it's time to start panicking

[Ollessendro]

There’s one thing concerning me more than our poor finishing in front of goal, comical defending, lack of quality, inability to create chances, lack of width, lack of pace and tiny squad. The thing that is worrying me is the teams below and around is in the table.

I look at the bottom 3 (Pompey, Leicester and Preston) and can see all 3 teams pulling clear of the relegation zone in due course. Teams such as Derby, Boro and Bristol have enough quality to finish at least mid table. I can only look see Palace and Scunthorpe who I regard as significantly worse than United. So is there a real danger that we might get dragged into the bottom 3?

Some of the more positive members of the forum will put this thread down saying ‘same old shit’, ‘chill out’, ‘give Speed more time’ and la de da. However the objectivists will see that we are in a relegation dog fight.

Why Speed is making a rod for his own back saying that ‘play offs are a minimum’ is beyond me. He is either as deluded as his predecessor or (more realistically) is trying to build confidence amongst his dejected talent less bunch of players.

The Championship is poor again this season, but I don’t see many really poor teams. Last year it seemed certain that Plymouth, Wednesday and Peterborough where all in trouble from the start, but this year there are no obvious certainties for the drop (other than Scunthorpe – imo who have actually started well). This is got to be worrying for Speed who may be talking of promotion, but is probably looking round thinking we are in real danger.

United’s performances have been debated to death and most fans know what we need to do (cut out silly mistakes, create more chances and score more goals). Of course it is easier said than done, but why on earth is Speedo taking his time with this. He is not an idiot and I am sure that he can see what type of players we need to bring in. I see the argument that there is not a lot out there, but needs to start acting on this. The longer GS leaves that rabble to fend for itself, without any new additions, then the strong the vacumn towards the wrong end of the table will come.

Speedo, you know that you need a winger, a striker and an attacking midfielder, get moving. Never mind bring in a keeper and defender. McCabe/Birch, get him backed with a little cash (even just for some higher wages to offer). I understand we are skint, but we’ll be worse off if we are in league one next year.

 

[Bramley]

There’s one thing concerning me more than our poor finishing in front of goal, comical defending, lack of quality, inability to create chances, lack of width, lack of pace and tiny squad. The thing that is worrying me is the teams below and around is in the table.

I look at the bottom 3 (Pompey, Leicester and Preston) and can see all 3 teams pulling clear of the relegation zone in due course. Teams such as Derby, Boro and Bristol have enough quality to finish at least mid table. I can only look see Palace and Scunthorpe who I regard as significantly worse than United. So is there a real danger that we might get dragged into the bottom 3?

Some of the more positive members of the forum will put this thread down saying ‘same old shit’, ‘chill out’, ‘give Speed more time’ and la de da. However the objectivists will see that we are in a relegation dog fight.

Why Speed is making a rod for his own back saying that ‘play offs are a minimum’ is beyond me. He is either as deluded as his predecessor or (more realistically) is trying to build confidence amongst his dejected talent less bunch of players.

The Championship is poor again this season, but I don’t see many really poor teams. Last year it seemed certain that Plymouth, Wednesday and Peterborough where all in trouble from the start, but this year there are no obvious certainties for the drop (other than Scunthorpe – imo who have actually started well). This is got to be worrying for Speed who may be talking of promotion, but is probably looking round thinking we are in real danger.

United’s performances have been debated to death and most fans know what we need to do (cut out silly mistakes, create more chances and score more goals). Of course it is easier said than done, but why on earth is Speedo taking his time with this. He is not an idiot and I am sure that he can see what type of players we need to bring in. I see the argument that there is not a lot out there, but needs to start acting on this. The longer GS leaves that rabble to fend for itself, without any new additions, then the strong the vacumn towards the wrong end of the table will come.

Speedo, you know that you need a winger, a striker and an attacking midfielder, get moving. Never mind bring in a keeper and defender. McCabe/Birch, get him backed with a little cash (even just for some higher wages to offer). I understand we are skint, but we’ll be worse off if we are in league one next year.

No, no it's not. It'll take time to change the squad, change the team and change the philosophy. Requires time and patience.

 

[Micalijo]

Oh yes it is!! Good post Ollie. Agree with you, we are in deep trouble, but let's remember Speedo has a near impossible task. I know he could drop Cresswell and Monty but I don't think you'd see any difference - worth a go though! (Must admit Monty did well on Sat imo).

I see Scunthorpe as certs to go down, Palace probables and after that no idea other than PNE.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

We're going to be flirting around the bottom end of the table until Xmas at least - assuming we can find some decent replacements in the January window. The hope has got to be that the rest of the division remains as poor as it has been and a run in February takes us back into a respectable position. We haven't got creativity, we haven't got pace and we haven't got goals - until we add goals and one other it's going to be a grind. The first test of Speedo is whether he can keep the team positive whilst we're struggling - if they fold we're knackered and could need snookers by the time reinforcements arrive.

I've no idea whether Speedo's taking his time or not - I've not seen players changing hands that I'm excited about, and the predicted Premier League exodus doesn't seem to have materialised. I doubt he's sat with his thumb up his jacksy. If he's going to be judged as successful he needs the squad to be coming out of this season with upward momentum at least - if he can't get the players who'll play his system by wheeling and dealing he'll struggle wherever he goes, regardless of money given to him.

I won't be surprised to see a couple of high profile exits for cash in return for some unknown's / youngsters. I won't worry about a string of draws peppered with the odd win and odd defeat until January - I will worry if it becomes a string of defeats. I'll be extremely surprised if we suddenly started banging them in for fun.

Panic no, concern yes.

 

[Pinchy]

No, no it's not. It'll take time to change the squad, change the team and change the philosophy. Requires time and patience.

I agree entirely. Those of us who have shouted loudest for the introduction of proper football at the expense of mind-numbing 'Hoof' must now be very patient. So long as I continue to see the green shoots of change there will be no complaint from me.

As you say, it will require many changes, can't be done overnight and there will be some pain along the way. No-one should pretend, however, that it would have been other than disastrous to persist with the former semi-pro, non-league, reserve goalie and his Sunday League ideas.

Real football - worth waiting for.

 

[Bramley]

I agree entirely. Those of us who have shouted loudest for the introduction of proper football at the expense of mind-numbing 'Hoof' must now be very patient. So long as I continue to see the green shoots of change there will be no complaint from me.

As you say, it will require many changes, can't be done overnight and there will be some pain along the way. No-one should pretend, however, that it would have been other than disastrous to persist with the former semi-pro, non-league, reserve goalie and his Sunday League ideas.

Real football - worth waiting for.

Agreed. UTB - Carry On Regardless.

 

[davidpinder]

No, no it's not. It'll take time to change the squad, change the team and change the philosophy. Requires time and patience.

What?? How long to you give it? until April when it is to late? We have a problem and at the moment our new manager can't see that.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Ollie, would you prefer us to go back to Blackwells style (as we did against Pompy) and pick up the points, or try and finally get away form that type of football.

Would you agree that to do that we need time at least until after January and new players?

Len said when we made the appointment we were at a crossroads where we have to decide how we are going to go forward. Surely we need to have a little patience to try and change the whole club.


Edit Bramley beat me to it.

 

[davidpinder]

There’s one thing concerning me more than our poor finishing in front of goal, comical defending, lack of quality, inability to create chances, lack of width, lack of pace and tiny squad. The thing that is worrying me is the teams below and around is in the table.

I look at the bottom 3 (Pompey, Leicester and Preston) and can see all 3 teams pulling clear of the relegation zone in due course. Teams such as Derby, Boro and Bristol have enough quality to finish at least mid table. I can only look see Palace and Scunthorpe who I regard as significantly worse than United. So is there a real danger that we might get dragged into the bottom 3?

Some of the more positive members of the forum will put this thread down saying ‘same old shit’, ‘chill out’, ‘give Speed more time’ and la de da. However the objectivists will see that we are in a relegation dog fight.

Why Speed is making a rod for his own back saying that ‘play offs are a minimum’ is beyond me. He is either as deluded as his predecessor or (more realistically) is trying to build confidence amongst his dejected talent less bunch of players.

The Championship is poor again this season, but I don’t see many really poor teams. Last year it seemed certain that Plymouth, Wednesday and Peterborough where all in trouble from the start, but this year there are no obvious certainties for the drop (other than Scunthorpe – imo who have actually started well). This is got to be worrying for Speed who may be talking of promotion, but is probably looking round thinking we are in real danger.

United’s performances have been debated to death and most fans know what we need to do (cut out silly mistakes, create more chances and score more goals). Of course it is easier said than done, but why on earth is Speedo taking his time with this. He is not an idiot and I am sure that he can see what type of players we need to bring in. I see the argument that there is not a lot out there, but needs to start acting on this. The longer GS leaves that rabble to fend for itself, without any new additions, then the strong the vacumn towards the wrong end of the table will come.

Speedo, you know that you need a winger, a striker and an attacking midfielder, get moving. Never mind bring in a keeper and defender. McCabe/Birch, get him backed with a little cash (even just for some higher wages to offer). I understand we are skint, but we’ll be worse off if we are in league one next year.

Good post olle you are spot on. The teams below are showing signs of improvement (maybe not Leicester) and Scunny will be down there in due course. The problem i think we will have is by xmas when a lot of teams will have taken points off us at the Lane, everyone one will fancy it and will be coming to the Lane to win and with our squad being so thin i don't think we can handle it. The board are baffling me like you say surely it in league 1 we will be worse off, so spending a little bit of cash not a lot and we could have a much better team.

 

[Micalijo]

Ollie, would you prefer us to go back to Blackwells style (as we did against Pompy) and pick up the points, or try and finally get away form that type of football.

Would you agree that to do that we need time at least until after January and new players?

Len said when we made the appointment we were at a crossroads where we have to decide how we are going to go forward. Surely we need to have a little patience to try and change the whole club.


Edit Bramley beat me to it.

Not entirely sure you have read Ollie's post. Where does it mention we would be better reverting to a Blackwell style of football? We need pace, width and creativity - that would help change the culture more than a few passes between Monty, ertl and Nozza followed by a long ball.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

There’s one thing concerning me more than our poor finishing in front of goal, comical defending, lack of quality, inability to create chances, lack of width, lack of pace and tiny squad. The thing that is worrying me is the teams below and around is in the table.

I look at the bottom 3 (Pompey, Leicester and Preston) and can see all 3 teams pulling clear of the relegation zone in due course. Teams such as Derby, Boro and Bristol have enough quality to finish at least mid table. I can only look see Palace and Scunthorpe who I regard as significantly worse than United. So is there a real danger that we might get dragged into the bottom 3?

Some of the more positive members of the forum will put this thread down saying ‘same old shit’, ‘chill out’, ‘give Speed more time’ and la de da. However the objectivists will see that we are in a relegation dog fight.

Why Speed is making a rod for his own back saying that ‘play offs are a minimum’ is beyond me. He is either as deluded as his predecessor or (more realistically) is trying to build confidence amongst his dejected talent less bunch of players.

The Championship is poor again this season, but I don’t see many really poor teams. Last year it seemed certain that Plymouth, Wednesday and Peterborough where all in trouble from the start, but this year there are no obvious certainties for the drop (other than Scunthorpe – imo who have actually started well). This is got to be worrying for Speed who may be talking of promotion, but is probably looking round thinking we are in real danger.

United’s performances have been debated to death and most fans know what we need to do (cut out silly mistakes, create more chances and score more goals). Of course it is easier said than done, but why on earth is Speedo taking his time with this. He is not an idiot and I am sure that he can see what type of players we need to bring in. I see the argument that there is not a lot out there, but needs to start acting on this. The longer GS leaves that rabble to fend for itself, without any new additions, then the strong the vacumn towards the wrong end of the table will come.

Speedo, you know that you need a winger, a striker and an attacking midfielder, get moving. Never mind bring in a keeper and defender. McCabe/Birch, get him backed with a little cash (even just for some higher wages to offer). I understand we are skint, but we’ll be worse off if we are in league one next year.

I can be as negative as the next man but if our players feel like this it's done by the fans.

We need to take a few defeats on the chin [one on Tuesday coming up] and back the club. Last thing we need is to start getting like the piggiues and blaming eveything with a pluse. Lets see where we are after we've played Donny at home in Jan. Oct/Nov should see us taking a few points to lift the pressure a bit but we aren't going up this season so get used to it and everyone stop moaning.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Not entirely sure you have read Ollie's post. Where does it mention we would be better reverting to a Blackwell style of football? We need pace, width and creativity - that would help change the culture more than a few passes between Monty, ertl and Nozza followed by a long ball.

I read it I was asking if Ollie is happy for us to try and slug this out as only loans can be brought it at the moment until Christmas.

 

[alcoblade]

I won't be surprised to see a couple of high profile exits for cash in return for some unknown's / youngsters.

In all seriousness, is it possible for us to make high profile exits any more? We're not as bad as is being portrayed, but we are nothing more than a mass of mediocrity.

UTB

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

How high profile would Monty and Morgan be?

I pick those two because they have just signed new deals.

I also think if we are bottom half Wardy will be off in January as he is still smarting over not getting a new contract.

 

[Kenilworth]

Ollie, would you prefer us to go back to Blackwells style.

Don't think it is at all about that FB and I don't believe Ollie is any where near such a suggestion.

You can play a negative hoofing game or a negative passing game and the result may just be the same.
Likewise you can play an attacking hoof or an attacking passing game. Depends on what players you have available.

If you have a philosophy of playing a certain way then you have to build a team with talent that can execute it.
GS has not had the opportunity to do this - he has to use what is there - at least until January - but I am not keeping any false hope that the situation will change then either.

It is mostly less successful if you are trying to shoe horn players into adopting a style they are not at all suited for.
The other angle to look at it is to play in a way that maximises the strenghts of the individuals in a team style they can execute. The sum of the parts being greater than the whole. It is the skill of the manager to recognise what they have and how best to deploy their assets. I am not convinced that Speedo has realised this for himslef yet.

My perception is that we have excahnged hoof for a little more passing and keeping the ball BUT we are doing so in the areas of the pitch that don't hurt the opposition. Moreover, there is so little width to the play we are starving ourselves of any opportunity to a) take pressure off the defense and b) create any realistic chances of bagging a goal. Sticking to some principles and hoping the players will do the business seems to be the tack he is taking at the moment. Time will tell if this is the right thing to do or not but surely there are enough players with real ability in that squad to at least exert some attacking pressure on the teams we face?

We seem more preoccupied with stopping the best of what we are facing as opposed to maximising what talent we can deploy.

 

[Fiery Blade]

How high profile would Monty and Morgan be?

I pick those two because they have just signed new deals.

I also think if we are bottom half Wardy will be off in January as he is still smarting over not getting a new contract.

Wardy should start playing football to earn a new contract instead of running around like a prima donna and trying to stamp on people when things don't go his way!

 

[alcoblade]

How high profile would Monty and Morgan be?

I pick those two because they have just signed new deals.

I also think if we are bottom half Wardy will be off in January as he is still smarting over not getting a new contract.

Well, high profile in that their long standing ness at the club would make it seem so, but in terms of real quality that we would miss or not be able to replace, in all honesty not really. I suppose in a time of transition then these old heads help ease the change. At the same time, I'll hazard a guess (sorry SV) that they're still paid twice what players of similar quality are dragging elsewhere.

Unless Wardy picks his game up he'll be heading to somewhere like Rochdale, along with Evans when his contract expires.

UTB

 

[Kenilworth]

Wardy will be off in January as he is still smarting over not getting a new contract.

He should be smarting because he is innefective and getting himself sent off in a ridiculous fashion.
No one to blame but himself.

Still what would he care if he gets a transfer in January and leaves the ship on the rocks.
Couldn't give a flying, probably.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Let's face it guys we have a paper thin squad and the following players are not good enough :
Kozluk, France, Taylor, Monty, Quinn, Nosworthy, Yeates, Boggy, the last two by Speedo's choice of not picking them
Evans, Cresswell have not cut it and the jury is out on Jordan, Calve, Ertl
That, un fortunately doesn't leave a lot!
Don't give me the rubbish that we were excellent against Scunthorpe and lost 0-4 - tell that to a donkey and it would kick your brains out!
We are simply not good enough, we will struggle to keep out of the teams flirting with relegation
Speedo has his work cut out, but he must change his philosophy as well as his formation and line up
Go for it Speedo, McCabe, Birch and Blackwell have left you a sh!t hand - do your best

 

[raul]

Well, high profile in that their long standing ness at the club would make it seem so, but in terms of real quality that we would miss or not be able to replace, in all honesty not really. I suppose in a time of transition then these old heads help ease the change. At the same time, I'll hazard a guess (sorry SV) that they're still paid twice what players of similar quality are dragging elsewhere.

Unless Wardy picks his game up he'll be heading to somewhere like Rochdale, along with Evans when his contract expires.

UTB

Phew, for a horrible moment there I thought you were going to write an entire post without mentioning how shit you think Ched is. Panic over

 

[Kenilworth]

Phew, for a horrible moment there I thought you were going to write an entire post without mentioning how shit you think Ched is. Panic over

He's not shit but neither is he the answer as a lone striker.
He looks out of his depth and not fit enough, talented enough or experienced enough for the role he is asked to play.
Ched needs to play in a front 2 with an experienced player alongside to help him improve.

It's a case of sink or swim for Ched and whilst he is sinking, so are we.

 

[alcoblade]

Don't think it is at all about that FB and I don't believe Ollie is any where near such a suggestion.

You can play a negative hoofing game or a negative passing game and the result may just be the same.
Likewise you can play an attacking hoof or an attacking passing game. Depends on what players you have available.

If you have a philosophy of playing a certain way then you have to build a team with talent that can execute it.
GS has not had the opportunity to do this - he has to use what is there - at least until January - but I am not keeping any false hope that the situation will change then either.

It is mostly less successful if you are trying to shoe horn players into adopting a style they are not at all suited for.
The other angle to look at it is to play in a way that maximises the strenghts of the individuals in a team style they can execute. The sum of the parts being greater than the whole. It is the skill of the manager to recognise what they have and how best to deploy their assets. I am not convinced that Speedo has realised this for himslef yet.

My perception is that we have excahnged hoof for a little more passing and keeping the ball BUT we are doing so in the areas of the pitch that don't hurt the opposition. Moreover, there is so little width to the play we are starving ourselves of any opportunity to a) take pressure off the defense and b) create any realistic chances of bagging a goal. Sticking to some principles and hoping the players will do the business seems to be the tack he is taking at the moment. Time will tell if this is the right thing to do or not but surely there are enough players with real ability in that squad to at least exert some attacking pressure on the teams we face?

We seem more preoccupied with stopping the best of what we are facing as opposed to maximising what talent we can deploy.

You've summed it up wonderfully there.

UTB

 

[Ollessendro]

We're going to be flirting around the bottom end of the table until Xmas at least - assuming we can find some decent replacements in the January window. The hope has got to be that the rest of the division remains as poor as it has been and a run in February takes us back into a respectable position. We haven't got creativity, we haven't got pace and we haven't got goals - until we add goals and one other it's going to be a grind. The first test of Speedo is whether he can keep the team positive whilst we're struggling - if they fold we're knackered and could need snookers by the time reinforcements arrive.

I've no idea whether Speedo's taking his time or not - I've not seen players changing hands that I'm excited about, and the predicted Premier League exodus doesn't seem to have materialised. I doubt he's sat with his thumb up his jacksy. If he's going to be judged as successful he needs the squad to be coming out of this season with upward momentum at least - if he can't get the players who'll play his system by wheeling and dealing he'll struggle wherever he goes, regardless of money given to him .....

Panic no, concern yes.

The problem is that it is a downward spiral. It's ok saying that we will start to improve in January, but if we keep losing then it will snowball. Even a couple of decent additions in January will struggle to pull a side with no confidence out of the bottom 3. We need to buck our ideas up pronto and that can only be done by bringing in extra players, changing the formation/playing staff and hard work on the training ground.

I agree entirely. Those of us who have shouted loudest for the introduction of proper football at the expense of mind-numbing 'Hoof' must now be very patient. So long as I continue to see the green shoots of change there will be no complaint from me.

As you say, it will require many changes, can't be done overnight and there will be some pain along the way. No-one should pretend, however, that it would have been other than disastrous to persist with the former semi-pro, non-league, reserve goalie and his Sunday League ideas.

Real football - worth waiting for.

I agree somewhat, but where are the green shoots? And how long do we wait for them??

Ollie, would you prefer us to go back to Blackwells style (as we did against Pompy) and pick up the points, or try and finally get away form that type of football.

Would you agree that to do that we need time at least until after January and new players?

Len said when we made the appointment we were at a crossroads where we have to decide how we are going to go forward. Surely we need to have a little patience to try and change the whole club.

No I don't want to go back to Blackwell's style. Why is it that people think we can only do things in 2 ways, i.e. grind out results and win or play football and lose. I want us to play some decent stuff and win games. I thought they went hand in hand.

Bob, at the moment we are getting the worst of both worlds. We are not seeing good football and not seeing good results. With Blackwell (for a time) we got poor football, but results. Over time he lost the results. We brought Speed in for both results andstyle of play/football. It's early days but he is showing no sign of bringing these 2.

I can be as negative as the next man but if our players feel like this it's done by the fans.

We need to take a few defeats on the chin [one on Tuesday coming up] and back the club. Last thing we need is to start getting like the piggiues and blaming eveything with a pluse. Lets see where we are after we've played Donny at home in Jan. Oct/Nov should see us taking a few points to lift the pressure a bit but we aren't going up this season so get used to it and everyone stop moaning.

I agree with you that the fans should get behind the team. We have no choice. we have to hope that Speed is the right man and that he can keep us safe.

Grumpy, it's ok saying wait until Jan, but what if we are bottom then?

My point is not just about United. (other than Scunny) then there are no shite teams in this league. The teams around the relegation zone look like they will improve. We are in real danger.

Don't think it is at all about that FB and I don't believe Ollie is any where near such a suggestion.

You can play a negative hoofing game or a negative passing game and the result may just be the same.
Likewise you can play an attacking hoof or an attacking passing game. Depends on what players you have available.

If you have a philosophy of playing a certain way then you have to build a team with talent that can execute it.

GS has not had the opportunity to do this - he has to use what is there - at least until January - but I am not keeping any false hope that the situation will change then either.

It is mostly less successful if you are trying to shoe horn players into adopting a style they are not at all suited for.

The other angle to look at it is to play in a way that maximises the strenghts of the individuals in a team style they can execute. The sum of the parts being greater than the whole. It is the skill of the manager to recognise what they have and how best to deploy their assets. I am not convinced that Speedo has realised this for himslef yet.

My perception is that we have excahnged hoof for a little more passing and keeping the ball BUT we are doing so in the areas of the pitch that don't hurt the opposition. Moreover, there is so little width to the play we are starving ourselves of any opportunity to a) take pressure off the defense and b) create any realistic chances of bagging a goal. Sticking to some principles and hoping the players will do the business seems to be the tack he is taking at the moment. Time will tell if this is the right thing to do or not but surely there are enough players with real ability in that squad to at least exert some attacking pressure on the teams we face?

We seem more preoccupied with stopping the best of what we are facing as opposed to maximising what talent we can deploy.

excellent post. I sympathise with Speed, but he isn't doing himself any favours. he got left a load of rubbish (as Mic and fiery pointed out). He has an uphill task on his hands trying to get that rabble to play football. Not only that but he has a tiny squad. Still, he could make better use of his resources. he has Bogdanovic (who outscored Ched 5 to 1 last season) warming the bench. Creswell (our top scorer and main goal threat) is being played out on the wing. Yeates and Quinn, 2 players who could make it happen are not ebing utilised and all this whilst we play 3 defensove central midfielders (even at home). I understand Speed doesn't want us to lose games and lose more confidence, but this 4-5-1 simply isn't working.

 

[Torrix1889]

There’s one thing concerning me more than our poor finishing in front of goal, comical defending, lack of quality, inability to create chances, lack of width, lack of pace and tiny squad. The thing that is worrying me is the teams below and around is in the table.

I look at the bottom 3 (Pompey, Leicester and Preston) and can see all 3 teams pulling clear of the relegation zone in due course. Teams such as Derby, Boro and Bristol have enough quality to finish at least mid table. I can only look see Palace and Scunthorpe who I regard as significantly worse than United. So is there a real danger that we might get dragged into the bottom 3?

Some of the more positive members of the forum will put this thread down saying ‘same old shit’, ‘chill out’, ‘give Speed more time’ and la de da. However the objectivists will see that we are in a relegation dog fight.

Why Speed is making a rod for his own back saying that ‘play offs are a minimum’ is beyond me. He is either as deluded as his predecessor or (more realistically) is trying to build confidence amongst his dejected talent less bunch of players.

The Championship is poor again this season, but I don’t see many really poor teams. Last year it seemed certain that Plymouth, Wednesday and Peterborough where all in trouble from the start, but this year there are no obvious certainties for the drop (other than Scunthorpe – imo who have actually started well). This is got to be worrying for Speed who may be talking of promotion, but is probably looking round thinking we are in real danger.

United’s performances have been debated to death and most fans know what we need to do (cut out silly mistakes, create more chances and score more goals). Of course it is easier said than done, but why on earth is Speedo taking his time with this. He is not an idiot and I am sure that he can see what type of players we need to bring in. I see the argument that there is not a lot out there, but needs to start acting on this. The longer GS leaves that rabble to fend for itself, without any new additions, then the strong the vacumn towards the wrong end of the table will come.

Speedo, you know that you need a winger, a striker and an attacking midfielder, get moving. Never mind bring in a keeper and defender. McCabe/Birch, get him backed with a little cash (even just for some higher wages to offer). I understand we are skint, but we’ll be worse off if we are in league one next year.

This.

Top post

 

[TopBoy]

There’s one thing concerning me more than our poor finishing in front of goal, comical defending, lack of quality, inability to create chances, lack of width, lack of pace and tiny squad. The thing that is worrying me is the teams below and around is in the table.

I look at the bottom 3 (Pompey, Leicester and Preston) and can see all 3 teams pulling clear of the relegation zone in due course. Teams such as Derby, Boro and Bristol have enough quality to finish at least mid table. I can only look see Palace and Scunthorpe who I regard as significantly worse than United. So is there a real danger that we might get dragged into the bottom 3?

Some of the more positive members of the forum will put this thread down saying ‘same old shit’, ‘chill out’, ‘give Speed more time’ and la de da. However the objectivists will see that we are in a relegation dog fight.

Why Speed is making a rod for his own back saying that ‘play offs are a minimum’ is beyond me. He is either as deluded as his predecessor or (more realistically) is trying to build confidence amongst his dejected talent less bunch of players.

The Championship is poor again this season, but I don’t see many really poor teams. Last year it seemed certain that Plymouth, Wednesday and Peterborough where all in trouble from the start, but this year there are no obvious certainties for the drop (other than Scunthorpe – imo who have actually started well). This is got to be worrying for Speed who may be talking of promotion, but is probably looking round thinking we are in real danger.

United’s performances have been debated to death and most fans know what we need to do (cut out silly mistakes, create more chances and score more goals). Of course it is easier said than done, but why on earth is Speedo taking his time with this. He is not an idiot and I am sure that he can see what type of players we need to bring in. I see the argument that there is not a lot out there, but needs to start acting on this. The longer GS leaves that rabble to fend for itself, without any new additions, then the strong the vacumn towards the wrong end of the table will come.

Speedo, you know that you need a winger, a striker and an attacking midfielder, get moving. Never mind bring in a keeper and defender. McCabe/Birch, get him backed with a little cash (even just for some higher wages to offer). I understand we are skint, but we’ll be worse off if we are in league one next year.

Relegation dog fight after 8 games (6 in charge). If we'd won at Leeds (one mistake and one bar hit, remember?) we'd be 7th so would that mean we're Premiership bound? No. Just sit back, relax and enjoy us playing real football rather than that crap that been served up for 20 years give or take an odd month.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

Relegation dog fight after 8 games (6 in charge). If we'd won at Leeds (one mistake and one bar hit, remember?) we'd be 7th .

Not to be pedantic, but we would have been in sixth place, with an inferior goal difference to Norwich. A remarkable achievement considering we have scored hardly any goals.

 

[Bramley]

What?? How long to you give it? until April when it is to late? We have a problem and at the moment our new manager can't see that.[/]

Sorry I can't resist - GREAT POST!

I'd give it more than 6 games.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

It's simple, if you want a change of style, approach and a move away from the dour negative hoofball you'll have to be patient. Remember how long it took Donny under O'Driscoll ?

 

[Kenilworth]

Not to be pedantic, but we would have been in sixth place, with an inferior goal difference to Norwich. A remarkable achievement considering we have scored hardly any goals.

Doesn't that add weight to the argument that Ollie had about the table not presenting the whole picture and a better benchmark of how well we are doing in terms of actual form is goal difference and goals scored?

Since when have teams that don't score get into the play offs (never mind automatic)?
To suggest we are closer to the play offs purely on the basis that we are 3 points adrift, according to the current table, at this early stage neglects any of the evidence that is plain for all to see. L**ds had more than one decent effort and made SS work. We had one decent effort, late on in the game - when we were a goal down already and chasing the game. OK Ertl was unlucky but you look up his goal scoring record and assess the chances of him scoring more than a couple in a whole season.

The lowest scoring teams generally end up at the foot of the table and that is the most worrying aspect. It's not a slagging off of Speed it's a concern that there doesn't appear to be any option for change. There appears to be no recognition that this is an issue bar a passing comment that we need to do better in that department. Seth Bennett was asked on RS FH last night if Utd were looking at a new forward and the answer came back that he thought not - lefty midfielder, maybe, but forward - no.

Whilst there is an improvement in the passing through the midfield we are still playing very deep and very defensive. So to assess how well we are doing in the form stakes I suggest the main questions remain;

1. How many goal scoring chances are we creating on average per game?

2. How many times do we deliver quality crosses into the opposition penalty area and cause a real panic in the opposing defence?

3. How many times do we work the opposition 'keeper?

4. Is there a plan B? Hoofy didn't appear to have one and neither does Budgie.

If you total up the numbers of golas scored by all 11 match day starters throughought their carreers I'll bet it won't make pretty reading. Even if you calculate that as a ratio of matches played it will be poor. More often than not we will be in a situation where any of these ratios will be lower than the opposition. Those are worrying stats.

For those of you who believe in blind faith then carry on regardless.
Successful teams don't run themselves on blind faith.

 

[j j]

2007-08: Stoke automatic with 1.5 goals per game; Hull play-offs with 1.4; Leicester relegated with 0.9; Colchester bottom with 1.35.

Goals scored is our obvious weakness so far, but it is far from the full picture. It is still September. If by the end of the season things have got worse we will be in trouble, if they stay the same we will be OK and if we improve things will be better. The idea that people who post on here have noticed there are things in the team to sort out (such as we are not scoring enough) while Speed has not is laughable. And what to do? Sack him? Third manager before Xmas? That would be daft.