MFCL84 Posted July 22 Report Share Posted July 22 Well that was very enjoyable. Controlled the game from start to finish, with the exception of 10 minutes after the triple substitution which seemed to unsettle the rhythm of play. Considering the whole of the group stage, does anyone recall a set of matches where we have completely dominated the opponents in the way that we have this campaign? Sure, the opponents have all been from lower leagues, but we have often struggled badly in such games. While we have gifted a few goals and struggled to score, we have been dominant in all of the games. I certainly didn't expect us to dominate Morton the way that we did tonight. It was a very comfortable win. If we can get some improvement of the final ball and solidity in defence we could be very good this season. Roll on Friday to see how we compete against some higher quality opponents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuwell2 Posted July 22 Report Share Posted July 22 1 hour ago, FirParkCornerExile said: the manager was going tonto when Ewan hoofed the ball long, he got the message , didnt happen again Seen that and thought it was harsh, no players were moving to give him any other option and better to clear the ball rather than end up giving it away in the penalty box. Did the right thing in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigManTam Posted July 22 Report Share Posted July 22 25 minutes ago, wellon said: " Eye bleeding" and " like watching paint dry" , that's why teams don't play patient football, too many fans want to be 6 nil up in first 20. That's what Jba will need to battle against when we lose a few. I'm not so sure. If possession football is not done correctly it can be as dull and frustrating as hoofball. And less effective to boot. Previous attempts at various Scottish teams have turned out this way (only exception probably being celtic under Rogers). Why are middling teams from similar sized leagues (Denmark, Croatia, Czech) able to play better football than our mid sized teams? I don't know, exactly. If i had to guess, I would say it's more down to individual technical skills and a more positive mentality than playing the right brand of possession football. Culture, you could say. The best Well team I've ever seen (I'm mid 30s) was our McGhee 1.0 team with Porter, Hughes, McCormack et al. Did they play possession football? Not in an intentional way, I dont think, like JBA is attempting now. There were some good technical, experienced players, who found form and the team just clicked. Anyway, I'm not trying to be negative about the possession stuff. I think it may well work out, but there's also good reason other teams have tried and failed with it in the past and it could still be the case with us, even if we are patient. However, let's get behind the team and see where we end up! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuwell2 Posted July 22 Report Share Posted July 22 I like the possession football but most successful teams who play in also mix it up a bit at times with either long ball’s out to the wings or quick passes through gaps through the centre and id like to see us trying that more. I think the second goal was a result of that (at least I’m convincing myself that or conning myself maybe). Overall a decent game with a good few bits of entertainment, some nice touches and goals - that’s enough to keep me happy. Also I think that teams looking to loan out players might just look at us and JBA’s tactics/coaching and think it would be good for their better young players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robsterwood Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 4 hours ago, El Grew said: This is like watching paint drying. You got no appreciation for football. Crazy statement to make. What are you actually wanting to see? Teams playing great passing football! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FirParkCornerExile Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 5 hours ago, BigManTam said: I'm not so sure. If possession football is not done correctly it can be as dull and frustrating as hoofball. And less effective to boot. Previous attempts at various Scottish teams have turned out this way (only exception probably being celtic under Rogers). Why are middling teams from similar sized leagues (Denmark, Croatia, Czech) able to play better football than our mid sized teams? I don't know, exactly. If i had to guess, I would say it's more down to individual technical skills and a more positive mentality than playing the right brand of possession football. Culture, you could say. The best Well team I've ever seen (I'm mid 30s) was our McGhee 1.0 team with Porter, Hughes, McCormack et al. Did they play possession football? Not in an intentional way, I dont think, like JBA is attempting now. There were some good technical, experienced players, who found form and the team just clicked. Anyway, I'm not trying to be negative about the possession stuff. I think it may well work out, but there's also good reason other teams have tried and failed with it in the past and it could still be the case with us, even if we are patient. However, let's get behind the team and see where we end up! A lot what you say is true, however I suspect there will be times when it horses for courses. Especially once teams tumble to how we play. My biggest issue with Kettlewells eye bleeding pish was when it was obvious plan A wasn't working , he tried Plan A again so all we ever saw was limited possession and hoofball. Id like to think JBA has enough abiout him to mix it up at times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mio Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 6 hours ago, Stuwell2 said: Seen that and thought it was harsh, no players were moving to give him any other option and better to clear the ball rather than end up giving it away in the penalty box. Did the right thing in my opinion. I actually thought he played well when he came on. He made a really crucial block which I thought was going in and I felt he did well getting forward and was reasonably solid. Better than I’ve seen him for a while tbh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelmaninOZ Posted July 23 Author Report Share Posted July 23 highlights reel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellfan Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 On Wilson, the positive is that being coached by JBA and learning alongside someone like Manny could really bring him on. Manny is clearly ahead of him just now, but Wilson has the attributes. He just needs the right coaching, a bit of confidence and the freedom to take players on and make mistakes. Johnny K also looks like he is starting to come good, which is a bit of a relief for everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmcalpin Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 Thoroughly enjoyed last night's game, although I became increasingly nervous as time wore on and it was still goalless. It was so importnat to notch the first goal. A good team effort although I thought Koutroumbis, McGinn and Maswhanise stod out with the latter being my MOTM. For the first time time this season our possession based approach looked exciting due in no small part to Morton's relatively more positive gameplan. It was a pleasure to watch. Such a contrast to Kettlewell's Plan A. Some good midfield play although maybe we need a defensive midfielder to add a bit of steel in the engine room. Its encouraging to see a lot more pace in the side. We lost a bit of momentum when the 3 second half subs entered the fray and were caught short on the left until JBA made a tactical change. Maswhanise took his goals very well. The first was well worked stemming from a great pass from Gordon. His third was sublime and a perfect way to round off the evening. A contender for goal of the season? Lots to look forward to. I still have some concerns though, but suspect they are being addressed. Ewan Wilson is starting to concern me though - has he lost confidence? We do lack physicality and once again a big physical striker in the shape of Adeloye last night caused us issues. Up front we still look toothless. Its a positive that we created so many chances but disappointing that we looked lightweight in the box. Ap Stam is no lone striker. A big physical striker is badly needed to get on the end of crosses and set pieces. We progress to the knockout rounds now and pres eason acclimitisation continues under JBA. I suspect Elijah's shirt will be much sought after by senior fans aged mid 20s and over. A collector's item! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
star sail Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 13 hours ago, FirParkCornerExile said: the manager was going tonto when Ewan hoofed the ball long, he got the message , didnt happen again I remember when Gannon started, he was obviously trying to implement a different style of football. I remember the first European game in Airdrie and Steven Saunders had obviously been told not to launch the ball forward. Every time he got the ball he would look up, panic and pass the ball back to the GK. I think he was playing left back that evening although I always remember him as a right sided player. I must be wrong on one of these counts unless he switched. The good news was that Saunders became a decent player under Gannon over the following 6 months. Great result last night. It would have been a brave Well fan to call that scoreline pre match. It would be fantastic if we are seeing the beginning of a cultural shift in the way the game is played at Fir Park. With Martin at Rangers and Rodgers already playing a high energy possession game at Celtic bringing Scottish football into the 21st century, let's hope we are on the right side of the revolution. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weeyin Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 It's definitely a learning process. When you have trained for 20 years to clear your lines instead of looking for a pass, some adjustment is required. Equally important is recognising when you do, and when you do not, have time to look for that pass. Mistakes will no doubt be made, but we need to stick to the plan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
star sail Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 6 minutes ago, weeyin said: It's definitely a learning process. When you have trained for 20 years to clear your lines instead of looking for a pass, some adjustment is required. Equally important is recognising when you do, and when you do not, have time to look for that pass. Mistakes will no doubt be made, but we need to stick to the plan. Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FirParkCornerExile Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 26 minutes ago, star sail said: I remember when Gannon started, he was obviously trying to implement a different style of football. I remember the first European game in Airdrie and Steven Saunders had obviously been told not to launch the ball forward. Every time he got the ball he would look up, panic and pass the ball back to the GK. I think he was playing left back that evening although I always remember him as a right sided player. I must be wrong on one of these counts unless he switched. The good news was that Saunders became a decent player under Gannon over the following 6 months. Great result last night. It would have been a brave Well fan to call that scoreline pre match. It would be fantastic if we are seeing the beginning of a cultural shift in the way the game is played at Fir Park. With Martin at Rangers and Rodgers already playing a high energy possession game at Celtic bringing Scottish football into the 21st century, let's hope we are on the right side of the revolution. The key is stop employing the usual fuds the Scottish Football mafia love who have been hawking themselves round Scottish football for 30 years or more 😉😁 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FirParkCornerExile Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 12 hours ago, Stuwell2 said: Seen that and thought it was harsh, no players were moving to give him any other option and better to clear the ball rather than end up giving it away in the penalty box. Did the right thing in my opinion. Just watched the re run of the game on Premier Sports this morning and you are quite correct he didnt have a lot of options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ya Bezzer! Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 5 minutes ago, FirParkCornerExile said: The key is stop employing the usual fuds the Scottish Football mafia love who have been hawking themselves round Scottish football for 30 years or more 😉😁 And yet top European coaches came to Largs to learn from us. There are so many factors that determine national styles of football. Just for a start we are probably one of the most northerly leagues in the world that play through the winter. That alone is going to encourage a faster, more direct style of football. It wasn't that long ago we were playing on mud piles that made possession football very difficult to impossible. And I guarantee you if Rangers pump us in a couple of weeks all the positivity on style of play will go right out the window in the typical Scottish fan style and we'll 'need' to win the next match or it will be a 'disaster'. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiderpig Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 8 minutes ago, Ya Bezzer! said: And I guarantee you if Rangers pump us in a couple of weeks all the positivity on style of play will go right out the window in the typical Scottish fan style and we'll 'need' to win the next match or it will be a 'disaster'. Aye that's MJC's post sorted right there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ya Bezzer! Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 1 minute ago, Spiderpig said: Aye that's MJC's post sorted right there. Well it's more than just MJC. That's why there is so much pressure on managers to win over developmental coaching. Fans and the media play a big part in how football is played in this country. But I also think it's especially acute at Motherwell since we have this 39 year run in the top league. Relegation is seen as being catastrophic, even being in the running for relegation, when for most other clubs, our size and much bigger, it's something they've been through multiple times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weeyin Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 29 minutes ago, Ya Bezzer! said: And yet top European coaches came to Largs to learn from us. They come to learn from the fully qualified coaches who have been trained to the latest UEFA standards using state of the art, data driven training methods and tactics. They don't come to Largs to learn how to run up sand dunes or control long balls on worn out plastic pitches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weeyin Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 16 minutes ago, Ya Bezzer! said: Well it's more than just MJC. That's why there is so much pressure on managers to win over developmental coaching. Fans and the media play a big part in how football is played in this country. But I also think it's especially acute at Motherwell since we have this 39 year run in the top league. Relegation is seen as being catastrophic, even being in the running for relegation, when for most other clubs, our size and much bigger, it's something they've been through multiple times. Being in the running for relegation is the price you pay for sticking with the same approach every season. Given that we have zero chance of winning the league, what's the point of playing the league matches every week? For me, the point is I want to be entertained. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiderpig Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 2 hours ago, weeyin said: Being in the running for relegation is the price you pay for sticking with the same approach every season. Given that we have zero chance of winning the league, what's the point of playing the league matches every week? For me, the point is I want to be entertained. If you want to be entertained go to the theatre, cinema etc not to a football match. What would you class as entertaining football, scoring 4 or 5 goals every game, Barcelona style tipy tappy boring as feck 59 pass moves, blood and snotters hoofball with everyone chasing the ball etc. If your team wins the vast majority of fans go home happy, the game might have been a total shitfest but if it results in 3 points nobody gives a feck. Supporting a team like Motherwell is a tough ask, we don't win every week, win a trophy every year, compete in the fantasy world that is the Euro group stages etc. But having watched Motherwell since 1970, winning a league title, Scottish cup, various Euro adventures, champions league and being a Premiership team for our 40th year now its gave me a lot of entertainment and great memories that greatly outnumber the bad experiences so I think we do OK. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MFCL84 Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 8 minutes ago, Spiderpig said: If you want to be entertained go to the theatre, cinema etc not to a football match. I don't subscribe to this. I certainly go to the football to be entertained. Unfortunately, many of the most recent years have delivered very little entertainment. I did not enjoy watching the Kettlewell era, even when we were winning. I am very happy to see a different approach which, in my view will be very much more entertaining than what has been served up in recent years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weeyin Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 7 minutes ago, Spiderpig said: If you want to be entertained go to the theatre, cinema etc not to a football match If you found SK's 15 match run without a win entertaining then more power to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellon Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 2 hours ago, weeyin said: They come to learn from the fully qualified coaches who have been trained to the latest UEFA standards using state of the art, data driven training methods and tactics. They don't come to Largs to learn how to run up sand dunes or control long balls on worn out plastic pitches. Yet scottish teams with 11 Scottish players used to win European competitions with these methods...times moved on but at the end of the day ,it usually comes down to how good the players are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellfan Posted July 23 Report Share Posted July 23 53 minutes ago, weeyin said: If you found SK's 15 match run without a win entertaining then more power to you. Many of us didn’t, and that’s why we turned on him over a year before he finally buggered off, lashing out like a victim on his way out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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