saintant

Crazy as it seems but, after only 4 games, I'm beginning to wonder just how good this team could be and I never thought I'd remotely consider that when Eckert stepped in. The improvement in performance levels, given that Tonda has only worked with the team for 4 matches, is exponential. It's got me thinking how good will we be when we've a longer run of games under him and are even more well drilled in what he requires. Knowing us of course it could all fizzle out and be a false dawn but imagine how good the side will look if the upward trajectory continues. Exciting times.....maybe.

Good to see we are now among the top scorers in the Championship. Coventry are way out in front with 47 then it's Ipswich and Hull on 28 and us on 26. If current form continues we'll certainly outscore Ipswich and Hull.

Agree although he does need to improve his defensive duties.

The guy seems to be a workaholic. Asked by the Echo if he bumps into fans around the city he replied no because he is spending most of his time at Staplewood and generally has 3 meals a day there 🙂

With Downes suspended I would think Romeu will be on the bench for this one.

I thought that at the time but when I watched the replay it looked more like AA was deliberately slowing down and looking for Fellows to cut the ball back to him so that he had more time and space.

I have to admit I was a big sceptic at first but the performances in the last two games have convinced me Eckert is the man for the job. The stark difference in how we play now to the past season and a half is incredible. I'd given up on seeing the fast attacking football we're witnessing now. The guy pays attention to every detail, he knows how he wants us to play, he gets the players doing it and tailors his gameplan to suit the opposition strengths and weaknesses. He's been a breath of fresh air. Sure, it could all go pear shaped yet but every managerial appointment carries risks so why not stick with the bloke who has us winning and playing great football. His press conferences are starting to win him fans too due to the long pause after a question followed by a measured and succinct response.

Yeah, either that or rename it 'There's no new manager debate' because Tonda must be nailed on to be given a contract now.

Looking forward to seeing Caspar Jandar boss the midfield in yet another match. I hope we can keep him under the radar because I believe he's the player in our squad the big clubs would want most. He plays his midfield role to perfection and is the cog in the wheel we would most miss if he got injured.

We only have this guy until he returns to his own galaxy.

For me he is our best signing. He's the vital cog, the metronome, the conductor. We've missed this type of player for so long and he'll no doubt soon be on the radar of bigger clubs.

Yeah, I've thought myself that he could be an alien 🙂

Scienza and Fellows will rightly take the plaudits because they are eye catching players. However, for me the most important member of this side is Capar Jander. He gets better every game and sets the tone and the tempo with his intelligence - what a football brain this guy has got. He rarely gives the ball away and is always available keeping things ticking over so that the flair players can work their magic. Fast becoming my favourite player and he was immense tonight.

Still had him playing way too deep so he was always starting deep in our half. Eckert encourages the wing backs to get high up the pitch and the difference is night and day.

Is Steve McClaren still in the frame? Asking for a friend.

The way this side is playing now you can't rule out an automatic spot.

Thinks our scintillating soccer is making them look poor. This side should start marching up the table because not many will live with their fluency.

Yes, it was a good stop at a crucial time - low to his left as well.

So did Leicester 🙂

Has he got the job yet 🙂

Yeah I did think that at first but he is very precise in his replies and I reckon the pause is there to give him time to consider his response. He tends to give answers where he doesn't always agree with Blackmore and then gives a clear explanation. To me he has an inward confidence that may bely his sometimes startled look and certainly has his own mind and believes in himself.

Last time I looked we were 4 points off the play offs and 9 points above the relegation zone 🙂

Yes 🙂

Maybe it's the manner of the win against Charlton but I'm even starting to warm to his press conferences. I particularly like the way he takes a moment to think and when he replies he rarely just agrees with Adam Blackmore, you can almost see the wheels going round inside his head. He then gives an informed response and explains his thinking. Most coaches seem happy to agree with the presenter whereas Tonda nearly always prefers to put his own spin on his answers.

Their centre backs are very slow and we should be looking to exploit that by playing through them on the ground and making them turn and run back towards their own goal. No high balls required because that will be food and drink to them - keep the ball on the grass.