[Archived] Steve Kean

[sparkspakespoke]

This is laughable.

If those three goals had been scored in Sam's reign you would have been accusing him of "hoofball" as usual.

I'm just pleased that the players have ignored the manager since the half-time of the Blackpool match and adopted the tactics that were so successful until December."Hoofball - sorry, controlled long passes with SOME essence of directness about them - works. "Hoofball" Kean might have learnt this now.

Nothing like stating your own highly dubious views as fact hey Jim, your desire to win the argument means you has clearly clouded your judgement here making you look very very silly.

[BuckyRover]

Dead against from day one, still dead against. Proven right as well Bucky?

You of the opinion that Keans done well?

Look, why keep hold of a manager who nearly took us down? Why not go out and bring in someone better, someone more experienced? .....After all, the people who wanted Allardyce sacked in the summer obviously thought there was no problem finding someone better.

Not at all.

But I don't feel the need to try and justify it by saying "we will see how he does in this must win game" and "he has never won a must win game before", "let's see if he can handle it" etc etc.

Then you go on to say nobody expected us to play like that!

Evidently you didn't!

[sparkspakespoke]

Obviously the league spreads out as the season goes on, no club outside the top 5 was more than 6 points away from relegation at the time Allardyce was sacked. He gave Kean as big a gap as could be reasonably expected and if we'd carried on pulling away from the bottom 3 at the same rate then we'd have finished about 9 points above them and in the top half. But lets continue this ridiculous fallacy that safety wasn't guaranteed under Sam, after all his phenomenal record with us and Bolton certainly doesn't point to that does it?

I agree we would have stayed up under Sam, without question IMO and we would have been safe sooner under him as well.

I dont buy into the idea we would have finished top ten under him this year though. The league was stupidly tight and add into thae equation the disruption of the takeover and injury to our best player and I think we would still have been involved in a battle under Sam.

[imy9]

It's not a "good thing" imy, but it shows that the fears about Venky's approach and Keans appointment have been justified. Since Kean took over, the season has been a nightmare.

I did say that imy, you're right. I expected the game to be much closer than it turned out, and I guess no-one on this site expected a 0-3 scoreline at half time. If Wolves had performed better than they did, we would definately have learned more about him. Still, I guess that some people will say that Wolves first half performance was down to rovers being dominant, when IMO, it was a bit of both - we were very good and they were very poor. Kean set the team up well and his tactics worked very well in the first half. What more could I say, other than that? Second half showed some of his, and the teams, frailties. We stopped pushing forward and allowed them to play out from the back. We dropped far too deep and finished up defending everything from our own penalty area, - so that definately wasn't good.

Yep, I thought we might learn more about him, but I can't say that I personally did. Did you? Plus, if anyone thought I might change my overall opinion because of one game, they were wrong.

I have learnt a lot about Kean over the last couple of months and it has been mostly positive. He has changed the shape, tactics etc and made us a difficult team to beat again and I am genuinel excited about next season to see how OUR young players are going to develop. You said it was very very difficult to beat Wolves- we beat them playing in the first half some fantastic football. So what I have learnt Den is that Kean is resiliant, is willing to change and the players are clearly behind him- all positives for next season.

Onto Venky's I would be dubious with any takeover but I am a naturally optomistic person so was willing to give them a chance and still am. The major point for me will be to:

1. See who our new sponsors are.

2. See how much money will be invested into the team.

[alexanders]

Would you say the bottom clubs got better or the top clubs played worse? Most likely a bit of both?

I have no clue, but the premiership was tighter this year than ever. Its a good thing. The top teams have actually been struggling at times with bad runs themselves.

[Teacup]

I think it is only fair to see what happens with the transfers this summer and then see how it goes.

The problem is, no one can deny the fact we are in the worst position we have been in right now since Venkys took over. We haven't a cat in hells chance of bringing in any one of the calibre that some on the forum expect (whether it be a manger or a player). We survived by the skin of our teeth, but that isn't Keans fault, it is Venkys fault. Sam should of been left in charge until now. Then if we had finished higher up, top 10 say, we would of been in a position to get a great manager and possibly some great players.

How it is now though, I find it extremely difficult to believe that we could get great players or a great replacement for Kean without spending serious amounts of money. I know Venkys are suppose to be good for it, but until that cash starts rolling out I think people should lower their expectations a lot and embrace Kean a little more, but for him and our current squad Venkys would have got us relegated.

I voted to keep him months and months ago on here and I am still of the same opinion, lets give him a full season and a summer transfer window to show us what he is capable of. People jumping the gun to sack him now are just being ridiculous. Although don't expect him to go out buying super players, they will not come to a team that almost got relegated but for the last match of the season. Kean will likely buy young and build for the future, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed that a marquee signing does appear that will at least boost the confidence of those fans who seem to think we are somehow in the same position as Man.C or Chelsea (which we are clearly not).

[den]

Not at all.

But I don't feel the need to try and justify it by saying "we will see how he does in this must win game" and "he has never won a must win game before", "let's see if he can handle it" etc etc.

Then you go on to say nobody expected us to play like that!

Evidently you didn't!

It's apparently very difficult for you to

a] get the discussion right

and

b] offer anything else apart from criticising anyone who dares criticise Kean.

Please quote me saying that I didn't expect us to play that well? Please quote me saying that he's never won a must win game?

Strange how you disappeared from the site when we were going through the worst run of results for more than a quarter of a century, yet as soon as we get one decent result you're back criticising posters who were right to say this has been a nightmare since Allardyce went.

[S15]

In 2005 Liverpool finished in 5th, 37points behind 1st and won the champions league. In 2011 Birmingham and Blackpool finished 41points off 1st and got relegated. This season in a nutshell.

I usually think statistics are a load of crap, but that one's a belter.

[Steve Moss]

. . . I think people should lower their expectations a lot and embrace Kean a little more, but for him and our current squad Venkys would have got us relegated.

I voted to keep him months and months ago on here and I am still of the same opinion, lets give him a full season and a summer transfer window to show us what he is capable of. . . .

1. I vote Abbey gives Kean a bear hug (or the wrestling equivalent), if embracing is required. Otherwise, I pass.

2. What is ridiculous is placing an unproven coach in the position of PL manager. What's even more ridiculous is suggesting that we not judge him until the passing of three transfer windows (January, summer and January again) and 60 PL games (22 in 2010-2011 and the 38 in 2011-2012).

[yoda]

Oh dear, the little Keanettes are in a tizzy........

Never mind dearies, pre-season matches start in 6-8 weeks.

Not long to wait to the next exhibition of hoofball.

The hoofball meister has gone jim,

never to return,

all you Samettes will have to get over it

[den]

I have learnt a lot about Kean over the last couple of months and it has been mostly positive.

2 wins, our best form under Kean by far.

[imy9]

Its not just the wins though Den, two draws one away at Arsenal and at home to the champs plus other games where we had key decisions go against us. The way we have come out of the worst run in 25 runs is impressive and should bode well for the future IMO.

[sambo]

Some people are pathetic.

Honestly, some sound genuinely dismayed we managed to stay up. After all, they couldn't come on and tell everyone how right they were!

I'm by no means pro Kean, but unlike some I at least gave him a chance at the start. Why write him off from day one? I may not have agreed with the appointment, but I supported him to do well - a lot didn't do that.

We do well, get out of the relegation mess, and people can't be happy for one second. You don't have to be pro Kean, but you can at least admit when he's done well.

Too many with an agenda on here. Some against him at all times, I prefer to call it as I see it, and in the last few weeks he's done pretty damn well. And I was his fiercest critic not long ago.

Oh, and only one goal was hoofball, and that was Emerton's. One question - would he have shot under Big Sam or lifted it back into the mixer? Remember Kevin Nolan saying after a screamer versus us, that Big Sam would have rollocked him had it not gone in, as a corner/throw in is better than a long range shot Just a point!

[Mattyblue]

Honestly, some sound genuinely dismayed we managed to stay up. After all, they couldn't come on and tell everyone how right they were!

That's just not true, is it.

[BuckyRover]

It's apparently very difficult for you to

a] get the discussion right

and

b] offer anything else apart from criticising anyone who dares criticise Kean.

Please quote me saying that I didn't expect us to play that well? Please quote me saying that he's never won a must win game?

Strange how you disappeared from the site when we were going through the worst run of results for more than a quarter of a century, yet as soon as we get one decent result you're back criticising posters who were right to say this has been a nightmare since Allardyce went.

I was back well before the "decent" result(s).

Do keep up.

Maybe you could repay the compliment and disappear when we do well. You could have already had a month or so off, maybe treated your family to some quality den time.

[Majiball]

That's just not true, is it.

I'm getting really sick of people saying things like that.

Our love and passion for Rovers is the one and only thing we have in common and for people to honestly accuse and state as fact that some fans want us relegated just because they see things differently to other people?

It's just not on.

[den]

We do well, get out of the relegation mess. You don't have to be pro Kean, but you can at least admit when he's done well.

Hmmmm. There's the difference in our viewpoints. Getting out of a mess created by appointing a manager who isn't up to running a PL club. If we sacked him tomorrow, which other PL club would offer him a job as their manager?

None.

BTW, I, along with all the other people who don't want Kean managing us, were very happy on Sunday night Sambo.

[den]

Some people are pathetic.

Honestly, some sound genuinely dismayed we managed to stay up. After all, they couldn't come on and tell everyone how right they were!

You go tell the people who said that Venky's decisions, coupled with Keans appointment would put the club in danger of relegation, that they were wrong Sambo.

[imy9]

Den- certain posters said that we would be relegated with Kean in charge- said it as if it was a fact. I don't question anyonea love for Rovers but looking at the poll above it is clear it's not just a couple of people who are beginning to change their mind about Kean.

[tony gale's mic]

The fact people are doing this over four games is the most alarming bit.

Like I've said before, West Ham were widely reported to be replacing Grant in December, but stuck with him after he got 8 points from 4 games in December.

Bad managers can go on good runs. Teams that get relegated can get good results vs big teams.

Neither of those are anywhere near as big a consideration as looking at his overall record.

We can either replace him with a manager more likely to attract good players and more likely to do well with us this season, or we can cling to some hope that he might improve based on the last four games of the season - well three of the last four for me, considering the West Ham game wasnt anything to be remotely proud of.

[Kelbo]

1. I vote Abbey gives Kean a bear hug (or the wrestling equivalent), if embracing is required. Otherwise, I pass.

2. What is ridiculous is placing an unproven coach in the position of PL manager. What's even more ridiculous is suggesting that we not judge him until the passing of three transfer windows (January, summer and January again) and 60 PL games (22 in 2010-2011 and the 38 in 2011-2012).

I have been fortunate to be in the company of experienced Premiership Managers and assistant managers on a multitude of occassions, without naming names or criticising one or the other, there was one very general concensus of opinion.

For a manager to bear the fruit of any youth development in the premiership, (I say this as they excluded SAF and Wenger) is unheard of as they are long gone by the time it happens, they are either sacked or have taken a more lucrative and high profile job. They also were in agreement that many managers who were sacked, given much longer to try and turn things round may have done so but they each recognised that football is a results industry and if you are not getting results you are down the road. I wonder what Kean has done to get so much time despite the abysmal run of form up to the last 3 games, something is not quite right here and for people to give him credit for youth development is sick and it really must suck for the people who's efforts in developing these players, to see the guy take all the credit.

[chris]

The fact people are doing this over four games is the most alarming bit.

Like I've said before, West Ham were widely reported to be replacing Grant in December, but stuck with him after he got 8 points from 4 games in December.

Bad managers can go on good runs. Teams that get relegated can get good results vs big teams.

Neither of those are anywhere near as big a consideration as looking at his overall record.

We can either replace him with a manager more likely to attract good players and more likely to do well with us this season, or we can cling to some hope that he might improve based on the last four games of the season - well three of the last four for me, considering the West Ham game wasnt anything to be remotely proud of.

You maybe right but I've accepted reality and happy to see who we sign and give Kean 10 games next season.

The fact is he didn't do and Kidd and takes us down and has support of some of our key players in Hoilett and Olsson.

Never should have got the job, but nothing will chance that now.

[Parsonblue]

Den- certain posters said that we would be relegated with Kean in charge- said it as if it was a fact. I don't question anyonea love for Rovers but looking at the poll above it is clear it's not just a couple of people who are beginning to change their mind about Kean.

I voted for Kean to go in the last poll but haven't bothered to vote in this one. Watching the interview with Venkatesh Rao yesterday, it's clear that the owners are very supportive of Kean and that he will be in charge for some time to come. Only time will tell if that is the right decision or not but the fact remains that no matter what this poll might say, Steve Kean will be manager of Blackburn Rovers next season.

I was a huge supporter of Big Sam, who I felt did a brilliant job for this football club. However, that is now in the past and next season will see a new start with Kean and Jensen at the helm. As I want my club to be successful I can only hope that they do well. However, what is clear according to what Venkatesh said yesterday is that they are prepared to back Kean's judgement with transfer funds.

Rightly or wrongly, Kean has been given a wonderful opportunity to make his mark and it is now up to him to prove himself. However, one thing is for sure and that is he will have to improve on results at Ewood Park if we are to avoid another relegation battle.

[grizfoot]

I have been fortunate to be in the company of experienced Premiership Managers and assistant managers on a multitude of occassions, without naming names or criticising one or the other, there was one very general concensus of opinion.

For a manager to bear the fruit of any youth development in the premiership, (I say this as they excluded SAF and Wenger) is unheard of as they are long gone by the time it happens, they are either sacked or have taken a more lucrative and high profile job. They also were in agreement that many managers who were sacked, given much longer to try and turn things round may have done so but they each recognised that football is a results industry and if you are not getting results you are down the road. I wonder what Kean has done to get so much time despite the abysmal run of form up to the last 3 games, something is not quite right here and for people to give him credit for youth development is sick and it really must suck for the people who's efforts in developing these players, to see the guy take all the credit.

Best way for young players to develop is by giving them first-team football. Both Olsson & Holiett have developed greatly with guranteed first-team football that Kean has given them. Of course there's a lot of back-team staff involved with the youth development of players but I firmly believe Kean's one of the main reasons the two players have now become key players for us.

[sambo]

You go tell the people who said that Venky's decisions, coupled with Keans appointment would put the club in danger of relegation, that they were wrong Sambo.

I didn't agree with the appointment or the suicidal decisions made by Venky's.

But the negativity on here is astounding. The weird thing is, Kean's record isn't that far behind Big Sam's this season.

It's just the way everyone who posts anything remotely positive is shot down by the same people.

And for the record, I'd like to see Kean replaced, we won't kick on with him in charge.

Maybe I was out of line saying people were 'dismayed', but some people bloody well sound depressed about it!