i very rarely start threads, there are too many frivolous topics for discussion. Saying that we have now reached the first major milestone of the season and the teams/clubs performance is worthy of review;
- after 10 games the league has settled, 18 points and 6th place represents a very decent start when you consider the frailties of last season.
- the new manager appears to be uncomplicated. He wants his talented players to also put in a shift. He wants his grafters to have talent. He wants his players to earn their money.
- performances have not been great, accepting we are work in progress and the manager needs to bring in the 'types' he wants to fit his team model. My own gripe is a lack of goal threat but he appears to have done first what the best coaches do, try and make us more difficult to beat.
- the manager seems comfortable withdrawing/dropping players who don't adhere to his instructions, regardless of who they are. Jagielka, Barkley, Deulofeu are testament to that. Players that don't fit might well find themselves down the pecking order and competing for places after a window or two.
- so many on here had immediate high expectation for the season but a home defeat to Norwich in possibly the competition we had the best chance in, plus defeats to Bournemouth and Burnley have provided a reality check.
- off the pitch, the promise is still promise. There are lots of noises about huge finances in place for transfer and stadia but nothing material has been delivered. Ultimately, actions speak louder than words and there is still unease and mistrust regarding EFC governance.
- the next key milestone is Christmas. 20 points at that stage is a minimum requirement, on a sliding scale anything above 25 represents a very decent return.
...in summary, we are not playing scintillating football but our points return suggests we have somebody at the helm who is truly in charge and making the best of what we have. Where we are at Christmas will be of interest as will the January transfer window. So far so good but lots to be done.
- after 10 games the league has settled, 18 points and 6th place represents a very decent start when you consider the frailties of last season.
- the new manager appears to be uncomplicated. He wants his talented players to also put in a shift. He wants his grafters to have talent. He wants his players to earn their money.
- performances have not been great, accepting we are work in progress and the manager needs to bring in the 'types' he wants to fit his team model. My own gripe is a lack of goal threat but he appears to have done first what the best coaches do, try and make us more difficult to beat.
- the manager seems comfortable withdrawing/dropping players who don't adhere to his instructions, regardless of who they are. Jagielka, Barkley, Deulofeu are testament to that. Players that don't fit might well find themselves down the pecking order and competing for places after a window or two.
- so many on here had immediate high expectation for the season but a home defeat to Norwich in possibly the competition we had the best chance in, plus defeats to Bournemouth and Burnley have provided a reality check.
- off the pitch, the promise is still promise. There are lots of noises about huge finances in place for transfer and stadia but nothing material has been delivered. Ultimately, actions speak louder than words and there is still unease and mistrust regarding EFC governance.
- the next key milestone is Christmas. 20 points at that stage is a minimum requirement, on a sliding scale anything above 25 represents a very decent return.
...in summary, we are not playing scintillating football but our points return suggests we have somebody at the helm who is truly in charge and making the best of what we have. Where we are at Christmas will be of interest as will the January transfer window. So far so good but lots to be done.
