Great to see the great man coming back.  His managerial experience is very limited though, just a few months as player manager at Epsom, so I'll be watching who he picks as his backing singers with considerable interest.  Looks like a return to IF is on the cards for me :-)

As much as I admire Jamie, his appointment makes little difference unless the whole ethos of the club from the top down changes.

A good start would be an announcement from the club stating that Ashley has absolutely NO say in the running and direction of the first team.

DaveM wrote:

Good luck Mr Byatt

Definitely, was a nice surprise to see this - though for some reason when I saw the thread title my first thought was it would be Jamie Martin : 0

JB’s a great character at IF and I wonder if the ‘I predict a Byatt’ gets reused next season.

Andy Mc wrote:

Well that was a big moment when I found out yesterday. Jamie is my favorite ever Tooting player, talented on the pitch, dedicated to the sport and a great attitude that rubs off on players around him. We were never going to get an experienced manager at T&M, this is a clever move from Adkins, another, presumably, low cost option with the added attraction of Jamie being a much loved character at Imperial Fields and  will get the fans onside straight away.
As usual, more questions that need answers, has he got a decent budget? Can he bring in his own staff and players? Will he have youth players forced on him? Can he run the team without Adkins and Bosah interference? I hope Jamie has assurances that he can go about his job his own way otherwise we will be no further ahead. Overall a positive move that gives fans optimism for the future, something that we haven't had much of for a long time.
 

I agree, a sobering post Andy. You are right to ask these questions. I think having youth players forced on him and budget is key next season. 
Nick Riley chairman of Abbey Rangers was telling me that he played a side recently who beat them. The oppo manager said to him don't be too hard on your players. You are given them a bollocking and taken subscription money,  we are handing out money to our players.  There is plenty of teams with a £2000 a week budget. Can we match them? Reputation will go against us next season with every single game being a cup final. High intensity will also be important.
No interference from Ashley is also vital.

Last edited by Gary Walker (13/5/2023 11:31 am)

Absolutly agree Ev unfortunatly it is money that has the greatest bearing on how well you do as a team of course team spirit and togetherness also count but it is mainly money and i have big doubts that adkins will provide a decent budget.

It would be nice to see some players that love the club return. Like Simmo,Day, Clarke, Shaw,Coleman, Omari to name a few.

Never thought I would be saying... Jamie Byatt's black and white Army!

Come on Jamie you got this !

evthedog wrote:

Sadly Gary, until I see an about-face from Adkins regarding the way that the first team is run, he will not see a single penny my money at the turnstile.

That's a shame Ev. I miss us watching football together.  I am going to start going to home matches to support Jamie and the club. A good home support might make a massive difference next season.  If they just play the kids I know my patience won't last long and I will be back over the allotment.
Preseason will be a good indication where we are going with this.

Last edited by Gary Walker (14/5/2023 1:25 pm)