'Forward thinking' - interesting label.
Our manager has been 'forward thinking' since he arrived in 2016. He came with over 700 managerial games under his belt and a whole load of learning.
He inherited a poor, unbalanced, tired and miserable squad and has built a squad incrementally, step by step, month by month ever since.
There has been a plan from Day 1 with the strategy ' incremental improvement' within budget which has not been just enough, no more, at each level.
All managers can spend money and maybe sign good players for too much money.
Wilder and Knill quickly assessed the capability of each player when they arrived and, more importantly, the strength and weaknesses of the group.
They had a clear-out, spent modest cash on good characters and a blend of skills and experiences. Got a balanced squad, got character throughout.
Plenty of all that to gain promotion and by the first Xmas they were planning for the Championship.
One year on, repeat exercise, incremental improvement, consolidation, strategy to consolidate up there comfortably achieved.
Another year on, more budget from earned extra income and the owners. Same repeat exercise; balanced squad, better players, characters. Really building for the Premier League now.
On Wilder's budget, that whole process is 'forward thinking' of immense magnitude and even bigger to pull it all off. An experienced manager and an experienced Assistant with enough common sense, instinct, people knowledge, player knowledge, group capability awareness and game awareness to be able to plan step by step over three years. Just look at our squad now!! Look at the way we play. look at the bench every week.
Added to all that is the 'old school' label, a lazy comment by Redknapp, a shallow pundit. He was probably well meaning and regarded it as a compliment but he should know it's also a lazy comment. However there is some truth in it because Wilder and Knill are 'old school' in certain parts of their leadership and they are the bits that generate team spirit, unity and understanding of players as themselves and as part of the playing system. 'Old school' in straight talking, day to day intensity on the training field, treating players like men not boys, having a few beers with them when appropriate and not just for the cameras when we win things.
'Old school' because he puts his best work in day by day, not just on the touchline in front of the cameras, not just in media interviews. Treats his players as men in such interviews and praises them when they earn it and bollocks 'em when they don't and that's very rare thankfully.
'Old school' yes but that's just a small part of the story Jamie. A story neither you or your Dad could never achieve in a million years. Our man says it as it is and not just for the cameras, mainly for the fans and the players. 'Old school' respect for the main folk who matter.
Reflection on how good managers couldn't even get the equivalent journey started at Bramall Lane shows the 'CWAK' achievements so far. The journey has not finished yet. Still no £5000 suit on the touchline, now that is 'old school' Jamie !!
www.dailymail.co.uk
. I've been looking for a link to match it too and perhaps that part explains my wishful thinking!!
