The Apprentice - SEMI FINAL

by Trebs Sat Feb 17, 2018 12:17 am

This is the semi-final, in which the candidates will be narrowed from five down to two.

In the show, the semi-final is the interview stage. So in a v2 apprentice first, we will be following the show format, conducting interviews via PM. Following the interviews with everyone, I will post the conversations for all to see.

The interview you will be facing is for the Arsenal manager's job. Arsene Wenger will be parting company with the club at the end of the season, and I want you to show me that you have what it takes to be his successor.

I want to receive your 'business plan' by next Wednesday 21st February at 12.00 midday. This will be examined, with a series of questions asked to see if you are the right candidate for the job. I wish to see this via a PM.

The plan should include the following aspects (Note that this is just a starting point as a guide and is not exhaustive):
1. Any other staff you wish to bring in to assist you, such as an assistant manager.
2. Transfer plans for the next window - both in and out.
3. Targets on the pitch for the next five years.
4. The playing style and XI that would be used next season.

Please ask any questions you may have on this page.

Thank you,
Trebs

by Marky Sat Feb 17, 2018 11:05 am

I have some questions.

1) Can I sign Richard Brodie? Wink

2) Is there a maximum spend in terms of budget for transfers?

3) Do we need to provide costings for any transfers?

4) Are a full set of tactics required to accompany the playing style?

by **Hero** Sat Feb 17, 2018 11:09 am

my question so far...Are we treating our own claim as that of our previous in game managerial roles on here as being real? Otherwise why would Arsenal interview random guy on the street?

by TwisT Sat Feb 17, 2018 7:33 pm

Hero wrote:my question so far...Are we treating our own claim as that of our previous in game managerial roles on here as being real? Otherwise why would Arsenal interview random guy on the street?

I can see where this is going.....multi time league winner and only lost another on default. Nicely done Laugh

by Marky Sat Feb 17, 2018 8:48 pm

If Hero wants to be self centered and indulging instead of focusing on the task at hand then I'm sure Trebs will give him extra credit Wink

by **Hero** Sat Feb 17, 2018 9:18 pm

More really on why is Arsenal letting random guys off the street apply? If my CV is based off here then I can say I'd do xxx because my past performances have shown it.

by Marky Sat Feb 17, 2018 10:55 pm

It's "what would you do" at Arsenal, if you were a top football manager. It's not literal.

by Trebs Sat Feb 17, 2018 11:12 pm

What Marky said. I'm not interested in your numerous runner-up positions to Afro in the title race.

I'm more interested in Arsenal's future.

by Trebs Sat Feb 17, 2018 11:14 pm

Marky - I would expect some sort of figures around the transfers.

A part of the task will be working out what a reasonable amount to spend is.

by Marky Tue Feb 20, 2018 12:06 am

Trebs wrote:Marky - I would expect some sort of figures around the transfers.

A part of the task will be working out what a reasonable amount to spend is.

Do we need to take wages into account too? Or just transfer fees?

by nadeem2099 Tue Feb 20, 2018 1:53 am

Nando should easily win this task Whistle

by Trebs Tue Feb 20, 2018 2:29 am

Marky wrote:
Trebs wrote:Marky - I would expect some sort of figures around the transfers.

A part of the task will be working out what a reasonable amount to spend is.

Do we need to take wages into account too? Or just transfer fees?

I will say that wages are a factor but I don't want to spoon-feed all the answers and what you should and should not include.

As long as you can justify your thinking is the main thing.

by Fernando Tue Feb 20, 2018 3:00 am

do we pm you the plans or post here

by Marky Tue Feb 20, 2018 3:04 am

I've PM'ed Trebs my plan

by Marky Tue Feb 20, 2018 3:05 am

Trebs wrote:I wish to see this via a PM.

Thank you,
Trebs

by Trebs Tue Feb 20, 2018 6:09 am

Received Marky Ok!

by Trebs Tue Feb 20, 2018 6:10 am

Bam, Olly - just want to confirm you've both seen this task?

by Trebs Tue Feb 20, 2018 8:03 pm

Submission received from Fernando

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Tue Feb 20, 2018 8:04 pm

Yep I’m working on my final submission tonight - pretty much all there

by BamBam Tue Feb 20, 2018 8:20 pm

Confirmed

by **Hero** Wed Feb 21, 2018 1:15 am

Sent mine to Trebs

by Trebs Wed Feb 21, 2018 1:49 am

Yep received.

Just Bam and Olly to go, deadline midday tomorrow

by BamBam Wed Feb 21, 2018 9:02 pm

Submitted

by Marky Wed Feb 21, 2018 9:03 pm

Will Trebs be posting all of our submissions publicly before the questioning?

by Trebs Wed Feb 21, 2018 9:18 pm

Received Bam's submission Ok!

by Trebs Wed Feb 21, 2018 9:21 pm

My intention was to do the following:
1. Wednesday afternoon - PM questions to everyone
2. End of Friday - End of questions, post up everyone's submissions and responses.
3. Monday - Open debate on who should go through and who should be fired.

Obviously it depends how quick the back and forth goes on PM due to availability. If anyone has any objections then please say.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Wed Feb 21, 2018 10:06 pm

Submitted

by Trebs Wed Feb 21, 2018 10:14 pm

All submissions have now been received. I will read them all and send PM's to everyone today. I would expect three sections.

by Trebs Thu Feb 22, 2018 12:20 am

Question 1 for each of you has been sent out.

Should point out that I've printed out everyone's submission (after reducing the font down) it is a total of 15 pages for me to pore through. There's some very good work done here, and it is a lot of work to go through them all and find the right questions!

Good luck to everyone.

by BamBam Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:51 pm

Trebs

I'm a horrible hungover mess this morning, and have an interview this evening, but I will try and get back to you today/early tomorrow

by Trebs Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:05 pm

BamBam wrote:Trebs

I'm a horrible hungover mess this morning, and have an interview this evening, but I will try and get back to you today/early tomorrow

Thanks Bam. Ideally I'd like to post up everything by tomorrow lunchtime at the very latest.

by BamBam Fri Feb 23, 2018 8:53 pm

Bam's interview:

by Trebs Fri Feb 23, 2018 8:56 pm

MARKY'S SUBMISSION:

FERNANDO'S SUBMISSION:

HERO'S SUBMISSION:

BAMBAM'S SUBMISSION:

OLLY'S SUBMISSION:

by Trebs Fri Feb 23, 2018 8:58 pm

HERO'S INTERVIEW:

OLLY'S INTERVIEW:

MARKY'S INTERVIEW:

FERNANDO'S INTERVIEW:

Bam's interview:

by Trebs Fri Feb 23, 2018 9:20 pm

Good morning to the five of you.

First of all, I'd like thank you all for your submissions. It is clear that some good work has gone in, as well as a significant amount of time. Every submission has at least one element which they alone have added and the other four have missed. I have the unenviable task of narrowing the field down from five semi-finalists to two finalists.

I invite you to read each other's work. I have a few specifics I'd like to ask of a few of you that were missed in the interviews. But my first question is very straightforward. Why should you be in the final?

by BamBam Fri Feb 23, 2018 11:14 pm

I think I should be in the final as I believe I have set out the clearest, and arguably most realistic vision for the club. After 20 years with Wenger, the board are going to be looking for clarity on how Arsenal will move forward following a period of stagnation, and that needs to go beyond next season.

I've set out how I intend to focus on changing the culture of the club in my first season, while bringing in players who are attainable given Arsenal's current status as a perennial source of amusement. I think there are some very good players at the club and am looking to keep some squad stability over a summer in which there will already be a lot of upheaval due to Wenger's departure

I have also looked beyond the immediate season, and tried to identify potential signings that will take the club from a top 4 club to one that could look to challenge for a title from the second season of my appointment

I also think that I have put together the most financially responsible plan for the summer. Kroenke is notorious for not being fast and loose with his money, and I think it is important to look at the total cost of a signing over the term of the contract, not just 1 season's wages and a transfer fee.

In my view, there are signings being targeted by the other candidates that simply will not happen due to the profile and potential other suitors that would be alerted to any availability. I also think some of the other candidates are in danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater when looking at the number of sales / signings being made

by Marky Fri Feb 23, 2018 11:48 pm

I believe I should be in the final, because as shown in my interview, I am willing to back myself and my decision making, whether rightly or wrongly! Every submission in this task is great, but I don't believe that everybody has actually put together a squad capable of challenging for major trophies, whereas I know I have.

I feel like Arsenal have had a problem with signing average players in the past and looking through the submissions, some are guilty of adding to that problem rather than resolving it. I believe every player I have signed would add quality to the first XI and squad, and again not everybody else can say that.

I also believe that the purpose of this is to put Arsenal in a position to WIN the Premier League and the Champions League. Looking at all of the submissions, I believe only one candidate (as well as me) has actually done this with their squad, the rest seem to be just being Diet Wenger with their reliance on what they have. Arsenal obviously needed strengthening in key areas and some people have focused on the areas they were already strong.

In response to Bam's comments about looking at wages over the full length of the contract instead of over one season, it's not ideal to look several years ahead when the landscape changes all the time in the Premier League, with TV money fluctuating, prize money changing, new sponsorship deals, the costings for a players wages over 4 years could be irrelevent when they leave in 18 months time, either to a bigger club, or shipped out on loan, the manager could change mid season and unsettle a player, because of all of these factors, it makes sense in my opinion to look at the wage bill on an annual basis rather than over the length of a contract.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Feb 24, 2018 1:02 am

I believe I should be in the final because my submission and interview answers are the best of all the submissions and interview answers. I have proven over many tasks now my ability to both follow instructions, and lead - and now work by myself to produce high quality work.

In this task I have built a realistic, sustainable plan to improve Arsenal in a realistic timeframe to become the powerhouse they once were again.

by **Hero** Sat Feb 24, 2018 1:59 am

I believe that I deserve my place in the final on numerous grounds:

Financial

I've been the most realistic in regards to transfer funds for the club, Arsenal as a club have spent on signings over the entire season the following (summer & winter)

Year Gross Spend (m) Gross Income (m) Net Spend (m)
17-18 106.97 109.98 -3.01
16-17 96.34 9.32 87.02
15-16 23.85 2.25 21.6
14-15 107.08 25.02 82.06
13-14 44.33 10.94 33.39
12-13 50.4 59.27 -8.87
11-12 58.93 70.46 -11.53

Here’s what each candidate has put forward as gross and net spend:

Candidate Gross Spend (m) Gross Income (m) Net Spend (m)
Bam 158 141 17
Marky 275 0 275
Nando 207 101 106
Olly 200 60 140
Hero 120 115 5

An independent equity report on Arsenal’s finances showed Arsenal has £54m in cash that could be deployed on new players before sales of current players. Only myself and Bam fall within this figure, Bam though has spent over 50m more than Arsenal have ever spent in an entire season. The number of signings brought into both the 1st team and squad needs to be evaluated:

Year Transfers into squad Transfers out of squad
17-18 5 8
16-17 4 6
15-16 3 5
14-15 6 7
13-14 1 4
12-13 4 4
11-12 5 6

Whilst the candidates went for…

Candidate Transfers into squad Transfers out of squad
Bam 7 5
Marky 7 1
Nando 6 8
Olly 10 8
Hero 5 8

Only Nando apart from myself has recognised that clubs each year release more players than they bring in, that there has to be also progression for the youth players into the full squad. I’ve made a clear vision to improve, integrate and utilise our younger players going forward whilst most other managers are falling into the trap of short term buys at the expense of promotion within.
Marky seems to be in the Harry Redknapp school of trying to bankrupt a club in the shortest time possible. If the task had been take over as Leeds manager in 2001 then he’d have won this.

Coaching Staff

I was the only person to pay attention to the medical staff in the club and the need for its improvement not only physically for players but mentally. In bringing back to the club Henry and Bergkamp then yes there’s a romantic notion to them but both are going into roles they’ve already had experience at, Henry at Belgium & Bergkamp at Ajax. Both also would give Arsenal a much needed shot in the arm morale wise, their knowledge of the club and passion to succeed would elevate the players, under their tutelage the first team squad and youth team would gain technical abilities many other coaches couldn’t provide.

Previous tasks

The first two tasks showed that despite being outside of the country I was still trying to contribute as and when I could, would others have shown that level of dedication? Some are late replying due to hangovers, is this what you want in an apprentice?
From the 3rd task onwards though I’ve been able to contribute fully and provided the vast majority of the National League presentation, only Marky provided any form of opposition in this round and I was quick to showcase my strong ability to debate.

by Marky Sat Feb 24, 2018 2:02 am

I think Hero wins the award for the most irrelevant post. I hope Trebs reads quality over quantity.

by **Hero** Sat Feb 24, 2018 2:17 am

Irrelevant if you have no grasp of finances and how to run a club. It shows I actually read up on the financial reports of the club (rather than read the Sun or Daily Star speculation where you got your figures from), both from the club itself and independent and your spending plans are not realistic or in keeping at all with how a club operates. I think even PSG would raise eyebrows at it.
I was actually surprised at your vision, you were clearly the strongest rival going into this task but your offering is borderline fantasy.

by Marky Sat Feb 24, 2018 2:45 am

by Marky Sat Feb 24, 2018 2:46 am

You literally only avoided a firing thanks to me and Olly and yet you look down on us because you read the Guardian. Good chat.

by Marky Sat Feb 24, 2018 2:50 am

Also, the task is to be Arsenal manager. Not be Arsenal manager/director of football/chief executive/shareholder/performance analysist/accounts manager/tea lady

You've massively overdone it in my opinion, and not in a good "above and beyond" way. Our task isn't to run a club. It's to run a football team.

by Trebs Sat Feb 24, 2018 2:55 am

It seems that we will not be hearing from Fernando until Monday. We will sort all of this out then.

I am following the messages sent and counting points. I have a few curve balls of my own to throw in.

by Marky Mon Feb 26, 2018 5:06 am

Anyone watching this final try and tell me that Arsenal would compete with the big boys with the likes of Ramsey and Wilshere Laugh

by BamBam Mon Feb 26, 2018 5:39 am

I can practically hear Koke beating down his agent's door to get him to North London immediately

by Marky Mon Feb 26, 2018 5:57 am

He wouldn't join under Wenger

by Trebs Mon Feb 26, 2018 8:25 pm

Morning all - I'd like to hear further comments, especially from Nando. I'll be making my decision today on which two of you will make the final.

As I've said previously, there has been some very good work done here. I have spent a significant amount of time annotating everyone's plans to try to come to a conclusion. Everyone has a few things in common in their submissions - ditching the three at the back, going for either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. Both sound enough. Everyone decided to keep hold of Wilshire, releasing Cazorla, with some offering a role as coach. Based on that, I can't really fault or split anyone.

I want to look at you all in turn - note this is in order the submissions were received rather than anything specific.

Olly
I think you've built a good backroom team around you and wrote a very nice piece. Your signings show a clear strategy of building a young team, with the intention of getting the Premier League in a couple of years rather than next season.
However, you're dreaming if you think you'll be able to get Ryan Sessengnon for £20m. I also wonder if you've got the game changers for the here and now.

Hero
You have clearly done your research, being one of only two to identify the recent chief scout appointment. I do like your idea of overhauling the medical team.
Your net spend of only £5m is to be applauded, and there is an argument that some of your rivals may have overspent. However, I think times at Arsenal are changing, with Aubemayang and Lacazette joining last year, the stadium being paid off and increasing tv revenue.
Looking at the squad - I'm disappointed you didn't see a centre back as a priority. I also think it's too early to sell Lacazette, and you haven't signed a striker. What happens if Aubemayang gets an injury keeping him out for a significant amount of time?

Fernando
Aaron Ramsey's contract renewal was something which you were the only person to spot, the others might have ended up in a situation similar to Ozil and Sanchez this season and in my opinion, he is a key player for Arsenal. I also think offloading Bellerin is a good move.
However, compared to the other presentations, I found yours a bit lackluster. The staff plans weren't there, in the interview you said it was for continuity but everyone else had thought this through. You've not provided the same level of detail that your rivals have shown.

Marky
Your solution to the aging Petr Cech is the best, in my opinion. Everyone signed a young goalkeeper, but loaning him back for a year and seeing out Cech's contract is smart. I also think Emre Can is an astute signing.
There is also a clear succession plan in place, with Patrick Vieira coming in as your assistant, and stating you'd be at the club for 3-5 years.
You obviously submitted the best XI on paper. But the elephant in the room is a very big spend. A net of £275m, with only Xhaka leaving. I don't think Arsenal would be willing to spend so much, with a large increase in wages also noted. Can you justify this?

BamBam
You have been very specific in your goals with a three year plan, and have identified plans for the future regarding signings. But I'm not sure if you've been bold enough and have been a bit too safe with your signings. I don't think there's a lot wrong with your submission per se, with some good detail given. But, I think yours probably has the least creative thinking of all the submissions. For me, there's nothing stand out. Where have you shown anything standout from the others?

by BamBam Mon Feb 26, 2018 9:18 pm

BamBam
You have been very specific in your goals with a three year plan, and have identified plans for the future regarding signings. But I'm not sure if you've been bold enough and have been a bit too safe with your signings. I don't think there's a lot wrong with your submission per se, with some good detail given. But, I think yours probably has the least creative thinking of all the submissions. For me, there's nothing stand out. Where have you shown anything standout from the others?

I believe I stand out in offering the most realistic plan to bring Arsenal back to success, and along with Hero am probably the only one who has recognised the current status of Arsenal.

On transfers, I potentially may have played it safe in the first season, but I believe that the players I have targeted are all established at strong European clubs, but just aren't the world level stars that others seem to think are going to be queuing up to join an Arsenal club that perennially gets embarrassed on the domestic and European stage.

Instead, they are the kind of players that Arsenal need - not flashy attacking midfielders (other than Fekir obviously), but athletic, physically dominant players in key positions in the spine of the team. They are all youthful signings, with a view to being at the club throughout my time as manager, and are all stepping up a level, rather than coming from regular Champions League quarter finalist type clubs

If you look at my financial plan, I believe it to be prudent while still spending more than Arsenal ever have in a single window, with clear plans of how the funding will be raised. Including 1 season's wages within a budget simply isn't realistic given how forward thinking football clubs are, regardless of whether the same clubs are liable to rip up all plans if things are going badly.

I work in finance for an organisation which makes similar revenue to the biggest clubs - we do a 5 year plan with indicative costs and revenue forecasts every year, I can't imagine any organisation at this scale thinking only about the next season.

Looking just at the final yesterday, you can see some of the problems I identified in a nutshell.

Proper leadership would not allow players to be walking around the pitch, the reaction of the ex players like Henry shows exactly what Pires/Bergkamp will be able to bring to my coaching team.

I wanted to focus on culture, not just within the squad but to try and bring the fans on side and get them looking to the future. I don't want to see fans leaving at the 60min mark in a cup final, my plan was to bring a feel good factor back to the club by adding building blocks this summer and starting to perform again - I want the football world to take notice of a side with real quality and youth sparkling through the side.

As for ambition, if this is a plan to be manager of the club, I'm the only one who has identified what happens beyond this transfer window - that to me shows something different from the rest, as I'm looking beyond the end of my nose. My targets for next summer could well be beyond reach - Koulibaly and Rabiot would be unbelievable signings, but I've identified two more that are entirely feasible.

In my view, I think I should go through to the final as I've put together the most realistic plan, keeping in with Arsenal's ethos, and identified that Arsenal's problems go beyond just throwing £200m in transfer fees around. I've also given the board a plan that goes beyond the summer window - outlined that I have no intention of making panic signings in January, and identified players for next summer that will take Arsenal to the next level.

I have also considered every aspect of the club - you have pointed out areas where others haven't given any kind of plan, but I don't believe you can consider my submission as lacking detail in any area.

I look forward to hearing your verdict

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