Can't disagree on tactics and the signings so far have not inspired me. But you can't seriously be suggesting we sack him after 5 games?! That said, one of you is called Chelsea....
Every manager it's the same thing, you have got to give people a chance.
As far as signings go agree to a degree on Jordan Smith, hasn't really improved on what we had with Stokes/Smith but I wouldn't say he's played any worse based on the few games he's played. Watt I thought did well on his debut, better than Stainsfield or Ward did on there's and they have become decent cb's.
I'd say with both it's way too early to judge as to whether they are going to be good signings or not.
As far as tactics, whilst they didn't work how does anyone know what will work or not without trying? Perhaps GD has thought what has been tried so far hasn't and gave the long ball game a punt. Not a fan of it but if it had got us a result then there would have been no complaints from me. Personally don't think we should play that way with the current personnel as they are not suited, but GD will figure out what works (for him) and not whatever we think.
I'm happier for us to try different things now to get to the best system ans style for the start of next season than get there and still not know.
Yes I agree, I've got no problem with the long ball game at all, I just think with the personnel at the club its not going to work at the moment. Personally I think if you're going to play long ball you need a big target man in the mould of a Mickey Nuttel or Jason Lee to compete with the opposition centre halves. Guys like Weir-Daley and Newsham, whilst trying hard, aren't suited to that style and end up getting bullied. I felt that bringing on Jones was the turning point against Oxford a few weeks ago, he was able to bring a few long balls down and bring in our midfielders and wingers. That lead to us creating a lot more chances and eventually winning comfortably. Of course, if we play a target man it won't be long until the usual suspects are moaning that he isnt scoring enough goals for a striker. Also, on the occasions we played the ball through the midfield in that game, we looked a lot more dangerous than the hit and hope stuff.
On the signings front, I guess I was uninspired as I was hoping "experienced centre back" would mean us bringing in a Alan White type player. I've got no problem with Watt, I just feel he's not much more experienced than than the players we already have in that position. We probably dont have the funds for that type of player, which is a shame as I think players like Ward, Stainsfield or Watt would really flourish playing alongside an older head talking them through the game. I was impressed with Smith in spells, but he seems to have a tendancy to drift out of games. When he's got the ball at his feet he looks exciting at times, I think its a case of judging him in a month or two's time as you say.
I'm personally fully behind the new manager, I think he's got a tough job on his hands as Jason Lee had before. We have a "top sixish" budget in David Newton's words, with fans expecting a title push. I think he has come in very positive and raised expectations and perhaps the poor results have caused our more impatient fans to start grumbling. I agree with Woads comments on another thread that we do have good players in this squad, we've proven that by beating some of the top sides this year. What we've lacked all season is consistency in my opinion and perhaps a truly experienced centre back might have lead us to a few clean sheets. Top sides always have a tight defence which often allows the team to play badly and still pick up a result, we'd be at least three points better off if we hadn't conceded in injury time against Corby and Workington for example. I think given time and support the new manager can turn things around.
I think we'll be in a better position to judge his progress come the end of the season. I would define progress as addressing some of the obvious problems we have and instilling a bit more consistency which would put us in a strong position going into nexty season.
