[Archived] The Championship 2013/14

[Jimmy612]

I personally wouldn't say Rhodes has worked his knackers off over the last couple of games

He put in a decent enough shift but it wasn't exactly Dickov style running knackers off

You know in football I think it can be quite easy to fool some fans into thinking you're working your knackers off. Simply because it is easy to see when a player is being lazy i.e. Benni Mac used to get a lot of grief for not closing down defenders e.g. walking. Rhodes kind of runs a bit, closing down a defender until they pass the ball under no real pressure.

I don't want Rhodes doing unnecessary running, rather I'd prefer to see him develop his ability to hold up the ball, or actually giving defenders something to think about when he's jumping for the ball with them. To me he looks as though he doesn't mind if his opponent outplays him, as if really it's not his job and if he doesn't win the ball or hold it up then he, nor anyone else bothers. That is where I would like to see a player 'work his knackers off'. Not doing the odd jog/run towards a defender when they have the ball.

Note: none of the above is difficult, it just requires a determination not to be outdone by your opponent. How many times this season must Rhodes & his opposition defender have walked off that field knowing exactly who came out on top. Because let's face it, a penalty is a penalty, there's nothing his opponent can do about them - in open play Rhodes on many occasions has been outclassed/outfought or out-thought this season.

I don't believe he's lazy as much as he doesn't mind coming off second best.

I also believe he may be 'too nice' at times. Not once have I seen a bit of nastiness from him i.e. being deliberately late to catch a defender, or to knock his opponent over in an aerial challenge.

Of course, many will argue that we must play to Rhodes strengths and that he shouldn't have to do these 'nasty' parts of the game. Truth is, every striker in the modern game has to, and if they can't won't, then unfortunately they will never fulfill their potential.

[Tom]

I was talking to someone yesterday who mentioned it looked like he was making a token effort to close down like you've said above

I personally think he did enough in that regard but certainly didn't 'run his knackers off'

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Interesting with Sheff Weds, Barnsley and Wigan all sacking their managers could really add a new dimension to the league.

All three clubs IMO by appointing the right manager could really become a handful in this division. If the new Barnsley manager gets them playing like they did at the end of the season they will cause anyone problems. Equally Wigan have a good squad on paper, and regardless of Europa league distractions should be doing better. Could make Rovers job of play offs even harder, especially if Wigan appoint well, and make the league even tighter.

Of course all three could make disastrous appointments which see the two Yorkshire clubs drop out of the league. Hope not though as both are easy away games to get to.

Any candidates for the respective jobs ? Dyche could have been in for the Wigan post but for his last few games not going according to plan.

[thenodrog]

Fair point forgot about that, and Nixon's boner for wee Scottish managers who give a good presser? but still wouldn't discount his relationship with a certain agency

Alan Nixon... Pick a manager??? Jeez that man could nae pick his nose!

[Gally]

Any candidates for the respective jobs ? Dyche could have been in for the Wigan post but for his last few games not going according to plan.

Most of the Latics fans I know were more annoyed with the style of football than the results (at least they said they were) so I'm not sure Dyche would be in the frame.

Difficult to look past Holloway imo.

[thenodrog]

I personally wouldn't say Rhodes has worked his knackers off over the last couple of games

He put in a decent enough shift but it wasn't exactly Dickov style running knackers off

Correct.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I was talking to someone yesterday who mentioned it looked like he was making a token effort to close down like you've said above

I personally think he did enough in that regard but certainly didn't 'run his knackers off'

A bit like a certain wide player who would jog along side opponents all day long without ever putting them under any sort of pressure. No names, no pack drill as they say in the army.

[cn174]

Most of the Latics fans I know were more annoyed with the style of football than the results (at least they said they were) so I'm not sure Dyche would be in the frame.

Difficult to look past Holloway imo.

A lot of them moaned at Martinez's style of play too. Not quite sure what they're after.

They'll be back in their box soon

[K-Hod]

A lot of them moaned at Martinez's style of play too. Not quite sure what they're after.

They'll be back in their box soon

Ideas above their station that lot.

[longsiders1882]

Blooming dreadful game at the turf. Watford were poor yet we struggled to achieve mediocre. The lack of any depth was very evident. Still every cloud, we didn't finish with 8 men on the pitch.

Could be a long December if we can't get Marney and Ings back quickly.

[DE.]

Wanna swap places pal?

[Jimmy612]

Blooming dreadful game at the turf. Watford were poor yet we struggled to achieve mediocre. The lack of any depth was very evident. Still every cloud, we didn't finish with 8 men on the pitch.

Could be a long December if we can't get Marney and Ings back quickly.

Fingers crossed Longers

[longsiders1882]

Wanna swap places pal?

Not right now - as me again around March :-)

Fingers crossed Longers

Cheers for your support Jimmy

[LDRover]

Looks like Rosler is getting the Wigan job.

A bit of a left field choice from Dave Whelan but, having listened to Rosler on a few occasions, I feel it could be an inspired choice.

[Blue blood]

Any candidates for the respective jobs ? Dyche could have been in for the Wigan post but for his last few games not going according to plan.

So as people have said Rosler looks odds on for Wigan, although I've also seen Phelan (ex manure assistant boss) touted in several of the papers.

Sheff Weds - read they've had over 40 applicants. Amongst the forerunners is Warnock - Mandric clearly likes his old dour managers: Megson, Jones and now Warnock! Mind you not saying that's necessarily a bad thing. Was looking at the Wednesday squad and despite their lowly position I think there's a fair bit of potential in the squad. Could turn out to be a good post for the right chap.

Not heard anything about Barnsley though.

[LDRover]

Appleton wants the Barnsley job and the chief exec there used to be his agent.

That'd be one of the relegation places sorted then.

[moerpho]

Keeping half-an-eye on Derby-Blackpool while I wait for the QPR-Rovers to kick off. Derby really starting to find their feet and form and looking like serious contenders for a play-off spot - might even be a drak horse for automatic promotion if they can keep this form going and one of QPR or Leicester get struck by bad form or injuries (not likely but you never know in this league). Blackpool looking the bully-boys of the season - 4 red cards in 2 games! Might feel they get treated harshly by the refs, but that is still some feat. Think they will really struggle to hold on to that play-off spot now.

[Tom]

Derby are showing what a difference an experienced manager can make

[moerpho]

Absolutely! And another red for Blackpool! That's 5 red cards in two games. Wow.

[LDRover]

Derby are showing what a difference an experienced manager can make

Not just that Tom, good use of the loan market with the acquisition of the excellent Wisdom.

[Audax]

Derby and MacLaren, 5 straight victories...moving right up the table.

[DE.]

Incey starting to show his true form.

[Clitherover]

Incey starting to show his true form.

Good, I've been wanting him to fail ever since he got that job.

[SoldierMo]

And....i was right cairney on right wing clever tactics

[longsiders1882]

Not sure what will be worse for you, that we are top or that we are top because you didn't lose :-)