[Reaction] Your reaction to the Meet the Manager Q&A

[JohnDenver]

There's a big difference between a short, quick, attacking passing game as practiced by Barcelona and Arsenal and the sideways, short, slow passing game as practiced by Doncaster and Swansea. The first, when done well, is awesome to watch. However, as Arsenal are showing, you need incredibly good players to make it work. Those players are certainly not plying their trade in the Championship!

Don't judge Swansea on their crab-like performances at BDTBL. At home they've often been wonderful to watch.

They trust skill far more than our management has in recent years. Nathan Dyer (MOTM on tele last week), being a nice example.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Don't judge Swansea on their crab-like performances at BDTBL. At home they've often been wonderful to watch.

They trust skill far more than our management has in recent years. Nathan Dyer (MOTM on tele last week), being a nice example.

and are 2nd in the league after sticking to a style of play and having faith in it.

 

[yorkshirecoast]

And our football is shite young man. WBA and Spurs both play infinitely better football than us. Come back and have a chat when you've seen a few more games. You might have learned something.

What a well thought out response. Well done. For the record, I've had a ST for 30+ years & been to loads of away matches so I've seen a fair few games.

 

[chipsncake]

Everyone seems to be quite positive but for me my biggest concern is still around the playing style. Despite Vale fans claims otherwise Adams believes in 4-4-2 and get it into the danger areas quickly. So a change of ethos is obviously no longer the clubs aim

It sounds like a change from 4-5-1 with Evans. Cresswell or whoever stuck up front on their own 20 yards from the nearest midfielder. It's therefore a change for the better.

If a change in ethos is no longer the club's aim then someone had better tell Pembo. Against Millwall the other night the young lads played some terrific passing football and the system is set up so as to make sure all age levels are encouraged to play the same. Eventually this will feed into the first team but it will all take time, but for now it's all about avoiding relegation and playing pretty football with the players we have at our disposal won't be the order of the day.

 

[Grecian2000]

Haha I enjoyed it at the time, but I was younger and it was cheep to get in. I think fans want something more now and unless we are promoted you can forget 25,000 crowds with direct football.

It was great whilst it lasted, but the reason Harry and Graham Taylor are sat on their arses instead of coaching/managing and the tactic has died out (until Blackwell gets the call from Accrington) is that it is so easy to defend that it has had its day.

Playing at a high tempo is fine IF you go out to win and can mix it up with some decent invention in the final third but relying on your fullbacks bombing in crosses from just over the half way line is going to fail 9 times out of 10.

 

[puppet]

It was great whilst it lasted, but the reason Harry and Graham Taylor are sat on their arses instead of coaching/managing and the tactic has died out (until Blackwell gets the call from Accrington) is that it is so easy to defend that it has had its day.

Playing at a high tempo is fine IF you go out to win and can mix it up with some decent invention in the final third but relying on your fullbacks bombing in crosses from just over the half way line is going to fail 9 times out of 10.

amen to that!

 

[SwissBlade]

Thanks for the update Foxy and Linz, i had to go out and have a beer last night, listening to the poor sound was awful, so i've read all the updates this morning (not the tweets though, sorry foxy, i'll read them later)

Brilliant work folks, sounded like a good open, honest discussion and no spin. Micky and Corky seem to tell it like it is.

I have a good feeling about all this.....

Now Micky, go get Andy Reid!

 

[Bristol Blade]

When Blackwell first came in the football was good to watch; it wasn't pissing about with the ball in midfield, it was get the ball out wide and get it into the box, create chances and score goals. Admittedly after that first half season the performances went massively downhill as he became more nervous about being too attack-minded, but hopefully Adams can get us back to that fast-tempo style we first saw under Blackwell.

The notion that the only enjoyable style to watch is the endless passing used by Doncaster is rubbish.

Oh and also, cheers Foxy and Linz for covering the night so well! Really appreciated

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Interesting stuff last night. I was offered a pair of tickets at the last minute and clearly I jumped at the chance. It was great to meet Micky and Corky and shake their hand, as well as some other very nice people involved with the club.

I was pleased with what I heard from MA. No promises and no false pretence. We're in trouble but we are actively looking at ways to get out of it and I am confident we have the right man to start moving us forward.....but then I always was.

I gathered Foxy and Linz were in attendance somewhere towards the back and it is a shame I didnt get round to saying hello. Great coverage on here guys, much appreciated by all.

 

[JohnDenver]

There's a lot of argument on this thread, but there's plenty of scope for consensus . I think everyone would agree that we need to play to our strengths (whatever the feck they are), in order to stay up this season.

But from next summer we need to recruit players to play a particular way which dovetails with the Academy style. It can't happen overnight, and nor can it happen with the current churn in the first team squad. But the medium/long term planning has to be in place. That's something we've lacked since relegation from the PL, and we're paying dearly.

None of that is controversial. It just seems, as Bergen often points out, people cannot properly define what a 'good football' style actually is.

 

[broomhillblade]

When I want Andy Pack's opinion about style of play I'll ask for it, thank you very much. 'Same philosophy as the promotions before?' says the wise sage knowingly. Yes, Andy - Same philosophy as the utter crap before, in-between and after the Promotions that is driving fans away in droves. Stop trying to influence something you know nothing about.

Pack OFF!

Yes, what could Andy Pack possibly know? He's only accompanied every manager on just about every press conference for the past 20 years or so....

 

[Grecian2000]

It just seems, as Bergen often points out, people cannot properly define what a 'good football' style actually is.

Think you'll find that's Ryan Shawcross in a suit as far as the Bergmeister is concerned.

I agree JD, there has been no long term thinking for too long. The constant reliance on loans exacerbates this and it must stop this coming summer, whatever division we might find ourselves in.

 

[Linz]

I gathered Foxy and Linz were in attendance somewhere towards the back and it is a shame I didnt get round to saying hello. Great coverage on here guys, much appreciated by all.

Aye... we were ensconced at the back and hiding behind a pillar

Should've come to say hello, we look better in the dark!

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Aye... we were ensconced at the back and hiding behind a pillar

Should've come to say hello, we look better in the dark!

Next time we have another similar event I will

I was on the front row, on your far left. When they referred to internet questions and Mr. Batho (I believe) with two other people I assumed they were referring to you. I was doing a meerkat over the crowd trying to see you

 

[Linz]

Next time we have another similar event I will

I was on the front row, on your far left. When they referred to internet questions and Mr. Batho (I believe) with two other people I assumed they were referring to you. I was doing a meerkat over the crowd trying to see you

Hahaha... yeah, we were sat with Richard, hiding behind our monitors

Unfortunately, we couldn't hide from the photographer and there is photographic proof of us being there which will hopefully never see the light of day!

 

[sheffielder]

Thanks Linz and Foxy

I have a question.... When Micky said that Lowry, Mattock and Bent were signed with a view to a perm deal did anyone ask if those fees had been agreed already?

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

aren't they out of contract pretty soon?

 

[sheffielder]

Well Bent is. Mattock I am sure only signed for WBA last season for a good fee so can't see him being out of contract this summer. Don't know anything about Lowry contract though

 

[Sothall_Blade]

According to Wikipedia, Lowry signed a 2 year contract extension on 11th May 2010. Mattock signed a three year contract on 10th August 2009. So both are contracted until Summer 2012.

The argument about Adam's preferred style of play is once again focusing on "passing v hoofing". The key point for me is that MA has said he wants to play "an EXCITING style of football. I want to go out and try and WIN every game for the rest of this season. That for me is the major change from the Robson/Blackwell/Speed philosophy of first and foremost trying to avoid defeat.

P.S. Thanks very much to Linz and Foxy for the excellent coverage :thumbup:

 

[Ollessendro]

I really enjoy these meet the Manager/Chairman nights, it's a kind of highlight to my life atm as I've had a rough ride lately.

there's a big hug and pint coming your way when I am next in Sheffield for a home game!?

Massive thanks for the updates - brilliant to be able to follow it as it happened on twitter.

I was really encouraged by what I read and raised a glass to Pinchy when Pulis got mentioned!

We shouldn't over simplify styles and Adams saying he wants to get some big, strong players in the side doesn't mean it has to be hoof. How tall were Wenger's best Arsenal sides? Nearly all 6 footers.

He wants to play 4-4-2, get the ball wide and use pace to stretch opponents. That doesn't mean aimless hoofing which I'm sure no-one wants to see, not even Pinchy's imaginary 'We :heart: hoof brigade'.

Personally I want to see a team who move the ball around quickly, press as a group when the opposition have the ball, look to get the ball into dangerous areas as often as possible and who have the physical attributes (pace, strength, height) required for modern day football. I think Adams will bring us that.

I saw a stat the other day which said WBA had hit more long passes than any other team in the Premier League this season. It doesn't all have to be short passes for it to be good to watch.

Good post.

I couldn't give a toss if we hoof it, play like Barca/Arsenal or tippy tappy as long as we play attacking football, set out to win, can vary things (plan B) and win more often than not.

I don't buy into this style debate too much. Chelsea and Man U play kick and rush some times. They CAN pass the ball and keep it, but when needed they get it in the box. Barca and Arsenal are exceptions to the rule. Even Mourihno's teams knock it long. Real are direct, but again they can vary and play different degrees of football if they want. I expect the same from Adams Sheffield United (in time).

The thing that ruined KB was not just the hoof, but the negativity. I just want to see us taking on teams, having a go and really trying to win.

I seem to remember the Lane being quite full when NW was in charge and we played fast direct football, it wasn't pretty to watch sometimes but the ground was still full.

We actually played some decent stuff under Sir Neil. Yes we were direct, hard to beat and physical, but (when necessary) we passed it well and played decent football. Again we had the ability to play and vary our style. We played fast, direct attacking football. It wasn't always pretty, but it was effective. People are harsh on Warnock for this. They labell him as long ball, but we could play if we wanted. He varied it to opponents. Reember SUFC Liverpool in 2003. We kicked lumps out of them (and beat them). Whereas in 2005/2006 we got the ball on the deck and layed some decent stuff against some teams.

There's a lot of argument on this thread, but there's plenty of scope for consensus . I think everyone would agree that we need to play to our strengths (whatever the feck they are), in order to stay up this season.

But from next summer we need to recruit players to play a particular way which dovetails with the Academy style. It can't happen overnight, and nor can it happen with the current churn in the first team squad. But the medium/long term planning has to be in place. That's something we've lacked since relegation from the PL, and we're paying dearly.

None of that is controversial. It just seems, as Bergen often points out, people cannot properly define what a 'good football' style actually is.

Another good post. See my comments above.

 

[S64 Blade]

Thanks to Foxy and Linz for the transcript of last night's Q&A. It was a good read.

It's good to see Adams and Cork have a sense of humour and some personality and hopefuly this will help boost morale in the club.

 

[super_pig]

> This obsession with style is shite.
not when it is the most sucessful method it isn't.. top team that plays hoof ball??.. name one..
actually we don't play hoofball.. that would be more interesting .. we just play anti football.. hoping to nick a goal here and there.. you can do that if you have the best defence in the league.. but now that we sold four and the other is long term injured we are stuffed.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

> This obsession with style is shite.
not when it is the most sucessful method it isn't.. top team that plays hoof ball??.. name one...

When required, Liverpool and Chelsea. A 40 yard ball by Sheffield United or Millwall is a "long ball." The same 40 yard ball played by the big clubs is a "precision long range pass."

The only team in this country that defiantly refuses to resort to that method is Arsenal (on that note what have they won recently????).

The obsession with style IS shite. It is a very simple game, complicated by those who sensationalise it. Whatever you think about short or long passing, both have been proven to work when done well.

Scoring (and winning) is the name of the game and if you've got the players you can win either way. The best thing about our beautiful game has always been the variety in how different teams approach the play.

 

[TopBoy]

Thanks to Foxy and Linz for not only the content of the Q & A session updates but also for the speed of them!

 

[alcoblade]

Nice one Foxy and Linz,

Everyone seems to be quite positive but for me my biggest concern is still around the playing style. Despite Vale fans claims otherwise Adams believes in 4-4-2 and get it into the danger areas quickly. So a change of ethos is obviously no longer the clubs aim.

The thought of playing with 2 strikers and giving priority to getting the ball to them disappoints you? I don't think many will agree.

Blackwell played very negative football, often with one up front. Being direct only refers to the period of play when you have the ball. It makes no reference to your desire to camp 11 men behind it, as Blackwell did.

It sounds much different to me

UTB

 

[Slugger]

Many thanks for the great coverage!

Am I reading too much into Corky's opinion of the Chedmeister?

Q: What's your view of Ched Evans?

AC: I'll think about that one.

 

[shorehamview]

Thanks for the coverage. I think in these occasions there is a certain chance of the person being interviewed giving the answers that they think the questioner(s) want to hear, but at least MA and AC managed to avoid this. Hopefully they will be the people to take us forward again. We'll have to wait and see, but I'm certainly a lot more confident that I was under Speed's management or the greater part of Blackwell's.

 

[puppet]

When required, Liverpool and Chelsea. A 40 yard ball by Sheffield United or Millwall is a "long ball." The same 40 yard ball played by the big clubs is a "precision long range pass."

The only team in this country that defiantly refuses to resort to that method is Arsenal (on that note what have they won recently????).

The obsession with style IS shite. It is a very simple game, complicated by those who sensationalise it. Whatever you think about short or long passing, both have been proven to work when done well.

Scoring (and winning) is the name of the game and if you've got the players you can win either way. The best thing about our beautiful game has always been the variety in how different teams approach the play.

Thats nonsense... we used to play 40 yard balls from Tony Currie as and when appropriate... Reid (and Britton) played the odd killer pass like that which created us goals (Cardiff, Millwall)... big difference between that and for example, the play off final.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Thats nonsense... we used to play 40 yard balls from Tony Currie as and when appropriate... Reid (and Britton) played the odd killer pass like that which created us goals (Cardiff, Millwall)... big difference between that and for example, the play off final.

The playoff defeat had nothing to do with the range of passing. We were second to almost every 50/50 ball, lacked movement and consequently couldnt hurt Burnley in key areas of the pitch.

That is a general theme of our current side as well. It seems to have left a legacy. The range of passing has very little do with it. With the right sort of forwards in each circumstance, a 40 yard ball over the top is just as effective as a 4 yard pass through the back four. Horses for courses.....its what makes football such a brilliant game.

It would be very boring if every side played the so called "proper way" - whatever the fuck that is.

 

[puppet]

but a 40 yard over the top ISNT how hoofball works. the ball is punted up to the big man, flick on for fast striker... if the big centre half wins it the midfield terriers chase down the second ball. this is how we tried to play the whole of the play off final and burnley ate it up for breakfast. we tried playing that way without the effective players to do the job. im pretty sure adams doesnt even want to play that way but thats how hoof works and not having the players to play that way ultimately makes the tactic completely and utterly ineffective.