Fans are largely angry following the news Gerhard Struber has been sacked as head coach
Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber applauds the Robins support at Ashton Gate(Image: Photo by Simon Galloway/Getty Images)
Bristol City fans have largely reacted with anger and disappointment over the news that Gerhard Struber has been sacked as head coach.
The Robins confirmed in an official statement published on Friday morning that Struber, who was appointed as head coach on a three-year contract last summer, as well as his assistant, Bernd Eibler, would leave Ashton Gate with immediate effect after the club’s recent performances had not met expectations.
With just seven matches still to play this term, former Inter Milan, Liverpool, Fulham and England boss Roy Hodgson will take charge of the first-team until the end of the season. The 78-year-old will meet the City players and staff on Monday, ahead of their Good Friday trip to Charlton Athletic.
But the fans were not entirely happy with the surprise move. Initial reaction on social media has largely been against the decision
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One said: “Well, well, well … Did not see that one coming, well Struber going is a shame. He was not fully backed by the board. Shame, I really thought he was an improvement on Manning. Hodgson in as caretaker! wtf! Footballing dinosaur now. Not expecting miracles.”
Another said: “Struber wasn’t the problem here, what are you expecting any manager to do when you consistently sell our best players and not replace them with the same quality! Absolutely clueless!”
A third said: “First of all, I feel for Struber. Hung out to dry and dealt awful cards with injuries and transfers.”
A fourth added: “Why am I not surprised?! Not Struber’s fault and the Board take the cowardly way out and sack him. Sell your best players, replace with sub-standard and what do they think will happen? Never felt less engaged with my football club and I suspect others will feel the same.”
A fifth said: “I can’t help feeling sorry for Struber. He joined when we had a strong squad with the potential for stronger with some clever investment. Instead we sold vital parts of the team while others picked up long injuries meaning the teams been held together with old blu-tac and hope”
Another said: “Lads. What are we playing at. Throwing Struber under the bus for the failures of the hierarchy is so, so weak, and will only divide the club more. It’s no way to run a club. It’s embarrassing.”
However, there were some fans in support of the move, with one saying: “IMO Struber leaving isn’t bad news. Fans liked him because he talked about sexy football and liked a pint. Very rarely saw sexy football, and if the next appointment is right, and the new SD align, it could be the club moving in the right direction.”
Another said: “Initial thoughts: Correct decision on Struber, not the right man. Correct decision on Tinnion. Correct decision on Roy, he will settle the ship and raise our profile. Now it’s all down to the sporting director and who he chooses, interesting time.”
In a statement published on Friday morning, Robins CEO Charlie Boss said, “I would like to thank Gerhard and Bernd for their hard work over the past nine months, and we wish them all the best.
“Roy’s appointment is about more than the results of the next seven games. Over the remainder of the season, he will help us set the standards and values at the club that we will need to be successful going forward.
“Roy is a vastly experienced coach who has achieved and won at the highest level. He will support me, our players and our football staff as we build towards achieving our potential.
“We are in the process of appointing a sporting director who will have a direct input into the recruitment of a new permanent head coach.”
On his appointment, Hodgson added, “I have had great conversations with the board, and I am really excited by the opportunity to help until the end of the season. We will get straight to work and look for a positive performance on Good Friday.”
