Report From 'Meet The Manager' This Evening

[robbiez666]

Yeh, hope Basham isn't our main starting central midfielder....not good enough.
Only other concern for me was their statement about Long being our goal keeping solution.

His opinion of Long seems to have grown markedly since he realised he'll not be able to bring another keeper in. Personally, I think he's good enough, at this level at least.

 

[Fraggle Blade]

Thanks Tyler Durden

Personally I think centre midfield is where Basham belongs and that he's a good footballer with a good attitude. He's been mucked about no end over the last couple of seasons but I think under Wilder he will know what his job is and he will do it well.

I know that CW rates him highly and that he's a much better judge than me.

I'm hoping that we may well see Michael Brown reincarnated

I don't think Basham is a bad player and he has got a decent attitude, I just see him as very average. Depends who he would be playing alongside, but just don't see him having a good enough game to play at Cm in a 442.
I thought Basham played his best when at wing back.

 

[BushBlade]

His opinion of Long seems to have grown markedly since he realised he'll not be able to bring another keeper in. Personally, I think he's good enough, at this level at least.

I notice he's started bigging up the young lad. Does he want to keep the pressure on George so he doesn't get complacent?

 

[metalblade]

So we have gone from having players in before pre season to it will be next week then the next week to we now need to move some out before we can bring more in. All the signs from previous seasons that we havn't got a pot to piss in. Wilder like thr managers that preceeded him do these meetings say all the stuff that fans want to hear and the gullable believe and hang on every word. Fuck me we have heard it all before it is high time we had some action.

 

[Rodley]

Ok, as promised here's my concise summary of tonights session. I haven't done one of these before so be nice.....you bastards . Foxy and Linz, feel free to interject if I've paraphrased too much.

Introduction

Chris Wilder:

• This is the right time for me and Alan Knill to be taking charge at the club. I know the supporters, being one myself, understand what we (the supporters) expect.
• Saw United play a few times last season, was bored by what was on offer.
• Club has lost its identity, needs to play and also win in the right manner. Beating the opposition starts in the tunnel.

Alan Knill

• Knows what its like to work under difficult circumstances. They came to Northampton 2nd bottom in the division, identified what was required and won the league in three years. United in a much better position regarding facilities and infrastructure. Promotion certainly not a three year job.

Transfers

• Two targets in particular, (both centre-halves) identified. Hoping to have one or both in by end of next week.
• Transfer budget impaired by players on transfer list draining resources with big contracts. Not ideal, but won't stop us getting in the players who can do the job at hand.
• Slow movement has been the case across the league.

Approach

• Importance of being clear about what we want from our players. Speaking to the players when I took charge, nobody really knew what their role was last season. This has to change
• We have to have leaders on the pitch. This has been lacking. Essential to have individuals who can take our tactics/strategies/ethos and instill it in the players on the field
• Defending corners: We won't have our box swamped. Need to have players positioned upfield to effectively counter-attack.
• No more playing backwards and squarewards (*thank fuck*)
• Re cup games: League is obviously the priority, but any team I pick for any game, I expect them to play to win, whether 5-a-side or FA Cup. Principle doesn't change not matter what the level.

Players

• Asked Basham where he feels his strongest position is, he believes centre-midfield. Intends to play him there.
• Done is NOT a left wing back, his place is clearly further up front
• Question asked if Billy Sharp being made new captain was PR move? CW: Nothing I do is a PR move, he embodies the spirit we want in this team, knows what is required and is captain because he's most suited to the role.
• Monitoring situation with our U-21 goalkeeper, had a very good season. Possibility of stepping up.
• Believe Brayford and Scougall to be very strong assets if they play to their potential, up to them now to take that chance.

What needs to change

• Knill: Saw us play a few times last season. Coventry defeat was the worst. Utter apathy, didn't look like wanting to win.
• CW: Recruitment has been bang average this past couple of seasons, still need to deal with the legacy of that. (*He's looking at you, Hammond*)
• Knill: No decent centre half since Morgs. Believes the two identified targets to have those qualities (not afraid to head the ball or put a robust tackle in)

Going Forward

• We will not roll over for anyone next season
• You don't sit back at 1-0, you have to put teams away decisively
• Promotion without doubt is possible.

Conclusion: Music to my ears

Great effort. Much appreciated.

 

[Fraggle Blade]

His opinion of Long seems to have grown markedly since he realised he'll not be able to bring another keeper in. Personally, I think he's good enough, at this level at least.

I wouldn't write Long off as he has plenty of time in front of him to improve, I would have just preferred an experienced keeper brought in for the No1 role.
I'm sure he'll do ok especially if we can get some commanding CB's in.
But if he gets injured we really are struggling for experience, despite how good our younger keepers are.

 

[The Crab]

With a better keeper than Simmonsen, we might not have needed to attempt to go up through the play offs. ;-)

If Evans had kept his cock in his trousers we might not have either.

 

[pommpey]

Simple really - all we have to do is find a replacement for him and his money!

Any suggestions?

I mean, it's not as though he has maximised his portfolio and footprint in the club to the detriment of the footballing output and proven himself difficult to replace, is it?

pommpey

 

[pommpey]

I thought Basham played his best when at wing back.

He did, but he's not a wing back, innit? I expect Basham to provide that presence in midfield we used to have with McDonald, rangey playmaker and opposition play-breaker. It is all about central midfield these day and how they interact with the people in front and the people out wide.

pommpey

 

[I should coco]

Some of the cynical comments are a bit disappointing but I suppose after 5 years in this shitty division people are just fed up to the back teeth.

I was there last night and thought that the way they said stuff and their attitude was excellent. The job may ultimately prove to be too much, but I'm pretty sure they will give it the proverbial 110% and it will not be for want of trying.

In answers to several questions he stressed the importance of team spirit. He said the winners of all four divisions (N'oton, Burton, Burnley and Leicester) were not the best teams but all had superb spirit and played as a team. He mentioned lining up at QPR in the tunnel with real characters around him and then Vinnie throwing the ball in Ray Wilkins face. His point was, that they won that battle in the tunnel and he wants his players to compete above all else. From the start to the end he will demand total commitment.

Alan Knill came over really well. A bright and likable bloke with loads of experience. He still lives in Handsworth and knows what United means to people. Knill and Wilder were apprentices together at S'oton and have worked together several times before. There is a bit of 'good cop / bad cop' there and they obviously get on.

It would be nice if the cynicism, moaning and groaning could be put aside for a few games and we all might actually get behind the team and see what affect it has. 'Fortress Bramall Lane' is a cliche, but let's get the place rocking and give the opposition a hard time rather than our own players.

 

[Woodwardfan]

It sounds to me (and I understand it's in CW's interest to make it sound like this) that the players had very low morale under Adkins and that was transmitted to their performances on the pitch.
They were obviously used to Clough telling the exactly what they should be doing, where they should be positioned etc and just didn't get whatever it was Adkins was trying to do.

When Clough came in, a lot of our players were playing badly. If you'd never seen them before you'd just assume they were shit. Whatever else he did wrong, he got players like Baxter, Murphy, Flynn playing well. It's possible, probable even, that Wilder will have a similar impact with some of the current players.

Is it the answer? No, we still need to bring players in. Will it help? Undoubtedly.

Players can come off the list if they can impress the manager, if they wish to that is!

 

[dblade56]

Thanks for the report, frustrating being so far away (Oxford), but then again, it's only pre-season.

The remarks re ins and outs is the same as ever, I fully understand this, but we did get rid of a lot of dross that would have reduced our wage bill, I imagine it's Hammond (I'm going home if you take me off), Coutts (I don't like playing there) and Woolford (I'm a winger, or maybe not) that he needs to get off the bill.

I like the idea of giving Scoooogs another chance and making sure we fit roundish pins in roundish holes.

I'm looking forward to the coming season, but not as much as I was for Cloughies first full season and look what happened to that, and I thought Adkin's was the ideal manager.... jeez I'll start thinking England can win a knock out game soon.

Come on you red and white wizardssssssss

 

[larkymasher]

Looking at things it seems almost certain that our back up keeper will be Ramsdale. Also our 4th or even 3rd choice Centre Back will be Callum Semple.

Both lads have a real chance in the game. Yes, its risky having two 17 year olds as back up, but, if thats where finances lead us, then give these two our backing whenever or if they play.......

I think 2 Centre Backs, 2 Midfielders would be enough to reshape the team and push us forward, even with the youngsters as back up.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Cheers for the O/P, much appreciated.

I'm a bit frustrated tbh about the lack of transfer movement, the delays and the shifting messages about ins & outs. But, overriding that, I trust Wilder. He's not a miracle worker, but he's clearly got the best interests of the club at heart. Add that to his comptetence and his focusing on proper priorities.

I know it's a cliche but I genuinely do feel like we've got our club back. But that needs to be put into practice, not just talked about. As CW acknowledged.

Loved the bit about "I don't do PR" btw. No bullshit.

Now let's get bloody well started on getting these 3 centre-halves, 1 left-footed midfielder, 1 targetman and 1 wideman in!

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Ok, as promised here's my concise summary of tonights session. I haven't done one of these before so be nice.....you bastards . Foxy and Linz, feel free to interject if I've paraphrased too much.

Introduction

Chris Wilder:

• This is the right time for me and Alan Knill to be taking charge at the club. I know the supporters, being one myself, understand what we (the supporters) expect.
• Saw United play a few times last season, was bored by what was on offer.
• Club has lost its identity, needs to play and also win in the right manner. Beating the opposition starts in the tunnel.

Alan Knill

• Knows what its like to work under difficult circumstances. They came to Northampton 2nd bottom in the division, identified what was required and won the league in three years. United in a much better position regarding facilities and infrastructure. Promotion certainly not a three year job.

Transfers

• Two targets in particular, (both centre-halves) identified. Hoping to have one or both in by end of next week.
• Transfer budget impaired by players on transfer list draining resources with big contracts. Not ideal, but won't stop us getting in the players who can do the job at hand.
• Slow movement has been the case across the league.

Approach

• Importance of being clear about what we want from our players. Speaking to the players when I took charge, nobody really knew what their role was last season. This has to change
• We have to have leaders on the pitch. This has been lacking. Essential to have individuals who can take our tactics/strategies/ethos and instill it in the players on the field
• Defending corners: We won't have our box swamped. Need to have players positioned upfield to effectively counter-attack.
• No more playing backwards and squarewards (*thank fuck*)
• Re cup games: League is obviously the priority, but any team I pick for any game, I expect them to play to win, whether 5-a-side or FA Cup. Principle doesn't change not matter what the level.

Players

• Asked Basham where he feels his strongest position is, he believes centre-midfield. Intends to play him there.
• Done is NOT a left wing back, his place is clearly further up front
• Question asked if Billy Sharp being made new captain was PR move? CW: Nothing I do is a PR move, he embodies the spirit we want in this team, knows what is required and is captain because he's most suited to the role.
• Monitoring situation with our U-21 goalkeeper, had a very good season. Possibility of stepping up.
• Believe Brayford and Scougall to be very strong assets if they play to their potential, up to them now to take that chance.

What needs to change

• Knill: Saw us play a few times last season. Coventry defeat was the worst. Utter apathy, didn't look like wanting to win.
• CW: Recruitment has been bang average this past couple of seasons, still need to deal with the legacy of that. (*He's looking at you, Hammond*)
• Knill: No decent centre half since Morgs. Believes the two identified targets to have those qualities (not afraid to head the ball or put a robust tackle in)

Going Forward

• We will not roll over for anyone next season
• You don't sit back at 1-0, you have to put teams away decisively
• Promotion without doubt is possible.

Conclusion: Music to my ears

Thanks for the report Tyler. A few questions I’d like answers to from Wilder (if anyone is reading who might attend the next forum or if anyone already knows the answer in some cases)


1. What will be your preferred formation for us next season.


2. You say Done should be up front. Billy is captain. Che can tear the division apart. McNulty has another chance. You rate DCL and you see Scougall being a big player for us next season. How do you propose to accommodate these players? Do you see Scougall playing in a team that has two strikers? OR will Done or Adams play wide?


3. On top of our immediate recruitment needs (centre halves and centre mid), will we be scouring non-league or the continent to unearth the next young diamond? Where is the new scout’s attention likely to be focuses? Will there be any follow up of the work Turnbull did in Norway/ Holland? Do we have player reports/ database from Turnbull that we are exploring further?

 

[1danewhitehouse]

"At least Wilder confirmed what we all saw last season, players didn’t know their positions." - @whf disagrees with this

Little bit chicken and egg though. We started off with a fairly simple 442 last season. Nothing complicated. The players didn’t work hard enough and got turned over by the likes of Bury and Colchester as they were overrun in midfield. If the players let the manager down, the manager has to keep trying new ways to find a winning formula. Clough was hammered for being stubborn and refusing to change approach. Adkins hammered for changing too much, over-complicating, confusing the poor little darling players. Fact is, players win football matches and to many of ours have taken the piss for far too long. More important than the manager change is the release of 10 players and hopefully the replacement of those players with ones made of the right stuff.

 

[Northyorksblade]

I'm starting to feel excited, more so than other seasons!

 

[1danewhitehouse]

It sounds to me (and I understand it's in CW's interest to make it sound like this) that the players had very low morale under Adkins and that was transmitted to their performances on the pitch.
They were obviously used to Clough telling the exactly what they should be doing, where they should be positioned etc and just didn't get whatever it was Adkins was trying to do.

When Clough came in, a lot of our players were playing badly. If you'd never seen them before you'd just assume they were shit. Whatever else he did wrong, he got players like Baxter, Murphy, Flynn playing well. It's possible, probable even, that Wilder will have a similar impact with some of the current players.

Is it the answer? No, we still need to bring players in. Will it help? Undoubtedly.

Agree with this. Wilder’s hard-line stance and back to basics approach might help the performance of certain individuals. Whether we as a club can get the other bits right that we got wrong under Clough (player recruitment and retention mainly) remains to be seen.

 

[Revolution]

Scougall and Basham In midfield? That's his plan?

Wow.

 

[Grecian2000]

Come on Rev you know better than that.

The mantra hasn't changed.

IGNORE WHAT THEY SAY, SEE WHAT THEY DO.

 

[Darthblade]

And thankfully the bloke continues to do so.

UTB

The proof of this will be when we see if there are another 8 or 9 signings like we need to realistically compete this season ........ or if there are another 2 or 3

UTB & FTP

 

[Darthblade]

Scougall and Basham In midfield? That's his plan?

Wow.

Oh god no ...... I genuinely hope not !!!!!!!!

I'm rather hoping Fleetwood offer money for Scougal or we find him a job in the Club shop where he can be useful ......

UTB & FTP

 

[larkymasher]

Thanks for the report Tyler. A few questions I’d like answers to from Wilder (if anyone is reading who might attend the next forum or if anyone already knows the answer in some cases)


1. What will be your preferred formation for us next season.


2. You say Done should be up front. Billy is captain. Che can tear the division apart. McNulty has another chance. You rate DCL and you see Scougall being a big player for us next season. How do you propose to accommodate these players? Do you see Scougall playing in a team that has two strikers? OR will Done or Adams play wide?


3. On top of our immediate recruitment needs (centre halves and centre mid), will we be scouring non-league or the continent to unearth the next young diamond? Where is the new scout’s attention likely to be focuses? Will there be any follow up of the work Turnbull did in Norway/ Holland? Do we have player reports/ database from Turnbull that we are exploring further?

Great questions pal........... but we may already have the 2 young diamonds in Ramsdale and Semple.

Thats my point. We are looking here there and everywhere and we might already have them...... At what point do we say, Right, lets give them their chance.

That said, it does not detract from the requirement for experienced signings which we desperately need.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Great questions pal........... but we may already have the 2 young diamonds in Ramsdale and Semple.

Thats my point. We are looking here there and everywhere and we might already have them...... At what point do we say, Right, lets give them their chance.

That said, it does not detract from the requirement for experienced signings which we desperately need.

we may have. It's a difficult one especially at centre half and GK where experience is key. It's probably easier to blood a young striker/winger than a CB unless they are incredibly over-developed physically like Harry Maguire. I've seen little of Semple but I know he's rated. That said, we can't be basing a promotion push on a 17 year old with no first team experience being a first team regular. Happy for the likes of him and Ramsdale to be part of the wider squad getting the odd game here and there as a chance to stake a claim (league cup, JPT, cover for injury crisis etc.).

 

[larkymasher]

we may have. It's a difficult one especially at centre half and GK where experience is key. It's probably easier to blood a young striker/winger than a CB unless they are incredibly over-developed physically like Harry Maguire. I've seen little of Semple but I know he's rated. That said, we can't be basing a promotion push on a 17 year old with no first team experience being a first team regular. Happy for the likes of him and Ramsdale to be part of the wider squad getting the odd game here and there as a chance to stake a claim (league cup, JPT, cover for injury crisis etc.).

That is exactly my opinion ..................... They should be involved in a smaller capacity,,,,, but involved.

Would bring their development on significantly if we had a winning first team.

 

[Revolution]

Come on Rev you know better than that.

The mantra hasn't changed.

IGNORE WHAT THEY SAY, SEE WHAT THEY DO.

Oh I know. But when they say things like that I get worried.

 

[BushBlade]

Players can come off the list if they can impress the manager, if they wish to that is!

Although he hasn't ruled it out, CW has been pretty clear that the listed players don't have the attributes he requires for his type of play.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Nice one TC, but you're not meant to reveal Pinchy's identity

 

[UnitedBlade]

Record clean sheets and Neil Collins played 45 games, nobody on here will believe you!!

And George Long for most of the clean sheet games.

We have to reconstruct though, we were very fragile defensively last season.

Onwards and upwards.

 

[BushBlade]

And George Long for most of the clean sheet games.

We have to reconstruct though, we were very fragile defensively last season.

Onwards and upwards.

The defence was sat so deep to protect George and cover their lack of pace it's no wonder we couldn't score. If they'd been any deeper they'd have been sat with us.