Thanks Kev - but is a new manager needed?

[kentblues]

Interesting debate.

Some missteps have been made, including, imo, yesterday's starting line-up. For balance, though, I don't think it's a favourites thing. A line-up is picked which the management team feels is best for a given opponent/situation, but the players selected need to win their individual battles and do the basics right. Too many of them didn't yesterday, but hopefully lessons were learned in terms of the starting line up.

I think we're in a crowded room as an average mid-table quality team, which might be able to challenge for the playoffs if all the stars align.

There's not enough acknowledgement of the how badly the quality and settled nature of our best starting 11 has been affected by the losses of Cardwell and Kensdale (both of whom were integral to the way we play, and who Maher is yet to be afforded a proper chance to replace), nor of how the siege mentality likely had us playing above ourselves.

Things certainly need to improve, but I won't be happy judging Maher until he has had a fair and uninterrupted crack at rebuilding and improving his squad. He deserves to be given January, when I believe the market will open up. I would then assess where we are in mid-March. If we're in a relegation battle then a decision may need to be made. If we're bobbing along in lower mid table, then I'd allow him to have his first full and uninterrupted summer transfer period and see where he can take us next season.

Easy for me to say as I wrote this season off when I heard about the depth of the issues last summer, and got told who was standing in Maher's office ready to sign for us, but was unable to do so and had to sign elsewhere.

The management team knows who and what they want, and at the moment, they are not caving to demands from supporters to sign just anybody, or to settle for lesser players than the ones they are targeting. Good on them for that. To me, that suggests that they're confident they have a good chance of landing those targets soon.

Attempts have been made to fill the gaps with the likes of Bonne and Moncur, players who had displayed some of the qualities that the management team is seeking in the past, but who for whatever reason had lost their way recently. Calculated risks were taken on them as loans/free transfers in the hope that maybe they could rediscover previous form, but it hasn't happened yet. One of those things. It was worth a try. Clearly the club knew they were risks, and that's why they were only signed for a year.


I just don't think it's the time to be doing that. Our entire structure and style is based on 3 at the back. To switch to 4 at the back would require new personnel, and a big upheaval to our style and structure.

It's also not as simple as "we've been sussed out".

What we need is the players who are in the building to do the basics right, and then we need some new and better players.



Because the management team isn't panicking yet. They know who they want and believe they have a good chance of landing them. We all have opinions and are entitled to them, but we're not the ones on the training ground with the current players everyday, nor out watching targets. Opinions aside, who are we to demand that the management team compromises its educated standards and vision and sign any man and his dog because we "need help now"?

Sorry, but I don't think it's panic stations time yet. Maher et al. have earned the right to have some faith put in them to put things right, and being 3 points off the relegation zone and 7 off the playoffs with 84 still to play for isn't cause to ditch them yet.



And we had begun speaking to our main targets in the Spring. We're an attractive proposition at this level, but some people need a reality check. Very few players are going to hold on to see whether our transfer embargo gets lifted so they can sign for us, when they have decent alternative options.

Yes, it was lifted on 5th July, but nobody - not us, not prospective signings, not Maher, not even COSU - could guarantee that would be the case even a week beforehand.


Part-time players are out of contract at the end of May. That's why a few were unable to hold on to see if our situation got fixed in time for them to sign for us over the summer.


Too many people confusing reasons for excuses. Any individual's refusal to accept a logical reason, does not make that reason any less valid.


Project Maher has barely begun. It simply can't begin until he is afforded the opportunity to rebuild his squad unhindered by difficulties off-field.

I'm not saying Maher isn't above being questioned, or that he doesn't get anything wrong. All managers at every level get things wrong from time to time.

I do think he should be shown a little more respect, faith and patience, though, considering what he has done for us. He was a legend before coming back as manager, but what he accomplished last season transcends that. It's not an exaggeration to say that if it weren't for him, last season's squad would have fallen apart and we'd have been relegated. He stuck by the club, the city and the supporters, and definitely by his players, going way above and beyond the call of duty of a mere first team manager. All he has known here is working with at least one hand tied behind his back, and I think he deserves to be given a fair chance at working under normal conditions.

I'm not suggesting loyalty to Maher is more important than the club and staying up, but I do think he should be shown a bit more faith and loyalty, and I don't buy into the panic at the moment.

Ah…back to sanity…..

 

[Shrimper]

Maher has spoken a lot about bringing people in but becoming a broken record. Either he's not happy with the players identified or COSU aren't willing to spend more. The next two months are crucial, get it wrong and we could be fighting to stay in this division.

 

[Southend Elvis]

Interesting debate.

Some missteps have been made, including, imo, yesterday's starting line-up. For balance, though, I don't think it's a favourites thing. A line-up is picked which the management team feels is best for a given opponent/situation, but the players selected need to win their individual battles and do the basics right. Too many of them didn't yesterday, but hopefully lessons were learned in terms of the starting line up.

I think we're in a crowded room as an average mid-table quality team, which might be able to challenge for the playoffs if all the stars align.

There's not enough acknowledgement of the how badly the quality and settled nature of our best starting 11 has been affected by the losses of Cardwell and Kensdale (both of whom were integral to the way we play, and who Maher is yet to be afforded a proper chance to replace), nor of how the siege mentality likely had us playing above ourselves.

Things certainly need to improve, but I won't be happy judging Maher until he has had a fair and uninterrupted crack at rebuilding and improving his squad. He deserves to be given January, when I believe the market will open up. I would then assess where we are in mid-March. If we're in a relegation battle then a decision may need to be made. If we're bobbing along in lower mid table, then I'd allow him to have his first full and uninterrupted summer transfer period and see where he can take us next season.

Easy for me to say as I wrote this season off when I heard about the depth of the issues last summer, and got told who was standing in Maher's office ready to sign for us, but was unable to do so and had to sign elsewhere.

The management team knows who and what they want, and at the moment, they are not caving to demands from supporters to sign just anybody, or to settle for lesser players than the ones they are targeting. Good on them for that. To me, that suggests that they're confident they have a good chance of landing those targets soon.

Attempts have been made to fill the gaps with the likes of Bonne and Moncur, players who had displayed some of the qualities that the management team is seeking in the past, but who for whatever reason had lost their way recently. Calculated risks were taken on them as loans/free transfers in the hope that maybe they could rediscover previous form, but it hasn't happened yet. One of those things. It was worth a try. Clearly the club knew they were risks, and that's why they were only signed for a year.


I just don't think it's the time to be doing that. Our entire structure and style is based on 3 at the back. To switch to 4 at the back would require new personnel, and a big upheaval to our style and structure.

It's also not as simple as "we've been sussed out".

What we need is the players who are in the building to do the basics right, and then we need some new and better players.



Because the management team isn't panicking yet. They know who they want and believe they have a good chance of landing them. We all have opinions and are entitled to them, but we're not the ones on the training ground with the current players everyday, nor out watching targets. Opinions aside, who are we to demand that the management team compromises its educated standards and vision and sign any man and his dog because we "need help now"?

Sorry, but I don't think it's panic stations time yet. Maher et al. have earned the right to have some faith put in them to put things right, and being 3 points off the relegation zone and 7 off the playoffs with 84 still to play for isn't cause to ditch them yet.



And we had begun speaking to our main targets in the Spring. We're an attractive proposition at this level, but some people need a reality check. Very few players are going to hold on to see whether our transfer embargo gets lifted so they can sign for us, when they have decent alternative options.

Yes, it was lifted on 5th July, but nobody - not us, not prospective signings, not Maher, not even COSU - could guarantee that would be the case even a week beforehand.


Part-time players are out of contract at the end of May. That's why a few were unable to hold on to see if our situation got fixed in time for them to sign for us over the summer.


Too many people confusing reasons for excuses. Any individual's refusal to accept a logical reason, does not make that reason any less valid.


Project Maher has barely begun. It simply can't begin until he is afforded the opportunity to rebuild his squad unhindered by difficulties off-field.

I'm not saying Maher isn't above being questioned, or that he doesn't get anything wrong. All managers at every level get things wrong from time to time.

I do think he should be shown a little more respect, faith and patience, though, considering what he has done for us. He was a legend before coming back as manager, but what he accomplished last season transcends that. It's not an exaggeration to say that if it weren't for him, last season's squad would have fallen apart and we'd have been relegated. He stuck by the club, the city and the supporters, and definitely by his players, going way above and beyond the call of duty of a mere first team manager. All he has known here is working with at least one hand tied behind his back, and I think he deserves to be given a fair chance at working under normal conditions.

I'm not suggesting loyalty to Maher is more important than the club and staying up, but I do think he should be shown a bit more faith and loyalty, and I don't buy into the panic at the moment.

If too many reasons are given they turn into excuses, if my work failed and I gave 10 reasons why it failed, I'm not sure that would cut the mustard. Too many things are going wrong at present they can't be all because of what's happened before, we can change the course.
How many believe our government when they say we have to do thing because of the situation left by the previous regime.... that only goes so far.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Ah…back to sanity…..

I think most people are willing to give Kev longer not just because of who he is but because of the off field situation. But ultimately fans want to be entertained. In fairness, they spend a lot of money following the team up and down the country and the support .. and backing for Maher .. has been absolutely superb.

I think the criticism is down to frustration as we see glimpses of a really good team. But the same mistakes keep happening, fundamental things like set pieces and creative forward play aren’t improving and it’s a bit much to expect no noise at all when we lose like we did yesterday with what, 1/2 proper shots on target?! It’s on Kev to turn this round new players or not. It’s his biggest test as a manager so far.

 

[Liam AAS]

If too many reasons are given they turn into excuses, if my work failed and I gave 10 reasons why it failed, I'm not sure that would cut the mustard. Too many things are going wrong at present they can't be all because of what's happened before, we can change the course.
How many believe our government when they say we have to do thing because of the situation left by the previous regime.... that only goes so far.

What if all of those 10 reasons were valid?

 

[RHB]

this.

I’m also intrigued by Kev’s Echo interview if someone could be so kind to post it up.
View attachment 34698

There ya go @Leeboy, two 'Kev articles for the price of one post:

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher knows improvements must be made following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Altrincham.

The Shrimpers have now triumphed just once in their last five games.

And Maher will be looking at all aspects of the performance in a bid to get back on track.

“We need to have a look at a few things around here because that’s nowhere near good enough,” said Maher. “There’s loads around the place and loads around the club that has to change.

“We have to make sure everyone is on the same page right throughout the club but I’ve got to look at the playing squad and where that’s at.”


SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher slammed his side’s first half showing in Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Altrincham.


The Robins scored twice during a one-sided opening 45 minutes to condemn the Shrimpers to a third straight loss.

And Maher did not hide his frustration at the final whistle.

“It’s really disappointing and it was nowhere near good enough in the first half,” said Maher.

“They’re a good side if you give them space and time and we started so poorly.

“The basics of the game we got wrong time after time.

“It could have been more in all honestly and Zach (Jeacock) kept us in it with some good saves.

“In terms of character it was disappointing and it’s not something I’ve seen from many of my teams since I’ve been here.”

The Shrimpers now sit 16th in the National League standings.

And Maher was disappointed with Blues’ reaction to going behind.

“We didn’t start well but there’s ways to get back into the game yet we made the same mistakes and basic errors,” said the 48-year-old.

“We had to get to half-time at 1-0 and count ourselves lucky to have done that but we conceded poorly again and we were too easy to play through.

“I didn’t like us at all first half.”

Maher felt there was an improvement in the second half but the Shrimpers were unable to get back into the game.

“I’d have been amazed if there wasn’t a reaction second half and sometimes it’s easier to play when you’re 2-0 down,” said Maher.

“But the body language first half wasn’t good enough.

“We’re a good team when things are going well but when things aren’t going well we’ve got to better.

“We had enough balls going in but their centre-half headed everything out and we didn’t test the young keeper anywhere near enough.

“It’s disappointing.”

However, Maher did not believe the defeat had anything to do with tactics.

“I don’t think the game was won or lost on tactics,” said the Blues boss.

“The first half wasn’t anything to do with tactics.

“It was losing battles all over the pitch, not winning one on one battles and not being clever enough when we get near their goal.

“We talk about sustaining attacks and we didn’t do anything like that.

“We weren’t organised behind the ball and that’s something we do all the time. It’s not tactics, it’s everyone doing their jobs.”

 

[Uncle_Rons_Teapot]

Interested in his comment in the echo

"There’s loads around the place and loads around the club that has to change.

“We have to make sure everyone is on the same page right throughout the club but I’ve got to look at the playing squad and where that’s at.”

 

[Piledriver]

12points if we do

Relegation form 32 pts from 30 games.

 

[hlane17]

Interested in his comment in the echo

"There’s loads around the place and loads around the club that has to change.

“We have to make sure everyone is on the same page right throughout the club but I’ve got to look at the playing squad and where that’s at.”

Perhaps we won't see some in a Southend shirt again? That's what happened last time he said something similar.

 

[Southend Elvis]

What if all of those 10 reasons were valid?

Says who? It totally depends how you see things, obviously if you want Kev to stay you will agree, whereas some others don't. Opinions we all have them

 

[Benfleet Blue]

Interesting debate.




I just don't think it's the time to be doing that. Our entire structure and style is based on 3 at the back. To switch to 4 at the back would require new personnel, and a big upheaval to our style and structure.

It's also not as simple as "we've been sussed out".

I think we have the players for a 4 4 2.

Its not that we need new personnel its just KM persists in playing a system that simply doesn't work

Back 4 of Wind Crowther Gubbins and Ralph
Midfield Gus on the Right Bridge on the left and a selection of central midfielders.
KM is just to stubborn to change.

And I believe we have been sussed out as so many teams play wide long balls into the spaces where full backs would be and we do nothing to change shape to counter it.

So no new personnel needed just a manager able to implement change.

 

[Benjamin]

Perhaps we won't see some in a Southend shirt again? That's what happened last time he said something similar.

Yeah weren’t it Clifford after chesterfield away a few years ago then I don’t think he made an appearance again

 

[mark387]

I think we have the players for a 4 4 2.

Back 4 of Wind Crowther Gubbins and Ralph
Midfield Gus on the Right Bridge on the left and a selection of central midfielders.
KM is just to stubborn to change.

And I believe we have been sussed out as so many teams play wide long balls into the spaces where full backs would be and we do nothing to change shape to counter it.

So no new personnel needed just a manager able to implement change.

Until now I had been against going back to a 4-4-2 but teams are very quickly figuring out the 3 man with wingbacks plus the more I see GSM the more I think he is best suited to an RM role

 

[SHRIMPERR]

I want him to stay but it’d be much better if Maher accepted some responsibility for once. Always an excuse somewhere or ‘the players not doing what he wants’. Yesterday was all on the tactical set up. Could’ve been 4,5 down at half time because our midfield was so open. Miley had to basically defend counters on his own.

 

[Ipswhrimp]

Smash them 1 nil and Roots Hall go wild with a Seasider love in.

I've just seen someone in the local supermarket in an FGR beanie. I had to ask him why. I'm taking it as a portent of a mighty Shrimpers victory.

 

[Medway Blue]

I think we have the players for a 4 4 2.

Its not that we need new personnel its just KM persists in playing a system that simply doesn't work

Back 4 of Wind Crowther Gubbins and Ralph
Midfield Gus on the Right Bridge on the left and a selection of central midfielders.
KM is just to stubborn to change.

And I believe we have been sussed out as so many teams play wide long balls into the spaces where full backs would be and we do nothing to change shape to counter it.

So no new personnel needed just a manager able to implement change.

We'll have to agree to disagree. That's what it's all about though!

I don't think I'd trust Gubbins or Crowther as part of a central defensive 2.

GSM isn't a right midfielder and I don't think he'd work there.

I'm also not sure about Bridge as a wide midfielder.

I think we just need to get better at this, and to get in players who are better at it.

 

[Ipswhrimp]

Maher has spoken a lot about bringing people in but becoming a broken record. Either he's not happy with the players identified or COSU aren't willing to spend more. The next two months are crucial, get it wrong and we could be fighting to stay in this division.

Read @Medway Blue's post above.

 

[Ipswhrimp]

If too many reasons are given they turn into excuses, if my work failed and I gave 10 reasons why it failed, I'm not sure that would cut the mustard. Too many things are going wrong at present they can't be all because of what's happened before, we can change the course.
How many believe our government when they say we have to do thing because of the situation left by the previous regime.... that only goes so far.

Has that been proven to be so? How about if you had nine reasons? And does this law always apply regardless of the situation and its complexity?

 

[Benfleet Blue]

We'll have to agree to disagree. That's what it's all about though!

I don't think I'd trust Gubbins or Crowther as part of a central defensive 2.

GSM isn't a right midfielder and I don't think he'd work there.

I'm also not sure about Bridge as a wide midfielder.

I think we just need to get better at this, and to get in players who are better at it.

Not trusted as part of a back 4 but KM is happy to trust them as part of a back 3?
Also Gus has proved he’d work as a wide midfielder. It’s only going forward that has enabled him to become our top scorer and he looks very comfortable there. With Wind as right back he’d have far more freedom. Not sure on your comment about Jack Bridge. He’s playing now as a wide midfielder. It would make their defensive duties much easier and close the spaces at the back

 

[Southend Elvis]

Has that been proven to be so? How about if you had nine reasons? And does this law always apply regardless of the situation and its complexity?

Example, no small print added