I don't know who you mean by BFS but Graham Taylor didn't do too badly at club level given who he was managing. I would suggest I favour an Alan Hansen approach. Now here was a very skilful centre back in a team who very much favoured the passing game. BUT, when in doubt his philosophy has always been to hoof it out of danger. That is my preferred way of playing. I always get the feeling with Boruc, he prefers looking cool to hoofing despite the danger.
My point originally was that the impression I have at a game, home games particular, is that saints fans always encourage keeper/defenders to knock it long. I don't like this and I sit their most weeks, turn to my Dad/son noting that the opposition get it back. Alan Hansen did not have that philosophy when he played. He only did that when it was the only option; he would try and play out first. I note that you said "when in doubt" which is fine, at home to me we encourage Boruc to do that when there is not much doubt. That gives the other team the ball more often than not. This emphasises my point. Too many English fans expect "clear the danger first" Take a look at the pitch. Most teams have either 2 or 3 attackers against 4 defenders and a keeper in most instances. Good players should be able to keep the ball under those circumstances. As for the Graham Taylor comment, well, I rest my case. If you enjoyed watching his clubs then You and I could never agree on footballing matters. I know you didnt say you enjoyed them but you commented that he did well. so what. west Ham have done well under Big Fat Sam. Is that good? Simple philosophy Taylor had: get the ball to the opposing box as quickly and as often as possible. The more it is there the more chance you have have scoring. Not good and not for me. On England duty he gave a cap to Carlton Palmer There is a time and a place to get rid of the ball, my basic point is the English disease encourages it too often when there is no need. If a player has possession of the ball and under control, a team mate should be able to get in position to receive a pass. It's just about selecting the right option.
Fans panic...that's our job. Boruc pulled a wry smile when he mentioned that fans don't like it when he plays the ball out as he is instructed by the manager. Sometimes a player has to know when getting it away is the best option...however, I can understand that mistakes happen if his first instinct is not to hoof it...that can introduce half a second of indecision. Overall, Mauricio is right...I'm sure his system has worked more than it hasn't.
FLT I don't think we are that far part really, just perhaps that I am more pessimistic and always fear the worst. As such I would always tend to 'hoof' if I thought there was any possibility of danger. That doesn't mean to say it is my preferred way of playing. That said, look at the Spurs game today. Our first goal and Spurs 3rd were from long clearances and Lovren should have hoofed the ball into row z for their 2nd.
