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Bit of research on the question you pose. I agree massively with the last sentence that is in bold, and that’s what we should be judging him on, not indulging in rumours about making people cry or enforcing a long sleeve dress code for female staff; Simon Francis had a long playing career as a defender, most notably at AFC Bournemouth. Following retirement, he became an academy coach and then an assistant director before taking on the role of Assistant First-Team Technical Director. Phil Giles has no notable playing career. He joined Brentford in 2015 and is regarded as a visionary for his pioneering use of data analytics in a 'moneyball' style. He is currently the club's Director of Sport. David Weir, a former Scottish international and Premier League defender, is now Brighton & Hove Albion's Technical Director. His career post-playing includes a brief managerial role at Sheffield United and assistant coaching positions. Kevin Thelwell played at a semi-professional level before becoming the youngest academy manager in history. After a spell in the USA, he held Director of Football roles at Wolves and Everton, and is now Sporting Director at Rangers. Gary Probert had no notable playing career but worked his way up as a youth coach and academy manager at Bristol City. He is currently the Director of Football Operations at Ipswich Town. Brian Tinnion, a Bristol City legend with over 450 appearances, transitioned from player-manager to Academy Director and is now the club's Technical Director. Kieran Scott is the Head of Football at Middlesbrough, having previously served as Chief Scout at Norwich City. Steve Gallen, a former coach and scout at Queens Park Rangers for two decades, is now the Director of Football at Millwall. Ben Knapper, who spent 13 years at Arsenal in roles like chief analyst and loans manager, was appointed Sporting Director at Norwich City in October 2023. Neil Dewsnip, a former teacher and Everton academy coach for 17 years, is the Director of Football at Plymouth Argyle. Jon Walters, a well-known former Stoke City forward, has since held Technical Director roles and is now the club's Sporting Director. Gretar Steinsson, a former Premier League defender with Bolton, has worked as Director of Football at Fleetwood Town and held recruitment roles at Everton and Tottenham before joining Leeds. Christian Nourry, co-founder of the Get Football Group, joined Queens Park Rangers as CEO in January 2024, with some responsibilities for football operations. My conclusion to that five minutes of AI supported research is the guy who was most unknown when he started is currently the most successful, weirdly. I would ask “who is that?” of many on that last, which probably suggests that many people walk into this level of seniority at a football club, with differing levels of experience!

That’s what happens when you sign good domestic players.

The day after a talented striker and our best defender were sold and not replaced… says it all 😂😂 amateur

Interesting post on LinkedIn from Gregg Broughton. I imagine he is looking at this situation with a great degree of vindication. In hindsight, he did a good job not just on transfers but also contract renewals. The key difference to Gestede, he didn't seem to be an arrogant, ego driven piece of work (note his praise for others). Rather someone who genuinely had good intentions and wanted the best for the club. Likely why he was shown the door. Sad.

With the variety of player brought in from obscure leagues, connections to kean and close relationship with Pasha it makes you wonder which agents may or may not have their feet under the table. Or Gestede is a recruitment mastermind with European wide knowledge

Not a chance I would imagine.

There would appear to be an arrogance, huge ego and the unshakable self-belief of a QAnon or Taliban dogmatist. I would add, such people often enjoy such power and outrage at their antics just fuels and thrills them. In short, if c***s could fly, he would be a squadron leader. imho 😉

Sorry as I didn't see this with my own eyes and only have your word for it, I dont believe it happened, you know heresay and all that. On football matters, saying we played well is subjective what isn't is the fact we have played 5 and lost 4.

Any tiny chance, even a glimmer of hope that this significant cut costing, removing big wages, not appointing a CEO yet, etc is all part of preparing the club for a sale?! Close your eyes and imagine the day.....

Is there another Championship football club, or even any other professional football club, where this guy would have waltzed his way straight into a senior management role, one that seemingly gives him free reign to upend the entire football operation and squad? Just when you think things couldn't get any more ridiculous under these owners up pops Gestede. They just love to appoint these people - grateful for a job, wouldn't get a comparable position elsewhere, compliant. Absolutely zero experience of doing anything other than playing football at a myriad of random clubs across France, England, Australia, Iran and Greece, yet within 2 years of retiring as a player is parading around Ewood Park in his fancy suit. It would be beyond comprehension at most clubs yet here it is just the sort of thing that we've become accustomed to. Knows the right people, says the right things, you're in for as long as you want to be. If he thinks he can occupy such a role and oversee the changes he has and not face criticisms or pressure then he hasn't done his homework. He's going to get it big time this season as the consequences of his decision making unfold and his mate in the shadows hides away. Good. It has been plain sailing in his 12 months so far, mainly because of Eustace's good work and the efforts of players bundled out of the back door. Now it is Rudy's project he gets to own it and face the realities of it.

I think its pretty clear to see that Gestede is making himself the new 'villain' at Rovers. We've seen a few of them in the Venky's era, but Gestede clearly doesn't appear to be able to take any kind of criticism well, so it'll only snowball into an even more toxic situation until he eventually leaves the club...and then given the track record of the owners we'll simply move onto the next circus clown.

Yeah.. Well, I always felt that the 2012 relegation was deliberate....and the one in 2017 too. With the latter, it felt like there was a change of mind, but it came came too late.

As Glen has posted, the situation at Rovers is far worse and far more perilous than even the "negative" posters are saying. I am more worried and scared for our club now since John Williams left.

U21s won 3-1 vs PNE today, Edmondson, Boggan & Joseph with Rovers goals

Praying for the ex manager 3 points here

I helped a friend with mobility issues change his seat by emailing the club. Lyndsey was helpful. I'm not sure how that makes me a club plant.

Just a quick one. I thought we weren't getting loans in. Wasn't that part of the plan

🤔🤔🤔

I'd suggest if they'd any sense at all they'd have loaned out DeNeve that lad needs some robust games in lge 1.

can we see your message to him?

Well, he's opened the door to discuss the whole summer clusterfuck. Enjoy!

Gene Pitney - Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa

Hold my beer……. love to go to town on this p*8*k

You've gotta assume, despite his ego/power trip, if this plays out as expected (decimates the squad, we get relegated) his rep will take a big hit? Cutting off his nose to spite his face. I know even K**n & C***e keep getting work in the game but they've fallen a long way.

Evening all, I’ve not posted in awhile, but I’ve just sent a message to Rudy on LinkedIn and he responded. Little bit shocked that I got a response I’ve just replied.