Will Still

[saintnick]

Wonder how WS is feeling after today’s announcements, semi perhaps?

Edited Friday at 16:28 by saintnick

[RedArmy]

18 minutes ago, saintnick said:

Wonder how WS is feeling after today’s announcements, semi perhaps?

I doubt his Willy is Still any more. 
 

[Patches O Houlihan]

10 minutes ago, RedArmy said:

I doubt his Willy is Still any more. 
 

He has a new house to christen with the missus if the presser is anything to go by

[Suhari]

It's a good day to be ginger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Doesn't happen that often, believe me).

[AlexLaw76]

Awful awful formation he is seemingly wedded to.

[Willo of Whiteley]

4 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Awful awful formation he is seemingly wedded to.

Jesus. Bore off.

You’ve done a thread on the formation and posted on several other threads.

WE GET YOUR OPINION.

He has got players in the door now so expect to see formation changes, ffs. Give it a rest.

[Guan 2.0]

If he is still playing 5 at the back when all the new signings are fit and eligible to start, I will judge him for it then.

I believe (hope) the shape of the team will be addressed when we have everyone bedded in. 

[Harry_SFC]

Just now, Guan 2.0 said:

If he is still playing 5 at the back when all the new signings are fit and eligible to start, I will judge him for it then.

I believe (hope) the shape of the team will be addressed when we have everyone bedded in. 

Agree with this. As I said earlier, I'll start judging him after the international break. 

[Willo of Whiteley]

Two of those players weren’t registered in time for today, nor were they probably fit having not trained for a few days. 

[Baird of the land]

Very unimpressed with him as a manager so far.

we may improve once we’ve outspent everyone but depressing to once again to have seemingly gone for a hot air hype option rather than a good tactician.

[bpsaint]

Doubling down on my opinion a couple of pages ago. Can’t coach a defence, wasn’t reactive enough today, and apart from a decent result against a changed Norwich there’s not been one convincing performance. 
 

Hope everyone’s predictions about our post international break performances and line ups are correct, otherwise it’s going to be a disappointing season.

[benjii]

Just now, bpsaint said:

Doubling down on my opinion a couple of pages ago. Can’t coach a defence, wasn’t reactive enough today, and apart from a decent result against a changed Norwich there’s not been one convincing performance. 
 

Hope everyone’s predictions about our post international break performances and line ups are correct, otherwise it’s going to be a disappointing season.

Yep, haven't seen anything impressive yet.

[RedArmy]

15 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Awful awful formation he is seemingly wedded to.

For someone that loves to do the transcripts of his press conferences. Do you actually fucking listen to what he says. 

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, RedArmy said:

For someone that loves to do the transcripts of his press conferences. Do you actually fucking listen to what he says. 

Yep, delivers a good presser....however, reality is, this shit formation 

[Greedyfly]

11 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Jesus. Bore off.

You’ve done a thread on the formation and posted on several other threads.

WE GET YOUR OPINION.

He has got players in the door now so expect to see formation changes, ffs. Give it a rest.

He has been awful so far though 😂

[RedArmy]

2 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Yep, delivers a good presser....however, reality is, this shit formation 

That’s a no then. 

[richardc]

His excuse for not playing 4 at back is bullshit - Fraser, AA, Robinson and BBD can all play as wingers - not very good ones but - So he buying two wingers and will player the 4 at back - what happens if they are injured, booked, dont last 90 mins - will he resort to this awful formation 

and doing nothing in the 2nd half was not a good impression esp after they went to 4 at the back 

Edited 11 hours ago by richardc

[S-Clarke]

7 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Yep, delivers a good presser....however, reality is, this shit formation 

Come on mate, you've had it in for him since day one and it's odd. A little chink and you've jumped on it, repeated it every week. He's made it clear why he's going 5 at the back, repeatedly. 

It will change once we have proper wide players in the building which we now do, and will have after Monday.

There is lots of work to do. This is/was one of the worst ever PL sides to grace the planet, it's going to take some work to re-mould us and it needs time. This was never a ready-made win every week from the start role.

[Maggie May]

We’ve played five games…

In our last Championship season, we were about to be thumped 5-0 by Sunderland and go on a four match losing streak. We’d won a couple but also drew 4-4 with Norwich.

We’ve brought in a few excellent players that will improve us. It will click. Give it time. 
 

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, S-Clarke said:

Come on mate, you've had it in for him since day one and it's odd. A little chink and you've jumped on it, repeated it every week. He's made it clear why he's going 5 at the back, repeatedly. 

It will change once we have proper wide players in the building which we now do, and will have after Monday.

There is lots of work to do. This is/was one of the worst ever PL sides to grace the planet, it's going to take some work to re-mould us and it needs time. This was never a ready-made win every week from the start role.

Doesn't mean I/we have to agree with it. Managers say shite all the time (we should know of all sets of fans).

I mean, we have been largely shite this season, wide open all over the park and really do not look like scoring much from open play.

Others keep saying it will change now we have 1 proper wide player in (sure, he could have used Fraser in this role), we shall see...

[Lord Duckhunter]

12 minutes ago, benjii said:

Yep, haven't seen anything impressive yet.

Me neither. 
 

Had it not been for 3 mins against Wrexham it would be even worse. 
 

Why do so many of our supporters lap up the pony these hipster managers  spout at “pressers”. All that matters is results.

Very early days, but Middlesbrough have a new manager and are top of the league. So far I’ve been completely underwhelmed by his results and tactics. 

[Greedyfly]

12 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Come on mate, you've had it in for him since day one and it's odd. A little chink and you've jumped on it, repeated it every week. He's made it clear why he's going 5 at the back, repeatedly. 

It will change once we have proper wide players in the building which we now do, and will have after Monday.

There is lots of work to do. This is/was one of the worst ever PL sides to grace the planet, it's going to take some work to re-mould us and it needs time. This was never a ready-made win every week from the start role.

I can be onboard with this, and I HAD nothing against him, but it's fucking boring being the team that gives up the first handful of games each season because of another excuse. And let's be clear, it's an excuse. 

 

He's been unimpressive so far. Let's see how he changes it, but we're below Pompey now. That's not a good look considering we've played pony in every single game so far 

[Osvaldorama]

Shit formation 

Lose midfield battle every week 

Don’t control a game

Throws a load of strikers on at the end 

 

Yeah not really sure what all the hype was about so far tbh. 

I guess there was some nice one touch passing in the first half which we’ve not seen for a while. 

[stfrancisofbenali]

New manager, new players, new system. After so much disruption and negativity last season it was never going to be an immediate solution with Still so we have to show some patience and let him shape his team.

[sfc4prem]

3 minutes ago, stfrancisofbenali said:

New manager, new players, new system. After so much disruption and negativity last season it was never going to be an immediate solution with Still so we have to show some patience and let him shape his team.

I don't care how, I want it NOW!

Is the song I hear in my head when I read some posts.

[Simo is back]

Lose against the Skates and hes really under pressure. 

[Greedyfly]

3 minutes ago, sfc4prem said:

I don't care how, I want it NOW!

Is the song I hear in my head when I read some posts.

Is that unreasonable? He's been here all pre-season, appears to have learnt nothing from that time, and has now continued that on to vital games. We're already 7 points behind Boro. 

[bpsaint]

1 minute ago, Simo is back said:

Lose against the Skates and hes really under pressure. 

Not from our fanbase, they’ll politely applaud the team and manager off the pitch as per.

[Saint86]

Schoolboyed on depth today imo. Downes could have been injured in the match and the same situation would have unfolded. 

[egg]

1 minute ago, Greedyfly said:

Is that unreasonable? He's been here all pre-season, appears to have learnt nothing from that time, and has now continued that on to vital games. We're already 7 points behind Boro. 

I think it is. 

Look at the match day squad today. In reality, how could he have set us up any differently? Ater Downes cried off, he didn't have another option to allow him to play 2 in a 4231, and after the reshuffle, who would have played wide? 

I'd expect him to set us up differently against Pompey, when Fellows is available and they've all trained a bit together. If he plays this crappy shape then, or we don't win, then my patience will be wearing thin. 

In short, he needs a few games after the window has ended before he can be fairly judged imo. 

[stfrancisofbenali]

4 minutes ago, Greedyfly said:

Is that unreasonable? He's been here all pre-season, appears to have learnt nothing from that time, and has now continued that on to vital games. We're already 7 points behind Boro. 

It is unreasonable because football generally doesn’t work like that, especially with a new and very young manager. It’s very early days in a marathon of a season so let’s allow him time to settle and bed in his new players. 

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, egg said:

I think it is. 

Look at the match day squad today. In reality, how could he have set us up any differently? Ater Downes cried off, he didn't have another option to allow him to play 2 in a 4231, and after the reshuffle, who would have played wide? 

I'd expect him to set us up differently against Pompey, when Fellows is available and they've all trained a bit together. If he plays this crappy shape then, or we don't win, then my patience will be wearing thin. 

In short, he needs a few games after the window has ended before he can be fairly judged imo. 

He could have played Edwards sitting (with Charles), with Fraser wide....4231

There is every chance against Pompey we see 343, with Azaz in the middle with Charles and Fellows wide right....

For once I believe the international break has come at a good time. Unsure how many we will lose, but cant be the majority. A good chance to a reset and, as he likes, an honest and frank discussion on what is not right

[whelk]

Too early but was hoping for more positive signs by now. He better not fuck the Pompey game up

[egg]

3 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

He could have played Edwards sitting (with Charles), with Fraser wide....4231

There is every chance against Pompey we see 343, with Azaz in the middle with Charles and Fellows wide right....

For once I believe the international break has come at a good time. Unsure how many we will lose, but cant be the majority. A good chance to a reset and, as he likes, an honest and frank discussion on what is not right

In truth, I think most people would have thought him nuts if he shoved Edwards into midfield. Hopefully the new lad can do a proper job at this level as deep midfielder. If he can, he's got no excuse to not play a 4231, and I'm assuming the transfers are all geared towards a change of formation. 

[Dman]

7 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

He could have played Edwards sitting (with Charles), with Fraser wide....4231

There is every chance against Pompey we see 343, with Azaz in the middle with Charles and Fellows wide right....

For once I believe the international break has come at a good time. Unsure how many we will lose, but cant be the majority. A good chance to a reset and, as he likes, an honest and frank discussion on what is not right

All ifs and buts, I don’t think there is much more he could have done. We played square pegs and in square holes at least. 
 

Had it not been for Bazunu, we win the game. Probably the same could be said for Stoke as well. 

[The Kraken]

Just now, whelk said:

Too early but was hoping for more positive signs by now. He better not fuck the Pompey game up

This. Not expecting a complete revolution at this point by any stretch, but I’m yet to see what this guy brings to the party.

I said it last week. For better or worse, you knew what a Russell Martin side was from a very early point. No idea yet what a Will Still side is, all just a bit throw it together and hope for the best at the moment. The Downes situation really did a number on us today tbf, but it’s not an isolated example. Lots to do.

[Baird of the land]

11 minutes ago, stfrancisofbenali said:

It is unreasonable because football generally doesn’t work like that, especially with a new and very young manager. It’s very early days in a marathon of a season so let’s allow him time to settle and bed in his new players. 

Why not appoint a more seasoned manager then.

[sfc4prem]

Just now, Baird of the land said:

Why not appoint a more seasoned manager then.

Like who? Sean Dyche your cup of tea?

[S-Clarke]

6 minutes ago, The Kraken said:

This. Not expecting a complete revolution at this point by any stretch, but I’m yet to see what this guy brings to the party.

I said it last week. For better or worse, you knew what a Russell Martin side was from a very early point. No idea yet what a Will Still side is, all just a bit throw it together and hope for the best at the moment. The Downes situation really did a number on us today tbf, but it’s not an isolated example. Lots to do.

Is it a case that as a fan base we've been conditioned to expect a fixed philosophy? I don't think Still brings a specific philosophy to the table that you can ring fence, I think he'll just bring a standard, common sense approach to football games and our style will alter for whoever we face, once we have the full squad.

I don't think he's wedded to a philosophy as such, so I'm not sure we'll ever see any specific characteristics to take away, as you saw with Martin's pass, pass, pass, pass. Once we gets bedded in I'm just hoping the 'better' players being played in their best positions just win us games. No clever bollocks.

Edited 10 hours ago by S-Clarke

[Fabrice29]

5 minutes ago, The Kraken said:

This. Not expecting a complete revolution at this point by any stretch, but I’m yet to see what this guy brings to the party.

I said it last week. For better or worse, you knew what a Russell Martin side was from a very early point. No idea yet what a Will Still side is, all just a bit throw it together and hope for the best at the moment. The Downes situation really did a number on us today tbf, but it’s not an isolated example. Lots to do.

That's exactly what "adaptable" and "not wedded to one system" looks like though? Those were the buzz words people craved so much but the result of those cravings was always going to be "yet to see a Will Still team" the moment we stopped winning.

Trick is, and always has been, stop believing that changing formations and managers are the number 1 and 2 reasons for football results. 

[The Kraken]

1 minute ago, S-Clarke said:

Is it a case that as a fan base we've been conditioned to expect a fixed philosophy? I don't think Still brings a specific philosophy to the table that you can ring fence, I think he'll just bring a standard, common sense approach to football games and our style will alter for whoever we face, once we have the full squad.

I don't think he's wedded to a philosophy as such, so I'm not sure we'll ever see any specific characteristics to take away, as you saw with Martin's pass, pass, pass, pass. Once we gets bedded in I'm just hoping the 'better' players being played in their best positions just win us games. No clever bollocks.

Yeah maybe you’re right. But right now I don’t know if we’ll be a side like the first half where we play good one touch. He talks about wingers, what does that mean for the striker(s)? He talks about pressing high, haven’t seen much of that (or at least not doing it well). Maybe not a style as such, but I just don’t see much yet of what he’s doing. It’s very early days so probably being hyper critical, just something I’ve noticed.

[Greedyfly]

20 minutes ago, egg said:

I think it is. 

Look at the match day squad today. In reality, how could he have set us up any differently? Ater Downes cried off, he didn't have another option to allow him to play 2 in a 4231, and after the reshuffle, who would have played wide? 

I'd expect him to set us up differently against Pompey, when Fellows is available and they've all trained a bit together. If he plays this crappy shape then, or we don't win, then my patience will be wearing thin. 

In short, he needs a few games after the window has ended before he can be fairly judged imo. 

Again, not unreasonable but why is it always us? Why do we have to wait until this, that and the other. Why can't we find a way? I still think we're using fairly average excuses. 

 

It's a big gap already and we have started worse than under Russell

[Gloucester Saint]

1 hour ago, Guan 2.0 said:

If he is still playing 5 at the back when all the new signings are fit and eligible to start, I will judge him for it then.

I believe (hope) the shape of the team will be addressed when we have everyone bedded in. 

☝️ although I don’t want to see 5 ATB v them at home under any circumstances.

[Baird of the land]

3 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Is it a case that as a fan base we've been conditioned to expect a fixed philosophy? I don't think Still brings a specific philosophy to the table that you can ring fence, I think he'll just bring a standard, common sense approach to football games and our style will alter for whoever we face, once we have the full squad.

I don't think he's wedded to a philosophy as such, so I'm not sure we'll ever see any specific characteristics to take away, as you saw with Martin's pass, pass, pass, pass. Once we gets bedded in I'm just hoping the 'better' players being played in their best positions just win us games. No clever bollocks.

But our style hasn’t altered across the 4 leagues games of different oppositions.

[The Kraken]

2 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

That's exactly what "adaptable" and "not wedded to one system" looks like though?

And that’s we are is it?

[Dr Who?]

Seems to be getting more wrong than right. This is a terrible start to the season. Don’t care about any of the other title favourites and how they are doing. We are one of the richest clubs in the championship, and we do not have a core of a team! Look at our double promotion team, they were strong through the middle. Even last promotion was a little better, but not great. Need to sort it out before the window, we have the resources. 

[Farmer Saint]

1 hour ago, RedArmy said:

That’s a no then. 

Mate, don't bother, he's embarrassed himself over and over these last few months. I cringe every time he posts. He needs to change his logon as he has literally no respect on here now.

[saintwbu]

I know he’s explained why he’s doing it, in his eyes, but I think the 5 at the back is very concerning as we do have wingers/players who can play there. It’s concerning as it comes across like someone who is scared and thinks the answer is just chuck in more defenders. Our defenders are crap, why play 5 of them at one time. Completely killing us and he’s effectively written off the first 4 games because he doesn’t think we’ve got wingers (which we do) - luckily for him we salvaged Wrexham.

Edited 9 hours ago by saintwbu

[skintsaint]

1 minute ago, Dr Who? said:

This is a terrible start to the season.

No it isn't 😅

Average start is probably the term.

He will need to pick it up after the international break with the new signings coming in and hopefully playing the style he wants.

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, Farmer Saint said:

Mate, don't bother, he's embarrassed himself over and over these last few months. I cringe every time he posts. He needs to change his logon as he has literally no respect on here now.

I am not the only one saying it, am I?