Ron_Justice
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This recent interview prodded me into saying something. Summer with no major International comp is dull. Thank fuck for Bazball. Re Selles. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic - He's clear in his principles and he's openly talking about a style of football. Not 'three ways to beat a team.....' but an actual, identifiable system and plan. It sounds like he's proactive - we'll plan for the opposition, be coached on a per game basis. Last year it felt like we were in the 'this is us, try to break us' mould, and, when teams figured out how (2nd PL Season anyone?) we had no answer. Ironically, Selles' Hull was one of the teams that sussed us last season. This is music to my ears. So many times last season I sat watching thinking 'what's the plan?' It turned out the plan was get it to Hamer, pass it around the final third and hope something happens, then shut up shop when we're one up. Ultimately, that didn't work so here we are, Selles Blades.
I think, from the owners' perspective, they've done what comes naturally to them. They've identified a candidate for a role that brings a loooong CV. A CV littered with diverse achievements, skills, and experiences. A candidate that, off the field, raises the bar of what a United manager looks like. On the field, we need a revolution. Again. BUT, this time it's about the physical side of the game, not technicians – I think the short-term challenge Selles brings is going to be getting the whole squad fit enough for them to go full tilt for 90 mins. After hearing him say things like 'maybe your statistics are the best in the world, but I need my team to have the best statistics in the world, not you yourself' I wonder who’s going to be left standing
That’s exciting, in a way. I like the idea that we’re moving away from sentiment and jobs for the boys and towards players being selected on merit.
But it’s going to be a hard reset, because let’s be real - how many in this current squad can actually do what he’s going to ask of them?
There’s a lot being said about how demanding Selles is. Intensity, high press, transitions at speed, mentally switched-on from minute one to ninety. That’s not just coaching - it’s a full-body lifestyle change.
Hamer and Campbell? 70 mins, done.
Souza (God love him) starts stretching the hammies around 60 like clockwork.
Hamer and Anel both off in the Playoff Final.
Davies - proper player - but built like a Victorian lampshade.
Burrows for McCallum became a default.
Robinson gives everything but usually looks dead on his feet by the end.
Honestly, the only ones who might be able to hack it are Callum O’Hare and Sydie Peck (if West Ham fuck off). And the forwards? Moore barely got a sniff of 90 mins, Cannon was in and out, and Brewster’s hamstrings are made of actual cheese - I think his fitness record is going to be the nail in the contract coffin. No way does a high intensity pressing, Selles team feature Rhian Brewster.
None of this is a dig BTW. It's just where we're at - we need Athletes who are also great at football.
If this is the plan - and for once it feels like we have one - then the squad needs proper reinforcements. Legs. Engines. Players who can run for 90, twice a week, for 9 months. Not just flair, but function.
I'm hopeful that given the right regime, the majority of the lads we have will rise to the physical challenge, but we need new bodies and, it'll take time, maybe more than one window. Again. But if the club really are moving into a new era then I think the Owners and their experience of 'Speculate to Accumulate' will see us right - He won't succeed unless he’s backed but I genuinely think he will be.
Having said all that, I can see a certain alignment with my opening - Bazball. As England Cricket fans, are we happier that we we're entertained but sometimes fall short as opposed to 2.5 days of forward defensive straight batting to sometimes get success?
Ruball anyone?
I think, from the owners' perspective, they've done what comes naturally to them. They've identified a candidate for a role that brings a loooong CV. A CV littered with diverse achievements, skills, and experiences. A candidate that, off the field, raises the bar of what a United manager looks like. On the field, we need a revolution. Again. BUT, this time it's about the physical side of the game, not technicians – I think the short-term challenge Selles brings is going to be getting the whole squad fit enough for them to go full tilt for 90 mins. After hearing him say things like 'maybe your statistics are the best in the world, but I need my team to have the best statistics in the world, not you yourself' I wonder who’s going to be left standing
That’s exciting, in a way. I like the idea that we’re moving away from sentiment and jobs for the boys and towards players being selected on merit.But it’s going to be a hard reset, because let’s be real - how many in this current squad can actually do what he’s going to ask of them?
There’s a lot being said about how demanding Selles is. Intensity, high press, transitions at speed, mentally switched-on from minute one to ninety. That’s not just coaching - it’s a full-body lifestyle change.
Hamer and Campbell? 70 mins, done.
Souza (God love him) starts stretching the hammies around 60 like clockwork.
Hamer and Anel both off in the Playoff Final.
Davies - proper player - but built like a Victorian lampshade.
Burrows for McCallum became a default.
Robinson gives everything but usually looks dead on his feet by the end.
Honestly, the only ones who might be able to hack it are Callum O’Hare and Sydie Peck (if West Ham fuck off). And the forwards? Moore barely got a sniff of 90 mins, Cannon was in and out, and Brewster’s hamstrings are made of actual cheese - I think his fitness record is going to be the nail in the contract coffin. No way does a high intensity pressing, Selles team feature Rhian Brewster.
None of this is a dig BTW. It's just where we're at - we need Athletes who are also great at football.
If this is the plan - and for once it feels like we have one - then the squad needs proper reinforcements. Legs. Engines. Players who can run for 90, twice a week, for 9 months. Not just flair, but function.
I'm hopeful that given the right regime, the majority of the lads we have will rise to the physical challenge, but we need new bodies and, it'll take time, maybe more than one window. Again. But if the club really are moving into a new era then I think the Owners and their experience of 'Speculate to Accumulate' will see us right - He won't succeed unless he’s backed but I genuinely think he will be.
Having said all that, I can see a certain alignment with my opening - Bazball. As England Cricket fans, are we happier that we we're entertained but sometimes fall short as opposed to 2.5 days of forward defensive straight batting to sometimes get success?
Ruball anyone?
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