Wing Wizard Windy Miller

It's been a good start points wise, not performance wise. I have no illusions. I think we are nailed on for bottom 6 at this rate. Just didn't think 'learning to walk' was a good analogy ??

Maintaining a jog, trot or canter should be the minimum expectation rather than learning to walk. A sprint here and there would be great following the amble of the last couple of matches. Clear enough?

We've only been out of it a year!! We should be jogging at least.

Well.....great timing. I bet he couldn't sign it quick enough after the last 2 performances. Like the integrity of the guy. Not sure he's going to take us forward though. Let's see if Venkys keep their word and support him, as per their statement.

Could that be because most managers over think it?

Scary how bleeding obvious it is. Lack of width with natural wide players combined with the ever-present defensive midfield 2 is TM's achilles heel IMO. We can't 'go at' teams by getting wide runners on the ball. Then end up hoofing when they press us.

Agree with that. Thought we still looked shaky at the back last season but we could outscore teams. We've been crying out for a dominant CB since Samba left! Duffy did it for a while before throwing his toys out. We have 2 left backs that can neither attack or defend adequately and Nyambe at RB who I think has promise but is still learning. We need an old experienced warhorse at the back (oh for an Andy Todd). Despite it being obvious for a couple of years, we still don't have that ball playing midfielder that can sit and dictate. Whittington failed miserably and Davenport (potentially) is never fit. Don't get me started on the lack of width...

Ironically, the Carlisle game was when he let all the attacking players play. Then said it would never happen again. That said, I remember Carlisle having about 18 shots on goal so it was too open an approach ?

Or Swansea...or Bristol...didn't have a sniff against Sheffield U...stole a point at Derby.... When we lose, we are generally made to look awful. When we win, we have usually had to run ourselves into the ground to eek out a 1 goal win. That alone would indicate that we either don't have the quality at this level of we aren't tactically set up well enough to compete.

Interested to read the TM fan interview. Good to hear. One thing that does perplex me though...TM's radio lancs interview today he stated that he's watched Wigan over the last couple of years and they are a good passing side. Therefore he was surprised they abandoned that approach and went for direct balls into our box. Now when ever I've seen Wigan, they have always been aggressive and direct. Indeed, I said before the game I didn't think we'd cope with their direct approach. So if I knew what to expect (and it's exactly what they did second half at Ewood). How can he not? Now I may be wrong and Wigan may play like Barcelona most of the time. The really concerning thing is a team will change to long balls into the box because they know we can't cope. It's clearly a weakness most teams are looking to exploit (and has been since Duffy left).

All managers have a shelf life at a club. Once the team starts back pedalling, it takes a massive effort and rethink to turn it round. We've seen it with Souness, Bowyer etc. TM is at that point. It's clear now that our season aim has got to be staying up. Anything more is not acheivable with the current squad. Now I'm in two minds. I'd give him the Janary transfer window to have a shuffle and address some glaring failings and hold off on contract talks. If he doesnt make changes, then he clearly can't see what the majority of people can and needs to go. He has a history of doing well initially, then the wheels falling off. Probably because he starts over thinking things the longer he is there. Still like the guy though (like Bowyer) but football's ruthless

Exactly how I see it.

Agree with all of that. We tended to only play for spells in a game - which was generally enough to win it. A trait which has continued but where as we scored freely last season in the good spells, we haven't the quality to make/convert the chances in this league.

He's either off or been told he isn't going in Jan and hasn't taken it well. Got to be honest. I'd get rid in January if a big money offer comes in. He had gone off the boil at Gillingham when we bought him. Talented lad but got to question if he mentally wants to improve or just wants a laugh. Last year I watched him chase players all over the pitch to get the ball back, not seen that desire this season. We also have to play a certain way so he can play in the hole which compromises how we set up. No brainer IF the money gets reinvested but still don't trust Venkys to do that.

Not out of the question that the dressing room is not as cohesive as it maybe was. I can't imagine the Chelsea lad is happy being in and out. Rothwell must be fuming. I imagine Dack isn't his normal happy self if his performances are anything to go by. Rodwell also comes with previous. Remember the core of the team that brought us up, was also the one that took us down.

Interesting question: The promotion bounce has warn off? Lack of belief in Mowbray's ideas? Simply a lack of height against bigger teams? Lack of natural width?

Mulgrew probably the only natural option there. Given he's not a dominant centre half, possibly suited to LB and played the role before.lt also increases the height of the back line. Only problem is he can't get up and down (which TM wants from his full back/wing backs). Now if he had a decent winger in front of him...

We only have 2/3 players who will always wear their heart on their sleeve. Bennett, Smallwood and Lennihan. Smallwood however isn't good enough to be starting in this league and Bennett is jack of all trades, master of none. Probably best suited to cm as he creates nothing further forward. The rest are fair weather. Said last year, we were physically weak and too small all over the pitch. Nothing done to address that in the transfer window. I'm guessing we must have the smallest average height in the division and probably the slowest squad as well.

Especially when nothing he tries is coming off!!

I would try that front 2 to be honest. I'd also bench Dack and have Rodwell where near cb. Lack of wingers a crime for me. Would go with the following. Raya Nyambe. Lennihan Mulgrew. Travis Bennett Reed Rodwell Rothwell Armstrong Brereton If Lennihan injured then play Downing. At least he has a bit of height.

Best hang on with the contract renewal, could end up another saga if Pune like him and results are crap...

Possibly two of the worst left backs ever..both on our books. Impressive

If ever a goal summed up an evening

TM out of credit with me. Got away with results early season...a little reminiscent of the K***e season where we started really well result wise but it was only a matter of time before we plummeted because performances were crap. His tactics and player recruitment to suit those tactics (which change every week) has been bizarre. ...and Conway for Nyambe ????

Let's be honest, it's a complete myththat we have a team of warriors. Two or three at best.