I actually think we should give him 10 games - I don't expect to win them all, but in those 10 games we'll learn a lot on how he copes with adversity as there will be some in 10 games.
It's not nonsense at all. When I said it was little to no pressure, I meant on the manager. Not the players. There was no pressure, or expectation, on Eckert doing anything. It was the players who had to set up, and had the pressure and spotlight shining on them negatively. Not the manager.
It's the manager who sets up the team, gives instructions and leads the team. If the manager had no impact on how and when players stepped up, then there would be little point in actually having one?!
On the flipside - we have massive expectations as a club, it's Tonda's first gig as a manager (he hasn't even been coaching with this squad so has had to build relationships and respect with these players) with all of the added responsibilities and pressure of this, and the atmosphere in the stands was getting toxic. A few bad results and his big chance could've been cut short and who knew where his career would go. It's a massive moment for him and his career has been leading up to it. I think the most encouraging signs are the performances from the team and the shapes we've taken up. We seem tactically flexible and confident. The difference in shape between the Preston and Charlton game is chalk and cheese - this is because the manager has set them up properly and the players understand their roles. It is early days, but Tonda has had a blinder so far.
I didn't say that the manager had no impact on the players. The impact Tonda has had on them is incredible, really. If Tonda had come in, and failed; no-one will have blamed him at all. That's all I mean, really. He had a free hit, so to speak.
Whatever happens he's shown so far he's a step up on WS and each game that passes he's making himself harder to ignore for the role. I've gone for until the end of the season but only because that give both sides flexibility on how the next contract is shaped based on where we end up and gives some element of break in it. The next month will shape the rest of the season I think as we play teams from all over the table and we'll get some that are coming to not lose, some that will play at us etc etc and that will put to bed any lingering doubts about Tonda's tactics / flexibility / game management.
One aspect of Tonda’s tenure which hasn’t been highlighted is how much better we have suddenly become at attacking set pieces. A goal from a free kick, and another from a corner, courtesy of Manning’s delivery and THB’s positioning, both good, basic, fundamental stuff. Of course we also have the fireworks from the forwards as well, but it does my old heart a power of good to see a manager tackle this part of the game as well. If he can make us better at defending set pieces too (see Charlton’s goal) that would be perfectly lovely.
Was incredibly against appointing him permanently when Still was sacked, but no one can deny what an amazing turnaround it’s been. As others have said, it’s getting to the point (if not already) where he has to be appointed. My one concern would be that he’s only ever played 5 at the back. Can’t deny we’ve been great in the last two, but it’s not my preferred formation. It’s obviously no issue when the team plays well, but when we don’t I feel like we’re more susceptible to other teams when we play a 5. I think a deal to the end of the season makes the most sense. Fingers crossed we don’t turn **** again when he’s appointed. Remember when Saganowski was on fire on loan, not so much after his permanent transfer.
With THB spending so much time in the opposition half chasing his hattrick it could be said we were playing a back 4.
I`m not hung up on the 5 at the back TBH - it can be 5 at the back when the opposition has the ball , but when we have the ball, the wing backs push up, and one of the CBs (THB last night) can step up into midfield. So long as its all done in a well coached manner, which it seems to be now.
The thing is about the formation is that we're so fluid that our shape keeps changing. When Fellows is way up the pitch we turn into a back 4. Armstrong keeps coming deep which then springs Jander or Scienza to charge forwards (see the second goal last night or the third against Charlton). It makes it very hard to defend against.
Not that I'm particularly sticking up for SR in this regard, but I've never quite understood the 5 at the back is too defensive opinion and criticism. Been saying that all season
Yeah I agree with this. If we had lost to QPR I think we would’ve got a manager in the international break regardless of what happened against Sheff Weds. Nobody would’ve batted an eyelid and nobody would’ve blamed Tonda. The players and SR would’ve got the blame. Personally for him it was his chance so there would’ve been pressure from himself, but if that scenario had unfolded there were reasons to point to why he couldn’t get the players playing straight away. The pressure will come if he gets the job full time and how he deals with that is an unknown. As I’ve said pretty much since the Sheff Weds game I’m fine with him having the job til the end of the season, then we can re-assess then
The other unknown is what would’ve happened if we’d appointed someone straight away, would the players start performing like they have done the last 2 games? I’ve always said the talent is there, was just being utilised in the wrong way under Still/players being ****s as they didn’t like him. I firmly believe we have a top 2 squad, possibly the best in the league when you look at the depth/experience at this level. I’m sure there are plenty of managers who could get a tune out of the squad.
My bad, for some reason I thought there were more international games in December. In which case, if there’s no clear break then it is looking more and more like the right decision to appoint him. My only concern is remembering Selles, and how the players loved him at first. But I do think this is different. These performances have been genuinely brilliant. Miraculous turnaround. Even an experienced manager, (which I was adamant we needed) would struggle to win 4 in 4.
If we had won these last 2 games playing like we did at QPR and against Wednesday I would still be a bit concerned about him getting the job but the work he put in with the team over the last international break has been remarkable. It is a team completely transformed and playing exciting fast football, creating loads of really good chances and actually scoring a few. The defence has tightened up too with only the one soft goal from a corner conceded. I still say that if we don't have to make a decision yet then why not let it ride but i wouldn't be alarmed if we gave him the job permanently now.
Yes, but a fluid system with THB moving forward several times last night and higher WBs than Still played. Don't get me wrong, I'd still prefer a back four but he won't change what isn't broke. Another difference is how he is supplying Adarma, on the deck with less emphasis on attacking from the wings.
There are elements of Russball in what Tonda wants Saints to do (play it out from the back, lure the opposition out) but we also look to get it forwards much quicker and we don't keep the ball for the sake of it. Tondaball is fun and fast. Russball is just tedious and slow.
