Interview With Adkins After Barnsley (H)

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

There really is no such thing as the fans.

I'm a fan and I think much of the time his interviews couldn't be much better.

I could talk about this endlessly, but one point is he's not some kind of ultimate insider giving an objective opinion on what he sees and relating this to us. Bizarrely it seems that this is what some people want.

A really clear example of this is when Wenger used to get grief for his I didn't see it comments about some controversial incident. Of course he saw it. And of course he's not going to tell you about it. Ridiculing him for this was utterly ridiculous.

Another point is that people pick up on the transcript as opposed to the actual interview (eg pressure/diamonds - I don't think he said that with an entirely straight face though admittedly it's hard to tell on the radio).

The map is not the territory.

The transcript - even when it's verbatim - is not the interview.

(Though the people who get annoyed about this istm are mainly those who get annoyed about pretty much everything and anything.)

WHF . I do not get annoyed about pretty much everything or anything , far from it . Bigger fish to fry with health .

However I do get frustrated with Adkins . Not all is rosy within BDTBL , missed opportunities and mistakes have happened , and not really been eradicated since day one at Gillingham , which I class as the same as the visit to Yoevil the previous season. Have we moved on , made progress . That's up for debate.

Will we move on , progress next season , hope do . Fans count , without them we ain't got a proper football club.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest

Not a huge fan but taking that literally for a minute doesn't that make Bramall Lane a Cuckoo's Nest and Adkins McMurphy?

McMurphy was trying to liberate the inmates wasn't he?

SPOILER ALERT
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It doesn't end well.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

WHF . I do not get annoyed about pretty much everything or anything.
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I know. It wasn't aimed in your direction. Apologies if it came out that way.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I know. It wasn't aimed in your direction. Apologies if it came out that way.

No problem . Always appreciate and respect your comments and opinions .

UTB

 

[Kenilworth]

Do you want him to destroy any confidence and team spirit he is trying to build into the squad, he would by replying in the way you suggest Privately I would think he is well aware of the short comings of the squad and try to put it right ( this coming transfer window)

This squad has destroyed any confidence we had in them and don't appear to have as much of a team spirit as the opposition they are playing have.

You asked me to give you an idea of what I wanted him to say.

If he is that well aware, privately, then we see little evidence in terms of activiy pre season and in January and I really get pissed off with his woeful substitutions. He waffles in the interviews and talks platitudes with an inane grin on his face quoting some Japanese Samurai warlord or some existentialist philosopher or other - these are footballers not fucking deep thinking, worldly wise academics.

I don't have a special tube fitted to my arse ring so that some over jolly scouser can blow smoke up it.

I don't want platitudes and waffle. I want plain speaking and action.

 

[Grappler]

This squad has destroyed any confidence we had in them and don't appear to have as much of a team spirit as the opposition they are playing have.

You asked me to give you an idea of what I wanted him to say.

If he is that well aware, privately, then we see little evidence in terms of activiy pre season and in January and I really get pissed off with his woeful substitutions. He waffles in the interviews and talks platitudes with an inane grin on his face quoting some Japanese Samurai warlord or some existentialist philosopher or other - these are footballers not fucking deep thinking, worldly wise academics.

I don't have a special tube fitted to my arse ring so that some over jolly scouser can blow smoke up it.

I don't want platitudes and waffle. I want plain speaking and action.

"...I don't want platitudes and waffle. I want plain speaking and action...."

Agreed, come on lads, we are not the Harrogate and district women's cross stitch collective, we are Sheffield United Football Club, the gritty Yorkshiremen, the Battling Blades, the team that never gives up, the team that Warnock had running through brick walls, let's get that spirit (thank you Nigel Adkins!) back, let us (for once and for all) kick and fight our way out of this embarrassment, of a league!

 

[finlaytheblade]

This squad has destroyed any confidence we had in them and don't appear to have as much of a team spirit as the opposition they are playing have.

You asked me to give you an idea of what I wanted him to say.

If he is that well aware, privately, then we see little evidence in terms of activiy pre season and in January and I really get pissed off with his woeful substitutions. He waffles in the interviews and talks platitudes with an inane grin on his face quoting some Japanese Samurai warlord or some existentialist philosopher or other - these are footballers not fucking deep thinking, worldly wise academics.

I don't have a special tube fitted to my arse ring so that some over jolly scouser can blow smoke up it.

I don't want platitudes and waffle. I want plain speaking and action.

What makes you think Adkins is an academic, he has some phrases he trots out but that doasnt make him an academic. We all accept it's been a poor season but we have been close to salvaging it ( not over yet))

As I said things are looking up and if you think the club (Adkins) will start from scratch and rebuild the entire squad! you are way off.

 

[finlaytheblade]

What makes you think Adkins is an academic, he has some phrases he trots out but that doasnt make him an academic. We all accept it's been a poor season but we have been close to salvaging it ( not over yet))

As I said things are looking up and if you think the club (Adkins) will start from scratch and rebuild the entire squad! you are way off.

We are short in a number of areas and legs (pace) is a major issue and has been for a number of years.Adkins has the chance to rebuild the squad ( adding to what he has finally got going) but starting from scratch will not happen.If we do fall short ( that looks the likely outcome) there is something to build on, we wait to see what develops.
One thing for sure the budget won't be slashed if the club are serious about promotion,and in my opinion Adkins wouldn't have taken the job if he wasn't given time and a budget to work with.

 

[Woodwardfan]

There really is no such thing as the fans.

I'm a fan and I think much of the time his interviews couldn't be much better.

I could talk about this endlessly, but one point is he's not some kind of ultimate insider giving an objective opinion on what he sees and relating this to us. Bizarrely it seems that this is what some people want.

A really clear example of this is when Wenger used to get grief for his I didn't see it comments about some controversial incident. Of course he saw it. And of course he's not going to tell you about it. Ridiculing him for this was utterly ridiculous.

Another point is that people pick up on the transcript as opposed to the actual interview (eg pressure/diamonds - I don't think he said that with an entirely straight face though admittedly it's hard to tell on the radio).

The map is not the territory.

The transcript - even when it's verbatim - is not the interview.

(Though the people who get annoyed about this istm are mainly those who get annoyed about pretty much everything and anything.)

Isn't it all about what he does more than what he says?

Even his sugary, cliche ridden jargon is more palatable when we play well but excrutiating when we don't.

Unproductive to repeat certain cliches like "United Together", "great spirit, giving it a right go" when the spirit and effort are average at best.

Silly to go on about this "Pathway to the first team" for youth players when he simply plays his experienced players when there is a choice and even playing them out of position just to accommodate them at the kids' expense e.g. Saturday's team and substitutions.

Disingenuous to say his brief was to get us promoted in the 3 year term of his contract.

Telling us fans we don't notice a lot of the good work by Hammond; well we've looked a lot closer since he said that and Hammond is even worse than we ever imagined.

Suggest to him that he delegates interviews to Crosby, at least he doesn't appear to rehearse the answers before he hears the questions.

 

[raul]

Did anyone even take notice until we got the breath-by-breath analysis from Foulkes anyway?

Can't help thinking he's manage to achieve the opposite of what he set out to do.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

I recognise that our back four is the basis of the strength of the team. I've had to use 3 at the back to suit the players I have in this squad as I don't have two (fit) full backs with pace and quality that can defend properly, cut out crosses before they are delivered, and use their pace to support the attack - bombing on beyond their midfielder and wreaking havoc in the oppositions defensive third.

I'd like two beasts at Centre half who dominate the aerial battle, at least one of whom has blistering pace for a big lad - both of whom have phenomenal movement at set plays to get on the end of quality delivery and contribute a dozen or more goals to the tally every season.

I don't have dominating, hard nosed, nasty when needed to be, central midfielders who can pick a pass and set the tempo of the game. I want one at least one midfielder who can bomb on beyond the strikers when suitable and get to the edge of the box to slot home a pull back or slam the ball home from 20 yards as the oppo defence struggles to clear our incisive wing play and quality delivery into the box.

I want quality delivery from set pieces, whipped in, not lofted in, with pace so it's nigh on impossible to defend against.

I want string tackling, pressing, winning the ball and shifting It forward with pace and precision.

I want to play with width and pace on either flank, with players beating their man to the by line and clipping or curling a whipped ball into the centre or onto the penalty spot so my strikers can burst into the space and slot home.

I'd like a big un and a speedy little un up top, totally in tune with each other, creating havoc and banging goals in left right and centre. The big lad is brave and hard and wins his aerial battles and when he gets his header on a cross he thumps it past a despairing keeper - the little un anticipates and sees his flick ons and races onto them past the last line of defence and slots 90% of his one on one's with the keeper away.

I want my team to play with passion and verve and a never beaten spirit. I want them to bust a gut for the shirt and be utterly ruthless by putting the opposition to the sword.

I'd like to understand when I should make substitutions to affect the game and not just replace like for like in the hope that something will click by random fortune.

Unfortunately I have these piss poor plodders at my disposal and I have added dross to dross, for which I am truely sorry about.

It's not acceptable and I know we need to do a hell of a lot more to reach the standards I am expecting. I will be making changes and expect this club to go places. I want to harness this huge resource we have, the crowd, the fans of this club can drag us through difficult times and roar us on to victory. I want us to pull together and be united in our common goal of getting this club back to where it should be. 6 fucking years in this division is an insult. It's abject failure on a scale that surpasses even the most ridiculous projections of pitiful mediocrity.

We are going to drag this club by the scruff of its neck and take it forward with guts and balls and determination. We are going to wear red and white fucking stripes and we are going to batter the fucking opposition into the middle of next week.

I will not tolerate mediocrity. I will not accept anything less than total commitment. My players will be fit and hungry and fight for each other. If they are not willing to do this they can fuck off and play golf all day. We want winners here. Never say die attitudes filled with guts, determination, professionalism, and pride.

Not difficult is it?

 

[Woodwardfan]

I recognise that our back four is the basis of the strength of the team. I've had to use 3 at the back to suit the players I have in this squad as I don't have two (fit) full backs with pace and quality that can defend properly, cut out crosses before they are delivered, and use their pace to support the attack - bombing on beyond their midfielder and wreaking havoc in the oppositions defensive third.

I'd like two beasts at Centre half who dominate the aerial battle, at least one of whom has blistering pace for a big lad - both of whom have phenomenal movement at set plays to get on the end of quality delivery and contribute a dozen or more goals to the tally every season.

I don't have dominating, hard nosed, nasty when needed to be, central midfielders who can pick a pass and set the tempo of the game. I want one at least one midfielder who can bomb on beyond the strikers when suitable and get to the edge of the box to slot home a pull back or slam the ball home from 20 yards as the oppo defence struggles to clear our incisive wing play and quality delivery into the box.

I want quality delivery from set pieces, whipped in, not lofted in, with pace so it's nigh on impossible to defend against.

I want string tackling, pressing, winning the ball and shifting It forward with pace and precision.

I want to play with width and pace on either flank, with players beating their man to the by line and clipping or curling a whipped ball into the centre or onto the penalty spot so my strikers can burst into the space and slot home.

I'd like a big un and a speedy little un up top, totally in tune with each other, creating havoc and banging goals in left right and centre. The big lad is brave and hard and wins his aerial battles and when he gets his header on a cross he thumps it past a despairing keeper - the little un anticipates and sees his flick ons and races onto them past the last line of defence and slots 90% of his one on one's with the keeper away.

I want my team to play with passion and verve and a never beaten spirit. I want them to bust a gut for the shirt and be utterly ruthless by putting the opposition to the sword.

I'd like to understand when I should make substitutions to affect the game and not just replace like for like in the hope that something will click by random fortune.

Unfortunately I have these piss poor plodders at my disposal and I have added dross to dross, for which I am truely sorry about.

It's not acceptable and I know we need to do a hell of a lot more to reach the standards I am expecting. I will be making changes and expect this club to go places. I want to harness this huge resource we have, the crowd, the fans of this club can drag us through difficult times and roar us on to victory. I want us to pull together and be united in our common goal of getting this club back to where it should be. 6 fucking years in this division is an insult. It's abject failure on a scale that surpasses even the most ridiculous projections of pitiful mediocrity.

We are going to drag this club by the scruff of its neck and take it forward with guts and balls and determination. We are going to wear red and white fucking stripes and we are going to batter the fucking opposition into the middle of next week.

I will not tolerate mediocrity. I will not accept anything less than total commitment. My players will be fit and hungry and fight for each other. If they are not willing to do this they can fuck off and play golf all day. We want winners here. Never say die attitudes filled with guts, determination, professionalism, and pride.

In truth that is his end of season rallying speech in the effort to save his job rather than an after-match interview related to one game when technically we still have a hope of making the play-offs.

If Adkins uses it word for word then he will win back a few supporters. Let's hope Adkins has a formation, a system of playing and knows the type of players he needs, I'm doubtful he is focused on those things but he must be, mustn't he?

I particularly like the third paragraph. In all Adkins' signings he has failed to find anybody who can run onto the edge of the area from central midfield and he has used Flynn for that very role, out of position of course but a tryer and he has filled what was previously a void. He never rated Scougall for that role, if indeed he thinks there is such a role; Baxter had a couple of games there but lacked the drive anyway. We seem to be obsessed with the slow ball out to wide men even though they too are playing out of position.

 

[Kenilworth]

In truth that is his end of season rallying speech in the effort to save his job rather than an after-match interview related to one game when technically we still have a hope of making the play-offs.

If Adkins uses it word for word then he will win back a few supporters. Let's hope Adkins has a formation, a system of playing and knows the type of players he needs, I'm doubtful he is focused on those things but he must be, mustn't he?

I particularly like the third paragraph. In all Adkins' signings he has failed to find anybody who can run onto the edge of the area from central midfield and he has used Flynn for that very role, out of position of course but a tryer and he has filled what was previously a void. He never rated Scougall for that role, if indeed he thinks there is such a role; Baxter had a couple of games there but lacked the drive anyway. We seem to be obsessed with the slow ball out to wide men even though they too are playing out of position.

He can't afford me

 

[Woodwardfan]

He can't afford me

Just had a look at our Player Stats:

Baxter 13th most Appearances; 3rd Top Scorer; 2nd Top Assists.

We miss him, warts and all.

 

[finlaytheblade]

In truth that is his end of season rallying speech in the effort to save his job rather than an after-match interview related to one game when technically we still have a hope of making the play-offs.

If Adkins uses it word for word then he will win back a few supporters. Let's hope Adkins has a formation, a system of playing and knows the type of players he needs, I'm doubtful he is focused on those things but he must be, mustn't he?

I particularly like the third paragraph. In all Adkins' signings he has failed to find anybody who can run onto the edge of the area from central midfield and he has used Flynn for that very role, out of position of course but a tryer and he has filled what was previously a void. He never rated Scougall for that role, if indeed he thinks there is such a role; Baxter had a couple of games there but lacked the drive anyway. We seem to be obsessed with the slow ball out to wide men even though they too are playing out of position.

Don't think Adkins job is in danger Woody,he has not at all acted like a man under pressure (this season at least ).ime of the opinion he would have been given this season to sort out the problems Clough left ( obviously promotion was wanted but not under pressure unless a relegation was looming ).
When taking the job either the board or himself , probably both wanted a more attacking style (entertaining ) and left with a mainly negative bunch of players tried to adopt an attack minded approach .By autumn (Shrews game ) it became obviouse that we couldn't play and win consistently with this formula,maybe it took him too long to realise this but he had a lot of players to give an opportunity tne can also say his signings didn't hit the ground running apart from Sharpy,this happens especially when he wasn't really sure what our strengths and weaknesses were ( August ).h
After trying different ways he settled on 3 5 2 which probably suits us best especially with a class player like Baptiste coming in ( we have to get him permanent be it championship or league one )
It probably is too late for this season but one never gives up ( fat lady and all that) Adkins now knows what's needed to put in a big challenge next season and ime sure that given a realistic budget ( which he will get ) he would accept nothing but a play off place is acceptable next season ( even automatic )
No manager gets the amount of time they would like to get a job done, but to sack another one is not going to happen at this stage.
He wants to play attacking football ,that was the beef with clough (negative approach ),however I would have taken promotion with Clough whatever way it was acheave, I beleave Adkins style will bring us real exciting football but that was never going to happen with cloughs dull approach.
Come on you red and white wizards. ps what a great result for under 18 at Watford on Saturday.

 

[Caseh]

Seriously, he said nothing wrong in that interview. We didn't get the result that we wanted after playing okish. But ofc, that means every word that comes out of Adkins mouth is wrong!

We had Clough who would constantly heap blame on the players, picking on certain individuals mostly. Now we have Adkins who won't publicly blame anyone. Yet both are wrong? All I get from this forum is you lot want it straight away, you just aren't sure what it is you want.

*stamps feet and throws toys*

 

[mosbolad]

Just had a look at our Player Stats:

Baxter 13th most Appearances; 3rd Top Scorer; 2nd Top Assists.

We miss him, warts and all.

Not me WWF. How many matches have we missed him already due to his self inflicted suspensions at a time when we could have done with him? 3 lengthy suspensions in just over a year? We need players we can rely on.

 

[Grecian2000]

Just had a look at our Player Stats:

Baxter 13th most Appearances; 3rd Top Scorer; 2nd Top Assists.

We miss him, warts and all.

Nurse, nurse . . . . . . . . . I think Mr Sitters is having a fit.

 

[bladesmanluke]

I firmly believe that if we hadn't sold Jamie Murphy, Adkins would have gotten us up this season. He was by far and away our best player and often only attacking outlet and we got rid of him for a pittance so we had to start all over again and learn to play without our only outlet from the previous season. We were doomed to failure from this point it was simply too much to overcome for a club that never, ever replaces the talent they flog. We need to add more quality to the team else we are going nowhere... Again.

And this does mean we have to spend money on transfer fees. That's the only way we will acquire the quality needed. There is no use spending fees for the likes of Murphy on the wages of free transfers. I don't buy that we can do it largely on free transfers just because other clubs in this league do. We are not another club, we are Sheffield United. Free transfers to us just means clones of Ryan France. We must buy the best players from the clubs around us and to get them we will have to pay.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Just had a look at our Player Stats:

Baxter 13th most Appearances; 3rd Top Scorer; 2nd Top Assists.

We miss him, warts and all.

Woody , too many players are there or there abouts , but never give or live up to there true potential . We have a first team squad full of them. We do need a complete clear out of players who are not fit or cannot last a 46 game season.

For some reason we fans get the fundamentals completely wrong , and we do not always see the bigger picture , but issues in isolation after each game . That's a fans prerogative but even I fall into the trap.

Frustration and concern of never getting out of league 1 is affecting us all , and whether or not Adkins is the man , is still open to question.

We will never do it , if we don't get rid of the pile of dead wood starting with Baxter. He just ain't worth the risk . 20th rate Joey Barton of conference level , who will ply is trade with Higdon at Trammere Rovers soon .

UTB

 

[Kenilworth]

Seriously, he said nothing wrong in that interview. We didn't get the result that we wanted after playing okish. But ofc, that means every word that comes out of Adkins mouth is wrong! We had Clough who would constantly heap blame on the players, picking on certain individuals mostly. Now we have Adkins who won't publicly blame anyone. Yet both are wrong? All I get from this forum is you lot want it straight away, you just aren't sure what it is you want.

*stamps feet and throws toys*

A more measured approach would have been to realise that we have been less than mediocre all season and that a position in the play-offs should have been the minimum attainable by this highly paid bunch of wasters.
Adkins could keep his interviews much shorter and stop blithering on about "we move on to the next game" as though the trash that has gone on before has no bearing on the outcome. Well it has - he has taken far too long to realise the issues. I'm not advocating for his removal but I grow increasingly impatient about the platitudes delivered and the condescending tone he uses, when we can all see what's in front of our eyes (except, of course, the work that Hammond does, which remains in a parallel universe that we have no window into). I understand that he is deflecting the criticism and protecting his players but it does not make the sickly sweetness any less palatable for the knowing. If he ceased with the philosophical bullshit, it might be a start.

.... and the Fucking Blade-a-coaster!!!!! WTF?

It's almost as though he's our version of Alton Towers "Smiler" - not quite as severe the consequences but a disaster all the same.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Pity the lads didn't have a right go from the start of the season instead of the last half dozen games of it.

It is, but the lads playing now are fairly different to those playing at the start of the season or at various spells. They’re playing in a different system, part of a smaller group looking like they have a bit of team spirit about them now. Done, Coutts, Flynn were injured at the start of the season. Hammond and Baptiste weren’t here. Edgar wasn’t here for the first game. Long and Adams are young lads maturing as the season has gone on. Wasters like Baxter had their chance earlier in the season and let us down.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Got to say that it really, really doesn't matter what he says, its all media bullshit or he's talking shit for his own agenda just like every other manager we've had in the media age.

If we'd run away with the league, none of us would give a shit, in fact we'd be raving about how well he handles the media.

A thousand times this. So much has been made of what a manager says in his interviews, whether he folds his arms on the touchline, whether he blames referees etc. Results are what matter and we’ve come up short this season. There was mitigating factors in Adkins’ defence but ultimately, he will be as disappointed as the rest of us. At least we are seeing some improvement though as we begin to develop some sort of team spirit and consistency of selection.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I recognise that our back four is the basis of the strength of the team. I've had to use 3 at the back to suit the players I have in this squad as I don't have two (fit) full backs with pace and quality that can defend properly, cut out crosses before they are delivered, and use their pace to support the attack - bombing on beyond their midfielder and wreaking havoc in the oppositions defensive third.

I'd like two beasts at Centre half who dominate the aerial battle, at least one of whom has blistering pace for a big lad - both of whom have phenomenal movement at set plays to get on the end of quality delivery and contribute a dozen or more goals to the tally every season.

I don't have dominating, hard nosed, nasty when needed to be, central midfielders who can pick a pass and set the tempo of the game. I want one at least one midfielder who can bomb on beyond the strikers when suitable and get to the edge of the box to slot home a pull back or slam the ball home from 20 yards as the oppo defence struggles to clear our incisive wing play and quality delivery into the box.

I want quality delivery from set pieces, whipped in, not lofted in, with pace so it's nigh on impossible to defend against.

I want string tackling, pressing, winning the ball and shifting It forward with pace and precision.

I want to play with width and pace on either flank, with players beating their man to the by line and clipping or curling a whipped ball into the centre or onto the penalty spot so my strikers can burst into the space and slot home.

I'd like a big un and a speedy little un up top, totally in tune with each other, creating havoc and banging goals in left right and centre. The big lad is brave and hard and wins his aerial battles and when he gets his header on a cross he thumps it past a despairing keeper - the little un anticipates and sees his flick ons and races onto them past the last line of defence and slots 90% of his one on one's with the keeper away.

I want my team to play with passion and verve and a never beaten spirit. I want them to bust a gut for the shirt and be utterly ruthless by putting the opposition to the sword.

I'd like to understand when I should make substitutions to affect the game and not just replace like for like in the hope that something will click by random fortune.

Unfortunately I have these piss poor plodders at my disposal and I have added dross to dross, for which I am truely sorry about.

It's not acceptable and I know we need to do a hell of a lot more to reach the standards I am expecting. I will be making changes and expect this club to go places. I want to harness this huge resource we have, the crowd, the fans of this club can drag us through difficult times and roar us on to victory. I want us to pull together and be united in our common goal of getting this club back to where it should be. 6 fucking years in this division is an insult. It's abject failure on a scale that surpasses even the most ridiculous projections of pitiful mediocrity.

We are going to drag this club by the scruff of its neck and take it forward with guts and balls and determination. We are going to wear red and white fucking stripes and we are going to batter the fucking opposition into the middle of next week.

I will not tolerate mediocrity. I will not accept anything less than total commitment. My players will be fit and hungry and fight for each other. If they are not willing to do this they can fuck off and play golf all day. We want winners here. Never say die attitudes filled with guts, determination, professionalism, and pride.

That basically just tells every one of his squad that they are not what he wants and suggests he wants to sign players who won’t play in league 1.


I’d prefer the way he focuses on what certain players can bring to the table and tries to negate their weaknesses (by using 352 for example). I also like the way he wants 2 up top who can both play rather than one of the front 2 being a lump (which has often been the case for us). I like that he’s trying to get us playing through the thirds at a high tempo. We’re some way off being the finished article but we are starting to seem some harmony between what he says he wants to do and what is actually happening in the pitch. Give him the time and resources to execute his plans for this club and we could be promoted playing exciting football.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

You've always been a negative fucker. Blokes like me and Finlay block types like you out, so we can focus on making a success of our lives

Honestly, that mentality is all wrong in this league. Every single side in this league is shit, anyone can beat anyone , because everyone is shit. UTB

It’s very unlikely that Colchester will do us the favour we need next week but I’m sure we’ll all be watching out for the score just in case.

 

[Darthblade]

I recognise that our back four is the basis of the strength of the team. I've had to use 3 at the back to suit the players I have in this squad as I don't have two (fit) full backs with pace and quality that can defend properly, cut out crosses before they are delivered, and use their pace to support the attack - bombing on beyond their midfielder and wreaking havoc in the oppositions defensive third.

I'd like two beasts at Centre half who dominate the aerial battle, at least one of whom has blistering pace for a big lad - both of whom have phenomenal movement at set plays to get on the end of quality delivery and contribute a dozen or more goals to the tally every season.

I don't have dominating, hard nosed, nasty when needed to be, central midfielders who can pick a pass and set the tempo of the game. I want one at least one midfielder who can bomb on beyond the strikers when suitable and get to the edge of the box to slot home a pull back or slam the ball home from 20 yards as the oppo defence struggles to clear our incisive wing play and quality delivery into the box.

I want quality delivery from set pieces, whipped in, not lofted in, with pace so it's nigh on impossible to defend against.

I want string tackling, pressing, winning the ball and shifting It forward with pace and precision.

I want to play with width and pace on either flank, with players beating their man to the by line and clipping or curling a whipped ball into the centre or onto the penalty spot so my strikers can burst into the space and slot home.

I'd like a big un and a speedy little un up top, totally in tune with each other, creating havoc and banging goals in left right and centre. The big lad is brave and hard and wins his aerial battles and when he gets his header on a cross he thumps it past a despairing keeper - the little un anticipates and sees his flick ons and races onto them past the last line of defence and slots 90% of his one on one's with the keeper away.

I want my team to play with passion and verve and a never beaten spirit. I want them to bust a gut for the shirt and be utterly ruthless by putting the opposition to the sword.

I'd like to understand when I should make substitutions to affect the game and not just replace like for like in the hope that something will click by random fortune.

Unfortunately I have these piss poor plodders at my disposal and I have added dross to dross, for which I am truely sorry about.

It's not acceptable and I know we need to do a hell of a lot more to reach the standards I am expecting. I will be making changes and expect this club to go places. I want to harness this huge resource we have, the crowd, the fans of this club can drag us through difficult times and roar us on to victory. I want us to pull together and be united in our common goal of getting this club back to where it should be. 6 fucking years in this division is an insult. It's abject failure on a scale that surpasses even the most ridiculous projections of pitiful mediocrity.

We are going to drag this club by the scruff of its neck and take it forward with guts and balls and determination. We are going to wear red and white fucking stripes and we are going to batter the fucking opposition into the middle of next week.

I will not tolerate mediocrity. I will not accept anything less than total commitment. My players will be fit and hungry and fight for each other. If they are not willing to do this they can fuck off and play golf all day. We want winners here. Never say die attitudes filled with guts, determination, professionalism, and pride.

Why the f**k didn't Adkins just be totally candid and say all this ....... I would have been happy then !!

Particularly if he'd added ..... " and if the Board don't deliver the support I need in the summer, I'm going to kick the boardroom door down and kick the chairman in the balls so hard he'll cough blood" !!

UTB & FTP

 

[Darthblade]

Do you want him to destroy any confidence and team spirit he is trying to build into the squad, he would by replying in the way you suggest Privately I would think he is well aware of the short comings of the squad and try to put it right ( this coming transfer window)

Shouldn't matter now ....... hopefully the majority of the senior players will be culled in the summer anyway ......

UTB & FTP

 

[Darthblade]

Just had a look at our Player Stats:

Baxter 13th most Appearances; 3rd Top Scorer; 2nd Top Assists.

We miss him, warts and all.

I understand what you're saying but some of his goals were penalties .......

Personally, I thought Baxter had about one good game in 6 and we miss him like we miss a case of galloping clap and running sores .....

UTB & FTP

 

[Woodwardfan]

Woody , too many players are there or there abouts , but never give or live up to there true potential . We have a first team squad full of them. We do need a complete clear out of players who are not fit or cannot last a 46 game season.

For some reason we fans get the fundamentals completely wrong , and we do not always see the bigger picture , but issues in isolation after each game . That's a fans prerogative but even I fall into the trap.

Frustration and concern of never getting out of league 1 is affecting us all , and whether or not Adkins is the man , is still open to question.

We will never do it , if we don't get rid of the pile of dead wood starting with Baxter. He just ain't worth the risk . 20th rate Joey Barton of conference level , who will ply is trade with Higdon at Trammere Rovers soon .

UTB

I'm not making a case to keep Baxter. The post followed on from the one about the void we have in central midfield in the creativity department.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I understand what you're saying but some of his goals were penalties .......

Personally, I thought Baxter had about one good game in 6 and we miss him like we miss a case of galloping clap and running sores .....

UTB & FTP

We only miss him because he is better than the clap we have to put up with, they certainly do not "gallop" nor "run" !!

After 15 minutes last Saturday after a United attack I said to the Missus," just look at Hammond and Coutts hobbling back to position". Seriously these lads have such mobility issues they walk just like me and I'm 68 years old. What did she say - " oh shut up, you're obsessed, if you can't think of anything positive to say about them, just shut up!!" And she's right, watching Coutts and Hammond in the same midfield incenses me, but I only complain about 1 in 10 times I'm thinking it. If they are still with us next season, there will be a couple of tickets often available on match days. Youth, optimism, pace, mobility, hunger - that's what we need - not two players who have to cope with recovery if they ever venture into the final third of the pitch.

I'm not defending Baxter any more, I just know where our weaknesses are.