Who next for the Albion hot seat?
It had to happen! The new Bloom (Tony) swept clean. OUT went Albion manager Russell Slade, OUT went assistant manager Dean White and OUT went reserve team manager Bob Booker.
Brighton's failure to beat Hartlepool at Withdean on Saturday was the last straw.
The announcement came on Sunday. Russell Slade, after eight months in charge, was relieved of his duties.
Chairman Tony Bloom commented: "It is not a decision we have taken lightly and one taken with a heavy heart. Russell is a good man which made it an even harder decision, but it is one which has been made in the club's best interests."
You may remember that last week I pondered on how long Tony Bloom would give Slade following our disastrous home form. The answer came swiftly! One game!
A neutral fan watching the match against Hartlepool may have thought it was a cracker! Six goals, three apiece, so it was great entertainment.
But for Seagulls' fans it was two more points dropped. Updating the Withdean stats it is…played 8: won 2: 14 goals conceded: only seven points out of 24.
So, 17 games into the season Bloom has been decisive. Slade hasn't been able to find a consistent and reliable XI from a large squad of players.
Everybody says the Albion shouldn't be languishing near the bottom of League One. Russell was a nice guy – but had to go.
He'll be remembered for the keeping us up with the "Great Escape" last year.
Last week I foresaw this departure and threw a few names into the hat. As I write, Steve Coppell remains the front runner. I mentioned Alan Curbishley and Gareth Southgate. Dennis Wise is another 'favourite', though unpopular with many. There's also talk of Albion waiting on Phil Brown's status at Hull.
Meanwhile, rumours abound. Coppell and Bloom were seen at Falmer – allegedly! If true, they wouldn't have been talking about parabolic terracing.
But, and here's the but, Bloom said on Tuesday he wouldn't be making a snap decision: "I'd like to do it as soon as possible, but much more important is to make sure we have the right man here…I have some candidates in mind and I've been inundated with calls from various people."
It is worth remembering that our chairman is a poker player!
I have to say that many of the players should take blame for Slade's failure.
Individual performances have been poor. Several have let the side down with bad mistakes and red cards. But in the end it is the manager, who picks the team – and carries the can.
Many fans will be pleased with the news that assistant manager White and first-team coach Booker are also leaving. They have been kept on at the club through several managers.
It must be right for a change and to give the new man in charge a chance to bring in his own assistants.
Martin Hinshelwood, who has the title of Director of Football, takes over as caretaker manager. He will be assisted by Steve Brown the Youth Team manager, and Charlie Oatway. Martin has previously had spells in charge so has the experience. He said he would be happy to prepare the team for the weekend if required.
Perhaps he would risk some of the younger players who have been overlooked recently. And it will be good to see Charlie back with the Albion. He will cheer the dressing room up at the very least. Whoever takes over we are in for interesting times. Presumably Hinshelwood will oversee the game this Saturday.
It is Wycombe Wanderers away in the FA Cup. They are rock-bottom of our league with an even worse home record than us. How good it would be to start this new era with a win – and a cup run!
After that it gets difficult! The new manager will have the pleasure of putting out teams to play Southampton, Leeds, Norwich and Charlton.
To be honest I think fans, bearing in mind our current form, were dreading theses games.
With the right manager this baptism of fire could be the making of our season.
So interesting times for Seagulls' supporters!
Is Coppell coming back? On the negative side – you should never go back (look at the Micky Adams scenario!).
On the plus side, however – Coppell was very good for us before and could be again. He took Reading, in their fairly new stadium to the Premiership.
Could he, with Bloom's help, do it for us from our new stadium at Falmer?
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Weather for Lewes
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
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