: Tue May 26, 2009 11:35 am  

And that was not meant in any kind of arrogant way, it was simply to suggest that on paper, our squad was probably stronger than them.

Not for the first time this season, I find myself wishing we played on paper...

Re: What If... : Tue May 26, 2009 11:53 am  

Bulliac wrote:

I`ve heard it said that Macca is a bit `too close` to the team (I think that means he socialises with them) though I`ve no idea whether it`s true or not (or even if it matters, to be honest). It`s also said he doesn`t `do` bollockings which, perhaps, might be a bother.

I’ve always been sceptical about how much use bollockings from the coach have. The players know when they’re playing badly and need the problems identifying and solutions offering rather than a blasting.
Personally if I get a bollocking at work (rare event) I react badly to it. I dislike being shouted at and respond much better to calm words which offer valuable advice.
The players are adults too and I’m sure walking out in the second half with their ears ringing can only distract them further and make things worse.

Nobby always said that he liked to keep the half time talk to a minimum, speaking calmly and giving each player one or two things to remember for the second half. That way they go back out focused and determined to improve.

Bollocking players after the match is pointless too. The errors and weak areas of the game are obvious enough and they would no doubt cover these areas in training but unless the players and coach can understand one another and talk like adults you don’t have any chance of turning things around come the next matchday.

Paul Cullen was (allegedly) a shouter. Where did that get him?

Re: What If... : Tue May 26, 2009 11:58 am  

AndreaB wrote:

I�ve always been sceptical about how much use bollockings from the coach have. The players know when they�re playing badly and need the problems identifying and solutions offering rather than a blasting.
Personally if I get a bollocking at work (rare event) I react badly to it. I dislike being shouted at and respond much better to calm words which offer valuable advice.
The players are adults too and I�m sure walking out in the second half with their ears ringing can only distract them further and make things worse.

Nobby always said that he liked to keep the half time talk to a minimum, speaking calmly and giving each player one or two things to remember for the second half. That way they go back out focused and determined to improve.

Bollocking players after the match is pointless too. The errors and weak areas of the game are obvious enough and they would no doubt cover these areas in training but unless the players and coach can understand one another and talk like adults you don�t have any chance of turning things around come the next matchday.

Paul Cullen was (allegedly) a shouter. Where did that get him?

Have you never seen Noble rollocking his teams at half time Sky footage?

: Tue May 26, 2009 12:02 pm  

Bullpower wrote:

I suppose you'd look to either sort out why "they aren't bothered", and thereby address the individual issued and wider team spirit issue, but what if they don't want to play ball.

You could drop them or off load them. Dropping them is fine if you have back-up players to bring in. Off loading them is fine if someone wants them.

However, if you've set yourself up to "turning it all around" and making good what's at fault, human nature being what it is, I suspect, that it would be hard to "accept defeat" and take those steps. That could be even more difficult if the players at issued were a popular with the fan's / main player. I suspect you'd try everything before swallowing that bitter pill . . . .wouldn't you?

If that is the case it would suggest the coach has lost the dressing room, or at least part of it and, without the unlikely event of all the players causing problems being out of contract, there is never any way back for a coach in those circumstances.

Re: What If... : Tue May 26, 2009 12:03 pm  

AndreaB wrote:

I’ve always been sceptical about how much use bollockings from the coach have. The players know when they’re playing badly and need the problems identifying and solutions offering rather than a blasting.
Personally if I get a bollocking at work (rare event) I react badly to it. I dislike being shouted at and respond much better to calm words which offer valuable advice.
The players are adults too and I’m sure walking out in the second half with their ears ringing can only distract them further and make things worse.

Nobby always said that he liked to keep the half time talk to a minimum, speaking calmly and giving each player one or two things to remember for the second half. That way they go back out focused and determined to improve.

Bollocking players after the match is pointless too. The errors and weak areas of the game are obvious enough and they would no doubt cover these areas in training but unless the players and coach can understand one another and talk like adults you don’t have any chance of turning things around come the next matchday.

Paul Cullen was (allegedly) a shouter. Where did that get him?

Everyone is different, everyone responds in different ways. Some no doubt would take a bollocking badly and take their bat (ball?) home, others would be fired up by it and aim to do better.
Some players need a quiet word and some pointers, some would take that as patronising.
I guess the point I'm making is that part of being a manager is knowing the best way to get the best out of your employees. Perhaps Macca needs to change his management style, perhaps he needs to try some bollockings, it might rouse one or two from their slumber.

: Tue May 26, 2009 9:02 pm  

Asim wrote:

If that is the case it would suggest the coach has lost the dressing room, or at least part of it and, without the unlikely event of all the players causing problems being out of contract, there is never any way back for a coach in those circumstances.

I'm getting concerned that we seem to be agreeing more and more

: Wed May 27, 2009 9:26 am  

Bullpower wrote:

I'm getting concerned that we seem to be agreeing more and more

Everybody sees the light in the end, even if they'd rather not admit it

: Wed May 27, 2009 9:56 am  

Asim wrote:

If that is the case it would suggest the coach has lost the dressing room, or at least part of it and, without the unlikely event of all the players causing problems being out of contract, there is never any way back for a coach in those circumstances.

A point I made after the Wigan game earlier this season. A point that came under close scrunity by some, and ridicule from others.

Maybe I was not too far off the mark after all.

: Wed May 27, 2009 11:37 am  

When I think of a coach losing the dressing room it is usually a powerful player, with an ego to match, thinking they (& maybe do) know better - a Hanley or Farrell type. I don't think there are those characters at Bradford (Solomona being the only enigma), the natural leaders in Menzies & Morrison don't strike me as the type. The club captain certainly doesn't have the ability as a player, or as a captain, to lead a revolt. Maybe it would bring things to a head, & for the better, if there was.
It seems confidence, attitude & professionalism have all gradually deteriorated. While Mac might be universally liked by the players I am not sure how much he is respected as a coach/manager (different things). I think he has probably lost that.