[Archived] Steve Kean

[Exiled in Toronto]

How's that for controversial? BTW, rather than attacking me for that, convince me why Steve Kean should be kept on.

Not attacking, just surprised no mention of the feather in his cap given how strongly you argued for it before the game. Had we lost would his inability to win such a game have made you list of reasons?

[den]

Not attacking, just surprised no mention of the feather in his cap given how strongly you argued for it before the game. Had we lost would his inability to win such a game have made you list of reasons?

I did credit Kean in the match preview thread, for the way he set rovers up in the first half. I have given him credit previously as well EIT. In particular, he pressurised the Wolves back four, which stopped them playing from the back, or through midfield. Second half we stopped doing that, but the point is the game was won in the first half, so yes, well done to him and the players.

I stick to my previous post though. Too many risks keeping him on here.

[imy9]

Voted sack for the following reasons.

First and foremost, results plainly not good enough.

As shown earlier Hughes at Fulham had a poorer record with similar games and is only 4% now, due to draws rather than losses, past is the past I will judge him from 1st game in August- last 8 games the results have been decent enough.

He talks absolute garbage. Either he doesn't know what he's talking about, or he tries to kid the fans. I hate that. There are a thousand examples of this

Every manager is guilty of this, why is Kean only mentioned here, for example Souness always downplayed our achievements, Jose-where do I start, he has only managed 25 games in his entire managerial career, he is still learning...

Lack of nous in the transfer market. I doubt that he has the contacts within the game to pick out a target, that's why we saw a January transfer window that was managed by JA - and that's why Kean was appointed in the first place. He was appointed as a yes man and that's what he still is. In my opinion, he had no idea who Formica [the new Batistuta] was, probably didn't know who JJ or Rochina were. He would undoubtedly know about RSC, injuries and all, yet still brought him back, no doubt at a massive cost to the club in wages. He's already said he would like to bring RSC back permanently next season, along with Myles Anderson. That's a great start.

Does not make sense, either he is in control of transfers and such has made some decent signings with obvious potential OR he has no control of transfers and thus there is no obvious lack of nous!

Poor man management. Failing to back EHD against Neil Warnock. A good manager should back his players in public. Failing to have Givet mentally ready for a vital relegation game. Bringing Samba's alleged restlessness into the public eye, as a diversion from the squad's public shock at Kean replacing Big Sam.

One could argue Kean made the correct call by getting rid of EHD when he allegedly said all sorts of nasty things to the QPR player, keeping him would have meant less time for Hoilett- our best player over the last 2 months- correct call. Samba told The Sun about wanting to leave- how is that Keans fault? Givet was not mentally ready (for obvious reasons which had nothing to do with Venkys/Kean and more to do with previous management) how is that Keans fault- you should praise him for backing him after the new allegations came out in The Sun.

Tactically unaware. True, he's got one or two game plans right, but overall his tactics and substitutions have been confusing to say the least. Diamond formations, no-one on the right side against Newcastle and substitutions that have weakened the team, rather than consolidated it - on a regular basis.

If you look at the last 8-10 games, Kean's team selection, formations etc have been spot on, Arsenal away, Man Utd at home, Bolton home, Wolves away, plenty of games where we have played good football and kept our shape. The major positive is that Kean changed the shape of the team once he realised 4-4-2 was clearly not working at the time.

I would like to see someone who by reputation alone can attract good players to the club. Ideally, a manager who is respected for what he's achieved in the game, either as a player or as a manager. Dalglish, Hughes and Souness are past examples of how a managers name alone can be a big draw to potential signings.

Cant argue with that but ultimately money talks and if you offer enough money players will arrive, Man City proving that.

The fans are against him. All the polls and comments on here or on the LT have said that the guy is very unpopular with rovers fans. One or two might have changed their mind, but he doesn't have anywhere near the support that he needs to take the fans with him. If he's still here, then he's going to need a really good start to the campaign, or the season could be very difficult.

I think looking at the latest polls the fans are more in favour of Kean, from 90% wanting him gone to only 60%. The last statement is obvious and I agree.

I see no reasons why Kean should be kept on.

How's that for controversial? BTW, rather than attacking me for that, convince me why Steve Kean should be kept on.

A major reason for keeping Kean would be the obvious shift to youth players that he has introduced/built on:

1. Olsson- getting better at left back/left wing

2. Hoilett- a star has been created over the last two months

3. Jones- is now being played in his correct position of centre back and will remain there next season

4. Lowe and Morris should get more games next season too.

The players clearly enjoy working for him and results have suggested it may be coming together for Kean.

[chris]

A major reason for keeping Kean would be the obvious shift to youth players that he has introduced/built on:

1. Olsson- getting better at left back/left wing

2. Hoilett- a star has been created over the last two months

3. Jones- is now being played in his correct position of centre back and will remain there next season

4. Lowe and Morris should get more games next season too.

The players clearly enjoy working for him and results have suggested it may be coming together for Kean.

Olsson and Hoilett were always going to make in the Blackburn team whether it was Sam, Kean, Kidd or Ronald McDonald incharge.

[imy9]

Olsson and Hoilett were always going to make in the Blackburn team whether it was Sam, Kean, Kidd or Ronald McDonald incharge.

Olsson has always been inconsistent in the past couple of seasons and Hoilett had not scored a league goal for us and was not a match winner- now both are potential match winners and come on leap and bounds under Kean's management. One could argue Wayne Rooney was "always going to make it" but I credit Moyes for developing him into the player he is today.

[RovertheHill]

Voted sack for the following reasons.

First and foremost, results plainly not good enough. AGREED

He talks absolute garbage. Either he doesn't know what he's talking about, or he tries to kid the fans. I hate that. There are a thousand examples of this AGREED - although I have to say Sam used to talk some utter sh*te too. And Souness. Hughes was one of the best I thought. I think Kean is getting better but still a long way to go.

Lack of nous in the transfer market. I doubt that he has the contacts within the game to pick out a target, that's why we saw a January transfer window that was managed by JA - and that's why Kean was appointed in the first place. He was appointed as a yes man and that's what he still is. In my opinion, he had no idea who Formica [the new Batistuta] was, probably didn't know who JJ or Rochina were. He would undoubtedly know about RSC, injuries and all, yet still brought him back, no doubt at a massive cost to the club in wages. He's already said he would like to bring RSC back permanently next season, along with Myles Anderson. That's a great start. AGREED - Anderson is a huge mistake. No denying that. However, if you listen to Tony Parkes it seems to me the scouts put players in front of ALL managers. I doubt Sam had a clue who Nzonzi was until a scout pointed him out. Can't argue about contacts in the game though. An experienced manager would beat him hands down.

Poor man management. Failing to back EHD against Neil Warnock. A good manager should back his players in public. Failing to have Givet mentally ready for a vital relegation game. Bringing Samba's alleged restlessness into the public eye, as a diversion from the squad's public shock at Kean replacing Big Sam. DISAGREE - I think his man-management has improved a lot. Time will, however, tell on that one.

Tactically unaware. True, he's got one or two game plans right, but overall his tactics and substitutions have been confusing to say the least. Diamond formations, no-one on the right side against Newcastle and substitutions that have weakened the team, rather than consolidated it - on a regular basis. PARTIALLY AGREE - he's learning fast and our tactical setups recently, and the changes made during the games, have been good. Substitutions still weak though.

I would like to see someone who by reputation alone can attract good players to the club. Ideally, a manager who is respected for what he's achieved in the game, either as a player or as a manager. Dalglish, Hughes and Souness are past examples of how a managers name alone can be a big draw to potential signings. AGREE

The fans are against him. All the polls and comments on here or on the LT have said that the guy is very unpopular with rovers fans. One or two might have changed their mind, but he doesn't have anywhere near the support that he needs to take the fans with him. If he's still here, then he's going to need a really good start to the campaign, or the season could be very difficult. PARTIALLY AGREE - a poor start and he'll be out before you know it. A good start and plenty will support him. From my point of view, despite wanting a more experienced manager, if he's here in August I will support him.

I see no reasons why Kean should be kept on.

How's that for controversial? BTW, rather than attacking me for that, convince me why Steve Kean should be kept on.

Some good points Den - comments above

Dont give Kean the credit for Youth Development, Phil Cannon is doing just what he did at Everton, producing first team players,

one each season for 15 years at Everton and its no coincidence its happened at Rovers since he joined us!!

That's a great record - when did he join us?

[Majiball]

Dont give Kean the credit for Youth Development, Phil Cannon is doing just what he did at Everton, producing first team players,

one each season for 15 years at Everton and its no coincidence its happened at Rovers since he joined us!!

Don't forget Bowyer, he did a great job with the 18's before moving to the reserves. Who stepped up to take over from Bowyer? Mcphilips?

[my_name_is_Earl]

I still think Kean isn't the right man for the job. I was down at Wolves yesterday and it was a great day out and the team put in such an accomplished performance, I actually couldn't believe how good we were in the first half!

However, as much as I admire how he has handled the pressure and in hindsight, kept us up, I believe his obvious ability to coach (as can be seen in the improvement of the younger players), does not make him a good manager and although I do think he could be a good manager over a longer period of time, I think now is the opportunity for the club to make an experienced appointment and to really stabilise the club over a longer period of time with someone who knows how to handle all of the facets of the job and not just the coaching side.

I would be delighted to keep him on in a coaching capacity but we have the opportunity to hire someone like Martin O' Neill who would take us into Europe given some spending money, in my opinion, of course.

It looks as though Kean will still be with us for the start of next season, given that Jensen has just signed a new contract and I will support him if that is the case. However, we could be missing a trick by not taking the opportunity to bring in an experienced campaigner who can attract players of the necessary calibre to take this club forward.

[Hughesy]

Sam v Kean

[BRFC1995]

voted go.

not terrible results recently, but jan, feb, mar, and most of april was painful and he still sounds utterly deluded in every interview.

Think the commentators said yesterday of the 59 goals conceded only 16 were in the first half of matches, no idea what is said at half time but it better stop.

[imy9]

Cheers Hughesy very interesting to see the breakdown.

Edit- I count 36 games in total may be an error somewhere!

[Stevo]

It's 21 games under Kean, if you add it up.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Before I vote to replace him I'd want to know who would be taking over. Not a reasonable position I know. I'm not overjoyed with some the names mentioned.

[Majiball]

Sam v Kean

Hughesy chap lovely tables you'll have to show me how you did them.

PS 3 wins and 5 draws under Kean makes 14 points at home for him, not 13.

[gumboots]

Before I vote to replace him I'd want to know who would be taking over. Not a reasonable position I know. I'm not overjoyed with some the names mentioned.

That's the problem, isn't it? He's just got settled in and the players seem to be responding and then we talk about upsetting everyone again. If we were sure of getting a really top class manager that everyone would look up to, or even a bggish name that people could accept easily as an improvement for our club, then fair enough, but, like you, I find many of the names either uninspiring or just ridiculous in that i don't see them as being a good enough fit for Rovers. Sometimes it is better to stick with the devil you know. I haven't voted because I can't, hand on heart, say get rid, but I can't really say keep either, and don't care sounds like you're not bothered about the club.

[Kelbo]

Hughesy chap lovely tables you'll have to show me how you did them.

PS 3 wins and 5 draws under Kean makes 14 points at home for him, not 13.

And its 21 games under Kean, thats twelve more points played for, come on Hughsey, your Maths aint that bad!!!

[cruz]

SAM IS IN THE PAST. LET'S LEAVE HIM THERE

[BangkokRover]

Voted go then again I only watch the games on TV, so sometimes I cant see the same as people sat in the stand

Kean is not the person to lead Rovers forward

Then again that could be poor view from TV land and not Ewood

[bazza]

When Kean took over he had no experience of managing.

Him being a novice got us into the relegation zone.

But I think he has shown he is a fast learner and we have stayed up. He may become a very good manager. I cannot see the point of sacking him at present.

By keeping him we may end up with a gem of a manager. So keep for now.

[Hughesy]

Must admit I did those tables whilst watching strangeways!

Fixed

[waynerovers]

I wanted him gone a month ago but fair play to him and the players, they've managed to get themselves out of the mess. We looked dead and buried at one point, he is a beginner but based on the form over the last few weeks and the promising signs we saw when he first took over I'm willing to give him the benifit of the doubt. There are too many knee jerk reactions with managers in this league and 9/10 it ends badly. I'm in no way comparing him to Alex Ferguson but everyone knows the old tale about him nearly getting sacked before winning the fa cup, I say he's earned his chance now and I look forward to the new season.

[blue_and_white]

Voted stay this time. He's impressed me since the last vote and while I still don't overall consider him to be a good manager, he's at least shown signs he could become one and rather than take another risk by changing I'd prefer us to give Kean a chance. Was gonna vote go again on principle but figured the inability to change's ones mind in response to results-based evidence is more a trait of the Allardyce haters, wouldn't wanna start thinking like them!

[RevidgeBlue]

Voted "don't care."

In an ideal world I'd like a huge name in but if Kean's still here in August I'm more than happy to get behind him.

There's a fair argument to say the way we finished the season has in fact earnt him the right to start next season. The more pertinent point may however be, can he persuade the likes of Robinson Samba, Phil Jones and Hoillet to stay? And if he can't, would they stay for someone else?

[Rover & Out]

Replace him now and we'll have to start all over again, i.e. give another new manager a chance to make his mark on the team.

At least we've got some momentum going into next season.

You can teach a manager tactics but you can't teach him how to make a team to want to play for him.

If the same commitment is shown next year, we'll be mid-table without doubt.

[riverside returns]

I voted stay. I believe that the football at times has been far better and more entertaining with Kean than we were served for the previous 2 seasons. The performance at Wolves first half was excellent. Players seem to be getting better at passing, at playing in their preferred positions and who else has managed to get Emerton playing and scoring like recent weeks. What he needs is a Steve Clarke type head coach,someone to assist with the tactics. I just dont believe that Jensen is that man.