Director of Football

[Paq]

We've had this system in place for a few seasons now and I was wondering whether people thought it was a success or not. We were told that it would bring stability to the club in terms of players and reduce the work load of the coach, but has it? The work load may well be reduced, but if a manager comes in and decides that the players at his disposal aren't good enough (as it seems Ramos has) what does it mean for the system.

I know we need to take a long term view on this but in the short term, does it look like a system we need to keep?

 

[ckafetz]

Two 5th place finishes in two seasons and one of the strongest squads that we've had for years and years says to me that DoF system works for us

 

[joey55]

Difficult to say. We've moved forward as a club since the system was put in place, but those moves forward purely coincide with BMJ being at the club. Pre Jol we were a bottom half of the table side and post him we are a bottom half of the table side. So one could argue the system has worked, or alternatively one could argue that having the right man in charge of the 1st team works better. It could be argued that if it wasn't for the DofF system we would never have had Jol, but then again it can equally be argued that we came within a whisker of the CL, following a summer in which Jol bought the players without interference.

We can argue we have a better squad than ever before, but likewise, so can other teams who don't have a DofF. Is our very talented squad down to the DofF system or is it more to do with the fact the Prem is so now vastly rich compared to all other leagues we simply have better selction of players to choose from?

The system is used all over Europe and it seems that most times the coach changes, then so do the players. I think the idea of bringing stability to the 1st team is flawed. History all over Europe suggests that it doesn't have that effect. However, Levy has to say something in interviews and this would just be a standard reply he gives as a reason and is given far too much significance. I doubt the whole stability issue is a major thing. i'd hope Levy would have taken the time to study many European clubs and realised it has little effect on 1st team stability. Where it does have an effect it general club stability in terms of scouting networks and youth team set ups etc. I personally think this is where the role can be very useful and would much rather the job at Spurs was more similar to the one Arnesen has at Chelsea.

I think the main point to consider is that it is a fairly new system in the Prem and Levy hasn't worked in football before, so rather than it being a success or failure, I'd see it as a period of evolution. It's had is successe's and failure's and we must learn from these and continually tweek the system until we find a way that works best for us. For example, Ramos's assessment of things should have had a major effect on Levy's view of Comolli. However, in a more positive way, our youth teams seem to be doing very well at the moment and we are attracting a better calibre of youth player. So this should also have an effect on Levy.

 

[Real_madyidd]

We will have to waut a few more years to see how it is doing. I don't see any reason that it shouldn't work, it is fine in most of Europe.

Seems like one of those petty things that people get worked up about, even thought there is no evidence whatsoever that there is a problem. Much like the whole Hughton bullshit.

 

[Paq]

Not really a petty matter given that it's integral to how the club is run, but I do appreciate that a long term view is needed.

I agree that we need to take note of what works and what doesn't and continually tweak, but I'm not sure how useful it is to say that it works on the continent so it can work here - that's too simplistic a view. For the record I'm in favour of it, but that's almost intuitive. I think that under the first team, we have taken strides forward that will pay off in the future but I question the degree to which the system has contributed to that. I think that a well run club is a well run club and can be well run with or without a DoF. Other than allowing the coach to concentrate on the first team (which I acknowledge is important) is there anything unique which makes it a more desirable system than a manager, good coaches at all levels and a good network of scouts?

 

[Bingy]

Whether or not the DOF system works in UK....it has produced the best individual talent in the most talented teams wherever it has been used (in Europe and in recent years in UK). The Ferguson case (the old style Brit) is unique and dying...quickly. Good thing or bad...who knows? The world is a different place these days....horses for courses....and the Euro system, in it's UK setting, appears to be reaping the benefits (see the CL this season).
From all the available intelligence, we seem to be at the correct end of the advance of the Prem football revolution. From a THFC point of view, however, it would be nice if we can make the step UP, this coming season, rather than in the next 5 years (or before we grow older! lol).
In conclusion, we are 'getting there', behind our perceived target.....but we are still on course (we hope!). COYS!