| McKenna first season …. 17:49 - Feb 15 with 6693 views | ArnieM |
Whilst we’re all disappointed with how the team have fallen away yet again, I think we need to try and stand back a little and see the whole picture (as cliched as that sounds).
The fact is whilst McKenna is a highly rated coach, he is a completely novice manager, in his first ever managerial job at any level. He’s on a hugely steep, learning “ curve”, in his first job in the 3rd tier of the game, a level of football he also has absolutely NO experience of.
So why are we expecting him to come into a big club like ours, and hit the ground running with a
(practically), brand new squad, and gain promotion at the first attempt? A tall order for most experienced managers surely, let alone a rookie?
He’s background is one of playing a short career at a high level, and then coaching at two of the top 5 Premier League Clubs, where he’s worked with squads of elite players, where rotation was / is the norm. He’s hardly likely to abandon what he knows is he?
I think he deserves at least a season’s free hit to get his feet and get to truly understand the League One culture. I don’t think the squad has even finished evolving yet. I also feel that because he analyses the game to such a depth and reflects on things , I’m sure he will adapt his approach, or at least talk about things with his colleagues / friends (I’m thinking the ex Man Utd players he’s friends with). Don’t forget this is a coach that went around the world experiencing different football cultures and coaching styles. He’s one for the future, not a one season suck it and see, option. As we’ve often said ( even though I’m prone to forgetting this myself in the heat of the moment), “ Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Nor is Ipswich under the new owners, and I’m sure whilst they’d like promotion asap, achieving that in McKenna’s first season here, might not have been “ expected”, but more hoped for.
We go again…… |  |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:36 - Feb 15 with 871 views | farkenhell |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:01 - Feb 15 by Herbivore |
That's not far off the average life expectancy of an EFL manager these days. If we were to miss out on the play offs I can't see any way he stays in a job, if we make the play offs and miss out it'll be touch and go and will very much depend on how we finish the season from here. The reality is not going up this season is a failure. |
I'm as disappointed as anyone with our form over the past couple of months and the impact it is having on our season. However, in response to the comment about the average life expectancy of an EFL manager, it's worth remembering that our previous managers who achieved promotion (Burley and Lyall) were both given more time than McKenna has had. It would be hugely disappointing if we're not promoted this season, however we would still have made progress this season, enough I think to give McKenna another season. I'm not blindly accepting of failure, just mindful of the fact that funding and resources are no guarantee of immediate success. |  | | |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:37 - Feb 15 with 862 views | positivity |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:25 - Feb 15 by Marshalls_Mullet |
11th tells half the story.
KM's record last season was much better than mid table, so we came into this season a good shape. The progress this season from last isnt as marked as some suggest.
11th to 6th wouldnt be a HUGE jump forward, especially given the millions spent. |
no-one's saying it's a huge jump forward, but it might be enough to keep his job as part of the project that is being invested in.
the question might be is mckenna tactically cute enough to adjust again, he did with some success this season after it appeared teams had figured us out at the end of last season (where we won 1 in 6)? | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:39 - Feb 15 with 850 views | Herbivore |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:36 - Feb 15 by bobbyramsey |
I agree and I think PC would also have done a good job given limitless time and multimillions
In fact anybody should be doing a great job given the backing that KM has received….. |
Cook was given millions and showed no signs of being able to get a tune out of his expensively assembled squad at any point. In fact, when we sacked him our performances had taken a dip from an already fairly low bar. |  |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:40 - Feb 15 with 846 views | ArnieM |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:01 - Feb 15 by Herbivore |
That's not far off the average life expectancy of an EFL manager these days. If we were to miss out on the play offs I can't see any way he stays in a job, if we make the play offs and miss out it'll be touch and go and will very much depend on how we finish the season from here. The reality is not going up this season is a failure. |
Then that’s a sad reflection on the game as a whole isn’t it. It might be sn average , thst doesn’t make it right . It shows what a knee jerk industry it is these days . | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:40 - Feb 15 with 843 views | Herbivore |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:36 - Feb 15 by farkenhell |
I'm as disappointed as anyone with our form over the past couple of months and the impact it is having on our season. However, in response to the comment about the average life expectancy of an EFL manager, it's worth remembering that our previous managers who achieved promotion (Burley and Lyall) were both given more time than McKenna has had. It would be hugely disappointing if we're not promoted this season, however we would still have made progress this season, enough I think to give McKenna another season. I'm not blindly accepting of failure, just mindful of the fact that funding and resources are no guarantee of immediate success. |
The game has changed a lot, even since Burley's day. Squad turnover is a lot higher, the expectation is for instant success, rightly or wrongly. 18 months in if we've scraped into and lost the play offs, he's going to find it hard to keep his job. | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:41 - Feb 15 with 841 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:36 - Feb 15 by farkenhell |
I'm as disappointed as anyone with our form over the past couple of months and the impact it is having on our season. However, in response to the comment about the average life expectancy of an EFL manager, it's worth remembering that our previous managers who achieved promotion (Burley and Lyall) were both given more time than McKenna has had. It would be hugely disappointing if we're not promoted this season, however we would still have made progress this season, enough I think to give McKenna another season. I'm not blindly accepting of failure, just mindful of the fact that funding and resources are no guarantee of immediate success. |
I suspect the average tenure of a manager was longer in each of those examples.
And I do recall there were people questioning GB at the time too, so that's very similar.
When we reached the play offs under GB, I'm not sure we were the most heavily invested side in the league.
....and when he was significantly backed, he got promoted. |  |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:41 - Feb 15 with 838 views | Swansea_Blue |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:29 - Feb 15 by Herbivore |
I also really like him and feel he has significant potential but at the same time if we were to continue our 2023 form for the next few months and fail to go up, it is hard to make a case to give him another season given the backing he's received here. It'd be a decision based on hope and sentiment as much as anything else. |
The case for another season is pretty easy imo, as it’s taken other clubs a few years to get their houses in order in this league to eventually get out of it. But another window and a bad start to 23/24 and I could see it getting very toxic. Hopefully it won’t get that far. If he can fire them up so they all show the urgency Broadhead and Hirst showed when they came on last night, we’d be in a much better place. |  |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:44 - Feb 15 with 826 views | Herbivore |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:41 - Feb 15 by Swansea_Blue |
The case for another season is pretty easy imo, as it’s taken other clubs a few years to get their houses in order in this league to eventually get out of it. But another window and a bad start to 23/24 and I could see it getting very toxic. Hopefully it won’t get that far. If he can fire them up so they all show the urgency Broadhead and Hirst showed when they came on last night, we’d be in a much better place. |
Sunderland aside, which clubs of similar size have taken as long to get their house in order and get out of this awful league? Can't think of any, other than those who went into administration. And even Sunderland got out in their fourth season at this level. | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:46 - Feb 15 with 823 views | positivity |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:41 - Feb 15 by Marshalls_Mullet |
I suspect the average tenure of a manager was longer in each of those examples.
And I do recall there were people questioning GB at the time too, so that's very similar.
When we reached the play offs under GB, I'm not sure we were the most heavily invested side in the league.
....and when he was significantly backed, he got promoted. |
and when he was even more significantly backed, we were relegated and went into administration! | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:49 - Feb 15 with 815 views | farkenhell |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:15 - Feb 15 by Swansea_Blue |
He’s done a lot better than some supposed experienced managers we’ve had lately. It’d be madness to think about parting ways. It’s madness people seriously suggesting it. But then I’d like us to build something we’re proud and is a bit more lasting. He’s the only manager we’ve had for ages who I think has the potential to do that. If that takes a couple of years or so, so be it. Maybe I’m the daft one, who knows. |
I agree. If you're the daft one, then so am I! | | | |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:49 - Feb 15 with 813 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:44 - Feb 15 by Herbivore |
Sunderland aside, which clubs of similar size have taken as long to get their house in order and get out of this awful league? Can't think of any, other than those who went into administration. And even Sunderland got out in their fourth season at this level. |
Also Sunderland were a car crash in terms of ownership initially.
After they received investment, they were promoted within 15 months!! | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:52 - Feb 15 with 807 views | farkenhell |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:44 - Feb 15 by Herbivore |
Sunderland aside, which clubs of similar size have taken as long to get their house in order and get out of this awful league? Can't think of any, other than those who went into administration. And even Sunderland got out in their fourth season at this level. |
Sheffield United. And Leeds and Southampton before them? | | | |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:54 - Feb 15 with 801 views | positivity |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:49 - Feb 15 by Marshalls_Mullet |
Also Sunderland were a car crash in terms of ownership initially.
After they received investment, they were promoted within 15 months!! |
sunderland were promoted through the playoff lottery after finishing 5th, should we sack mckenna if he does similarly in the league, but fails at the final hurdle? that's the finest of fine margins... | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:56 - Feb 15 with 792 views | Herbivore |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:52 - Feb 15 by farkenhell |
Sheffield United. And Leeds and Southampton before them? |
Nope. Think Sheffield United got our on their third or fourth attempt, Leeds the third I believe. Southampton weren't down here for four years.
Edit - just checked and United were down here for six years. Hadn't realised it was that long. They were a mess though. General point stands that very few comparable sides languish at this level for longer than we have. [Post edited 15 Feb 2023 19:07]
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| McKenna first season …. on 18:58 - Feb 15 with 784 views | farkenhell |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:27 - Feb 15 by FrimleyBlue |
The last manager didn't get a full season with a run of wins similar.
Despite having a harder job than KM walked into.
And KM has had 3 transfer windows. |
A big difference for me is that the last manager's run of results was littered with embarrassing defeats (Barrow and Northampton spring to mind). Our problem at the moment is failing to turn draws into wins. | | | |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:59 - Feb 15 with 781 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:54 - Feb 15 by positivity |
sunderland were promoted through the playoff lottery after finishing 5th, should we sack mckenna if he does similarly in the league, but fails at the final hurdle? that's the finest of fine margins... |
No, I don't think we would sack him if we appeared in the play off final.
I do think if we finished 6th and lost in the semi's he would be hanging on by the skin of his teeth.
I havent called for him to be sacked. | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 19:03 - Feb 15 with 775 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:46 - Feb 15 by positivity |
and when he was even more significantly backed, we were relegated and went into administration! |
Come back to me when KM gets us promoted to the Prem and finishes 5th.
Also, maybe add a little context in terms of losing our No1 keeper, our best striker for half a season and his assistant manager / best friend being severely ill. | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 19:16 - Feb 15 with 756 views | ibbleobble |
| McKenna first season …. on 18:58 - Feb 15 by farkenhell |
A big difference for me is that the last manager's run of results was littered with embarrassing defeats (Barrow and Northampton spring to mind). Our problem at the moment is failing to turn draws into wins. |
What do you call Col U at home with their one shot on target? | | | |
| McKenna first season …. on 19:51 - Feb 15 with 733 views | BigCommon |
I won't be impressed with Game Changer, if we end up on our third manager in two years of their tenure..
Lot of older fans with disposable income have been attracted back to the Club off the back of KMs appointment. And the promise of us building something special... Unless Game Changer show loyalty and trust, then I won't be trusting them... At least another season for KM, if we don't go up this season..Otherwise it's Game Changer who can be accused of being The Tinker Men. |  | | |
| McKenna first season …. on 19:52 - Feb 15 with 728 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| McKenna first season …. on 19:51 - Feb 15 by BigCommon |
I won't be impressed with Game Changer, if we end up on our third manager in two years of their tenure..
Lot of older fans with disposable income have been attracted back to the Club off the back of KMs appointment. And the promise of us building something special... Unless Game Changer show loyalty and trust, then I won't be trusting them... At least another season for KM, if we don't go up this season..Otherwise it's Game Changer who can be accused of being The Tinker Men. |
All depends on form and results. | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 20:21 - Feb 15 with 716 views | farkenhell |
| McKenna first season …. on 19:16 - Feb 15 by ibbleobble |
What do you call Col U at home with their one shot on target? |
Frimley was comparing current run of results to those of Cook before he was sacked. Although the last couple of months have been disappointing, I don't recall any humiliating defeats (unless I've blanked them from my mind!) | | | |
| McKenna first season …. on 20:34 - Feb 15 with 702 views | Ftnfwest |
All reasonable enough except we aren’t a big club |  | | |
| McKenna first season …. on 20:38 - Feb 15 with 684 views | Herbivore |
| McKenna first season …. on 20:34 - Feb 15 by Ftnfwest |
All reasonable enough except we aren’t a big club |
We're a sleeping slightly taller than average person. | |
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| McKenna first season …. on 20:40 - Feb 15 with 666 views | Ftnfwest |
| McKenna first season …. on 20:38 - Feb 15 by Herbivore |
We're a sleeping slightly taller than average person. |
More of a dozy medium | | | |
| McKenna first season …. on 21:06 - Feb 15 with 635 views | FrimleyBlue |
| McKenna first season …. on 20:21 - Feb 15 by farkenhell |
Frimley was comparing current run of results to those of Cook before he was sacked. Although the last couple of months have been disappointing, I don't recall any humiliating defeats (unless I've blanked them from my mind!) |
Depends what matters to the owners tho.
A 0-1 loss brings the same result as a 0-5 result just a run of draws are the same regardless of how many goals scored on those draws.
It literally all depends now on the level of patience of the owners. Not the fans imo. |  |
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