From the dugout

Talking about Scott and Hurst's pre-match article in the matchday programme...

I was again impressed - they don't give a load of flannel and cliches, they talk about about past games, what we did right and wrong, give credit, criticism and reasons - can't ask for much more !  

Wouldn't say ALL their team selections have been spot on so far but in general they've been pretty damn good.

Also liked how today they clearly wanted to give the other players like Eagle, Church and Elding match time when we went 2 up (even some bloke near me started moaning about taking Duffy off !).

Feel more and more confident they read the game to a very high standard and a lot of what they do is measured and thoughtful - this can only be a good thing IMO.

As for coaching, it's also a positive before the game (on MP) they mentioned having a whole week to work on things  - is that why we've seen an arguable improvement going forward ? (albeit against lower opposition they certainly looked to know their jobs and what to do)

The only "area for improvement" that slightly concerned me about today's performance is related to something they mentioned themsleves in the match programme when talking about the Darlington game:

"Again the same player is allowed far too much time and space in the box...."

One or two occassions I thought we backed off giving the opposition far too much room on the ball near our area (or in our half) when we could have closed them down more.

It's all well and good simply pointing to clean sheets but a better team could take advantage if we're not careful.
Personally I like to see players close down aqap and stay close - obviously you don't always commit or go flying in, but you shouldn't allow them time and space to play in either.
In other games I've seen players run across to cover an opposition man but then stand off 3 or 4 yards allowing a cross to come in.

Whilst we've been solid in previous games and defenders have played well(we haven't always defended well), I just feel we sometimes need to get that little bit tighter and harry a bit more.

Anyone notice 2nd half we closed down H&Y in their own half we won the ball back again ?
Just shows what applying pressure can do - we saw a lot of it pre-season I was wondered if the team we'd see would be 11 workaholics.
Whilst I don't suggest we knacker ourselves out running around like headless chickens for 90 minutes I think we need be wary of complacency by sitting too deep, trying to "contain" and allow other teams to play - to be fair 2nd half I thought we generally harried them a lot better.

Anyway, I'm certainly impressed with the progress being made so very well done Rob and Paul !

Usually, I just read your first sentence and your last sentence.

Your choice - if you want to assume it's waffle or have got the attention span of an ant then be a loser, no skin off my nose.

There are several knowledgable posters I enjoy reading at length on here for their quality and personal insight - if someone posts a whole page I won't be put off, I'll still read it.  

Unless it's maybe someone like you whose posts I put firmly in the "can disregard ?" category which I pay limited time or attention to.

Anyway, enjoy the bullshit !  

PS Sometimes I even read books too !  

I was thinking Hayes looked quite decent with the ball around are box first half,I also noticed they never seemed to get any time on the ball second half.
Yesterday was my first game this season and i reckon it looked ten times better than last season ,my mate reckons we played just as well against Fleetwood too

Quoted from 1600

Talking about Scott and Hurst's pre-match article in the matchday programme...

I was again impressed - they don't give a load of flannel and cliches, they talk about about past games, what we did right and wrong, give credit, criticism and reasons - can't ask for much more !  

Wouldn't say ALL their team selections have been spot on so far but in general they've been pretty damn good.

Also liked how today they clearly wanted to give the other players like Eagle, Church and Elding match time when we went 2 up (even some bloke near me started moaning about taking Duffy off !).

Feel more and more confident they read the game to a very high standard and a lot of what they do is measured and thoughtful - this can only be a good thing IMO.

As for coaching, it's also a positive before the game (on MP) they mentioned having a whole week to work on things  - is that why we've seen an arguable improvement going forward ? (albeit against lower opposition they certainly looked to know their jobs and what to do)

The only "area for improvement" that slightly concerned me about today's performance is related to something they mentioned themsleves in the match programme when talking about the Darlington game:

"Again the same player is allowed far too much time and space in the box...."

One or two occassions I thought we backed off giving the opposition far too much room on the ball near our area (or in our half) when we could have closed them down more.

It's all well and good simply pointing to clean sheets but a better team could take advantage if we're not careful.
Personally I like to see players close down aqap and stay close - obviously you don't always commit or go flying in, but you shouldn't allow them time and space to play in either.
In other games I've seen players run across to cover an opposition man but then stand off 3 or 4 yards allowing a cross to come in.

Whilst we've been solid in previous games and defenders have played well(we haven't always defended well), I just feel we sometimes need to get that little bit tighter and harry a bit more.

Anyone notice 2nd half we closed down H&Y in their own half we won the ball back again ?
Just shows what applying pressure can do - we saw a lot of it pre-season I was wondered if the team we'd see would be 11 workaholics.
Whilst I don't suggest we knacker ourselves out running around like headless chickens for 90 minutes I think we need be wary of complacency by sitting too deep, trying to "contain" and allow other teams to play - to be fair 2nd half I thought we generally harried them a lot better.

Anyway, I'm certainly impressed with the progress being made so very well done Rob and Paul !

My God you've changed your tune since the end of last season!!

Quoted from tarka

My God you've changed your tune since the end of last season!!

People can change their minds you know

Quoted from wycombemariner

People can change their minds you know

Very true...but it's a sad reflection on supporters that it has to be so extreme. The next poor performance we'll be back to Shouty and Shorty, hoof ball, out of their depth etc, etc!

Quoted from tarka

Very true...but it's a sad reflection on supporters that it has to be so extreme. The next poor performance we'll be back to Shouty and Shorty, hoof ball, out of their depth etc, etc!

Have you ever been to any other ground in the country? Its the same whether you are having a bad time in the Champions League or in the Conference.

I am sick to the back teeth that our fans been spoken of in this way.

We the fans who love the club to bits, have been fed 10 years of utter garbage and have seen the club plummet to an all time low.

Of course we are going to angry/fickle(ish) until we see some definate signs of having turned the corner.

The club ought to be thankful the community still has an interest in the club at all after what weve been through.

Its in the clubs court now to start to put things right,and get all the fans back on side.

Yesterday was  a good start and I am sure most feel like 80's - a little more hopeful.  

Good post! UTM

Quoted from tarka

My God you've changed your tune since the end of last season!!

Have I ? Please enlighten me.
Anyway I think you'll find the football has changed since last season ?

I'm saying there are some positive signs for encouragement, I'm certainly not getting carried away or saying we've cracked it - read the thread !

By the way, is it really necessary to quote the entire thread for a one line response ?  

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Have you ever been to any other ground in the country? Its the same whether you are having a bad time in the Champions League or in the Conference.

I am sick to the back teeth that our fans been spoken of in this way.

We the fans who love the club to bits, have been fed 10 years of utter garbage and have seen the club plummet to an all time low.

Of course we are going to angry/fickle(ish) until we see some definate signs of having turned the corner.

The club ought to be thankful the community still has an interest in the club at all after what weve been through.

Its in the clubs court now to start to put things right,and get all the fans back on side.

Yesterday was  a good start and I am sure most feel like 80's - a little more hopeful.  

  
So you don't think we'll be back to the same old story after the next defeat?

Quoted from 1600

Have I ? Please enlighten me.
Anyway I think you'll find the football has changed since last season ?

I'm saying there are some positive signs for encouragement, I'm certainly not getting carried away or saying we've cracked it - read the thread !

By the way, is it really necessary to quote the entire thread for a one line response ?  

Sadly I don't have your energy for disecting posts so I (lazilly) quoted your entire post.  ikewise, I can't be bothered to waid through your multitude of postings but, safe to say, when Hurst and Scott first arrived some of your postngs were scathing.

Yes, the football has changed since last season....that's what happens when you give a management team a bit of time. More importantly the job isn't done yet!

Quoted from tarka

  
So you don't think we'll be back to the same old story after the next defeat?

Defeat ? Ooh dear negativity is spreading Tarka  

Some of my posts were scathing ?
About what ?
Oh you can't be bothered to elaborate ? How very convenient !

Forgive me for having an objective view on a range of different issues or half a brain cell to say not everything they do must always be foot perfect.

Plus you're putting everyone in the same boat.
The fact that you mention the word "defeat" speaks volumes  - I don't go off results I go off performances.
Just so happens I though yesterday was a good performance but I've been complaining in the past after 4 points from 6.
So don't assume - makes an a ss out of u and me.

Quoted from tarka

More importantly the job isn't done yet!

Which is exactly my own view nincompoop !  

Some of the people who "moan about the moaners" are just as bad - even when you give praise they're still flipping moaning !  

Quoted from tarka

  
So you don't think we'll be back to the same old story after the next defeat?

Not necessarily - depends when it is!

I think people will be patient to a degree if they can see we are heading in right direction.

As they say its a results based business and in the last 10 years the results have been appalling.

Nonetheless we are all desperate for that elusive corner to be turned, so lets hope everyone on here and Town fans in general have a better future to look forward to.

  

Quoted from 1600

Your choice - if you want to assume it's waffle or have got the attention span of an ant then be a loser, no skin off my nose.

There are several knowledgable posters I enjoy reading at length on here for their quality and personal insight - if someone posts a whole page I won't be put off, I'll still read it.  

Unless it's maybe someone like you whose posts I put firmly in the "can disregard ?" category which I pay limited time or attention to.

Anyway, enjoy the bullshit !  

PS Sometimes I even read books too !  

If you read books, you may know George Orwell, who one proclaimed "If you can cut a word out, always cut out" Brevity is an art form, and 90% of what you write is useless waffle.

How do you know if (as you say) you haven't even read it ?  

You're entitled to your view but you're wrong - I do cut out many words but you can't create an "art form" on the back of a homosexual packet or we'd all be Van Gogh.
And to be honest, I can't always be @rsed to make it word perfect just so I keep the interest of those who ultimately won't understand it anyway.
Think the real truth is, you're unable to follow or appreciate in depth (football) analysis - to be fair not everyone can.
Just means you haven't got the patience or capability to appreciate the finer aspects of what's actually being said so you understandably get bored - your deficiency (or lack of knowledge), not mine !

Stick with the lowest common denominator or what you can manage and appreciate, you'll be fine...

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Not necessarily - depends when it is!

I think people will be patient to a degree if they can see we are heading in right direction.

So do I but many will have conflicting views on what "heading in the right direction" means.
Some look at results and the league table, some look at performances and potential.
Understand your view after the last 10 years and Fenty takes his fair share of blame but bear in mind S&H have only really had 8 real games if you discount last season (think we should because it was about rebuilding)

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

As they say its a results based business and in the last 10 years the results have been appalling.

Very true but haven't we learnt by now that performances are the key to long-term progress and not results ?

What I mean is the lucky wins we had against Crawley and Luton under Woods gave people this red herring we "did well against the best teams" (actually it was b0lllocks if you looked at the other top teams as well) and used it as proof we were better than we were.
But it only really prolonged the inevitable agony...

This year it's more the opposite - the results haven't been great but the performances have been generally promising.

Not saying S&H are the answer I don't know, but so far, seen no real reason to think they won't be.

If we play well but get unlucky and lose again it make take a long time for things to even themselves out(as it did under Woods) - so at the end of the day, we've got to be patient and just wait and see.

Quoted from Dan

If you read books, you may know George Orwell, who one proclaimed "If you can cut a word out, always cut out" Brevity is an art form, and 90% of what you write is useless waffle.

I'm afraid that 80's likes the sound of his own voice, has even started referring to himself in the third person  - delusions of grandeur

I wish he'd cut it down a bit, its getting a bit boring reading his "analysis" in every thread

yeah i agree.

Quoted from 1600

So do I but many will have conflicting views on what "heading in the right direction" means.
Some look at results and the league table, some look at performances and potential.
Understand your view after the last 10 years and Fenty takes his fair share of blame but bear in mind S&H have only really had 8 real games if you discount last season (think we should because it was about rebuilding)




Very true but haven't we learnt by now that performances are the key to long-term progress and not results ?

What I mean is the lucky wins we had against Crawley and Luton under Woods gave people this red herring we "did well against the best teams" (actually it was b0lllocks if you looked at the other top teams as well) and used it as proof we were better than we were.
But it only really prolonged the inevitable agony...

This year it's more the opposite - the results haven't been great but the performances have been generally promising.

Not saying S&H are the answer I don't know, but so far, seen no real reason to think they won't be.

If we play well but get unlucky and lose again it make take a long time for things to even themselves out(as it did under Woods) - so at the end of the day, we've got to be patient and just wait and see.

Luton at home was probably in the top three performances of last season. Not much luck about it. You wouldn't be re-writing history again would you? Wouldn't argue too much about the others although Crawley was so early that it was difficult to write any long term prognosis for the season into it. We were also quite "unlucky" not to beat them at home.
I thought the prevalent opinion on here and elsewhere was that we generally played much better against the "top" teams but under-performed against the so called "Pub teams"?

Just giving my own view - it was a good performance but I thought the lucky really penalty and set piece knocked the stuffing out of them.
As for the top teams that was my point - look at results against the other top teams I think you'll find we struggled just as badly.
Anyway I'm not arguing the toss but prevalent opinion is sometimes wide of the mark IMO.

Quoted from 1600

Which is exactly my own view nincompoop !  

  

You see that is your problem.....you are quite happy to give us all the dubious priveledge of your in depth analysis...but the slightest challenge to those views and you descend into that kind of behaviour.

Got no problem with being challenged at all I welcome it but either get your facts right or at least present some before you start talking a load of bull.

Quoted from 1600

Got no problem with being challenged at all I welcome it but either get your facts right or at least present some before you start talking a load of bull.

Only in your opinion sunshine and I was presenting facts - the fact that you slated S&H towards the end of last season ...and at least I don't descend into foul mouthed abuse.

If you want to read some facts, please follow the link below.

http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe07.html

Strangely familiar?

Quoted from tarka

Only in your opinion sunshine and I was presenting facts - the fact that you slated S&H towards the end of last season ...and at least I don't descend into foul mouthed abuse.

You presented naff all.
I remember moaning about long ball but I honestly don't remember slating S&H for not being the answer or writing them off ?
As I said, SHOW me the evidence and I won't mind - oh but you "can't be bothered to waid through your multitude of postings" ?
So much for facts - are you just making up a load crap ? Wouldn't suprise me...

Anyway, even if I might have objected to them or some things, SO WHAT ?
If you want always want me to kiss every managers bottom or never have my own opinion that's critical of anyone or anything then you can sod off.
Mental health ?! Look in the mirror, you must be delusional.

Quoted from tarka

If you want to read some facts, please follow the link below.

http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe07.html

Strangely familiar?

Our resident trick cyclist hit the nail on the head I reckon.