Don't normally crank up a thread for one of these, but thought this might deserve it. I spoke with Jackson Irvine today about a range of topics, from his career on the International stage and the departure of our national manager, to the departure of Slutsky, his impressions on Adkins so far, and plenty of other topics (including whether or not the off-field noise affects his game, an answer that might interest some on here..).
Thanks. I don't think it's been fine margins as he said, the defence just hasn't been anywhere near good enough.
As he touched on later on, he moved to Scotland when he was 16 to play with Celtic, so I guess he's lost his Aussie twang. It's still there, but it is pretty faint!
I suppose fine margins in the sense that some of the goals have come so late in matches - e.g. Norwich?
I think when the defence has had pressure on it it's collapsed. Sometimes that's at the end of games, of course goals have been conceded at other times too. I can understand a player not saying ' we've been pretty **** at keeping the goals out haven't we', you'd expect a more positive response from them in an interview, but the reality is it has been poor.
Interesting he did mention a few times that Adkins has more discipline and they'll be fitter under him so you can probably read between the lines a bit on that one.
Good interview, and nice to see they managed to get a player on the podcast. Listening to RH talksport it was mentioned that Leo only did 2 defensive sessions allegedly during his time. If that is true no wonder we were all at sea at the back.
I was a little surprised I managed it, but even more surprised they're getting on theirs this week! Great timing with the goal though (I'd had this set up since early last week). Wow that's crazy. Never understand how managers manage that. Like moyes at united (I think) doing no set piece routines.
I suspect from what was said that targets were identified, and Slutsky was instrumental in recruiting those players.
What irritates me is that some people wanting any excuse to slate Slutsky basically insinuate he came to the club with a list of players he himself identified. The idea he came from Russia with Irvine written on a piece of paper is laughable. Heres how I reckon it went down. The situation was we were selling everyone and signing no one. Ehab goes to Slutsky: "We want to sign Jackso..." Slutsky: "Yes sign them. I beg of you sign them". Ehab could have said we want to sign my old nan up front and Slutsky would have cried with joy. I'm not surprised he gave Irvine the VIP treatment to get him through the door.
If that's the reason for your cockwomble response to my comment, you're way off. More than way off. Other than Phelan who was never ever the right person, I have not looked for any excuse whatsoever. What's annoying is posters stating as fact that Slutsky had no hand in recruitment. That is patently not true.