[Archived] Steve Kean

[S15]

Very amusing looking at S15 and DGS living on their very own fantasy island a world apart.

Yeah in this 'fantasy world' Man Utd aren't bust, Middlesbrough aren't in the Champion's League, Alonso plays for Real Madrid and Benitez is unemployed.

Over the years you've been digging one hell of a hole. You quite literally know nothing about football.

[Gav]

Come on chaps, big day and all that, let's argue later once the jobs done.

[thenodrog]

Come on chaps, big day and all that, let's argue later once the jobs done.

You have to say that haven't you? Fact remains that but for a maliciously agenda'd on the make adviser and crass Indian stupidity today would not be 'a big day' for us at all.

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

In the last month he's done alright. Doesn't make up for his disastrous start, but its something. He's done far better then most people on here thought he'd do in that period.

I think this is an interesting point - many on here thought we were as good as relegated a few matches ago - the club was apparently imploding with players showing no commitment to Steve Kean. What has happened has been the reverse - players are showing the sort of commitment that makes you believe they are behind Kean, we have started to look far more solid with a far better team pattern. Of course this could all go pear shaped this afternoon - but personally I have been surprised at the turn-around over the last few matches. I'm not saying Kean is the new Mourinho - but things have improved.

For all the complaints about his confidence - yes I wish he was a little more realistic - but a positive manager (in all walks of life) is far better than a negative one. Most sport at the highest level relies on psychology - could it be that this has been a deliberate ploy to keep up player morale ? Personally I have been surprised that players (up to press) haven't hidden (especially the younger players) but still show confidence to pass the ball and run at players - this being in sharp contrast to the last team we were relegated.

[PAFELL]

Very amusing looking at S15 and DGS living on their very own fantasy island a world apart.

I believe they also say that ignorance is bliss. But for some a normal way of life.

Yeah in this 'fantasy world' Man Utd aren't bust, Middlesbrough aren't in the Champion's League, Alonso plays for Real Madrid and Benitez is unemployed.

Over the years you've been digging one hell of a hole. You quite literally know nothing about football.

Manu being over 500 mill in debt - I suggest means they are not rolling in cash either.

Rafa is unemployed.

Philip can defend himself. But did he not also say that Sam was going as was John Williams - I believe these things happened.

[Gav]

I think this is an interesting point - many on here thought we were as good as relegated a few matches ago - the club was apparently imploding with players showing no commitment to Steve Kean. What has happened has been the reverse - players are showing the sort of commitment that makes you believe they are behind Kean, we have started to look far more solid with a far better team pattern.

Of course this could all go pear shaped this afternoon - but personally I have been surprised at the turn-around over the last few matches. I'm not saying Kean is the new Mourinho - but things have improved.

For all the complaints about his confidence - yes I wish he was a little more realistic - but a positive manager (in all walks of life) is far better than a negative one. Most sport at the highest level relies on psychology - could it be that this has been a deliberate ploy to keep up player morale ?

Personally I have been surprised that players (up to press) haven't hidden (especially the younger players) but still show confidence to pass the ball and run at players - this being in sharp contrast to the last team we were relegated.

You sound like me DMTP, which can be dangerous around here if you're not up for the fight.

Couldn't agree more pal with all of that, great points, but they'll be lost on most.

[tony gale's mic]

I think this is an interesting point - many on here thought we were as good as relegated a few matches ago - the club was apparently imploding with players showing no commitment to Steve Kean. What has happened has been the reverse - players are showing the sort of commitment that makes you believe they are behind Kean, we have started to look far more solid with a far better team pattern. Of course this could all go pear shaped this afternoon - but personally I have been surprised at the turn-around over the last few matches. I'm not saying Kean is the new Mourinho - but things have improved.

I really wouldnt call whats happened a "turnaround". A "turnaround" would usually involve a little more than one win.

The Man U performance I was probably most impressed by and would certainly give Kean some credit for that, but then they have only won 5 out of 19 away games all season. Bolton have the worst away record in the league and were in bad form - if we didnt beat them it wouldve been pretty bad. City we played pretty well for a lot of the game which Kean has to take some credit for, but then his baffling decision to put Rocinha in midfield ultimately cost us a point. We could have easily, easily lost at West Ham. We were poor at Everton.

Yes things could have been a bit worse, but then if they were a bit worse we'd be staring relegation in the face, rather than looking nervously over our shoulder.

A small improvement? Yes. A turnaround? Definitely not.

[Majiball]

I think this is an interesting point - many on here thought we were as good as relegated a few matches ago - the club was apparently imploding with players showing no commitment to Steve Kean. What has happened has been the reverse - players are showing the sort of commitment that makes you believe they are behind Kean, we have started to look far more solid with a far better team pattern. Of course this could all go pear shaped this afternoon - but personally I have been surprised at the turn-around over the last few matches. I'm not saying Kean is the new Mourinho - but things have improved.

For all the complaints about his confidence - yes I wish he was a little more realistic - but a positive manager (in all walks of life) is far better than a negative one. Most sport at the highest level relies on psychology - could it be that this has been a deliberate ploy to keep up player morale ? Personally I have been surprised that players (up to press) haven't hidden (especially the younger players) but still show confidence to pass the ball and run at players - this being in sharp contrast to the last team we were relegated.

Being a qualified and practising psychologist I would describe Kean's positivity and talking as 'fingers in your ears syndrome', you cannot just ignore possibilities and come out with gash like we haven't even discussed relegation and yet here we are in a position were it could happen. Not preparing or considering all eventualities are the acts of a fool IMO, as anything is possible.

I remain far from convinced he has the players backing, in many of the games since he has taken over I have on numerous occasions seen players either ignore his orders from the dugout or tell him he's wrong. We all use similar hand signals to emphasis instructions on the touchline so you can gain a reasonable idea of the instructions given and the players reaction tells you whether they agree or not. Trouble is you don't see players at many clubs ignoring orders or telling the manager he's wrong. Look at Samba last weekend, he had said he was injured and wanted to come off. Before he eventually did everyone saw Samba giving rather aggressive responses to the bench, almost as if to say what the (Please don't use that word again) is going on where's the sub.

For me the debate on improvement is mute, Kean is not up to the job and needs to be replaced along with most of his team as they are all part of the problem as well. Change must come in the summer and if it doesn't come through Venky's, then us the fans will have to force the issue.

[Kelbo]

Being a qualified and practising psychologist I would describe Kean's positivity and talking as 'fingers in your ears syndrome', you cannot just ignore possibilities and come out with gash like we haven't even discussed relegation and yet here we are in a position were it could happen. Not preparing or considering all eventualities are the acts of a fool IMO, as anything is possible.

I remain far from convinced he has the players backing, in many of the games since he has taken over I have on numerous occasions seen players either ignore his orders from the dugout or tell him he's wrong. We all use similar hand signals to emphasis instructions on the touchline so you can gain a reasonable idea of the instructions given and the players reaction tells you whether they agree or not. Trouble is you don't see players at many clubs ignoring orders or telling the manager he's wrong. Look at Samba last weekend, he had said he was injured and wanted to come off. Before he eventually did everyone saw Samba giving rather aggressive responses to the bench, almost as if to say what the (Please don't use that word again) is going on where's the sub.

For me the debate on improvement is mute, Kean is not up to the job and needs to be replaced along with most of his team as they are all part of the problem as well. Change must come in the summer and if it doesn't come through Venky's, then us the fans will have to force the issue.

Yes, I saw that as well, I have also heard that Samba is making big calls in the dressing room with regard to tactics!!

We must as fans insist we remove Kean and Jensen, its not negotiable with our owners, its a neccessity.

If they keep Kean, there is a clear indication that the criteria for managing Rovers is to be a 'Yes' man, which is what we believed all along!!

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

Yes, I saw that as well, I have also heard that Samba is making big calls in the dressing room with regard to tactics!!

We must as fans insist we remove Kean and Jensen, its not negotiable with our owners, its a neccessity.

I am not arguing the rights or wrongs of Kean and Jensen - just a few observations :-

1. Kean set up a meeting with senior players a while ago to discuss any ongoing problems - it was widely reported at the time - so I wouldn't be surprised if senior players are contributing to discussions around tactics. The fact that Kean has taken this on board has to be of credit to him - there are some managers that are so entrenched in their own ideas that they won't listen to any others.

2. I can't believe that the effort the players have put in is just to spite Kean. There must be some form of commitment to him.

3. Several players have come out in support of Kean.

4. Whether we retain Kean or not may depend on the players. If Jones/Samba and Hoilett push for moves away citing Kean as a contributory factor we could see him replaced. They are all ambitious players - and will need to have faith in Kean and our owners commitment to stay at the club. Other than Samba answering a question about Arsenals previous interest - things have been remarkably quiet. I have been surprised that the press haven't tried to push a move for Hoilett - which makes me hope he will eventually extend his contract.

Right or wrong - I have a feeling Kean will still be in charge at the start of next season (though todays game will obviously have a major influence on that)

[BuckyRover]

I really wouldnt call whats happened a "turnaround". A "turnaround" would usually involve a little more than one win.

The Man U performance I was probably most impressed by and would certainly give Kean some credit for that, but then they have only won 5 out of 19 away games all season. Bolton have the worst away record in the league and were in bad form - if we didnt beat them it wouldve been pretty bad. City we played pretty well for a lot of the game which Kean has to take some credit for, but then his baffling decision to put Rocinha in midfield ultimately cost us a point. We could have easily, easily lost at West Ham. We were poor at Everton.

Yes things could have been a bit worse, but then if they were a bit worse we'd be staring relegation in the face, rather than looking nervously over our shoulder.

A small improvement? Yes. A turnaround? Definitely not.

Is this your ******* turnaround?

[imy9]

8 points (potentially) from 4 games, including 2 wins, statistically thats European form

[Mc Love]

KEAN still has to go!

[Hekla]

Thank you Steve Kean.

[tony gale's mic]

Is this your ******* turnaround?

So halfway through the match, your first thought was to post an angry message to me on the forum? For someone who claims he doesn't really care about being right or wrong here, that's quite something

It's an improvement, not a turnaround. Still the same problem with half time team talks for one. He's improved as a manager and I think should the worst happen and Venky's keep him on we're not definitely doomed to relegation. But there's no way we'll reach anything like our potential with him in charge.

[Gav]

Steve Kean I salute you.

You've no managerial experience, no tactical nouse, a bunch of players that have been hoofing the ball for 2yrs and.......

YOU MANAGED TO KEEP US UP!

CONGRATULATIONS

[SouthAussieRover]

Well dome to the players. Despite being managed by a muppet for the past few months you've kept us up. I salute you.

Well dome to the players. Despite being managed by a muppet for the past few months you've kept us up. I salute you.

[tony gale's mic]

Steve Kean I salute you.

You've no managerial experience, no tactical nouse, a bunch of players that have been hoofing the ball for 2yrs and.......

YOU MANAGED TO KEEP US UP!

CONGRATULATIONS

Steve Kean,

You inherited a team that had finished top 10 four out of the last five seasons, were given a decent transfer kitty in January, had a pretty good headstart and...

You still almost got us relegated.

You improved a bit towards the end, but you're still not good enough to manage Blackburn Rovers.

[Bobby G]

I still say sack him, and will say that he aint the future of this club. Lucky escape this season, lets not kid ourselves.

[sam_rovers]

Still think he's in over his head. Has got to go

[Ferrit]

Let's not allow survival cloud our judgement. The fact remains Steve Keans appointment put us into the position of potential relegation in the first place.

He still needs to go, so we have the opportunity to rebuild with someone experienced in the hot seat. Finishing 15th with final day survival is not a good season, especially when we were 8th half way through it.

[DE.]

Glad we stayed up, but today's game still emphasised that we need a real manager in charge.

Get the feeling today's victory means he stays, though.

[tony gale's mic]

Yeah, the manager issue is so huge.

If we get a decent manager in - doesn't need to be a Benitez or Jol - then we'd have a much better tactician in charge, the money we spend is more likely to be spent on good signings, and with the bright young talents at our club I'll feel more optimistic about our club than I have been for a while. Even under Sam though I think he did a great job, the lack of talent and funds always meant things were a struggle.

However if we keep Kean then I really do worry. He's still not cut out to be a manager at this level and I'm not so confident he'd spend the money well. I think we'll be at the lower end of the table again next season with him in charge.

[JAL]

Escaping relegation under Stephen Kean on the final day.

Times up for Stephen Kean !

[sparkspakespoke]

Kean has done well the past five or so games. He has improved and in games like the westham and wolves matches where the other teams have had to win and throw everything at us he has got some big results.

We should not of been in this position and that we were was down to his inexperience, however he has done well to get up out.

Would feel better if he was not in charge next year but if he is then at least there has been some encouraging signs.

Oh and lets hope he gets a taxi home tonight!