Lee Hobbs leaves Parkway

[sportsman10]

Heard Rumours for a while but confirmed by the club today.  Big changes coming wonder who in the frame for the job 

[tfenlon]

9 minutes ago, sportsman10 said:

Heard Rumours for a while but confirmed by the club today.  Big changes coming wonder who in the frame for the job 

I'd heard Darren Way was in pole position if Parkway stayed up, with Matt Cusack first choice if relegated. Way would be a big name if appointed, especially for the level, and the opportunity for puns is massive. There is a part of me, however, where I can't help but feel that with the length of time Lee has been at the club, whoever comes in will suffer from the Moyes post Ferguson or Emery post Wenger syndrome (or even to keep the Plymouth theme, Bobby Williamson post Sturrock) of not being an objectively bad manager, but just not being Lee.

[Devonian]

Jumped or pushed?

[Both Sides of the Tamar]

I don’t think Lee Hobbs is a Step 3 manager, but without doubt his achievements are beyond stellar at PPFC.  I enjoyed his post-match interview after Beaconsfield, a great mix of pride and passion. 
 

If I was choosing his replacement I’d go for Matt Cusack. Parkway need someone who can be both a good coach and tactician. He knows the club too. 
 

All the best to Lee moving forward.

[sportsman10]

39 minutes ago, Devonian said:

Jumped or pushed?

I think he was going be sacked  so probably a bit easier to go down the resigned headline.  7 years and he help build the club winning countless trophies but i do feel this season has taken its toll. He found it hard to get in players that are good enough the ones he did spend money on were way of the standard  , constant battles with the board for money to compete is time for fresh ideas. 
parkway going through the process of interviewing for the job. I can’t believe they haven’t got a name or sounded out a manager . 

 

38 minutes ago, Both Sides of the Tamar said:
 

If I was choosing his replacement I’d go for Matt Cusack. Parkway need someone who can be both a good coach and tactician. He knows the club too. 
 

All the best to Lee moving forward.

Karl Curtis might want try on his own 

Shane Krac and Danny Lewis  mentioned but not a lot experience. Would be a risk 

Stuart Henderson tavi  

 

 

 

[Buckland Jim]

55 minutes ago, Both Sides of the Tamar said:

 

If I was choosing his replacement I’d go for Matt Cusack. Parkway need someone who can be both a good coach and tactician. He knows the club too. 
 

Can't see Cusack leaving Helston just yet, would think he'd want a crack in the Southern League Div One with Helston first. 

[silly billy]

2 hours ago, Both Sides of the Tamar said:

don’t think Lee Hobbs is a Step 3 manager, but without doubt his achievements are beyond stellar at PPFC.  I enjoyed his post-match interview after Beaconsfield, a great mix of pride and passion. 

Maybe he should give Liskeard a go to get them promoted 👍

[Ian Pethick]

Did seem to be a fairly open secret that Lee Hobbs was on his way out at Parkway (billing your final week of fixtures as "The Last Dance" fuelled this). Having said that, his demeanour in the post match interview did not give the impression of man who was in the final hours of a 7 year reign. After seeing this, I thought that after a much earned holiday and rest he would be back for next season refreshed and ready to go. 

I very much doubt that this is the last we have seen of Lee Hobbs on the local scene, I fully expect him to be back in charge at step 4 or 5 level before too long.

Regarding the next manager in, it will give a good idea of where Parkway see themselves heading, and if step 2 football is still the ambition or it's to be a period of consolidation. A good comparison in my mind are Salisbury, they made the decision last season to make the change and remove high profile Steve Claridge. Claridge was an investor in the club, had been instrumental in them reforming as a phoenix club, and had achieved 5 promotions in his 7 seasons as manager. It was incredibly divisive amongst fans when he was sacked, but the new boss has taken them to 3rd in the league and a play off spot.

It is going to take big money to take the club from where they are now, and up towards the play offs. Hobbs has often eluded to (and mentioned it again yesterday) the gap in budget and resources available between them and the teams towards the top of this division. Any big name that is brought in would expect this to be addressed, just not sure Parkway have this capability.  I notice that an advert for the position has been placed, with a deadline of May 2nd for applications. Logically, you would already think there is a name in the frame for the job, they will certainly have no time to waste in terms of player retention and recruitment with a lot of work to do in terms of squad strength and quality. After last summers problems, it is vital that the right players are brought in promptly for July's pre season and that there is a strong start to the season proper. Something that has not happened in recent years. Much has been said (rightly) about the chaotic end of the season that almost sent Parkway down, but the awful start that saw them win just 2 of their opening 13 league games and had them playing catch up from the word go, is not so widely spoken about.

All in all, going to be another summer of major comings and goings at Bolitho Park.

[Both Sides of the Tamar]

3 hours ago, sportsman10 said:

I think he was going be sacked  so probably a bit easier to go down the resigned headline.  7 years and he help build the club winning countless trophies but i do feel this season has taken its toll. He found it hard to get in players that are good enough the ones he did spend money on were way of the standard  , constant battles with the board for money to compete is time for fresh ideas. 
parkway going through the process of interviewing for the job. I can’t believe they haven’t got a name or sounded out a manager . 

 

Karl Curtis might want try on his own 

Shane Krac and Danny Lewis  mentioned but not a lot experience. Would be a risk 

Stuart Henderson tavi  

 

 

 

Henderson a fairly safe bet. Used to working on restricted budgets. He'd be the consolidate at Step 3 option.

[sportsman10]

1 minute ago, Both Sides of the Tamar said:

Henderson a fairly safe bet. Used to working on restricted budgets. He'd be the consolidate at Step 3 option.

Not that popular a choice really among parkway fans. And hardly had that great a season, would  he really be the right one to take parkway forward 

 

 

[THE BALD ONE]

Depends on  the ambition of the board. If you want playoffs minimum, in my humble opinion no. If its about just staying in the league,still a no from me. It's all about the money , a decent Manager will be costly too. Regarding Lee Hobbs, I did not always like his style of play or many of his signings, that said he wore his heart on sleeve and gave Parkway his all. 

[Both Sides of the Tamar]

2 hours ago, sportsman10 said:

Not that popular a choice really among parkway fans. And hardly had that great a season, would  he really be the right one to take parkway forward 

 

 

As I said, to consolidate at Step ,  Henderson is a safe choice. Establishing Tavi at Step 4 is relative success. I think he could do the same in the Southern Prem. If that is the short term aim it would be a sensible if not inspiring choice. If you want to push towards the upper reaches of Step 3 and challenge for promotion then maybe not the one to go for. Having seen a fair bit of Tavi they aren't the prettiest side to watch either. One up front usually and over-reliant on Liam Prynn.

However, it is not all about the manager. It is about the ambition of the board and the funding of a competitive squad, both in terms of number and quality. The likes of Matt Wright and Reece Thomson and others of a similar ability won't cut it. The board has had an easy ride to date. Will that continue? Does another investor need to be found? Is it Mark Russell who has as many / more limitations as the manager just departed? 

A thorough refresh of the squad needed. A better approach to pre-season might help furnish a better start too. Interesting times!

2 hours ago, sportsman10 said:

Not that popular a choice really among parkway fans. And hardly had that great a season, would  he really be the right one to take parkway forward 

 

 

I think establishing Tavi at Step 4 is a pretty good achievement.

[Tractor Boy]

Slightly off topic but managerially related nevertheless. Mark Cooper was spotted sniffing around at Beaconsfield v Parkway yesterday. Doubt he lives in the area or was out for a quiet Saturday afternoon stroll in the sunny Buckinghamshire countryside. Should give the gossipers something to gossip about. 😉🎣🎣 

[sportsman10]

Darren way and mark cooper being mentioned I can’t believe any of them will come to work on a budget parkway provide 

there been a few at the recent games some I understand scouting keeping on eye on Dylan jones. Now there a player that any new manger going have to try  and keep. 

[Piran]

On 28/04/2024 at 10:24, tfenlon said:

I'd heard Darren Way was in pole position if Parkway stayed up, with Matt Cusack first choice if relegated. Way would be a big name if appointed, especially for the level, and the opportunity for puns is massive. There is a part of me, however, where I can't help but feel that with the length of time Lee has been at the club, whoever comes in will suffer from the Moyes post Ferguson or Emery post Wenger syndrome (or even to keep the Plymouth theme, Bobby Williamson post Sturrock) of not being an objectively bad manager, but just not being Lee.

Remind me, what was the Parkway video series called?

[Ian Pethick]

Interesting interview with Lee Hobbs in the Evening Herald.  This comment caught my attention;

 

"With Truro out of the building and set to return home for next season, investment in the playing surface and the White Tigers’ temporary stay leading to a modified stadium suitable for Step Two football, then it does beggar the question why Hobbs wants to leave now.

“Because my own personal ambition outweighs that of the football club,” Hobbs says adamantly. “Obviously the football club’s remit each year will probably likely be to stay in the league and I want a little bit more."

 

This would suggest that whoever the next manager is at Parkway, they will have to work within a tighter budget.

 

[sportsman10]

1 hour ago, Ian Pethick said:

Interesting interview with Lee Hobbs in the Evening Herald.  This comment caught my attention;

 

"With Truro out of the building and set to return home for next season, investment in the playing surface and the White Tigers’ temporary stay leading to a modified stadium suitable for Step Two football, then it does beggar the question why Hobbs wants to leave now.

“Because my own personal ambition outweighs that of the football club,” Hobbs says adamantly. “Obviously the football club’s remit each year will probably likely be to stay in the league and I want a little bit more."

 

This would suggest that whoever the next manager is at Parkway, they will have to work within a tighter budget.

 

This comes down to his battle with the club for more money ( I think he had that battle every year) . But I also understand they weren’t too impressed with money  already spent by him in early part of season on players that were not good enough  etc and left. 

[Devonian]

Pretty hard surely to see Hobbs getting a bigger job than Parkway. Torquay? Tiverton? Taunton? Truro?

[Ian Pethick]

6 hours ago, sportsman10 said:

This comes down to his battle with the club for more money ( I think he had that battle every year) . But I also understand they weren’t too impressed with money  already spent by him in early part of season on players that were not good enough  etc and left. 

Might be an idea for the club to knock the glossy videos showcasing the new signings on the head. Out of the 6 grand "unveilings" only 1 saw the season out, 1 never even started it and the others had gone by Christmas. 

[Ian Pethick]

Any sign of white smoke rising above Bolitho Park? Coming up for 2 weeks since the deadline for applications, and would think there is a need to get the new manager in place soon. No sign of a retained or released list yet, and pre season is probably only about 6 weeks away. 

[sportsman10]

4 hours ago, Ian Pethick said:

Any sign of white smoke rising above Bolitho Park? Coming up for 2 weeks since the deadline for applications, and would think there is a need to get the new manager in place soon. No sign of a retained or released list yet, and pre season is probably only about 6 weeks away. 

Nothing at all. As you say really need someone in place now.  players will be looking at other options .  
 

[tfenlon]

13 hours ago, Ian Pethick said:

Any sign of white smoke rising above Bolitho Park? Coming up for 2 weeks since the deadline for applications, and would think there is a need to get the new manager in place soon. No sign of a retained or released list yet, and pre season is probably only about 6 weeks away. 

2 weeks ago, Mark told the herald they were interviewing next week (last week), and we would have an announcement the week after (this week) so should be imminent. Agree it does seem very quiet on that front though.

[Mitchy]

Matt Cusack I reckon !!

[Devonian]

Remember this is the time of year that many players and managers take their holidays. It may well be that one or more strong candidate was unavailable for interview for a bit. May also be that the preferred candidate was/is reluctant to commit if he believes himself to be in the potential running for the Torquay and now Truro job. Maybe better to hold off for a short time in hope of getting first choice rather than rush in appointing what they consider to be an inferior choice. I am sure it won’t be delayed too much longer.

[tfenlon]

Chris McPhee it is

[sportsman10]

Chris McPhee got be honest absolutely no idea who he is.  

[sportsman10]

Looks like he was involved with Exeter youth not sure on any other manger experience of that league.  Hopefully not an Ian foster type gamble  by parkway. . 

[quiksilver]

Was coaching at Exeter U18s 

[Buckland Jim]

45 minutes ago, sportsman10 said:

Chris McPhee got be honest absolutely no idea who he is.  

Played for Torquay and Buckland amongst others. Not an appointment I was expecting to be honest. 

[Ian Pethick]

39 minutes ago, sportsman10 said:

Chris McPhee got be honest absolutely no idea who he is.  

Chris McPhee was the head of youth development at Exeter City, and holds a UEFA "A" coaching licence. Very well travelled midfielder/striker around the league and non league, was previously player/coach at Salisbury City and then briefly assistant manager to Craig Duff at Buckland.

Another interesting appointment is his new assistant. Lee Peacock, another ex midfielder/striker at pro level who was most recently Head Of Youth Coaching at Swindon.

Both these hires would suggest that Parkway have the aim of moving towards recruiting and developing younger talent. Bit of a change from the usual suspects that were being touted for the role, and I wish them nothing but well in the new era at Parkway. 

[Dave Deacon]

4 minutes ago, Ian Pethick said:

Chris McPhee was the head of youth development at Exeter City, and holds a UEFA "A" coaching licence. Very well travelled midfielder/striker around the league and non league, was previously player/coach at Salisbury City and then briefly assistant manager to Craig Duff at Buckland.

Another interesting appointment is his new assistant. Lee Peacock, another ex midfielder/striker at pro level who was most recently Head Of Youth Coaching at Swindon.

Both these hires would suggest that Parkway have the aim of moving towards recruiting and developing younger talent. Bit of a change from the usual suspects that were being touted for the role, and I wish them nothing but well in the new era at Parkway. 

Agree Ian - looks an interesting appointment

[Dan Balsdon]

Really enjoyed his interview and feel he will be a very different character to Lee Hobbs. Spoke well and was very measured. 

I have no knowledge of Lee personally so may be wrong, but struck me that his skills were as a motivator/man manager and Karl/Matt worked on the tactical side of things. 

It certainly seemed to indicate a slight change in direction with player development a clear skill for both manager and assistant.

The club must be sustainable and the resource advantage they enjoyed when moving up through the leagues isn't there as they are playing against huge clubs week in week out, but are also competing against other clubs for a smaller pool of players to play at a very high level so the rethink seems sensible.

It will be interesting to see how things go for Chris and Lee and the comings and goings will be interesting. I personally feel they will have a lot of very good contacts through their careers to date. 

[Devonian]

Wonder if any of the kids released by Exeter this summer will end up there. You would have thought good chance of being first choice for loanees from Exeter and if reputation is strong possibly Argyle too.

[sportsman10]

Definitely a very good interview  and someone that wants to build a playing identity and take the club forward.  something I think parkway have lacked a bit under Lee the last few years where  the players he got in didn’t really fit a style 
Sounds like an  exciting time . I would imagine a few players he worked at Exeter coming in and probably a few on their way out.  
 

[RAPPO]

2 hours ago, sportsman10 said:

Chris McPhee got be honest absolutely no idea who he is.  

Chris got a famous grandmother, did a few kids movies years ago 👍😂

Great pedigree in the game, plenty of contacts would have thought, good luck to Chris at Parkway, and well done Hobbsy on getting the team where they are today at Step 3 level. 👏🏼⚽️👍

[Both Sides of the Tamar]

5 hours ago, sportsman10 said:

Looks like he was involved with Exeter youth not sure on any other manger experience of that league.  Hopefully not an Ian foster type gamble  by parkway. . 

There can't be another Ian Foster - please!

3 hours ago, sportsman10 said:

Definitely a very good interview  and someone that wants to build a playing identity and take the club forward.  something I think parkway have lacked a bit under Lee the last few years where  the players he got in didn’t really fit a style 
Sounds like an  exciting time . I would imagine a few players he worked at Exeter coming in and probably a few on their way out.  
 

An interesting appointment and I wish him well. This stuff about a 'playing identity' is manager-speak. Fans like winning football, with pretty football an add-on. Jake Ash at Mousehole combines both these facets pretty well ATM! As long as CM wins some games and is not a 'spreadsheet manager' ala Ian Foster at Argyle then all will be OK. Will he be given a competitive budget though? A period of transition perhaps? 

[Ian Pethick]

14 hours ago, Both Sides of the Tamar said:

There can't be another Ian Foster - please!

An interesting appointment and I wish him well. This stuff about a 'playing identity' is manager-speak. Fans like winning football, with pretty football an add-on. Jake Ash at Mousehole combines both these facets pretty well ATM! As long as CM wins some games and is not a 'spreadsheet manager' ala Ian Foster at Argyle then all will be OK. Will he be given a competitive budget though? A period of transition perhaps? 

Southern Prem football will be a very different environment and mentality to working within a professional club's youth system. Unlike this, it is results, not developing players, that is everything. Chris McPhee spoke very eloquently about his vision for the club and players, but it has to be remembered that they are part time, you only get to see them a couple of evenings a week.

Looking at the sides that have been promoted, been relegated from the NLS and then those that are still around from last season, Parkway's league will get tougher again next time around. A strong pre season and start to the campaign proper, is vital. At the end of the day, it is winning matches and getting points on the board that matter to supporters, not "playing identity."