| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... 10:44 - Dec 16 with 3619 views | sjg |
when did you realise we were onto something special? I'd love to tell you I knew when we played Gillingham a couple of weeks into his reign, but I was calling for his head after the Bristol Rovers draw so I will say my most recent doubts were thrown away when we beat Bolton away |  | | |  |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 11:48 - Dec 16 with 2793 views | Churchman |
I think around Feb, March 2022. Not only were we winning games but from reports and tv bits we were looking organised for the first time. It was also around that Feb/Mar I started noticing his interviews. The ‘honeymoon’ was over but he was coming across just as he does now. Balanced and clear sighted on what he was doing.
No unintelligible Lambert waffle, no emotional toy throwing Cook style, no grubby t shirt and coffee, no reference to Dortmund, no little man so far out of his depth needing a periscope like Hirst. Just somebody calm, organised, comfortable and clearly in control. ‘We’re in here!’ thought I.
You’ll find no post from me with any doubts about him. It was frustrating when we looked like missing out on the autos in L1, particularly when he allowed the ludicrous Oxford game to go ahead - I assumed at the time it was his call but don’t know the truth of it. Bristol Rovers? Annoying but I always looked at big picture which said keep with it, let it play out. Patience.
Three years down the line - I doubt we will keep him here beyond this season, but as far as I’m concerned, when he chooses to go it’ll be from me a thank you and wish you well. I hope he stays, but the club is in good hands and is bigger than any one person.
The more the infrastructure of the club grows, the stronger it’ll be. Should we face relegation, it won’t be for lack of ambition or skill on anyone’s part including KM. have we made mistakes and poor decisions? Of course. Impossible not to unless you are doing zippo.
The future looks bright at the moment come what may. Let’s keep it that way and keep McKenna as long as he wants to stay. He’s a great ‘fit’ for this club. For proof just look at the merry go round at other places. |  | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 11:50 - Dec 16 with 2782 views | smithy69 |
Calling for his head lol - Wowsers
Glad he’s made of sterner stuff than your fine self lol | | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:05 - Dec 16 with 2716 views | bsw72 |
What is crazy is that he is the 12th longest serving manager in the English Professional leagues.
Thirteenth longest serving is Paul Cook :-) |  | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:08 - Dec 16 with 2700 views | SE1blue |
Everything about McKenna is a bit Ted Lasso but you could noticeably see the mood in the camp switch a short while after he had been in the role. From first team players, to the ITFC suits, to the staff around the ground, there was a shift in positivity very early on.
Oh and when he went to clear up after the promotion party, that was the moment I never wanted him to leave. |  |
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:19 - Dec 16 with 2665 views | BarcaBlue |
It was probably just after his first press conference and reading posts about it on here. |  | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:29 - Dec 16 with 2599 views | BlueBadger |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 11:50 - Dec 16 by smithy69 |
Calling for his head lol - Wowsers
Glad he’s made of sterner stuff than your fine self lol |
OP probably thought he was a bit smarmy. |  |
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:30 - Dec 16 with 2604 views | Funge |
Yeah, similar - Bolton away was, I suppose, when I started to 'believe' -a bogey club for so, so long - if anyone was gonna screw us up, it would be them - and we put them away (although if Walton doesn't save the Dion Charles penalty, well...).
I didn't want McK sacked after Brizzle Rovers, but we had that sticky run of results, including the Oxford fog game, combined with the Wendies and Plymouth looking like they'd never lose again, and that dipsh1t Barton revelling in the draw against us - yeah, it felt particularly shaky around then.
Then we took 7,500 away fans to the franchise, for a hugely ugly 1-0 win, and that, as they say, was that.
TL:DR - Bolton. [Post edited 16 Dec 2024 12:34]
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:30 - Dec 16 with 2598 views | Churchman |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:19 - Dec 16 by BarcaBlue |
It was probably just after his first press conference and reading posts about it on here. |
The last thing he came across to me at his first press conference was smarmy. Thoughtful, organised, respectful of the club and staff. Somebody who had done his homework and knew what he wanted to do. Impressive.
Quite closed in his expression and body language, watchful, a listener. One of those that you knew if you were to speak to them about something, you’d need think it through first.
Nothing wrong with that. All good attributes for me and very different to the boilerman, idiots like Hirst or non-listeners like Lambert. These views are very subjective as I’ve never met any of them - it’s just how he struck me watching and listening to him. [Post edited 16 Dec 2024 13:20]
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:35 - Dec 16 with 2582 views | Ftnfwest |
Day 1. But you have to remember what had gone before for years on end was so bad that you just felt this guy was going to be different straight away. I went to the first home game under his full charge which was wycombe (between xmas and new year). A 1-0 win but by god that was hard fought. Deserved but the PR crowd really pushed the team over the line in that one. Last 10 minutes was fantastic atmosphere. Not got anywhere near the point where i'd consider thinking he should get the push but again that's because of what we've had to live with for 20+ years before him. |  | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:38 - Dec 16 with 2562 views | jasondozzell |
Impact was immediate.
I also remember being struck by his answer to a question early on, may have been the first club interview, where he made it very clear in his usual very polite and yet steely way, that he'd coached at the highest level, so it wasn't the big step up for him that some were making out.
I remember the video of him coming in with Pert suited and booted flanked by Marcus Nash for the 'first day'. The footage is really interesting - he looks calm and clear right from the beginning.
In fact, it was the first indication that far from him being lucky that we were taking a punt on him, WE were lucky to have secured someone who without any arrogance and with humility knew how good he was and that this was part of his path to where he wanted to go. As he said, he had planned this move for his late 30s.
Another thing that sticks in the mind is one of the first few changes of having the players arrive by coach together after pre match meal. There's an interview when Morsy says 'one of the first things he said to us was this was a big club and we were going to start behaving like one'.
When he goes it'll be a very very sad day but he would go with our blessing. Imo United should have gone for him!
Also agree with others about Gillingham away. We got absolutely soaked that day but some of the football we played was incredible. And he'd only had a couple of weeks with them! [Post edited 16 Dec 2024 12:42]
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:40 - Dec 16 with 2550 views | SomethingBlue |
For me the Gillingham game was proof we could hone a style that would absolutely dismantle teams in that league. | |
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:58 - Dec 16 with 2447 views | Stadiumofdark |
he's very smarmy ;-) |  | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:09 - Dec 16 with 2398 views | itfc_bucks |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:30 - Dec 16 by Funge |
Yeah, similar - Bolton away was, I suppose, when I started to 'believe' -a bogey club for so, so long - if anyone was gonna screw us up, it would be them - and we put them away (although if Walton doesn't save the Dion Charles penalty, well...).
I didn't want McK sacked after Brizzle Rovers, but we had that sticky run of results, including the Oxford fog game, combined with the Wendies and Plymouth looking like they'd never lose again, and that dipsh1t Barton revelling in the draw against us - yeah, it felt particularly shaky around then.
Then we took 7,500 away fans to the franchise, for a hugely ugly 1-0 win, and that, as they say, was that.
TL:DR - Bolton. [Post edited 16 Dec 2024 12:34]
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Took 7,500.
Could've taken 17,000.
Sounded like 70,000.
The previous game at their place was a bit of a shambles, and I admit to being concerned then. Bonne and Norwood fit but on the bench. Jackson starting in a partnership with Chaplin and both looking like they couldn't hit a cows aaaarse with a banjo.
Bonne steaming as he left the ground with his missus.
Still made time to chat to my lad, which I appreciated at the time. | | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:13 - Dec 16 with 2377 views | tcblue |
I was just happy with the 3 points and to get off that freezing cold scaffolding.
I can't actually remember the point at which I knew, but it was his thoughtful adjustments with tactical subs which was the tell for me | | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:17 - Dec 16 with 2367 views | VanSaParody |
I'd never heard of Keiran McKenna, but the new American ownership was in place & there was something to feel positive about
When I read about his age, & the managerial lineage he was connected to, I thought history might repeat itself
I still can't believe the success we've had since his appointment, but I knew this all felt different, it felt right, like everything had finally fallen in to place
I now hope he stays, whatever happens come the end of this season
So here's how I'll leave it...
He'll keep us up, & next season he'll strengthen our depth, & we'll get a trophy &/or qualify for European competition within 2 years
Then, once he's established/proven, if the Man U job comes calling, I wouldn't blame him
COYB's! |  | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:21 - Dec 16 with 2334 views | sjg |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 11:50 - Dec 16 by smithy69 |
Calling for his head lol - Wowsers
Glad he’s made of sterner stuff than your fine self lol |
I don't believe anybody that claims they didn't have doubts after the Cambridge match where we started Fridge and Keogh and ended up with 1 central midfielder on the pitch second half! But I am glad that year fell as it did, because every game was a cup final and we won them all | | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:25 - Dec 16 with 2297 views | BiGDonnie |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 12:58 - Dec 16 by Stadiumofdark |
he's very smarmy ;-) |
Ha! I'll go with as soon as Dimley declared he didn't like him, I knew he'd be the b*ll*x. |  |
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:30 - Dec 16 with 2231 views | N2_Blue |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:21 - Dec 16 by sjg |
I don't believe anybody that claims they didn't have doubts after the Cambridge match where we started Fridge and Keogh and ended up with 1 central midfielder on the pitch second half! But I am glad that year fell as it did, because every game was a cup final and we won them all |
There a lot of people you're not going to believe then.
It was pretty clear, despite some of the results in that difficult run, that things were very different to those that can see more than just the reeslt of a football match.
After Bristol City was one of my lowest moments supportng Town because the flack given out by some of our fans was disgusting and pathetic.
Sometimes patience is needed, even more so when you are trying to build and establish something. It's actually utterly ridciulout what has happened since. We have no right to be playing in the PL with over half a starting line up of L1 players. That is simply down to Mckenna (and those players respecting and buying into his ethos). |  |
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:32 - Dec 16 with 2216 views | DarkBrandon |
The Gillingham game was amazing, and made me wonder if he was the real deal. And the noises from the players almost immediately were hugely encouraging.
You could argue that a good manager should have been able to get us up with our budget from L1. But for us to compete at the top of the championship? Then we knew he really was someone special. Almost from the start of that season. |  | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:35 - Dec 16 with 2188 views | tractorboy1978 |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:30 - Dec 16 by N2_Blue |
There a lot of people you're not going to believe then.
It was pretty clear, despite some of the results in that difficult run, that things were very different to those that can see more than just the reeslt of a football match.
After Bristol City was one of my lowest moments supportng Town because the flack given out by some of our fans was disgusting and pathetic.
Sometimes patience is needed, even more so when you are trying to build and establish something. It's actually utterly ridciulout what has happened since. We have no right to be playing in the PL with over half a starting line up of L1 players. That is simply down to Mckenna (and those players respecting and buying into his ethos). |
Yep. I remember most people being fully behind him and a few morons moaning. Fair play to sjg for owning it. | | | |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:42 - Dec 16 with 2141 views | Pendejo |
Won't be sure of him until we've done Barca under the PR lights on Tuesday or Wednesday night, til then I'll tolerate him.
I was at Gillingham as we raced into a 3 goal lead sitting (?) on the scaffolding in the pishing rain a month or so after the pathetic performance at The Valley. That alone was a sign of difference.
But I guess it comes down to "The McKenna Spring" of 2023 an awesome display of power... Even if we still can't beat fugging Cheltenham.
I saw most of the Robson years, now a distant childhood memory, 92 was great and Burley years fantastic (mainly) giving us a fab day out at Wembley and a European Tour, but 22/23 & 23/24 will take some topping. Recency bias YES, but Wednesday, Barnsley, Leeds and Southampton fans will all remember our team from those seasons.
P!ymouth will also, mainly because they don't get the credit they deserve.
Thanks Keiran the journey has been fantastic |  |
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:44 - Dec 16 with 2134 views | TheBoyBlue |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 11:48 - Dec 16 by Churchman |
I think around Feb, March 2022. Not only were we winning games but from reports and tv bits we were looking organised for the first time. It was also around that Feb/Mar I started noticing his interviews. The ‘honeymoon’ was over but he was coming across just as he does now. Balanced and clear sighted on what he was doing.
No unintelligible Lambert waffle, no emotional toy throwing Cook style, no grubby t shirt and coffee, no reference to Dortmund, no little man so far out of his depth needing a periscope like Hirst. Just somebody calm, organised, comfortable and clearly in control. ‘We’re in here!’ thought I.
You’ll find no post from me with any doubts about him. It was frustrating when we looked like missing out on the autos in L1, particularly when he allowed the ludicrous Oxford game to go ahead - I assumed at the time it was his call but don’t know the truth of it. Bristol Rovers? Annoying but I always looked at big picture which said keep with it, let it play out. Patience.
Three years down the line - I doubt we will keep him here beyond this season, but as far as I’m concerned, when he chooses to go it’ll be from me a thank you and wish you well. I hope he stays, but the club is in good hands and is bigger than any one person.
The more the infrastructure of the club grows, the stronger it’ll be. Should we face relegation, it won’t be for lack of ambition or skill on anyone’s part including KM. have we made mistakes and poor decisions? Of course. Impossible not to unless you are doing zippo.
The future looks bright at the moment come what may. Let’s keep it that way and keep McKenna as long as he wants to stay. He’s a great ‘fit’ for this club. For proof just look at the merry go round at other places. |
I don't know if I realised how special he was after that first game, but I definitely saw something different. The setting up for free-kicks in that Wycombe game so high up the pitch to try and stop getting into an aerial battle in the penalty area. For the first time in years we actually looked like we'd been coached for that match. And then afterwards as Morsy was walking off the pitch McKenna was still coaching him, clearly not entirely happy with something! | |
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:47 - Dec 16 with 2119 views | Garv |
The impact was obvious from the start as mentioned already, but the game I thought something was happening was - ironically a draw - Wigan at home towards the end of 21/22 (2-2).
They were as good as promoted, and we passed them off the pitch. Somehow we managed not to win - thanks to Will Keane. They were the eventual league winners and they were just kicking for touch for most of the second half. You would never have guessed it was 1st vs 11th. |  |
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| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:50 - Dec 16 with 2093 views | sjg |
| So on McKenna's third anniversary at the club... on 13:35 - Dec 16 by tractorboy1978 |
Yep. I remember most people being fully behind him and a few morons moaning. Fair play to sjg for owning it. |
I'm not owning the moron comment just to be clear  | | | |
| Gillingham away! Are we planning anything to celebrate McKenna Saturday? on 14:08 - Dec 16 with 2009 views | unstableblue |
A blue action TiFO of Robson and McKenna profiles would be superb |  |
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