Thomas Frank

[Cbee]

You’re confusing me with someone that gives a sh*t about your feelings.

People like you grind my gears becuase you’re emotion over any considered thought. Sack him! Get rid! Next coach please! Have a look at the underlying issues around our form. Thomas knows what happening at the moment is not good enough but that’s only part of the story.

The DOFs owe him a transfer window to get new bodies in and not rely of a quartet of sh*thouses that are only eyeing their next pay check elsewhere.

A transfer window? Brentford don’t use the January transfer window normally.

 

[seanrs]

I posted it because I had given up, ask anyone I genuinely thought we were going to win the game beforehand and I just couldn't take it, people react in different ways.

I don't want us to lose anymore games, you can ask anyone that and for very personal reasons I want us to start quickly. I want us to win games because I'm terrified we are going to get relegated. I couldn't give a sh*t if i'm proven wrong and that makes me look like a **** as I will have got what I want and that's Brentford doing well and if people want to laugh at me they can because I accept if you make a case like have and are proven wrong you deserve that.

Also you really need to look at the way you speak to people. All you do is insult people rather then try to make a point.

One sentence in your post probably speaks for us all but unfortunately leads to many knee jerk comments too. We are all “Terrified of getting relegated”

 

[Bees89]

Hi all, first post. For what its worth, I don't think Thomas will be going just yet. The powers that be will probably be looking at getting another assistant in to see if they can help solve the problem first. Who that should be, I don't know. Seen alot posted about Millen and also noticed Carsleys name mentioned, but I definitely think we need someone the players can relate to and help get them back into line and up a gear. If these rumours of players turning up late to training in a half arsed frame of mind are true then that is a huge problem that needs sorting now before Frank ends up losing the dressing room completely. We know how good we can be on our day, even now we are seeing glimpses of it. I think the next 2 games are vital. A win at Hull could really turn us around but the silly defensive mistakes have to stop now!

 

[rebus]

A transfer window? Brentford don’t use the January transfer window normally.

And this is my point regarding this season and TF. They (DOFs) have to break their rules and get new bodies in. No one wants to buy in January as everything is inflated but they have caused this by not strengthening sufficiently in the summer.

 

[marvelous007]

And this is my point regarding this season and TF. They (DOFs) have to break their rules and get new bodies in. No one wants to buy in January as everything is inflated but they have caused this by not strengthening sufficiently in the summer.

This is an interesting point. In my view we sold or let go too much experience, Woods, Eghan and Bejend.

 

[rebus]

This is an interesting point. In my view we sold or let go too much experience, Woods, Eghan and Bejend.

I was told this season we were having a thinner squad in terms of numbers but a better overall squad quality. I’m not convinced it’s turned out like that. We have plenty who can turn it on on the sunshine, but when the clocks change for the worse they seem to go missing.

 

[Mudbone]

I was told this season we were having a thinner squad in terms of numbers but a better overall squad quality. I’m not convinced it’s turned out like that. We have plenty who can turn it on on the sunshine, but when the clocks change for the worse they seem to go missing.

That's an interesting theory. Not mocking it, just very interesting.

 

[gbems92]

[/B]

That's an interesting theory. Not mocking it, just very interesting.

Well we should have a good last game of the season atleast then when the weather perks up

 

[North London Bee]

Having about 5 key players injured at any time really doesn’t help when the squad is reduced in numbers.

 

[rebus]

That's an interesting theory. Not mocking it, just very interesting.

I’m not saying they are magically aligned to BST, but a few like neat pitches and warm weather. I’m looking at you Josh McEachran and Sergi Canos.

 

[PJ]

Regardless of who is in charge we need to have a busy January window.
I'd like to see as many as possible of the contract expiring players shipped out, a couple of perm signings brought in and a couple of loans come in.
Someone like Reece Oxford from West Ham to protect the back four and an up and coming striker to supplement Maupay.
This assumes we keep our crown jewels. Moving on the out of contract players will free up a fair wedge in the playing budget

 

[abee]

I was told this season we were having a thinner squad in terms of numbers but a better overall squad quality.

That was my understanding but that this season MB was prepared to use the January transfer window to 'go for it' if as he expected we were decently placed for a playoff place. In much the same way as he wished to bolster Warburton's squad in January and which caused the rift.

I doubt that there was much discussion last summer that we might have to use the window to strengthen the squad against a possible relegation fight.

Would the list of potential January incomings be the same I wonder if we are still in the bottom six i.e.would the list of players to help go for for a promotion push be the same as those for a relegation fight or are the DoF's chewing their pencils and having to come up with a different list?

 

[Doovster]

Having about 5 key players injured at any time really doesn’t help when the squad is reduced in numbers.

Who's the 5 NLB?

Jeanvier we hope will bolster us, Marcondes looked promising but not sure he can yet be classed key and McLeoud is hardly key. Otherwise you have the two youngsters in Oksannen and Mads Bech, again hardly key.

 

[A Real Mysteron]

Can we persuade our sister club to let us have Tim Sparv?

 

[North London Bee]

That was my understanding but that this season MB was prepared to use the January transfer window to 'go for it' if as he expected we were decently placed for a playoff place. In much the same way as he wished to bolster Warburton's squad in January and which caused the rift.

I doubt that there was much discussion last summer that we might have to use the window to strengthen the squad against a possible relegation fight.

Would the list of potential January incomings be the same I wonder if we are still in the bottom six i.e.would the list of players to help go for for a promotion push be the same as those for a relegation fight or are the DoF's chewing their pencils and having to come up with a different list?

Completely different list I suspect as the players we hoped would get us over the promotion line won’t be interested in joining a relegation battle and please God we will realise that we have to break the model and try to sign or even loan a different type of player ideally with some experience and muscle as well as skill.

 

[Guildford Bee]

I was told this season we were having a thinner squad in terms of numbers but a better overall squad quality. I’m not convinced it’s turned out like that. We have plenty who can turn it on on the sunshine, but when the clocks change for the worse they seem to go missing.

I don’t understand how can TF’s management or lack of has had no bearing on our current state. The intensity, shape and incisiveness disappeared during his first game in charge and it’s got progressively worse.

The bad run of results may have started under DS but it’s under TF that the performances have really dipped

Not since Scott’s final few weeks have I seen Brentford team look as lost bewildered and helpless as they do now.

I don’t doubt that the players need to take a good look in the mirror but to insist that TF continues to be the man for the job seems utterly illogical.

RA talks a lot about taking the emotion out of decision making and that’s exactly what he needs to do now and get rid of someone he’s probably quite close to but who has been an abject failure.

 

[North London Bee]

Who's the 5 NLB?

Jeanvier we hope will bolster us, Marcondes looked promising but not sure he can yet be classed key and McLeoud is hardly key. Otherwise you have the two youngsters in Oksannen and Mads Bech, again hardly key.

Maybe a slight exaggeration but I also believe the likes of Watkins, Judge and Dasilva are nursing injuries.

 

[marvelous007]

I was told this season we were having a thinner squad in terms of numbers but a better overall squad quality. I’m not convinced it’s turned out like that. We have plenty who can turn it on on the sunshine, but when the clocks change for the worse they seem to go missing.

Our front three would probably get in most championship teams and a few prem teams. The rest would struggle in league one at the moment.

 

[Scratchy]

My view, for what it's worth, is that Frank will be given until the Norwich game to see whether he can turn things around. An uncomfortable decision may have to be made shortly.

To be honest I'm not convinced that things would have been dramatically better if Dean Smith were still in charge.

 

[sonofabee]

Our front three would probably get in most championship teams and a few prem teams. The rest would struggle in league one at the moment.

Mepham and Rico would get into most Chanpionship sides as well

 

[Guildford Bee]

Mepham and Rico would get into most Chanpionship sides as well

And a few in the PL

 

[Guildford Bee]

To be honest I'm not convinced that things would have been dramatically better if Dean Smith were still in charge.

Why?

 

[magicbees]

I don’t understand how can TF’s management or lack of has had no bearing on our current state. The intensity, shape and incisiveness disappeared during his first game in charge and it’s got progressively worse.

The bad run of results may have started under DS but it’s under TF that the performances have really dipped

Not since Scott’s final few weeks have I seen Brentford team look as lost bewildered and helpless as they do now.

I don’t doubt that the players need to take a good look in the mirror but to insist that TF continues to be the man for the job seems utterly illogical.

RA talks a lot about taking the emotion out of decision making and that’s exactly what he needs to do now and get rid of someone he’s probably quite close to but who has been an abject failure.

Some good points Guildford.

 

[sonofabee]

My view, for what it's worth, is that Frank will be given until the Norwich game to see whether he can turn things around. An uncomfortable decision may have to be made shortly.

To be honest I'm not convinced that things would have been dramatically better if Dean Smith were still in charge.

Given there are reputed to be lapses in timekeeping and attitude from certain players that didn’t happen when Dean was in charge I’m convinced things would be very different.

 

[BURFORD BEE]

Regardless of who is in charge we need to have a busy January window.
I'd like to see as many as possible of the contract expiring players shipped out, a couple of perm signings brought in and a couple of loans come in.
Someone like Reece Oxford from West Ham to protect the back four and an up and coming striker to supplement Maupay.
This assumes we keep our crown jewels. Moving on the out of contract players will free up a fair wedge in the playing budget

I suspect that at the moment you would be more likely to find our Crown Jewels in the window at Hinds than their normal spot.

 

[Doovster]

Given there are reputed to be lapses in timekeeping and attitude from certain players that didn’t happen when Dean was in charge I’m convinced things would be very different.

Totally agree. If the reports are true then it's unacceptable and also suggests some players have no respect not just for Thomas, but the club overall. It's actually disgusting the more I think about it. That said it is not a good sign nor reflection on Thomas.

 

[magicbees]

Why do they owe him a transfer window? Is there some sort of gentlemen's agreement in place?

Potentially thats another 8 league games to go through.

As for the quartet of sh*thouses, why are we playing them if they don't give a sh*t and why should we hang onto them until the summer?

We dont owe him any window, i wouldnt trust him anyway and how would the new players react to the current squad with him. He adds nothing, the players dont respect him or fear him otherwise they wouldnt be late for training and messing around. I cant see us winning any gamrs if he stays in charge.

 

[abee]

Completely different list I suspect as the players we hoped would get us over the promotion line won’t be interested in joining a relegation battle and please God we will realise that we have to break the model and try to sign or even loan a different type of player ideally with some experience and muscle as well as skill.

That's my take.

You make a valid point when you write that players interested in joining a team shooting for promotion won't be interested in a relegation battle. Is that one of the training ground issues do you think in that the opportunities and ambitions for this season were being puffed up by many both on here, in the press and if I recall by the Chairman. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were reading about the possibility of one last Griffin Park season in the Premier and we were talking to the Premier about what sort of lipstick we'd have to put on the old girl for possibly next season in the Premier. Now we're in this situation.

The players currently find themselves at the wrong end of the table and if I recall (and do correct me on this) I'm sure that I read somewhere that the only substantial players bonuses this season are for promotion i.e. nothing for league placing and the players see themselves contracted to a Club in (hopefully temporary) freefall but with little prospect of any substantial bonus to add to their bottom six Championship wages.

Are they telling their agents 'Get me out of here'.?

 

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

We dont owe him any window, i wouldnt trust him anyway and how would the new players react to the current squad with him. He adds nothing, the players dont respect him or fear him otherwise they wouldnt be late for training and messing around. I cant see us winning any gamrs if he stays in charge.

Well then the players should take a bloody long hard look at themselves because they’re letting down a guy who was meant to be very popular with them. Some of them have been an utter disgrace over the past few weeks.

 

[magicbees]

Totally agree. If the reports are true then it's unacceptable and also suggests some players have no respect not just for Thomas, but the club overall. It's actually disgusting the more I think about it. That said it is not a good sign nor reflection on Thomas.

Good points Doovster and this needs to be addressed asap. That is minimum the club and fans deserve. I hope we stay up and make sure these players are no longer at our club. Also name and shame them because this a disgrace.

 

[magicbees]

Well then the players should take a bloody long hard look at themselves because they’re letting down a guy who was meant to be very popular with them. Some of them have been an utter disgrace over the past few weeks.

Your so right, but players have the power these days and I want to keep seeing us in the championship ,so for me there is one very easy decision Franks must go. But agree with your post its been crap.

 

[North London Bee]

That's my take.

You make a valid point when you write that players interested in joining a team shooting for promotion won't be interested in a relegation battle. Is that one of the training ground issues do you think in that the opportunities and ambitions for this season were being puffed up by many both on here, in the press and if I recall by the Chairman. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were reading about the possibility of one last Griffin Park season in the Premier and we were talking to the Premier about what sort of lipstick we'd have to put on the old girl for possibly next season in the Premier. Now we're in this situation.

The players currently find themselves at the wrong end of the table and if I recall (and do correct me on this) I'm sure that I read somewhere that the only substantial players bonuses this season are for promotion i.e. nothing for league placing and the players see themselves contracted to a Club in (hopefully temporary) freefall but with little prospect of any substantial bonus to add to their bottom six Championship wages.

Are they telling their agents 'Get me out of here'.?

Footballers are essentially selfish and look after themselves. Sod the team ethos if the team is going nowhere.

It’s now everyman for himself with most of the squad looking for life rafts and a more lucrative gig.

Brentford is only attractive to them as a showcase and stepping stone and for that to happen we have to keep playing well and attractively.

Write this season off. Stay up and rebuild in the summer when we will be as rich as Croesus.

 

[Jezybee]

The players currently find themselves at the wrong end of the table and if I recall (and do correct me on this) I'm sure that I read somewhere that the only substantial players bonuses this season are for promotion i.e. nothing for league placing and the players see themselves contracted to a Club in (hopefully temporary) freefall but with little prospect of any substantial bonus to add to their bottom six Championship wages.

Are they telling their agents 'Get me out of here'.?

Made a very similar point yesterday. We’re selling players the Premier vision and while near the top of the table the prospect of the dream being a reality is tangible. As such they remain content.

Now...

The players know there is little personal consequence should the club be relegated. Whatever happens, the majority will be playing at this level or above, while likely earning more.

Should we end up in League 1, I very much doubt we could afford to have players being held to their contracts while they suffer from perpetual tight hamstrings.

 

[abee]

It’s now everyman for himself with most of the squad looking for life rafts and a more lucrative gig.

Oh well......... it doesn't take long at any club going through a poor spell for the badge kissing to stop.

Only the real supporters are constant and I'm not sure that we've even got more than 5k of them who can be put in the 'Brentford 'til I die' category.

 

[paulj]

Do the club take a chance with Frank, hopefully staying up this season, let him have a summer and transfer window to bring in his own players?

 

[halibutbee64]

That's my take.

You make a valid point when you write that players interested in joining a team shooting for promotion won't be interested in a relegation battle. Is that one of the training ground issues do you think in that the opportunities and ambitions for this season were being puffed up by many both on here, in the press and if I recall by the Chairman. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were reading about the possibility of one last Griffin Park season in the Premier and we were talking to the Premier about what sort of lipstick we'd have to put on the old girl for possibly next season in the Premier. Now we're in this situation.

The players currently find themselves at the wrong end of the table and if I recall (and do correct me on this) I'm sure that I read somewhere that the only substantial players bonuses this season are for promotion i.e. nothing for league placing and the players see themselves contracted to a Club in (hopefully temporary) freefall but with little prospect of any substantial bonus to add to their bottom six Championship wages.

Are they telling their agents 'Get me out of here'.?

Maybe somewhere along the line they will have to reincentivise the players. Get rid of the players whose contracts are running out. Rejig the bonus scheme for the rest of the players including new ones coming in, to keep us in this division

 

[Scratchy]

Given there are reputed to be lapses in timekeeping and attitude from certain players that didn’t happen when Dean was in charge I’m convinced things would be very different.

I was more referring to the tactical and selection side of things but yes what was mentioned last night also has to be considered. If those lapses in discipline have only just started in Frank's tenure then that's extremely concerning.

 

[Bees89]

Do the club take a chance with Frank, hopefully staying up this season, let him have a summer and transfer window to bring in his own players?

I'm not sure it'll work like that. We all know how we work so Frank won't be bringing in any players as such. He'll have a say but ultimately it's down to the DoFs. I'd expect most of (although not all) the future signings we make would happen regardless of who is in charge and based on where the club is at at the time.

 

[mhead bee]

I would suggest bringing in a decent psychologist to work with players. They've been sold a dream in the summer and after one of the man who sold them that dream left (DS), they just don't believe in it anymore. I think this is the main reason for current slump. Also, TF is not up to the job and hasn't been since day one.

All the players were brought in on the understanding that if a big boy comes in for them they will be allowed to go and make their fortune if our valuation is met, that is the dream they were sold. If DS leaving has stopped them believing then what is a psychologist going to do, maybe you are thinking of a hypnotist to make them believe DS is still here?

 

[shouldbee]

Don't think the club would be in a hurry to employ another coach until they have made up their mind about Thomas. If he does go a new head coach would most likely want to bring in his own coaching team ?

 

[Ace Face]

I have slept on it and am sorry to say I feel unless TF is replaced and funds are invested in Jan we will go down.

 

[whyteleafebee76]

I think there is a bit of over analysis going on here. They are professional footballers and take pride in how they perform, they will not be happy with the current form and will know it is in their interest to start performing. For example Bournemouth will soon start looking elsewhere if they have seen Mepham's last few games, if they also think there is an attitude problem they definitely will look elsewhere. I am not saying Mepham is a problem I have merely used him to illustrate my point.

 

[wanderer paul]

Why do you blame Riemer but not Frank?

Because I think Frank changed our system under Smith and offers something.

Bring in coaches around him so he can step back and sort out play and allow two British - there, I said it - coaches to do their work.

 

[Doovster]

I think there is a bit of over analysis going on here. They are professional footballers and take pride in how they perform, they will not be happy with the current form and will know it is in their interest to start performing. For example Bournemouth will soon start looking elsewhere if they have seen Mepham's last few games, if they also think there is an attitude problem they definitely will look elsewhere. I am not saying Mepham is a problem I have merely used him to illustrate my point.

I don't buy that. They know Meps is a diamond in a currently underperforming side.

If anything it strengthens Bmuffs hand as they may think we're more likely to cave in on price if we're languishing as we are.

 

[larrysigny]

I am nowhere near ITK, but it strikes me that everyone is taking all this as an individual subject.

Looking at things generally, in recent weeks we have had Den Smith leaving after being adamant tthat he would not leave, Mark Devlin resigning/being pushed, an apparent general laxity in the players' behaviour starting after reports that the 'new' Head Coach had lost the dressing room he had held for two years - surely all that points to something far more wrong within the club than just a poor run of results.

Can TF be blamed? The chairman, the board? Even MB himself?

As I said, something serious seems to be radically wrong. You can't blame TF - but it seems endemic and should be sorted as soon as possible.

 

[magicbees]

Don't think the club would be in a hurry to employ another coach until they have made up their mind about Thomas. If he does go a new head coach would most likely want to bring in his own coaching team ?

Yes Yes and Yes, because this one isnt working. Our Goalkeeper coach has turned Bentley from a premiership player into a non league player. Our defensive coach hasnt done anything and our head coach has lost the dressing roon and training ground. But hey ho lets do nothing.

 

[N16QPR]

Made a very similar point yesterday. We’re selling players the Premier vision and while near the top of the table the prospect of the dream being a reality is tangible. As such they remain content.

Now...

The players know there is little personal consequence should the club be relegated. Whatever happens, the majority will be playing at this level or above, while likely earning more.

Should we end up in League 1, I very much doubt we could afford to have players being held to their contracts while they suffer from perpetual tight hamstrings.

I agree with your view regarding players motivation/future. This could be a major flaw in this system we're pursuing.

 

[CTBee]

It’s now everyman for himself with most of the squad looking for life rafts and a more lucrative gig.

You know this for a fact do you?

Because earlier in the season you kept telling us that Macleod had signed a new contract.

 

[N16QPR]

All the players were brought in on the understanding that if a big boy comes in for them they will be allowed to go and make their fortune if our valuation is met, that is the dream they were sold. If DS leaving has stopped them believing then what is a psychologist going to do, maybe you are thinking of a hypnotist to make them believe DS is still here?

Yes, but that was only the part of the parcel. That motivation only works on individual level. This unifying idea of reaching Premiership as a collective had been shattered by DS departure. That's why atm we look like a bunch of (more or less) talented individuals, rather than functioning team unit. The problem is, if unthinkable happens, all of sudden every Championship team will become "a big boy" team.

 

[JBN]

I am nowhere near ITK, but it strikes me that everyone is taking all this as an individual subject.

Looking at things generally, in recent weeks we have had Den Smith leaving after being adamant tthat he would not leave, Mark Devlin resigning/being pushed, an apparent general laxity in the players' behaviour starting after reports that the 'new' Head Coach had lost the dressing room he had held for two years - surely all that points to something far more wrong within the club than just a poor run of results.

Can TF be blamed? The chairman, the board? Even MB himself?

As I said, something serious seems to be radically wrong. You can't blame TF - but it seems endemic and should be sorted as soon as possible.

It does seem that way, but we are just supporters, so we will never get to know the real truth.