So it's getting to that time again for the reds in the Championship. A good half a season, and now a bad run of results and some people are getting restless. We've seen it with Keith Hill, and David Flitcroft and poor old Danny Wilson didn't even have half a decent half season. The job was too fecked by the time he took the reins. Robins buggered off for the same reason - finances. One thing I've not done whilst we've been in the championship is shout for managers head, and I won't for heckys, although I don't subscribe to some people's opinion that he's some untouchable local football god. He isn't. He inherited a fantastic group of players, and to his credit, played them in a formation that got the best out of them and deservedly got the credit for his work which carried on well into last season, on the road at least. I don't think replacing him would improve things in the long term, and we have to go with what we've got until January. What's someone else going to do? Change formation? Try a few players we haven't used? I think we have to keep calm and wait until the takeover happens and see what January brings. I haven't missed an away game since the playoff final, and I don't go to games half cut, so I'm as frustrated as anyone seeing us get rolled over. I don't think Hecky is the best manager we've ever had. I give that honour to the bloke that took us into the top flight, but heckys here now and I'd like to see him be given a helping hand from the new owners and see what he can do.
As you're aware, you and I certainly do not agree on a great deal with regards to Paul Heckingbottom. However, that is a well constructed and argued post.
what I cant get my head around is we have an almost completely new team of young players - so far after 7 games they have had a mixture of good and bad performances but shown enough that they can compete with anyone in the league. We have had spells where we have been very good, and some where we have been poor, but the team is still growing together and we have quite a few players to come in. We aren't even in the relegation places at the moment but even if we were there is enough evidence that we can easily go on a run and string a few results together and climb up the table. Yet people are calling for the Manager to be replaced - after 7 games that's hardly giving him any time As for those who include the 2nd half of last season - that was in a team which had suddenly lost its spine with no time to sort out replacements - but we still finished mid table
I wouldn't say we disagree on too much mate to be honest, hence why I don't want him sacking. I just don't think he's beyond criticism. No one is. A few small issues I currently have. He won't play two up top because of his midfield, yet he's persevered with Pott's in that midfield from day one and he's only just starting to look match fit. Also Pearson at left back. Great attitude but never a full back. Pinnock looks more athletic if we're going to play someone out of position. Up front. Bradshaw one week, ugbo the next, but our most expensive striker not getting a look in. He's had the plaudits, now he has to expect the flack when things aren't going so well.
It's a fine margin. Take wolves away last Saturday. We were never going to win the game because we can't hit a cows arse with a banjo, but we had a great chance to take something from the game and would have come away satisfied with the draw. We're having enough possession in games and playing some decent stuff, but it's all a light in the final third. Playing well and losing isn't good for morale after a while.
I'm quite relaxed with the season so far, could've been better and certainly could've been worse. Personally, I'd have preferred us not to have to bring in so many new players during the Summer and to sort out the contracts of Scowen, Roberts & Watkins, especially after what had happened in January. Unfortunately, when you're bringing in so many players, they're going to take time to adjust to the higher level at different speeds. On top of that, they're also having to adjust to new teammates, club, style of play, demands of the gaffer, build up teamwork & spirit. This doesn't happen overnight, nor has ever done so at our club. Then there's the problem that not all the new players will be capable of making it the step up, no manager anywhere has ever had a 100% success rate with incoming transfers. For what it's worth, I believe we'll see a gradual improvement in our play, along with results, as the season progresses. As for Hecky, I believe after what he's achieved so far, he's entitled to be cut some slack if/when we go through a less than successful period and have some patience shown during this transitional time for the club/team. Others ought to be allowed to voice their opinions, even if they differ from mine, without being subjected to asinine, puerile, personal comments & attacks. I won't descend to that abuse and would prefer it to be reciprocated.
I agree its a bit light up top but part of that is confidence Had we been given the stonewall pen against Bradshaw who knows what would have happened. Had we scored first against Villa I think we would have won the game. Its all if's and but's but we are close being a decent team, It would be very handy to get 3 or 4 points out of the next couple of games to ease us away from the bottom 3 but it wont be a catastrophe if we dont at this stage of the season.
Is that aimed at me for my "not blowing smoke up his arse" comment? If so, I don't see it as the incendiary comment that had some people all a fluster. Maybe I should have put a little smiley at the side of it?
I think wolves was similar to the spurs game. Both were pretty pedestrian in their build up. Had we taken the lead in either game I think we would have had to batten down the hatches a fair bit.
It could never be construed as being respectful, but I've dealt with far more serious issues in my life than be affected too much with that comment. As far as I'm aware, I've always tried to show respect to others and their views, even when they've been polar opposite to mine. How could I possibly expect respect from others if I don't show it myself? My approach is I drew a line under that debate and have moved on, without compromising my values. There's far more serious issues in the world than people disagreeing on a social media site.
I think a certain other poster was more upset than you mate to be honest. Had him reaching for the PM button, and my ears were on fire.
As far as I'm concerned, mate, I'd be more than happy to shake your hand in friendship were we ever to meet.
We've played eight and lost five - but who is asking for the manage to be sacked? I can't see us finishing mid table but that is more to the flaws of the plan than any on the part of the manager.
