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Hurst: It's Still a Bubbly Squad
Thursday, 27th Sep 2018 19:41

Blues boss Paul Hurst says the squad remains bubbly despite not having won any of their first nine Championship games - plus the Carabao Cup defeat at Exeter - since he took charge in the summer. Town face Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Saturday hoping to end their long wait for a victory.

“I think on a day-to-day basis it’s still a bubbly squad,” Hurst insisted. “I’ve said all along if I’m really upset about something I’ll let them know, but I don’t expect them to come into work and be sulking and down and not showing enthusiasm because whatever position we are in it’s still a fantastic job to be in.

"It really grinds on me when I feel you’ve got some people that don’t appreciate what job they have and the profession.

“We all know how many people out there would happily swap places with them in a heartbeat, so from that point of view it’s fine.

“I think it’s just when it gets to that game day, because of how things have gone, not as in negativity, but having that belief that we can really get the result that we want.

“And even last week, the dynamic of the game changed when the sending off occurred and we found it extremely difficult to break Bolton down and take advantage of that situation.

“But overall I think the lads are in good spirits and they have to keep believing and that’s the important part.

“I’ve got my part to play in that but they also have to do that themselves as individuals and collectively because there’s no point in me just saying that it or the crowd really cheering them on, they’ve got to have that belief because they’re the ones who are out on the pitch.”

Does he feel he’s getting nearer to finding the formula which will bring that first win? “I think overall there’s not one definitive way and the players themselves, I don’t expect to have just 11 players that can perform so it’s always a moving jigsaw if you like.

“But I think we’ve pretty much settled on a way to play from day one. I think only once we’ve really deviated away [the first half against Brentford when he switched to 3-5-2] aside from the little changes in the midfield area at times.

“I think we know what we’re trying to do and where we’re at with that. Time, you would think, helps people understand exactly what those roles are but each game is different because the opposition will have a different way of playing as well and they're trying to put their game on to you.

“We saw that last week, particularly with 10 men where it was a totally different game than it was midweek against Brentford.

“So you have to be adaptable all the time. But I’m certainly getting close to thinking, ‘This is my team’ but because of some individual performances, it’s certainly not set in stone at this stage.”


How does he go about instilling confidence in a team which has gone on such a long winless run? “I think you tell them how you’ve seen games and highlight periods where we’re been on top when we haven’t quite taken advantage.

“On the training ground, you’re praising them. We demand, but I have to say when people do something good it’s not like we don’t say anything then. You have to tell them that that’s a good piece of play, a bit of skill, a good finish, good defending, whatever it is.

“And I think for me to keep ramming that message home that we haven’t been totally outplayed, we haven’t come off thinking, ‘They’re miles ahead of us’.

“Brentford were extremely good but we had our own periods in that match, particularly that second half where we looked a decent side as well. It’s important to try and concentrate on that.

“Some individual errors have cost us more than really being outplayed and it's just trying to cut those out.

“But there’s nothing better than victories in terms of everything to really buy into everything that you’re doing and give you that belief again to move forward.”

Asked whether he was worried about the current situation, he added: “I’d rather not be where we are, that goes without saying.

"Straight after a defeat you have a lot of emotions going on and it’s never an easy time, but given a bit of time, like most situations, you start to think about things in the cold light of day, be a bit more objective about things and then you get back into work, you’re back with the players and you’re on to the next one.

“I’ve said before, I’m a realist and I understand the job that I’m in and how the season’s gone so far in terms of results, but I think you're very much focusing on the next one and trying to get that first victory first and foremost and then trying to start to climb the table.

“Strange as it was last week, the positives were that we kept a clean sheet and we moved up a place.

“We weren’t out partying thinking, ‘That’s it, we’ve cracked it’ but at the same time it was a very, very small step, granted, but it was a small step forward.”

Hurst says there’s no sense of panic despite the disappointing run: “That’s not my nature. It won’t be my nature and hasn’t been in my nature when things are going the other way.

“I take it as a compliment that people say I’m pretty much the same all the time and you can’t tell whether we’re top of the league or bottom of the league, whatever it is. That’s me.

“Some people say that’s boring and that’s fair enough, I don’t mind that if that’s how people want to see me.

“I can have a good time in certain situations and the odd time I can decide that I don’t really want to speak to people, but overall I really appreciate the job that I do. I know there are a lot of people who are not in jobs who would love to be sat where I am today.”

Hurst, 44 on Tuesday, says one of the squad has told him the strength in depth is currently as good as at any time since they have been at the club.

“When I say things people can always think, ‘He’s only just saying that’ or whatever, so I prefer it when other people perhaps speak about things like that,” he continued.

“I’ve had a player say to me that they think it’s the best squad that we’ve had. Again, straight away I know people will say we haven’t got Martyn Waghorn, we haven’t got Adam Webster or Joe Garner and I’m not going to comment on that but they feel that in terms of strength in depth it’s the best squad we’ve had.

“Now you look at the table at the minute and at results and people will think that that’s person’s mad.

“Hopefully in time we can get to a point where we can really see something developing and building and something to build on.

“It’s a small thing at the minute and it’s not down to the first team, but I like the fact that the U18s are top of the league and the U23s are top of their league.

“A very different league and you never know what you’re coming up against, people change teams all the time, but it’s still nice and I think there are a lot of good young players here.

“How many can go on and really make it and have a Championship career, we’ll see. But I like that fact because it breeds a winning mentality.

“We’ve got to make that happen in the first team. But I think overall the training ground is a good environment. People will either believe me or not, but that’s the way I see it.”

He says his assistant Chris Doing helps to keep his spirits high even if the former defender is not always all smiles.

“Chris often makes me seem really happy, so that’s probably an indication of what Chris is like,” Hurst joked.

“We’ve worked together a long time now and I think we know how each other is and it’s something we’ve spoken about, as in when we are together there’s an element of maybe him trying to make me feel a little bit better or vice versa because I think for both of us at times it’s easy to see the things that aren’t quite right.

“He’s hurting, it hurts his pride, same as I’ve said it does mine because I’m the person that speaks to the media most often but Chris takes it very personally as well.

“I’m not saying that every decision I make he would agree with but at the same time, he’s very much part of it, he plays a big part.

“He’s never really happy but he’s certainly been happier than he is but we want to work hard to try and change that.”

Are there occasions when it’s a case of bad cop-bad cop with the pair of them? “Sometimes or one of us just has to shut up. If I’ve maybe said something, there are occasions when I won’t ask Chris for his opinion because I don’t want it to be [thought about] any further or things like that, but that’s just getting to know situations and doing what you think is right at the time.”


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alfromcol added 20:08 - Sep 27
Lots of words and no substance, getting very boring.
8

Currie10 added 20:13 - Sep 27
Doig sounds great fun.
9

Skip73 added 20:17 - Sep 27
The best squad we've ever had, LMAO!!!! It is without a shadow of doubt the worst! The only reason it looks like there is strength in depth is because the first team is worse than the under23's
4

1966 added 20:42 - Sep 27
I wouldn't say The Fans Are ' Bubbly '. Everyone one on Here wanted it to Work for You Paul , But Unfortunately Even The Most Positive Of Fans Realised Now it Has Backfired Big Time . Do we Sack Him Now or wait Till Xmas when we're all But Down ?
0

TimmyH added 22:34 - Sep 27
only to go pretty flat if we don't get a win in the next few weeks...
4

GiveusaWave added 01:58 - Sep 28
Forget about the bubbly....win games of football. I really don't care if the whole squad is serious, dull and Spartan-like as long as they win games of football....
6

clint_eastwood added 04:27 - Sep 28
Couldn't even win at home with an awful 10 men Bolton......worrying times.
6

C_Thomsen added 07:43 - Sep 28
Another 7 changes tomorrow and a new formation, probably 5-4-1 or 3-6-1 or something else he has grabbed off Football Manager.

A shame, I was really up for a change, but hurts more than anything to keep reading these pressers with zero substance. He is a man waiting to get the kick...
4

EuanTown added 08:03 - Sep 28
Play two up front is all I ask
-1

Europablue added 08:09 - Sep 28
If we get that win on Saturday, the mood will totally change. We're not far off doing well. It doesn't help how fickle fans are these days. A lot of managers have failed because of short term panickers who want to fire a manager after the smallest signs of weakness.
4

thechangingman added 08:10 - Sep 28
Tough times at Town for sure.

I can't even be bothered to read these posts anymore and that makes me sad. What started as the most positive season in many years has already descended into complete hopelessness.

Fans are bickering amongst themselves more than ever and I really can't see a positive way forward out of this absolute mess.

Wretched. Totally wretched...
5

WhoisJimmyJuan added 08:36 - Sep 28
It's a bit of a moving jigsaw if you like??? Heaven help us.....
4

drewcudders1963 added 09:18 - Sep 28
Let's just get behind the manager and the team. We all knew it would take some time for the team to gel. Jackson looks pretty sharp up front and his goal against Brentford was an excellent finish, but he's only as good as the chances that are presented to him... his pace caused a Bolton player to be sent off.... Nolan looks class at times, but is still adjusting to the step up. Hopefully we've sorted out the back four now.... get Dozzell on the pitch for at least 30 mins Saturday and build up his participation and we will begin to see the team play some better football.... all our moaning and groaning transfers to the players, so be positive and let's help the team get that first win !
4

Bergholtblue added 09:41 - Sep 28
Somebody throw him some armbands before he drowns.
4

Daleyitfc added 09:47 - Sep 28
Just what we needed : another deluded Yorkshireman as manager ...
3

bobble added 10:01 - Sep 28
at least i know that the wallabies will still be in with a shot of winning the next world cup whatever their form now, but town are a big concern under the last 4 jokers......
3

LondonBlue73 added 16:48 - Sep 28
Often I refrain from typing due to the many personal and negative comments from so called supporters towards our team, manager or owner - I don't get it.
Before people react - read on.... the results are dire, the seasons start disappointing, many of the comments and interviews predictable or full of hot air.
However - I have had more entertainment in 7 attended matches this season than I did in nearly all games the last couple (I wasn't a MM out either as I support the club).
Hurst may or may not work out and the start worries me, however he deserves some time and support as do the players. We are not a big club and we are not a rich club, we are not promotion contenders and have not been for years. Pretty much the same as when Sir Bobby cam along, he also had a dubious start. Im not stupid enough to compare Hurst with a true legend he hasn't earned the right but he has earned the right for a bit of time and has the right to expect supporters to support. How quiet this Norwich vans that bemoaned Alex Nel, the Man Utd supported that moaned about Fergie in year one and wanted him out, the Burnley fans disillusioned with Dysche at his appointment (look at their forums from then) the Cardiff fans who did not want Warnock, like our very own fans did not want him. The list is endless I don't know the final destination, what I do know is that changing the manager now will not help, who will we get - MM again ? Stability and backing do help - everyone has a right to express their opinion I accept that even if I don't agree or like it. Supporters though should support perhaps we should read the definition. Together we will achieve more, the second Half performances against Villa, Brentford, parts of Blackburn and Rotherham as wells them up the road all show there is potential.
1

geminimustang added 17:15 - Sep 28
Show me a bubbly loser and i'll show you a loser! Losing is supposed to hurt!!
0

AndrewPC added 17:43 - Sep 28
Anyone who has experience of accomplishing positive changes in performance of an organisation knows that that takes time. Hurst needs and deserves more time, even though - in my view - he has made several mistakes. The owner must not press the panic button. Supporters must keep supporting the team and be patient. ROME WASNT BUILT IN A DAY .

However, the speed and extent of change of personnel was a big risk (mistake even) and Hurst is now livign with the consequences. Some of the new acquisitions look like they can come good. Others, not so much. But Hurst has some grit to his character and although he is a tad verbose in his press interviews, I think that - on balance - he deserves the benefit of the doubt till December.
0

Swn98 added 20:56 - Sep 28
Londonblue 73 good post I think itfc represent the country in general Divided.
Can't agree about any games being better this season than last apart from the West Ham, game this season has been very poor.
Change the manager! Who on earth would want to try and mould a team out of the rubbish Hurst has signed.
We can but hope.
1


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