The future of Houllier and McAllister?

[Concrete John]

but with some of the youngsters proving that they can be good enough for us

I agree with this almost instinctively, yet when you look back at it the worst period of the season was when he were playing the kids the most, which asks the question are they good enough?

I think they have a big step up next year to prove they can not only play at PL level, but also WIN at PL level.

[TheSandman]

The odd thing being that they usually looked quite good whilst losing whereas so many of our seniors looked wank whilst getting some slightly less bad results.

That suggests it is more a mentality than a talent issue so probably easier to cure. Probably the difference between the ethos of reserve team and first team football.

[hartman_1982]

That is the value of experience. The reason the youngsters performed without bringing results is because they have no experience of doing so at such a high level. The key is to find a mix and allow them to develop without the club being totally dependent on their performances, as we were earlier on in the season.

[Concrete John]

I do think mixing them with experienced players is the key.  A central midfield with Bannan and Clark is always going to struggle.

[KevinGage]

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."

That would be the ideal scenario, but it seems GH is desperate to carry on. Not sure that it's any particular love for the club (how could you cultivate that in such a short time, particularly with the stick he's received?) that drives him. More likely he wants to prove a few people wrong.

[pablopicasso_10]

but with some of the youngsters proving that they can be good enough for us

I agree with this almost instinctively, yet when you look back at it the worst period of the season was when he were playing the kids the most, which asks the question are they good enough?

I think they have a big step up next year to prove they can not only play at PL level, but also WIN at PL level.

i think considering we had to play with the likes of herd and hogg, who i dont consider good enough, along with some of the better players like clark (out of position), bannon, albrighton and delfouneso, all at once at times, its difficult for them to get good results...

clark and albrighton have definately proven their worth, and i think delfouneso and to a lesser extent, bannon have too...

but even if just two of those 'make it', will be excellent news out of that particular batch...

[Clampy]

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 can't help thinking the final league position has papered over the cracks somewhat and made the season not look as bad as it actually was at times. Think back to Wigan, Wolves and Sunderland at home. Albion, Blackburn, Man City, Liverpool away and the totally unneccessary giving up of the F.A Cup and his reasons for it afterwards.

He (and Randy) did bloody well to bring in Bent and thank god they did. Makoun looks like he could be a very good player and Walker was better than anyone expected him to be. Like i've said before i think, for such an experienced manager, he made harder work of it than he should have.

[Toronto Villa]

no one is disputing we have cracks to fill. However, how big must the cracks be at other clubs if despite all the things we went through we were still able to finish above a good number of them? There's an obvious defensive issue to be resolved, and one with Ash going. But beyond that there are a lot of things to be optimistic about at the club going into next year.

[5ft811st2 Durham]

We improved after Houllier's illness as McAllister started picking a settled side which is something Houllier will never do as he is obsessed with rotation which is fine when you're in the top 4 but totally self indulgent and self defeating when you're in the bottom half of the table.

If Houllier comes back we can look forward to another season of mediocrity and inconsistency.

[Villa'Zawg]

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.

So you think Percy is wrong?

[cheltenhamlion]

When did Houllier have a fit squad to rotate with then? Have I missed this? Its not impossible mind. I woke up this morning wearing my neighbours recycling box for pants after yesterdays fun.

[Chris Smith]

We improved after Houllier's illness as McAllister started picking a settled side which is something Houllier will never do as he is obsessed with rotation which is fine when you're in the top 4 but totally self indulgent and self defeating when you're in the bottom half of the table.

If Houllier comes back we can look forward to another season of mediocrity and inconsistency.

That's not true. Results dipped initially after Houllier went into hospital but picked up for the last two games. The facts are, as I have posted on another thread, that since we signed Bent we have picked up 26 points from16 games which is the equivalent of 62 over 38.

[TheSandman]

We improved after Houllier's illness as McAllister started picking a settled side which is something Houllier will never do as he is obsessed with rotation which is fine when you're in the top 4 but totally self indulgent and self defeating when you're in the bottom half of the table.

If Houllier comes back we can look forward to another season of mediocrity and inconsistency.

Yet those two final results came after McAllister made the decision to change the team and tactics.

[Arsey]

I hope GH makes a full recovery but it is pretty bloody obvious that his health can not take the pressure and intensity of a full time premiership manager.  Even if he wants to, we shouldn't let him continue because it really isn't worth it.  He needs to enjoy the rest of his life not die on the touchline.

Selfishly, we need to act soon, this is a massive summer for us with several players out of contract or coming into their final year of their contracts.  We need new players in early so that they can have a full pre-season training.

[rutski]

When did Houllier have a fit squad to rotate with then? Have I missed this? Its not impossible mind. I woke up this morning wearing my neighbours recycling box for pants after yesterdays fun.

the wolves game when he picked chris herd to play centre half of course!