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I was having a conversation with several Villa fans yesterday and this one phrase kept repetitively popping up with regularity – “in the know”.
Let me just get my position on “in the know” (or ITK as it seems to be written on many sites) information out there. Attaching the words “in the know” to a sentence does not somehow give it more gravitas, more believability, more likelihood of it occuring. What it does is actually imply the reverse. Especially when you haven’t got the guts to stamp your real name on it, choosing to hide behind an anonymous pseudonym.
You see, there are many people out there who know some things about the club some of the time. I am one of them. At times, I am able to get some information via players or staff or people around the club to find out what is and isn’t feasible, what may or may not happen. I told people repeatedly the wage issues was becoming a problem, and it became one. I told people that there was money for a big money signing, and we got Bent. I told people on another site that Houllier wasn’t animated on the touchline for fear of a relapse, and then he went and had one. I could go on, but I’m not going to. It’s not a competition.
However, and this is the main point I am making, I don’t always know exactly what is going on at Villa Park. I can make a concerted effort at guessing, but that is all it is. A guess.
Opinion vs reality
You see a lot of people forget the difference between opinion and reality, between rumour and reality. These concepts are totally disconnected from each other just as the colour black is not the colour white (Note to pedants – I know black and white aren’t strictly colours).
If you believe that something is going to happen, that is absolutely fine. In fact, this site is absolutely in favour of hearing opinions, of looking at different angles, and of sharing thoughts on what is going to happen. Want Moyes in charge? Great. I’d love to hear why. The same goes for any other manager you see fit to join our club.
However, there is a big difference between opinion and fact. I took the explicit statement of saying my piece on Martinez was what I personally wanted to see happen. I didn’t say it was definitely going to happen but I said, based on evidence before me, that I would like it to. Massive difference.
You see I’m tired of the rumours. I’m tired of it being this man or that man as favourite. Don’t get me wrong, I am absolutely committed to the idea of the board taking time to get their man, but the constant “in the know” information has got a bit repetitive.
The reality is this – we only know a few things. Obviously we know via Dave Whelan that Roberto Martinez has, at the very least, been approached by the club. We have an understanding that we will find out what is going on with that managerial choice at 1:30pm today. Beyond that – speculation. I would include the discussions with Carlo’s agent as a fact, but it isn’t confirmed by the club – merely repeated by other reputable journalists such as Mat Kendrick.
Martinez – He might take over, he might not
So with regard to the appointment, if Martinez stays at Wigan, it doesn’t mean he is the x person to turn us down. The club has not mentioned anything, and that is the way I want to keep it. Sure, it frustrates the hell out of me not knowing, but I understand the reasoning for it.
In the know? If you are, then you’ll know what’s coming. Let the rest of us wait and see. Just try to avoid looking too smug.
Not in the know? Postulate opinion as much as you like, but please don’t try to confuse “opinion” and “reality”. Oh, and try to avoid getting sucked into the dialogues from “some guys aunt’s cleaner’s Dad’s friend’s son’s mate who says that Bob Bradley is nailed on.” It is fantasy. If you want fantasy, go manage a football team in Football Manager.
As a final note, I hope for a successful appointment in the near future. You see, I trust Randy 100% to make the right choice regarding this beloved club of ours. No successful businessman will make a choice that ruins his own finances, especially not a man who is a fan of the club itself. Martinez or not, this could be the start of a brand new bright future.
The Author
