Euro 2016, he looked decent, but that was 4 years ago and he hasn't really been a stand out in his club team, so either hit a ceiling or just needs a change.
Thought he was pretty good once but not seen much of him for a while. Presuming we are stuck with Ashley for a while now a realistic signing.
He is not very talented but would give us that energy that we lack at the moment in midfield. It worries me though that he doesn’t really fit with our normal way of playing. We tend to funnel back when we lose it and defend deep. He is more the close down high up the pitch.
Could attempt something revolutionary - develop a system that supports our players strengths and not force right wingers to play left back
There are very few managers who are capable of developing systems to suit players and I don't think ours is one of them. I am not knocking him like the rest. I think he did an okay job last year but his skills lie more on the player motivational side than developing styles and tactics.
To be perfectly honest that's like 50% of most managers work. I think if you can keep a talented squad motivated and happy, you're gonna get results. What was with our last 5 game meltdown? Complete lack of motivation, nothing to play for 13th by a minimum confirmed. Look at Bournemouth, half of their issues were injuries and a players strike. Same with Watford, most of those lads didn't even want to go back, their chairman demotivated the squad and got them all thinking too much about the virus. I honestly think we should replace Bruce just because it will reinvigorate the fans a bit, get their minds onto something fresh. Sign up a few younger decent players and get the place filled up a tad. But as a manager he's OK, he can probably keep most teams mid table without a meltdown.
Meh. He's better than Bentaleb but I'm not convinced he is going to add loads to us. Not a bad player and certainly brings a lot of energy to any team. We do need to start signing players who are going to help with a high press if we want to progress and make the most of ASM and Almiron.
Both of which are subject to interest from clubs with deep pocket and ambition. Just my opinion but I think the reality of the clubs situation is still underestimated
I think we will struggle to keep them. The takeover was pretty crucial in this regard. Clubs aren't stupid, they can see what we've got and they know with their coaches, managers, facilities etc they'll be even better again. Just the reality of where we are as a club. We can say all the right things all we like about keeping ahold of players, clubs no longer decide. Players and agents do. So if a Man C want to offer stupid money for them to come sit on the bench, they'll probably take it. Not just because of money but players back themselves to break in too. Just my opinion of course, I hope I'm wrong because they are cracking young players.
This is the thing for me the takeover meant keeping our best players, not losing talent coming through the would be youth academy... Its really going to leave a lasting scar... Ashley I no longer my biggest issue although I'm not going to forgive him either