Posted this on the match thread, but wanted to get some other views.
I appreciate this is a longer post, but would be grateful if you could read it and offer your opinions on the situation!
It begins...
I really couldn't give a stuff if we're attractive to watch or not (I get enough of that from Saints
). Some people find Spain and Barca boring, some don't.
As said, every good team starts with a good defence, crack that and you're onto a winner. If the other team can't score, you'll at worst draw.
I'm aware we conceded tonight, but have immense faith in Hodgson to, after this tournament, blood the youngsters and have them defensively drilled and aware of their roles. All I can remember of "the England way" was pushing on and pushing on before making a monumental cock-up and conceding on the counter. I don't think I could personally judge Hodgson fairly on this tournament, although I am seeing some impressive glimpses, although ball retention needs to improve, and delivery from wide areas also. However on the ball retention front I think today's game was the best so far for that, so clearly it is being worked on.
I think we have to wait for 2014 in Brazil to be able to give a fair appraisal in all honesty. Sadly the press will be all over him if it goes off-track, because he is not Harry Redknapp - who they were clamouring for. If Roy can give us a strong base to build from he can move onto improving our attacking side of things. This is what he did at Fulham and Switzerland/Finland also. He dragged Fulham away from the drop-zone when many thought they were doomed, then he built on it and led the team to a European Final! What Roy does is over-achieve through strength, team-work, organisation and mental focus with teams who can't go out and outplay the MUFC's, Man City's, Spain's, Germany's of this world.
I also like Hodgson's approach to man-management and the way he handles himself in front of the media. He is realistic, whilst optimistic, which is a good trait to see in the England manager. He's certainly very interactive and open to talk when he feels it is necessary. I remember seeing Capello striding across from the hotel in South Africa and standing on the grass verge across the road, talking to the press. Roy was more than happy to let the cameras into his base and have a few words and take a few snaps. He's involved, and clearly passionate - however some media outlets questioned this, I guess because unlike Redknapp would, he doesn't blab on about that every 5 minutes. The players seem to respect him and appreciate that he accepts he is far older than them and has played Gary Neville as a sort of link between them and him. He lets them have their space and R&R time and they do the same. He's let them use their phones, bring their games consoles and do things such as go in others rooms when training and rehab is done. I see no issue with this and think Roy's approach of "I'll treat them like adults - respect works both ways" but also think he is right in that he has told the players where they stand and what he expects, and if there is a slump in attitude, or if people go against his wishes these privileges could be revoked.
Right now, I think Hodgson is exactly what we need for the reasons stated above. But I won't be too hasty to criticise him, he's only been in 40 days or so. I am totally behind the bloke, he knows far more about football than pretty much anyone I can think of. His sheer pool of knowledge, years of research and coaching are invaluable, and Roy is experienced domestically, in other nations, in European competition and International Management. The guy knows his stuff. Yet is mocked for a speech impediment, whilst the media championed a self-confessed illiterate man who has been in the spotlight for shady dealings and claimed he has the writing of a 3 year old.
Good luck Roy.
DTLW
I appreciate this is a longer post, but would be grateful if you could read it and offer your opinions on the situation!
It begins...
I really couldn't give a stuff if we're attractive to watch or not (I get enough of that from Saints
). Some people find Spain and Barca boring, some don't.As said, every good team starts with a good defence, crack that and you're onto a winner. If the other team can't score, you'll at worst draw.
I'm aware we conceded tonight, but have immense faith in Hodgson to, after this tournament, blood the youngsters and have them defensively drilled and aware of their roles. All I can remember of "the England way" was pushing on and pushing on before making a monumental cock-up and conceding on the counter. I don't think I could personally judge Hodgson fairly on this tournament, although I am seeing some impressive glimpses, although ball retention needs to improve, and delivery from wide areas also. However on the ball retention front I think today's game was the best so far for that, so clearly it is being worked on.
I think we have to wait for 2014 in Brazil to be able to give a fair appraisal in all honesty. Sadly the press will be all over him if it goes off-track, because he is not Harry Redknapp - who they were clamouring for. If Roy can give us a strong base to build from he can move onto improving our attacking side of things. This is what he did at Fulham and Switzerland/Finland also. He dragged Fulham away from the drop-zone when many thought they were doomed, then he built on it and led the team to a European Final! What Roy does is over-achieve through strength, team-work, organisation and mental focus with teams who can't go out and outplay the MUFC's, Man City's, Spain's, Germany's of this world.
I also like Hodgson's approach to man-management and the way he handles himself in front of the media. He is realistic, whilst optimistic, which is a good trait to see in the England manager. He's certainly very interactive and open to talk when he feels it is necessary. I remember seeing Capello striding across from the hotel in South Africa and standing on the grass verge across the road, talking to the press. Roy was more than happy to let the cameras into his base and have a few words and take a few snaps. He's involved, and clearly passionate - however some media outlets questioned this, I guess because unlike Redknapp would, he doesn't blab on about that every 5 minutes. The players seem to respect him and appreciate that he accepts he is far older than them and has played Gary Neville as a sort of link between them and him. He lets them have their space and R&R time and they do the same. He's let them use their phones, bring their games consoles and do things such as go in others rooms when training and rehab is done. I see no issue with this and think Roy's approach of "I'll treat them like adults - respect works both ways" but also think he is right in that he has told the players where they stand and what he expects, and if there is a slump in attitude, or if people go against his wishes these privileges could be revoked.
Right now, I think Hodgson is exactly what we need for the reasons stated above. But I won't be too hasty to criticise him, he's only been in 40 days or so. I am totally behind the bloke, he knows far more about football than pretty much anyone I can think of. His sheer pool of knowledge, years of research and coaching are invaluable, and Roy is experienced domestically, in other nations, in European competition and International Management. The guy knows his stuff. Yet is mocked for a speech impediment, whilst the media championed a self-confessed illiterate man who has been in the spotlight for shady dealings and claimed he has the writing of a 3 year old.
Good luck Roy.
DTLW
