Mate it was deadline day, the Leeds chairman tweeted about that french player saying he was done and then he tried to go to Nice. (failed his medical)
He said he was up here for talks and it was going well. To my scout mate who I was next too. That's basically it. Didn't happen. Mowbray even said today it's a shame a few balls didn't drop in as they were close. In hindsight I shouldn't have said anytning as it wasn't done. But given the context it looked to be.
Sadly that's the truth and I'm including myself in that. Look how many players have been totally written off by the fans. Clarke - weak and scared of his own shadow Evans - too old and slow Cirkin - positionally poor and inexperienced And so on. Most of us, if we're being honest, had never heard of the likes of Ballard yet Speakman has identified them, scouted them, approached them and their club, then negotiated a deal. Having supported the club for over half a century I have to say this is like witchcraft.
Because was told in confidence, shouldnt have posted anything to be fair. Just reacted to the CS love in smugg.
You were told in confidence then posted it on a Sunderland message board? Then when asked more said it wasn't all the players but some. Not your greatest evening mate
So it's not what you know, first hand, just gossip. That's fair enough, I thought as much tbh. The players don't really have much contact with him once they're here and handed over to the coaches.
You do realise this will be picked up by those over the road and repeated don't you? Hardly keeping confidence when it's probably going to blasted all over the 2 biggest fan sites we have
That's all fair and I can't disagree with you. I think we view it all through a different lens though: there's too much emotion in it for the vast majority of us. Get thumped and we're out for blood and calling for heads to roll. A week later we thrash someone and every player is a hero There's definitely some more level headed fans out there mind. From experience, these are usually the folks who stay well away from message boards like these and you can only find at the games. Usually older boys who've seen it all before too! People like Speakman are where they are though because they can take the emotion out of it and are patient enough to watch the long game and see these lads develop. Full credit to him and those around him. Got to have ice in the veins to be effective in his position I suppose!
Maybe just maybe we are actually coaching our players on their weaknesses, we aren’t in a position to buy the finished article, identifying players with potential and putting confidence in the coaches to coach is the way we are going. I don’t have a problem with that, even the greatest players have or had a chink in their armour. I love the fact that we are taking a chance on these young lads and are putting a lot of emphasis on coaching them to become better players. TM wasn’t my choice but without doubt he was a good centre half, I dare say he will coach Ballard into a better player.
Simon Humes said: ↑ Sorry mate, cant say too much, but hes not liked...imo The imo at the end says it all. He knows bugger all
In the presser today Speakman said the coaching setup at the club is just as important as signing these young lads in the first place. We need to have the coaches to bring them on football wise and also their personalities. Mowbray wasn't choice but can't argue with what he has said so far. Seems a very decent bloke.
