So a one-all draw away at QPR, and from what I heard on the radio, it was a good performance. Not that that counts for much – a lot of people were saying we were unlucky against West Brom, whereas I thought we were disjointed and their game-plan worked when ours didn’t.
But much more worrying was the post-match interview. Unlike my brother, I think I’m coming around to Billy Davies. He comes across as thorough, organised and seems to know his stuff.
But this hints at deep, deep trouble ahead.
Davies stressed Pleat’s presence did not cast doubt over his future, saying: “Don’t misunderstand me. I have known David a long time and never had a cross word with him. I will not be walking over this.”
But he added: “I’ve identified clearly three defenders and got none of them. Now I cannot identify to you why we didn’t get them.
“We have defensive frailties and I cannot tell you why we are having to play with an outside-right at right-back.”
For the record I can see both sides. Nigel Doughty wants a structure where decisions are spread across the club, so when the manager (inevitably) leaves, there isn’t a massive void to fill (see Charlton following Curbishley’s departure, or us throughout the nineties). Billy Davies wants the power to do what he needs to do, make decisions quickly, get things done and get those players signed.
It seems that one of the two will have to back down. But which will it be?
