Martin O'neill


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Sure it will have been mentioned but holding back 5 players for a free kick in a dangerous area in the dying moments was baffling. That's settling for a point no matter which way you look at it. Screaming at N'Diaye to stay back, who would've at least caused some problems in their box. Yeah we had been hit on the break, but that's a total lack of faith and ambition.
 
In fairness, the same could be applied to you. Even though I agree with a lot of what you say on the matter, it does appear at times that when looking at the problem or when blame/criticism needs to be attached, it's anyone but O'Neill (that goes for others too, of course).

Your basic point seems to be that it's the previous regime's fault for the mess we're in, and that O'Neill has his hands tied and needs to move players on before he can start improving the squad, and it'll be a gradual process.

But that doesn't mean he can't take some of the blame for some of the negative aspects we've had to put up with in the past year, be it the state of the football, the signings or the some of the results.

Perhaps you're just doing what I've been guilty of in the past. I spent a lot of time talking about how I didn't believe he was 'the messiah' and how he didn't do such a terrific job at Villa, as many would lead you to believe. Somehow this turned me into a 'bed-wetter' or 'knee-jerker' :)oops: how does that even work?). On the opposite end of the spectrum, you spend a lot of time repeating what I spoke about above.

I dunno, it just seems a lot of people can't seem to be objective.

Agree with this. The continual harping back to Bruce in particular is getting embarrassing. The manager's job is to come in and work with what he's got, changing things as and when he can (funds permitting), stamp his own style on things and then take responsibility for the results on the pitch. I wonder if Hull fans are constantly referring back to the managers before Bruce and crediting them with their current revival because a lot of the players are the same - of course not, they give Bruce the credit for their performances since he took over as manager.

And trying to be objective, we are still in a 'not bad' position - a fair gap between us and the relegation zone, with a few teams around us in the same position really. I don't expect us to go down, and I certainly still want MoN in charge next season. But please, this is not Bruce's team on the pitch now - it is MoN's and he should take the plaudits and any criticism - given the character he is I'm sure he would agree with this.

I would agree that the mainly turgid football on display doesn't help, but (as they say) it's a results business..
 
In fairness, the same could be applied to you. Even though I agree with a lot of what you say on the matter, it does appear at times that when looking at the problem or when blame/criticism needs to be attached, it's anyone but O'Neill (that goes for others too, of course).

Your basic point seems to be that it's the previous regime's fault for the mess we're in, and that O'Neill has his hands tied and needs to move players on before he can start improving the squad, and it'll be a gradual process.

But that doesn't mean he can't take some of the blame for some of the negative aspects we've had to put up with in the past year, be it the state of the football, the signings or the some of the results.

Perhaps you're just doing what I've been guilty of in the past. I spent a lot of time talking about how I didn't believe he was 'the messiah' and how he didn't do such a terrific job at Villa, as many would lead you to believe. Somehow this turned me into a 'bed-wetter' or 'knee-jerker' :)oops: how does that even work?). On the opposite end of the spectrum, you spend a lot of time repeating what I spoke about above.

I dunno, it just seems a lot of people can't seem to be objective.

I'm fully aware of O'Neill's faults and things that he hasn't got right. I do not feel the need to bleat about every single detail as if it is the end of the world and be overly negative. That's why I stick up for him on here. It gets right on my fuckin' tits when people go overboard. You see the same people time and time again looking for any excuse to criticise him and the club. We're not very good, we have numerous faults - just accept them. There's not much that can be done about it apart from being patient.

He's got a really tough job and I understand it is not a one that could be done over night. I'm willing to give him a bit of time to sort things out and put his stamp on things. I couldn't care less if people are sick of people blaming Bruce. He left a squad of dross and it'll take time to fix it. I'm happy to put up with a disjointed season or two and adding a few players of Fletcher and Johnson's caliber every summer to gradually improve us. Some people aren't and want everything to be rosy straightaway. I can understand the frustrations as we've spent loads over the last 5 or 6 years or so but that has to be pretty much forgotten about. We are where we are and we have the players that we have. To be 3 points off 10th with this lot is not a bad achievement at all.
 
the 3 points off 10th is being bandied about now yet we know we are in a relegation battle once again , if i woke up 2moro morn and he had walked away i wouldnt batter an eyelid
 
Agree with this. The continual harping back to Bruce in particular is getting embarrassing. The manager's job is to come in and work with what he's got, changing things as and when he can (funds permitting), stamp his own style on things and then take responsibility for the results on the pitch. I wonder if Hull fans are constantly referring back to the managers before Bruce and crediting them with their current revival because a lot of the players are the same - of course not, they give Bruce the credit for their performances since he took over as manager.

And trying to be objective, we are still in a 'not bad' position - a fair gap between us and the relegation zone, with a few teams around us in the same position really. I don't expect us to go down, and I certainly still want MoN in charge next season. But please, this is not Bruce's team on the pitch now - it is MoN's and he should take the plaudits and any criticism - given the character he is I'm sure he would agree with this.

I would agree that the mainly turgid football on display doesn't help, but (as they say) it's a results business..

The trouble (IMO) is that he's combining average (at best) results with awful, turgid football. If I could see a decent team structure and style of play I'd be much more encouraged to give him the benefit of the doubt.
 
, if i woke up 2moro morn and he had walked away i wouldnt batter an eyelid

This. His style of football is dire to watch Just don't see any progress. 9 wins in 42 is poor (2 of those against lower league teams)
 
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the 3 points off 10th is being bandied about now yet we know we are in a relegation battle once again , if i woke up 2moro morn and he had walked away i wouldnt batter an eyelid

Mentioning that is every bit as just as people mentioning relegation.
 
To me it says he realises Alfred can't head it at all and we'd already conceded on the break so kept an extra man back. Perfectly reasonable to do so.

Keep sufficient men back by all means but have Alf in the box, even if he can't head he's got nuisance value and strength. It was ridiculous to have him back for that late corner.
 
the 3 points off 10th is being bandied about now yet we know we are in a relegation battle once again , if i woke up 2moro morn and he had walked away i wouldnt batter an eyelid

We're closer to 10th than we are to the relegation zone :lol: If it's a valid criticism that we're in a relegation battle, then it's a more valid point that we're 3 points from 10th.
 
Keep sufficient men back by all means but have Alf in the box, even if he can't head he's got nuisance value and strength. It was ridiculous to have him back for that late corner.

No it wasn't. We've actually left him out of the box for numerous set-pieces since he joined. Today was not a new thing or an exception.
 
Mentioning that is every bit as just as people mentioning relegation.

Randle mate, we could easily go down here. Today's game was one of what, say three, maybe four home games that we have a real good chance of taking three points from. We fluffed it. I haven't looked but how many bites of the cherry do we have left? Lose to say Norwich and draw with Stoke, which in this form could easily happen and we'll be sweating.
 
Mentioning that is every bit as just as people mentioning relegation.

i hear what you are saying , however when you lose at west brom and draw at home to fulham the bottom 3 is closer than the top 10 however you dress it up for mon , its dross and i see no improvement short term , my excitement has risen today with liverpool stuffing wigan 4-0 and reading losing , now i wish for a man cityvictory v villa on monday to put a smile on my face , its god damn f***ing rotten under mon almost identical similarities than under bruce and i dont look forward to football

We're closer to 10th than we are to the relegation zone :lol: If it's a valid criticism that we're in a relegation battle, then it's a more valid point that we're 3 points from 10th.

post 118
 
The trouble (IMO) is that he's combining average (at best) results with awful, turgid football. If I could see a decent team structure and style of play I'd be much more encouraged to give him the benefit of the doubt.

He's got to be given the benefit of the doubt (imo) because he hasn't been here long enough yet - given his good, high profile in the game and his obvious love and affinity for the club I would honestly despair if he was added to the seeming never ending list of failed Sunderland manager.
 
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