The Hotel End

The Hotel End => Cobblers Corner => Topic started by: 1HorshamCobbler on May 18, 2013, 16:13:08 pm



Title: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: 1HorshamCobbler on May 18, 2013, 16:13:08 pm
Just seen Boothroyds quote from the Chron

Can't believe that!


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Big guns on May 18, 2013, 17:37:48 pm
Sorry what ???? ???


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on May 18, 2013, 18:14:14 pm
Because he doesn't know how to do anything differently! Plan A = hoof the ball or chuck it into the box aimlessly towards the tall players......and thats it!


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Elad on May 18, 2013, 18:18:02 pm
No man is bigger than the club Aidy or Bayo. I'd happily kick them both into the wide blue yonder after that sh*t house display today.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: MarkNTFC on May 18, 2013, 18:18:12 pm
Well I wouldn't do anything the same.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Saint Cobbler on May 18, 2013, 19:39:20 pm
What I don't understand is why everyone is turning on Aidy after this one game when we have mostly been sh*te all season. Yea, yea I know we finished in th playoffs but most games were painful to watch, so much hoofing.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: 1HorshamCobbler on May 18, 2013, 19:52:43 pm
But that's exactly the point, its been 'tolerated' because we got some points on the board but its dreadful to watch (try speaking to some Watford fans too) and therefore when it doesn't bring success don't be surprised by people's opinions and Aidy is too obstinate to want to change.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: pattcobb on May 19, 2013, 06:13:43 am
I would do something differently given the chance, I wouldn't waste £40 on tickets and £35 on train fares for that sack of sh!te


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Elad on May 19, 2013, 06:21:36 am
If Aidy did say that it seems to point to a stubborn streak that he has himself alluded to in the past and might not have got a grip of. Everyone needs to improve from top to bottom at the club. Get the post-mortems out of the way and then kick on again next season.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Bertie on May 19, 2013, 06:54:38 am
If you make a controversial team selection and win - you look a genius. If your team has lost the game after 25 minutes you look a t**t.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Saint Cobbler on May 19, 2013, 10:39:29 am
The thing is, if we could play the game again and start with what we as a consensus think is our best team, would we win? Answer no, because in truth Bradford are almost certainly better than we are. Still, next year if we can improve as much as we did this, then we might have a chance.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Madrid Cobbler 2 on May 19, 2013, 11:11:47 am
Haven't seen the Chron, but think it's rather unfortunate if that's what Aidy said as it suggests he thinks he made no mistakes yesterday, when it's clear to all that he did. I think most would be willing to forgive, however hard it is after such a poor performance in the biggest match of the season, given what he's done for the club so far.

Having said all that, I have to agree with Saint that the way Bradford played yesterday, I'm not sure we could have beaten them anyway.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: SteveRiches on May 19, 2013, 11:19:24 am
Haven't seen the Chron, but think it's rather unfortunate if that's what Aidy said as it suggests he thinks he made no mistakes yesterday, when it's clear to all that he did. I think most would be willing to forgive, however hard it is after such a poor performance in the biggest match of the season, given what he's done for the club so far.

Having said all that, I have to agree with Saint that the way Bradford played yesterday, I'm not sure we could have beaten them anyway.
We allowed Bradford to play well: remember, we finished above them in the division, they're not that special but we were so inept we made them look world-beaters!


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: cobblergaz59 on May 19, 2013, 11:32:18 am
We were gash yesterday and the most worrying thing about it is that the majority of that starting line up will be our regulars next season  :(


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: FezNTFC on May 19, 2013, 11:41:27 am
We were gash yesterday and the most worrying thing about it is that the majority of that starting line up will be our regulars next season  :(
They were the regulars who got us to Wembley in the first place though. Bash them all you like for the abject performance at Wembley, I certainly have. But they haven't been too bad across the season as a whole, as our league position shows.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: cobblergaz59 on May 19, 2013, 16:58:10 pm
They were the regulars who got us to Wembley in the first place though. Bash them all you like for the abject performance at Wembley, I certainly have. But they haven't been too bad across the season as a whole, as our league position shows.

That may be so but that eleven that started had only scored 25 goals between them in league matches this season. Throughout the season we have in general very poor away from home and even at home there has been plenty of games when I've walked away wondering how we managed to get the points.
They say the league table doesn't lie but I'm not so sure. How many of our starting 11 would've got in Bradford's team and vice versa.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Gonzales on May 19, 2013, 19:57:42 pm
AB deserves credit for what he's done over 18 months overall, but yesterday he made himself look like an arrogant tw@t. If it was me in the hotseat I'd have changed several things, for one not starting an unfit 35 year old with a poor record, even when Bayo isn't scoring he helps the players around him, O'Donovan and Nicholls having both benefited from playing alongside the big man this season. If we'd lost 1-0 then at least his comments wouldn't have enraged me, but when you've lost inside half an hour and played poorly throughout those comments are unacceptable. He shouldn't go, but the attitude should.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: SteveRiches on May 19, 2013, 21:27:51 pm
AB deserves credit for what he's done over 18 months overall, but yesterday he made himself look like an arrogant tw@t. If it was me in the hotseat I'd have changed several things, for one not starting an unfit 35 year old with a poor record, even when Bayo isn't scoring he helps the players around him, O'Donovan and Nicholls having both benefited from playing alongside the big man this season. If we'd lost 1-0 then at least his comments wouldn't have enraged me, but when you've lost inside half an hour and played poorly throughout those comments are unacceptable. He shouldn't go, but the attitude should.
Succinctly put!


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: JollyCobbler on May 19, 2013, 22:29:12 pm
We allowed Bradford to play well: remember, we finished above them in the division, they're not that special but we were so inept we made them look world-beaters!

Very true.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Winslow Lee on May 20, 2013, 09:12:07 am
Obviously hindsight is a beautiful thing, but to come out after having watched that shambles and to say 'I wouldn't do anything differently'is ridiculous, at best stubborn at worst ignorant. Like a lot seeing the team sheet before the game I questioned the inclusion of Platt & Demontagnac and was worried about the outcome. Having to sit through that disaster there's loads of changes that might have helped. Langmead our best headerer of the ball to come into the deference to deal with Hanson who destroyed both Cameron and Carlisle in the air, Tozer's long throws were no threat at all so maybe Johnson a more natural right back to try and deal with Reid, an extra midfielder in Hornby to try and get some possession. These are changed I might not have made before the match but having watched the game surely worth a go, ok we might have lost 5-0 but surely better than sticking the same team out and losing 3-0.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Power Football on May 20, 2013, 09:20:39 am
Would the selection of Bayo over Platt made a difference? Who knows...

What I would say though, is judging by how fussy the ref was when he did come on I don't doubt it would have been a fustrating afternoon for the big man.

The game was won and lost out wide, the complete ineptitude of our wide players to close their wingers down gave them the freedom of Wembley, and seeing the goals again it beggers belief the amount of time and space they had to get the ball in the box.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I can't believe there isn't a part of ADB that doesn't wish he went with the same 11 who defended so well at Cheltenham. 


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Shoemaker on May 20, 2013, 09:29:11 am
A decent manager would have held his hands up admitted he got it very wrong,apologised to the travelling support for what they had to witness and promise that we will learn from the mistakes and roll our sleeves up and go again.

I think most fans could accept that.

But to come out and say you wouldn't change anything is embarrassing and an insult to those who've paid good money to travel down.

In my opinion aidys dropped one there and is in danger of harming his ntfc legacy and the good relationship he has with the fans.

If aidy takes us up as champions with 100 points next season I will still not forget my team getting outclassed at wembley,not having one shot on target,sitting in a terrible haunted silent atmosphere and then having the manager tell me he wouldn't change a thing.



Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Winslow Lee on May 20, 2013, 09:33:16 am

If aidy takes us up as champions with 100 points next season I will still not forget my team getting outclassed at wembley,not having one shot on target,sitting in a terrible haunted silent atmosphere and then having the manager tell me he wouldn't change a thing.

I will


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Shoemaker on May 20, 2013, 09:43:10 am
I'm being honest lee.
Even if we go up next season(and it's an if) I will never forget being at wembley in stunned silence with the game over after 20 minutes.

Just looking at the few regular sixfields supporters faces and the total dejection knowing we had another hour or so to sit through will stay with me forever.

In the same way I remember John frains wembley winner with fondness I will never forget the embarrassment of being at wembley to witness bradfords promotion party.

It must go down as the worst play off final display by any team in history and unfortunately i won't ever forget it.

I guess these things make you stronger but it was horrific.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: TheEdgeyMole on May 20, 2013, 09:45:11 am
I think some of our fans are having a bit of an over reaction. Not mentioning any names.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: cricketside on May 20, 2013, 09:49:41 am
I think, shoemaker, you'll be slightly pleased to have something new to moan about, won't you?


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Dr Feelgood on May 20, 2013, 09:50:08 am
I have to admit yesterday I felt very upset and was going to head to Sixfields and ask Boothy what he was smoking. Starting Ishy and Platt was a joke. I have had an extra day to chill and thought we did a Bradford City against Swansea. We clearly weren't at the races and got pummeled. However what Boothy has done in the the bigger picture says different and I will stick with him for now. Lets just hope this is a wake up call for NTFC and we can go up no problem next season.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: sxcobbler on May 20, 2013, 09:51:03 am

Even if we go up next season(and it's an if) I will never forget being at wembley in stunned silence with the game over after 20 minutes.

Just looking at the few regular sixfields supporters faces and the total dejection knowing we had another hour or so to sit through will stay with me forever.

In the same way I remember John frains wembley winner with fondness I will never forget the embarrassment of being at wembley to witness bradfords promotion party.

 
Couldn't agree more ........but with reference to the header: if only ADB would admit he made a monumental  error ( not for the first time in away games this season ) in his team selection , which when announced immediately took the wind out  of all regular Cobblers supporters. Bradford couldn't believe their luck ...talk about handing them the initiative.

Same old-- same old showing away from home......the stats don't lie ( even at Cheltenham we were very fortunate and grateful for a superb strike in an otherwise dire attacking display).


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Shoemaker on May 20, 2013, 10:06:44 am
I don't really know to be honest cricketside.

I suppose on the one hand trips to boro,mk scum,cov and wolves would have been great days out the chance to bury ones head in the sand when faced with the realisation that we were totally outclassed on the wembley pitch and never mustered a shot on target in the worst wembley play off final performance in history whilst also coming to the conclusion that real diehard fans like ourselves where out numbered four to one by northamptonians who didn't actually give a monkeys about the game or outcome whilst enjoying a day out to visit the stadium before embalking on the twickenham double next week is a chance not to be missed whilst trying not to over react or moan without fair reason.

To balance things up at the start of the season would I have settled for a day out at wembley.
Yes too right.
Having been there it was a terrible experience made worse by our so called travelling support.
You can't have your cake and eat it I guess.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: JollyCobbler on May 20, 2013, 11:07:42 am
I think some of our fans are having a bit of an over reaction. Not mentioning any names.

I don't think that what he is saying is an over reaction. It was probably one of the worst displays ever in a Wembley final, and I will never 'forget' how bad it was... But I will 'forgive', if Aidy takes us up next year ;)
In a strange way, and we can only hope, but long term this may just work in our favor.
Aidy's stock has fallen dramatically as a result of that one game. Yet if we had performed well and won the game then someone else may have come in for him. If he is as good a manager as is suggested, then he now has the time and money to build a side which is genuinely capable of challenging for the title!
Fingers crossed, eh? 


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Moocher on May 20, 2013, 11:17:22 am
The 'it's ok because it's better than the last few seasons' view, I cannot believe how low some people's expectations are!
I think there is a decent chance we will go up next season but it won't be entertaining. Surely they will be better next season and they were only 5 points off this season, what a poor division!
The footballers in the side, Gutts, Collins and especially Hornby, must surely be wondering if they would be better off playing for somebody who is going to try and play a bit
And yes Collins was terrible but he was getting hammered so clearly needed a bit of help, Ish wasn't interested
Definitely agree with those who have said it wasn't about losing, it was the manner of it, so embarrassed in front of mates who had never been before and left wondering why anybody bothers.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: TbananaG on May 20, 2013, 11:23:40 am
I think some of our fans are having a bit of an over reaction. Not mentioning any names.

Sorry, but I also don't think that's an over-reaction.

Losing a football match is something you have to accept; there have to be losers for there to be winners.

This was worse than that, though: there's a massive lost business opportunity too. Among all the day trippers were people who were sufficiently interested to make the trip to Wembley, and might have been tempted back to Sixfields next year in L2 even by seeing an honourable defeat. Instead, all we've done is show those people "ah, now I remember why I don't normally go and watch the Cobblers".

I was braced for losing, but thought that was the worst that could happen. I was wrong.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: JollyCobbler on May 20, 2013, 11:27:35 am
The 'it's ok because it's better than the last few seasons' view, I cannot believe how low some people's expectations are!
I think there is a decent chance we will go up next season but it won't be entertaining. Surely they will be better next season and they were only 5 points off this season, what a poor division!
The footballers in the side, Gutts, Collins and especially Hornby, must surely be wondering if they would be better off playing for somebody who is going to try and play a bit
And yes Collins was terrible but he was getting hammered so clearly needed a bit of help, Ish wasn't interested
Definitely agree with those who have said it wasn't about losing, it was the manner of it, so embarrassed in front of mates who had never been before and left wondering why anybody bothers.

You have summed it up in one sentence. As a Cobblers fan, the thought that millions may have been watching that performance is downright embarrassing...  :-[


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: cricketside on May 20, 2013, 11:36:54 am
...there's a massive lost business opportunity too.

Come on, ffs. This is rubbish. What about the 37,500 who didn't go after 1998? We might have picked up 48 extras with a decent display, but not many more. It was more of a 'bit of a business' opportunity.

But it was still a massive embarrassment.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: TbananaG on May 20, 2013, 11:40:59 am
OK - we may have to agree to disagree.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: idlebantam on May 20, 2013, 18:12:03 pm
Evening Cobblers.

I must admit, I was quite nervous on the journey down the M1 on Saturday. However, all those nerves evaporated before kick-off, when I heard with disbelief that Bayo was on the bench. As it turned out, I'm not sure whether he would have made any difference, given the way your back four performed. But I'm sure it was a massive fillip, not only to all my fellow Bantams fans, but also to Phil Parkinson and our players, when the news filtered through.

 


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Bog Paper on May 20, 2013, 18:17:15 pm
I think some of our fans are having a bit of an over reaction. Not mentioning any names.

Some of our fans are writing embarrassing blogs. Not mentioning any names.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Artlenock Cobbler on May 20, 2013, 18:24:48 pm
I'm being honest lee.
Even if we go up next season(and it's an if) I will never forget being at wembley in stunned silence with the game over after 20 minutes.

Just looking at the few regular sixfields supporters faces and the total dejection knowing we had another hour or so to sit through will stay with me forever.

In the same way I remember John frains wembley winner with fondness I will never forget the embarrassment of being at wembley to witness bradfords promotion party.

It must go down as the worst play off final display by any team in history and unfortunately i won't ever forget it.

I guess these things make you stronger but it was horrific.
#
Yep, this pretty much summed up how I felt, but I wasn't embarrassed by Bradford's promotion party................witnessing their support was one of the better aspects of the day (that's how bad it was!)....... just our own effort.....or lack of. I was almost squirming in my albeit comfortable seat jsut wondering what the final score would be. One shot on target all game and that looked like a cross that went too close to their goalie. I just feel a bit hollow about the whole match............and to think we took the p*ss out of one our regulars who had booked a holiday in hot and sunny Cyprus!  :-\


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: A view from the east on May 20, 2013, 20:36:07 pm
#
Yep, this pretty much summed up how I felt, but I wasn't embarrassed by Bradford's promotion party................witnessing their support was one of the better aspects of the day (that's how bad it was!)....... just our own effort.....or lack of. I was almost squirming in my albeit comfortable seat jsut wondering what the final score would be. One shot on target all game and that looked like a cross that went too close to their goalie. I just feel a bit hollow about the whole match............and to think we took the p*ss out of one our regulars who had booked a holiday in hot and sunny Cyprus!  :-\
I too decided to go on holiday instead of to Wembley. Having been to every home game this season I used hindsight before the event.
Just feel desperately disappointed now but lets face it ...... It was predictable.
We either need to change the way we play or change the manager.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Razor on May 20, 2013, 20:56:05 pm
I'm being honest lee.
Even if we go up next season(and it's an if) I will never forget being at wembley in stunned silence with the game over after 20 minutes.

Just looking at the few regular sixfields supporters faces and the total dejection knowing we had another hour or so to sit through will stay with me forever.

In the same way I remember John frains wembley winner with fondness I will never forget the embarrassment of being at wembley to witness bradfords promotion party.

It must go down as the worst play off final display by any team in history and unfortunately i won't ever forget it.

I guess these things make you stronger but it was horrific.

This is pretty much how I feel too. Sitting there for 70 minutes with my head in my hands in horror/abject misery and the only thing penetrating the silence all around being some morons behind me swearing and shouting all match about how our support was fcuking shyte (they thought bayo was playing in the first half FFS) - that isn't something that is ever going to go away. It's on our permanent record. It wasn't Hartlepool away in the Autowindscreens, it wasn't just another game it was fcking Wembley and the scars not going to heel.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Artlenock Cobbler on May 20, 2013, 22:01:24 pm
This is pretty much how I feel too. Sitting there for 70 minutes with my head in my hands in horror/abject misery and the only thing penetrating the silence all around being some morons behind me swearing and shouting all match about how our support was fcuking shyte (they thought bayo was playing in the first half FFS) - that isn't something that is ever going to go away. It's on our permanent record. It wasn't Hartlepool away in the Autowindscreens, it wasn't just another game it was fcking Wembley and the scars not going to heel.

Whilst trying not to have too much of a downer on our Wembley experiences, in our 3 trips there we are yet to score from open play.  :-[


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: defender on May 21, 2013, 07:09:30 am
There is one aspect of our defending that worry's me is that we never seem to have anyone one either post.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: guest48 on May 22, 2013, 15:58:12 pm
I too decided to go on holiday instead of to Wembley. Having been to every home game this season I used hindsight before the event.
Just feel desperately disappointed now but lets face it ...... It was predictable.
We either need to change the way we play or change the manager.
Yes lets get rid of the bloke who dragged us up from the bottom of the League and then failed to win automatic promotion the next season.Even Burton Albion had a better home record than us ,so thats only 90 clubs who were worse , I don't know why we are p*ssing about ,sack him !
Now who can we replace him with ? I know ,why don't we bring in that guy from Yeovil ? I'm sure he'll do a job for us
 ::)


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: A view from the east on May 22, 2013, 16:18:47 pm
Yes lets get rid of the bloke who dragged us up from the bottom of the League and then failed to win automatic promotion the next season.Even Burton Albion had a better home record than us ,so thats only 90 clubs who were worse , I don't know why we are p*ssing about ,sack him !
Now who can we replace him with ? I know ,why don't we bring in that guy from Yeovil ? I'm sure he'll do a job for us
 ::)
So the awful away record , the unconvincing wins at home , Hoofball and the Wembley selection debacle and performance are all acceptable are they ?
" I wouldn't do anything differently " presumably means more of the same next season does it ?
I don't want him gone...... just want a plan B , that's all. Last season there wasn't one.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: sxcobbler on May 22, 2013, 16:33:41 pm
So the awful away record , the unconvincing wins at home , Hoofball and the Wembley selection debacle and performance are all acceptable are they ?
" I wouldn't do anything differently " presumably means more of the same next season does it ?
I don't want him gone...... just want a plan B , that's all. Last season there wasn't one.

Even Stoke City have seen the light......I do wish ADB hadn't said the lead quote, virtually all the fans groaned when the team sheet was announced......and were proved right.....
Most fans will put up with dire hoof-football , but only if the team keeps scraping wins.
There were also far too many times away from home last season where we got hammered, odd for a team that made the play offs and was in pole position for automatic promotion.

I hope that he will lead the club to even greater success next season ....it will be interesting to see what players are signed ( more ex-ADB team - players maybe ). And Yes a Plan B would seem a reasonable request.

COYC.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Elad on May 22, 2013, 16:51:40 pm
Your forgetting how "hoofball" got a very unfashionable side into the Premier League and Europe and only 4 points behind sexy football Swansea.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on May 22, 2013, 17:44:51 pm
Your forgetting how "hoofball" got a very unfashionable side into the Premier League and Europe and only 4 points behind sexy football Swansea.

The key word in the above post is "behind", does this prove that sexy football brings better rewards than hoofball?!  ;)


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: guest47 on May 22, 2013, 18:13:27 pm
Whilst trying not to have too much of a downer on our Wembley experiences, in our 3 trips there we are yet to score from open play.  :-[

Blimey, never thought of that. We haven't scored in 90 minutes ether.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Bunny on May 22, 2013, 18:59:17 pm
Bloody Aidy - couldn't even get the points deduction sorted for this season so now we start the next one with this hanging over our heads. Clearly he has to go now.

Christ on a bike, some people shouldn't be allowed internets.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: guest48 on May 22, 2013, 19:43:24 pm
So the awful away record , the unconvincing wins at home , Hoofball and the Wembley selection debacle and performance are all acceptable are they ?
" I wouldn't do anything differently " presumably means more of the same next season does it ?
I don't want him gone...... just want a plan B , that's all. Last season there wasn't one.
Agreed the away record was poor ,the "unconvincing wins at home" , yes a few would fall into that catagory but there were also some very convincing wins  and even the unconvincing ones were a big improvement on last season ,2-7 anyone?
   Hoofball ? as stated on other threads the most hoofball teams at Sixfields this season were Bradford followed by Gillingham, in League 2 virtually all the teams that are successfull play direct football.
   I agree Wembley was completely unacceptable but I think 99% of our fans would have snapped your hand off if they had been offered a day out at Wembley ,before the first match at Rochdale.
   I'm pretty sure Aidy said "I wouldn't do anything different" on the spur of the moment and when he sat down and thought about it ,he would have done some things different.
    I think we played some really good football at times this season , we were also crap at times , BUT it was a vast improvement on the previous season and thats what you look to do ,get better each year. Not many managers do it but Aidy did and if he does it again next year ,we will be in for a successfull season.
   


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: cricketside on May 22, 2013, 19:50:59 pm
Well, we were all a fucking sight happier 12 months ago, eh? What does that say about the ambition of the supporters?


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: JollyCobbler on May 22, 2013, 19:55:50 pm
Well, we were all a fucking sight happier 12 months ago, eh? What does that say about the ambition of the supporters?

Strange, but true ;D


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: DrillingCobbler on May 22, 2013, 20:25:21 pm
Firstly, I don't see anyone calling for Aidys head, its interpretation. I think saying 'change the way we play' or 'change the manager' is implying that evolvement needs to take place, otherwise we will struggle. I may be wrong but thats how I read it.

Lets not forget Ian Atkins for a moment. *using current league names, Atkins took us from bottom league 2, to 11th in his first season. Then promotion at Wembley in his second full season (ironically with a few less points than we earned this season) and then a final at Wembley in his 3rd full season. He was the messiah, a God. He could do no wrong. We all know though (with hindsight) that our success was built on sand, and once a few problems came up the wheels well and truly fell off.

Aidy has done a fantastic job in the most part, but those who witnessed away days at Barnet, Chesterfield and Rotherham...to name but a few...will have a slightly different version of events when looking back at 2012/13 season as a whole. Indeed, we were swept aside...well and truly...on about 8 occasions. Or to put it another way, the team didn't turn up. A pattern emerged from the early days...a few scrappy wins/draws followed by a hammering every 5 or 6 games.

BUT we are very much work in progress. Aidy has said that himself, the club have even said that today in their e-newsletter! His 2nd full season will be the one where either he significantly raises his stock or becomes type casted as a lower league football manager. There is no in-between. It will be his team...totally...playing football the way he had sold it to them during his recruitment. Aidy is an intelligent guy, Im sure (well very hopefully!) he will evolve our tactics accordingly. I must admit I am a concerned that he might be a bit stubborn...but that can work either way.

As for his statement, don't take it so literally. He did what he thought was right and picked a team to do a job. It didn't work. Leaving Bayo out was not even controversial in my opinion...he hadn't scored for months (open play). Hornby should have played though in my opinion, that said if 50 of us picked a side we would get around 40 different variations! Thats football. My only real annoyance at his selection policy this season was dumping Gutts for 2 months, I couldn't understand that all. And his seemingly* obvious tactic of hoof ball at times.

Lets see what next season brings first though. He hasn't got Calderwoods budget, he's got a tight purse to play with and that needs factoring in as well. When he took Watford up they had the lowest budget in the championship. I look at our squad now though and I reckon theres money to play with to bring in quality, and we will end up with better come August than ended this season. We got 73/74 points this time round...add another 2 or 3 wins to that and automatic promotion is very likely.



Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Winslow Lee on May 22, 2013, 21:00:17 pm
My only real annoyance at his selection policy this season was dumping Gutts for 2 months, I couldn't understand that all. And his seemingly* obvious tactic of hoof ball at times.

I would add to that:
Persisting with the Platt/Nicholls partnership at the start of the season for far to long when it clearly wasn't working.
Partnering Tozer & Harding in central midfield,
Persisting with Demontagnac who was truly awful all season, zero end product,
Last but not least the playoff final team selection


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: bri77 on May 23, 2013, 12:26:23 pm
AB has done an amazing job and we are all grateful to him for that and am sure we all want him to push on again next season. That said we are all never going to agree with everything he does but questioning it does not mean we want him to go. I am still gobsmacked by the Wembley team and although I am glad we lost to a better team rather than a dodgy penalty etc I just can't shake the what if feeling (mostly surrounding Bayo and Platt) hearing the noise levels in the Bradford end with 10 mins left all I could think was 'if only'. So AB got it horribly wrong at Wembley in my opinion but am sure he will get most things right next season.


Title: Re: 'I wouldn't do anything differently'
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on May 23, 2013, 12:53:25 pm
What did ADB do wrong apart from selecting Platt instead of Bayo, if the majority of pre match team selections on here are to be taken as a consensus?
Our problem wasn't just up front, it was all over the park because Bradford played better than us and on the day deserved to win.