I agree on that the structure on the footballing side of things could do well with a change and I am in principle for an appointment of a DoF. I dont think it will make that big of a difference that other people does.
What I dont agree upon is this idea that how we move forward should be governed by accountability first. Sure, Woodward was ultimately responsible for the appointment of our three last managers. Do I think he did not took major advice from other big players at the club. No.
Is there a realistic prospect of change in ownership in the next 5 years. Probably not. Which means that Woodward is here to stay because fact is that the CEO is the right hand of the owners. And from a corporate perspective it has to be so. Therefore its unrealistic to ask for Woodward´s head. The worst thing that could happen is if the club´s owners and the CEO do not have faith in each other. Look at Gazidis latter years in Arsenal. It would be a disaster. We need to accept that the CEO will always have to be the owner´s man. Anything else is unrealistic.
United now needs continuity, to let the new scouting system set and the improved youth setup as well. This will not be anything less than a three year project and god help us if we would be the subject of a leveraged takeover anytime under that period. Thats why I am happy with the Glazers. Could they be better as owners? Maybe. But dear God it can get so much worse also. An ownership change is the last thing we need at this moment IMO.
1. DoF: Dependent on what his/her authority is and the person appointed. If he/she is given "free reign" and operating within the current budget(50% ratio) and on average £100m net spend each season, and we appoint a person with experience in rebuilding squads, creating structure and got contacts with previous clubs: I'm all for it. On the other hand, if we are to appoint someone without experience and contacts, and work within our less than successful recruitementstructure.... Then, you are not setting up the DoF to succeed
2. Accountability and transparency: Most businesses have understood the importance of transparency towards customers. Not all things should be shared, but a minimum of transparency and accountability would be an improvement. Creates trust, is a sign of confidence in the product and the processes to create that product/service. Most elements from the normal business world are relatable for a football club, especially a big club.
3. Only way Woodward goes is if the owners go. I'm not disagreeing on that. The problem for us is that the owners do not give a rats ass about football. And one could think that in their eyes, being successful on and off the pitch are mutually exclusive.
4. Continuity? I hope you are right, and that this will work out. Personally, I think we are in the same cycle again. The only way for us to become successful with the current ownership and seemingly non-functional footballing structure, is for the club to appoint a manager+coaching staff that does not mainly rely on transfers to improve the team and coach the team into playing modern football (High press and retain possession). So, basically Pochettino and his gang.