Next England Manager

The number one issue for me.

 

Fabio Capello
Don Revie
Glenda Hoddle
Stuart Pearce (caretaker) ??? He is all I can think of.

 

You rotter.!

 

Is Pearce right then?

 

I do completely agree with this,. It does need a revamp. Less of the molly coddling but also less of the winning expectations. More of the skills in the feet and an introduction to fundamental tactics in the head, so that kids can learn how to play the game intelligently, almost without having to consciously think about it.

However, the things that will inevitably be lost, and I fear can never be regained from organised coaching, are those where uncoached players who are potentially excellent and enthusiastic when young, will never be allowed to try anything truly new thought up by themselves. They will be coached and therefore will be pretty much like every other potentially excellent, but coached player. Players who largely evolved through playing in the park, self practiced, non-coached, until later in their lives, like Maradona, Jairzinho, Rivelino, Pele, Best, Jimmy Johnstone, and even Matt Le Tissier, for examples; they won't happen that much anymore because any form of organised coaching is always a bit too rigid for those kind of players. It's great later on at 14/15 and onwards, but at younger ages than that kids just want to play and then stop playing when they want to, and they don't want all the kerfuffle of travelling here and there to coaching. They'd rather be in the local park or street where they can kick a ball immediately or stop and go and buy some sweets. That's a child's mentality and we try to place an adult's organisation and commitment into it. Trouble is, if a club like Saints doesn't pick a child up early another club will, so I don't see a way round that one.

 

I expect so. I didn't do any research after you came up with the answers straight away.

 

I didn't say they didn't care. I have never said that. I think all players care. I just think they think they have to do something in the match. They aren't prepared to pass the ball because they want the goal. I think they still care passionately. Everyone wants to play for England.

 

Capello, Hoddle. off the top of my head.

 

Because I was agreeing with you. Maybe my prose making it look different.

 

Oh OK. I see your point now, although you never mentioned anything about them actually caring in the post that I replied to.

I'm OK with the individual selfish attitude or me first as you put it. Over the years, I've witnessed regrettably too many unselfish England players pass the ball and pass it again when really it was the chance that had passed by. Keeping the ball and trying to beat a player is something to be encouraged. If it fails, it fails, but football is all about risk and mistakes. We've told too many children to get rid of the ball, that is, pass it, that it is in their football DNA. Uncoached kids don't pass the ball. They improve their skills by trying to beat the player, and it's something that's good to see in the professional adults. Where they need improvement is where they have to be when they, as individuals, don't have the ball, but their team has it. Where should they be.?

I'll give you a familiar example of that. When he played for Southampton, Adam Lallana had a reputation for always being able to find pockets of space. The impression being that he ran into these areas, all the time. The truth is that most of the time he stood still or walked slowly, and the opposition defence and midfield left him alone because they didn't see him active as a player. Then he'd slowly wander into an interesting position and switch on. He'd make himself easily available for the player who'd just beaten his opposite player.

By and large, England players don't do that. They take up rigid coached positions and the ball hardly ever gets to them. So the attack breaks down or stays around the perimeter outside of the penalty area until the attack breaks down through a tackle or interception. This is not advanced stuff, it is easily seen through a single review of any England tournament match. It's just another element which erodes self confidence wonderfully well. In fact, this is when the players start hiding, and that's disaster.

 

I've been reading Big Sam's book recently. Really interesting.

Also, worth a read: https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...rdyce-manager-bolton-wanderers-premier-league

 

Big Sam wants Sammy Lee as his number 2.........good choice if true.

 

Big Sam has replaced Ray Lewington and Gary Neville with Sammy Lee and Paul Clement.

 

Allardyce:


"I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football.

"I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.

"While my main focus will be on the senior team and getting positive results, I want to add my influence to the great work being done across the development teams at St. George’s Park – a facility I have used with my previous clubs.

"I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver."

 

So it is Big Sam and Very Little Sam.

 

Sunderland have been terse in announcing Allardyce's departure...not wishing him luck. A bit like Saints when someone walks out. Can't blame them, but also can't blame Sam for grabbing this opportunity. At least it isn't just for money as he will earn less than his present salary.

 

Think it's a bit ****ty on their part to be honest. He saved them when they were plummeting. He at least deserved a good luck/thank you. He didn't open his trap or run his mouth, nor did he resign and leave them to battle it out for compensation. He managed up until the last (inc. the friendly at Hartlepool this week) and he did a bloody good job considering what he was working with.

As you say though, can't blame Sam at 61 years of age for fulfilling what has long been known to be his big, final ambition.