Edited sentence: However, they were unable to clam a playoff spot.Popular opinion among Phillies fans is that Charlie Manuel should be fired so that they team can move ahead in a new, more positive direction.Several of the team's losses during the course of the season can be directly attributed to Charlie Manuel's incompetence as a manager.The 2006 season ended as many others in recent years.The Phillies were in contention until the last series of the season, teasing the fans with the prospect of postseason play.While the team overachieved after the all star break, they far underachieved for the season.With such a slim margin keeping the Phillies from the playoffs, it is easy to show Manuel's direct responsibility for the shortcomings of this year's team