Dave Jones Says Solskjaer was not the right manager for City

Former Cardiff City boss Dave Jones criticises Bluebirds for hiring rookie Premier League manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
By Gareth Rogers

Monday 5th May 2014.

The man who took the Bluebirds to Wembley three times says they should have found a manager with Premier League experience in January.


Former Cardiff City manager Dave Jones has criticised his former club for plucking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out of Norwegian football and throwing him straight into a Premier League relegation battle.

The former Manchester United striker, who replaced Malky Mackay in January, kicked off his Premier League career by being handed the tough task of keep the Bluebirds in the Premier League, in almost an identical situation to Felix Magath at Fulham.

After both were relegated yesterday, Jones, who led Cardiff to the FA Cup final in 2008, told Radio 5 Live: “Sometimes chairmen think it's best to bring in coaches from afar because they have knowledge but in all honesty, unless you’re managing in the top echelons of the Premier League and you've got the money to go out and get the players, it will be tough.





“Tony Pulis, Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce have all done a fantastic job because they know the division and they know how the league works.

“They know the players, they know what it takes to do well.

“They've all been through the good times as well as the bad times and when you bring in someone who hasn't got that knowledge and they dont know who to go and look for, it impacts on the football club and that makes it very difficult.”



But Jones also accepted that the players should take their fair share of the blame, accusing some of them of using the boardroom upheaval at the Cardiff City Stadium as an excuse.

The former Everton defender said: “You’ve got to remember that the arguments shouldn’t affect the players going onto the pitch.

“That can be an excuse for players. They are still training and they should be still focused and it shouldn’t have an affect on the playing side.

“They are away from the internal battles in the boardroom. It should have little impact, players have to perform and if they don't perform, that's why they go down.”

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

Sorry Kenfig.... I disagree. He showed by his continual chop and changes, he must thinks he is at Man Utd and has a Large squad full of talent.. he plays someone one week who isn t even in the matchday squad the following game.... no chance of players having a run or getting used to his style.
He is woefully inexperienced and we need a a manager with championship experience just like we needed a manager with premiership experience... if we wait and Ole has us mid table with more failed singings it may be too late.
We need a clear out including Ole and get some quality signings.. if we are stand any chance ...however I fear for next season

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

This is to do with Ole and his inability but don't let that stop your agenda on here.

Sorry Kenfig.... I disagree. He showed by his continual chop and changes, he must thinks he is at Man Utd and has a Large squad full of talent.. he plays someone one week who isn t even in the matchday squad the following game.... no chance of players having a run or getting used to his style.
He is woefully inexperienced and we need a a manager with championship experience just like we needed a manager with premiership experience... if we wait and Ole has us mid table with more failed singings it may be too late.
We need a clear out including Ole and get some quality signings.. if we are stand any chance ...however I fear for next season

this is spot on

“Tony Pulis, Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce have all done a fantastic job because they know the division and they know how the league works.

“They know the players, they know what it takes to do well.

“They've all been through the good times as well as the bad times and when you bring in someone who hasn't got that knowledge and they dont know who to go and look for, it impacts on the football club and that makes it very difficult.”

....and this is exactly why Ole should go because he's too much of a risk even in the Championship and should be replaced by Dave Jones himself or even someone else like Warnock who has experience of managing a club in the Championship.

Ole doesn't know the Championship at all. His contacts will all be Premier League or managers across the continent. Players will only come to us for stupid amounts of money from a Premier League club, thus leading to the same ridiculous spending that Malky has been criticised for, or players from the continent who are massive gambles.

You think proven Championship level players are going to join a relegated side with a terrible record under the current manager, a manager of whom has no experience managing at Championship level? It could be career suicide for them.

We need someone who is respected as a manager in the Championship and knows what it takes to manage at that level. Ole is not that person and I think giving him money to spend is too much of a gamble and beyond idiotic.

We give tens of millions to a manager with no experience at Premier League level and now we're going to back a manager with no experience at Championship level either. Its beyond belief. We need a manager who has been there and done it at that level.

If you want the job done properly do you (a) employ a new graduate or (b) employ someone who has done the job for years? Its quite easy to see who the lower risk is and most would go for the experienced employee who has done it before. Why should this be any different?

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

This is to do with Ole and his inability but don't let that stop your agenda on here.

Agree...and in comparison, Malky was doing a pretty good job!

One oddity, though, was that I genuinely thought DJ was consulted on the managerial selection after Malky went????

Agree...and in comparison, Malky was doing a pretty good job!

One oddity, though, was that I genuinely thought DJ was consulted on the managerial selection after Malky went????

The consultation probably went as followed:

Dalman: Hello Dave, who do you think should be the next manager?
Jones: I think you need someone with a bit of experience at Premier League level. Someone who knows what it takes.
Dalman: What about Solskjaer?
Jones: I mean someone who has managed at Premier League level and not just played in it.
Dalman: But he's played at Manchester United, the greatest team ever who also play in red.
Jones: Yes but he has no experience whatsoever at managerial level Mehmet.
Dalman: Yes I think we'll go with Solskjaer. He's ex Man United and he'll fit in with our ethos of becoming Man Utd B.
Jones: but...but...but...

Dalman hangs up the phone.

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

This is to do with Ole and his inability but don't let that stop your agenda on here.

Agree...and in comparison, Malky was doing a pretty good job!

One oddity, though, was that I genuinely thought DJ was consulted on the managerial selection after Malky went????

To many rumours about DJ coming back as whatever. What does get me about the whole situation is that one minute DJ is taking us to court next he is in with the in crowd here. Same with Sam as well.

Sorry but if someone threatrens me with court I dont want them anywhere near me if I'm right or wrong. I'm finding this behaviour very strange and uncomforting.

Agree...and in comparison, Malky was doing a pretty good job!

One oddity, though, was that I genuinely thought DJ was consulted on the managerial selection after Malky went????

The consultation probably went as followed:

Dalman: Hello Dave, who do you think should be the next manager?
Jones: I think you need someone with a bit of experience at Premier League level. Someone who knows what it takes.
Dalman: What about Solskjaer?
Jones: I mean someone who has managed at Premier League level and not just played in it.
Dalman: But he's played at Manchester United, the greatest team ever who also play in red.
Jones: Yes but he has no experience whatsoever at managerial level Mehmet.
Dalman: Yes I think we'll go with Solskjaer. He's ex Man United and he'll fit in with our ethos of becoming Man Utd B.
Jones: but...but...but...

Dalman hangs up the phone.

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

This is to do with Ole and his inability but don't let that stop your agenda on here.

Ian, he certainly does have an agenda, even if the topic is nothing to do with Malky, he will bring Malky in to it. Bloodyhell our fan base has changed massively.

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

This is to do with Ole and his inability but don't let that stop your agenda on here.

Ian, he certainly does have an agenda, even if the topic is nothing to do with Malky, he will bring Malky in to it. Bloodyhell our fan base has changed massively.

Wait a minute Annis, I know some an agenda against Malky but it seems just as many have the same agenda with Ole. I might be wrong here but you need to read the OP again as all I can see is him saying is both Malky and Ole could have done with an experienced director of football due to them BOTH being new to management.

Keep the Faith

Sorry Kenfig.... I disagree. He showed by his continual chop and changes, he must thinks he is at Man Utd and has a Large squad full of talent.. he plays someone one week who isn t even in the matchday squad the following game.... no chance of players having a run or getting used to his style.
He is woefully inexperienced and we need a a manager with championship experience just like we needed a manager with premiership experience... if we wait and Ole has us mid table with more failed singings it may be too late.
We need a clear out including Ole and get some quality signings.. if we are stand any chance ...however I fear for next season

Problem is it's difficult to just waltz in after relegation and attract these 'quality signings', especially if we're just going to chuck half the team and our manager. I think there's a balance to be struck between dropping dead weight and making signings where it counts, either where we're not good enough (striking comes to mind) or where we will lose players (GK, CB and CM most likely).

I understand Dave Jones saying the Boardroom going on's should not affect the players, but it was a pretty unique situation this season with all the don't sack mackay malarkey. I think it had a huge impact on the players.

DJ is correct ..

Dave Jones is spot on.

And Dave Jones would definitely not be the right man at any time in the future.

He's yesterdays man whose time has long gone.

Would be a massive backwards step.

Dave Jones is spot on.

And Dave Jones would definitely not be the right man at any time in the future.

He's yesterdays man whose time has long gone.

Would be a massive backwards step.

Totally and utterly agree, only a loony would have Moans as manager!

Dave Jones is spot on.

And Dave Jones would definitely not be the right man at any time in the future.

He's yesterdays man whose time has long gone.

Would be a massive backwards step.

What's Ole done at any level in England other than get a team relegated? Next Henning Berg IMO.

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

This is to do with Ole and his inability but don't let that stop your agenda on here.

Agree...and in comparison, Malky was doing a pretty good job!

One oddity, though, was that I genuinely thought DJ was consulted on the managerial selection after Malky went????

To many rumours about DJ coming back as whatever. What does get me about the whole situation is that one minute DJ is taking us to court next he is in with the in crowd here. Same with Sam as well.

Sorry but if someone threatrens me with court I dont want them anywhere near me if I'm right or wrong. I'm finding this behaviour very strange and uncomforting.

Yes, all very strange, but I'm sure DJ has just burned his last bridge...or has he??

I would do the same if someone threatened me with Court, but this is football and (particularly where Tan is involved) money seems to talk!

Dave Jones is correct. Doesn't mean he should be the next manager either.

Dave Jones is spot on.

And Dave Jones would definitely not be the right man at any time in the future.

He's yesterdays man whose time has long gone.

Would be a massive backwards step.

What's Ole done at any level in England other than get a team relegated? Next Henning Berg IMO.[/quote

im really not sure at all about OGS...but what has OGS done in English football? have to point out that M,M had done very little himself prior to coming here

im really not sure at all about OGS...but what has OGS done in English football? have to point out that M,M had done very little himself prior to coming here

Malky had Championship experience at least and was massively admired by many who knew the Championship. Rodgers was another who had the same admiration. Solskjaer has done nothing in the UK in managerial terms and I think it'd be a disaster to back him in the transfer window. There are much better options out there.

I thought that OGS should be given a crack of the whip in the Championship but I'm fast changing my mind. I mean, there is nothing to be positive about concerning his management. I even switch off now when he's being interviewed (not literally but my concentration/attention just wanders off) and if fans feel like that, then you can take it as an absolute that players do as well. Forget DJ as well....need to go forward not back........Neil Warnock?? He's not glamorous and his football isn't attractive but I would honestly go for him in the Championship. He's been there and done it and been succesfull

im really not sure at all about OGS...but what has OGS done in English football? have to point out that M,M had done very little himself prior to coming here

Malky had Championship experience at least and was massively admired by many who knew the Championship. Rodgers was another who had the same admiration. Solskjaer has done nothing in the UK in managerial terms and I think it'd be a disaster to back him in the transfer window. There are much better options out there.

Malkys 2nd year at Watford would have seen him sacked at most clubs 19 points from his last 21 games is relegation form.
Rodgers had been sacked by Reading..

I thought that OGS should be given a crack of the whip in the Championship but I'm fast changing my mind. I mean, there is nothing to be positive about concerning his management. I even switch off now when he's being interviewed (not literally but my concentration/attention just wanders off) and if fans feel like that, then you can take it as an absolute that players do as well. Forget DJ as well....need to go forward not back........Neil Warnock?? He's not glamorous and his football isn't attractive but I would honestly go for him in the Championship. He's been there and done it and been succesfull

Warnock is too much like Malky, would prob get us up being all physical but with a squad ill prepared for the next level, could give him a one year contract based on a big bonus for promotion then move a different manager in....but would still be lumbered with championship sqyad based more around effort than ability/
would love to see what DJ is capable of with real money..but they do say dont go back..

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

This is to do with Ole and his inability but don't let that stop your agenda on here.

Ian, he certainly does have an agenda, even if the topic is nothing to do with Malky, he will bring Malky in to it. Bloodyhell our fan base has changed massively.

Annis im astonished and shocked the way you have been on the managers back for almost day one i cant believe you have not backed a new manager and given him time like other managers..
You seem to be enjoying posting anything that is having a go at ole?
malky wasn't perfect but you never posted constant threads about his mistakes just blamed tan or anyone else..

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

This is to do with Ole and his inability but don't let that stop your agenda on here.

Ian, he certainly does have an agenda, even if the topic is nothing to do with Malky, he will bring Malky in to it. Bloodyhell our fan base has changed massively.

Annis im astonished and shocked the way you have been on the managers back for almost day one i cant believe you have not backed a new manager and given him time like other managers..
You seem to be enjoying posting anything that is having a go at ole?
malky wasn't perfect but you never posted constant threads about his mistakes just blamed tan or anyone else..

i think if you look back your wrong Jinks,Annis was on Malkys back at certain periods.....

Dave Jones can keep his opinions to himself.

When the sour faced scouse knobhead was sacked by Sheffield Wednesday, was anyone at Cardiff asked if Jones had been the right man for the Sheff Wednesday job?

I'm not interested in what Dave Jones has to say, in much the same way that he showed his complete and utter contempt for me and all other City fans during his time here as manager.

The last thing we need to hear again is how expectations are unrealistic "in this part of the world" and how we need to dust ourseves down and go again.

Players are rarely successful whin returning to a former club and it's the same with managers.

Cannot understand why anyone would want him back managing our club.

Dave Jones can keep his opinions to himself.

When the sour faced scouse knobhead was sacked by Sheffield Wednesday, was anyone at Cardiff asked if Jones had been the right man for the Sheff Wednesday job?

I'm not interested in what Dave Jones has to say, in much the same way that he showed his complete and utter contempt for me and all other City fans during his time here as manager.

The last thing we need to hear again is how expectations are unrealistic "in this part of the world" and how we need to dust ourseves down and go again.

Players are rarely successful whin returning to a former club and it's the same with managers.

Cannot understand why anyone would want him back managing our club.

because he did a great job?..was honest about it just being a job?
but for some insincerity, fist pumps , ayahtolahs,photos and autographs do the trick eh

Spot on Dave. thats why malky also had to go. He was totally cluesless in the prem, to inexperienced. Ole was also not the right man at that time, but should now be given a shot at building his own team.

This is to do with Ole and his inability but don't let that stop your agenda on here.

Ian, he certainly does have an agenda, even if the topic is nothing to do with Malky, he will bring Malky in to it. Bloodyhell our fan base has changed massively.

Annis im astonished and shocked the way you have been on the managers back for almost day one i cant believe you have not backed a new manager and given him time like other managers..
You seem to be enjoying posting anything that is having a go at ole?
malky wasn't perfect but you never posted constant threads about his mistakes just blamed tan or anyone else..

i think if you look back your wrong Jinks,Annis was on Malkys back at certain periods.....

Look back? i never look back on threads i don't have the time or patience