John Bond disguised as steward

[SouthLondonexile]

I really appreciate Dark Cloud’s analysis of John Bond’s performance as a manager. Any skills that he may have had were largely hollowed out by the time he was appointed some 38 years ago. It wasn’t just that Lee Dixon was let go, others such as Trevor Steven and Mike Phelan went as well. The introduction of seasoned but totally knackered professionals into the team ultimately left us bereft as a club.

[claretonthecoast1882]

I really appreciate Dark Cloud’s analysis of John Bond’s performance as a manager. Any skills that he may have had were largely hollowed out by the time he was appointed some 38 years ago. It wasn’t just that Lee Dixon was let go, others such as Trevor Steven and Mike Phelan went as well. The introduction of seasoned but totally knackered professionals into the team ultimately left us bereft as a club.

Was always led to believe he had nothing to do with the sale of Steven, wasn't it all agreed before he joined ?

[Herts Clarets]

Was always led to believe he had nothing to do with the sale of Steven, wasn't it all agreed before he joined ?

I have heard the same and that Bond actually got us an additional 50k from Everton - 350k instead of 300k.

[ClaretTony]

I really appreciate Dark Cloud’s analysis of John Bond’s performance as a manager. Any skills that he may have had were largely hollowed out by the time he was appointed some 38 years ago. It wasn’t just that Lee Dixon was let go, others such as Trevor Steven and Mike Phelan went as well. The introduction of seasoned but totally knackered professionals into the team ultimately left us bereft as a club.

Why does he constantly get blamed for things that were nothing to do with him?

1. Lee Dixon - yes, he did release him. Dixon then went to Chester and they also released him. Lee Dixon himself admitted at the time that both decisions he couldn't argue with. He then went to Bury but it was only when he went to Stoke that he started to become a decent player.

2. Trevor Steven - deal to sell him to Everton was made BEFORE Bond was appointed. Bond did stick his nose into it though and got us a bit more money.

3. Micky Phelan - Bond left in 1984, Phelan remained a Burnley player until he opted to leave at the end of the 1984/85 season. So that's nonsense. And for what it's worth, if you get the opportunity to ask Micky about Bond you might be very surprised.