Could Brabin Bounce In?

Nicknamed Sumo by Doncaster fans you would think he and Steff might get on well, mmmm opinions vary.

Many have suggested the Imps board need a shake up and Gary Brabin, the Liverpudlian ex bouncer could be just the man to do it. He is the reigning Conference Manager of the Year and on the surface despite a very short career he is an up and comer who likes to argue his corner. Gary, technically an ex Imp after 4 loan appearances, has had two seasons as a manager to his name but is looking for his fourth club. Certainly the Cambridge issue could be forgiven as their Chairman lost a second manager after 9 days and has subsequently resigned but there are worrying questions over the lad.

Managerial


The New Saints 2007/8

Gary managed FAW team LLANSANTFFRAID FC or Total Network Solutions who are now The New Saints (short for The New Saints of Oswestry Town & Llansantffraid Football Club) to third. Bare in mind that until BT took over TNS they had a massive financial advantage over the rest and were fully professional – a bit like Man U. A new sponsor is also in place. So although Gary guided them to third in his first season they had been champions the previous 3 – 2005/2006/2007. They had also regularly played in Europe and won the Welsh Cup to boot. He left four weeks before the end of the season to Join Southport.

Southport 2007/8 Conference North.

Gary replaced Peter Davenport in April 2008 and was given the job until end of season. They finished 4th made the playoffs but lost on penalties to Stalybridge Celtic. The club were forced to go semi pro in the June after he left. In fairness this would have had something to do with him going back on a pre contract that he had signed (in effect he signed a contract to sign another contract based on a continued professional status at the club) opting instead for Cambridge instead.

Cambridge 2008/9

Brabin took over from Jimmy Quinn and led Cambridge to 2nd in table for second season on trot having rebuilt half the side. Torquay subsequently beat them 2-0 in the playoff final. He was made Conference manager of the season for his efforts though some feel he inherited much of the spine of the side where others point to him replacing the entire midfield. Gary certainly had several clashes with the board and was sacked. The Cambridge United statement on BBC website said: Manager Gary Brabin has been relieved of his duties as first team manager with immediate effect. There have been a number of issues between the board and the manager in recent months, culminating in a position where it has become untenable for the board and manager to work together.
HEREis a BBC audio link and both sides of the story

Certainly the Cambridge issue could be forgiven as their Chairman lost a second manager after 9 days and has subsequently resigned.

So although the board will have some tough questions to answer Gary could be very much our man or he couldn`t. But some serious questions will need to be asked by them if his Wikipedia page is to be covered adequately (certainly made me wince with a chequered history as a player too to say the least