and bring in new, better, blood.

[Parker]

I can't believe it, there has to be more to this than meets the eye.

[paf]

Hmmmm, I'd ve suprised if it was Alan Smith to be honest. I had a chat with him after the Charlton game (he's always around and about at Palace). He seemed happy enough at Fulham, though what his role is now under Tigana is anyones guess?????

Poor Steve, feel really sorry for him, not a very nice way to treat him.

[RUSSELL]

I don't think A lan Smith is the right man for the job, we need new blood!
http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif

[wedgetail]

Originally posted by Dave on 08-01-2000 10:19 AM
Smith new Manager-

For god'sake no

Press conference 4pm today to announce new manager. Any money on Smith AND Noades?

[SmithEagle]

S**t! Dave, I thought all postings had been blocked by the American hosts when i tried to reply to the other thread!!!!!

OK,
Press Conference Later today with Alan Smith expected to be named New manager.

It all adds up really, Jordan never had any plans for Coppell at the club, so held secret talks with Smith (revealed to us by Bud Eagle, i think)

Like SN said, nearly in tears.

I turne the TV on, went to SkySports.com TV, and i always check Teletext, but there was nothing about Palace (i was expecting maybe some Ian Wright news) and nothing on screen.
So i then went to BBC1 to check any news, but nothing!

I went back to Skysports.com TV to check out other footie news, and suddenly, BREAKING NEWS- Coppell has left Crystal Palace......

A COLD shiver shot up my back!!! No lie!

------------------
Support Crystal Palace Internet Football Club
http://www.cpifc.co.uk
Support the Mellor Out campaign
http://www.mellorout.co.uk

[bobmatt]

God I feel very depressed at the moment!

I can't believe S.J Has just sacked Steve, there must be more to this story, Where are all our usual imformed sources when we need them?

[Jon Thompson]

Anyone know where the news conference is?

[SIKO]

I am absolutely gutted, and I bet there are a queue of teams who want him as manager. I just hope it isnt a team we are going to play next season, I couldnt handle that. I wonder what questions SJ is going to get asked on Saturday. Anyone know what time the press conference is and where, and can anyone sneak me in please

[Strathclyde Eagle]

Can't believe this. If Simon Jordan's anything to do with it he's going to be very unpopular very quickly.

I know we were all worried about pre-season results but surely this is a bit drastic?

------------------
Strathclyde Eagles Prediction League
http://home.clara.net/tartan/palace/pl.htm

[Dave]

More revelations expected today

[SmithEagle]

Some of you are saying you doubt its Smith.
1. Another BBSer (Bud Eagle i think) revealed that he had seen Jordan and Smith together in a hotel!

If not Smith.....Wrighty??


------------------
Support Crystal Palace Internet Football Club
http://www.cpifc.co.uk
Support the Mellor Out campaign
http://www.mellorout.co.uk

[Psychokiller]

This is terrible news. As Noades has said in the past, Smith only got the job before by continually undermining Coppell, looks like he's done it again.

I'm seriously considering boycotting this season if that bald backstabber is in charge.

Nice bloke my arse!

[eagleDAN]

I'm genuinely tearfull.

[gcwhite]

Originally posted by SIKO on 08-01-2000 10:25 AM
I am absolutely gutted, and I bet there are a queue of teams who want him as manager.

After the Man City episode I doubt there will be a queue of teams. I wouldn't be surprised if Steve has had enough anyway. He looked very weary in recent pictures and seems to have aged alarmingly.

[Palace Don]

GUTTED! Smith can f**k off as well!

[Small number]

Originally posted by Dave on 08-01-2000 10:25 AM
More revelations expected today

Dave u seem 2 know something... please spill.

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat

[Lee B]

The mighty Coppell will be a legend forever. Alright it wasn't always pretty, but Steve is a gent who bleeds red and blue. I wish him luck but can't believe that with his past record that the players are going to have more respect for Smith(?!)

He did well in the First, but couldn't attract top quality to the club last time. What makes Jordan think we're better off with him now?

[SmithEagle]

Just to say there are over 50 people browsing these boards....No wonder the American host hate us!!

------------------
Support Crystal Palace Internet Football Club
http://www.cpifc.co.uk
Support the Mellor Out campaign
http://www.mellorout.co.uk

[Chocky]

Originally posted by tmjwat on 08-01-2000 10:21 AM
Any money on Smith AND Noades?


Those two wouldn't be seen in the same room as each other a while back.

[Small number]

Would the manager have Been Bobby Houghton if he had came?

Something smells fishy... and it's not me!!

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat

[Gooders]

Jordan certainly doesn't hang around does he?

I would like to say thank you to the most honourable man in football, Stevie Coppell. Was he the only guy who could have steered us safely through last season? I think so.

Goodbye and good luck Stevie, in whatever you choose to do.

I can undertsand Jordan wanting to replace Stevie now and despite the fact that I think it's a very sad day, I'm not going to get too excited about it UNLESS he is replacing him with Alan Smith. That guy is a useless ****. He inherited a team that my grandmother could have got promotion with and couldn't keep them up and eventually resorted to a public slanging match with our Chairman to start the whole process of this club becoming the laughing stock of football.

If Jordan appoints him to succeed Steve then it will be his first serious mistake, IMHO.

Get lost Smith, we don't want you at Selhurst Park.

[RUSSELL]

Do you think the club will name a burger bar after him? http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/wink.gif

[PeterH]

How much of this is mutual consent, how happy is Steve to be leaving. Perhaps steering Palace through to the end of administration was enough for him.

If not his complete departure is a disgrace.
If SJ is the fan he says he his then this is a fantastic way of rewarding loyalty.

The worst part of this is what are other fans going to think of us. Other than a few Man City tw@ts most people thought Coppell did a wonderful job last year.

I was going to go to Wycombe, not sure now.

New manager: What the betting on Terry Venables.

[Psychokiller]

Originally posted by Gooders on 08-01-2000 10:32 AM
Get lost Smith, we don't want you at Selhurst Park.


Ditto to that! Has anyone got an email address for smith? If they have I suggest they publish it here so we can pile on the pressure.

[Small number]

Does any1 else think that steve new he was going before the friendly's.. as someone said he has looked particularly not intrested recenlty and this acounts for bad team spirit!

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'
http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat



[This message has been edited by Small number (edited 01 August 2000).]

[SIKO]

I hope that there will be some tribute to the man who steered us through the hard times. BUT more importantly did he jump or was he pushed. Whats going to happen to him now, did he decide to just retire or take a break. Who is it going to be now, there is a lot of speculation. If it is Venerialballs, will Stevie come back when the club goes tits up again. Im even more depressed now

[Small number]

he was pushed... I lay money on it.

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat

[Son of Selhurst]

OK, so if it's not Smith, who else could it be.

We need a shortlist of 'available' managers

SoS

[SmithEagle]

He was pushed!! i bet ya!

WE can at least give him another job, Director of Football, President, Player?? http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
Support Crystal Palace Internet Football Club
http://www.cpifc.co.uk
Support the Mellor Out campaign
http://www.mellorout.co.uk

[Raf]

So Jordan seems to have proved himself already to be a man of empty promises. So much for his talk about keeping the fans and the CPST involved. Does anyone really believe it's right to give Stevie the boot before he's even had a chance to prove himself in a season where he's got some money to spend? I can't think of anyone's name at the moment that I would feel happy about singing 'red and blue army' after.

[Strathclyde Eagle]

What about a chance to say goodbye? Surely if it is by mutual consent there can be some way of organising something to show Stevie how much he was appreciated?

------------------
Strathclyde Eagles Prediction League
http://home.clara.net/tartan/palace/pl.htm

[paf]

I'm hearing Steve wasn't getting on with Jordan, who was being a flash cutn and so he jacked it in.

[Men At Work]

I think Steve was more than aware of what was coming. Watching the team at Millwall reminded me of the last rites. There must have been a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes that has transmitted itself to the players and contributed to a listless appearance.

It is sad news but it doesn't surprise me a great deal. However, I do feel a statement from Steve about wanting to take a break after a draining 18 months would have been a more graceful way in keeping with the man and his actions than the euphamistic "mutual consent".

[Chocky]

Originally posted by Small number on 08-01-2000 10:35 AM
Does any1 else think that steve new he was going before the friendly's.. as someone said he has looked particularly not intrested recenlty and this acounts for bad team spirit!



Probably spot on SN. I dunno, Trolley leaves us to go and sun himself, and everything goes nuts.

[Red n Blue 2]

I dont beleive it. I was e-mailing in my questions for S.J then went offline and got a call from my Liverpool fan friend laughing and I didnt believe him then I checked it out and it was true. I'm sorry if I cant be optimistic for a while (unless I am very pleased with his replacement) but I thought Coppell was GOD!!!! I think his replacement may be someone already in the club as the announcement is so soon. Maybe Kember (great coach but No Manager) is this why Sparrow came in? Is he another managers choice?Did Noades favour Jordans takeover bid for these reasons. Will noades Be the new manager? (PLEASE NO) I am trying to get hold of Peter Morley as I have his number and have talked to him before as I am reasonably close with him. However I'm getting his answering machine. I'll write to ALL YOU if I get info off him (even though he has left the club he seems to know ALOT). I think it is the right time to make an announcement!!!!
I dont think I was supposed to tell you about this but I am depressed....
''Peter Morley told me that after Lim had gained control of the club he got a call from one of his backers (some Italian bloke) and was told he had pulled out as he accused Lim of having a scheme against him. Then he sold the club to Jordan and rang the Italian later. He had never rang him. It was apparantly someone Noades got to impersonate him. And Noades never helped speed up the negotiations as it was reported. Apparently he was as EVIL as ever and payed the papers to say he did (namely yes the Croyden Advertiser as a man involved in the Croyden ad sport bit does not like Palace)

IF YOU EVER WANT ME TO PROVIDE INFO LIKE THIS AGAIN DONT SPREAD AROUND WHO TOLD YOU AS PETER MORLEY IS MY MAIN INFO SOURCE AND I DONT THINK HE WANTED ME TO TELL ANYBODY!!!!

MORE NEWS MAY FOLLOW!!!!

[Will S]

Was he pushed ? Or was it a combination of things. Steve's never been the most upbeat of personalities, perhaps a mix of our dismal pre-season results and personality clash with SJ convinced him, that a mutual parting of the ways was necessary.I think we forget the non stop pressure Coppell's been under for 2 years.
I'm hoping for Joe Kinnear with Smith as his assistant.

[SmithEagle]

And Trolley probably hasnt the faintest idea of what is going on!

------------------
Support Crystal Palace Internet Football Club
http://www.cpifc.co.uk
Support the Mellor Out campaign
http://www.mellorout.co.uk

[SIKO]

I personally think SJ has just made a big mistake. Appointing another manager is one thing, but Steve leaving is a totally different ball game. These past 2 years have made us a different breed of supporter, we aint as fickle as a majority are. We got behind our manager, even when we lost 6-0 to Millwall, 5-1 to crawley, not once did we start calling for the blood of the manager. Surely he could have found something else for Steve to do, the man is red and blue through and through. Why is it we seem to have people crapping on us more than any other teams supporters, as a Palace supporter are we destined to feel happy for a few weeks in the year, only to feel pissed off for the remainder

[Psychokiller]

Originally posted by Red n Blue 2 on 08-01-2000 10:48 AM
IF YOU EVER WANT ME TO PROVIDE INFO LIKE THIS AGAIN DONT SPREAD AROUND WHO TOLD YOU AS PETER MORLEY IS MY MAIN INFO SOURCE AND I DONT THINK HE WANTED ME TO TELL ANYBODY!!!!

MORE NEWS MAY FOLLOW!!!!

Well, if you don't want Pete Morley to find out, the last thing to do is to go and bloody admit it in capital letters on the BBS you moron!

[Small number]

I though Joe Kinnear took over somewhere... obviously not!!

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat

[Strathclyde Eagle]

I pity the replacement already.

Stevie will always be popular with us, how much of a chance are they going to get? Even more so if they were lined up and picking office furniture before Steve left.

------------------
Strathclyde Eagles Prediction League
http://home.clara.net/tartan/palace/pl.htm

[richit]

Just reading this thread - quite a sad bit of news!

[arussell]

I have to say I am not totally surprised and did query if Steve would go if the results didn't work on another thread(although there is obviously a lot more to it than this).

It's a sad day for Palace - especially if Steve won't be around anymore in some capacity - but I also believe that it is a great opportunity for the club to move forward IF (big if that) they select the right replacement.

For Palace to move on to bigger things - a clear out has been needed for some while behind the scenes - but give Steve a job somewhere in the frame Simon !!

[Penge Eagle]

Alan Smith set to be confirmed as new Palace boss. Press conference at Palace is at 4pm.

How can Jordan do this? Does he really understand what he is doing? No-one can replace Stevie. Fair enough the recent results have been bad, but they are only friendlies and we all know Steve can turn it around.

Smith did take us up in that glorious championship winning season, but he also took us down with a great side which included Armstrong, Martyn and Southgate. Ron Noades thinks he is a terrible manager but couldn't sack him because he was so popular.

Jordan is taking a very big risk here.

[Small number]

Andy Linighan and Neil ruddock to get a place in the coaching staff?

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat

[Neil MacQueen]

http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif Why Why Why???? im angry now, i reckon Noades may be back http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif

------------------
Oh look its Nelson Quiche' The Spanish U21 International.

[This message has been edited by Neil MacQueen (edited 01 August 2000).]

[Tony]

It's terribly sad. I feel we all identified with Steve Coppell.

The relationship between Steve and Crystal Palace's fans meant far more than mere words can explain.

Good luck Steve Coppell Ð the greatest hero in the history of Crystal Palace. Thank you for April 8, 1990, thank you for saving our souls and giving us hope last season. Thank you for everything.

THERE WILL ONLY EVER BE ONE STEVIE COPPELL

[Al From Bromley]

"Has anyone got an email address for smith? If they have I suggest they publish it here so we can pile on the pressure."

Like it or hate it, this sort of action won't help will it?

[Marco van Palace]

Oh no. That's not fair, and we all know it. What is the f****ng Jordan doing?

Maybe next Palace manager is Te**y Ve****es or uncle R** N***es. This can't be true, i am almost crying...

Thank you Steve!!

[Small number]

Didn't Jordan say that 'coppell has the job for as long as he wants it' did u ever believe him?

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat

[Maidstoned Eagle]

It is very sad that Sir Steve has gone and I for one will now treasure the jacket he threw into the crowd at Tranmere, but for us to start slagging Jordan off, saying he is a flash c*** etc is probably a bit out of order. We dont know the full story about what went on and how much of a strain the last two years have been on Steve. I would rather he went now than in 6 months time when we were bottom of the table and the inevitable shouts of dissent against him began. Sentimental feelings do not make a team win promotion.

As has been said about the pre-seasons why don't we wait and see what is happening and at the end of the season we'll see who was wrong and who was right.

But if I had a choice I'd go for Kinnear, with Smith as assistant.

[Neil MacQueen]

Can't Coppell stay with us for that director position he had a few years ago?

------------------
Oh look its Nelson Quiche' The Spanish U21 International.

[Justin]

We are a disgrace as a club. How can we sack steve abd replace him with smith. hate to say it but if Lim had done this then there would be a riot. Jordan is barmy - but at least it means he isn't too pally with noades because noades and smith hated each other!!

[Strathclyde Eagle]

Originally posted by Penge Eagle on 08-01-2000 10:56 AM
Jordan is taking a very big risk here.

Understatement. He could undo the good work he has done to this point very, very quickly.

I'd be surprised if it is Smith. Can't see how he's an improvement.

------------------
Strathclyde Eagles Prediction League
http://home.clara.net/tartan/palace/pl.htm

[Maidstoned Eagle]

Originally posted by Small number on 08-01-2000 11:02 AM
Didn't Jordan say that 'coppell has the job for as long as he wants it' did u ever believe him?

Perhaps he didn't want it anymore, ever thought of that?

[Fat Andy]

I get the feeling that SJ told SC that he was getting someone else in and would he be prepared to help out or go upstairs and SC decided not to, hence 'mutual consent'.

Does this not show Jordan's ambition? It will be interesting to see people's point of view when they hear his replacement.

[Small number]

Originally posted by Strathclyde Eagle on 08-01-2000 11:06 AM
Understatement. He could undo the good work he has done to this point very, very quickly.

I'd be surprised if it is Smith. Can't see how he's an improvement.



it's not us Smith has to convince is it?



------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat

[Raggy]

This club has a self-destructive streak a mile wide. Its like we can't exist unless in a constant state of turmoil, stress, acrimony and intrigue.

So glad we gave Steve the send-off that we did at Tranmere. He didn't deserve this.

[anti-addick]

Bugger !!!!!!!

------------------
Support Crystal Palace Internet FC !!
http://www.cpifc.co.uk

[APR]

Where to start ?

First, I too am sorry that Steve has been pushed out ( IF that was the case ), and it might have been less dramatic if he had been found a job 'upstairs'. But..

There have been a few worrying things being said about the relationship between Steve and the rest of the players ie on the recent China tour I read stories of players ripping the piss out of the man, and just a few days ago on the BBS a note was made regarding a loss of respect for Coppell among the players. All this, together with the poor results, made me think that a change may take place, though not as quickly as this !
Second point, in 1945 after guiding the country through a war, that same country voted to replace Churchill with a new man. The idea seemed to be that maybe Churchill was the right man in a crisis, but not in peace time ? Maybe this is the thinking behind this news ?
Final point. Smith may well be the new man, and although he does not have a great track record, who else are we likely to get ? Any really successful manager will already be in employment...we may have to take who we can get ?
I would like to thank Steve Coppell for all his hard work, and I pray that things start to get better...But to return to the post war analogy, things took a hell of a long time to sort themseves out then.

[Cap'n Bob]

steve out, smith in, big mal back for qpr, and wright, who knows, this cosy up is running like an episode of the fckin' waltons. stevie's tactical, cough cough, acumen may not have always been a thing of 20/20 wonder, but smith, i mean nice guy an' all and, of course, something of a tabloid slide for the ladies, but is all this flipping up the cage door and laying a furball smack on the groundhog's ass really a step towards a bright new future? i think not, bubba jordan. still, ain't he got a pretty mouth? ain't he got a real pretty mouth?

[Maidstoned Eagle]

Originally posted by Small number on 08-01-2000 11:02 AM
Didn't Jordan say that 'coppell has the job for as long as he wants it' did u ever believe him?


Maybe he didn't want it anymore

[M Shwartz]

It would be highly unusual, but at the first game could it be insured that as well as the new manager Steve Coppell is there as well.

It would be a shame if we the fans didn't get a chance to show him our appreciation for his efforts and loyalty.

[Dobbo]

Just to save further speculation, a media friend has told me it definitely is Smith.
IMHO, it is now Jordan's club and he has every right to do what he thinks will bring success, but why stab Sir Steve a week before the season starts rather then when he first took over, and why not bring in a proven manager rather than a has never been like Smith.

[PeterH]

Originally posted by APR on 08-01-2000 11:15 AM

ie on the recent China tour I read stories of players ripping the piss out of the man,

Which players, do the want to repeat some of
these comments to the fans, bunch of unschooled overpaid juvenile tw@ts.

Yes, I am f@cking upset.

[Matty]

Originally posted by Fat Andy on 08-01-2000 11:07 AM
I get the feeling that SJ told SC that he was getting someone else in and would he be prepared to help out or go upstairs and SC decided not to, hence 'mutual consent'.

Does this not show Jordan's ambition? It will be interesting to see people's point of view when they hear his replacement.

I'd guess the truth is somewhere between here and "Coppell doesn't want it any more".

I can't believe Coppell would jack it in just because of the atrocious friendly results, because they're only friendlies. If we got stuffed in the first few games of the season... fair enough.

I can't believe jordan would have said what he said, and (more tellingly) let Coppell start signing and enquiring after new players unless he saw him as part of the set up.

But maybe something changed between them? Maybe Jordan has panicked? A couple of weeks is a long time in football.

[jupps]

I agree with maidstone steve has been looking tied and devoid of ideas in the friendlies and just wonder weather he has been offerd something upstairs but just fancied walking away for well deserved break.But i am trully sad right now.

[Riccardo 'the cat'Parrini]

What a sad, sad, day. We get taken over - all happy....lose to Crawley, Millwall etc. - sad....losing Coppell; words can't describe the loss...


STEVIE COPPELL'S RED AND BLUE ARMY.


[This message has been edited by Riccardo 'the cat'Parrini (edited 01 August 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Riccardo 'the cat'Parrini (edited 01 August 2000).]

[eagleDAN]

When Jordan bought the club and saved us from extinction I was naturally overjoyed.
Strangley though my emotions are stonger today after the news of Coppell leaving.
I honestly don't think anyone will EVER replace him. Someone MAY have more success and we MAY play better football but Coppell has a special place in the hearts of every Palace fan and the fans are the heart of the club.
Good luck Steve - I actually hope we finish runners-up to a team under your management (well, once maybe).

[Baloo]

I don't believe it - but at the same time I guess I saw it coming. Although I don't think he's left BECAUSE of the friendly results, I think those results have demonstrated the fact that last season took everything out of Steve, and this season is just going to be too difficult to keep the momentum going.

A fresh face with fresh ideas and ambition is probably going to bring us a better season ahead than Coppell might have managed, but that is small consolation when we have parted (again) with the one man who represents everything that is Crystal Palace Football Club.

[Oh, so much for the fresh face - welcome back Alan Smith...]

[Men At Work]

Originally posted by Small number on 08-01-2000 11:02 AM
Didn't Jordan say that 'coppell has the job for as long as he wants it'

I think that was the chairman's vote of confidence http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/sarcblink.gif

[Spread-Eagle]

It's sad to see Stevie go, but what a fitting finale he got at Tranmere.

Steve was always an excellent manager when he could use the us against the world mentality to motivate players. But during preseason the fight seems to have been drained from the players. Perhaps Steve felt that having achieved miracles for the past two years he had already got the most he could expect out of the team.

The situation of the club has changed dramatically in the last few weeks and perhaps it is time to start everything from scratch.

If the new manager is to be Smith he had an excellent record for us. People have mentioned that he already had a quality team, but they seem to forget that players like Southgate and Shaw were nurtured and developed by Smith all the way through their Palace careers.

In the transfer market Smith's signing of Paul Stewart on loan was the inspiration that one us the Championship. If Noades had allowed him to sign Houghton and Dowie earlier we would would have stayed in the Premiership to go along with the 2 cup semi-finals he achieved.


Lets give him a chance to build something here, don't destroy a new man because he has been offered a job after a hero has left.

[Passport]

This is a complete ****ing joke. Jordan saw his chance and took it. Obviously easier for him now than in a few months time. Forget the pre-season results - this act of treachery has nothing to do that them. Hopefully the truth will come out in the wash one day but I suspect Jordan had his eyes on him from day 1. Can we trust a man who says Coppell has a job for life then gives him the push 2 weeks later?

[Edmundo]

I see R.G. Noades is browsing the boards. I bet he isn't happy to see Alan Smith get the job, eh?

Ex-Bees player/assistant-manager, Glen Cockerill as the new assistant manager. Does this mean Sparrow will be off too?

[Marco van Palace]

Do we have another Gol***rg as chairman? How did we (Steve is one of us) deserve this?


------------------
THANK YOU SIR STEVE!!

[Marco van Palace]

Who ever is the new manager of Palace, i hope all the fans gives him full support!!

[La Bombonera]

Worrying....very worrying

By "mutual consent" means that Jordan also thought it was right for Coppell to leave. Have expectations risen so high since coming out of Administration that our manager feels the need to "resign" (hmmm....) on the back of pre-season friendly defeats?

So much for consolidation next season, I think Jordan's going all out for a quick fix; talk of twelve new players, etc, etc.

[lightweight]

my Mum phoned me this morning when the news broke - and I was speechless - totally gobsmacked - reading this thread has made me feel very sad..

I hope to God that Jordan knows what he's doing.. when we asked him if Steve was staying he said yes he would support Steve.. and look what's happened.. maybe Steve wanted to go - but that interview in yesterday's standard certainly suggest otherwise

a very good point was made above about whether Smith was youth team coach when jordan was on the books - Smith has often kept in touch with the youngsters he trained - and there may well be something in this

I hope we get an opportunity to thank coppell and give him a send off - he deserves nothing less.. I hope he goes to the open day - or that something is organised for the qpr game - something to show our support for the man that will always be mr crystal palace to us

one thing's for sure - noades certainly isn't behind anything at the club - they hate each other - worrying signs when noades still owns the ground and was warming to jordan.

what is it about being a palace supporter - nothing is ever simple, straightforward or quiet..

[SE .Kent]

Take a look behind the scenes . I get down to the training ground as often as I can . Towards the end of last season the players seemed to change - certainly we should have been safe long before the penultimate game of the season .This year has seen many of the players mucking around the training ground like school kids, even Steve has said they have lost the will to fight . Now sacking them all may be a nice thought but who gets the bullit in these circumstances. Certainly Steve's strange handling of affairs last season was left a number of senior pro's uneasy . I know Steve has many faults as some of my other threads show - but I hope the players accept their part in what is again another sorry chapter.But don't blame the new team management team whoever they are.

[Teaser]

I am so http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif I can not belive that Stevie has gone

TEARS FOR STEVE

[Gooders]

Football can be a **** business sometimes.

I cannot for the life of me believe that Steve's reward for the last season and a half of monumental effort is the sack...and to be replaced by that BUFFOON - it beggars belief.

Alan Smith is nothing more than a name-dropping media tart with a huge ego. He's a ******* FAILURE for Christ's sake!

As I said earlier, he took us up with a team that you and I could have got promoted and promptly took us down again amidst public slanging matches played out for the amusement of the media.

Jordan has been smart again, in my opinion. Smart enough not to make this move until AFTER the deadline for asking for season-ticket money back has expired.

If the players have had a part in getting Stevie removed they should feel thoroughly ******* ASHAMED of themselves.

I'm so pissed off that I'm in severe danger of trashing this PC in frustration.

Jordan, you ARSE...how could you do this?

I tell you now - the only song I will be singing at the QPR game is "there's only one Stevie Coppell".

[Vic Eagle]

Originally posted by lightweight on 08-01-2000 01:14 PM
what is it about being a palace supporter - nothing is ever simple, straightforward or quiet..

I thought that was the whole point of being a Palace supporter lightweight!

All the best to Steve Coppell - never mind naming a stand after him, how does 'The Steve Coppell Stadium' sound?

[AJ]

We must remember that when Coppell left Palace the first time, Noades wanted him to stay and in the end Coppell left by mutual consent. When Coppell left Man City, it was similar and I wonder if Coppell has reached the same decision. Namely, that, he cannot continue to do the job his way with Jordan.

[La Bombonera]

Quite right, we shouldn't blame the new management team if all they're guilty of (so far)is inheriting the mighty mantle of Steve Coppell.

At least we appear to have got away from the rather rediculous suggestion of Ian Wright returning as coach.

[Bud Eagle]

I'm finding it hard to express my feelings at the moment, so this will have to do:
http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif

[Matt_Hep]

Terrible news!

I'm not sure that we can do much to change this. One of the saddest things is that he has NO job at the club anymore at all, and he was the only person you could believe during the whole financial situation.

S***

Huge banner being made for the QPR game, "COPPELL ONLY MAN FOR THE JOB".....going to hang it off the upper tier at the start of the match, the Sky cameras will pick up on it hopefully and it'll show that we're not totally apathetic in just accepting changes made by the chairmen.

[SIKO]

Someone else also do a large banner and hang it from the upper tier saying "STEVE COPPELL STAND"

[Justin]

Have to say the only song i want to be heard against QPR is "there is only one stevie coppell." We know he'll be watching

[Matt_Hep]

Excellent idea SIKO....

I can't believe the way the fans are treated by the chairmen whoever they are be it Goldberk, Noades or Jordan. I doubt we'll ever know the thuth on this matter, i.e was he pushed out?

We've got to make a stand, so it's not a discussion point I WILL be making the biggest banner ever seen in English football and it will be on display at the QPR game with a Coppell related slogan.

[Matt_Hep]

And for the record......I never joined in "El Tel's Red n' Blue army"

Against QPR EVERYONE should sing "Stevie Coppells red n' bule army"

[Justin]

And lets not forget that without Steve's heroics last season there might have been no buyers of the club. It is only speculation but i bet if we had been relegated there would have been a few less people declaring an interest in buying us.

[Laurie]

If Lim had come and taken over and then sacked Steve and hired motormouth Smith, he would have been slaughtered.And rightly so. Is there anyway we can let Jordon know what we supporters think of this? Any ideas?

[Matt_Hep]

I agree Laurie- Read my plans for a banner. OK, so maybe we won't get Stevie re-appointed but at least we can't take it lying down and be pissed on once again.

It's days like this that separate the passionate fans from the plastic fans.

[Laurie]

I've started a new topic on this subject, all ideas post to the new topic and lets see if we can do something positive

[Baloo]

What are you going to do? A banner saying "Jordan Out"? Even something less extreme than this, such as "Bring back Coppell" is pointless. And I'm not saying the supporters should not have a say in the running of the club, but the decision IS MADE. Coppell is GONE. No good will come of slagging off the new management.

The banners should say "Thank you Steve" - with no recriminations.

And if you think that my attitude makes me a "plastic fan" then you can shove it.

[sorry, my post overlapped with Laurie's - guess I'll be off to the other thread...]

[This message has been edited by Baloo (edited 01 August 2000).]

[SIKO]

Baloo, sometimes the most simple suggestions are the best "thank you Steve". However at the moment people are shocked and upset, and that grief is turning to anger, and unfortunately until we know something that anger will be turned towards Jordan, who I am sure is expecting it. I wonder if SJ tried to force Smith on Coppell as an assistant, and because of the past Steve is having none of it, or as has been suggested, perhaps he is knackered and needs a break

[Matt_Hep]

Actually, i'm willing to make a stand and I can't believe you are not willing do to the same. We, as fans are constantly being pissed on.
For F*** sake if we take this on the chin then who's to say that Jordan won't repeat this act again with another Palace hero.

Why can't you realise Baloo that we need to show that we don't want to take this lying down. I know that we won't get him back as manager because of a banner, buyt at least I can fell good that I've shown that I am not going to take this as some of you seem prepared to.

[Matt_Hep]

Well said SIKO. I for one will not be turning up first game of the season greeting the new manager with open arms. What a strange decision by Jordan he needs to be told this. Let's not the old apathy tag rear it's ugly head once more!!!

[Evil Eagle]

Originally posted by Pat on 08-01-2000 12:42 PM
Who was youth team coach when Jordan was at Palace?

[This message has been edited by Pat (edited 01 August 2000).]

It all make sense nów. Steve was push out to make way for Jordan mate Alan Smith. Another question is who was Palace manager during that era when Jordan was a youth team player?

Please don't add insult to injury.

A PALACE FAN NOW IN EXILE UNTIL SMITH F*CK OFF

[Small number]

does ne1 no if the press conference is on tv or radio?

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

http://pub20.ezboard.com/bcpfcchat

[ruediger]

What a shock for those who'd fallen in love with Simon at first sight.

The timing of this decision came a bit of a surprise to me. But to be honest I never thought Steve Coppell would finish as our manager this season.

As I've said in many threads before: Jordan means business (his style - pocket phone)

And he doesn't care as much about the supporters as many of us still love to believe.

My bet: Simon Jordan won't be around in 2 seasons time.

[Del Boy]

I'm posting this without reading the rest of this thread, so apologies if I go over any old ground.

I had ceased to be a Coppell fan before he took over from Venables, because I didn't like the style of football we were playing and the negative nature of our tactics. However, I have been very impressed by what he achieved during administration, but perhaps Steve's basic demeanour marks him out as a guy to deal with a crisis, rather than as an ambitious leader. Either way, the natural reaction is to want to protect the guy.

I think that his sacking has come as a shock to the anti Lim group, who thought that a kindly Palace supporter had come to return their club to a being a happy local club, secure at Selhurst and with their favourite manager at the helm for as long as he wanted to be there.

Perhaps now they will realise that Simon Jordan looks like he will run Palace every bit as much as a business as Jerry Lim's investors ever would. And that inevitably means that he will want his own team around him. Inevitably, he will move out people who don't share his approach to achieving his vision. And sometimes that will mean that people get chopped for no other reason than that. Jordan is a fan, but like Lim, he's also a businessman and he'll do what he thinks he needs to do to protect his investment in the long term,

Time will tell if he is right or wrong! But, he's certainly brought the honeymoon to an end in a spectacular style.

[Snorwood Eagle]

I'm gutted. Last season was one of the most emotional seasons to be a Palace fan, and Tranmere away was a very special experience. Steve Coppell, thank-you. Always there for Palace, and for all his faults, was one of us. Palace through and through.
What a shock. What is going on at CPFC; just when I thought there was some reminence of stability there, this happens. There is definitely more to this than meets the eye. Roll on 4pm.

[Zico Murphy]

Just got in from work and heard the news and i feel stunned. Was any manager loved as much by a teams supporters as Steve was by us last season.Time will tell if it's the right decision but i feel today's a really sad day.

[winners]

I dont mean to state the obvious, but if Alan Smith gets the job, there has to be something dodgy behind the scenes. The guy has done nothing since getting us relegated. He's been sacked at Wycombe, went to fulham as coach, and ended up youth team coach? how on earth does he deserve to replace Stevie?, Jordan must either have bol**cks the size of the millenium wheel or a brain the size of a pea!

[Archiebald Leitch]

Read the whole thread and still stunned.

[John 24]

Read it on cefax having just got up. I can't believe it, it's a disgrace. I hate these mutual consent things, it stops us knowing what really happened.

[Evil Eagle]

Alan Smith is set be named new manager of Crystal Palace with Glenn Cockerill and Ray Houghton as his assistants.

Here comes another season of turmoil.

[Pat]

Who was youth team coach wjhen Jordan was at Palace?

[This message has been edited by Pat (edited 01 August 2000).]

[La Bombonera]

Black armbands and a minute's silence will be observed in my household when the season starts without Stevie Coppell still in charge.

I am worried however at the rumoured possibility of Ian Wright returning as player-coach, and even more worried at the people calling for him. If Ian Wright genuinely loved Palace (and Coppell) he would have come back and helped out last season, regardless of what money we could (or couldn't) have offered him at the time.

As for Jordan; by "mutual consent" means that he also thought it was right for Coppell to leave. Another so-called Palace fan/chairman, shame on you!

[John 24]

Having read the standard interview with Coppell, with him talking way into the future, he must have been sacked.

[Eagle]

This is taken from page 394 on ceefax BBC1.

Steve Coppell has explained why he is leaving first division Crystal Palace by mutual consent.

Coppell said: "I have been associated with Palace for many years and i am proud to have been a part of the salvation of the club for the past 20 months."

That culminated with the succesful purchase by Simon Jordan last month.

"Now i believe it's in the best interests of all concerned if i move aside to let Simon Jordan bring his own man in so they can work in tandem."

What Steve has said here is fair, he realises that it would be better for Palace if Jordan bought in his own manager and he was happy with this.
I think it's all very unfair of you to all start having a pop at Jordan since only 2 weeks ago he was our saviour and we didn't have a bad word to say about him.
Yes, i am very sad to see Steve go, he was our hero last season and has been for many years, but we can't rely on him all the time, maybe it is best if we changed manager to give us new direction. It is a new era for us and maybe it needs a new manager.
Just to finish off i would just like to thank Steve for all his services to the club and i'm damn sure he would be welcome back at Palace whenever he likes, Thanks Steve, and the best of luck.

[lightweight]

Originally posted by ruediger on 08-01-2000 03:38 PM
What a shock for those who'd fallen in love with Simon at first sight.




http://64.65.14.178/ubb/frown.gif

[lightweight]

seriously - the banner thing is a good idea - and the 'thank you steve' would be perfect I think

Let's just bear in mind that we don't and may never know the full story. Coppell is his own man - and has of course not had a chairman to answer to in the strictest sense for 18 months - he's been at his best - it would have been difficult for him to work under ANY new man - and maybe there is just a personality clash between him and Jordan- it just happens sometimes let's face it.

We all love coppell - but I think it's better he leaves now - than being out and out sacked when results were poor - as may well have happened - it would have been difficult to follow the period we have just emerged from - and Jordan has said he will run the club as a business - and I don't believe he thinks there is room for any sentimentality. Maybe Smith as the new appointment is a bad move - but it's a hell of a lot better than someone like venables - demanding money left right and centre and doing nothing.

I am still stunned that Steve has gone - but let's wait and see what happens before we slag off Jordan and Smith eh?

[Gerry from Sussex]

Originally posted by Gooders on 08-01-2000 10:32 AM
I can undertsand Jordan wanting to replace Stevie now and despite the fact that I think it's a very sad day, I'm not going to get too excited about it UNLESS he is replacing him with Alan Smith. That guy is a useless ****. He inherited a team that my grandmother could have got promotion with and couldn't keep them up and eventually resorted to a public slanging match with our Chairman to start the whole process of this club becoming the laughing stock of football.

If Jordan appoints him to succeed Steve then it will be his first serious mistake, IMHO.

Get lost Smith, we don't want you at Selhurst Park.

Couldn't have put it any better. The team Smith had when we went up was way above average and should have been challenging for top ten place at least but he managed to take them straight back down. Only mitigating factor was that he did not have a particularly supportive relationship with the chairman (understatement!) but there's still no way that side should have been anywhere near the drop zone.

I also hated the way he always hid in the dugout when things were not going well - you hardly ever saw him come pitchside to take some responsibility. Contrast Sir Steve who always held his head up high and took all and any criticism on the chin.

I agree he was not the greatest tactician but, aftyer everything he has done and been through I would honestly expected him to have stayed at Palace in some capacity for life. He certainly desreved to more than any other manager in football with the possible exceptions of John Rudge at Port Vale (similarly stabbed in the back) and Dario Gradi at Crewe.

I think this is a very black day for CPFC - the place will just never be the same without Sir Steve around.

As for Jordon - I had been impressed so far but not now and maybe not ever. He said many times both before and after the takeover that Coppell's job was safe but has gone back on his word after only 3 weeks. Why should we believe anything he says ever again. What a rat and what an idiot. I almost hope we are in 21st spot by Christmas so he has to eat a barrow load of humble pie and bring Sir Steve back to save us for the umpteenth time.

[gcwhite]

So are you and Gooders going to cheer the other team? How can you want Smith to fail? What will you do if he's a success?

[arussell]

Agree with the sentiments above - Steve is a very quiet and private man and we probably will never know the real reasons for any of this, although it's likely that Jordan decided for several reasons that he wanted to replace Steve.

I don't think we'll be seeing his return anytime in the near future either if a comment he made yesterday was true ...

I just HOPE that people don't start getting on Smith's back and having a go before he's had a chance to do anything. It seems to be a fifty/fifty split at the moment between us.

Remember - it's not Smith's fault that Jordan did WHAT he did.

[lightweight]

Originally posted by arussell on 08-02-2000 04:49 AM


I don't think we'll be seeing his return anytime in the near future either if a comment he made yesterday was true ...



which comment was that?

it's a shame that given his obvious love of the club that he won't have any role at all - at least previously he had the director of football role - it still makes me believe that it's a personality clash of sorts

I'll be buying one of the new away shirts and getting

SIR STEVE

put on the back.

[paf]

a personality clash of sorts lightweight?

It was some flash **** who fancies himself as a manager sacking Steve to prove he's got a bigger cock.

Anyway, it's traditional at football clubs to hate the chairman !

[sevsxp]

I want my £1000 back !

[Kevin T]

Talking of new away kits, do we know what it looks like yet?

[wedgetail]

We now know, if we needed confirmation, that Jordan is ruthless but I think that he will be forgiven for this if he brings success. What is questionable is the quality of his business choices. He had a good run in the Mobile phone shop business but his start in football does not look encouraging.

[bobmatt]

I think we have all got to face facts.

Steve has gone ( much to my disgust) and alan is now the main man.

The king is dead long live the king.

[Bud Eagle]

What was it I read the other day? Coppell said something like '...I have been in football for thirty years and Jordan has been selling phones for six...'

Was there something behind the scenes that we don;t know about?

[Mendosa]

Jordan is obviously quite headstrong and knows what he wants to do and likes to lead from the front and get involved and it was probably this that led to Stevie's departure - a clash of styles and personalities. Particularly as Steve has been running the whole show recently - he was back in a position where he had a real boss who had strong opinions himself.

It's a shame, but it's better to get things out of the way now, rather than let them drag on into the start of the season.

[Les Butler]

http://homepages.cpfc.org/LesButler/craptwo.jpg



[This message has been edited by Les Butler (edited 25 February 2001).]

[Glaws Eagle]

I have to say I was totally shocked at first. However on reflection it was a tad obvious that Jordan needs his own man around him.

I can understand the knee jerk reaction to sack Coppell, and it is sack regardless if "by mutual consent" was quoted. He had worked miracles saving our club. However, familiarity breeds contempt and this was probably bore out with our pre-season results. Maybe he really did decide to step down but the fact that Smith was in place so quickly suggests otherwise. Coppell had been there a long time and for Jordan to say he would always have a place at the club was wrong.

But Alan Smith - It may have been different if he had brought in a big name, but not Alan Smith. That is a backward step.

We could have had the pick of loads of other managers, but Smith is a bad choice. We have a new start at the club, a brand new dawn. £6 million in the bank, new owner. We should be looking forward not back. I think Jordan panicked!

Jordan has now made a rod for his own back and the club will now start the season on the back foot instead of hitting it running.

[arussell]

Originally posted by lightweight on 08-02-2000 05:10 AM
which comment was that?


One Steve made after being interviewed on clubcall yesterday - apparently his final lines didn't make it into the interview and
I'm not surprised they cut it out either.

[Dave]

Originally posted by Mendosa on 08-02-2000 07:05 AM
Jordan is obviously quite headstrong and knows what he wants to do and likes to lead from the front and get involved and it was probably this that led to Stevie's departure - a clash of styles and personalities. Particularly as Steve has been running the whole show recently - he was back in a position where he had a real boss who had strong opinions himself.

It's a shame, but it's better to get things out of the way now, rather than let them drag on into the start of the season.

Well there is that however i am starting to believe that Steve simply had no more to give. Over the previous 16 months he had given everything to the club- blood sweat and tears. he managed to save the club despite 'contoversial' decisions by the administrators in regards to player transfers and a whole host of other factors.

If I was Steve i would be w@nkered after all I had been through over the previous months.

Perhaps with the club saved the appetite wasn't there for any more, particularily in view of the fact the he was going to have to endure a new 'hands on' chairman.

[SKATE]

Originally posted by Glaws Eagle on 08-02-2000 02:53 PM

But Alan Smith - It may have been different if he had brought in a big name, but not Alan Smith. That is a backward step.....
Jordan has now made a rod for his own back and the club will now start the season on the back foot instead of hitting it running.


We were really going to hit it runninng on the evidence of those disastrous pre season results were we?? Sad though it is to see Steve go there was obviously something very wrong that needed sorting out......whether Smith is the right man for the job, time alone will tell.

[John from Beare Green]

Steve Coppell says his departure is in the best interests of CPFC and the best interests of Steve Coppell. Since we have the greatest respect for him, we should take him at his word, and accept this.

[Gooders]

Originally posted by Gooders:
Jordan certainly doesn't hang around does he?

I would like to say thank you to the most honourable man in football, Stevie Coppell. Was he the only guy who could have steered us safely through last season? I think so.

Goodbye and good luck Stevie, in whatever you choose to do.

I can understand Jordan wanting to replace Stevie now and despite the fact that I think it's a very sad day, I'm not going to get too excited about it UNLESS he is replacing him with Alan Smith. That guy is a useless ****. He inherited a team that my grandmother could have got promotion with and couldn't keep them up and eventually resorted to a public slanging match with our Chairman to start the whole process of this club becoming the laughing stock of football.

If Jordan appoints him to succeed Steve then it will be his first serious mistake, IMHO.

Get lost Smith, we don't want you at Selhurst Park.

I wonder whether you all still have the same views you had 7 months ago?

I know I do.

[screamingalice]

7 Months on ? Well I am more certain than ever I was 7 months ago that Jordan made a big mistake letting Steve go. There is no doubt that Steve may well have foun it to difficult to work with Jordan, a number of staff have and are no longer at the club. Players and admin alike. However if Jordan had let Steve concentrate on the football side of the club and he (Jordan) concentrated on the commercial side it might have worked. However now we shall never know. There is no doubt however that to have a man with Steves experience, respect in the game and love for CPFC standing on the sidelines is a total utter criminal waste.

There is no doubt in my mind that given the right conditions and support, using his greater experience Steve Coppell would have got us back into the prem within two seasons.

His ability to work with raw talent and inspire players to greater levels of performance than they are thought capable of is not in doubt. In the last short prem' spell had he had real support from the top we would have stayed up and no doubt prospered. I may be pessimistic at this stage I cannot see any long term success under the current set up. There is far to much wrong at the clubs structure that has been in deteriation now for almost twenty years to make me confident of a quick return to the top. Lets face it relegation is far more likely for a club in our condition than the reverse.

Jordan may be hitting the right buttons with his spin, but to be honest there is too little substance. Illustrated point why are we paying £1m (?) for a player who has a bad record on the behavour front and who has had a serious back injury and is another striker. When we need at least two central defenders, or the money could have been put in the Forsell fund. Thats of course if we are paying £1m for him. According to the Adder and other sources he is a free agent, so why a fee. Unless as other suggestions have been made the money is a back hander to the Jamacian F.A.

It all smells of the same old Palace foul up on a transfer deal. There must also be some doubt on the Rubins deal, why,( if we did pay that much) was his fee £2m. He is obviously a good prospect, but only that. I am sure if we did pay £2m it could have been spent on a more experienced and therefore important to the balance of the team player. Is he realy a better prospect than some of the other young lads on the books ?

Coppell was right when he said that given a few more experienced additions to the squad from last year we can turn it around quickly. If Smith and Jordan think they have problems with the discipline in the squad, they would be in a real state of flux with some of the things the Leeds boys get up to and I am not talking about any court case, but in general. However the manager and the chairman at Elland Road and I have a lot of time for both, seem to have struck the right balance with experienced additions to a young and talented squad. They let them express themselves on and off the field and they do not appear to be going to far wrong. Leeds should be a good example to Jordan, they did not own the ground and were heading in the wrong direction, but have turned it around by letting football people run the football side and commercial people run the commercial side, plus allowing real suppoter input.

S.J. You should visit Elland Road for a few days and see how it should be done.

[walderslade eagle]

I still believe he was right to let Coppell go, but wrong to appoint Smith instead of an up and coming young manager.

[screamingalice]

The problem with appointing a young and up and coming manager is that the club was (is ?) in a state of decline and the players as both Coppell and Smith have stated were not in the right frame of mind, due to the problems of administration etc. Coppell and Jordan were obviously not on the same wavelength, Steve I believe felt that it would take a bit of time to reverse the decline and get the players back in the right frame of mind. Jordan wanted instant results, no matter what pressure was put on the playing and admin staff at the club. Now you can argue the rights and wrongs of his position, but in reality he had to get revenue into the club so we could move forward. Therefore both positions were right and wrong at the same time and we will never know what the right course of action should have been last summer, the reality is that we are if anything worse off than twelve months ago in some areas and better off in others, but the whole picture has not yet turned around for the best. The most we can hope for this year is enough points in the bag to stay up and as soon as possible so we can start building for next season before May and with some games left this year to get a good run together to carry forward into next.

Please also do not forget that while Steve Coppell has been associated with CPFC for over 15 years now he is still a young(ish) manager who has a wealth of experience and in very difficult circumstances has still been our best manager by a long stretch. Arthur Rowe may have run Steve close if bad health had not cut short his stewardship and we should not forget what Bert Head achived. In fact there is a link between all three, in that they could all find and nurture young talent and they could motivate players.

Who ever the man in charge of the team and his right hand men are, what we need above all else is stabilty and inspiration for the players.

Lets hope that Simon Jordan takes his time to make the right decision and what ever one that is that he has listened to the supporters and can take us forward with him. There was so much good will for the club from the fans and before it starts to wear to thin we can all come together again and unite behind the club and the management team, otherwise we will be going in the wrong direction very quickly.

[Worthing Eagle]

Originally posted by screamingalice:

Illustrated point why are we paying £1m (?) for a player who has a bad record on the behavour front and who has had a serious back injury and is another striker.



Exactly, Vincent's just gone for £1m to Portsmouth, surely a better and more needed signing than Fuller? Had a blinder on his debut according to reports.


There must also be some doubt on the Rubins deal, why,( if we did pay that much) was his fee £2m. He is obviously a good prospect, but only that. Is he realy a better prospect than some of the other young lads on the books ?



I fear if Rubins had signed for Arsenal, and playing in a free-flowing FOOTBALLING side, he'd be worth £10m and starring in the Champions League. We really are holding this guy back. He is a TOP prospect, we are not getting anywhere near the best we can out of him.

[Beanie]

I think Jordan was right to part company with Steve - and I think Steve was right to be happy to go. I did at the time, I do now.

When will we all recognise that he has gone - official, and he's not coming back. Steve is a glorious chapter in our past, not some sort of threat to try and wave whenever we something is going wrong. Give him the respect he deserves and move on.