Thanks Kev - but is a new manager needed?

[RHB]

Interesting that the majority vote to keep Maher (47.9%) in the poll doesn't tally with the majority of posts underpinning 'Maher out' votes (31.2%) in this thread. I'm still thinking about what this may tell me.

 

[BoyWonder2]

Let them all go, how Maher keeps playing Bonne and taking off Pepple alone shows he has no plan B. If you are playing Bonne we need crosses and we just don’t create any as we are too narrow.

Hate to say it but the set up is wrong, Having Jack on the left expecting him to defend doesn’t work. Jack needs to run at people but he is always in his own half.

Is he?

Bridge spends the vast majority of his time on the left in the opposition half, especially in home matches.

Pepple comes off as he gets through an enormous amount of work, and takes a battering from defenders, he isn’t at the stage of being able to do that for 90 minutes.

 

[Tampa Blue]

Interesting that the majority vote to keep Maher (47.9%) in the poll doesn't tally with the majority of posts underpinning 'Maher out' votes (31.2%) in this thread. I'm still thinking about what this may tell me.

I think it's telling us that very few WANT Maher to go but in a results oriented business the 'On The Fence' voters are likely to change their opinion to 'No' if we improve or 'Yes' if we continue in the way we are at the moment.

 

[sufc4life21]

I've been so reluctant to criticise Kevin, he's obviously a club legend, and the loyalty he showed to us during the incredibly tough times will always be forever appreciated. But, for a long time, I've had issues with the way Kev sets the team up, the style of play, and even team selections. However, it feels like he's untouchable, and we as supporter's can't complain or criticise, because of what he's done for the club, and what he means to the club. But, at some point, we have to be honest when it's not working. Over his time, he's got results, but it's rarely been great to watch. The question now remains, is he unsackable? Absolutely not. We can't say lose 10 games on the bounce and just blindly stick with him, that would be ridiculous. At some point, something has to change. He has got a certain amount of credit in the bank, but for how long? I would hate to see his time here go sour.

Unfortunately we are side that is to safe and prepared to accept 0-0 draw rather than 4-3 win...... that's has been kevs way of playing since he took over. Sideways backwards football with our attacking outlet being our wing backs to be the creative force as such which has now hit road block with opponents have worked out, it's to predictable and easy to read. Our central midfielders sit to deep which affects there ability to impose there game onto the opponents. No wonder we are struggling to create opportunities and score goals. The worrying thing for kev and how he likes to set up is we can't defend...... with that in mind kevs tactical set up is doomed to fail especially if we go goal down, teams will just shut down Southend main strengths ie the wing backs which makes it very difficult for Southend to create opportunities which leads to boring predictable football. Currently I'm 50/50 on wanting kev out.

 

[RHB]

I think it's telling us that very few WANT Maher to go but in a results oriented business the 'On The Fence' voters are likely to change their opinion to 'No' if we improve or 'Yes' if we continue in the way we are at the moment.

You are most probably close to the truth, but without a poll this thread could well produce a false negative given the number of dissatisfied posts on display.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Again, just because people express concern over bad results or over tactics/performances doesn't mean they are 'Maher out'. It's perfectly natural that fans of a team 16th in the National League off the back of a couple of poor defeats and **** home form are a bit fed up. Some people choose to wear rose tinted specs which is fine but people are allowed an alternative opinion.

 

[Callumturner22]

Jan time will be interesting for sure when clubs want to loan out a few which be good for us . Even though we can still sign players now ..

Then as other said summer recruitment will be massive now everyone knows what going on can plan a budget and start bringing in player from the start instead of picking up left overs sadly like this seaosn due to the takeover that was taking forever .

 

[BoyWonder2]

Unfortunately we are side that is to safe and prepared to accept 0-0 draw rather than 4-3 win...... that's has been kevs way of playing since he took over. Sideways backwards football with our attacking outlet being our wing backs to be the creative force as such which has now hit road block with opponents have worked out, it's to predictable and easy to read. Our central midfielders sit to deep which affects there ability to impose there game onto the opponents. No wonder we are struggling to create opportunities and score goals. The worrying thing for kev and how he likes to set up is we can't defend...... with that in mind kevs tactical set up is doomed to fail especially if we go goal down, teams will just shut down Southend main strengths ie the wing backs which makes it very difficult for Southend to create opportunities which leads to boring predictable football. Currently I'm 50/50 on wanting kev out.

Come on now, that isn’t true.

He would obviously prefer to win rather than draw, and would rather draw than lose, that’s the case for all managers.

Kev doesn’t set us up, in any match, to go for a 0-0 draw.

 

[RHB]

Again, just because people express concern over bad results or over tactics/performances doesn't mean they are 'Maher out'. It's perfectly natural that fans of a team 16th in the National League off the back of a couple of poor defeats and **** home form are a bit fed up. Some people choose to wear rose tinted specs which is fine but people are allowed an alternative opinion.

The whole object of ShrimperZone is to allow and encourage alternative opinions (or it should be), it's just a bit disappointing that rose tinted specs has to creep into those alternative views.

 

[M_Simps]

If this were February/March and we were in the same position after strengthening in January, I'd be Maher out. As it's November, I'm content (whilst not happy about the results) to keep Maher whilst COSU clear the crud from the old regime and lay the foundations for a proper go next season.

If nothing changes after a proper embargo-less preseason, where we sign our top targets, then serious questions need to be asked.

Maher's done enough so far to buy that much patience, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Hampshire Shrimp]

Saturday`s selections will be very interesting to see?

Will he stick to his old faithful`s, or start the likes of Coker and Morton who have played well?

Also Husin, does he keep going with him and hope is dreaded form takes a turn for the better?

I`d imaging knowing Maher he is going to set us up cautiously, however. I`d imagine that FGR will come and have a go, which will open the game up. Perhaps a bit like the Eastleigh game at home it could, if he picks the right players, suit us rather than a team sitting back.

 

[sufc4life21]

Come on now, that isn’t true.

He would obviously prefer to win rather than draw, and would rather draw than lose, that’s the case for all managers.

Kev doesn’t set us up, in any match, to go for a 0-0 draw.

He doesn't exactly set up to attack either though hence the lack of goals this season. I like kev but bloudy hell his style of play isn't great to watch. If you play a brand of football which is defensively minded then you have win more than you lose. Unfortunately for kev he losing more than winning which turns average punter away.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

The whole object of ShrimperZone is to allow and encourage alternative opinions (or it should be), it's just a bit disappointing that rose tinted specs has to creep into those alternative views.

I'm well and truly in the 'let's give Kev longer' camp but to pretend all is well and to expect all SUFC fans to unconditionally support the manager no matter what isn't realistic. Yes there are mitigating circumstances we're all aware of but with the players we have, we genuinely should not be sat 16th in the league table. If we pick up a few wins of course the scales will tip in favour of more positive posts. Until then people will pick apart performances and question tactics. We're all equally as passionate about our team.

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

The whole object of ShrimperZone is to allow and encourage alternative opinions (or it should be), it's just a bit disappointing that rose tinted specs has to creep into those alternative views.

What we going to talk about after we smash FGR then ? Top of the league, youre having a laugh.

Lets face it, only 373 went and saw the game Saturday, most of us are giving our views about player's performances having not even see their latest efforts. I think a few come on here to sound off. Me included sometimes !

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

I think there are a number of contributing factors that have to be considered when deciding the answer to the thread's question.

1. Loss of players.
This is a combination of losing them to injury, fees or punishment. The players in question were part of the core of our team. Once that was ripped out, it was always going to be difficult. It went from adding a few fringe players, to rebuilding the squad.

2. Recruitment.
We lost out on a whole host of players due to the embargo. Losing Cardwell was huge, but replacing him with Bonne was only going to go one way. We didn't replace him with Bonne out of choice, but out of necessity. He was on the scrap heap for a reason. He would not have been 1st or even 5th choice on the 'whiteboard'.

3. Loss of form to key players.
When better players around you have been taken away, your own form can dip. Husin has had no Miley around him, no Cardwell to aim for and no Kensdale to receive the ball from. That's a huge part of our play gone. Add that Wes no longer links up with Bridge too. That has led to Bridge's lack of form.

4. Letting players go.
Wes in particular is the player probably most missed. I understood why he went but it only made sense if we brought in a suitable replacement. That's one area we really didn't. Moncur is nothing like him. He is a number 10 not an attacking number 8. Maybe Maher had someone in mind to replace Wes but the embargo hindered us. Let's not forget he was offered a deal but didn't want to sign. He hasn't set the world alight at Ebbsfleet either.

5.Over achieving.
This is probably Maher's biggest downfall, doing so well last season. We should have never accumulated so many points last season. It was an absolute miracle. That has led to expectation.

Overall, taking into account all of the above, I feel that Maher certainly deserves time and a transfer window to bring in whom he wants. There is so much of the season to go and until this weekend, we were 5 games unbeaten away from home. Of course, Kev needs to change his ways a little and try and get more out of the players available, but doing something rash like sacking him is not required at the moment.

 

[BoyWonder2]

He doesn't exactly set up to attack either though hence the lack of goals this season. I like kev but bloudy hell his style of play isn't great to watch. If you play a brand of football which is defensively minded then you have win more than you lose. Unfortunately for kev he losing more than winning which turns average punter away.

But it has been great to watch at times, not as much this season granted.

When we just missed out on the playoffs two seasons ago, last season too. We aren’t set up any differently from those days to now.

This season has been poor so far, of course, so I understand the criticism, but some people seem to be rewriting history to fit at the moment.

We can’t pretend we haven’t ever been good to watch under Kev. We can’t pretend Kev tells us to go out there and not take shots, not put crosses into the box.

We lack pace, we lack guile, we lack creativity. Kev has enough credit in the bank to be afforded the chance to rectify the defiances in this squad.

It’s easy to say the transfer window is always open to us, which it is, however selling clubs want to recruit the replacements for the players we want to buy. So, I’d suggest we will see movement in January, both in and out of the football club if Kev can engineer what he wants.

I’m led to believe money is available for Kev, so don’t be surprised to see some “undisclosed” fees being spent. It’s obviously not a bottomless pit.

I’d suggest we need a refresh of the squad. Even the best managers, like Sir Alex, Pep and so on refresh their squad. Don’t underestimate the mental effect last season had on the players (and staff too of course). I’d suggest some need to be moved on for their own good, as well as the good of the club. I think some are carrying some big scars. We need more that along with being good players, don’t know the horrors those players saw.

 

[Seaside Shrimper]

Given the timing of the takeover, Kev almost has a free hit at this season for me. No I am not happy with being this low in the NL, no i haven't been inspired but some (well most) of our performances this season and yes from the sidelines I would have liked to have seen different subs at times.

However, with everything that has mentioned before (Kensdale, Cardwell, injuries etc) and (crucially) the timing of all these things, I do understand why performances and results have not been better.

I do expect an uptick of form, hopefully sooner rather than later, but as long as we are not going down then I would love to see what Kev, COSU and everyone else related with the club can do with a proper preseason with top targets being acquired. Last season massively impressed me and I am prepared to wait to see what next season looks like with all shackles removed

 

[Cricko]

What we going to talk about after we smash FGR then ? Top of the league, youre having a laugh.

Lets face it, only 373 went and saw the game Saturday, most of us are giving our views about player's performances having not even see their latest efforts. I think a few come on here to sound off. Me included sometimes !

That's what we are here for old chap.

 

[sufc4life21]

But it has been great to watch at times, not as much this season granted.

When we just missed out on the playoffs two seasons ago, last season too. We aren’t set up any differently from those days to now.

This season has been poor so far, of course, so I understand the criticism, but some people seem to be rewriting history to fit at the moment.

We can’t pretend we haven’t ever been good to watch under Kev. We can’t pretend Kev tells us to go out there and not take shots, not put crosses into the box.

We lack pace, we lack guile, we lack creativity. Kev has enough credit in the bank to be afforded the chance to rectify the defiances in this squad.

It’s easy to say the transfer window is always open to us, which it is, however selling clubs want to recruit the replacements for the players we want to buy. So, I’d suggest we will see movement in January, both in and out of the football club if Kev can engineer what he wants.

I’m led to believe money is available for Kev, so don’t be surprised to see some “undisclosed” fees being spent. It’s obviously not a bottomless pit.

I’d suggest we need a refresh of the squad. Even the best managers, like Sir Alex, Pep and so on refresh their squad. Don’t underestimate the mental effect last season had on the players (and staff too of course). I’d suggest some need to be moved on for their own good, as well as the good of the club. I think some are carrying some big scars. We need more that along with being good players, don’t know the horrors those players saw.

It's easy to look back on last season for some encouragement, The problem is this season now with teams simply have worked Southend out and kevs not evolving as a manager interms of being able to be tactically flexible to deal with opponents on game to game basis which is why teams are finding it easy against us. We are to easy to play against currently which is why the negative comments are now appearing on socials and here, the average punter doesn't want to continue to watch predictable football game in game out and you cant blame them to. I don't currently want kev gone as he held the club together last season when others would of walked but I want to see manager prepared to take more risks not continue with the same boring predictable football which teams finding it easy to play against hence the lack of goals with defeats to fylde and Maidenhead. The recruitment hasn't been good enough to which I do have some sympathy for maher on, he has been let down in that department which hasn't helped but he is underachieving with what he got.

 

[Fairport]

I think everything depends on who we bring in next whether permanent or loan signings. The current group of players will not provide the number of goals needed irrespective of what formation and tactics are employed. Hopefully KM and JS can get it right this time.