Dean Smith - Confirmed

[Luke8]

The unfortunate fact is that Smith is being consistently out coached in the first 7 games. Up against 10 men twice and in the lead on three occasions with less than 15 mins left and we’ve returned 2 points from those 4 games. That’s been the biggest surprise for me so far this season and the biggest disappointment.

I’m not sure you can say he is comprehensively being out coached.

His in game management you mention, is an area that he has to improve. Reacting to game situations (red cards) or other managers/teams changes in shape/approach has certainly been a weakness so far and something he will hopefully be learning quickly from.

However, if we criticise him for that, I think we must recognise that managers obviously spend time before the games preparing and coaching the teams, so you give Smith some credit in that respect as he is setting us up to be in a position to get those points.

The hope is, obviously, that he learns (and quickly) to rectify any problems with the initial set up.

[Risso]

I don’t think he’s doing a very good job at all this season so far, but if Smith is “Head Coach” then fingers also need to be pointed at the recruitment team for what looks like a really unbalanced transfer window. Going into the new season with the attacking line up we have was crazy.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

We can’t keep changing coaches every year.  Even if we go down he gets my vote.  He’s either the Vic Crowe or Ron Saunders of this era.  Either way I would feel sad if he left.

This. I believe even if we are relegated Smith should stay.

I don’t think anyone is saying get rid.
There are some very worrying signs though.

We're fickle but we like you.

[Bobby Boy]

Watching MOTD's highlights of Brighton's playing out from the back ruthlessly latched onto by Chelsea yesterday it will be interesting to see what Dean does in our next home game against them.

If Dean doesn't hone in on Brighton's frailties here and work on our players to play higher up the pitch and press them into mistakes then that would be a huge indictment of his planning.

He will need to establish who can and who can't do it so Keinan for Wesley for example may need to happen.

I really want Dean to succeed as we all do I'm sure but he needs to show that he can set us up to exploit our opponents weaknesses and give us the best chance to win.

I'm not sure that he has done that so far. Norwich will be tough next week so Brighton may be massive.

As I say Lampard evidently got it right yesterday. Hopefully Dean will do the same.

[eddiemunster]

Because of work, I haven't been to any games this season. However,I have been very surprised at some of the comments lately, saying we should get rid of Smith etc,etc.
Yesterday, I spoke to two fans who went to the game, they said that it was two points dropped and that the team needs to learn and learn quickly...….but.....they also said that far too many people, especially all of the "new" season ticket holders who are screaming for Smiths head, should remember back to the 5 to 6 years of turgid shite before we were last relegated, and also that the team and Smith got promoted possibly a year too early...….and that replacing Smith this season would be a massive mistake.....I for one totally agree with them.

[Ger Regan]

We can’t keep changing coaches every year.  Even if we go down he gets my vote.  He’s either the Vic Crowe or Ron Saunders of this era.  Either way I would feel sad if he left.

This. I believe even if we are relegated Smith should stay.

I like Dean, but I think a judgement either way on that is way too early. If we go down having shown progression and a clear path to improvement then yes he should stay. If we go down because we repeat the same mistakes every week resulting in us throwing points away he absolutely shouldn’t stay.

It’s in Dean’s hands and I want him to stay, but he doesn’t have a free pass. He has to show he’s the right man.

That's it for me, too. As mad as it is to be calling for his head now (even though he has some serious issues to address), to give him a free pass, regardless of how the rest of the season goes, makes no sense to me.

[Villafirst]

A big mistake having Taylor as cover at LB for Targett. Hause is the obvious choice. No way would the cheat Rodriguez have out jumped Kortney for that first goal. A real mismatch in height with Taylor marking Rodriguez. Worrying that Hause isn't making the bench??

[Legion]

Isn't he injured?

[Luke8]

Hause played against Brighton in the cup so was available. I imagine Smith’s reasoning was more  likely that he is primarily a centre back and Dean went with Konsa (who I’ve heard him say can cover right back) and Taylor for the two defensive players on the bench.

[Toronto Villa]

I would put money on them not scoring the first had Hause been where Taylor was when that Bitter's wanker arrived for the header.

[Villafirst]

I would put money on them not scoring the first had Hause been where Taylor was when that Bitter's wanker arrived for the header.

Agree. Why can't DS see the obvious?

[Risso]

He could really, really do with a win against Norwich, as it's a bit of a six pointer.  Lose, and it'll be one win in eight, and we'll be starting to get cut adrift.

[DB]

He could really, really do with a win against Norwich, as it's a bit of a six pointer.  Lose, and it'll be one win in eight, and we'll be starting to get cut adrift.

It’s massive, Norwich are one of our rivals. These are the sides we should be picking up points from

[dave.woodhall]

We don't need to win there but we do need to not lose.

[tomd2103]

The unfortunate fact is that Smith is being consistently out coached in the first 7 games. Up against 10 men twice and in the lead on three occasions with less than 15 mins left and we’ve returned 2 points from those 4 games. That’s been the biggest surprise for me so far this season and the biggest disappointment.

I’m not sure you can say he is comprehensively being out coached.

His in game management you mention, is an area that he has to improve. Reacting to game situations (red cards) or other managers/teams changes in shape/approach has certainly been a weakness so far and something he will hopefully be learning quickly from.

However, if we criticise him for that, I think we must recognise that managers obviously spend time before the games preparing and coaching the teams, so you give Smith some credit in that respect as he is setting us up to be in a position to get those points.

The hope is, obviously, that he learns (and quickly) to rectify any problems with the initial set up.

Agree Luke, but the lack of flexibility when it comes to adapting to what is going on in the game that is a bit of a concern.  It just all seems a but rigid and substitutions seem to be enforced ones on the whole and not proactive ones looking to change a game. 

DS still has plenty of credit in the bank for me though and you can see things coming together a bit.