As cycle of mediocrity persists, is time running out for McMahon? And, if not, should it be?7/4/2021 Our last trip to Bromley saw the final nail in a long-looming and ultimately belated coffin ruthlessly hammered home for Peter Taylor. Sixteen months on and there's not a convincing argument that could be made against history repeating itself for his successor Daryl McMahon, especially if he is unable to deliver a positive result in the capital this afternoon. Shifting towards a young manager signified a change in direction for the club's hierarchy and was widely welcomed at the time, a significant feeling of widespread excitement evoked by his appointment. With little on-pitch success, though, the experiment has backfired spectacularly and there's little indication that sufficient improvement is imminent. Despite a backdrop of 'the new normal', there has been a depressing familiarity about the manner with which Daggers have underwhelmed this season while also being lumbered with a bloated squad of stockpiled players, the majority of whom are surplus to requirements. It's a carbon copy of what happened in the previous campaign, the only major difference being that supporters were there to watch the demoralising disappointment unfold then. TAYLOR, McMAHON COMPARISON
Spectating via a live stream remains a vast downgrade from the experience of being there in the flesh, and it has created a sense of detachment between the supporters and players. Certainly, if games were being played before a live audience, there would be significant frustration directed towards those that have overseen our latest failed promotion bid. Despite signs of revival in recent weeks, during which there was a notable upturn in performance standards, we remain rooted unceremoniously in 17th place as the last month of a forgettable campaign draws near. That we haven't once entered the top-half, let alone the play-off picture, paints a solemn picture of just what has gone on. No excuse nor level of fact-bending can disguise that miserable fact. When you observe some of the other managerial departures across the division since the turn of the year, our backing of McMahon seems all the more generous. Neil Smith (Bromley), Neal Ardley (Notts County) and Jim Gannon (Stockport) were all sacked with their teams in the play-off positions. Though all three seem harsh on the surface, our comparative tolerance of a much worse league position, despite possessing a similar if not greater budget, is difficult to understand. Of course, patience can be quite rewarding in an industry condemned for it's hastiness and increasingly reactionary nature. A successful team does need time to manifest, but there's no point backing a cause that simply doesn't look likely to ever justify the level of investment ploughed into it. Similarly, though, why dispense with a manager if there isn't someone better out there? After all, McMahon was a candidate supported by many.
All of this leaves the Daggers in a position where they realistically have little to play for in a competitive capacity. With the majority of the squad soon out of contract, though, there should be enough incentive to perform on the pitch, all while the hierarchy behind the scenes will no doubt be contemplating some very big questions. Or, at least, they should be.
1 Comment
thomas Archer
10/4/2021 01:35:53 pm
Good read.
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