I do believe a club should have an ethos and employ it from top to bottom. I believe players should be signed who either fit that ethos, or are young enough to adapt.
That's good to hear.
But yet... you said
"Regardless of who is responsible for signing the players we need a manager who can get the best out of those players." Something which clearly flies in the face of your beliefs.
If a manager has to change the ethos/philosophy and playing style, to accommodate a signing, then clearly the ethos/philosophy actually means next best thing to F**k all. Because if it genuinely did - you'd be going after the person who's actions demanded a move away from the ethos, you say you believe in, rather than a manager who won't desert the ethos so readily.
The truth obviously being that whoever is responsible for signing players should only be signing the players we need; i.e. players who fit that ethos. They shouldn't be signing players who are clearly outside of that ethos/philosophy.
I think there are better managers out there that would be better for this club now and moving forward.
Yeah you're probably right Harry - just as I know there are owners out there who would also be better for this club.
Tell you what Harry - I'm a fair man - I'll make you a promise right here and now; a promise you can bookmark and bank.
If Brendan Rodgers is still our manager, come September, I will hold him personally accountable for any and all transfers this Summer [* I'll explain why further down]. Furthermore...
If come the end of the season, all things being equal [injuries bad luck] he has failed to get the best from those new players; I will stand up and I will demand his sacking.
* The reason? Although Brendan hinted at discontent with transfer policy before; it's only when Gerrard announced his retirement that he actually said openly and clearly that he needed "ready-made", proven, quality if the club is to progress to the "next level" and that the owners were aware of this.
Now, if after declaring this and if he stays, it will indicate to me one of two things. Either he's got his wish and signed the players he feels we need or that he's got no balls, no integrity and is
wholly compliant with what FSG are doing. He will therefore have to live or die based on those transfers.
I could ask that you reciprocate Harry; that you make a promise that, if we get a new manager who fails to bring success (or "get more from this squad" if you prefer); you will quit smoking John Henry's fat one but I won't.
Just to be clear - I won't be greedy - I'll take CL qualification as being a "success" in both instances.