Slade didn't know what Bigirimana was good at (7 Viewers)
- Thread starter MatthewWallis
- Start date
MatthewWallis
Well-Known Member
Coventry City midfielder's nightmare under Russell Slade
Sky Blues star looking forward to a fresh start under new manager Mark Robins
Gael Bigirimana is hoping to put his Russell Slade nightmare behind him with a fresh start under new Coventry City boss Mark Robins .
The 23-year-old made just a single League One start under the 57-year-old until he got in by default at Shrewsbury Town last weekend after Kevin Foley pulled up in the warm-up.
Bigirimana was outstanding in the goalless draw at Greenhous Meadow and Slade was sacked the following morning after a miserable run of one win in 13 which has left the Sky Blues 13 points adrift of safety.
“I went to see Russell with Gael last week and he told me he couldn’t work out what he was good at,” revealed the Academy graduate's agent, Lee Marsh, who says his client has had the best week’s training all season under Robins.
Erratic
“He told me he thought he was erratic and didn’t rat himself around the park, which is what he expected him to do.
“I told Russell that he’d got Gael all wrong. The last thing you want to do is demoralise other players but when you have got other players, fellow professionals coming up to you and saying, ‘we can’t believe you’re not playing; you’re the play-maker,’ then that in itself is a message. But Russell wasn’t having it.
Coventry City boss Mark Robins urges Ricoh faithful to play their part in his first game in charge
“Gael’s been very professional. I mentioned it to him on several occasions to go and see him because I couldn’t see anyone in the midfield who could pass the ball like Gael Bigirimana, and that was an insult to the lad.”
Bigirimana had been a mainstay of City’s midfield earlier in the season when it looked like he was getting back to near his best form after a disastrous four-year spell at Premier League Newcastle United.
Russell Slade was Coventry City's second worst manager in the club's history
He started Slade’s first match in charge – the 4-1 thumping at Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day – and suddenly found himself out of favour bar a couple of substitute appearances and a start against Brighton in the Checkatrade Trophy, sparking false rumours among supporters that he had a clause in his contract that if he played another game it might trigger a second year to his 12-month deal.
But Marsh said: “There’s no clause at all, just a one-year deal based on coming from Newcastle with a good pay-off.
“He never came here for money and is probably one of the lower paid players at the football club, which is unbelievable. I’d go as far to say I have got players in the conference who are probably on more money.
“He agreed to it because he wanted to come back to the club that gave him his opportunity and re-ignite his career. It’s all about playing. He hasn’t got a bad word to say about the club.”
And Marsh feels that City might not be staring relegation in the face if Bigirimana and Ben Stevenson – the other star of last week’s match at Shrewsbury, and whom was used sparingly during January when it looked like he was about to be sold to Brentford – had been played more.
“I think when Gael was playing with Ben there was one hell of a chance of still staying up at that particular time,” said Marsh.
“And as soon as he dropped Gael he had a window to operate in and bring in players but what he has brought in is nowhere good enough or comparable to Gael Bigirimana,nor Stevenson for that matter.
Demoralising
“What’s demoralising is when you have a right-back playing in your position.”
Bigirimana finally got back in the team when Foley got injured in the warm-up last Saturday.
“I think sometimes if you get back in by default and prove a point then at the end of the day it hits you in the face as a manager,” he said.
“I spoke to the Shrewsbury manager, Paul Hurst, and asked him how he performed and he said he was by far the best player on the park on Saturday. I spoke to someone at Coventry and they said he just did OK, so I sometimes wonder if there’s a bit of a conspiracy going.
“Do they think I’m going to come in at the end of the season and knock the door down and ask for a load of money? That’s not the case. The way Gael looks at it is that the football club is the most important thing.
“He’s always been grateful of getting his opportunity at the club and money has never been an issue.”
Fresh start
Clearly hoping for a fresh start under the new manager, Marsh said: “Gael’s had the best week of training all season so we hope so. It’s a clean slate and Gael’s really happy and got nothing bad to say about this football club.
“As soon as I can get in to see Mark Robins I will because I want to see what his ideas and plans are and hopefully we’ll sit down and talk about Gael, and hopefully he’s got some good ideas.”
Sky Blues star looking forward to a fresh start under new manager Mark Robins
Gael Bigirimana is hoping to put his Russell Slade nightmare behind him with a fresh start under new Coventry City boss Mark Robins .
The 23-year-old made just a single League One start under the 57-year-old until he got in by default at Shrewsbury Town last weekend after Kevin Foley pulled up in the warm-up.
Bigirimana was outstanding in the goalless draw at Greenhous Meadow and Slade was sacked the following morning after a miserable run of one win in 13 which has left the Sky Blues 13 points adrift of safety.
“I went to see Russell with Gael last week and he told me he couldn’t work out what he was good at,” revealed the Academy graduate's agent, Lee Marsh, who says his client has had the best week’s training all season under Robins.
Erratic
“He told me he thought he was erratic and didn’t rat himself around the park, which is what he expected him to do.
“I told Russell that he’d got Gael all wrong. The last thing you want to do is demoralise other players but when you have got other players, fellow professionals coming up to you and saying, ‘we can’t believe you’re not playing; you’re the play-maker,’ then that in itself is a message. But Russell wasn’t having it.
Coventry City boss Mark Robins urges Ricoh faithful to play their part in his first game in charge
“Gael’s been very professional. I mentioned it to him on several occasions to go and see him because I couldn’t see anyone in the midfield who could pass the ball like Gael Bigirimana, and that was an insult to the lad.”
Bigirimana had been a mainstay of City’s midfield earlier in the season when it looked like he was getting back to near his best form after a disastrous four-year spell at Premier League Newcastle United.
Russell Slade was Coventry City's second worst manager in the club's history
He started Slade’s first match in charge – the 4-1 thumping at Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day – and suddenly found himself out of favour bar a couple of substitute appearances and a start against Brighton in the Checkatrade Trophy, sparking false rumours among supporters that he had a clause in his contract that if he played another game it might trigger a second year to his 12-month deal.
But Marsh said: “There’s no clause at all, just a one-year deal based on coming from Newcastle with a good pay-off.
“He never came here for money and is probably one of the lower paid players at the football club, which is unbelievable. I’d go as far to say I have got players in the conference who are probably on more money.
“He agreed to it because he wanted to come back to the club that gave him his opportunity and re-ignite his career. It’s all about playing. He hasn’t got a bad word to say about the club.”
And Marsh feels that City might not be staring relegation in the face if Bigirimana and Ben Stevenson – the other star of last week’s match at Shrewsbury, and whom was used sparingly during January when it looked like he was about to be sold to Brentford – had been played more.
“I think when Gael was playing with Ben there was one hell of a chance of still staying up at that particular time,” said Marsh.
“And as soon as he dropped Gael he had a window to operate in and bring in players but what he has brought in is nowhere good enough or comparable to Gael Bigirimana,nor Stevenson for that matter.
Demoralising
“What’s demoralising is when you have a right-back playing in your position.”
Bigirimana finally got back in the team when Foley got injured in the warm-up last Saturday.
“I think sometimes if you get back in by default and prove a point then at the end of the day it hits you in the face as a manager,” he said.
“I spoke to the Shrewsbury manager, Paul Hurst, and asked him how he performed and he said he was by far the best player on the park on Saturday. I spoke to someone at Coventry and they said he just did OK, so I sometimes wonder if there’s a bit of a conspiracy going.
“Do they think I’m going to come in at the end of the season and knock the door down and ask for a load of money? That’s not the case. The way Gael looks at it is that the football club is the most important thing.
“He’s always been grateful of getting his opportunity at the club and money has never been an issue.”
Fresh start
Clearly hoping for a fresh start under the new manager, Marsh said: “Gael’s had the best week of training all season so we hope so. It’s a clean slate and Gael’s really happy and got nothing bad to say about this football club.
“As soon as I can get in to see Mark Robins I will because I want to see what his ideas and plans are and hopefully we’ll sit down and talk about Gael, and hopefully he’s got some good ideas.”
fernandopartridge
Well-Known Member
he's never been shocking, always offers himself, doesn't hide. I personally rate him, hopefully him and Stevenson start tomorrow.
shmmeee
Well-Known Member
I like him a lot, but I was at his first game back and he was awful that day.
covcity4life
Well-Known Member
lol not good reading for slade
i hope bigi gets some playing time under robins
i hope bigi gets some playing time under robins
Stafford_SkBlue
Well-Known Member
It took Bigi a whilst to get match fit, so dont judge on his first game. How long did it take Cole to get match fitness last season - quite a whilst?
Another reason why Slade had to go.
Another reason why Slade had to go.
Otis
Well-Known Member
What do you mean another myth busted?
The agent is only saying that because he didn't get his cut of the bonus that would have been invoked had the club allowed Bigi to play.
Bleedin obvious.
SKYBLUES90
Well-Known Member
I really like bigi and was at a loss as to why Slade hasn't been selecting him as I thought he has been one of our better players at the start of the season.
BUT why is his agent getting involved with releasing stories etc to the Telegraph seems all a bit strange, he wants to be in the limelight etc. Let bigi do what he does and stop getting involved in the media
BUT why is his agent getting involved with releasing stories etc to the Telegraph seems all a bit strange, he wants to be in the limelight etc. Let bigi do what he does and stop getting involved in the media
Nick
Administrator
He did a two parter a few months ago to as well.
I'm not sure it does bigi any favours
SlowerThanPlatt
Well-Known Member
Is this Marsh chap new to being an agent? Maybe he thinks this is the best way of getting his name and his agency out there
rupert_bear
Well-Known Member
Yes Bigi has had indifferent games but how and why the manager wouldn't play him I cannot understand, our midfield under Slade was bloody hopeless.
SKYBLUES90
Well-Known Member
Exactly, Maybe I'm thinking too much into it but why does he feel the need to get involved, does Lameries or Jones's agent need to get in contact with the telegraph as well and tell their side of the story
Grendel
Well-Known Member
It makes far worse reading for the player - as I said months ago get a new agent
Grendel
Well-Known Member
Bigi clearly believes the players, like Reilly, are inferior. I'm sure that's a good one for team spirit.
SlowerThanPlatt
Well-Known Member
Where does it say that in the interview?
letsallsingtogether
Well-Known Member
And you install a lot of that you have hated most City players.
I think he was better then most of our other midfielders had a few MOM this season.
Yes does make some mistakes and some of his passes go astray but we are a div 3 side what do you expect.
Name me one player who never makes a mistake miss shoots, misses a tackle, doesn't make that save.
Captain Dart
Well-Known Member
Well at least Bigi didn't get a rick in his neck looking at the ball sailing over his head.
Fergusons_Beard
Well-Known Member
“What’s demoralising is when you have a right-back playing in your position.”
Been saying the same for weeks!!
Bleeding Slade!
Just playing a side in their natural positions is a step in the right direction!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Been saying the same for weeks!!
Bleeding Slade!
Just playing a side in their natural positions is a step in the right direction!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
letsallsingtogether
Well-Known Member
It doesn't Grendel hates him so makes stuff up.
Funny how Nick never pulls him up when he talks shit.
stupot07
Well-Known Member
Bigi's got talent, but his problem is he doesn't seem to know his limitations and thinks he's better than he is, then ends up playing and losing the ball in dangerous areas.
Personally, I'd prefer Stevenson and Reilly as the midfield 2.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Personally, I'd prefer Stevenson and Reilly as the midfield 2.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Grendel
Well-Known Member
The plays bought in on loan were inferior is what it says.
Grendel
Well-Known Member
Same as your hatred of RCC who is light years ahead of Burge as a goalkeeper.
SlowerThanPlatt
Well-Known Member
That's his agents opinion. Your post said that Bigirimana believed he was better than the other midfielders Slade signed?
steve82
Well-Known Member
This is a embarrassing read for Bigi... whys a players agent need to talk to the local paper is it really gonna help his client?
I like Bigi and the fact he wants to do well but half the time his brain and feet don't work together all the time, very sloppy in some games and useful in others. If he was consistent in his good performances then you'd understand his and his agents frustrations.
Still he's got 12 games to offer something to Mark Robins to think about going forwards
I like Bigi and the fact he wants to do well but half the time his brain and feet don't work together all the time, very sloppy in some games and useful in others. If he was consistent in his good performances then you'd understand his and his agents frustrations.
Still he's got 12 games to offer something to Mark Robins to think about going forwards
Great_Expectations
Well-Known Member
Proves what a prat Slade was, and is evidence of what I mentioned on the other thread re Slade and his man management style.
I think most posters, via the obvious few, appreciate Bigi is a talented footballer and has a genuie affiliation for the club which makes him want to give 100% every game.
Slade didn't rate him because he could actually play football.
I think most posters, via the obvious few, appreciate Bigi is a talented footballer and has a genuie affiliation for the club which makes him want to give 100% every game.
Slade didn't rate him because he could actually play football.
IrishSkyBlue
Facebook User
lets just hope if he does pick bigi he plays a blinder for us prove he should be in the first team and embarrass slade more.
dongonzalos
Well-Known Member
I like Bigi but I have to say, If I were him I would be telling my agent to wind his neck in. Even if he is right.
Grendel
Well-Known Member
People can have different opinions on players but this is a ridiculous article.
I can't remember one like it.
I said weeks ago I'd heard that he was left out as there was a fall out as hiss gent was hawking him around in January. I was shouted down and told it's because the club would have to pay £100k if he played one more game. Now we know.
Grendel
Well-Known Member
Have you ever seen an interview like that ever by a players agent?
dongonzalos
Well-Known Member
The problem is Robins seems like a 'take no crap' type of manager.
Bigi came in and had a good game. Robins would have known then the job was on the cards. So he would have had a scout there.
So Bigi had let he feet do the talking and would have had a good chance of starting.
Robins could get the most out of Bigi.
He is supposed to be a very nice lad. Yet this agent reflects badly on him. He is also talking about meeting Robins.
Robins will now be very coy about what he says after this article. He will probably also lay down the law to Bigi. Who probably had no idea his agent had done the interview.
Amateurish move by the agent in my opinion and a shame for Bigi who probably could have done without it.
Someone will fall foul of Robins stamping his authority, just hope it isn't Bigi now.
Bigi came in and had a good game. Robins would have known then the job was on the cards. So he would have had a scout there.
So Bigi had let he feet do the talking and would have had a good chance of starting.
Robins could get the most out of Bigi.
He is supposed to be a very nice lad. Yet this agent reflects badly on him. He is also talking about meeting Robins.
Robins will now be very coy about what he says after this article. He will probably also lay down the law to Bigi. Who probably had no idea his agent had done the interview.
Amateurish move by the agent in my opinion and a shame for Bigi who probably could have done without it.
Someone will fall foul of Robins stamping his authority, just hope it isn't Bigi now.
dongonzalos
Well-Known Member
Toure's and look how that panned out.
Although that was worse as the manager was still there!!