Josh1873 wrote: β04 Mar 2024, 10:59
I'm genuinely confused as to how you can not see that something has gone wrong? It's not an opinion or a subjective view. It's a fact. There is no arguing against it.
We started the season as follows; Position 2nd P9 W5 D4 L0 Pts 19
Since then we have gone; Position 11th P22 W6 D4 L12 Pts 22
Let's be very blunt and honest here, this isn't a one off, or something that has happened because we're at a higher level, this has been a theme during Smith's time here. There is clearly something about his management style that lends itself to a good start, but somewhere down the line something happens that he just cannot fix. Luckily we possessed superior quality at the level below to scrape results and maintain a healthy league position, however we aren't afforded that luxury at our current level. Let's not let promotion cloud our memories, there was a clear dip in performances in each of the two previous season once we suffered the first league defeat.
As I've said time and time again, I did not expect this seasons start to continue, and I expected some drop off. But I didn't expect a complete implosion, either. And no, this isn't some witch hunt against Paul Smith. However, by his own admission something had to change. Clearly Keith agreed too. Fans haven't hounded him out, or whatever narrative it is YeltzBaby is trying to spin. Keith is an astute man and has this clubs best interests at heart, this decision was made with his own mind and with (assumingly) a frank and honest conversation with Paul, where it was agreed it was best for all parties to move on. There is no way Keith would have been influenced by a few Twatter posts or what us idiots on here say! So let's put that argument to bed.
So, to answer Andy's question what went wrong? It's difficult to answer, if it was easy then Paul would have worked it out. There are, however a few things that I believe led to our downfall:
- Constant chopping and changing of players. You need a consistent XI, injuries, suspensions and loss of individual player form permitting. This is something I hope Penn addresses. Assess your squad, pick your best XI and stick with it.
- We have a quality squad, I maintain that, however we have too many players of similar abilities and the same type of player. We need a more varied group of players that each bring something different to the squad. It's all a bit samey. We sub off one player and basically bring on a carbon copy player on.
- Set pieces/coaching. How many times have we conceded from a set piece? How often have we scored from a set piece? Even during our excellent start this, as well as conceding sloppy goals, was a worrying theme. It hasn't been addressed despite a turnover in personnel.
- What is worked on in training? I've heard worrying stories about our training from multiple people. It could, of course, be bullshit, but it would explain a lot if they are true.
- Fractured dressing room? The players don't seem to like each other on the pitch, maybe I'm reading too much into body language, but the attitude of some players, particularly when we go a goal down, doesn't seem right to me.
- Paul seems to be 'one of the lads', for example going away on holiday during post season with some of the squad. Has this bred a laid back and complacent attitude between players and manager? Do the players take playing for this club seriously enough, or do they see it as a laugh with their clique?
Would I have taken 10th at this stage of the season way back I August? Yes. But I do not accept that all is well and that nothing needed to change. It has gone wrong, and the club have made the correct decision to move on from Smith.
I don't recall seeing any unrealistic expectations, either. Has anyone said they expect us to win the league or achieve promotion? I believe the highest expectation I've seen is for us to be in the play-off positions. That's a little too far, for me, but at the same time, it shouldn't be outside the realms of possibility.