I think a number of things have led to our current predicament, a lack of top quality new players, our current players not being up to new higher standards being set by other teams, and questionable structures and player positioning within the team. I'm not going to jump on individual players backs but let's just say with the modern game becoming more about strength,speed and endurance, a lot of our players are being found out more and more. I've always thought we've prospered despite a poor kicking game, obviously the powers that be have decided it wasn't an issue or don't see it like I do. I feel harsh stating this, but I'm still not convinced by Mcdermott despite him delivering a couple of trophies since October. The last two regular seasons have brought some stinking performances and can anyone say they honestly have faith in the coaching team ? I want to see Leeds be the number one team in England, we've had more than enough barren years but have raised ourself to a position of prominence. This should make it so much easier to retain our place as Englands number one, but we have stagnated and may be about to fall from grace. As much as I hate Alex Ferguson, his blueprint for success has been to make great teams but never be afraid to make them even better. Massive names like Beckham, Van Nistelroy, Keane and Staam have all been shown the door in his ruthless pursuit to improve the club. Maybe Leeds have taken for granted the success our team has achieved without seeing the bar being raised in front of them. Our position in the league confirms something is radically wrong at Headingley, all we can do as fans is support the team and hope the bosses acknowledge this and seek a solution.
We were arguably playing worst last year when we had Buderus, .....
Yeh ...but don't forget at this stage last year Buderus was still been stupidly rotated off the field of play for large parts of the games which, lo and behold, allowed the opposition back into the game.
It was ONLY in the GF run that Buderus was used as he always should have been..i.e. as a full 80 min hooker. Coincidence ?
The sensible plan is to bring the kids through. But that doesn't mean (as Nantwichexile seems to think).... .
I do wish people wouldn't speak on my behalf...flattering, but totally unnecessary
Let me clarify: I have stated on other threads it does not matter a jot what personnel changes are made on the field, until we have a coach that can implement some semblance of a structured game plan which he can then further inspire his players to actually adhere to.
I would not 'chuck the kids in'......I have already stated that I agree with Brisbane it would be unfair to do that this Friday for example. The mistake is - for at least two years - that the good, promising youngsters have been given little opportunity because of regular poor performances from the senior players. This then increases the pressure to 'play safe' owing to the desperation to (hopefully) better secure points and thus the incumbent's coaching position.
It is going to take a strong personality to do what is required..... more impoertantly a strong personality backed by the CEO.
I feel harsh stating this, but I'm still not convinced by Mcdermott despite him delivering a couple of trophies since October. The last two regular seasons have brought some stinking performances and can anyone say they honestly have faith in the coaching team ?
Faith, in the sense that I think it capable of motivating the team to win in a one-off situation. I'd imagine John Kear, say, could deliver in the same way. Sooner or later though a point will be reached when the team is too old to be able to respond. I'm not convinced that we've yet reached this point although there is persuasive evidence suggesting we may have. The latter scenario isn't of McDermott's making. If too many key players have reached their sell by date, no coach could be reasonably expected to induce earth-shattering performances week in, week out.
I think a number of things have led to our current predicament, a lack of top quality new players, our current players not being up to new higher standards being set by other teams, and questionable structures and player positioning within the team. I'm not going to jump on individual players backs but let's just say with the modern game becoming more about strength,speed and endurance, a lot of our players are being found out more and more. I've always thought we've prospered despite a poor kicking game, obviously the powers that be have decided it wasn't an issue or don't see it like I do. I feel harsh stating this, but I'm still not convinced by Mcdermott despite him delivering a couple of trophies since October. The last two regular seasons have brought some stinking performances and can anyone say they honestly have faith in the coaching team ? I want to see Leeds be the number one team in England, we've had more than enough barren years but have raised ourself to a position of prominence. This should make it so much easier to retain our place as Englands number one, but we have stagnated and may be about to fall from grace. As much as I hate Alex Ferguson, his blueprint for success has been to make great teams but never be afraid to make them even better. Massive names like Beckham, Van Nistelroy, Keane and Staam have all been shown the door in his ruthless pursuit to improve the club. Maybe Leeds have taken for granted the success our team has achieved without seeing the bar being raised in front of them. Our position in the league confirms something is radically wrong at Headingley, all we can do as fans is support the team and hope the bosses acknowledge this and seek a solution.
Excellent summary, and with GH's thoughts appearing in the YEP, I think we can have some hope for the future.
Every player in our squad could probably earn more money with another club. But they prefer to sacrifice a few extra quid in their back pocket to share special memories. And playing at a place like Old Trafford on a night like this makes it all worthwhile.
every team in every sport strengthen while on top. we are like revies leeds, all getting old together because of a reluctance to break up a top side
Is that true though Tad?
I mean, there's plenty of younth and new blood in the threequarters.
They've brought new blood into the forwards. Is it just that the coach won't select Amor, Ambler, Singleton etc so they have to go out on loan to get game time.