I've not been on here for ages mainly as it's getting so repetitive. Every time we have a bad run the same debate reoccurs, sack the manager etc and replace him with (the same names also reoccur) whoever is available. I don't like changing managers, with the exception of Chelsea (who because of their budget are unique) it doesn't work in the long term, you might get a short term spurt of results which invariably wares off and you're back to square one.
2 wins in 19 is poor whatever level you're operating at though and obviously the manager is ultimately responsible. I don't think the squad has the quality in it that most of our fans seem to think it has though.
Like Pearce said in his after match interview the players need to grow a pair. To switch off for a short corner for their second goal was something you wouldn't see in an under 8s game (think it was Fryatt who should have been getting across).
So many players are out of form low on confidence its unbelievable. If you break down all of the attributes required for a defender, heading, tackling, communicating Fox in particular doesn't possess any of them. The three available centre backs are also to similar, decent on the ball but all lacking that determination and controlled aggression to dominate their own penalty area. All admittedly would look better next to Hobbs. I think we should have allowed Lascelles to join Newcastle in the summer and signed another dominate centre back to give the options at CB more balance, with Hobbs injury record this was something which should have been considered.
None of the central midfielders are capable of playing in a 4-4-2. With the exception of Osborn none have the ability to be box to box. Lansbury and Tesche for me offer nothing in the attacking third, apart from the occasional long shot. Lansbury for me looked at his best when holding with Vaughn last season in the 4-2-3-1. That's something I'd revert to. Them two gave the back four great protection last season during a 17 match unbeaten run.
As for the forwards Assombalonga looks a much better player when he find the space in between the full back and the centre back, far to static, seems intent on physical battles down the middle. Needs to drift and take the centre backs with him. Fryatt I just don't see it. Another Cox for me. If he hits double figures I'll be amazed. The Dutch lad looks miles away as well.
All in all pretty depressing. I'd stick with Pearce though for a couple of seasons and let him develop into the manager we all want him to become, unless we drop down to 19th 20th then it might have to be looked at again.
Another change would mean more players coming and going in the summer and more false dawns.
Could do with a win at Rochdale next week to get the show back in the road.
The Players
posted on 29/12/14
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posted on 29/12/14
There are many things wrong at the moment but sacking Pearce is not the solution. Yes he needs to decide what formation we want to play and what his best starting line up is, but we also need some stability and consistency at the club and changing manager every 5 minutes will not do this.
We can't expect instant success and this is something we need to learn. Yes we should expect better than what we're getting at the moment but half the problem is the weight of expectation that fans put on our players. Our fans are fantastic away from home but have a tendency to jump on the players backs at home. At times they look scared to make a mistake and this kills their confidence. The sooner we lower our expectations and get fully behind everyone the better.
I know people wil argue that they earn an incredible amount of money and so this is part and parcel but it doesn't happen in the same manner at other clubs. Teams play on this when they come here and I know that from talking to an ex player.
posted on 29/12/14
I suppose the real decider for SP is whether is a plan ie out of FFP quagmire by X and youth structure up to a defined level by Y for examples. It doesn't need to be shared with everyone and can between him and Fawaz but as long as there is a yardstick in place. Can't be the next result , the club needs more structure. If this team went up as is by some luck and string of good results, it would really be in danger of breaking our record, and believe me you don't want that!
posted on 29/12/14
comment by Eraserblazer (U6541)
posted 36 minutes ago
'The sooner we lower our expectations and get fully behind everyone the better.'
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Trust me, rarely have my expectations been lower
Feeling we are really in trouble. Present form suggests a relegation battle; it also suggests we are far from equipped to deal with this 😬
posted on 29/12/14
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posted on 29/12/14
It also may be that ultimately you do need to change, one nan can't be everything. I would have loved Nigel to still be at the helm but I can see that his talent was for the sleeves up sewer cleaning where as McClaren is more suited where we are now. Need to decide what progress is for the end of the season and work towards it, it will probably not be the product that lots expect to see. It has taken 5 years from relegation shambles to real contenders for Derby, and still we (I) moan!
posted on 29/12/14
Quite a good analysis of the team and I agree with all of it except what you said about Fryatt. He's been excellent this season, tireless, and has scored and created goals. He would easily score 15-20 goals in a promotion chasing side. He should have had a hattrick the other day if it wasn't for the lino. He's far far better than Cox.
Completely agree about the centre mids though. I would revert to the two holding players with Vaughan ali gside either Lansbury or Tesche. That allows Antonio, Fyatt and Burke to play behind Britt.
posted on 29/12/14
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posted on 29/12/14
That is a good comparison with McClaren's efforts at the CG. He tried to install a zonal marking system into the defence that was nothing short of disastrous. These players are in Div 2 for a reason and the need to keep it simple is never more apparent.
Currently, for example, Antonio is not a wing back. He needs to concentrate on getting at the opposition not nervously looking over his shoulder to see if Fox is going to lose the ball unchallenged again.
posted on 29/12/14
I don't agree that managers should always carry the can but unfortunately it's always easier to get rid of one rather than the under performing, uncaring several who are the real cause of the problems. Some of those players should be thoroughly ashamed of their efforts recently.