Dear Uncle Mel (v2.0)

[Philmycock]

I just want my team to not play s**** That is all.

[ramblur]

Pity Rush couldn't conjure up a few 'Keiftenbelds' in 15/16. This sustainability talk is rubbish- even under the last owners,who eventually ran a players' wage bill that was modest,bordering on mediocre,they still had to put in millions on top of turnover.

[tomsdubs]

7 minutes ago, Moist One said:

perhaps you deserve a better considered response then?

Okay, "terrible post", that's subjective.

"Ignore what Mel says", well I defended him based on what he says, if you doubt it, go back to breakfastgate, that said, people say a lot of things in interviews, and if I scrutinised what he says, then surely I would refer to:-

• the Derby way
• Clement being our Ferguson
• promotion is not important
• Wassall can earn himself a shot at the job
• Derby won't sell our players cheaply
• the manager will use academy players

"a rant from ignorance". Not sure you know what a rant is.

"lack of any real information". Which bits? 5 managers? that's real. Rush leaving? that's real. Lots of things have changed? that's real. Lack of Sausage and Bacon?! that's real. Mel making bad decisions? (I think) that's real. People blindly supporting Mel cos he's spent money on the club? that is definitely real! 

"Personal Attack/Scapegoat". Nah, it's not an attack, it's an opinion. Scapegoats are sacrificial when someone else is the reason, this is not scapegoating, as Mel is the man that fires the gun.

All things should be taken in context of time and place. The quotes you reference should be analysed as such. 

Derby Way - At the time we were trying to continue the passing game under Steve, only recently have attitudes changes to be more flexible after failures.

Clement - No one knows what happened. Pure speculation as to why he left but if it was football results than it was trigger happy, but it was at a time of the highest expectation at the club.

Promotion - I think he slightly wrongly worded this, I think he wanted us to go up playing in a way that can help us stay up.

Wassall - He was unlucky, I can't remember many people shouting for him to be the new manager.

Player sales - At the time we hadn't got FFP drawing close and had room to work on the transfer front. We got 11m for Hendrick at the time.

Academy - Bennett, Bird have been in. Seems Guy is close but I agree partially. They bang on about Zanzala but the guy isn't even a kid anymore. We haven't produced enough. Reckon Hanson would have been in at DM if it wasn't for injury.

You are pinning it all on Mel when Rush was running the club, that's real. Let's see how we go now Rush has left. Mel was working 1 day a week at the club before right? If Rowett is a failure lets see how trigger happy Mel is now Rush is gone.

[Mostyn6]

1 minute ago, tomsdubs said:

You are pinning it all on Mel when Rush was running the club, that's real. Let's see how we go now Rush has left. Mel was working 1 day a week at the club before right? If Rowett is a failure lets see how trigger happy Mel is now Rush is gone.

the key decisions, the ones that are affecting, and have affected the club negatively, have all been Mel though. Which bit am I wrong about?

[Ninos]

The whole letter to Mel is entertaining but sort of insulting and basically frustrating.

Mel has already admitted he's made mistakes has he not - and he did it in a lengthy letter last season. He knows what he's doing ...

He's got a smart football minded manager and he's tightened the reins on spending trying to help reduce squad size. As we do that we will have growing pains. People need to step back and see the forest (oops) for the trees and relax a little. Let's see what Rowett can do let's see the team evolve and where we are Jan 1. If we are top 2 then what?  Relegation battle, then it's a rethink. Where are we squad wise after transfer window 2. Right now, we are in fast overhaul:  Lots of players in and out - 5 changes yesterday including a player out forever with double ACL and a player that hadn't played in a year.

We've seen some elements of great entertainment - 5 goals at home v Hull - with devestating passing in attack; we saw some elements of great defensive organization at Brentford ... it's bits and pieces but something is happening. The players are grafting and playing for the badge too - they're fit as well ... we are dangerous on set pieces ... on and on.

Some fans are ignoring what GR is putting on the canvas before the painting is finished or even discernible.

Chill the hell out and let's give it some time. 

[i-Ram]

If you were my nephew @Moist Onel wouldn't be holding your breath that you are going to get a £10 postal order next birthday 

[Mostyn6]

2 minutes ago, i-Ram said:

If you were my nephew @Moist Onel wouldn't be holding your breath that you are going to get a £10 postal order next birthday 

nobody should be spared "honesty", even if it's misguided  

[Curtains]

2 hours ago, Moist One said:

Dear Uncle Mel,

I thought it was time to follow up my previous open letter, where I requested you go and chill on a beach somewhere and allow professionals to run the club on your behalf. In that letter, I suggested keeping the faith in the then CEO Sam Rush, as he had been pivotal in the recent rise in quality, excitement, league position, media coverage and ambition. Since that letter, things have changed! Sam has been relieved of his duties in somewhat ambiguous circumstances, against an accusation of what surmises as "spending the club's money trying to improve the club"... Hmmm.

Now I can only speak for myself, but I would suspect a few fellow Rams fans will agree with some, if not all of my feelings, and inevitably, there will be those that give you benefit of the doubt due to your local connections and clear emotional attachment to the club.

IN February last year, I was fortunate enough to be invited, along with fellow forum members, to Moor Farm, where I enjoyed a (sausage and bacon free) breakfast in your company, in the aftermath of Paul Clement's departure. In this meeting, you were at pains to ensure us that the decision was justified on the philosophies and ethos of the club alone. Whilst it seemed harsh to sack Paul Clement, some of the reasoning was clear.

That meeting, I believe, was around Valentine's day last year, a mere 19 months ago. Since then, Darren Wassall, Nigel Pearson, Chris Powell, Steve McClaren and Gary Rowett have sat at the manager's desk. The disappointment of being deprived of processed pig products at that romantic breakfast does not influence my opinion in any way whatsoever. I know you're not responsible for the procurement of butchered foodstuffs. However, I have the opinion that you have really really really ballsed up the footballing operations side of Derby County, and sadly, repairing it will not be as easy as sending someone to the nearest supermarket for a pack of Walls bangers!

My criticism is not a personal attack, well mainly it isn't. Simply because it's apparent to me that your decision making has been fuelled, and clouded by emotional attachment. Your ownership style reminds me of a character in a Hollywood movie who refuses to listen when told "don't do anything stupid", but then ignores that advice, and does something stupid, making the situation worse. It's clear your intentions are well meaning, but sadly, my opinion is your methods and decision making are counter-intuitive to the situation at hand.

I do have a personal criticism, which may be unfounded, but is borne out of the way people defend you, and your poor handling of the club, and that is simply that spending money on the club, does not give you carte-blanche to destroy it. Now you may not believe you have the right to destroy it, but when defending you, fans often cite your investment as justification for you doing whatever you like. If I am being honest, I never wanted money thrown at the club, I prefer to see managers and coaches making the best of the squad they have. I said that when we had worse owners, and yes Mel, there are plenty of worse owners of the club than yourself. You are a good owner, just not a good "manager" of the club. If it meant you not subsidising the club, and the managers sticking to budgets and being allowed to see the job out, I'd be happy for you to burn your chequebook and never authorise another record-signing.

So, where are we right now? In footballing terms, we are in a mess. We have an intelligent manager, who lacks a style, identity or plan. We have an imbalanced squad, containing some with mental scars and limited ability. We have a semi-poisonous fanbase, clashing over players, managers, yourself and how we should be performing. We have opponents improving and looking professional and motivated, whilst not struggling to outplay us. Most worryingly, we have a need for something to change, drastically, and quickly!

The easy solution is always to change the manager, and it would be hard for me to defend the performance of Gary Rowett as manager. But he's only been here a short while, he needs to be given a chance, but surely we should be seeing signs of improvement, shouldn't we? Or it doesn't justify the removal of the previous manager!

The actual solution in my opinion Uncle Mel, is for you to absolve yourself of all responsibility, even if it means you spitting your dummy and refusing to invest money. We can handle that as a club. You need to employ professional people, not those with emotional attachment to the club, and allow them to make the decisions. I believe now, that you Mel, you are the problem. Regardless of intent, you've set this club back, and not just a little bit, but set this club back massively. I hoped I'd never have to endure another spell of stagnation, like we did under the careful management of Nigel Clough, as I want to be entertained. But it now seems we will need to go through that again to avoid a complete disaster.

It doesn't seem too far-fetched to say we are only a couple of rash decision (by you) from imploding and collapsing into a relegation-battling team.

So, please, back away and stop meddling and allow the club to breathe. 

sincerely

Concerned supporter

Is this Mostyn 

Why the name change. 

[cheron85]

15 minutes ago, Moist One said:

okay, "he then CEO Sam Rush, as he had been pivotal in the recent rise in quality, excitement, league position, media coverage and ambition" is not glorifying anyone, it is stating a fact. He was PIVOTAL. Which bit of that is embellishing or exaggerating, or making up (generally what glorifying means in this context). Sam may or may not have been a naughty boy, but there has so far been no evidence whatsoever other than circumstantial coincidence. (WMG connection). 

Using the word pivotal is indeed glorifying - He made one good decision as far as I can see - Bringing in McLaren - Which worked with immediate success

He has also been the man in charge of football affairs at the club as we've slid into decline - He was the one negotiating big spends and bigger contracts for players who haven't really fit - With someone else's money - He's the one who came into the club investing nothing, been paid a small fortune, been handed shares in the club and generally made a lot of money from us - And he's also the one who has been fired with cause (if you really think the club can come out and publicly say why he's been fired you obviously don't understand the seriousness of the charges leveled against him)

20 minutes ago, Moist One said:

AS for Vendetta, I have hardly said anything about Morris, I hardly post. I have waited and considered my thoughts for a long while before posting this.

Your enitre post was about Morris - The fact that you've been building this case in your head over months/years shows that you have a vendetta

22 minutes ago, Moist One said:

Morris admitted to us at Breakfast that he makes all the hiring and firing decisions. Sacking McClaren (both times), Sacking Clement, Sacking Pearson, hiring Wassall, hiring, Pearson, hiring Rowett, sacking Rush. 

Mel's own mouth, and Sam's own mouth (as a combination) confirmed that Rush sacked Clough, Rush hired McClaren, Rush approached and recommended hiring Clement, Rush also recommended re-hiring McClaren, although @eddie was the main influence. All other decisions were Mel's, and his media appearances during the aftermath, and his interviews confirm this. Not even sure why you are debating it.

I wasn't there so I wouldn't know - But yes, obviously the man who owns the club is going to take responsibility for the final decisions - However if you think he has just sat there throwing his power around whenever he was feeling antsy I don't think you understand how a business works - If you're not a finance guy you bring one in - If you're not a football guy you bring one in - Morris was very clear over the Rush tenure that Rush was the one running the club, he was in charge of footballing matters - Do you really think Morris just wandered into the club on random days, walked into Rush's office and said "Hey, today I'd like Nigel Pearson please"?

The fact that since Rush left we've gone from a board of 3 to a board of 6/7 shows me that Rush had way too much control of our club and way too much influence with Morris

 

[BathRam72]

2 hours ago, Paul71 said:

Ok get it, we want him to take a step back but keep spunking up the cash when needed?

I am sure that deep down MM wants Derby to be a success.

At the end of the day he is a business man and it is in his own interest to make Derby a force not only in this league, but beyond.

So the original post (although a little too succinct) is a true account of what is needed.

Surely having experts in to run your business and make it a success is exactly what is needed. Then sit back and reap the rewards.

If I were Mel, I would be happy sitting back, increasing the worth of the club and having his faithful fans purring over how well we are doing under his guidance (even if from afar)

[Mostyn6]

18 minutes ago, cheron85 said:

Using the word pivotal is indeed glorifying - He made one good decision as far as I can see - Bringing in McLaren - Which worked with immediate success

He has also been the man in charge of football affairs at the club as we've slid into decline - He was the one negotiating big spends and bigger contracts for players who haven't really fit

Do you not think it was Rush who got Morris more involved? 

Players who don't fit? they only DON'T fit when the manager is sacked and then a different one comes in and wants different players, surely you can see this?

[cheron85]

3 minutes ago, Moist One said:

Do you not think it was Rush who got Morris more involved? 

Players who don't fit? they only DON'T fit when the manager is sacked and then a different one comes in and wants different players, surely you can see this?

No - I don't - If we take Morris at face value he said he was spending a day or less a week at the club when Rush was there - And he's had to step that up since Rush left

We signed a whole bunch of players before Clement even joined - Players we weren't committed to signing - I like most of those but I don't feel they were Clement's decision and feel they were strongly Rush's - We then signed a couple of players out of gut reaction to injuries and made a couple of slightly mad signings in January - All of that was under or before a single manager and none of the players seemed to quite fit what Clement wanted to do

I've been one of the biggest advocates of the latent talent in this squad and have been ranting for 18 months that we've got players brought in for 3/4 different formations and 3/4 different styles - And as much as a disliked Pearson I could see part of the logic in his signings - However the pre and during Clement period which Rush was heavily involved with was a period where we seemed to be just trying to sign a bunch of top-end players regardless of whether they'd fit

[metalsheep02]

1 hour ago, Ninos said:

The whole letter to Mel is entertaining but sort of insulting and basically frustrating.

Mel has already admitted he's made mistakes has he not - and he did it in a lengthy letter last season. He knows what he's doing ...

He's got a smart football minded manager and he's tightened the reins on spending trying to help reduce squad size. As we do that we will have growing pains. People need to step back and see the forest (oops) for the trees and relax a little. Let's see what Rowett can do let's see the team evolve and where we are Jan 1. If we are top 2 then what?  Relegation battle, then it's a rethink. Where are we squad wise after transfer window 2. Right now, we are in fast overhaul:  Lots of players in and out - 5 changes yesterday including a player out forever with double ACL and a player that hadn't played in a year.

We've seen some elements of great entertainment - 5 goals at home v Hull - with devestating passing in attack; we saw some elements of great defensive organization at Brentford ... it's bits and pieces but something is happening. The players are grafting and playing for the badge too - they're fit as well ... we are dangerous on set pieces ... on and on.

Some fans are ignoring what GR is putting on the canvas before the painting is finished or even discernible.

Chill the hell out and let's give it some time. 

Can you let me know when Gary starts using paint as the stuff is he using at the moment isn't sticking too well and smells a lot.

[Ninos]

18 minutes ago, metalsheep02 said:

Can you let me know when Gary starts using paint as the stuff is he using at the moment isn't sticking too well and smells a lot.

When you're fully over your rhinoplasty, and when you take that necessary trip to specsavers. It's on you.

[Ninos]

2 hours ago, Angry Ram said:

Has not Mel not ignored everything he says in interviews and Q&As? Has he delivered on anything he has said in those interviews?

Not a 'scapegoat' but someone asking pertinent questions of the owner and having opinions? Why should that not be allowed. He needs checks and balances just like everyone.

In fairness AR, he may need balances but he sure don't need checks <sp>

[cannable]

1 hour ago, Moist One said:

Do you not think it was Rush who got Morris more involved? 

Players who don't fit? they only DON'T fit when the manager is sacked and then a different one comes in and wants different players, surely you can see this?

None of the Clement signings fit his system 

[BondJovi]

The problem here is it would appear we are dammed whatever we do. We have reached this point due to the erratic hiring and firing of our managers. I don't think we can really dispute all the excellent things that Morris has done off the pitch for the club, decisions relating to on the pitch are a different matter. I expected more from Rowett, like Clement sometime before him he talks a great game but I don't see anything close to a consistent idea yet.

The only choice is to dig in and see the season out and hope that Rowett gets us going.

[Mostyn6]

15 minutes ago, cannable said:

None of the Clement signings fit his system 

you've answered the question though, they are Clement signings (although some were McClaren signings, such as Pearce).

IN the same way I say professionals should be employed to do their specialist jobs, it was never down to Rush to know more about players than the manager, same is said right now, and in defence of Mel, he said he would trust his manager's judgement.

[cannable]

1 minute ago, Moist One said:

you've answered the question though, they are Clement signings (although some were McClaren signings, such as Pearce).

IN the same way I say professionals should be employed to do their specialist jobs, it was never down to Rush to know more about players than the manager, same is said right now, and in defence of Mel, he said he would trust his manager's judgement.

Director of football who totally understood 'The Derby Way' would have been the way to go.

Could have vetoed some of the garbage. 

[sage]

Where to start with this one...

I can't believe the OP views Rush as being sacked for 'making decisions for the good of the club when he has been directly accused of doing the opposite. Making decisions which go against the club's benefit.

Things haven't suddenly unravelled since Rush left. We are paying the price for what Rush did. We should have been more open when Rowett was appointed and over the summer. It is difficult when you want to sell season tickets but this is a rebuilding job and we can't turn the corner properly till summer 2018.

I am amused by the arrogance of suggesting we are in a mess because Mel didn't step back and leave it to Rush and Mel didn't step back like the OP told him to. A) he did let Rush get on with it to a great extent and b) Rush is easily as much to blame as Mel in our recent demise 

I am also amused by the OP saying he is happy for Mel to stop investing and is happy to work with what we have. A) if Mel didn't invest we can't keep what we have B) we could easily go bust if Mel didnt invest and C) going back to working with reduced circumstances was how NC had to manage and I remember how much patience the OP had then.

The real problem was not Mel refusing to leave matters to a football expert, he left matters to the wrong 'football expert.