Shaggy
Forum Moderator 
Am I a cynical idealist or an idealistic cynic?
Posts: 10,995
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Post by Shaggy on Oct 27, 2013 23:49:09 GMT
So... first Phil Hill gets sacked and Gerad Adams officially retires the player half of his Player Coach role. Then there are rumours (and promises?) of a major new signing with the import slot and salary freed up by the above (speculation of a top D-man). Cardiff seem to improve with Adams behind the bench... ... then <THIS>... and <THIS>So... no Hill replacement, no new import... and what could be one of the shortest retirements in British ice hockey. Dodgy press releases that give out information that is so incomplete and confusing that we're none the wiser after reading them. And a lot of very angry Devils fans. Not to put to fine a point on it... what the hell is going on down there? The 'Smart Solutions Cardiff Devils' (now there's an ironic choice of title sponsor!) are looking more and more like a total train wreck. Speculation appears to be that there's a power struggle going on inside the club, with Brent Pope allegedly being the bad guy. And, of course, they've got Paul "Dodgy Geezer" Ragan as their owner (poor sods!). Is Adams about to get the boot (during his testimonial year, no less - more irony!) and getting back on the ice so that when he's sacked he can claim playing salary as well as coaching? Now all they need is for the Big Blue Tent to get hammered by these storms that are apparently going to cause havoc. Who'd be a Cardiff fan? |
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Post by spik on Oct 28, 2013 6:12:37 GMT
Great media exposure...not.Makes the sport look foolish again.
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Mythosman
Matt Myers
Age is a big price to pay for maturity!
Posts: 1,661 
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Post by Mythosman on Oct 28, 2013 8:30:39 GMT
I've got to say that from the photograph in the Walesonline article, the 2 week rest appears to have knocked years, and pounds, off Gerad!  Seriously though, I'm sure Matty Myers must wonder what the hell he's gone to down there, and it must be soul destroying for the Red Army, who have endured so much crap over the years to keep their club alive and viable. I seriously hope they emerge from this latest maelstrom with a team worthy of their support! Maybe it's just my perception, but it would appear that controversy appears to follow Mr Pope wherever he goes?  |
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Post by panthertom93 on Oct 28, 2013 11:20:51 GMT
The thing is it's got so bad, that to say "there's something going on in the background" is a massive understatement. It's quite obvious continually covering it up is making them look silly.
I feel sorry for the fans, besides from panthers I have soft spot for devils and cheer them on at playoffs if we're not playing. Hopefully the players can show the professionalism that the management clearly can't
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BigLad
David Clarke
TWITTER: @AntMJ11
Posts: 3,585
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Post by BigLad on Oct 28, 2013 14:41:36 GMT
I fear for Cardiff at the mo. I really do. To the extent of there not being a Cardiff Devils team next season.
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voth26
Jade Galbraith
Posts: 115
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Post by voth26 on Oct 28, 2013 18:22:41 GMT
we would much rather be in the media spotlight for all the right reason believe me, yet again the Devils are made to look stupid to the rest of the hockey world because yet again we the fans have been treated like mushrooms and fed a huge amount of BS regarding the signing of a top end D man because we released hill, granted he wasn't effective but that besides the point. Adams "retires" for two games we play better without G on the ice I think he would be more productive behind the bench but I do feel very sorry for G because of the way he has seemingly been treated by Ragan and pope!!! enough said on those two. I have watched the devils for about 20 years and for the first time I am seriously considering not going to any more games this season and possibly beyond and if im honest that really upsets me. The players are slated for the results and I know they are professional sportsmen but to be fair how the hell can they concentrate on playing well when there is all this happening off the ice. I do fear there may not be a Devils side for much longer and I would like to think that we would be missed by other eihl sides if this was to happen. Without being sarcastic or bad feeling I say this honestly to all panthers fans be very glad you have Mr Black running your ship
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EMB
Randall Weber
Posts: 4,044
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Post by EMB on Oct 28, 2013 18:32:54 GMT
You have more supporters than you think, I would say the majority of elite league fans are behind you. It's a very sad situation for you all and let's hope it gets sorted sooner rather than later. We keep our fingers crossed for you.
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Post by andrew1972 on Oct 28, 2013 19:36:42 GMT
Last I heard Ragan was the messiah down in Cardiff. Just maybe now the Cardiff people will finally see Ragan for person that he is.
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Post by ted logan on Oct 28, 2013 19:44:10 GMT
Yeh - there have been a few dodgy club owners knocking about over the years haven't there Andrew?
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Post by andrew1972 on Oct 29, 2013 1:08:24 GMT
Yeh - there have been a few dodgy club owners knocking about over the years haven't there Andrew? Thought this was a thread about the Cardiff Devils and as such Paul Ragan? What has Bob Phillips/Darren Brown got to do with what's happening down in Cardiff? Or is it that you are so obsessed with what happens up the M1 that you just can't help talking about us all the time, even when there really is nothing to talk about unless it's how poor we are on the ice at the moment. Thanks for your interest Ted. Back on topic. Sheffield dodged a bullet when Ragan disappeared off the scene. It didn't take long for many in Sheffield to see through his words, all bluster and no substance. Unfortunately it's taken a little longer for the Devils to see the same. The sooner he's out of hockey the better. |
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Post by sameagain on Oct 29, 2013 6:24:41 GMT
Where was there any mention of any hockey club on Ted's post?
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Post by andrew1972 on Oct 29, 2013 9:13:31 GMT
Where was there any mention of any hockey club on Ted's post? I think we all know what he was meaning, no names had to be mentioned. But you knew that anyway. |
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Post by mattscold on Oct 29, 2013 9:17:23 GMT
Ok so back on topic before Andrew throws a hissy fit. Very sad that it seems the Devils are in trouble. They are always my second club in the League. And also, heaven forbid it should come to this, but if they do fold, we might have to see the Steelers at the play off weekend again, and, lets face it, no one wants that!
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Post by ted logan on Oct 29, 2013 9:54:18 GMT
Ok so back on topic before Andrew throws a hissy fit. Very sad that it seems the Devils are in trouble. They are always my second club in the League. And also, heaven forbid it should come to this, but if they do fold, we might see have to see the Steelers at the play off weekend again, and, lets face it, no one wants that! +1 to all of this  |
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Post by spik on Oct 29, 2013 10:46:25 GMT
we would much rather be in the media spotlight for all the right reason believe me, yet again the Devils are made to look stupid to the rest of the hockey world because yet again we the fans have been treated like mushrooms and fed a huge amount of BS regarding the signing of a top end D man because we released hill, granted he wasn't effective but that besides the point. Adams "retires" for two games we play better without G on the ice I think he would be more productive behind the bench but I do feel very sorry for G because of the way he has seemingly been treated by Ragan and pope!!! enough said on those two. I have watched the devils for about 20 years and for the first time I am seriously considering not going to any more games this season and possibly beyond and if im honest that really upsets me. The players are slated for the results and I know they are professional sportsmen but to be fair how the hell can they concentrate on playing well when there is all this happening off the ice. I do fear there may not be a Devils side for much longer and I would like to think that we would be missed by other eihl sides if this was to happen. Without being sarcastic or bad feeling I say this honestly to all panthers fans be very glad you have Mr Black running your ship This is a post that the Devils organisation need to read.A fan considering to give up on them. I know we don't know all that goes on in the background and have no need to know but...... it's one thing fans not agreeing with their club but the 'actions' here are a tad odd which causes controversy, debate etc... |
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Phil Mitchell
Robert Lachowicz
winning is the only option
Posts: 563
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Post by Phil Mitchell on Oct 29, 2013 20:24:02 GMT
I know that I'm coming in to this post late...
But based upon what I've read but:-
1. Cardiff in financial difficulties
2. The management at Cardiff (Ragan & Pope) thinking that the fans won't fight for what's gone off and want to save the club - I honestly believe they will after what they have been through over the years.
3. Do the current management think that the club will never win anything - so they may as well quit now rather than throw more money away.
As a Panthers fan and of the EIHL in general over 10 years or more - it will be a shame to see them disappear - but then what will happen to the BBT and the proposed new arena that is planned
Panthers and other clubs in the EIHL over the years have always had good games against the Devils
Its a shame that Wales National Ice Rink was closed down and as a temporary home the BBT was put up
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Post by mattalfuk on Oct 29, 2013 21:47:21 GMT
They've just tweeted to say that a statement will be made at 9am tomorrow
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gump
Pat Casey
Posts: 348
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Post by gump on Oct 30, 2013 4:28:46 GMT
Not sure of the future but it may well be that Adams is done in Cardiff. Sounds like both sides have lawyers involved so expect what ever is announced will be subject to some legal challenges more so from Adams point of view. What ever happens the team will suffer for it both on and off he ice.
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Pies
Forum Moderator
Reluctant Chief of ITK
Posts: 4,879
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Post by Pies on Oct 30, 2013 9:11:20 GMT
Adams sacked as coach but fulfilling a role as "head of player development" Francis quits and Pope put in charge. It's a mess in Cardiff.
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Post by jd on Oct 30, 2013 9:23:42 GMT
What a joke - its his testimonial year as well
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Post by BlogFromBlock15! on Oct 30, 2013 10:06:07 GMT
There is a post on the inferno suggesting Adams had lost the dressing room.
If this is the case, does this change things? I am not saying they have gone about it in the right way but it certainly would change the outlook a little.
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EMB
Randall Weber
Posts: 4,044
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Post by EMB on Oct 30, 2013 11:40:12 GMT
I see Matthew Myers best friend (Neil Francis) has resigned aswell. Rather an unsettling time for the Devils.
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Post by GuinnessMan on Oct 30, 2013 11:42:59 GMT
If I were Adams, I'd get my testamonial out of the way, and then get my agent to get me out of their asap.
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gump
Pat Casey
Posts: 348
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Post by gump on Oct 30, 2013 12:46:44 GMT
Ragan was on the hook to payout Adams contract so the position of Head Player Development was created. I suspect with the changes a few of their top end players may be looking to get out of contracts and go else where in Europe if possible.
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5+game
Terry Kurtenbach
Posts: 2,974
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Post by 5+game on Oct 30, 2013 13:06:47 GMT
Ragan was on the hook to payout Adams contract so the position of Head Player Development was created. I suspect with the changes a few of their top end players may be looking to get out of contracts and go else where in Europe if possible. If they want out then its not hard, 2 weeks notice and they are off. |
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