Very sad to hear of Andoni’s impending departure from AFCB. I understand his family is eager to move back to Spain, which is understandable; I just hope that isn’t an attempt to cover his departure to one of the ‘big’ Premier League teams.
I also find it sad that he has announced his departure just weeks away from the end of the season, when we had a good chance of qualifying for a European competition next season. It’s bound to affect the team’s morale.
I wonder, too, if BCP’s decision to delay the planning/expansion process has played a part in this decision? I wonder how Bill Foley feels about this?
I just hope he stays too, plus our wonderful recruitment team.
We have one of the best training hubs in the Premier League. I also remember in Andoni’s early days, when we lost about ten games in a row, many were calling for him to be sacked, but the Club remained loyal to him.
A bit of loyalty in return wouldn’t have gone amiss!
This will inevitably mean a grab from some of the ‘big’ clubs for some of of our prize assets.
Having done all the ‘gloom and doom’ stuff, it’s a time for the Club and its supporters to pull together.
It’s sad that football in this country revolves so much around the ‘Big 6’ and every time a smaller club finds a gem (player or manager) they are ready to pounce, this ensuring their continued dominance and entitlement, in some cases helped by blatant financial cheating (you know who you are), the media and their obsession (with the exception of Spurs!) we see it happening over and over again.
So, goodbye, Andoni. After all that whingeing , thank you for giving us probably the most exciting period in our Club’s history – your exciting brand of football, your excellent coaching, strategic thinking and reading of the game, plus your personality, will never be forgotten.
I can only hope for a quick replacement and for even more exciting times ahead. Your boots will be extremely hard to fill. Take care, and all the best to you and your family.
UTCIAD!
Paul Tarrant
Boscombe