Nigel Adkins a managerial fraud?

[Kempy]

Just doing the usual snoop around Blades related news articles after yesterdays usual and far too common place shit show. I was amazed to actually find an article on Football League World that I agree with.

http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/op...-manager-nigel-adkins-is-a-managerial-fraud/?

It also reminded me strongly of a Reading based blog article which I read a few months back:

http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com...s-enigma-just-what-plans-are-you-making-nigel


So what has Adkins actually shown us that justifies him the opportunity to manage our club next year? History repeating itself? Has he ever actually been a successful manager? Or has he profited from good luck and some fortunate signings made before he arrived, giving him this successful CV?

How has this squad gone so far backwards? I don't buy into the 'squad is rotten to the core crap' this squad managed to make the play-offs and a semi-final last year. Jamie Murphy did not do all that by himself! Clough to me seems a very easy scapegoat.

Baffling and scary times if you ask me, I fear for a summer 're-build' under Adkins. Seemed the right man for the job and a cracking appointment at the time, has nothing to back that claim after this season. Apologies as I can't suggest a realistic option to replace him (my god please Neil). Just thought I'd add the the Adkins out bonfire with a few interesting articles for when you're all bored and fancy getting further depressed about the shite we have to endure . - Thank god for ale.

 

[PeteBlade]

Hands up then, who off this forum wrote that?

 

[Tyler Durden]

It's getting harder to explain things to these rabid dogs who just want the blood of the latest manager. Mob rule always prevails in the end.

Let him go, see what happens.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Just doing the usual snoop around Blades related news articles after yesterdays usual and far too common place shit show. I was amazed to actually find an article on Football League World that I agree with.

http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/op...-manager-nigel-adkins-is-a-managerial-fraud/?

It also reminded me strongly of a Reading based blog article which I read a few months back:

http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com...s-enigma-just-what-plans-are-you-making-nigel


So what has Adkins actually shown us that justifies him the opportunity to manage our club next year? History repeating itself? Has he ever actually been a successful manager? Or has he profited from good luck and some fortunate signings made before he arrived, giving him this successful CV?

How has this squad gone so far backwards? I don't buy into the 'squad is rotten to the core crap' this squad managed to make the play-offs and a semi-final last year. Jamie Murphy did not do all that by himself! Clough to me seems a very easy scapegoat.

Baffling and scary times if you ask me, I fear for a summer 're-build' under Adkins. Seemed the right man for the job and a cracking appointment at the time, has nothing to back that claim after this season. Apologies as I can't suggest a realistic option to replace him (my god please Neil). Just thought I'd add the the Adkins out bonfire with a few interesting articles for when you're all bored and fancy getting further depressed about the shite we have to endure . - Thank god for ale.

The morale of the story is before employing a football manager , employ a PR Consultant or get your PA to read through the fans forum of the last club the applicant managed before making a decision.

If we did this for Clough ( Derby County ). , Adkins ( Reading ) we would have not let history repeat itself . Simple really and saves you millions in compensation if and when it doesn't work out and all goes wrong .

UTB

 

[LoughboroBlade]

The morale of the story is before employing a football manager , employ a PR Consultant or get your PA to read through the fans forum of the last club the applicant managed before making a decision.

If we did this for Clough ( Derby County ). , Adkins ( Reading ) we would have not let history repeat itself . Simple really and saves you millions in compensation if and when it doesn't work out and all goes wrong .

UTB

If we'd have done the same tactic for Warnock (Bury) he presumably would never have been appointed...

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

If we'd have done the same tactic for Warnock (Bury) he presumably would never have been appointed...

Agree it was me bring a clever arse but how history does repeat itself for our last 2no managers , with being in league 1 are we putting enough thought , due care and attention in choosing managers . Is it off the cuff , had hock approach , no idea. They both seemed top drawer at the time for a established league 1 club.

1. We have not progressed and still there after 6 years

2. It's costing us big money in compensation when we give them the sack.

We cannot sack the board , so someone does need big help in choosing managers to mitigate this risk on all fronts.

UTB

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Agree it was me bring a clever arse but how history does repeat itself for our last 2no managers , with being in league 1 are we putting enough thought , due care and attention in choosing managers . Is it off the cuff , had hock approach , no idea. They both seemed top drawer at the time for a established league 1 club.

1. We have not progressed and still there after 6 years

2. It's costing us big money in compensation when we give them the sack.

We cannot sack the board , so someone does need big help in choosing managers to mitigate this risk on all fronts.

UTB

I think it's pretty clear on all of the changes from Weir onwards it was a case of sack now, think about the replacement later. The Blackwell & Wilson sackings, questionable as they were, did at least have a plan that their coaches would take over. And if rumours are true the intention hadn't been to sack Clough originally, though whatever meeting they had post-Swindon changed the situation. The appointment of Adkins felt like the most long-winded appointment we've ever made – if any change is made (and personally I don't think it should) it at least needs some sort of genuine plan.

 

[nopigfansintown]

Twelve months and minimal backing is no where near long enough to turn around basket case blades. Murphy was our best player and we only made the play offs with him playing boring, low scoring,attritional football. The next manager (or Adkins) needs two years from next season. Are you willing to let a manager build?

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

"Nigel Adkins a managerial fraud?"

No. Next question.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Just doing the usual snoop around Blades related news articles after yesterdays usual and far too common place shit show. I was amazed to actually find an article on Football League World that I agree with.

http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/op...-manager-nigel-adkins-is-a-managerial-fraud/?

It also reminded me strongly of a Reading based blog article which I read a few months back:

http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com...s-enigma-just-what-plans-are-you-making-nigel


So what has Adkins actually shown us that justifies him the opportunity to manage our club next year? History repeating itself? Has he ever actually been a successful manager? Or has he profited from good luck and some fortunate signings made before he arrived, giving him this successful CV?

How has this squad gone so far backwards? I don't buy into the 'squad is rotten to the core crap' this squad managed to make the play-offs and a semi-final last year. Jamie Murphy did not do all that by himself! Clough to me seems a very easy scapegoat.

Baffling and scary times if you ask me, I fear for a summer 're-build' under Adkins. Seemed the right man for the job and a cracking appointment at the time, has nothing to back that claim after this season. Apologies as I can't suggest a realistic option to replace him (my god please Neil). Just thought I'd add the the Adkins out bonfire with a few interesting articles for when you're all bored and fancy getting further depressed about the shite we have to endure . - Thank god for ale.

Billy Che Flynny can't score sitters therefore Adkins is a fraud.

Dunt foller

 

[YES Blade]

I couldn't be arsed to read it to be honest.

Adkins has managed 4 clubs prior to United and was successful at 3 of those clubs. Does that make him a fraud? Not in my eyes, he clearly has some idea of how to run a successful football club.

 

[Bladesman]

It's getting harder to explain things to these rabid dogs who just want the blood of the latest manager. Mob rule always prevails in the end.

Let him go, see what happens.

We will get Ian Holloway. He is top draw apparently.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

We will get Ian Holloway. He is top draw apparently.

Those angles make it look like this started out as a game of hangman and someone lost interest.

 

[Kempy]

It's getting harder to explain things to these rabid dogs who just want the blood of the latest manager. Mob rule always prevails in the end.

Let him go, see what happens.

I don't think that's the scenario at all. This season has been atrocious, the worst since we've been down here. The articles I've linked make some extremely good points in regards to baffling tactics, questioning his ability to man motivate and manage players, shocking substitutions, woeful signings... the list goes on. More worryingly is the fact that all these points have been observed in his previous tenures at other clubs. Is it not right to ask the question of whether or not he's the right man for a re-build job, which is sorely, sorely needed?

When has Nigel Adkins actually managed a team through a full re-build of the playing squad and got that team promoted? Most, if not all of his best performing/promotion winning players were in place before he arrived. Are you honestly telling me his signings are good evidence of positive steps to come? I'll even counter the Bill Sharp signing if you like, a good signing this year, we'd be well adrift without his goals (I'm reserving judgement on Baptiste until I see more). However, how forward thinking was signing him? How many years does he have left in him? Will he be good enough for the Championship should we miraculously manage to get promoted in the next couple of years?

It's not a case of, ey up we've been shit this season, lets all have a crack at the manager again. He has been given funds to bring in players who he thinks would improve the team. Bar Billy sharp this year, they haven't. The football and mentality of the team is appalling. On what basis could you possibly not ask questions of his ability to get this club back where it belongs?

Chris Powell - There's a suggestion, he made some very assured signings for league one Charlton Athletic. He did a re-build job there, they played some great football that year and shut up shop playing professionally to grind out results against other teams around them instead of just capitulating.

 

[Kempy]

Twelve months and minimal backing is no where near long enough to turn around basket case blades. Murphy was our best player and we only made the play offs with him playing boring, low scoring,attritional football. The next manager (or Adkins) needs two years from next season. Are you willing to let a manager build?

I can't agree with the minimal backing point, he's be able to bring in: Martyn Woolford, Conor Sammon, Alex Baptiste, Billy Sharp, David Edgar and Dean Hammond. In what world is that minimal backing?

We made the play-offs by playing a system which best suited our mostly average players, with one or two sparks like Murphy. The key thing about a good manager is assessing the options you have at hand, playing a system the suits them and motivating them to play well in that system. If you want to change that system, you bring in the additions to do so. Nigel Adkins has not done that, he has failed at all 3 of those core tasks. He has also brought in players who are simply not good enough and do not fit the system he wants to implement. What about that should not ring alarm bells?

I would be willing to let a manager build who has the proven credentials and aptitude to do so. I also believe you are correct that it will take a significant period to do just that. I do not believe Nigel Adkins has, despite his past success, the history to prove he is capable of the re-build job needed here. Nor has Nigel Adkins given me any faith in his ability to do so on the basis of his performance this year.

 

[Kempy]

Billy Che Flynny can't score sitters therefore Adkins is a fraud.

Dunt foller

My god, if only it were so simple.

 

[Finn Keane o' Balmaqueen]

Adkins made some fantastic signings during the last Transfer Window.
Cannot understand why we're in this position.
After all, he inherited a team of crack individuals, those who have since departed have all moved onto bigger and better clubs, apart from Murphy who's in danger of becoming a PL player and a full Scottish international too.

I'm totally baffled.

 

[nopigfansintown]

I can't agree with the minimal backing point, he's be able to bring in: Martyn Woolford, Conor Sammon, Alex Baptiste, Billy Sharp, David Edgar and Dean Hammond. In what world is that minimal backing?

We made the play-offs by playing a system which best suited our mostly average players, with one or two sparks like Murphy. The key thing about a good manager is assessing the options you have at hand, playing a system the suits them and motivating them to play well in that system. If you want to change that system, you bring in the additions to do so. Nigel Adkins has not done that, he has failed at all 3 of those core tasks. He has also brought in players who are simply not good enough and do not fit the system he wants to implement. What about that should not ring alarm bells?

I would be willing to let a manager build who has the proven credentials and aptitude to do so. I also believe you are correct that it will take a significant period to do just that. I do not believe Nigel Adkins has, despite his past success, the history to prove he is capable of the re-build job needed here. Nor has Nigel Adkins given me any faith in his ability to do so on the basis of his performance this year.

I'd disagree on recruitment. Adkins has sold a player for anywhere between 1.5 million and 2m and brought in the Old Trafford cup money. If he has spent 2.5 million or less I believe most fair minded people would accept he has raised it. He has also loaned many players out and got a small fee for Alcock. On the squad: he has inherited an injury prone, unfit shower that scraped fifth place playing an attritional, constipated style of football that captured the ire of many at Bramall Lane. Sixteen of these players were out of contract at the end of the season - motivation would have been an issue regardless of manager imo. He has attempted to play a more expansive 4-4-2 but has now diverted to 4-4-3 and 5-3-2 due to the inadequacies of the playing squad. Supporters (and the boardroom?) wanted to see a more attacking style, and I believe if done well it is the best way to win the league. Where I do have sympathy with your view is how he has spent the money. Hammond is unfortunately past it, although he was once the ideal leadership figure and defensive midfielder in any of these systems. Edgar is average and Woolford poor. He has made public pronouncements that he will sign younger, hungry players that will fit in an expansive system. The proof will be in the pudding...

 

[Finn Keane o' Balmaqueen]

On the squad: he has inherited an injury prone, unfit shower that scraped fifth place playing an attritional, constipated style of football that captured the ire of many at Bramall Lane.

Shakespeare Arisen.

Said exactly what I said, although mine was more William Burroughs than William Shakespeare.

 

[PokerBlade]

We keep changing managers and it gets us nowhere.

We let Clough sign over twenty players last season, we spent close to £2m on a full-back, sacked him, and then gave the new manager little to work with.

Murphy out, Sharp in can be considered somewhat tit-for-tat. If pushed I'd say I'd rather Sharp anyway. Aside from that exchange, we let Adkins bring in Woolford (a resounding failure). After that, I'm struggling to think of a permanent signing we've let him make. I must be missing someone, right?

Our transfer policies never make any sense. They haven't since McCabe has been in charge. Even when the club's been doing well it's been full of utter nonsense. I always come back to it, but remember spending over £3m on Akinbadbuy and Horsfield. Over £2m on Claude Davis. £1m on Shelton. Warnock had a list of something like forty forwards he signed during his time in charge, almost all on the cheap, because that's what we do instead of buying one good one.

Then McCabe gets to come on the radio and say he's put £50m-60m into the club, and the prince has put in close to £10m. £70m to build a side based on Jay McEveley. And he wonders why the fans don't appreciate them...

 

[blackydog]

Article was written by Lee Connor - a Blade. Whilst there might be truth in what he says, it could have been written by any of us.

 

[blader]

I couldn't be arsed to read it to be honest.

Adkins has managed 4 clubs prior to United and was successful at 3 of those clubs. Does that make him a fraud? Not in my eyes, he clearly has some idea of how to run a successful football club.

you know, I bet Texas couldn't run and manage a successful football club. I couldn't do what... Actually I could do what they do and I think they knew that even back then... Probably what spurred them on.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

Grown men were doing cartwheels on Adkins being given the managers job. So not many of us fans thought he was a bad appointment either. That has culminated in making this dismal season much much worse.

 

[Finnieston]

We keep changing managers and it gets us nowhere.

We let Clough sign over twenty players last season, we spent close to £2m on a full-back, sacked him, and then gave the new manager little to work with.

Murphy out, Sharp in can be considered somewhat tit-for-tat. If pushed I'd say I'd rather Sharp anyway. Aside from that exchange, we let Adkins bring in Woolford (a resounding failure). After that, I'm struggling to think of a permanent signing we've let him make. I must be missing someone, right?

Our transfer policies never make any sense. They haven't since McCabe has been in charge. Even when the club's been doing well it's been full of utter nonsense. I always come back to it, but remember spending over £3m on Akinbadbuy and Horsfield. Over £2m on Claude Davis. £1m on Shelton. Warnock had a list of something like forty forwards he signed during his time in charge, almost all on the cheap, because that's what we do instead of buying one good one.

Then McCabe gets to come on the radio and say he's put £50m-60m into the club, and the prince has put in close to £10m. £70m to build a side based on Jay McEveley. And he wonders why the fans don't appreciate them...

Absolutely spot on......He could waste money Warnock. Still can probably.
Ide forgot about Claude Davis .2million you say 2 bloody million. Yer avin a laff what idiot would pay 2 million for Claude Davis?
Stick with Adkins . Dont let Warnock anywhere near. ..........Made my day 2million Phew.

 

[Finnieston]

Grown men were doing cartwheels on Adkins being given the managers job. So not many of us fans thought he was a bad appointment either. That has culminated in making this dismal season much much worse.

I think the main reason people are irrational on here is because of situations elsewhere.
No more no less.

 

[nowtfancy]

Absolutely spot on......He could waste money Warnock. Still can probably.
Ide forgot about Claude Davis .2million you say 2 bloody million. Yer avin a laff what idiot would pay 2 million for Claude Davis?
Stick with Adkins . Dont let Warnock anywhere near. ..........Made my day 2million Phew.

didnt we sell claude davis for more than we bought him for?

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I'd disagree on recruitment. Adkins has sold a player for anywhere between 1.5 million and 2m and brought in the Old Trafford cup money. If he has spent 2.5 million or less I believe most fair minded people would accept he has raised it. He has also loaned many players out and got a small fee for Alcock. On the squad: he has inherited an injury prone, unfit shower that scraped fifth place playing an attritional, constipated style of football that captured the ire of many at Bramall Lane. Sixteen of these players were out of contract at the end of the season - motivation would have been an issue regardless of manager imo. He has attempted to play a more expansive 4-4-2 but has now diverted to 4-4-3 and 5-3-2 due to the inadequacies of the playing squad. Supporters (and the boardroom?) wanted to see a more attacking style, and I believe if done well it is the best way to win the league. Where I do have sympathy with your view is how he has spent the money. Hammond is unfortunately past it, although he was once the ideal leadership figure and defensive midfielder in any of these systems. Edgar is average and Woolford poor. He has made public pronouncements that he will sign younger, hungry players that will fit in an expansive system. The proof will be in the pudding...

Attritional constipation.

Nasty.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I yearn for continuity in the management team.

I heralded the Adkins appointment and was sitting there at the Newcastle friendly looking forward to enjoying the ride. We looked a class outfit even in Premier League company.

Adkins' management of this club from that day to this has been bizarre at times and comical if you come from S6. I must say that unfortunately I can relate to almost every point in those two linked articles in the O.P.

I still yearn for continuity but my heart lifted this morning when my wife got me with a cruel April Fool that Adkins had been sacked.

After that April Fool I realise that if he were sacked I'd be mightily relieved. Should he go? Surely it is far too early to judge him.

Starting in May he will be spending next year's budget on rebuilding the squad.

The Bohemian did a great O.P. on club signings over the decades and one of his conclusions was that our most successful managers had a definite system for which they signed players to fit.

Does anyone honestly know which system is Adkins' system of choice? Does he?


After this morning I know for sure my heart betrays my head.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I recall the very first time I even wondered whether Adkins was a 'fraud'.

Much earlier this season, I guess about October time, there was a double page article on Adam Lallana in the Daily Telegraph. In it he mentioned in some detail the biggest positive influences on his career development.

Lallana was at Southampton with Adkins for a number of years. He praised a man in his youth, he praised Pardew and he praised Pochettini. At the time I thought it might be an oversight, they did after all enjoy two promotions together. I think I know now that it was not.

Why do I mention it now. I really don't know but I'm tussling with this 'continuity' issue and I'm very worried about next year's budget. We can't afford to waste it.

As they say, I'm glad I don't have to make the decision but I'm really pee'd off not knowing after 10 months whether the manager/ 'emperor wears any clothes'. This year's players clearly don't think he does. I respect Neil Collins' opinions and he said he was glad he didn't have to make the decision either.

P.S. Article was " Klopp's vibe and passion get me back to my best" Dec 2015." no idea how to link it!!

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I yearn for continuity in the management team.

I heralded the Adkins appointment and was sitting there at the Newcastle friendly looking forward to enjoying the ride. We looked a class outfit even in Premier League company.

Adkins' management of this club from that day to this has been bizarre at times and comical if you come from S6. I must say that unfortunately I can relate to almost every point in those two linked articles in the O.P.

I still yearn for continuity but my heart lifted this morning when my wife got me with a cruel April Fool that Adkins had been sacked.

After that April Fool I realise that if he were sacked I'd be mightily relieved. Should he go? Surely it is far too early to judge him.

Starting in May he will be spending next year's budget on rebuilding the squad.

The Bohemian did a great O.P. on club signings over the decades and one of his conclusions was that our most successful managers had a definite system for which they signed players to fit.

Does anyone honestly know which system is Adkins' system of choice? Does he?


After this morning I know for sure my heart betrays my head.

Hasn't he played 4-4-2 wherever and whenever he could?