Thoughts on Yesterday

[Highbury_Blade]

Firstly, what a phenomenally dull game that was. I almost had to prop my eyelids open by the end of it. Two teams short on ideas, and save for a daft mistake this game would have finished 0-0.

Speed's ideas were evident from the off. United's players looked for a man every time they had the ball instead of simply launching it, and there were some neat triangles being played. Ward seemed to have a free role, and our best two moves off the match came from ward whilst he was roaming around in the centre of the park. Trouble is Ward apart, there was very little invention from the rest of the team, and if we are to play a short passing game, then we need more people that can play the killer pass. Ward's ball into Evans in the 1st half was lovely, and Evans made the wrong choice IMO by trying to knock it into the far corner. From the angle on the tv twatting it into the top left corner looked a better bet. Not sure how good Ched's left peg is though....

Overall the game reminded my very much of some of Robson's early games, where the passing was all very nice, but there was nothing in the final third. We desperately need some pace added to the team, and very desperately need better options at Full-back. I though both Taylor and Nosworthy were poor today.

What was Morgan thinking? A ball like that should have been hoofed into touch!

Not a great game then, but I think most blades fans will be happier that the team is playing nicer football, and moving in the right direction If Sheffield United were a lady, they've moved up a bit from "Not enough beer in the world," to "Once i've had 5 pints she'll be looking alright."

Hopefully, come the end of the transfer window Speed will have added options with pace and invention.

 

[sheffielder]

I couldn't decide whether to be encouraged or worried by yesterday. After thought I am going with encouraged. Alot of the time we tried to do the right thing and I could see what we were trying to do. It might take a few weeks to get things going and get the right results but we need to stick with that trend.

Things learn't

You don't put Monty and Ertl in the same midfield.
Britton is more suited to a deep role
We need pace on both wings. definately need a left winger
Could do with an attacking midfielder
2 football playing full backs are needed. Nosworthy and Taylor give the ball away far too much. Hopefully jordan and calve will improve us going forward.

It's far from doom or gloom for me.

 

[creswell blade]

I couldn't decide whether to be encouraged or worried by yesterday. After thought I am going with encouraged. Alot of the time we tried to do the right thing and I could see what we were trying to do. It might take a few weeks to get things going and get the right results but we need to stick with that trend.

Things learn't

You don't put Monty and Ertl in the same midfield.
Britton is more suited to a deep role
We need pace on both wings. definately need a left winger
Could do with an attacking midfielder
2 football playing full backs are needed. Nosworthy and Taylor give the ball away far too much. Hopefully jordan and calve will improve us going forward.

It's far from doom or gloom for me.

i couldnt agree more. ive not been too the lane since warnock left but im seriously considering going to the next home match. when speed was apointed i thought to myself here we go again McCabes gone for the cheap option and we,l be playing the stinking filth next year but after watching yesterdays performance i saw a lil glimmer off better football. give it time and a lil faith and think we,l do just fine. altho we looked sloppy yesterday and out of ideas there were slight signs of improvement and any improvement is still improvement

 

[beightonblade]

Don't judge the Blades on yesterday.......Gary has only been in the job 2 minutes !

What is a concern is how far we have fallen since the Wigan defeat.

 

[SoccerCynic]

Trouble is, in my opinion, we have changed the tactics but not the formation. We could hardly raise a decent effort on goal and the formation meant we could not get any killer crosses in where their defenders were facing their own goal. The one up front legacy in away games from KB is destined to fail. This shows no intention to win. I expect(hope) it to change. The players have to learn to adapt.....with ten minutes to go and one down we should consider the direct tactic and get men forward. There were some poor performances yesterday but Speed said it all really..."Its all he's got". Without wishing to go over old ground we are in this position of a thin squad because the management, at all levels, have failed to live up their promise that they will learn the lessons of last season and not rely on loans. We now need to recruit urgently in the spine of the team.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

If this was Speed's second or third managerial job, we probably would have some big changes to the team. But it isn't and Speed is on a very steep learning curve. You've got to give the man time.

He probably wanted to see what the squad could do in terms of passing the ball, and from yesterday it's pretty clear that we can knock the ball around. You'll more than likely see some more changes next week, where Speed tries something else. If it works great, if it doesn't chalk it off to experience. He'll make some mistakes, of that there's no doubt, but you've got to give the man time to make those mistakes.

 

[dingledog]

I think the most glaringthing about yesterday was the desperate need for some new players. We are probably four players short of an average side. Yes the passing game was easier on the eye, but the absolute lack of creativity was mind blowing. Probably the more boring game of football I have ever watched to the end.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

I said most of this in another thread but I did take a couple of positives from what was a very turgid affair. United did seem to attempt some short passing and tried to keep the ball on the deck more often which is pleasing in one way, but seems to highlight some of our inadequecies in another.

It is blindingly apparent that we lack creativity in midfield. Mainly from the left but none of our centre mids seem to be able to influence the game either. Personally, I would drop the 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 because it clearly doesnt suit us. We cant seem to get a happy balance in the centre of midfield with it and Cresswell is totally ineffectual on the left. Also, Wardy is a striker IMO. I know some like him on the right but I think he gets boxed in too much out there. Most of the problems he caused were from central positions.

The back four seem to be making elementary mistakes but I would suggest a lack of familiarity and cohesion are the reasons for that. It is better all round IMO if we revert back to 4-4-2, keep the shape and selection as simple as possible and this will allow Speedo to work on his preferred playing style with the team. If I was in his shoes I would go with this:-

.........................Simonsen.........................
Calve............Bartley.....Morgan..........Jordan
Yeates..........Britton......Ertl................??????
...................Ward........Cresswell................

Subs; Aksalu, Lowton, Nosworthy, Montgomery, Quinn, Bogdanovic, Evans

The left wing slot badly needs filling. Cresswell isnt the answer, neither is Quinn and neither is a right sided Yeates! We need someone with a left foot and good delivery on their crosses. However the thought of getting the cheque book out is a frightening prospect to our directors at the moment.

UTB :thumbup:

 

[Highbury_Blade]

I'll agree that we need some new players, and hopefully Speed's contacts and reputation will mean that good players will come to Sheffield United knowing that they'll be used effectively.

 

[mattbianco1]

My main grumble from yesterday is that after we went 1 down we didn't really change things. I'd like to see Ward go CF more often, especially when chasing the game, his pace is frightening and we all know he knows where the net is.

Overall I thought we bossed the game (1st half definately) but the final ball was lacking. Once we find that ball things will start to click in my opinion. I would like to see us back to 4-4-2 but if we insist on playing 4-5-1 away from home it should be 4-5-1 when we don't have the ball then when we do it quickly changes to 4-3-3, and I don't think that is what's happening at the moment.

Outlook So So

 

[creswell blade]

if i was speed id give the 442 diamond formation a try

simonsen
calve....bartley...morgan.....jordan
ertl/monty/britton
yeates.....................taylor/3 legged turtle
ward
evans..........creswell

but what i know about managing a football team you could write on the back of a postage stamp

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

If this was Speed's second or third managerial job, we probably would have some big changes to the team. But it isn't and Speed is on a very steep learning curve. You've got to give the man time.

He probably wanted to see what the squad could do in terms of passing the ball, and from yesterday it's pretty clear that we can knock the ball around. You'll more than likely see some more changes next week, where Speed tries something else. If it works great, if it doesn't chalk it off to experience. He'll make some mistakes, of that there's no doubt, but you've got to give the man time to make those mistakes.

That’s the most important thing. We need to take these loses on the chin. I've said it elsewhere we need to let him lose 5/6 out of 12 if that is what it takes to change the culture.

My main grumble from yesterday is that after we went 1 down we didn't really change things. I'd like to see Ward go CF more often, especially when chasing the game, his pace is frightening and we all know he knows where the net is.

Overall I thought we bossed the game (1st half definately) but the final ball was lacking. Once we find that ball things will start to click in my opinion. I would like to see us back to 4-4-2 but if we insist on playing 4-5-1 away from home it should be 4-5-1 when we don't have the ball then when we do it quickly changes to 4-3-3, and I don't think that is what's happening at the moment.

Outlook So So

Again I've said it before but the pressure on the team/club from the fans not to hoof it into the box is huge and was not taken as an option in the last five even though it was what was needed.

Praise to the players for sticking to the game plan.

 

[Oreyt]

Again I've said it before but the pressure on the team/club from the fans not to hoof it into the box is huge and was not taken as an option in the last five even though it was what was needed.

The aversion to direct play is interesting. It's funny because on any average week, if you look at the goals scored in the Prem by world quality strikers, a fair proportion of them will be from direct play. The thing about hoofball is that its bad when its a) overused and b) done badly (and that's often down to the ability of the players on the end of the ball). But that's not to say you completly ignore it as a tactic. It has its place.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

I agree but can't help feeling that the team deliberately tried to continue to pass it when their goal/defence needed the pressure putting on during the last 10 mins.

A lesson learned for both team and fans?

 

[Torrix1889]

I'm going the same way as Steel City Blade, back to a 4-4-2.

Monty was awful yesterday, (again) and he and Quinny are far too inconsistent to be starters, for every good thing they both do they counteract it by doing something stupid! Quinn tried to get involved when he came on but did his usual headless chicken routine and gaps appeared all over the centre of the park. Monty’s passing, shooting and crossing are truly woeful, he should be told to stay in the centre circle and break up play and nothing else, but that’s a waste of a shirt! Whilst we are on about midfield, Ertl dropped far too deep and was effectively playing as a third centre-half and I’m not sure what Britton’s best role is yet but he had no support from the other 2 in there at all.

Cresswell has disappointed so far, a couple of nice touches but he is wasted on the left. Ward is our strongest player by a long way so far but it’s only a matter of time before he is injured or he is sent off!

The strikers are getting absolutely no service whatsoever and are feeding of scraps, (same owd!) Evans looks lively and Boggy put himself about when he came on but without the service they are always going to struggle, (1 goal in 3 games tells its own story!).

At the back, Nossy looked OK but that’s about it, lost possession with aimless chips up the flank far too often. Bartley and Morgan were solid for the best part apart from Morgans clanger. Taylor is probably the worst player I have seen in a Blades shirt in the last 5 years, hopefully Calve and Jordan will solve the full back problems!

I would be looking to go 4-4-2 along the lines of;

Simonsen

Calve
Jordan
Bartley
Morgan

Yeates
Britton
Ertl
???????

Ward
Evans/Cresswell/Boggy

 

[Fiery Blade]

Whilst Speed has my backing he is on a very steep learning curve - blatently obvious yesterday is that team is incapable of creating anything meaningful going forward!
Montgomery, Ertl and Quinn are basically squad players to cover for injury etc and should not be considered to be all three playing in the same team, Nosworthy is an average player and certainly not a right back and Taylor is not even an average player and should be shipped out as soon as possible.
I'm afraid it doesn't leave a lot - not yet convinced re Britton
Apart from that Speedo has no problems at all!

 

[Bergen Blade]

When teams are promoted, you always wonder who's going to be able to play in the league above, and the answer may be that most of them are, but not all at the same time.

I think it's a similar situation now, and we don't have to dismiss every single player as crap, but it's very obvious that we are lacking a lot going forward, and we need new players in with different attributes to what we're currently able to put out.

 

[SotonBlade]

We just need someone in the middle of the park who know's what to do in order to create chances going forward!

 

[SteelCity Blade]

When teams are promoted, you always wonder who's going to be able to play in the league above, and the answer may be that most of them are, but not all at the same time.

I think it's a similar situation now, and we don't have to dismiss every single player as crap, but it's very obvious that we are lacking a lot going forward, and we need new players in with different attributes to what we're currently able to put out.

Totally agree. The most apparent problem is a lack of variety in the squad and this links in to a lack of options from the bench as we have nothing in reserve that can change a game.

It is quite obvious that we lack pace with Jamie Ward being our only outlet in this department. The lack of movement is also a worry but there are only two alternative solutions to that problem. You either have to A) coach it into the players you have or; B) buy more intelligent players. I think a little bit of A and B is required....

Despite the recent mistakes I am happy with the defenders we have and once we get a settled back four that is used to playing together we should be ok there. Its the attacking third that is the biggest concern I feel.

 

[James360]

The back four seem to be making elementary mistakes but I would suggest a lack of familiarity and cohesion are the reasons for that. It is better all round IMO if we revert back to 4-4-2, keep the shape and selection as simple as possible and this will allow Speedo to work on his preferred playing style with the team. If I was in his shoes I would go with this:-

.........................Simonsen.........................
Calve............Bartley.....Morgan..........Jordan
Yeates..........Britton......Ertl................??????
...................Ward........Cresswell................

Subs; Aksalu, Lowton, Nosworthy, Montgomery, Quinn, Bogdanovic, Evans

UTB :thumbup:

I would agree with steelcity blade on this formation. Maybe changing to a 4-5-1 with ward having a free role along the midfield and up front. After past few games Ertl has shown what he can actually do, i would admit i was among the people that would have thought that this lad would have been in and out of the team, but he has proven that he is worth his name on the starting 11 team sheet for me. Good positioning, tackles, and can actually head a ball deep in midfield or at cb. I didnt think i would say it because monty gives a bit of stability but i can see Ertl taking his place in the team and i wouldnt be disheartened by it at all.

Bartley yesterday was solid at the back and showed that he could make that position next to morgan his, as long as he keeps his form up like yesterday. He has pace, any ball that was thrown into the air into the box i cannot remember the amount of times that the commentators said 'Bartley heads it away' it always seemed to be him heading it away.

I think Britton will come good as will the rest of the team, just may take a few games as morgan, cresswell, ward and yeates are the only players who was at BDTBL last season, and simonsen for 7 games and Bartley for 17 i think. With the change in manager as well i see it taking time for Speed to stamp his mark on the team, and i believe once he has had chance to do this we will turn the form around and get into the winning ways where we all wish us to be, because the signs was positive, we was looking for the pass along the floor, rather than hoofing it out.

Signs are positive in the long run i feel. COME ON THE BLADES!!!

 

[SwissBlade]

Some interesting comments on yesterday, but I don't understand the need for so many different threads on the same subject. Yeah we're all pissed off but do we need to start a new thread to let people know.

I don't know why all the Band members previously known as Sunshine were expecting, you got your wish for Blackwell to go last week and in the style of the pig fans, you accepted anyone but Blackwell without considering the consequences, that maybe, just maybe, things might not turn around immediately.

In your minds things were(are) so bad following Blackies reign that hell would have to freeze over so what did you expect out of yesterday? Did you expect miracles?

If anyone should be pissed off it should be the Clappers.

I'm not picking out individual performances, I thought the whole team was poor and I don't think its correct given that we have had a new manager in place for less than a week see big improvements.

However, here are my comments:

Tactics
Looked like the instruction was to keep the ball down and attempt to keep possession. We tried this, but continually lost possession because of sloppy possession and trying to play the 30-40 yard cross field killer ball to get in behind the Boro back 4. Futile exercise as we have little pace up front when Ward isn't there.

We went to Boro with the intention being, not to lose as a result there was little movement, making decisive/ splitting passes very infrequent. More creativity needed.

Formation
As predicted we lined up not to lose. I thought with the back 4 and midfield we kept shape fairly well, but upfront Ched got no real support

Set Pieces
Apart from a Jamie Ward Freekick towards the end, Corners and Freekicks were awful.

Team Selection
Probably the best team available, although Speed probably expected better performances from individuals. Seems to be a lack of fitness/ sharpness throughout, the players looked knackered! But this could also be a result of the tactics. We were extremely static there was no movement.

Substitutions
We had no game changers on the bench, so the subs were just going through the motions. We need Evans fit and playing 90 mins if we have a chance.

Adaptability
Apart from the subs, we made no attempt to adapt our tactics to the game. We had a game plan and stuck rigidly to it. Boro were so lame, we could have destroyed them. Caution is acceptable, but we can't fear the oppostion or even ourselves.

Opposition
I can't think of a worse team than them in the last 2-3 years. Completely there for the taking and the likes of QPR and maybe Cardiff will destroy them.

Not sure that they set out to defend but that's all they wanted to do. We just didn't have the invention to break them down and oddly we attacked Killa down their left a player we know has pace and is used to playing against the likes of Ward.

They had a very dodgy keeper, but there was little sign that we were willing and able to exploit this.

Summary
Overall, there are signs that we are willing to keep the ball down and not panic, even in the last few minutes. But we were too wasteful with the ball.

Set pieces are key in this division and we need to work on them, why isn't Britton on Corners for example?

It highlighted many of the problems, but the key for me is not how bad we were yesterday, but how much we can improve with the same set of players.

Saturday will be a big chance to get a confidence boosting win at home, so I hope we use this week to drill home set pieces and get some inventive and creative ideas into practice.

 

[mekkyblade]

I'm going the same way as Steel City Blade, back to a 4-4-2.

Monty was awful yesterday, (again) and he and Quinny are far too inconsistent to be starters, for every good thing they both do they counteract it by doing something stupid! Quinn tried to get involved when he came on but did his usual headless chicken routine and gaps appeared all over the centre of the park. Monty’s passing, shooting and crossing are truly woeful, he should be told to stay in the centre circle and break up play and nothing else, but that’s a waste of a shirt! Whilst we are on about midfield, Ertl dropped far too deep and was effectively playing as a third centre-half and I’m not sure what Britton’s best role is yet but he had no support from the other 2 in there at all.

Cresswell has disappointed so far, a couple of nice touches but he is wasted on the left. Ward is our strongest player by a long way so far but it’s only a matter of time before he is injured or he is sent off!

The strikers are getting absolutely no service whatsoever and are feeding of scraps, (same owd!) Evans looks lively and Boggy put himself about when he came on but without the service they are always going to struggle, (1 goal in 3 games tells its own story!).

At the back, Nossy looked OK but that’s about it, lost possession with aimless chips up the flank far too often. Bartley and Morgan were solid for the best part apart from Morgans clanger. Taylor is probably the worst player I have seen in a Blades shirt in the last 5 years, hopefully Calve and Jordan will solve the full back problems!

I would be looking to go 4-4-2 along the lines of;

Simonsen

Calve
Jordan
Bartley
Morgan

Yeates
Britton
Ertl
???????

Ward
Evans/Cresswell/Boggy

So thats four strikers then? Sounds like a plan!!

 

[Micalijo]

Some interesting comments on yesterday, but I don't understand the need for so many different threads on the same subject. Yeah we're all pissed off but do we need to start a new thread to let people know.

I don't know why all the Band members previously known as Sunshine were expecting, you got your wish for Blackwell to go last week and in the style of the pig fans, you accepted anyone but Blackwell without considering the consequences, that maybe, just maybe, things might not turn around immediately.

In your minds things were(are) so bad following Blackies reign that hell would have to freeze over so what did you expect out of yesterday? Did you expect miracles?

If anyone should be pissed off it should be the Clappers.

I'm not picking out individual performances, I thought the whole team was poor and I don't think its correct given that we have had a new manager in place for less than a week see big improvements.

However, here are my comments:

Tactics
Looked like the instruction was to keep the ball down and attempt to keep possession. We tried this, but continually lost possession because of sloppy possession and trying to play the 30-40 yard cross field killer ball to get in behind the Boro back 4. Futile exercise as we have little pace up front when Ward isn't there.

We went to Boro with the intention being, not to lose as a result there was little movement, making decisive/ splitting passes very infrequent. More creativity needed.

Formation
As predicted we lined up not to lose. I thought with the back 4 and midfield we kept shape fairly well, but upfront Ched got no real support

Set Pieces
Apart from a Jamie Ward Freekick towards the end, Corners and Freekicks were awful.

Team Selection
Probably the best team available, although Speed probably expected better performances from individuals. Seems to be a lack of fitness/ sharpness throughout, the players looked knackered! But this could also be a result of the tactics. We were extremely static there was no movement.

Substitutions
We had no game changers on the bench, so the subs were just going through the motions. We need Evans fit and playing 90 mins if we have a chance.

Adaptability
Apart from the subs, we made no attempt to adapt our tactics to the game. We had a game plan and stuck rigidly to it. Boro were so lame, we could have destroyed them. Caution is acceptable, but we can't fear the oppostion or even ourselves.

Opposition
I can't think of a worse team than them in the last 2-3 years. Completely there for the taking and the likes of QPR and maybe Cardiff will destroy them.

Not sure that they set out to defend but that's all they wanted to do. We just didn't have the invention to break them down and oddly we attacked Killa down their left a player we know has pace and is used to playing against the likes of Ward.

They had a very dodgy keeper, but there was little sign that we were willing and able to exploit this.

Summary
Overall, there are signs that we are willing to keep the ball down and not panic, even in the last few minutes. But we were too wasteful with the ball.

Set pieces are key in this division and we need to work on them, why isn't Britton on Corners for example?

It highlighted many of the problems, but the key for me is not how bad we were yesterday, but how much we can improve with the same set of players.

Saturday will be a big chance to get a confidence boosting win at home, so I hope we use this week to drill home set pieces and get some inventive and creative ideas into practice.

I was expecting us to lose becausse Blackwell has built a truly awful squad. I was also expecting the players to show a bit of desire for the new manager and the club etc and I saw nothing. I'm delighted Speed is in charge.

I don't get how your post sist with your one of a few weeks ago where you said that the club has had a positive summer and made some decent signings etc. Only read it once so apologies if the consistency is clear for all to see.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Some interesting comments on yesterday, but I don't understand the need for so many different threads on the same subject. Yeah we're all pissed off but do we need to start a new thread to let people know.

I started this thread as a place for sensible discussion on yesterdays game, rather than the reactionary bollocks that is on other threads. I'm not pissed off at all about yesterdays game, and i thought some of the stuff on show was encouraging. The team does need a lot of work on it though. I think it's great that Speed has brought in Carver, as he's obviously someone that speed knows and trusts to coach the way that Speed wants the game to be played to the players. Speed's most important work in the next month really should be on the phone, bringing in talent to the club.

I'm writing this season off in terms of promotion, but i do want to see the team being setup for an automatic promotion push next season.

 

[SwissBlade]

I don't get how your post sist with your one of a few weeks ago where you said that the club has had a positive summer and made some decent signings etc. Only read it once so apologies if the consistency is clear for all to see.

For once mic, although I saw negativity in your posts since yesterday, its mostly been constructive stuff.

To be honest because of the summer we've had this is why I'm pissed off. But its also voided that post in many ways as it was written at a time when Blackwell was still in situe and was (believe it or not) part of that positivity. Sacking a manager after 2 games is not a positive step and I fully expected at least 10 games before seeing any results of the summer activity (This is consistent with my points at the start of last season).

Now Speed has to effectively undo some of that work to get what he wants and again I expect at least until 10 games to see any real progress. The international break will be a welcomed break for the players to work together with Speed.

I started this thread as a place for sensible discussion on yesterdays game, rather than the reactionary bollocks that is on other threads.

I wasn't having a dig at you Highbury, I posted on here as it seemed to be started in a sensible, reflective way as opposed to some of the reactionary bollocks that you rightly state on other threads.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

If this was Speed's second or third managerial job, we probably would have some big changes to the team. But it isn't and Speed is on a very steep learning curve. You've got to give the man time.

He probably wanted to see what the squad could do in terms of passing the ball, and from yesterday it's pretty clear that we can knock the ball around. You'll more than likely see some more changes next week, where Speed tries something else. If it works great, if it doesn't chalk it off to experience He'll make some mistakes, of that there's no doubt, but you've got to give the man time to make those mistakes.

.

I must say that I totally disagree with this notion that we have to somehow judge Speed's performance differently because it's his first management job. As a fan I want to see United succeed in scoring goals, winning matches and gaining promotion, not succeed in being a forgiving platform for a rookie manager to learn how to do his job. There are/were plenty of other managers we could have appointed who've served their time, learnt their lessons and proven themselves in the lower leagues.

By all means we should give Speed time to work with and improve the team as we should any new manager. But I for one am not willing to meekly accept long-term failure because the manager needs to learn from his mistakes.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

I'm not suggesting we should accept long-term failure. Unless we're looking dead certs for relegation then Speed should remain in the job tweaking the squad so we're ready for a promotion push next season. I can't see us doing it this season, unless we get a massive influx of cash in the next week.

What shouldn't happen is that people, like a few on this board have seemingly written him off already. That's not right at all.

 

[lenners]

[/B].

I must say that I totally disagree with this notion that we have to somehow judge Speed's performance differently because it's his first management job. As a fan I want to see United succeed in scoring goals, winning matches and gaining promotion, not succeed in being a forgiving platform for a rookie manager to learn how to do his job. There are/were plenty of other managers we could have appointed who've served their time, learnt their lessons and proven themselves in the lower leagues.

By all means we should give Speed time to work with and improve the team as we should any new manager. But I for one am not willing to meekly accept long-term failure because the manager needs to learn from his mistakes.

Why not? We're already a nursery for £3m strikers according to some fans.

 

[super_pig]

>But that's not to say you completly ignore it as a tactic. It has its place.
i'd agree but you are making the wild assumption that we can do it in the first place.. hoofball is about flick ons to quick supporting midfielders and winning field position for set pieces.. we have NO quick midfielders (ward doesn't count he's a striker) and since cotts left noone can strike the ball properly.. when did we last score from a set piece?

 

[Pinchy]

if i was speed id give the 442 diamond formation a try

simonsen
calve....bartley...morgan.....jordan
ertl/monty/britton
yeates.....................taylor/3 legged turtle
ward
evans..........creswell

but what i know about managing a football team you could write on the back of a postage stamp

Back so soon, Kevin?