Saint Fan CaM

My view is if we don’t get at least four points from the next two games, it’s indicative of players not following instructions or just falling to bits…or perhaps the opposing team being better than us (but I doubt that). I genuinely think Eckhert has what it takes to coach/orchestrate wins.

Don’t think Bragg is as ‘novice’ as some are thinking - he was known to Eckhert already from the U-21’s and I suspect he’s been brought into the first team because he knows exactly what Eckhert wants from him and the Manager knows he can deliver it. I think he’ll be starting more games than not if he stays fit and we’ll see Romeu come on as his replacement as an enforcer to see out games.

I think the only question left is do they offer him the role until the end of the season with an option to extend, or do they give him a three year contract?

6 points deduction would be nice though right? Means we effectively get 9 points against them when we win! 😉

The more I think about the game, the more I truly believe Eckhert absolutely schooled Jones. He knew exactly how Jones was going to set up his team and knew exactly how best to utilise our players to achieve a result, although I doubt even he could have expected such a fantastic result. Recognising that AA’s experience and ability could be utilised by dropping back and feeding others was a stroke of genius. Faster transition of the ball forwards was something we’ve been crying out for but thought the players were not capable of - they clearly are but needed the coaching to unlock that ability. Tuesdays game will be telling, but my money is on Eckhert finding a way for us to win or at the very least draw.

Agreed. As many managers have said, you cannot be on the pitch coaching the players - you have to rely on players having the sense to do the right thing. In Stephens you have a player that is barely capable of operating at this level, let alone marshalling a defence. It makes you question why bother having three CB’s when aerially they are overrun and out muscled by an opposing set piece. And then the question of Baz and his positional sense, which in the case of their goal was not the best, but it’s a constant weakness for him. Would McCarthy have been better? Difficult to say - probably not, but I do believe his positional sense and save potential is better than Baz’s. Would Rambo have done better? I would say there’s a 10% chance he would have either chosen to come for the ball and clattered the defender or been closer to his near post and made a save. Sometimes those small %’s make a big difference and indeed win games. I’ll end with a question. If the score at that point was either 1-0 or 1-1, do think we’d have scored 5 to win? I don’t.

Yeah, why is that do you think? Answer honestly if you can.

Play like we did today and we beat them. I do have a slight concern - lose Scienza to illness or a January bid and we’ll be mediocre again. Have they received their points deduction yet?

The understanding from the players of where there teammates were seemed so much better and massively contributed to transitioning the ball forwards. What I didn’t like was the 2nd half persistent buggering around at the back and playing deeper, which will be punished by better teams. Overall though Eckert is making the decision easier for Spors as it could be a bigger risk NOT giving him the permanent role - there may not be a dead cert better option.

It’s great to see a manager (coach) come in and see a real difference in play, however I think he did a job on Jones today - outsmarted him hands down and the players followed instructions perfectly (despite Stephens/Baz). Now that my friends is the definition of a good manager and a huge plus in his credentials to get the full time gig. The bigger tests are coming though, so not getting too excited yet.

Downs is different level. Different level shit.

Don’t like the way we’ve somehow decided that playing mostly around our box is the best option.

Don’t like the way we’ve somehow decided that playing mostly around our box is the best option.

Well done Cam Bragg - an excellent 75 minutes.

Starting to revert to type in defence. And as I type Baz tries the impossible on a cross, flapping like a crisp packet in the wind. Idiot.