Fair enough, though I'm sure yesterday he said something like 'we've only just now got down to discussing pounds and pence' or something similar.
To be honest though I don't blame him for being a bit peeved if they try to pinch pennies, particularly with the start we've had and how obviously difficult it'd be for them to find anyone else remotely good enough. If I was him I'd be looking at the start we've had, how much the players are keen for him to stay, and how publicly our other options failed to be enticed, and wonder why I'm not worth a year on PL wages, with a clause for a reduction if we go down (which I think Bruce had as well anyway).
Just goes to show there are more ways of playing to get success. There is no doubt SB way was defensive and negative, whereas MP is more adventurous, but not gung-ho. He gets the ball move quicker from back to front, and that has a lot to do with Clucas playing in the deeper role and Hudd playing higher up the pitch.
I have argued the obvious that his options were limited in selection, so that still needs proving; but full credit to him for the playing style and inspiration he has given a very interesting group of players. It is going to be very interesting watching how he intergrates the new signings and maintains the collective spirit. Good luck to him, I hope he enjoys it, as it's been a long time coming.
He could have played a flat midfield with Huddlestone and Meyler central, Clucas on the left and Snodgrass on the right, with Huddlestone sitting deep, and we would look entirely different. I think the credit does have to go to him for how we've been lining up.
I think SB under the same circumstances would have played Hudd at centre back, which frankly would probably have been a disaster, as he is prone to giving away unnecessary free kicks. Jake would have probably played the deeper midfield role with Clucas on the left maybe in io place.
Aye, I take your point that even though the starting eleven picked itself, how they were set up could flex; I think the players (the dresing room) were probably quite influential in shaping his thinking. Going forwards will be a very different matter.
Huddlestone just being further away from our defence in general is a good thing. Not just tackles but losing the ball. Though against Swansea was it (?) he gave the ball away twice in that area as he was sitting back more late on.
I'm sorry John but pre season with the injuries the first thing Phelan did was try Huddlestone at CB. Not Jake. So he isnt some all seeing all knowing Messiah.I'll say it again too as we still have the deniers. Steve Bruce put Sam clucas in the CM role. Not Phelan. I wish people wouldnt try and rewrite history. Everything Phelan does is innovative and great while Bruce is just useless.
The HDM still seem to think the length of the deal is an issue... An agreement is still be reached between the two parties, with the length of contract understood to be providing a stumbling block, but Phelan has made it clear he will not be rushed into accepting the job. http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/mike...tory-29723603-detail/story.html#ixzz4KVj5uCoj
Clucas always looked better in the middle to me, but Bruce rarely played him there, he kept putting him out wide, even immediately after a game where he'd looked good playing in the middle. You keep accusing people of rewriting history because of things that happened in pre-seasons, but most people don't do pre-seasons and base their opinion on what happened last season.
When was this? I'm not accusing. Its a FACT. Seems its going against the narrative you want to here. But I'll keep pointing it out.
Point out anything you like, your claims that Phelan is as negative as Bruce will just look increasingly ridiculous.
