This one correspondent was quick to write to cardiffcity-mad
Swansea get 'Match of the Day', we get Alan Shearer?! by Harry Truscott
I am struggling to believe what I am hearing, reliable sources are indicating that Alan Shearer is to be Cardiff's next manager. Can anyone tell me why? After the much needed parting with Dave Jones we have had weeks of the club being linked with credible candidates for the job with CVs that encouraged supporters to believe we were targeting a new man with real credentials and experience of coaching in this division, some of them already with promotions to their name. Now, we are being presented with a managerial novice!
What possible evidence could there be to believe Alan Shearer is a man to entrust with the job? 8 games managing Newcastle which produced 1 win and ultimately relegation? A series of banal television appearances reciting rehearsed platitudes revealing a complete lack of tactical acumen? I cannot understand why a club that appears to be willing to bet more money (to add to our already mountainous debt) on achieving promotion to the EPL would place so much faith in a man seemingly so ill-suited to the task.
I am concerned that if the Shearer rumours are true then he is not being appointed for managerial aptitude or coaching ability but basically for brand recognition. Simply put because he is famous and will attract attention for Cardiff City within British football but perhaps crucially also internationally. Haven't three or four seasons of being a high-profile, high-rolling but ultimately failing football club studded with well-known names taught anyone that it is not the way to build success? Surely the recent achievements of our South Wales neighbours, Norwich and Blackpool have shown that coaching, organisation and a team & squad based on a group ethic rather than star players or managers is the way forward?
Meanwhile I asked for opinions on the Cardiff City Message Board.
Here's a few responses.
could be a stroke of genius by the board! could be an unmitigated disaster. we'll wait and see!!
Replacing 1 dour cliche-ridden Northener with no appetite for modernity with another. Except without the knowledge of the league. Gutted.
If randy lerner patrols villa forums to gauge responses to their potential candidates - please someone post Vincent Tan, TG & GethinJenkins a link to the messageboard!!!! This is how we feel - NO NO NO!!!
The very least the guy desrves is a fair crack at it without being written off before he's even picked a team! It may work but then it may not - the same as any appointment.
We chose the man who got Newcastle relegated over the man who got them promoted.
WHY?
I'm shocked and apalled but fully prepared to support him if appointed.
I've wanted Jones gone for the last 2 years and now I wish he had stayed.
I thought that with the arrival of the Malaysians we had seen the last of stupidity and ineptitude in the Cardiff City boardroom. But apparently we haven't.
Underwhelmed. although he did once stamp on neil lennon so he cant be that bad.
If Alan Shearer is appointed as our manager he will have my full support because he will be part of Cardiff City. If someone else gets the job they will also get my full support.