Thoughts from Adkins

[Karaoke Blade]

Did anyone tell you Collins got the leveller today?

No, I saw it with my own eyes. Wow, perhaps we should play him up front.

 

[JohnDenver]

No our midfield was to blame for not picking up the three points today, they were very poor.

It just can't work. There's so little forward drive, so little running, so little intensity, that we cannot put pressure on any team. Even lowly Div1 strugglers. And let's not even mention how easily they waltzed through us for the second goal.

I think we can accommodate one of Hammond, Coutts or Baxter in a midfield four. No more. The other three need to bring mobility, strength, fire and just a wee smidge of quality.

 

[alcoblade]

It just can't work. There's so little forward drive, so little running, so little intensity, that we cannot put pressure on any team. Even lowly Div1 strugglers. And let's not even mention how easily they waltzed through us for the second goal.

I think we can accommodate one of Hammond, Coutts or Baxter in a midfield four. No more. The other three need to bring mobility, strength, fire and just a wee smidge of quality.

Surely this penny must drop soon?

Imagine the outcry if Hammond continues like this and still earns a contract.

UTB

 

[Esablade]

I too thought Hammond was ok today and got better as the game went on.

Surprised no one mentioned Freeman having a mare first half...they were landing the ball on that no.7's head every time ...Freeman wasn't even near him for half an hour...

 

[Barney]

Oct 20 - Just saying.

 

[spongebobblade]

It's a funny old game, seriously. Shocking first half and we score two, much better in the second and we didn't score at all

We weren't outstanding 2nd half but were unlucky not to win. It's points we need though not "if only" stories

 

[JohnDenver]

Surely this penny must drop soon?

Imagine the outcry if Hammond continues like this and still earns a contract.

UTB

I don't just blame Hammond. His record clearly suggests there's a player there who can contribute given fitness and the correct teammates.

But like you say, far too many players are sub-standard and the squad is totally imbalanced. Adkins can juggle all he likes, but he can't magically invoke qualities his players just don't have. I despair at those blaming Adkins. He might well have done better so far, but if we think we can find a manager who can turn this squad into top-two material we're having the laugh of all laughs.

 

[alcoblade]

I don't just blame Hammond. His record clearly suggests there's a player there who can contribute given fitness and the correct teammates.

But like you say, far too many players are sub-standard and the squad is totally imbalanced. Adkins can juggle all he likes, but he can't magically invoke qualities his players just don't have. I despair at those blaming Adkins. He might well have done better so far, but if we think we can find a manager who can turn this squad into top-two material we're having the laugh of all laughs.

True, we've got a team full of Dean Hammonds. So to bring another in, on no doubt enormous wages, would be outrageous.

Sharp, Hammond and Brayford. I just dread to think of the cost - and for what?

UTB

 

[derryblade]

Nothing new in the interview, could have used previous tapes. Seriously the talk from manager and players has to be transferred into acceptable performances on the pitch very quickly.

 

[JohnDenver]

True, we've got a team full of Dean Hammonds. So to bring another in, on no doubt enormous wages, would be outrageous.

The only possible reason I can give for doing that is that his identikits are about to be shipped out, and his leadership qualities are miles in advance of the others.

But I'm trying hard here...

 

[Pedro Verde]

Thought it was a good game

Lost too many second balls in the first half

Said Long was good, made a good punch for their first goal and was commanding. Looks like will retain the number one spot

Not worried about Dean Hammond. Does a lot of work off the ball people dont see

Gotta hang on in there

Have to get behind the players


Short interview because Radio Sheffield had to get to their Northern Soul Night

Nowt wrong with a bit of Northern Soul

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Imagine the outcry if Hammond continues like this and still earns a contract.

Imagine the outcry from some.

This isn't a monopoly opinion - it might not even be a majority opinion.

Fwiw I'd apply Kop Mound Logic: What does Adkins see that some fans don't?

Maybe he's not good enough or quick enough yet - but he did plenty today.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I too thought Hammond was ok today and got better as the game went on.

Surprised no one mentioned Freeman having a mare first half...they were landing the ball on that no.7's head every time ...Freeman wasn't even near him for half an hour...

Don't know about a mare but long crossfield balls aimed at Freeman are a common tactic by our opponents. The other week he won everything. Today, not so much.

It wasn't a surprise that's where their goal came from - couldn't work out exactly how it happened though.

 

[alcoblade]

Imagine the outcry from some.

This isn't a monopoly opinion - it might not even be a majority opinion.

Fwiw I'd apply Kop Mound Logic: What does Adkins see that some fans don't?

Maybe he's not good enough or quick enough yet - but he did plenty today.

You're absolutely entitled to that opinion - but make no mistake on current performances there will be an outcry.

As for Kop Mound logic ( ) it doesn't apply. If he continues like this, Adkins won't sign him if he doesn't have to. My concern is more that the deal's already done.

It was his best game for us today - at 4/10. Says it all. I still live in hope of improvement, but he's been totally dreadful so far.

UTB

 

[cooperblade]

He blamed Baxter for the 1st goal. The whole bench were screaming at him to get between Long and the Southend player.

 

[ThatJa]

No, I saw it with my own eyes. Wow, perhaps we should play him up front.

He was no wose than any other on that pitch today.

He's also our 4th top scorer with FOUR goals from CB. Ahead of Sammon and Done.