1 of 1- Macbonzo
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Negative bias due to appearance or speech
As image seems to become increasingly important in all aspects of life, which person have you underestimated due to the way they spoke or appeared?
In terms of Scottish football, I couldn’t take Danny Lennon seriously, not because of the way he looked, but because he had a habit of speaking in the third person. I knew more than a few St Mirren fans who had the same problem with him. It didn’t seem to matter how much he achieved, they couldn’t take him seriously.
Another person who was an exceptional manager (just not with us), was Luggy. His achievements in getting lower league teams promoted was without compare. I always wondered, if Luggy had looked like Wenger or Thomas Franck or even Brendan Rodgers would more prestigious clubs have shown an interest.
For me, I can’t stand managers who think they are comedians. Strachan is a prime example. I suppose the question is: If Strachan just answered the question directly would I tolerate him?, probably not.
This leads me on to Craig Burley. As a pundit he gets on my tits. When asked a question, he ignores it, then proceeds to ask himself his own question which he then answers. It’s like a self interview.
- Morphman
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Re: Negative bias due to appearance or speech
In fairness, Danny Lennon's credibility took a hit with me after he asked the public to let him take 25 kids to a secluded island to teach them to play football.. 
A corker of an interview in general:
Last edited by Morphman (24/2/2025 9:00 am)
- Macbonzo
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Re: Negative bias due to appearance or speech
It is a cracker of an interview. Someone who has a fixed mindset on how you raise children. His comments on Goodwillie seem to be very much about rehabilitation rather than accountability. Very much the Catholic Church approach.
He worked closely with Austin MacPhee at Cowdenbeath then St Mirren. MacPhee’s background was in the US (played University football). He had a much more progressive approach to football
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Thread Starter- Tek
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Re: Negative bias due to appearance or speech
Interesting post, Macbonzo.
I think a lot of people are guilty of this in life (myself included in the past).
I recall Davie Martindale's first interview as (then, Interim) Livingston Manager and the ridicule and hilarity that ensued when people heard his accent. Now, i suppose that was compounded, consequently, when his past came to light, but it is safe to say, pretty much everyone thought this guy had no right to be managing a top flight football club.
You, know what? Despite their relegation last season, the man has proven himself to be a very worthy Manager and by all accounts runs every aspect of the football club, almost a throwback to how Jim McLean ran everything at our club.
But because he had a working class accent he was immediately dismissed.
- japanarab
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Re: Negative bias due to appearance or speech
This guy immediately sprang to mind
It's not where you're from it's where you're at.
- Tek
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Re: Negative bias due to appearance or speech
That's a great example, JA.
Kind of the same as Davie Martindale, folk mocking him because he has a strong regional accent.
See, when i listened to that interview you posted, absolutely nothing wrong with anything he said, in fact he speaks really well and from the heart.
- Macbonzo
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Re: Negative bias due to appearance or speech
Leaving football aside, Eddie the Eagle and Jocky Wilson were harshly judged due to their appearances and this wasn’t just a media thing.
Charlie Nicholas had outstanding ability but what many people (myself included) remember, is his “Only an Excuse” character who mangles his vocabulary.
I even found myself judging the BBC Scotland weatherman, Calum just because he was wearing a burgundy suit, with a tie that resembled a bib.
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