As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
northbankbren wrote:I wasn't trying to bash Rice at all. I love the guy (not in that way ). And dont blame him for our situation, i blame the players.
I was just wondering how much influence he has over Wenger?
I was wondering whether he'd ever agrue his point with Wenger?
Do they disagree often?
Do we think Rice just like Wenger doesnt see what everyone else does?
If he does and isnt listened to, why stay in the job?
Yes man?
Because he is a proper Arsenal man through and through ? This is pat rice's last job no doubt and I would say he is enjoying it for as long as it lasts and I am sure that it must be easy enough going into work with these guys everyday if they are like one big happy family as wenger and the players claim.
Pat Rice is there to assist Wenger not tell him what to do or what should be happening, he's there for Wenger to bounce ideas off, how is he to blame for anything? as if Wenger would listen to anyone anyway.
Pat Rice is not only Wenger's assistant, he's the defensive coach, and we can't say the defense is our best quality .. so he has his part of responsability in the victories and the defeats, as everybody in the staff, including Wenger.
Rice was part of a very well organised defence in 70-71 that even had two short centre backs and it must break his heart when he sees what is going on with our defence now, it makes me wonder if he really does have much to do with the defence now or if the players do not listen to him?
I like Pat - he's got the same birthday as me and dicko (the real one ), and if you look at this pic Cesc is either listening to him or checking hes done his homework properly......
Still no proof on here either way. Interesting point raised by someone that Rice is responsible for our poor defence. Quite possibly he is but I could counter that with; you can't make Gemma Atkinson with bits of Kerry Katona can you?
I'm not defending Rice as I put the club first - if he is shit then good bye ASAP! But it makes me laugh when people make statements (not refering to you here Bren) as if they know something for a fact...
goonersid wrote:I'm afraid we have discussed this subject umpteen times, but at the end of the day the buck stops with Wenger.
If utd had a bad season no one pointed the finger at mc claren or queiroz. So why should we involve Pat Rice in our current predicament?
There was a stat about United's assistant managers. I think it went something like whenever Fergie had a decent assistant (Queiroz, McClaren, Quieroz) they won the league. The seasons when Fergie went it alone, they didn't win anything.
I have nothing against Rice and he has obviously been an able assistant to Wenger.
However, I would like to see someone come through with some fresh ideas who could possibly replace Wenger.
I think there is no doubt that once Wenger leaves, for whatever reason, the majority of the first team coaching staff will retire or leave with him for pastures new. For me it would be a good idea to have someone alongside Wenger now who will either step into his shoes himself or at last someone who wopuld bridge the gap through the transistional period.
Rice has been a fantastic servant to the club and so his efforts should be recognised but it would be a shame if we overlooked the need to change with the times and not go stale.
goonersid wrote:I'm afraid we have discussed this subject umpteen times, but at the end of the day the buck stops with Wenger.
If utd had a bad season no one pointed the finger at mc claren or queiroz. So why should we involve Pat Rice in our current predicament?
There was a stat about United's assistant managers. I think it went something like whenever Fergie had a decent assistant (Queiroz, McClaren, Quieroz) they won the league. The seasons when Fergie went it alone, they didn't win anything.
So how does that explain his current assistant Mike Phelan then? Hardly a tactical genius him. (although in fairness, I'm guessing that bit. )
The truth Digger is that this accusation is regularly thrown out, often when United don't win something and is normally an attempt to belittle the Red Nose One. But make no mistake, Ferguson is the man that drives Man Utd to success season in, season out - regardless of who his assistant is.
). And dont blame him for our situation, i blame the players.
), and if you look at this pic Cesc is either listening to him or checking hes done his homework properly...... 
