His personality isn't a natural fit for a Manager. But to thrust him into managing in the Championship was madness. I don't think he'd even survive in League 2
When this season ends, I would expect the board to critically analyse the recruitment process and how it could have gone so horribly wrong! I still think we are, roughly, where we should be. We’ve been too easy to play through all season and showed naivety in the majority of matches. Saying that we played with a freedom and identity which slowly eroded during Foster’s tenure. It’s now becoming clear why that was.
Foster had success working with teenagers. When he was faced with his peers he didn't have the self esteem to believe that he was enough,that by being his true authentic self that he would be respected. He couldn't look the players in the eye and feel equal to them because every player at Argyle were better players than he was during his lower league career. So he tried to use his UEFA coaching badges as his shield and his England U17 man management style on some of the best professionals Argyle have ever had. A squad of good men who had a bond. They saw through him, his inauthenticity,his arrogance and his defensiveness. 17 year olds during a week of international duty might put up with it but men like Edwards and Scarr most certainly wouldn't and didn't.
Foster was not liked. That's because Foster doesn't like himself. A man wearing a mask, playing a role in adulthood to try and make up for the damage done in childhood, not confident enough to present his real self for fear of rejection. But professional sport at a high level is no place for inauthentic people because they will always get exposed.
All of the stories of his behaviour point towards a man scared of himself,lacking in self belief which he thought coaching badges, hard work and (over)analysis would cover up. But sport is more than hard work and PowerPoints. It's about passion,joy and total self belief. Foster had none of these qualities. Luckily for Argyle his failings were recognised in enough time to save the season. Hopefully for Argyle the experience will mean that the next head coach appointment will be not just about coaching badges and interview technique but also about personal authenticity and high self esteem.
Just re-reading this. I liked Foster too for the same reasons, and was perplexed by the messages/rumours coming out of the club. Rands I think was the 1st, saying there were lots of meetings and data briefings, which seemed 'odd'. Our squad wasnt woeful, we just needed some tweaks and working out our midfield.. At this stage of the season we just have to hope we've got enough to get over the line. Message from the Board is we absolutely have to get the next appointment right
His personality isn't a natural fit for a Manager. But to thrust him into managing in the Championship was madness. I don't think he'd even survive in League 2
A very well articulated summary.
When this season ends, I would expect the board to critically analyse the recruitment process and how it could have gone so horribly wrong! I still think we are, roughly, where we should be. We’ve been too easy to play through all season and showed naivety in the majority of matches. Saying that we played with a freedom and identity which slowly eroded during Foster’s tenure. It’s now becoming clear why that was.
Onwards and, hopefully, upwards! 🤞💚
Foster had success working with teenagers. When he was faced with his peers he didn't have the self esteem to believe that he was enough,that by being his true authentic self that he would be respected. He couldn't look the players in the eye and feel equal to them because every player at Argyle were better players than he was during his lower league career. So he tried to use his UEFA coaching badges as his shield and his England U17 man management style on some of the best professionals Argyle have ever had. A squad of good men who had a bond. They saw through him, his inauthenticity,his arrogance and his defensiveness. 17 year olds during a week of international duty might put up with it but men like Edwards and Scarr most certainly wouldn't and didn't.
Foster was not liked. That's because Foster doesn't like himself. A man wearing a mask, playing a role in adulthood to try and make up for the damage done in childhood, not confident enough to present his real self for fear of rejection. But professional sport at a high level is no place for inauthentic people because they will always get exposed.
All of the stories of his behaviour point towards a man scared of himself,lacking in self belief which he thought coaching badges, hard work and (over)analysis would cover up. But sport is more than hard work and PowerPoints. It's about passion,joy and total self belief. Foster had none of these qualities. Luckily for Argyle his failings were recognised in enough time to save the season. Hopefully for Argyle the experience will mean that the next head coach appointment will be not just about coaching badges and interview technique but also about personal authenticity and high self esteem.
Just re-reading this. I liked Foster too for the same reasons, and was perplexed by the messages/rumours coming out of the club. Rands I think was the 1st, saying there were lots of meetings and data briefings, which seemed 'odd'. Our squad wasnt woeful, we just needed some tweaks and working out our midfield.. At this stage of the season we just have to hope we've got enough to get over the line. Message from the Board is we absolutely have to get the next appointment right