For as many years as I can remember Neil Warnock has, rightly or wrongly, been associated with hoofball and the less attractive traits of the longball game. His reputation has been built on getting sides promotion on a shoestring budget and, doubtless, he has employed tactics that reflect the quality and strengths of the players at his disposal. What he achieved last season with a very modest outlay in comparison to other teams in the Championship was remarkable enough and, despite some less than attractive away performances, showed he was a manager who knew the way to the winning-line. In between some of those performances were some excellent wins playing some decent football as well. This season, despite the disastrous summer which could have seen Warnock walk away in frustration and the last minute rush of signings, he has fashioned a new side which appears to have gelled remarkably quickly and is playing the kind of football we haven't seen for decades. No hoofball here, quick, slick, crisp passing and movement that is very much top-flight football. Warnock has shown his critics he's no one-trick pony, his 4-2-3-1 of last season showed a tactical nous that would get the job done, the new formation has taken that a step further and we can look at the upcoming games with confidence rather than fear. In Warnock we trust, arise Sir Neil!...
Agreed mate, i know its only 2 games in but i can honestly its the most attractive and exciting football i have seen us play in many many years. And we've got Neil to thank for that
Spot on Sooperhoop. For the reasons you stated, I was unhappy when he was appointed our manager back in 2010. I didn't want to watch hoofball. However, he turned the tide in that season, and then gave us one of the best seasons ever. I think that he has changed over the years. His interviews seem to indicate that he now wants to play attractive football, it is certainly working currently. He clearly can get the best out of the players at his disposal, Taarabt being the most obvious case. He would appear to be getting even more out of him this season, different, but more. Well done to Ishan Saksena and Amit Bhatia for getting him in.
Two good performances, two clean sheets with the new signings. IT seems that NW has a knack of getting in players that have something to prove and players that want to play football rather than hoof ball. NW has been the best signing this club has made in a hell of a long time
Best football since the Magilton autumn, against better opposition but the comparison is valid as that team got found out. With a new team the opposition don't know what to expect, now after a few games they will. In warnock and this team, I fancy us to have a plan b unlike jim's team.
Its a great thread sooperhoop. I agree. I have said several times in recent weeks that our survival will depend on NW getting it right week in and week out. I asked the genuine question "was NW good enough to operate at this level", and so far he seems to have got his tacticts spot on. I was not having a go at him, just asking a question. It will be interesting to see if we develop a plan B as a team, especially in matches when we concede early or first. So far, he has been flawless.
Sir Neil of Warnock has enthusiasm & confidence coursing through his veins, which is also now flowing right through the team. We'll take some beatings, & have bad patches, but it's looking good for survival & more. Long may he, & it continue!
Been a Warnock fan for years. For me the big turn around came not when the Goons took over (short lived optimism) but when Warnock arrived. I'm not naturally intuitive but just knew that at long last we were on our way. Nothing's changed since but imo his crowning glory is not what he achieved last season nor what he does this season. It was in the way he conducted himself throughout the irrational austerity of a summer that would have severely tested the patience of saints. Despite being demoted, gagged and deprived of power over transfers, Sir Neil stood up strong all the way: always motivating, and always chasing the next potential addition to the squad even after the owners failed to follow through with the funds to seal the earlier deals. Top man(ager). Question is whether or not he can keep this lot fresh. What will he do when fortunes reverse over several games, heads drop and the reasons are not immediately obvious? Can he re-motivate at this level? Jury's out but he's still got the owners, loans and the January window to provide the kick start we'll no doubt need by then. You're right though Sooper - and other posters above. Sir Neil's a star and definitely one for the QPR hall of fame.
Great thread & a great read. There's not a lot to add to all your excellent comments. What Sir Neil has achieved up until now is nothing short of miraculous. Warnock is certainly exceeding all expectations week in week out. Exciting times indeed. I'm still pinching myself, & still smile when I think of our optimism of despair just 2 short months ago.
The key, of course, is that he now has what he was promised when he took the manager's job. As I recall, he was excited to come to LR because Amit promised him a chance in the Premiership with resources - something that he has not really had before. After some tense moments when we all wondered whether QPR might slide down the pan again, we are now on course with an improved squad, a manager whose is thoroughly enjoying the challenge WITH the promised resources and a board with passion for the club, full support of the manager and deep pockets and. of course, the long suffering but currently deliriously happy fans. Happy days indeed.
I'm just chuffed that we've now got a team who can compete, and one to be proud of, and that's all down to Sir Neil as far as I'm concerned... As he would say, let's just enjoy it!
I'm looking forward to looking forward to the next game. No fear, they're all gonna be woried about playing us. Oh happy days.
Its impossible to argue with any of the comments made esp Brix' glowing tribute. The man became a legend in May and his stock continues to rise. I must say I've been surprised by the way he's conducted himself since he took the reigns. So far he has been calmness and collectedness personified. I really like this manager and I hope he stays for the next three years. There is one word of caution however. In all his time at the Club we haven't really had a losing streak (all thanks to the great man himself of course) so his patience hasn't really been tested yet during a season. I have this horrible feeling that when we lose a few on the spin, the old COLIN will rear his ugly head and lose the run of himself as he has in the past. The officials will be first in the target line and it could get ugly. I do hope that won't be the case because he does seem to have mellowed in his old age. Fingers crossed.
