ScotGersey

I think Warburton is here for the long-term even if he does get offered an EPL job (outside of the top 4, which probably won't happen in short- to medium-term for reasons below). Firstly, to get a top 4 job down South coming from Scottish football, he would need to do really well in Champions League over a few seasons regardless. He may have approaches from mid-table EPL teams over the next few seasons but, by staying with us, there's the opportunity / pathway into the Champions League that's not really available down there (outside of top 4). And, I reckon he wants to get us competing at the highest level there is. Secondly, there's the time and space to put his plans into place and build up something in his own image that wouldn't be available elsewhere. Thirdly, there's a whole project to be done with us including getting staff, youth system, scouting, coaching and he would probably prefer to see this through rather get it half-completed or move somewhere where he has to work within certain restrictions in these areas. The last couple of appointments are guys he's worked with before too, and I'm guessing he's given them assurances this is a long-term project. I was delighted when he got the job, but he's exceeded my expectations so far.

Looking forward to this one. Glad to see Oduwa starting as I really enjoy watching him play. Similarly, Barrie McKay on the other side.

Aye man, that's how I understood things. The chairman of Brentford presented his plans to Warburton for the next season, and Warburton didn't fancy having that type of restriction on his management / decision-making so mutually decided to go on their own ways. I get the impression Warburton and Brentford agree about using these stats in selection, but Warburton would argue that it shouldn't be at the expense of a manager having outright control, which (if I understand) is the case with Brentford's plans just now. Anyway, cannae get in the way of the magic hat, ffs

Johnny Thunders, the guy's a legend Mikhailichenko could be lackadaisical at times, but he was the type you could always forgive for that. Top dude.

Guessing this thread is now about players you like, who don't get as big enough mention ... I f***ing loved Alexei Mikhailichenko when I was a lad.

To be fair, I think there's a lot of merit in the use of statistics etc. that Brentford want to pursue (eg. Mydtjylland's success in Denmark) but it shouldn't be at the expense / considered over-and-above clear leadership in the football dept. I wonder if Brentford have fallen into an easy way of thinking about how to use these type of stats when, in practice, they should be used to help a good manager do his job, select players, training etc. rather than be a proxy for a good manager. I've watched Brentford a couple of times this season, and they look like a group of players without confidence or defined shape, and lacking clear leadership. I think Warburton uses a lot of this type of info with us, but uses the stats to build the players' confidence, motivation, short- and medium-term targets for the season, players' positioning, and selection etc. Which is how it should be. I was delighted when Warburton was first mentioned for the job for us, as I've followed the English lower leagues for a while and really enjoyed watching Brentford last season in particular, but I've been absolutely delighted with how he's got things working. I reckon his man-management is outstanding and can really get the players working hard to benefit the team and for their own careers. I guess he's able to bring a lot of his experience working in London, managing a group of traders (iirc), to the environment of a football team to get everyone focussed etc. Plus, his knowledge of the game to bring in players: Big Tav, Waghorn, Halliday, Holt, Oduwa, and Zelalam are outstanding, and McKay, Shiels, Law, and Wallace look like different players altogether. Especially McKay and Wallace.