Holmes_and_Watson

Also interesting to listen to where he thinks it went wrong. He won't be the only manager to be moved on in this break. Is it too soon to make some media appearances, and be ready to jump back in? Listening to his final interview, you could see he knew there was every chance he'd be gone. So, it's still very raw. He could point to needing more time. The board said that transition needed time, but they still expected better results. The fans were just horrified at the style of play. To that Martin could look at the massive player turnover. And he still didn't end up with a spine to play his system. And the board knew exactly what system that would be. They did spend a lot by Scottish standards. But it was spread thinly across a lot of players. He has taken a team into the PL. Admittedly, a very well resources championship club. So, clubs might look at that. Hopefully all concerned will look to make sure they have a first eleven capable of playing it next time.

Chase

It was a massive opportunity. But also a massive challenge. Rangers' financial and recruitment issues had seen them look at a gap to Celtic that had been become a chasm, and was getting wider. Both massive clubs in Scotland. But falling behind any club with a half decent TV deal, and some decent European results. Rangers needed an absolute clear out. But one that had to hit the ground running to compete in Europe, against Celtic and be strong enough to dominate the rest of Scottish clubs. The quality might not be great, but these clubs work as hard and as best they can within their restraints. All while the transfer window was ongoing. And while the domestic and European games were underway. And all happening in a disjointed way on a shoestring budget. Then you bring in a possession system for a team that already receives 65% and dominates games. That was the opportunity for Martin to have a better domestic version of his system. How to have much higher lines of transition to move apart opponents. How to reset but dominate. The players that were brought in in bulk didn't help Russ' core system much. He didn't get a Downes figure. Or an Adams. Or a Smallbone. He didn't have defenders comfortable in passing it out. Just watching window unfold from the new owners thinking £20 million was going to solve everything, to the Raskin fall out, to a player refusing to come on, to the lack of physical and mental strength in the side. The club, the resources, the recruitment and Martin's system all came together as it did for his PL season here. He apparently interviewed very well. But there was a massive gulf between that and the implementation from all parties. He's got 2 CL qualification wins out of his time there. He's got a Championship promotion from his time with us. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. He'll presumably want to equal where he's reached. But he needs a club, looking to step up by doing something different who can fund it, and who also have a core group already good enough to cover the gaps. Quite an ask, and he could just end up on Sky, finding fault in every move, without seeing the broader pattern.

Dreadful position. Yet, because it's a gold table, makes me think we've achieved something.

Strong opening, with AA and Stewart linking well. AA getting past an entire defence for his goal. As soon as that happened we fell apart. Then Stewart gets injured. Derby had plenty of chances before they got their equaliser. McCarthy definitely first choice. After the break we used our massively better resources side to fail to win against a side without a home win. Without Stewart, we needed Downs to step up, but got nothing. Players playing out of position nullified their effectiveness. Leo going off dented it further. A fair bit off a side looking for automatic promotion. A mile off a club that were planning for this season from this time in the PL season.

With the caveat of me not seeing him much since he left, JWP for me. Downes was our MVP in our last Championship season. That was after JWP had left, and JWP raised the game of the others in those opening games. For me, it's not a direct swap. Jander is the one replacing Downes, and I'd have JWP further forward. Downes has become so comfortable with RussBall, he looks lost going forward now. JWP looked better moved up, just a bit.

Because if it was always more effective than how he starts games, then you'd have thought the penny would have dropped to adjust more towards it. Also odd to see him stick unwaveringly to his philosophy, right up to the point he chucks it, hoping for the best rather than with much planning.

Oddly looking far more likely to get a result, when they jettison his set up.

Got one back. The players fighting for Russ.

Bid

We made heavy weather in getting over the line, but the 3vpoints should be a confidence booster. AA worked hard second half, getting a couple of headers. But it turned around Stewart, with 2 excellent center forward finishes. He was also leading the line in getting others up to support him. We took off some creativity. There wasn't lots on show generally, but it made Stewart isolated. Utd changed their shape and we brought on Archer who barely got a touch. The result was a last 15 minutes of Utd having the possession. Edwards gave away a corner, and it was in the net although chalked off for a foul on McCarthy. We then gave away a dangerous free kick. Still was trying to keep in compact, but we surrendered any forward outlet in that 15 minutes. Hopefully, he'll learn from that. Utd are better than their position. So good tests for Wood. Stewart, Jander who all stood out. McCarthy looks a more imposing figure in goal too. While others are going to get minutes, we could be seeing this side begin to settle.

Jander gave us a couple of seconds of skill in 45 minutes. Other than that, we continue to be pretty flat,and reluctant to do anything at pace. Stewart at least giving a target to aim for towards the end, although not much power on the headers. It was probably a penalty, although it's not as though he was in control and half fell over the 'keeper. Poor penalty though, keeping us behind. Utd happy enough to give us possession, as most of the time we don't do much with it. They did have an unmarked player who had to head back across goal, and McCarthy nearly got caught out in another attack. So, we could always self destruct some more.

Get

Bright

Deadline

Got what they needed to get over the line on a very tight day. Great for the Europeans. I'd like to think our fans will have some more class across the board in the next one.

It's certainly never too late to enjoy a new hobby that keeps you fit. Just focus on your own improvements, learn from the best around you and don't get discouraged. It takes ages to get the timing right to get past the windmill blades, and there's loads of variation in maintenance of courses. I was fortunate to grow up near a lot of miniature golf courses along a coast, so have had lots of practice. Just keep at it.

In breaking news, I heard that a manager of one Championship club, thinks their players could be doing a bit better.

Matching that SR have no credit in the bank for the football players they have bought to give us the performances for which they have no credit. 🙂

"No, I don't think it achieves anything either, Mr Gretzky. But if you'd just step up to the altar, we'll get on with the GOAT sacrifice for Convict Colony. Yes, the convict part of the name, is making more sense now, Mr Gretzky."

Newspaper

Polls aren't something I put a lot of faith in. Observationally, to be worse than Truss, when they were presumably polling just as frequently, is quite the achievement. That lettuce is looking more and more like the best PM we never had.

Just 2 points off 3rd. Trust the process, to deliver a side more capable of competing on a pittance in Europe (Brugge aside).

Well done Russ. Let down by that sending off during the week, but not giving up for the win today. Lots to build and improve on. Only 7 points behind Celtic now, after they dropped two points yesterday. And now up to 8th, only a point behind those on the other side of the stupid table split.

SR will look to bring in players from L1 to build a promotion team for getting back to the Championship in 27/28.