[Archived] Bowyer

[somersetrover]

No manager is above criticism, and the lack of defensive cover is a GB made problem. We could/should have brought someone in place of Dann, however I feel that if this had happened sooner we may have acted. Deadline day deals are always a killer but it is easy to say we all knew he was leaving.

A big defeat is hard to take but that shouldn't blinker everything else that as gone on. Missing Cairney (our most creative player thus far) and Hanley (best defender and captain) is always going to affect performance.

The loan window has already been open three weeks though, which is plenty of time to get someone in a centre half instead of having play Spurr there and Olsson at full back. Cairney is our most creative player but sadly he has been played out of position by the manager and that is another reason why we miss Evans so much because instead of having Cairney and one of Lowe and Williamson in there Bowyer's pushed Cairney out wide and puts Lowe and Williamson in there and I highly doubt that those two could dominate a midfield and create chances in league 2 football.

[JBiz]

The loan window has already been open three weeks though, which is plenty of time to act.

23 other managers looking for "cheap" ways to improve their teams and premier league teams conscious of the inability to bring in players as replacements if injuries happen.

You are really struggling there, Jbizzle.

I don't see it that way. I think we struggled today because we missed 4 of our best players. Add this to the fact that our main goal scoring threat is currently not coming up with the goods and your not gonna win. Your argument that we need to replace the manager always falls down when it is applied to the logarithm of the current Blackburn regime. Like I have said to you before, start practicing your "Colin Hendry's Blue and White Army" chant.

I don't see enough posters pointing out the whole picture before delving into the "enter manager name here-OUT" bag. Thats my main issue with all things rovers. I never thought promotion was a possibility this season because of what preceded it and I have been pleasantly suprised by many things. Obviously, some mistakes are still being made and stability will go a long way to eradicating them. Especially on the pitch. Leicester are a prime example of what can be achieved through giving a manager and team time to gel.

I think a good analogy or example for summing up the whole squad mismanagement issue is how we released Henrique on Friday, knowing we would be short of a centre back. It will take a lot more than 2 transfer windows to finally rid ourselves of all the dross.

[JAL]

Whatever happened to philipl's input . Can we take it that until these people have left the club that only then can the club move forward.

[darrenrover]

23 other managers looking for "cheap" ways to improve their teams and premier league teams conscious of the inability to bring in players as replacements if injuries happen.

I don't see it that way. I think we struggled today because we missed 4 of our best players. Add this to the fact that our main goal scoring threat is currently not coming up with the goods and your not gonna win. Your argument that we need to replace the manager always falls down when it is applied to the logarithm of the current Blackburn regime. Like I have said to you before, start practicing your "Colin Hendry's Blue and White Army" chant.

I don't see enough posters pointing out the whole picture before delving into the "enter manager name here-OUT" bag. Thats my main issue with all things rovers. I never thought promotion was a possibility this season because of what preceded it and I have been pleasantly suprised by many things. Obviously, some mistakes are still being made and stability will go a long way to eradicating them. Especially on the pitch. Leicester are a prime example of what can be achieved through giving a manager and team time to gel.

I think a good analogy or example for summing up the whole squad mismanagement issue is how we released Henrique on Friday, knowing we would be short of a centre back. It will take a lot more than 2 transfer windows to finally rid ourselves of all the dross.

I don't particularly have an issue with our transfer activity other than leaving us short in central defence following Dann's departure.

My issue is what we do with what we've got, in how the team's set up, how the players are motivated and what the tactical gameplan is never mind trying to vary it based on situations during a match.

We all pay to think we know, the manager is paid because he's supposed to know. I think there'd be 2,500 today that would have done a better job than GB

[Blue blood]

Question is is Bowyer learning from his mistakes? If he is, great, keep with him because he's promising. If he's not, and this is the level he's going to keep us at, mid-table mediocrity at best, then probably if we want to advance, then we need to look for an experienced replacement. If it really is promotion or bust, or if this is imminent, then the question takes on a different slant, and needs addressing a lot more quickly and urgently.

A few thoughts:

Up till now I was growing in confidence in GB in the transfer market, and if we had time was growing in confidence he could put a team together. (Not sure we had that time, in fact was pretty certain we didn't but that's another issue.) A mixed first window (meaning before the season started), with some really good signings in a mixed bag, had been boosted by securing Cairney on a permanent deal, bringing in Marshall, who after a shaky start is starting to look good, as well as the inspired signing of Gestede (who would've guessed he'd have been this good for us) and the very promising Conway. Then we get into the center half issue which is so basic and foolish I wouldn't have expected any of our managers even the likes of Ince to make. It really does shake my confidence things like this happening - you wouldn't expect it from anyone.

Tactics - too negative - especially the Lowe-Williamson partnership. Again this is quite a worry, as it's the same gripe every time. Again this suggests Bowyer isn't up to it, although perhaps injuries have forced his hand somewhat. If we go into next season with these two, or two very similar in quality and style, this really does suggest GB isn't learning. There's no-one to fear in this league. If when everyone is fit we don't see this, I'd suggest results will improve and it shows GB is learning.

We have quality in the team and management capable of challenging at the top end of the table, and GB has shown he can get them to do it. QPR, Reading, Watford - there's been numerous examples where we've shown the quality needed to get out of this division. This again suggests that GB has something about him to be able to get these kind of results. Contrast that with QPR who with their finances steamroller over weaker teams, but have constantly come unstuck against better quality teams - which suggests 'Arry hasn't that much tactical nous, and is relying on finances. There is promise that we have the potential to get promoted, and there's been a few masterstrokes - such as the 4-3-3 vs Leeds.

To me things are unclear as to whether GB will be good enough to get us promoted. If I had to say, I'd say he's not yet good enough, but has shown the potential that he could be good enough in time, Perhaps the more pertinent question then is have we the time for GB to fulfill his potential. Given our financial situation I'd suggest not.

[47er]

Once again we resort to terms like "hatred" of bowyer.I don't see it. You say that no manager should be above criticism jbizzle but it seems to me you over-react whenever anyone does criticise him. rover 11 is the same.

What he has done so far is commendable but it is not "miraculous" and its definitely not without avoidable mistakes.If you want us to look at the whole picture for keans sake get some perspective yourself.

Anyway, we are not going up this year as I've said all along and that gives us a whole heap of problems besides Bowyer.

[JAL]

Looks like Gary is not the man to take Rovers forward

[SoldierMo]

One problem woth GB that seems to irate the fans and thats starting willo and lowe together...break that up and fans will be happy along with results which will improve

[USABlue]

To all those bashing bowyer or should I say those calling for his sacking. Lets have your (realistic)suggestions, by name, for his replacement. Gossip on Bein Sport was Laudrup's already pencilled in for arrys replacement so scratch that (unrealistic anyway) name

[Steve Moss]

Considering the resources he's been allocated and the past history of the club, GBi s still the man.

Even the best teams suffer unexpected lossses. Why should we be any different?

[SoldierMo]

To be fair i dont think we have had two games in a row this season where we have fielded the same team

[JBiz]

It's difficult to slate a guy for choosing two players when similar players to that position have been out for long periods.

To me it is obvious why Williamson plays, he is the only central midfielder out of Lowe, Evans, Cairney, Taylor, Marrow, etc with any experience. The better option has been out injured since October and had his first 30 minutes of competitive football yesterday. In games against quality central midfield players like yesterday, we will look shocking - especially considering Williamson is a backup for Evans anyway. A fully fit Evans with Lowe, with two proper central defenders behind would have made a difference to any game, never mind yesterday. Ultimatley - the non-replacement of central defenders is GB's fault but we can hardly blame him for the injuries can we. Imagine if Burnley had lost 4/5 of their best players for long periods this season. Do you think they would be top 3?

...And 47er;

It's quite simple really we lost the game today due to Dour Bowyer

Tactically, I'd be a better manager than Gary Bowyer as would most of you.

Have we actually played well all season? I can perhaps remember 1 game before Evans got injured where we played well, apart from that we've not had a decent patch of form all season, got to change next year.

Three anonymous quotes from yesterday that sum up 80% of this website;

Wannabe managers, with no memory, who cannot see past the end of their noses.

I read the game thread and i think there are less than 2 posts of the past 30 which actually mention injuries. One of those using injuries to say GB's transfer business should be better. (a message I partly agree with) Why do lots of fans have to react like complete arse holes after 90 minutes? Yes, you've spent £33 on an away game, Yes we got beat, Yes you've had a few shandys, but that is not an excuse to turn into a complete Mark Lawrenson.

For the 100,345th time - Judge the guy after a whole fu cki ng season.

[arbitro]

It's difficult to slate a guy for choosing two players when similar players to that position have been out for long periods.

To me it is obvious why Williamson plays, he is the only central midfielder out of Lowe, Evans, Cairney, Taylor, Marrow, etc with any experience. The better option has been out injured since October and had his first 30 minutes of competitive football yesterday. In games against quality central midfield players like yesterday, we will look shocking - especially considering Williamson is a backup for Evans anyway. A fully fit Evans with Lowe, with two proper central defenders behind would have made a difference to any game, never mind yesterday. Ultimatley - the non-replacement of central defenders is GB's fault but we can hardly blame him for the injuries can we. Imagine if Burnley had lost 4/5 of their best players for long periods this season. Do you think they would be top 3?

...And 47er;

Three anonymous quotes from yesterday that sum up 80% of this website;

Wannabe managers, with no memory, who cannot see past the end of their noses.

I read the game thread and i think there are less than 2 posts of the past 30 which actually mention injuries. One of those using injuries to say GB's transfer business should be better. (a message I partly agree with) Why do lots of fans have to react like complete arse holes after 90 minutes? Yes, you've spent £33 on an away game, Yes we got beat, Yes you've had a few shandys, but that is not an excuse to turn into a complete Mark Lawrenson.

For the 100,345th time - Judge the guy after a whole fu cki ng season.

What do you think we will find out at the end of the season that we don't know now?

[martonrover]

I'm of the ilk that fitness/injuries are not purely down to luck, (though it obviously does play a part).

Yesterday's performance was utterly dreadful on so many different levels and Bowyer and the players deserve criticism for it.

[dingles staying down 4ever]

To me it is obvious why Williamson plays, he is the only central midfielder out of Lowe, Evans, Cairney, Taylor, Marrow, etc with any experience. The better option has been out injured since October and had his first 30 minutes of competitive football yesterday. In games against quality central midfield players like yesterday, we will look shocking - especially considering Williamson is a backup for Evans anyway. A fully fit Evans with Lowe, with two proper central defenders behind would have made a difference to any game, never mind yesterday. Ultimatley - the non-replacement of central defenders is GB's fault but we can hardly blame him for the injuries can we. Imagine if Burnley had lost 4/5 of their best players for long periods this season. Do you think they would be top 3?

Yes Williamson is experienced but hasn't got the legs. If experience is the only requirement then we may as well have kept Murphy. Why sign Dabo with no experience?

Bolton central midfield duo can hardly be classed as quality can they? They maybe decent but not quality.

I agree the clubs decision to only have 2 CBs has bit them yesterday but for the whole season it has been clear that these two midfielders are an answer but asks questions.

I'm of the ilk that fitness/injuries are not purely down to luck, (though it obviously does play a part).

Yesterday's performance was utterly dreadful on so many different levels and Bowyer and the players deserve criticism for it.

Not when you have players like Dunn in your squad its not

[JBiz]

What do you think we will find out at the end of the season that we don't know now?

Comparing what we had end of 2013 season. That's the remit managers should be judged in IMO

SImple things like points, performances and positions in the league. If we slide into another dog fight then I will be agreeing that GB has to go but I just don't think it is likely.

[47er]

It's difficult to slate a guy for choosing two players when similar players to that position have been out for long periods.

To me it is obvious why Williamson plays, he is the only central midfielder out of Lowe, Evans, Cairney, Taylor, Marrow, etc with any experience. The better option has been out injured since October and had his first 30 minutes of competitive football yesterday. In games against quality central midfield players like yesterday, we will look shocking - especially considering Williamson is a backup for Evans anyway. A fully fit Evans with Lowe, with two proper central defenders behind would have made a difference to any game, never mind yesterday. Ultimatley - the non-replacement of central defenders is GB's fault but we can hardly blame him for the injuries can we. Imagine if Burnley had lost 4/5 of their best players for long periods this season. Do you think they would be top 3?

...And 47er;

Three anonymous quotes from yesterday that sum up 80% of this website;

Wannabe managers, with no memory, who cannot see past the end of their noses.

I read the game thread and i think there are less than 2 posts of the past 30 which actually mention injuries. One of those using injuries to say GB's transfer business should be better. (a message I partly agree with) Why do lots of fans have to react like complete arse holes after 90 minutes? Yes, you've spent £33 on an away game, Yes we got beat, Yes you've had a few shandys, but that is not an excuse to turn into a complete Mark Lawrenson.

For the 100,345th time - Judge the guy after a whole fu cki ng season.

And those examples you gave are supposed to be indicative of "hatred" towards Bowyer are they?!!!!!!!!

And please don't blame injuries. Every side has them and we have a much bigger squad than most. Its just that they are all (allegedly) mid-fielders and we only have 2 centre-backs.

[Stuart]

To all those bashing bowyer or should I say those calling for his sacking. Lets have your (realistic)suggestions, by name, for his replacement. Gossip on Bein Sport was Laudrup's already pencilled in for arrys replacement so scratch that (unrealistic anyway) name

I'll have a go...

Dreamland

Andre Villas Boas

Steve Clarke

Roberto Di Matteo

Malkey Mackay

Martin Jol

Not too stupid

Craig Levein

Gianfranco Zola

Rene Meulensteen/Ray Wilkins

Sean O'Driscoll

Sean Dyche

Could do the job or help Bowyer (DOF style)

Graeme Souness

Alan Curbishley

Dave Jones

Alex McLeish

Paul Jewell

Bring in to help Bowyer

Gary Megson

George Burley

Peter Reid

Neil Warnock

Kenny Dalgleish

Glenn Hoddle

Gerard Houllier

Left Field (Ex Players on LMA books)

Mike Newell

Jimmy Quinn

Alan Shearer

Chris Surton

Tony Parkes

[martonrover]

Comparing what we had end of 2013 season. That's the remit managers should be judged in IMO

SImple things like points, performances and positions in the league. If we slide into another dog fight then I will be agreeing that GB has to go but I just don't think it is likely.

Agreed, but that's partly as the bar to avoid relegation is likely to be much lower this season.

We have one more point than at the same stage last season but are already as safe as houses.

[47er]

I'll have a go...

Stuart, I really wouldn't fall for this stuff. Its up to the Club to advertise the position and analyse the responses. But they didn't.

[JBiz]

Let's just forget about the fact we have a regime who promote from within or hire cheap nobodies and play the game for a second.

I'll have a go...


Dreamland
Andre Villas Boas
Steve Clarke
Roberto Di Matteo
Malkey Mackay
Martin Jol

Not too stupid
Craig Levein Got sacked by leicester for being @#/?
Gianfranco Zola Never achieved anything in management besides the sack
Rene Meulensteen/Ray Wilkins Should be in your dreamland post
Sean O'Driscoll The only one I agree with out of all of them

Could do the job or help Bowyer (DOF style)
Graeme Souness He's a pundit
Alan Curbishley Won't leave London
Dave Jones Sacked by Sheff wed?!
Alex McLeish Ask Villa fans
Paul Jewell Maybe but I'm pretty sure he'd want to be a manager and for that I don't rate him

Bring in to help Bowyer
Gary Megson Are you having a laugh?
George Burley Perhaps
Peter Reid Sacked by league 2 Plymouth!?
Neil Warnock Yes good idea, the guy who cannot shut his mouth.
Kenny Dalgleish Dreamland
Glenn Hoddle Dreamland, but his relegious views mean rovers must have been a rapist in past life
Gerard Houllier Come on Stuart...

Left Field (Ex Players on LMA books)
Mike Newell
Jimmy Quinn
Alan Shearer
Chris Surton
Tony Parkes

All these people besides Parkes have no or little experience. Surely the main thing GB lacks is Experience, and replacing him with another rookie is just ridiculous

[Stuart]

Too obvious, I could have written all that jizzer. Have a proper think.

[JBiz]

Too obvious, I could have written all that jizzer. Have a proper think.

Stu-Wart - You still aren't considering who the decision makers above the manager are.

If it rains every day, why go down town without a coat on?

[Stuart]

If it rains every day, why go down town without a coat on?

You've confused me now. Are you talking about the owners or Boywer's team selections?

That's exactly why we are having this discussion.

[JBiz]

You've confused me now. Are you talking about the owners or Boywer's team selections?

That's exactly why we are having this discussion.

The analogy could be used for both depending on your view point - I find it hard to say that about GB though because in some cases he hasn't had the choice of coat.

The main use though is applied to Shelfy and the Raos. How anyone could expect a clever appointment for a manager is beyond me.

If sacking GB is a good idea, then I guess this applies to replacing him with a no mark/rookie and allowing them to reshape the squad. (AGAIN)

Personally, I don't see how this can be a good idea. In British law they call it a precedent, and all precedent in this case points to Colin Hendry being tasked with the job of motivating a squad built by 5 different managers.

To add to this - this is my last post for now. It is plain to see that you have your agenda and I have my own views. I'm not judging GB on anything other than his complete tenure, and other than writing up the complete Pro's and Con's of this period, it is impossible to make you see how short sighted your being.