Just before Blackburn McD talked about us not playing the way he wanted. The list discussed the problem of the players limitations, the Warnock/Bates legacy, and the need for new players. just before Rochdale we discussed the playing needs, agreeing with McD that we needed some new players to help us turn the corner. Given the results (Blackburn and Rochdale) I restrained from expressing my view, as if kicking a dog when its down. Now the dog really is down, I want to put my boot in.
But first, let me say I'd like us to give McD another 6 games or so. At least. I'm fed up of all this 'we need a signing or two' 'we need some money investing'. Not just Leeds, the entire football leagues. The players at the club were deemed good enough. They are all a product of being the potential new signing that was needed (or kids who have made the grade). Granted, some may deteriorate a little, but at the same time we can expect some to improve similarly. I feel that managers and coaches who, like players are paid effin fortunes, should be able to (a) work on the tactics and skills to add some effin value to what they started with and (b) manage the morale, confidence, attitude and belief etc of their team. I can't see how, if they are failing in that respect, the addition of a player or two will affect that to any significant degree. So, rather than looking for new signings, first, I'd look to change the approach to training coaching and managing. Nevertheless, like everyone else I was excited at the prospect of the two new signings - pacy wingers of fringe of premiership pedigree. Before todays game I worried that he would be tempted to play them. Worried because they have not played any recent football, they don't know their team, they are not settled, they are unlikely to be match fit. Worried because the rest of the team have been told (publically; by their manager) that they are currently crap, have no confidence, form, abilty to play his way and need something to change them, they have not been practising or playing with wingers. I normally trust the manager to know more than I on formations and line ups, but as the game progressed the use of 3 centrebacks (which hasn't been working lately anyway) and the tactical absence of Smith really did make McD seem out of his depth. Who knows, had Smith stayed on, would we have achieved a famous turn around and be laughing our way to the end of the season? That's why I'd like to give him 6 games. Once the new signings get bedded in, things might look better. We have liked what he has done end of last season and beginning of this, we like his professed long term view of the job. He is at the bottom of a very bad spell. I hope he can rethink and get himself positive again. Love and xxxx _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] John 'Grampa' Sykes Rest In Peace old lad 28th Oct 1938 - 12 Nov 2013 MARCHING ON TOGETHER
