This one has not sent my pulse racing but thought I'd try to be objective, as I have a feeling he might be the choice. I am only judging on could he get us up, not will he have us playing like Barcelona, btw.
Age 51 which is not bad, managers in their 60's I am less sure about. Record over nearly 200 games at Reading was mainly in the Championship and then Prem, so comparable to the area he'd be working in at Leeds. His win rate of 45% (and 25% draws) means his AVERAGE performance (including his time in the Prem) is a steady playoff place quality.
Not sure you can ask for more than that, on a comparable basis. Yes some managers have better records, but mainly the ones at clubs that spend way more than the competition.
Better than NW btw. He manages 40% win rate, whether you look at his total career or his last 4 clubs (from Sheffield U onwards). And NW was on a downwards trend, after Sheffield U he has been averaging only high 30%'s win rate, in a comparable division.
So, if thats who we get, well - thats who we get - and maybe he can do it
Another look at McDermott
posted on 4/4/13
"will be massive challenge for anyone coming in despite NW and Brown saying the foundations are now there."
Spot on, all that's happened is our priorities have rotated, we used to need a GK, RB, LB, etc, we now need to sign 2 wingers, CM and probably a striker.
posted on 4/4/13
SKB, we've conceded as many goals as last season, I think we still need the defence fixed.
posted on 4/4/13
Possibly in the centre, as i Byram and Warnock are rated. I know Kenny isn't the most popular anymore, so maybe it'll be ANOTHER new no.1 in 2013/14
The Peltier and Lees partnership i'm still undecided on.
I don't know whether the stats are still so poor because of the actual quality of the back 5, or whether it's a case we don't keep the ball well enough and simply don't have the same threat going forward, therefore teams are more willing to attack us.
posted on 4/4/13
It could be a case of the team not defending as a whole, lack of cover or ability to break away from our own half. The team give the ball away constantly, so the defence are under pressure all the time.
I rate Byram and Warnock. Peltier has done okay, but not been that great. Good in the air, but still has doubts around him. Same with Lees. He's been okay, but a better CB next to him would be a lot better IMO.
posted on 4/4/13
Our defence has been a problem for the last 3 or 4 seasons, regardless of who we've had playing there.
The conveyor belt of players is endless.
It's the coaching for me - thats the common denominator.
I'm convinced there's ability and future with Lees, he just hasn't had the right old head next to him to bring him on. Warnock and Byram i agree are good enough for the fullback berths. We need a proper leader at the back, sorry but not Peltier. I'd have him as a sub along with Pearce - not as a starter.
Maybe Carragher is too old now - but someone of that ilk is what i'd like to see (late 20's/early 30's).
Pace and creativity in the wide areas, it's time we had players running at opposition defences again creating uncertainty. We've been utterly predictable this season.
We don't need Brown/Austin/Tonge/Green et al - they're all the same! Diouf has flattered in the last few months, he's been sussed by the opposition and refs for me.
We need changes, not the whole team - we'd not afford that i suspect. Pace, thats whats missing and an experienced decent leader at the back.
Just my opinion of course...........
posted on 4/4/13
Regarding the defense, just need to look at how many headed goals from within the 6 yard area we have conceded. Almost 1 every game!
posted on 5/4/13
JLA
posted on 5/4/13
btw - would love to see Gradel tempted back, but....
posted on 5/4/13
Regarding the defense, just need to look at how many headed goals from within the 6 yard area we have conceded. Almost 1 every game!
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The last one being against Derby. Schoolboy stuff!
We actually cleared a whole section of the penalty box for them to run into. They duly obliged and scored!
posted on 5/4/13
Pretty pathetic/sad, eh. Peak and Real?