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Re: BBM
I am mainly positive about BBM.
I like his intensity, the way he has us playing, the emphasis on youth, and the buy-in from the players. When it clicks it looks good.
I was a bit concerned about his apparent complacency about the continuing defensive frailties. But when a reporter told him yesterday that Joel Bagan had identified his goals and assists record as the main area to improve, BBM came straight back with a line that defending properly (individually and as a unit) is the first priority - then improve the goals and assists!
He has also spoken about the pragmatism he developed after his start at Rochdale. The possession-based style (with all the associated risks of cheap goals conceded from playing out from the back) that at time turned into 'possession for possession's sake', was something he claims to have modified. He talks about efficiency in moving the ball quickly to attacking players. There is some evidence for that from pre-season and the first few games.
I am mainly encouraged by the focus on improving players (especially but not only youth players) who are already at the club.
When we think back a few years to the days of 'anti football', of reliance on set pieces (set pieces good; only set pieces bad), of static players, of an inability to pass a football, of a lack of rotation (one of Blakey's main gripes in the Boot Room), of a lack of coaching in the squad (another Blakey gripe), this club/squad/team is transformed. We have lost something as part of the change - defensive solidity, character, leadership across the pitch - and need to get that back, but overall the changes have been for the better.
It won't convince anyone if we don't strengthen the squad and at least compete for promotion this season. But so far, so good.
I am mainly positive about BBM.
I like his intensity, the way he has us playing, the emphasis on youth, and the buy-in from the players. When it clicks it looks good.
I was a bit concerned about his apparent complacency about the continuing defensive frailties. But when a reporter told him yesterday that Joel Bagan had identified his goals and assists record as the main area to improve, BBM came straight back with a line that defending properly (individually and as a unit) is the first priority - then improve the goals and assists!
He has also spoken about the pragmatism he developed after his start at Rochdale. The possession-based style (with all the associated risks of cheap goals conceded from playing out from the back) that at time turned into 'possession for possession's sake', was something he claims to have modified. He talks about efficiency in moving the ball quickly to attacking players. There is some evidence for that from pre-season and the first few games.
I am mainly encouraged by the focus on improving players (especially but not only youth players) who are already at the club.
When we think back a few years to the days of 'anti football', of reliance on set pieces (set pieces good; only set pieces bad), of static players, of an inability to pass a football, of a lack of rotation (one of Blakey's main gripes in the Boot Room), of a lack of coaching in the squad (another Blakey gripe), this club/squad/team is transformed. We have lost something as part of the change - defensive solidity, character, leadership across the pitch - and need to get that back, but overall the changes have been for the better.
It won't convince anyone if we don't strengthen the squad and at least compete for promotion this season. But so far, so good.
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