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Comment | No Panic at Town Ahead of Coventry Sky Clash
at 17:08:54
would agree with some comments above that with the players that have been signed (lot of players in central positions), 352 may be the formation which best suits. If so Stockdale; Ingimarrson, Sonko, Collins; Edwards, Bowyer, Andrews, Bullard, Cresswell; Murphy, Chopra |
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Comment | No Panic at Town Ahead of Coventry Sky Clash
at 21:31:38
Good blog, but no reference made to the key issue regarding GL's form. In the week prior to the Peterborough game, it was very clear to GL and to all inside and outside Portman Rd that the club would be very happy to take a fee for GL to part finance his replacement by Jimmy Bullard.
I am not for a minute questioning PJ or indeed JB's ability. But how would any of us react at work on a Monday if it was made clear to us on a Friday that we would be moving on. If GL was the finished article when he signed 2 yrs ago, as a 23 yr old he would have been in demand in the PL, so Sunderlands supporters comments are not suprising. But how many better central midfielders in their mid 20's are available to Championship clubs for £2.5m. Certainly higher calibre players at the end of their careers can be picked up for a year or two (JB/Lee Bowyer). As a 21 yr old GL has already played every league match in a Championship winning team, so difficult to argue he is not up to it. He is a good quality central midfielder who will do well for whatever club he is with.
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Comment | [Blog] The Strange Case of Grant Leadbitter
at 21:31:38
Good blog, but no reference made to the key issue regarding GL's form. In the week prior to the Peterborough game, it was very clear to GL and to all inside and outside Portman Rd that the club would be very happy to take a fee for GL to part finance his replacement by Jimmy Bullard.
I am not for a minute questioning PJ or indeed JB's ability. But how would any of us react at work on a Monday if it was made clear to us on a Friday that we would be moving on. If GL was the finished article when he signed 2 yrs ago, as a 23 yr old he would have been in demand in the PL, so Sunderlands supporters comments are not suprising. But how many better central midfielders in their mid 20's are available to Championship clubs for £2.5m. Certainly higher calibre players at the end of their careers can be picked up for a year or two (JB/Lee Bowyer). As a 21 yr old GL has already played every league match in a Championship winning team, so difficult to argue he is not up to it. He is a good quality central midfielder who will do well for whatever club he is with.
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Comment | Sonko On Trial
at 15:05:06
Would fit the bill, excellent for Reading. The worry is his dodgy knees. He and Inge would be a very good partnership. In view of injury concerns, would need another CB as well. The club are in a far worse bargaining position after Saturday, as everyone knows the club are now desperate for defenders. Ainsley might cover RB.
A couple of such defenders and settling the Leadbitter/Bullard issue could suddenly transform the complexion of the team. Much as I rate Leadbitter, it has to be said a midfield of Andrews (holding), Bowyer and Bullard would be impressive at Champ level, discipline and age worries aside. |
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Comment | Sonko On Trial
at 19:03:46
A lot of good points. I would however be critical of ME/SC and PJ on one issue, allowing the running of the club and team be influenced by fans opinions, which is often the ruination of clubs.
The club have fallen into the trap like many others, of making decisions on managers on the basis of what might give a short term boost and get the fans turning up to buy season tickets. The same may happen next spring, and the merry go round starts again.
The fans say 451 doesnt work, and even though he has left the club almost bereft of defenders, PJ complies and allows them run the team. So 12 goals are conceded in 2 games, and people are surprised? It is very disappointing that PJ was so easily influenced and didnt have the courage of his obvious conviction, and that of RK before him, that 451 is the best option with the players available.
Following RK's disastrous start to his first season in charge, the team had put a good run together, in fact the records show the points haul from late October onwards was play off form. That is fact not opinion. There cant have been that much wrong with the team. The then management were correct in identifying 2 major areas where improvements were needed, a holding midfielder and a striker, Derry and Chopra were the players chosen, but not signed. There was no major overhaul needed. But a new manager comes in, and decides a new squad is needed. Good management in my opinion is working with the players here, identifying the problem areas and bringing in players to fill those positions.
It is solely PJ's fault that the club are left with CB's of the ability of Ainsley, Smith & Delaney to fill the CB role. There is hardly another club in league football, who would find themselves in that position. He awarded contracts to two of those, Ainsley and Delaney, and let better CB's go in McAuley, O'Dea, Brown and even Eastman (superior to both Ainsley & Smith). His signings so far have been hit and miss, like most managers.
PJ has also made a major error during the past week, in telling the world that he wanted to flog Leadbitter to partly pay for JB's wages. He then retains him as captain, and expects the player to be unaffected. I rate JB, but Leadbitter is a good player and a good character, who will do well with whoever he plays.
The clubs only option now is to fully back PJ and quickly bring in the defenders he needs.
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Comment | Sonko On Trial
at 21:32:26
For me the positives aspects 12 months on are
1 Have one of the top few strikers in the division in Chopra.
2 Two excellent attacking full backs. If they improve the defensive side of their games, could be contenders for player of the year.
3 The same 451 formation used 12 mths ago, and I hope this season, unlike last,that system is used in all games, despite calls from "fans" to abandon it. With attacking full backs, in modern football you need 3 CM's & the security of a holding CM.
4 Best keeper since Begovic.
5 CM's Bowyer and Leadbitter are excellent with a holding CM alongside.
6 Good man manager in PJ.
Worries
1 Will players in their mid 30's last the season.
2 Ability to defend dead balls & lack of height, which Andrews arrival and another CB may help.
3 How will the players react to a bad result/run? Questions regarding discipline of a number of players.
4 JET needs to provide a target, as its not possible to play through the midfield all of the time. He was a high risk signing, and the success of PJ's tenure may hinge on whether he can press the right buttons with that player. At present it looks in the balance as to whether he can be a player or not.
5 Some questions about the balance of the defence. Suprising that PJ gave a new contract to Delaney and let better CB's go in McAuley and O'Dea.
6 Questionable motivation of Ellington and JET.
7 A recall of Stockdale.
All assessments seem to have to include a reference to the previous manager. My assessment
- He brought a lot of good players to the club, including 6 of Saturdays 11 (I consider Chopra his signing). I would rate the ex Sunderland players - Leadbitter, Edwards, Chopra as very decent players, also Kennedy & Martin. Of the out of favour players, I would rate Scotland (if fit) and Healy (£50k). Admittedly Priskin was a disappointment, though he is still a regular international.
- He correctly identified 12 mths ago, Chopra and Derry as key sigings, who if they were signed, could have saved his job. It was surprising that PJ has not, to date, added the holding player that is so blatantly absent from the side for the past few seasons. His failure to do so was the reason for so many bad home defeats towards the end of last season. Andrews would certainly fit the bill.
- His biggest failing was very poor judgement of defenders. Peters, Balkestein and Smith were out of their depth.
- Once he criticised SC and ME last summer for failure to complete the Chopra and Derry signings, effectively his term was over.
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Comment | [Blog] 12 Months On
at 21:32:26
For me the positives aspects 12 months on are
1 Have one of the top few strikers in the division in Chopra.
2 Two excellent attacking full backs. If they improve the defensive side of their games, could be contenders for player of the year.
3 The same 451 formation used 12 mths ago, and I hope this season, unlike last,that system is used in all games, despite calls from "fans" to abandon it. With attacking full backs, in modern football you need 3 CM's & the security of a holding CM.
4 Best keeper since Begovic.
5 CM's Bowyer and Leadbitter are excellent with a holding CM alongside.
6 Good man manager in PJ.
Worries
1 Will players in their mid 30's last the season.
2 Ability to defend dead balls & lack of height, which Andrews arrival and another CB may help.
3 How will the players react to a bad result/run? Questions regarding discipline of a number of players.
4 JET needs to provide a target, as its not possible to play through the midfield all of the time. He was a high risk signing, and the success of PJ's tenure may hinge on whether he can press the right buttons with that player. At present it looks in the balance as to whether he can be a player or not.
5 Some questions about the balance of the defence. Suprising that PJ gave a new contract to Delaney and let better CB's go in McAuley and O'Dea.
6 Questionable motivation of Ellington and JET.
7 A recall of Stockdale.
All assessments seem to have to include a reference to the previous manager. My assessment
- He brought a lot of good players to the club, including 6 of Saturdays 11 (I consider Chopra his signing). I would rate the ex Sunderland players - Leadbitter, Edwards, Chopra as very decent players, also Kennedy & Martin. Of the out of favour players, I would rate Scotland (if fit) and Healy (£50k). Admittedly Priskin was a disappointment, though he is still a regular international.
- He correctly identified 12 mths ago, Chopra and Derry as key sigings, who if they were signed, could have saved his job. It was surprising that PJ has not, to date, added the holding player that is so blatantly absent from the side for the past few seasons. His failure to do so was the reason for so many bad home defeats towards the end of last season. Andrews would certainly fit the bill.
- His biggest failing was very poor judgement of defenders. Peters, Balkestein and Smith were out of their depth.
- Once he criticised SC and ME last summer for failure to complete the Chopra and Derry signings, effectively his term was over.
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Comment | Delaney: Only Fighting For My Place in the Team
at 20:28:39
There may be a far more obvious reason for Delaney's exclusion at present. He is one of the players out of contract at the end of the season. The club may want to offload him in January, and SC has said they have their minds more or less made up on those they will be offering new contracts to.
There were some reports of a possible move pre season, which may have stalled because of his injury. It might also explain why there was another left footed CB brought in on loan, when Smith was already providing cover. For me Smith is not yet up to top championship level, and O'Dea is the best of the three. |
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Comment | Keane: No One to Blame But Ourselves
at 21:26:40
Calling for a managers head when you are on a bad run is a typical but foolish fans reaction.
A fair assessment of RK's record as a manager - has had 3 full seasons as a manager, has won a championship, kept a team in the premiership, successfully fought two relegation battles and taken a team to the semis of a cup. Both teams he has managed were struggling (sunderland) / midtable championship teams when he took over. Of course he has made mistakes - Delaney as RCB, Peters at RB (a good game Wed doesnt make him a natural RB).
As regards his dealing in the transfer market - he signed Leadbitter, Priskin, Edwards, Fulop, Delaney, Murphy, Scotland all very decent players in my opinion. Has brought in some decent loan players as well. He has recouped in transfer fees almost as much as he has spent. What players were let go that have made any real impression elsewhere. His one bad buy (Lee Martin) is young and might yet come good. Show me a manager who hasnt made one mistake in the transfer market.
Unlike others I think the clubs prospects were rarely better. A lot of young players have got valuable experience - the likes of Hyam, Eastman, Brown, Murray, Wickham can make decent players.
I would like to see a return to 451. Most teams are playing with an extra CM (including Swansea). I said at the start of the season that a play off place wouldnt be acheived with Peters and Smith in the back 4. Their reading of the game is very suspect. An natural CB doesnt do what Smith did on Sat. I would rate Brown ahead of Smith as a defender at present, though Smith .
I think a run of league wins is well within the capabilities of the current squad. Best XI: (451)Fulop; Zuiverloon (should improve with games), McAuley or Eastman, Delaney, O'Dea; Edwards, Norris, Colback or Hyam, Leadbitter, Townsend; Priskin.
I would bring in Scotland for one of CM later in game (dont think he is 90 min player at moment). Fallon hasnt looked much but early to write him off. Seems mobile and an alternative to Priskin as lone front man late in the game.
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Comment | Keane Not Looking for Right-Back
at 14:24:08
Devontractorboy if you are going to persist in your aim to remove the management, you might at least get your facts right, so as be seen to have some basis for your views. RK never said "any idiot can get a team promoted from the championship", he said any manager can acheive midtable in the championship
(and by the way he has already won the division as a manager). |
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Comment | Keane Not Looking for Right-Back
at 13:20:19
RK's comment about supporters wasnt very wise, but there are few managers in the game who would disagree with that sentiment, and there is plenty of evidence on this site to prove it.
"You cant play a natural centre back at full back"- I dont think anyone would accuse Johnny Evans, Wes Brown, Mikael Silvestre, John O'Shea of being natural overlapping full backs. It is very common and wise to play a promising young centre back at full back. I expect the so call fans that are currently booing Eastman to be hiding their heads in shame in future when he is a key player in the first 11. I stated on here prior to first game of the season, that Peters was not up to it defensively, he proved that again on Tuesday night (second goal). If a Derry or a Savage was signed pre season, there would be the luxury of playing attacking full backs.
The club is obviously being run on a very tight budget, and there are at least 6/7 stronger squads in the league. I agree with the management that the best way to get results within the constraints of the current squad and budget, is from the base of a solid defence. A defence of Fulop; Eastman, McAuley, Delaney, O'Dea provides one of the strongest defences in the division.
As for those who say Colback is another square peg in a round hole, are you aware that most clubs (including Derby) play with an extra CM, and 1 up front. To match up you play 5 in midfield, or another option is to play 1 of a 4 wide (Edwards) with the LM tucked in when required to match up the oppostions 3 CM's, a role which Colback can fill.
It is ironic that the biggest problem facing one of the stars of the future, Eastman, at the moment is his own "supporters". Also "supporters" want their clubs to do well, but somehow think that chopping and changing managment acheives this, why not sometimes give them the benefit of the doubt that they do actually know more and see more than us. |
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Comment | Keane: It Could Have Ended 7-4
at 17:30:47
Whatever about his footballing limitations as a full back, Eastman is now performing better than any others who have been tried in the RB position this season, and if a specialist RB is not being signed, he should be given a good run there. To those who are saying players like him should be played only in their natural position, I dont agree. The centre back position demands experience, and there are good experienced centre backs in the team. It is very common to blood a young CB at full back, and for me he can make a player and eventually fill the McAuley role at RCB. He seems like someone who will learn. Smith now has a fair bit of experience, but still unsure about his reading of the game. Peters is just not a defender by instinct.
There are now some good partnerships developing, Priskin/Scotland, Wickham/Murray (who in my opinion should now always be introduced together), McAuley/Delaney. The squad on paper isn't top six material, but because of the improved form of the strikers, and the development of the youngsters, could well get there. |
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Comment | Keane Targeting Fifth Loanee
at 18:04:43
Fans are entitled to be critical of the manager from time to time, while hopefully continuing to offer good support of the team. However the criticism should be based on fact, and unfortunately there are a lot of inaccuracies above:
- RK was playing 442 earlier in season when winning games? its mostly been 451/433 this season;
- the theory that no team should play the latter system at home. Tell that to Chelsea's, Barcelona's and all of the other top teams;
- that 3.5k was paid for Leadbitter, in all of the reports I have seen, that was the combined fee for Leadbitter and Edwards, who signed at the same time, and for me, have proved to be decent players for that money;
- RK inherited a Premier league team at Sunderland, they were at the foot of the table when he joined them, and a look at wikipedia, will show that he put together a completely new team and didnt spend a lot of money in the process to get them promoted.
There is a lot of over reaction at the moment, to a few bad results. However,
I dont think it will be possible to finish in the top 6 with Peters and Smith in defence. An experienced RB and CM holding player should have been signed during the summer (and both may have been on RK's wish list). Other than that, I think a fairly decent squad is in place, one with far more backbone than what JM had put together. As regards quality of the play, while they may not be flair players, I would rather have honest players,the likes of Wickham, Scotland, Leadbitter, Norris, Hyam, etc , than the Counago's, Garvan's, etc, fannying around when the mood takes them and the opposition allow. |
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Comment | Keane Could Make Changes For Reading
at 21:43:47
There are a few in need of a rest, eg.Smith, Hyam (the find of the season) and Scotland. The problem for Leadbitter & Norris is not tiredness in my opinion, simply that they are too similar for 442, neither shield the defence, both small CM's who need the freedom to get up and down the pitch, definitely better in a five man midfield.
What Warnock correctly identified (and most others will copy) is that when pressed high up the pitch Eastman, McAuley, Hyam, Norris, O'Dea, Leadbitter etc, havent got the craft to create space for themselves and build from the back. The only option then is the long ball, with a Walters outlet no longer up there (and he didnt have a lot else to his game).
I think Livermore coming in is an effort to address that, he may have the composure to build the play. The problem with Peters at RB (as all opposition have identified) is that he hasnt got a defenders instinct and will continually be beaten at the back post, with goals and chances resulting. Although I dont like 352, it would best suit the defenders available, though the lack of an experienced holding player means there is prob little chance of it being used. McAuley, as well as the best CB at the club, is also the only capable RB imo.
433: Fulop; Eastman or Peters, McAuley, Delaney, O'Dea; Norris, Livermore, Leadbitter; Edwards, Priskin,Townsend.
352: Fulop; McAuley, Delaney, O'Dea; Edwards, Norris, Livermore, Leadbitter, Townsend or Peters; Wickham, Priskin. |
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Comment | Moore Joins Derby
at 21:22:45
I think it would be hard for any fair minded person to have many issues with the management of the club this season. For all of the harping on about the Wrights, Garvan, Counago, Stead, etc I dont think any of them are missed. Add to them Shumulikoski, Haynes, Bruce, Balkestein, etc I dont think any have or will make much of an impression with their new clubs. RK admitted to some misgivings about Rhodes departing, but he was shown up as average in last seasons play offs, and he was never likely to have much loyalty to the club after his father left.
D. Wright's lack of pace was badly exposed v Newcastle last season, he was on good money, and at his age he wasnt going to become any quicker.
A right back though is definetely needed. Also, after an excellent start to the season in cup & league, there are some warning signs which must be heeded. That Fulop is consistently one of the best performers, tells you something. After showing signs of major progression after his world cup experience, Smith's performances have deteriorated, maybe through tiredness. He is making some serious errors and he now needs to step back from the first 11 for a spell. O'Dea is probably the best left sided defender at the club, but depending on the opposition may be needed at left back. Delaney hasnt looked sharp, but should possiby be given an opportunity v Reading. It should be back to 433 for that game. Livermore may be suited to the holding role, he seems to have the necessary qualities,and may be a little more constructive with his passing than the very promising Hyam. Priskin has done well when starting in the central position and deserves a run of games in that position, with Wickham to come in. |
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Comment | Keane: O\'Dea 50/50 for QPR Clash
at 17:59:27
I think it is a big mistake not recruiting a right back. Though a talented and willing player who can be an asset going forward, Peters is not a defender by instinct, and if he is persevered with could scupper the promotion chances this year. If Brown can adopt to right back, would be more solid, though poor going forward.
In all other respects you would have to be very happy with the squad and management at the moment. Though not as strong as other clubs on paper (including Portsmouth), at last there is some real character, together with mental and physical toughness.
Expect a big peformance v QPR. Hope O'Dea is fit. Would like to see Priskin flanked by Edwards on right with Wickham coming in from left. Scotland still not quite fit or sharp enough IMO. Slight doubt about Townsend in a physical contest, though a great player to come in second half. |
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Comment | Town to Make McPhail Move Today?
at 14:19:32
Experienced cover definitely needed for the holding role. At present only alternative for the position is Leadbitter, who like Norris is far better when given the freedom to get up and down the pitch. Hyam is a natural in the holding position, agressive, simple passing, good reading.
McPhail offers a different type of option, very good touch, ability to make room for himself and pick a forward pass, and could probably cover the LCM position also. However would be relying on Norris and Leadbitter to win the battles. Definitely wouldnt have the legs for a 442. Like a lot of RK's signings has Premier league experience.
If there is an agressive RB to come in, McPhail would provide balance to the team. With Peters remaining at RB, I would be very concerned about the lack of physical presence with McPhail also in the side. |
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Comment | Cardiff\'s McPhail Linked Again
at 09:32:17
Experienced cover definitely needed for the holding role. At present only alternative for the position is Leadbitter, who is not really suited to the role. Hyam is a natural in the holding position, agressive, simple passing. McPhail offers a different type of option, very good touch, ability to make room for himself and pick a forward pass. However would be relying on Norris and Leadbitter to help win the battles. Definitely wouldnt have the legs for a 442. If there is an agressive RB to come in, McPhail would provide balance to the team. With Peters remaining at RB, I would be concerned about the lack of physical presence with McPhail also in the side. |
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Comment | Keane Set for New Deal?
at 21:22:15
Agree that if SC and ME are wise, they will seek to extend RK's contract by at least 2 years. There is no doubt that the poor start to last season was due to instability, some players unsure of their future, others settling in, with a number of disruptive players in the background (Thatcher, Counago, etc), added to very poor form of RW and Balkestein in particular. I think RK was prepared to risk that instability and struggle last season in order to get players with the right qualities in.
As pointed out above, talk of a new contract is not a knee jerk reaction after 6 games, the points haul from the past 36 games is play off form, that is not opinion, it is fact. As Keanish points out above, what is impressive also is that the team has been rebuilt for a net outlay of £3.75m. To be contenders for the top two, a couple of experienced loan players are still required for the RB and CM positions, and possibly cover for Edwards on the right side, but there is no doubt in my mind that it going to be a successful season.
This is now very much RK's team. No one is saying he is yet the finished article as manager, or that he ever will be, but stability is vital. He has already in his short management career entirely rebuilt a Sunderland team and taken them to the Premier league and has now totally rebuilt this Ipswich side to very good effect. I expect that there will be interest in him from London clubs before the end of the season. There is also a danger that if he left he would take players with him. |
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Comment | Keane Set for New Deal?
at 21:22:15
Agree that if SC and ME are wise, they will seek to extend RK's contract by at least 2 years. There is no doubt that the poor start to last season was due to instability, some players unsure of their future, others settling in, with a number of disruptive players in the background (Thatcher, Counago, etc), added to very poor form of RW and Balkestein in particular. I think RK was prepared to risk that instability and struggle last season in order to get players with the right qualities in.
As pointed out above, talk of a new contract is not a knee jerk reaction after 6 games, the points haul from the past 36 games is play off form, that is not opinion, it is fact. As Keanish points out above, what is impressive also is that the team has been rebuilt for a net outlay of £3.75m. To be contenders for the top two, a couple of experienced loan players are still required for the RB and CM positions, and possibly cover for Edwards on the right side, but there is no doubt in my mind that it going to be a successful season.
This is now very much RK's team. No one is saying he is yet the finished article as manager, or that he ever will be, but stability is vital. He has already in his short management career entirely rebuilt a Sunderland team and taken them to the Premier league and has now totally rebuilt this Ipswich side to very good effect. I expect that there will be interest in him from London clubs before the end of the season. There is also a danger that if he left he would take players with him. |
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