[Archived] Steve Kean

[Exiled in Toronto]

Um, unless I missed something we lost the match so by definition the manager got his selection, substitutions and tactics wrong. I would agree managers cannot legislate for individual mistakes such as Samba's in the 3rd minute but over the course of the match Kean should have been able to spot the cracks in a weakened Spurs team and direct his players accordingly. With regards to individuals the selection of Roberts brought instant groans from supporters who know he should never start a game except in an emergency while the selection of Andrews over Pedersen defied logic and belief. The manager got it badly wrong on Wednesday and not for the first time since he took over.

I agree the manager should be accountable for results, but badly wrong is stretching it a bit when Gomes was their MoM. Throwing the clearly unready Goulon into his debut at Old Trafford of all places was badly wrong.

I don't think Roberts is a starter but the trouble is than none of the other available strikers has any better case. They all have some good attributes that they put to some good use sometimes; none of them are consistent enough to be considered first choice. Kalinic was just as likely to spend the game on his arse as Roberts was to huff and puff his way around.

[Majiball]

Roberts is the one who worries me most out of the two having just signed a new deal. As you say, he offers very little when starting but is effective from the bench. I'd imagine though by signing a new deal that he'll start matches more often than not.

We should have let his contract run down and been shot of his 25k p/w (minimum) come the summer.

We've re-signed him because otherwise would could have ended up in the scenario of having 1 striker on the books in the summer. Banjoni won't be staying, RSC could go back to City & Diouf back to United, so we'd need at least 3 strikers. 3 strikers will cost a serious amount of cash and it's one of the hardest positions to fill and fill successfully.

We'll also have limited funds to play with in the summer and this way means 1 less position to fill, so consequently more funds for the positions we really do need. Roberts also knows the players & they know him, it makes sense to keep him around.

[Kelbo]

Wigan is a big match for Kean, despite people who defend him, he is largely inexperienced and pitting his wits against more experienced managers, goalkeepers are paid to make saves, how many times did Brad get us the points under Sparky, make the saves and we would nick one at the other end.

The Arsenal double winning side would keep a clean sheet and nick the odd goal, they had to defend like hell at times, we only need to look at Tim Flowers 'Bottle' game against Newcastle, we were battered at times yet won 1 - 0

So he has to find a way through a dodgy defence and ensure we look after NZogbia and the striker, we should be able to do that, if we dont, we could get dragged into a real relegation scrap.

[neekoy]

Am I reading you wrongly? How is losing 1-0 better than drawing 1-1?

You are probably reading me right but I was talking about style and what I like to see. I would rather 18 shots on goal and score nothing through a MOM goalkeeper then 2 shots on goal scoring of a setpeice header to a defender a nick a draw.

Essentially if we play the way we did against Tottenham most of the time it would be good enough for a win against any team if the keeper doesn't have a blinder.

Does that make sense?

[tony gale's mic]

You are probably reading me right but I was talking about style and what I like to see. I would rather 18 shots on goal and score nothing through a MOM goalkeeper then 2 shots on goal scoring of a setpeice header to a defender a nick a draw.

Essentially if we play the way we did against Tottenham most of the time it would be good enough for a win against any team if the keeper doesn't have a blinder.

Does that make sense?

I'd rather draw a game than lose a game tbh, but each to their own...

If Kean's results stand up at the end of the season it'll be one thing, but all this "playing good football and losing" lark reminds me of another manager we had..

[John]

Generally it is not a good habit to get into, playing well and not winning or picking up point. Obviously you are not going to "play well" every game.

[gumboots]

Generally it is not a good habit to get into, playing well and not winning or picking up point. Obviously you are not going to "play well" every game.

No, and in some where you don't play well you'll pick up points you didn't deserve. Only the top teams win regardless of how well they play, e.g. Man Utd's run earlier this season. I'd rather win than lose any day but we lost to Spurs last season and it wasn't anywhere near the performance from us it was this. If we're going to lose I'd rather lose trying and playing some decent football than holding out for a nil-nil, hoping to get a goal and ending up conceding instead.

[Bobby G]

Only a fool would rather lose playing well, than win playing badly.

I guess Sam's "style" did have a detrimental effect on our fans after all.

[LeChuck]

We're now a soft touch. I bet teams can't wait to play us, they'll get chances galore and as much possession as they desire. If it was easy to get teams playing attacking football then every manager would do it.

That 2 1/2 year deal is looking VERY hasty. A win against a dreadful Liverpool side can only gloss over this crap for so long.

[Tom]

Prove you deserve the job this week now Kean, biggest game of the season next week now.

[G Somerset Rover]

We're now a soft touch. I bet teams can't wait to play us, they'll get chances galore and us much possession as they desire. If it was easy to get teams playing attacking football then every manager would do it.

That 2 1/2 year deal is looking VERY hasty. A win against a dreadful Liverpool side can only gloss over this crap for so long.

After today Kean will have:

Played 11

Won 4

Drew 1

Lost 6

Given that one of our wins was at home to QPR in the Cup it is now looking a very average start. What is apparent is that we either win or lose - we're far too open and as you say, are looking a soft touch.

Newcastle becomes a very big game for Steve Kean right now after losing 3 on the spin.

[92er]

After today Kean will have:

Played 11

Won 4

Drew 1

Lost 6

Given that one of our wins was at home to QPR in the Cup it is now looking a very average start. What is apparent is that we either win or lose - we're far too open and as you say, are looking a soft touch.

Don't forget as well that 2 of the victories were against the same team-WBA-who have been on a very poor run.

[BRFC1995]

After today Kean will have:

Played 11

Won 4

Drew 1

Lost 6

Given that one of our wins was at home to QPR in the Cup it is now looking a very average start. What is apparent is that we either win or lose - we're far too open and as you say, are looking a soft touch.

Newcastle becomes a very big game for Steve Kean right now after losing 3 on the spin.

he ain't good enough by a mile. Where have we seen gash footballers trying nice football and losing constantly before, ah yeah we are the new WBA cheers steve. Even the crap teams have there once a year giant killing that i take it our win over liverpool was.

Shipping 4 goals to an abysmal wigan team and attacking with both our away record and lack of quality absolute schoolboy stuff.

Huge pressure on him the next match we are miles from safety.

[Bobby G]

Guys, please calm down. You're being silly.

He's positive and he THINKS! At least by standards set by Mrs. Desai and her brothers.

[chris]

I still think if sick note Santa Cruz and Givet were fit we would have won.

I'm not going to hate Kean too much for this one, although I do think he is a puppet.

hopefully learning from his mistakes.

[imy9]

In all seriousness there is no way Kean is being sacked which means that he will be given ample time to get the players playing his style of football.

Defensively we need Jones and Givet fit.

[dazmaz]

Good news about Jones is he has been cleared by his surgeon to run. Will be back in training soon

[Bobby G]

I'd say he could be back this time next month.

[chris]

Good interview with Kean on sky sports, I'm not going to go as far a Nicko and claim he is the worlds greatest manager from it, but at least he is talking some sense.

needs to sort it though

[Bobby G]

Interviews put you in contention for things these days?

[92er]

Interviews put you in contention for things these days?

Indeed they do.

Lots of people are telling us that.

[chris]

honestly after watching I am a convinced Kean is the right man

here it is:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vukPz_nMJ40&feature=related

[True Blue & White]

Steve Kean...coach, manager, tactician, genius.

The answer's A, coach

[Amo]

Steve Kean...coach, manager, tactician, genius.

The answer's A, coach

The odds were always going to be stacked against him. No PL assistant has ever made the successful step-up to manager. However, there's a first time for everything, and if Kean really does have Venky's full backing, he might just stand a chance. But he'll need to learn the ropes fast in this game, for his future and, more importantly, the club's.

[imy9]

The odds were always going to be stacked against him. No PL assistant has ever made the successful step-up to manager. However, there's a first time for everything, and if Kean really does have Venky's full backing, he might just stand a chance. But he'll need to learn the ropes fast in this game, for his future and, more importantly, the club's.

Steve McClaren.