According to various sources, some managers or head coaches are at risk of being removed from their role.  This is mainly due to a poor start to the season, from a results point of view.  These folks are deemed to be “under pressure.”  Who decides that a head coach’s position is under threat? 

There is always a lot of “noise” from outside the clubs involved.  The pundits on Sky Sports and other TV channels always seem to assume that they know what action a board of directors is about to take.  Social media, also plays a big part these days, whereas in time gone by it was just the views of sports journalists, that was found on the back pages of the daily newspapers, that gave an opinion.

Bookmakers also publish odds on the next managerial casualty.  I’ve even seen odds being quoted before the season has even kicked off, which is quite bizarre, in my view.

Relieving a head coach of their duties and bringing in a replacement, is no guarantee that the team’s fortunes will turn around immediately.  But all too often the new incumbent, is given very little time to settle in, and can very soon come under the same scrutiny as their predecessor. 

Sadly, since our last home game, the club has parted ways with Alan Dowson.  There was very little “outside noise” to influence the decision made by our board.  But following the decision there was plenty of comments on various social media platforms, some of which were very unsavoury and did little to promote the image of the club.

Dowse, wore his heart on his sleeve and will be greatly missed.  I along with many others wish him well in the future.  Our board have decided that it is time for a new chapter, which may or may not have started by the time you read this.

We all have decisions to make in our everyday lives.  Some are only minor, like “what am I going to have for dinner.”  Others are much weightier. For example – moving job or house.  These can have a big financial impact, so you may seek advice from your bank or financial advisor.

Sometimes in life you can feel overwhelmed by the issues that you are facing.  You have no idea where to turn.  You’re “under pressure”

David, who took on and defeated Goliath, with God’s help, eventually became king.  Despite the many moments of “victories” he experienced in his life, he still had his struggles!!  In one of the many Psalms he wrote he asks the question “Where does my help come from?”  He answers the question himself by exclaiming – “My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth.”

God is at hand to help all those who cry out to Him!!

Paul Barker

Club Chaplain