That interview was a huge disappointment. It’s clear Butler is under a lot of stress and he was asked some ‘gotcha’ questions, but it was incredibly unprofessional. Even if under pressure and you don’t like how the questions being asked, a manager should deal with it more maturely and reasonably.
I don’t know if it has already been done, but he could probably do with a word from the board this Monday. Not meaning a bollocking or formation suggestions, but a check up to reassure and reminder of professionalism. At the end of the day, he is a human being. He has not made the best decisions on the pitch and in handling Radio Humberside lately, which does deserve criticism. However, ratty interviews have happened before, and as supporters we can still try and do our bit to support.
I am not saying we can’t criticise, but a lot of what I have seen isn’t criticism, but vitriol. Ultimately, even with crap performances and form, there is going to be huge reluctance to sack Butler when we’re still 2nd in the table. I am not saying that this league position is a shield from criticism, but the club won’t want to appear sack happy and let any potential future manager know that they aren’t going to put them under too much pressure. Butler has disappointed, and many have said that they want him to turn it round, but others have seemed eager to slate and insult. Awaywego says that some will be disappointed that Whitehall scored the goals, but some give the impression that they take consolation in poor results to slag off Butler to be seen as being right. That may not be the case, but is the impression given by some.
None of this means I don’t get frustration. I am frustrated, including with Butler. However, surely we can do our bit and support. I don’t see how braying at the team will help morale; it will only worsen it. Also, I don’t mean to ‘happy clap’ them off. After poor performances and results I stay silent and walk off, since I agree that it wouldn’t deserve clapping. However, a loss is likely to lessen confidence anyway, so why worsen things by making the players fear crowd reaction?
