The future of Houllier and McAllister?

[Concrete John]

considering the start to the season, the lack of spend the lack of a viable manager for so long, the player aggro, Geds illness finishing 9 th is a disastrous season ??
I ask you some people need a little perspective.
I know Dol finished 6th in his first year but he did so in a fairly injury free year.
I think Ged remaining in charge is daft for him and the club, but I've known 11 th being classed as a brilliant first season by many

Where we finish and whether that is a good or bad outcome is totally dependent on the players we have to choose from.  When I look at the squad we have then it simply is not the 9th best in the league - it's much better than that.  Now, I know the injuries have had a bearing and don't intend to get into the debate about how much leeway we should give Gezza in appreciation of that over the final leageu placing, but I would agree with your first point that after everything that's happened 9th isn't a disaster.     

[Concrete John]

Still, I suspect that the reason that we haven't changed from MON style defending is that there's no coach to implement such changes, rather than the technical ability of our defenders.

Seriously, why do you think that we haven't changed? Do you go to the games? If so, do you not believe the evidence of your own eyes? Do you think Martin Laursen was lying when he was commenting about the obvious change? Or perhaps you think that he doesn't know much about defending?

My other problem with it is we weren't conceding many set piece goals under MON and the zonal marking system, so why change it?

[Percy McCarthy]

Still, I suspect that the reason that we haven't changed from MON style defending is that there's no coach to implement such changes, rather than the technical ability of our defenders.

Seriously, why do you think that we haven't changed? Do you go to the games? If so, do you not believe the evidence of your own eyes? Do you think Martin Laursen was lying when he was commenting about the obvious change? Or perhaps you think that he doesn't know much about defending?

My other problem with it is we weren't conceding many set piece goals under MON and the zonal marking system, so why change it?

I agree, but what amazes me is that some people seem to think we haven't.

God knows why.

[Eigentor]

Still, I suspect that the reason that we haven't changed from MON style defending is that there's no coach to implement such changes, rather than the technical ability of our defenders.

Seriously, why do you think that we haven't changed? Do you go to the games? If so, do you not believe the evidence of your own eyes? Do you think Martin Laursen was lying when he was commenting about the obvious change? Or perhaps you think that he doesn't know much about defending?

My other problem with it is we weren't conceding many set piece goals under MON and the zonal marking system, so why change it?

I agree, but what amazes me is that some people seem to think we haven't.

God knows why.

I see you feel strongly about this, so I'm sorry if I've upset you. Obviously we don't defend set-pieces like we did last season, so my comment about MON style defending was sloppy. However, it is clear (from comments and our defensive displays) that the management hasn't been able to implement changes like they've wanted to (including defensive set-pieces) and I believe that may be due to the lack of a specialist defensive coach.

[Greg N'Ash]

Still, I suspect that the reason that we haven't changed from MON style defending is that there's no coach to implement such changes, rather than the technical ability of our defenders.

Seriously, why do you think that we haven't changed? Do you go to the games? If so, do you not believe the evidence of your own eyes? Do you think Martin Laursen was lying when he was commenting about the obvious change? Or perhaps you think that he doesn't know much about defending?

My other problem with it is we weren't conceding many set piece goals under MON and the zonal marking system, so why change it?

I agree, but what amazes me is that some people seem to think we haven't.

God knows why.

I see you feel strongly about this, so I'm sorry if I've upset you. Obviously we don't defend set-pieces like we did last season, so my comment about MON style defending was sloppy. However, it is clear (from comments and our defensive displays) that the management hasn't been able to implement changes like they've wanted to (including defensive set-pieces) and I believe that may be due to the lack of a specialist defensive coach.

ah but Percy believes that's bullshit made up by GMAc and GH to shift blame on the godhead. Just like no doubt he still believes Cahil wanted to leave despite the player himself saying he's been trying to prove MON wrong since he was forced out. They're like those fanatical japanese soldiers who don't realise the war is over even though it finished 9months ago.

[Chris Smith]

Still, I suspect that the reason that we haven't changed from MON style defending is that there's no coach to implement such changes, rather than the technical ability of our defenders.

Seriously, why do you think that we haven't changed? Do you go to the games? If so, do you not believe the evidence of your own eyes? Do you think Martin Laursen was lying when he was commenting about the obvious change? Or perhaps you think that he doesn't know much about defending?

My other problem with it is we weren't conceding many set piece goals under MON and the zonal marking system, so why change it?

I agree, but what amazes me is that some people seem to think we haven't.

God knows why.

I see you feel strongly about this, so I'm sorry if I've upset you. Obviously we don't defend set-pieces like we did last season, so my comment about MON style defending was sloppy. However, it is clear (from comments and our defensive displays) that the management hasn't been able to implement changes like they've wanted to (including defensive set-pieces) and I believe that may be due to the lack of a specialist defensive coach.

ah but Percy believes that's bullshit made up by GMAc and GH to shift blame on the godhead. Just like no doubt he still believes Cahil wanted to leave despite the player himself saying he's been trying to prove MON wrong since he was forced out. They're like those fanatical japanese soldiers who don't realise the war is over even though it finished 9months ago.

Since you plucked up the courage to come back on the site I don't think there's a day gone by where you haven't posted about MON and yet you reckon  it is others who are obsessed.

[Greg N'Ash]

i think the immense damage he's done is worthy of discussion seeing as its affected us all season Chris, especially as some take the view that its nothing to do with him.

[dave.woodhall]

I think if I was Gez I'd say "I took over at an awkward time, had some very trying circumstances, and we still finished in a reasonable position. I've brought you the best striker in the country, a couple more good players for next season and given a load of youngsters a chance. I'm off now - give me a shout if there's anything else I can do and good luck."

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

I think if I was Gez I'd say "I took over at an awkward time, had some very trying circumstances, and we still finished in a reasonable position. I've brought you the best striker in the country, a couple more good players for next season and given a load of youngsters a chance. I'm off now - give me a shout if there's anything else I can do and good luck."

I think that sums the situation up very well .......

[Dave]

It does, but it would be a very big man to walk away from the millions of pounds he would be sacrificing.

Not an easy decision to make, even for someone with his health.

[PaulTheVillan]

Does he really need the money? Especially when he could be close to having another fatal heart attack?

[Concrete John]

It does, but it would be a very big man to walk away from the millions of pounds he would be sacrificing.

Not an easy decision to make, even for someone with his health.

If he's leaves on medical grounds I'm sure it'll be 'mutual consent' and Randy will give him a golden handshake! 

[cheltenhamlion]

Another fatal heart attack? Fuck me, he is more talented than I thought.

[Dave Cooper please]

I think if I was Gez I'd say "I took over at an awkward time, had some very trying circumstances, and we still finished in a reasonable position. I've brought you the best striker in the country, a couple more good players for next season and given a load of youngsters a chance. I'm off now - give me a shout if there's anything else I can do and good luck."

Sums it up quite well.
We were only ever a couple of good results away from a decent league position, it's been that kind of season, and we were never going down, of that I was absolutely sure as soon as Mr Bent strolled through the door.

[pablopicasso_10]

i worried about us...

bent was an inspired signing, even if he was a fully known player and has save our season...

i personally, am shocked that we finished 9th...

but with some of the youngsters proving that they can be good enough for us, and with us dropping more points from winning positions than anyone else, if we can tighten up defensively, then we have an opportunity to progress, whoever is the manager... (amazing to know that if we had kept the leads in the games we dropped points, we would be second in the table! fine lines my villa brothers, fine lines...)