Fans Comment
Stephen Weightman

We must be positive
3 July, 2004

Rooney and Moyes: Is there a rift developing between them?

Alot of rumours have been flying around of late. Will he, won't he? Should he, shouldn't he? Whatever the outcome we must not repeat what happened last year.

At the start of pre-season last summer I sensed a mood that would haunt us for the rest of the season. Moyes in my opinion has all the ingreidients to become a great manager, but last summer he seemed to bring the disapointment of finishing seventh in to the camp. Granted we should have finshed sixth and claimed a place in Europe, but if looked at sensibly these players achieved more than their talent deserved. If Moyes had praised the players more during the pre-season period he may have got more out of the players later on in the season. Instead he seemed to drive a wedge between himself and a high percentage of the squad.

When the players return for pre-season training Moyes must swallow pride and heal the rifts he has been partially to blame for. Not because the players deserve this, simply because it is a necessity that the camp is on an even keel. This will only be needed for one season as most of the players contracts are up next year.

It's important Moyes gets senior players on side as many of them are quite powerful characters within the club. Mr Rooney is quite close to many of the senior players who seem to have problems with Moyes. This maybe why Rooney is stalling on a contract. Whatever the reason nobody wants to dread going into training though I don't expect Moyes to change his managerial style, I do believe that in our current financial state it would make sense to adjust. These players are not going anywhere this season they are on to much money to give it up and we simply can't afford to buy replacements.

In short, Moyes must make good with what he has and should look a positives rather than negatives. Look at what we have, rather than what we haven't.

Bring on the champions

Stephen Weightman

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