[Archived] Steve Kean

[John]

There were a lot of positives to reflect on from the Allardyce era.

Saved us from relegation when he initially took over - confidence was rock bottom under Ince and from memory we were 5 points off safety when he arrived

Backroom team - had an experienced, respected and well liked assistant manager in Neil Macdonald

Helped develop the emergence of youth players such as Phil Jones and Junior

Last season finished 10th and the second half of the season ended in some style (results wise) – also, for those more interested in that side of it, we played some more expansive/good football in the later part of the season too

This season showed minor signs of an improvement in relation to our away results (Newcastle and good point at Man City).

Taking into account the position we were in before he took over and the net spending of the club he did a remarkable job – you also have to look, comparatively, at the spending of teams, over the past few years in the PL to put it into perspective too.

Pretty obvious he did a really good job and is a very good manager which his results testify.

[den]

People like JAL, Den, Hemel were adamant that Hoilett wasn't good enough to start,

Don't talk out of you're arse Topman. I was one of the first people to say how technically good a player Hoilett was. From the beginning I said that he had quick feet, good pace over a couple of yards, close control and could go past a player. I rated him very highly. However, and you wouldn't know this because you can't be arsed to get down to Ewood or go to any of the away games, his overall performances didn't merit starting games, week in, week out. Allardyce also recognised his exceptional potential - and that's all it was in his first season - and went out to Canada in a successful attempt to secure him to a new contract. Allardyce also did the right thing with him. He used him sparingly, bringing him along gradually. Not leaving him out of the side too often and not playing him too often, just as he should have done with a 19 yr old in his first season at the club.

I don't know how you have the nerve TBQH, still coming on here after sitting behind your computer screen game after game, slagging off the manager and his "hoofball" as you called it, at the same time telling everyone how this squad is quite capable of playing a more attractive game. "people eating their words" - I'm still waiting.

[Gav]

I don't know how you have the nerve TBQH, still coming on here after sitting behind your computer screen game after game, slagging off the manager and his "hoofball" as you called it, at the same time telling everyone how this squad is quite capable of playing a more attractive game.

Plenty of people on the site do exactly that Den, nature of the beast I’m afraid.

[Majiball]

I don't know how you have the nerve TBQH, still coming on here after sitting behind your computer screen game after game, slagging off the manager and his "hoofball" as you called it, at the same time telling everyone how this squad is quite capable of playing a more attractive game. "people eating their words" - I'm still waiting.

We went from one extreme to another when Kean took over, these players can mix it as Sam showed. The issue is we have placed a novice in charge who appears quite incapable, he is not the man to enhance our play nor to bring balance to it. Bolton quite clearly show the style a lot of fans crave IE a balanced approach is achievable and that success can follow.

[Bobby G]

Utter rubbish that Givet was in wrong frame on mind to play. Just after hyping his return? Useless management.

Givet has had this problem for months at least and yet he has played regularly.

So much hypocrisy it makes me want to puke when I remember this is all associated to Blackburn Rovers.

[John]

True, seemed a big strange that at the end of last week Kean was talking Givet up (suggesting he can play) then he is not in the squad because he is not in the correct frame of mind.

[Majiball]

Utter rubbish that Givet was in wrong frame on mind to play. Just after hyping his return? Useless management.

Givet has had this problem for months at least and yet he has played regularly.

So much hypocrisy it makes me want to puke when I remember this is all associated to Blackburn Rovers.

Holloway a man most say is MAD, managed to keep his captain one the pitch and playing well this season despite him pushing for a free transfer and sueing the club for breach of contract.

[Gav]

Holloway a man most say is MAD, managed to keep his captain one the pitch and playing well this season despite him pushing for a free transfer and sueing the club for breach of contract.

Maybe Givet threw his toys out of the pram Friday after training, you never know, and him playing Saturday wouldn’t have made a blind bit of difference in my opinion.

[Amo]

Don't talk out of you're arse Topman. I was one of the first people to say how technically good a player Hoilett was. From the beginning I said that he had quick feet, good pace over a couple of yards, close control and could go past a player.

Oh really?

http://www.brfcs.co.uk/mb/index.php/topic/21425-david-hoilett/page__view__findpost__p__859092

I rated him very highly. However, and you wouldn't know this because you can't be arsed to get down to Ewood or go to any of the away games, his overall performances didn't merit starting games, week in, week out. Allardyce also recognised his exceptional potential - and that's all it was in his first season - and went out to Canada in a successful attempt to secure him to a new contract.

Struck a nerve, Den? I think you doth protest too much.

Allardyce also did the right thing with him. He used him sparingly, bringing him along gradually.

No, Kean did the right thing. He gave the kid a chance to prove himself from the start, not 'Here kid, here's 15minutes. Win us the game', whilst the ball was in orbit for most of that time.

Not leaving him out of the side too often and not playing him too often, just as he should have done with a 19 yr old in his first season at the club.

Hoilett wasn't getting a look in this season. Sam sacked, Kean in, Hoilett starts, magic happens. But of course, let Sam take the credit for that one.

I don't know how you have the nerve TBQH, still coming on here after sitting behind your computer screen game after game, slagging off the manager and his "hoofball" as you called it, at the same time telling everyone how this squad is quite capable of playing a more attractive game. "people eating their words" - I'm still waiting.

That makes two of us.

[roverwhelmed]

Apologies if this has already been posted, but according to Kean in an LET article, Givet himself said he wasn't in the right frame of mind to play or focus 100% on the game.

I am playing devil's advocate - but how could Kean play him in a vital match, if he said he couldn't concentrate on the game?

Telegraph link

I don't think it is great that this situation has arisen, but just wanted to point out it wasn't Kean making the judgment that he wasn't in the right frame of mind to play - but Givet himself.

[Majiball]

Maybe Givet threw his toys out of the pram Friday after training, you never know, and him playing Saturday wouldn’t have made a blind bit of difference in my opinion.

True, that may well have happened, but given he was there on Saturday and turned up?

I feel it's the role of the manager to deal with these things asap and others don't appear to have issues getting players in similar circumstances to play and perform.

I think Givet does bring something to our team and on Saturday he would have made a contribution. Olsson was restricted in getting forward all game he rarely did his usual runs as Eck asked Larsson to stay high and force him back. Even in the last 10 Olsson was holding his position with the defence. For me that's Givets role he's the defender not Olsson. As I'm sure you know Olsson left wing would have exploited Carr's lack of legs, which he did once believe on Saturday.

Givet although not everyones cup of tea has been an integral part of our defence, which IMO has our best players contained within, collectively. A settled and established back 4 IE the one Sam created is needed at this time. For me he must play and asap as isolating Olsson out of the game from full back is easy and you then take away his best attributes, attacking.

[Bobby G]

Kean says Givet ALLEGEDLY was not in the right frame of mind to play.

[Mattyblue]

If Givet did say that, it is an outrageous show of unprofessionalism.

[The Gull]

I would like to have seen Givet tell any other manager that he wasn't in the right frame of mind, including our last incumberent, he would have been told his job is to play for the team so get your bearded french ass out there FFS.

Just more evidence that Kean hasn't got the balls or inclination to be a manager.

Don't care if we have a unhappy player the boss is the boss and the club is more imnportant than one player's feelings whether he is right or wrong.

[Dunnfc]

If Givet did say that, it is an outrageous show of unprofessionalism.

Nope just honesty, if you arn't up for the fight then stay away! He wasn't up for it and Olsson took his place and played well... Givet has now dropped his place in the team and will have to work extra hard to get it back...

I do have a feeling that he won't and he will be off this summer.

Shame he's a classy act but if you don't want to play for us then don't let the door hit you on the way out.

I believe Warnock pulled out of Sunderland last year as he wasn't in the frame of mind...Funny he signed for Villa the next day.

[Mattyblue]

Nope just honesty, if you arn't up for the fight then stay away! He wasn't up for it and Olsson took his place and played well... Givet has now dropped his place in the team and will have to work extra hard to get it back...

I do have a feeling that he won't and he will be off this summer.

Shame he's a classy act but if you don't want to play for us then don't let the door hit you on the way out.

To be a highly paid sportsman that refuses to play because you 'arent in the frame of mind to play' is disgusting. I agree, I wouldn't pick a player like that, not good for the team, but it reflects terribly on Givet.

[Majiball]

I am playing devil's advocate - but how could Kean play him in a vital match, if he said he couldn't concentrate on the game?

Telegraph link

I don't think it is great that this situation has arisen, but just wanted to point out it wasn't Kean making the judgment that he wasn't in the right frame of mind to play - but Givet himself.

Surely it's the role of the manager to anticipate such out comes and plan for them. Perhaps better planning and preparation would have meant that he was up for the game. His statement the day prior, clearly shows that Kean felt he was ready and up for playing, one assumes he spoke to Givet before speaking to the press.

We have two players at present who most feel should be playing and yet they are not even on the bench. Kalinic who Kean obviously has issue with him, highlights keans aptitude at dealing with potentially detrimental man-management issues, one of his main roles.

Yet again IMO we have a situation that could have been avoided with a more balanced backroom team, IE a psychologist full-time. A head doctor and a good one would most likely spot an issue and relay it to the manager to deal with or deal with it himself.

[Gav]

I wouldn't pick a player like that, not good for the team, but it reflects terribly on Givet.

Exactly, the manager has done the right thing for the team, simple as that.

[Dunnfc]

To be a highly paid sportsman that refuses to play because you 'arent in the frame of mind to play' is disgusting. I agree, I wouldn't pick a player like that, not good for the team, but it reflects terribly on Givet.

I fully agree its disgusting! But to be fair I'm glad he told keano that he wasn't up for it. God Knows what could have happend if he played. But Olsson has got the shirt now and Givet has to work his bottom off to get it back... Might be a good thing in hindsight.

Steve Kean for all his troubles has got this one spot on.

[Bobby G]

Wow, where has it been officially stated that Givet said he wasnt in the right frame of mind to play? Other than Kean saying that.

[Gav]

Wow, where has it been officially stated that Givet said he wasnt in the right frame of mind to play? Other than Kean saying that.

[BRFC95]

I suppose Kally wasn't in the 'right frame of mind' either

[booth]

Wow, where has it been officially stated that Givet said he wasnt in the right frame of mind to play? Other than Kean saying that.

If true then shame on Givet. But it doesn't reflect the same person who got a red card for racing onto the pitch, and this dispute has been going on for some time whilst he's been playing. Not much has changed apart from "someone" making it public.

I'm afraid my trust in Steve Kean's word doesn't go very far.

Kalinic hasn't been explained by "the thinker". Now his agent has obviously been trying to cause a bit of noise to get his client on the team sheet. I doubt very much Kalinic would have then left Ewood Park refusing to play if he was being offered a place.

Very poor management all round.

[den]

Oh really?

http://www.brfcs.co.uk/mb/index.php/topic/21425-david-hoilett/page__view__findpost__p__859092

Yes really.

That Wigan game was an excellent demonstration of how Hoilett had the potential, but wasn't quite ready to start every single week. He had a very poor game. Not that you would know from your seat.

[Amo]

Yes really.

That Wigan game was an excellent demonstration of how Hoilett had the potential, but wasn't quite ready to start every single week. He had a very poor game. Not that you would know from your seat.

Well, which is it?

Either, you knew from the off that Hoilett could beat defenders or, in your own words "haven't seen him skin anyone for out and out pace".

It must be hard not to contradict yourself watching all these games live.