Clough Poll

[Guesty]

It's always good to get away from knee-jerk drivel for a while. It refreshes the old grey cell(s).

You should try it.

A season long knee-jerk.

 

[Pinchy]

I was thinking this morning about how there used to be a quiz the manager session at the AGM and I don't know if that still happens, but I had exactly the same thoughts as Bergen and alco.

How fantastic would it be if Clough listed the things that he did wrong (ie not blaming outside factors, which he's very good at). I also wonder what his management team think about some of the decisions he's made, for example, what's Morgs view on playing small full backs at centre half, does he just say "great idea gaffer"?

Well, plenty of Bladey Blades want Bladey Tel as first name on the team sheet, despite his unfortunate incapacity to play more than 45 minutes and the impossibility of him competing consistently against players significantly taller and more powerful. Great idea, Bladey Blades.

Morgs never gets anything wrong. All our wins are down to his influence; the defeats are nothing to do with him. He's a Blade.

 

[Guesty]

Well, plenty of Bladey Blades want Bladey Tel as first name on the team sheet, despite his unfortunate incapacity to play more than 45 minutes and the impossibility of him competing consistently against players significantly taller and more powerful. Great idea, Bladey Blades.

Morgs never gets anything wrong. All our wins are down to his influence; the defeats are nothing to do with him. He's a Blade.

A much better idea is to fill the back four with Fullbacks, as last night's sterling efforts proved.

I agree re his knee injury, obviously, but he's a far better Centre Half when available than the clowns we've had their recently, lack of height or no.

 

[FTPE]

He can stay for me BUT... We need 2 Centre Backs. Proper ones. Sign Steven Davies who has impressed me. Play 4-4-2 with Davies and Done. Build the team around those two, Adams, Murphy, Brayford and Basham.

For me the XI should be

New GK
Brayford - New CB - New CB - Harris
Basham
Adams - a CM - Murphy
Done - Davies
​

We're not far off.

I said the same team last night, although I said we need a left back too.

 

[Pinchy]

A much better idea is to fill the back four with Fullbacks, as last night's sterling efforts proved.

I agree re his knee injury, obviously, but he's a far better Centre Half when available than the clowns we've had their recently, lack of height or no.

Maybe, but he's not the answer for any team with promotion ambitions. You did notice a few blunders in his recent performances didn't you?....

 

[Going up]

Harris has been poor since January unfortunately. He's gone from being cultered to a hoofer.

Davies with a clear pre-season will be an asset, however he isn't the goalscorer we are craving for.

Davies doesn't need to be the 30 a season . goal scorer, he leads the line better than any we have had for a long time and with Done, Adams, Murphy and McNulty, we will score goals.

 

[Guesty]

Maybe, but he's not the answer for any team with promotion ambitions. You did notice a few blunders in his recent performances didn't you?....

Of course. Indeed, before his run in the side this season, I too thought he wouldn't make it on account of not being good enough. Now, though I just think he won't make it because of his knee! So that's an improvement of sorts.

If we'd had two more Centre Backs to play alongside/rotate with Kennedy, I think he'd have been worth a place in the side when able.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Because we have 4 FBs playing in the back 4.

My point was that whereas you said he had done nothing about it - he might have been trying to get people in.

He has spoken about missing targets or being unable to get targets which could have include CBs.

if he has tried then he hasn't succeeded.

 

[Pinchy]

Of course. Indeed, before his run in the side this season, I too thought he wouldn't make it on account of not being good enough. Now, though I just think he won't make it because of his knee! So that's an improvement of sorts.

If we'd had two more Centre Backs to play alongside/rotate with Kennedy, I think he'd have been worth a place in the side when able.

In the present side? Yes mate, but we really can do so much better. Sadly, though I sincerely hope not, I suspect we're ultimately debating a redundant issue, don't you?

The big, powerful consistent defenders are out there. They aren't named Butler or Collins though!

 

[robbiez666]

Pros & cons

Clough Stays:

We can't keep changing managers
He kept us up last season
Great cup runs

Clough Goes

Our performances have been dreadful in the league. Very few games could be described as a good performance
He's had more money than any other manager in L1
He's got a bigger squad than any other team
He's been allowed to pay off players
He's fallen out with players
He publicly scapegoats players
He has his favourites
His tactics have been poor
His substitutions have been poor
He sets up every game as if we're playing a top flight team. Works against top flight teams but not those in league 1
His team selections are odd
He won;t play a settled side
He's not addressed a problem that every single fan can see
He's not motivating or getting the best out of players
He's not developing players

so yeah, he has to go for me. I can see no reason to believe he'll be any different next season, especially given his history. Derby fans make the same comments we are.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

We will NEVER play open, expansive football under Clough, he doesn't know how to, look at his record at Derby, dull as dishwater, set up not to lose, sound familiar?

I personally can't understand why he is so negative, he played for 2 of the most attacking sides in his day in Liverpool and Forest but he just cannot seem to bear the thought of losing a game which in turn breeds this constant negativity.

Sorry Nigel, you have to go.

Fucking odd way of showing a defensive nature, a defence as porous as a Tom and Jerry lump of gorgonzola, and no centre backs, an ineffective strike force.mostly due to Cough fucking about with the team incessantly.

 

[wizadry]

If the board have any resolve they'll sanction the signing of two known and decent center halves, plus a strong, ball winning midfielder, and maybe, just maybe, we'll see if Chris O'Grady will finally sign to the Blades.

Why should the board give NC any more money? It's this question that makes it a really difficult decision for the board to give him any more time.

Onto the question of the OP. If i could see that in the future Clough was going to change how he goes about things and make better transfers as a whole then i'd give him next season, it's this that i'm struggling with though because i can't.

I can only think of a handful of games where i've come out of the game and thought that was good, lets have more of that Clough but no, he reverts to tippy tappy sideways and backwards passing with no tempo whatsoever. I don't mind tippy tappy football aslong as we play with tempo and look to go forward with it but we just haven't done enough of it and i'm really suprised we managed to get in the playoffs only having those handful of good games, you'd have thought it would take more than that but obviously not.

It's alright people saying we need stability but what does that actually mean? Because being in league one is not where we need stability, the Championship would be the place for stability, consolidating in the Championship would be a way forward, still being in league one is certainly not, no matter how many managers we've had.

NC has been disrespectful to his players at times, he's disrepected his own fans at times, he's shown a lack of nous when it comes to beating the so called lesser teams, i.e he keeps the same formation and tactics as every other game,. The board surely can't trust him with any more money after some of the players he's brought in, i.e like for like. These are just a few of the things that i'm pissed off with, there are tons more.

I've held my council for long enough and at first i thought even if we don't go up i'll give him next season but he really has pissed me off a lot this season and personally i've had enough of it, i even had my 10 year old son saying why hasn't Davies or Adams come on at HT last night, that says it all really. We needed goals and he made our second sub, that been Adams with 4 minutes remaining, 4 fucking minutes, absolutely embarrasing, stubborn man management. You'll do well to change my mind now Cloughy, good luck to you and the board because i think they're going to need it.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Do you think he has the humility to do that? What should happen if he doesn't make such a statement?

He gets a bit defensive in post match interviews, so it should be a calmer setting. Maybe Radio Sheffield aren't ideal when it comes to making him speak with 100% honesty and humility, though BladesPlayer would probably be too cozy. I'm sure he'll have meetings with the board over the next few days and will be prepared for them. Maybe speaking to him after that would be an idea? How about a Q&A session with fans, with prepared questions? I would have liked to contribute to that.

If there's no such statement/official interview, or if he carries on blaming bad luck, etc, I think Clough are missing out on the chance of regaining support from many fans. He's a genuine football man and the first manager since Warnock who's interesting to listen to. I'd really like an insight into specific things that he feels have gone wrong this season and how he plans to address them.

 

[secretchief]

But do you want him out to punish him for not sorting out centre backs this season, or because you don't think he'll sort them out for next season?

I think anyone who votes 'in' assumes he'll have learned a few lessons from this season. It would be good if he one of the next days spoke more of what we lacked this season, and how he plans to address these problems in the summer. There should be an element of admitting the management's mistakes this season in such an interview/statement.

If Jesse Ventura came over from the US and personally waterboarded Clough even he wouldn't be able to get those kind of admissions.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Why should the board give NC any more money? It's this question that makes it a really difficult decision for the board to give him any more time.

Onto the question of the OP. If i could see that in the future Clough was going to change how he goes about things and make better transfers as a whole then i'd give him next season, it's this that i'm struggling with though because i can't.

I can only think of a handful of games where i've come out of the game and thought that was good, lets have more of that Clough but no, he reverts to tippy tappy sideways and backwards passing with no tempo whatsoever. I don't mind tippy tappy football aslong as we play with tempo and look to go forward with it but we just haven't done enough of it and i'm really suprised we managed to get in the playoffs only having those handful of good games, you'd have thought it would take more than that but obviously not.

It's alright people saying we need stability but what does that actually mean? Because being in league one is not where we need stability, the Championship would be the place for stability, consolidating in the Championship would be a way forward, still being in league one is certainly not, no matter how many managers we've had.

NC has been disrespectful to his players at times, he's disrepected his own fans at times, he's shown a lack of nous when it comes to beating the so called lesser teams, i.e he keeps the same formation and tactics as every other game,. The board surely can't trust him with any more money after some of the players he's brought in, i.e like for like. These are just a few of the things that i'm pissed off with, there are tons more.

I've held my council for long enough and at first i thought even if we don't go up i'll give him next season but he really has pissed me off a lot this season and personally i've had enough of it, i even had my 10 year old son saying why hasn't Davies or Adams come on at HT last night, that says it all really. We needed goals and he made our second sub, that been Adams with 4 minutes remaining, 4 fucking minutes, absolutely embarrasing, stubborn man management. You'll do well to change my mind now Cloughy, good luck to you and the board because i think they're going to need it.

Wiz, your first question is something you'll have to address with the board. I can't answer that one for you.

You mention you're struggling with certain emotions concerning Clough, again, that's a struggle between you and your sense of what's practical and what's ideal. Always best to come down on the side of practical I find, but you may have a problem with that.

As for Clough being disrespectful to the fans and the players. On a scale of Nigel Pearson disrespectfulness, I'd put Clough way down that scale. I guess it could be a case of the grass always seeming greener? If Clough is that disrespectful, I wonder why those who've worked with him before have had no problem following him to SUFC? Maybe they've no problem with his straightforwardness. All a case of interpretation I guess.

I'm not here to defend Clough, he's well paid enough to take care of himself. Yes, Adams coming on so late in last night's game was one of this season's mysteries. Again, should the chance happen put this to him. Bergen Blade made a point of some type of Q&A with Clough, something I'm sure many of us would love to attend. It would act as a clear the air opportunity for questions to be asked and answered, without rancour, but with a need to understand.

As for his transfer purchases, yes, a few less than outstanding players that we'd all wave goodbye to. I also think he needs to be praised for bringing in Done (many of the posters on here were quick to slag Done's signing without giving him a chance. Strange how none of this clique came forward to say they were wrong in their criticism), changing the fortunes of Murphy and Flynn, and we could go round and around in circles about the various players that have arrived and left the Lane. Bottom line, we should have had a stronger squad this season, no problem saying as much.

But to conclude, between now and the beginning of next season, I want obvious weaknesses in the team addressed. We all know where these exist so no point repeating the obvious. We can either let Clough continue with exactly the same squad, so no money spent and we enter the new season with the same squad and the same weaknesses, or the club accept that business needs to be done and gets on with it before the season begins.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Sack a manager who takes us from a relegation spot to an FA Cup Semi Final and close to the play-offs in his first season and who gets us to a League Cup Semi Final and playoffs in his second season.

Yup, that makes sense.

Look,

I know the football has been dire at time (but very good at other times)
I know his substitutions can be a bit a bit weird and often too late
I know he is somewhat negative and naive tactically
I know he has left gaping holes in the team structure with an abundance of riches (some might say mediocrity) surrounding those holes

However,
He has had shocking luck with injuries to key players,
He is bringing on some exciting young players
We do have flair and skill in the team
It won't take much to get this team solid in the spine

And,
there is no guarantee that whoever comes in will guarantee promotion straight away.

His card will be marked and he will be given another season whether we like it or not.

In for me but must improve

Good post BOS . In for me . Agree in what you say , but the annoying thing is , that if he had sorted the back four out pre season or even more so in the JTW , i am sure we would have got promotion . Its this issue which fans and i am sure the board question , but we don't have a answer from Clough.

Getting the guy from Palace , who i am sure Clough thought was the answer , somewhat back fired on us.

There are no guarantees in life , but you do try to stack the cards with you , not against you.

Not sorting the team spine out has cost us . Could it be the club wouldn't give him the money to sort it . Clough would be too diplomatic to say .

Also the coaching staff have to up there game . I would get rid of them , before even contemplating of getting rid of Clough. Clough seems to be ruthless with the players , lets see what happens with Garner , Crosby , Morgan .

UTB

 

[Silent Blade]

How about a Q&A session with fans, with prepared questions?

No, no, no

 

[Tony Currie]

I'm in the majority.

All managers have there faults but any club needs a bit of luck as well. Clough has had a fair number of injuries this season to contend with, we lost the best centre back in the division and didn't push the boat out to sign a striker (now looks like we have this one resolved). Another season should do it ....please

 

[wizadry]

Wiz, your first question is something you'll have to address with the board. I can't answer that one for you.

You mention you're struggling with certain emotions concerning Clough, again, that's a struggle between you and your sense of what's practical and what's ideal. Always best to come down on the side of practical I find, but you may have a problem with that.

As for Clough being disrespectful to the fans and the players. On a scale of Nigel Pearson disrespectfulness, I'd put Clough way down that scale. I guess it could be a case of the grass always seeming greener? If Clough is that disrespectful, I wonder why those who've worked with him before have had no problem following him to SUFC? Maybe they've no problem with his straightforwardness. All a case of interpretation I guess.

I'm not here to defend Clough, he's well paid enough to take care of himself. Yes, Adams coming on so late in last night's game was one of this season's mysteries. Again, should the chance happen put this to him. Bergen Blade made a point of some type of Q&A with Clough, something I'm sure many of us would love to attend. It would act as a clear the air opportunity for questions to be asked and answered, without rancour, but with a need to understand.

As for his transfer purchases, yes, a few less than outstanding players that we'd all wave goodbye to. I also think he needs to be praised for bringing in Done (many of the posters on here were quick to slag Done's signing without giving him a chance. Strange how none of this clique came forward to say they were wrong in their criticism), changing the fortunes of Murphy and Flynn, and we could go round and around in circles about the various players that have arrived and left the Lane. Bottom line, we should have had a stronger squad this season, no problem saying as much.

But to conclude, between now and the beginning of next season, I want obvious weaknesses in the team addressed. We all know where these exist so no point repeating the obvious. We can either let Clough continue with exactly the same squad, so no money spent and we enter the new season with the same squad and the same weaknesses, or the club accept that business needs to be done and gets on with it before the season begins.

My first question is why should the board want to sanction any more money to Clough? I think a man of your calibre can come up with some sort of answer, unless of course you yourself think they shouldn't. The question wasn't will or won't they, it was why should they.

I'm not struggling with any emotions mate, it's a football club not a family death, i just can't see where Clough has done anything to warrant the supporters he has that think he can get us out of this division.

It's not his straight forwardness, he has clearly been disrespectful to players and supporters at times and i think the league position and performances shows that they don't all listen or like his instructions, he lacks in a managerial sense but doesn't argue with any of his ex Derby players funnily enough and they all get paid good money so why wouldn't they follow him, they're not doing it for nothing.

Some, like you, are seeing and writing his deficiences but still think he can take us up next season, that is blind faith and will arguably set us further back than we can ever imagine. Being stable in league one is not the way forward.

 

[Harry's Game]

There is no chance he will be sacked this summer none at all.

We have to hope he has a St Paul on the road to Damascus type conversion into playing attacking football for the first time in his managerial career.

It won't win us promotion, he will never achieve that here, but at least it might give us something more exciting to watch whilst we attempt to secure another play off place.

Another season of the anti-football we played at home for 90% of the last season would be unbearable.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Yet Paul Cook will be going to Portsmouth ....................................................... yes fucking Portsmouth if they can get a decent manager then why the hell would it be so hard for us to do ?

If Paul Cook was a decent manager he would not be going to Portsmouth . He has took Chesterfield as far as they can go , and is bailing out before the wheels fall off.

UTB

 

[HolmesfieldBlade]

The bloke has achieved 2 promotions in 18 attempts... Did nothing with Derby and we were warned by one of their own on here.

Don't think the geeza has it in him to be honest. Too happy with mediocracy and doesn't have a vision to sell to the players, he doesn't believe himself so how can the players? Pre-season he played down the champions tag several times saying we weren't quite there, on the other hand the Bristol City manager was talking up him chances and motivating his squad.

Get rid but who for? We need someone with a PROVEN track record of getting teams promoted at this level

 

[itsinyerblood]

My first question is why should the board want to sanction any more money to Clough? I think a man of your calibre can come up with some sort of answer, unless of course you yourself think they shouldn't. The question wasn't will or won't they, it was why should they.

I'm not struggling with any emotions mate, it's a football club not a family death, i just can't see where Clough has done anything to warrant the supporters he has that think he can get us out of this division.

It's not his straight forwardness, he has clearly been disrespectful to players and supporters at times and i think the league position shows that they don't all listen or like his instructions, he lacks in a managerial sense and doesn't argue with any of his ex Derby players funnily enough and they all get paid good money so why wouldn't they follow him, they're not doing it for nothing.

Some, like you, are seeing and writing his deficiences but still think he can take us up next season, that is blind faith and will arguably set us further back than we can ever imagine. Being stable in league one is not the way forward.

A man of my calibre? Ooh wiz

Simply put, you asked why should the board give Clough any more money and I replied that's a question for the board to address, not a supporter like myself. If he's here, as it looks likely, they should back him, otherwise, to repeat what I wrote in my last post, we begin with the same players, the same defensive weaknesses, and you can only guess at what supporters will say if we show the same defensive fragilities as this season.

By describing my comments about Clough as blind faith you do yourself a disservice if you believe that's the case. You underestimate my critical capabilities and imagine that a pithily constructed comment summarises how things actually are. I'll leave you to imagine whatever you feel suits your own view of Clough.

One other point worth correcting, you've used the comment about stability in a way completely at odds with my own thoughts. When Clough was appointed many posters agreed that we needed managerial stability, not stability in this division, hope that's cleared up that misunderstanding for you.

If Clough remains there's no point not giving him money, otherwise all the things you've complained about will be as evident next season as they've been this season. Sure, it'll be a test of Clough and those players he brings in, but to not allow him to bring in (hopefully) better, stronger players would be to consign ourselves to a season beyond the coming one in this division.

 

[Bergen Blade]

No, no, no

How about Q&A with filtered, serious questions from fans, read out by an interviewer?

 

[zablade]

Could a possible get out for the board be to offer Clough the directorship of the Accademy? He apparently likes to take interest in the youngsters and under 21s's whatever his failings as a manager he does belive in the passing game which all youngsters these days have to be brought up to play, I actually think it's a roll he could do very well at.

 

[JohnDenver]

The numbers in this poll are interesting. If you measured by decibels, repetition or most use of expletives, then the numbers would be reserved.

 

[Dnblade]

In for me..It's been a frustrating season..I can't be arsed to dissect the reasons why we failed,we all know why really..basically..not enough Goals,to many soft goals conceded,lack of proper Centre Backs,injuries and so on..I thought we'd easily make the top 2 but we fell well short.He's been chopping and changing all season,trying to find the right formula..Personally I don't think we are far off a decent side...I'd like to see him given another season,but needs to get it right,and I think he will..it's got to be top 2 next season Nige...Roll on next season,I can't stand Saturdays without Football..UTB!

 

[sheffielder]

What the board need to work out is how close to promotion are we. Do they have confidence he will change his ways and become positive nige or will we take a risk and take a step back again to take two forward.

People say we need two new cbs but that doesn't stop him falling out with them, see butler. Can he relax and unleash what I think should be a good team going forward. We had a glimpse of it last night.

I also think the only way I see clough getting sacked is if he shows the board the same flippancy he gave jonathan Buchan last night. I don't Think he will take any responsibility judging by his comments after the game.

 

[OllyBlade]

But do you want him out to punish him for not sorting out centre backs this season, or because you don't think he'll sort them out for next season?

I think anyone who votes 'in' assumes he'll have learned a few lessons from this season. It would be good if he one of the next days spoke more of what we lacked this season, and how he plans to address these problems in the summer. There should be an element of admitting the management's mistakes this season in such an interview/statement.

Whilst I agree with you 100% about the reason why I voted 'in', he can say what he likes in an interview as long as his actions speak louder than his words.

 

[wizadry]

A man of my calibre? Ooh wiz

Simply put, you asked why should the board give Clough any more money and I replied that's a question for the board to address, not a supporter like myself. If he's here, as it looks likely, they should back him, otherwise, to repeat what I wrote in my last post, we begin with the same players, the same defensive weaknesses, and you can only guess at what supporters will say if we show the same defensive fragilities as this season.

By describing my comments about Clough as blind faith you do yourself a disservice if you believe that's the case. You underestimate my critical capabilities and imagine that a pithily constructed comment summarises how things actually are. I'll leave you to imagine whatever you feel suits your own view of Clough.

One other point worth correcting, you've used the comment about stability in a way completely at odds with my own thoughts. When Clough was appointed many posters agreed that we needed managerial stability, not stability in this division, hope that's cleared up that misunderstanding for you.

If Clough remains there's no point not giving him money, otherwise all the things you've complained about will be as evident next season as they've been this season. Sure, it'll be a test of Clough and those players he brings in, but to not allow him to bring in (hopefully) better, stronger players would be to consign ourselves to a season beyond the coming one in this division.

Ok then, let me rephrase it, do you think NC should be trusted with yet more of the clubs money? If the answer is yes, which it propably will be, then what do you base it on?