The facts are, Cellino IS going to be hands on in a league he’s no experience of, we’ve a load of players who’ve never played in England, we’ve a head coach whose inexperience is glaringly obvious and we, the fanbase, are already getting edgy.
BUT, I do think there’s a way this season can turn out to be a reasonable success. Stability.
Hock is never going to get this team up – we all know that. However, what good will it do in sacking him? We’re not going to get a top championship manager to come in under Cellino unless the squad is so strong that they know they have a realistic chance of promotion that same season.
Therefore, I believe we’ve got to develop this squad to that point. We’ve players who, if allowed to settle and adapt, will be competitive. Pearce, Sharp, Smith & Warnock are good enough for a promotion winning squad and from what I’ve seen so far, Bianchi (wants the ball, great pass but so far lightweight), Doukara (energy & pace to ensure Sharp or Smith stay central but so far a bit headless-chicken) & Cooper (height & strength but so far positionally iffy) look the part too. Providing 2-3 out of the two foreign defenders, Cook, Mowatt, Byram & Antenucci step up then I think we’ll have a strong squad on our hands. Don’t get me wrong, I think we need steel in the midfield and at least one winger, but we’ve a much better squad than we did last season overall.
So, we’ve a respected coach at this level in charge. We may not trust the tactics on matchday, but providing we stay up this season – perhaps even mid-table – then I’ll be happy with the job he’s done, providing we’ve the aforementioned players developing to the point that we’ll be right up there next season.
Perhaps I’m wrong and a different head coach will inspire and get the best out of this team, but I’m certain that the odds of us getting the right coach are tiny, so better the devil you(/the players) know, rather than the 3 devils Cellino could potentially bring in / sack this season...!
Any way, MOT and here’s to smashing Bolton this weekend.
Stability
posted on 28/8/14
I expected to lose with 11 men, so it wasn't a massive shock. That's how far expectations have fallen....even the bookies had us down as the underdogs. I don't care where were at the at the moment, that's not acceptable.
They came out better, maybe, but its not really worth mentioning because we were still appalling and our goal was totally undeserved and we were a shambles after that.
Hockaday has to go....I don't know whether he believes what he says or whether he is just totally deluded.
posted on 28/8/14
Do you not think that Cellino's comments earlier this week, about not judging Hockaday until the team building is completed, mean that he is committed to giving Hockaday at least another month?
I agree that his sacking is inevitable but perhaps not yet?
posted on 28/8/14
Harry Redknapp might be available soon ...............
posted on 28/8/14
Well Bolton is a massive game on Saturday as Dougie Freedman is also hanging onto his job.
posted on 28/8/14
'Ol 'Arry is the ultimate player wheeler/dealer. Can't see Cellino giving him his job
posted on 28/8/14
Agreed SKB. Puts a whole new perspective on the game!
posted on 28/8/14
Agree with OP about stability and really wanted hock to be a success but think our stability has to be post hock.
So far shown nothing. Poor tactically (ditch the diamond with these players), poor man management (hanging individuals out publicly) and terrible game management.
Reminds me too much of Blackwell and can't see us improving under him.
posted on 28/8/14
Hocks "The players are 100% behind me" comment reminds me too much of Colins "My lads would run through brick walls for me" type comments.............managers/coaches shouldn't need to make these claims.........it should show on the field
posted on 28/8/14
Highland, I thought exactly that, he's trying to publicly justify himself as much as he can, and it's backfiring on him.
I think Bolton will be the last game for Hock, I just cannot see us winning that at all, with the international break being the time for Cellino to bring in Hocks replacement, maybe Mike Bassett is available...
posted on 28/8/14
Highland.
Would you give your all for a Painter & Decorator?