So - I was being pessimistic when I voiced my concerns about Malpass after the first few games, he took over a side that had a very realistic chance of making the playoffs, now we are 9 points above the relegation zone with only 1 win in 9 games and are bottom of the recent form (last 8 games) table
When we look at what happened at Motherwell it seems that history is repeating itself, he's simply not a capable manager
Worst thing is now it appears that he's lost the dressing room, three things that I noticed at the Southend game, 1) the usual very vocal Dave Byrne spent most of the game sat in the dugout looking more than just a bit pissed off, communication between him and Malpass appeared strained. 2) when Southend's keeper took a knock there was none of the usual managers coming to the touchline to take the opportunity to give instructions to players, also no players took the opportunity to come over to the touchline for water or make any communication with management. 3) at the end of the game Malpass always shakes hands with the players coming off, on this occasion not one of them looked him in the eye, many actually made a point of looking away as they passed him
Also, why the hell did he play Corr, just back from injury, a fragile player at best and he didn't even play in the recent reserve game, he was not match fit and we are not in a league position that warrants taking such risks - now Corr is faced with surgery and 6 months out
Personally, I'd rather see Byrne/Williams finish the season
I'm worried about Malpas as well. However i do feel making Byrne and Williams (who are clueless to say the least) as coaches and assistants was a bad move. All Byrne does is shout at players and gives no positive instructions. Williams isn't even a qualified coach and he's probably the reason our defence has gone to pot. Can't say i'm impressed as he seems to get pissed up in old town every week. Hopefully they'll be gone in the summer and maybe Malpas will bring his own coaches in? I am still concerned about Malpas' lack of tactical knowledge though. He plays some weird formations. Maybe it's because he hasn't got the players he wants? Whatever it is the jury is out for me. Too many more poor performances to finish the season and he'll be under real pressure.