Colinjb

He saw us finishing 4th in a 3 horse race in 23/24. He, regardless of his own revision of history did adapt how we played for the play-offs. We went up. But, rather then seeing the correlation and causation of his newfound necessary adaptation............ doubled down. Got more rigid. If he shows growth, he will get you promoted based on the fundamental relative strength of your players. If he sticks to his dogma, it's painful. You may win a lot of games, but you will be vulnerable and frustrated. And, regardless of how many you may win, he will strike you as the snake oil salesman who doesn't back down. Teams that went toe-to-toe did get torn apart. Teams that sit back and ask as what we have? Did disproportionately well. And, if there are teams with better players, you are done regardless. They will pick you apart for the naive fools your tactics suggest. Look at how horribly Maresca exposed him.

Sorry to return, but that interview betrayed him. His poor time with us in the Premier League only reinforced his belief in his philosophy. Allow me to say that again. His continual (and our) humiliation using his predictable and tedious repetition of ongoing errors only convinced him further that he was right. That it wasn't him, it was other factors. Swansea fans warned us, we warn you guys now.

And, that game had us frustrated and wondering what the point of Martin was. I am feeling hopeful for Will Still, that he openly says he would adapt how he plays to win, regardless of style made me almost exhale in relief. But, he was appointed by our owners, so I await everything going tits up.

Strikers, we were linked with Piroe (Obviosuly didn't get him.) And did sign Ross Stewart.... which clearly went well. He looks to like strikers who are good with their feet and can hold up play/bring others into play. We were arguably at our best with Ché Adams in the side in the Championship. In the PL, well, it's a mystery. He went as far as starting no strikers, and 4 on the bench at Dean Court earlier this season. One things for sure though, no crosses will come into the box. We had a crude but occasionally effective outlet in Paul Onuachu. He didn't get a look in, so no chance for target men. In terms of wing play, it would seem that Maresca and Martin have similar philosophy. He wingers do not beat their men, if they are to break through lines it will be from one touch passing threading through. But, when the opposition know you will hold possession and just sit back to hit you on the break, it won't happen much.

This was his strength. He did seem able to build very strong rapport with his players. On the flip side though, his matey behaviour clearly doesn't equate to the players feeling the need to run through walls for him. We became hopelessly unfit under his watch. The passing drills do not raise the heart rate it seems.

Oh, if he was chocolate he would eat himself. Sees a win gained from deviating from his own tactical plans as a betrayal. He would rather lose. The defensive record is certainly not exclusively due to his set-up, but my god he wouldn't change it for the world. Be prepared to pull your hair out in frustration over his idiotic dogma and the knowledge that you will know how you will play every week, so will the opposition. He. Will. Not. Deviate. Oh, and his football, even when it works is boring. Really painfully boring. In our unbeaten championship run back in 23/24 it was never comfortable, never fun. It was never with any feel of momentum. My least favourite manager in recent times. I include Mad Nate Jones in that list, he was at least funny. Sending many hugs.

Must be fair, we really can't!