Thetownend.com

Thought i would start a new one.

What we expecting then? Change of style,formation?

It will be interesting that's for sure and not sure if many noticed yesterday but it appears we have someone for the first time who will be able to do it his own way.

 

A change was definitely needed. I'm pleased its a case of Williams 'stepping back' as he does get on with the players and is highly rated as a coach. Sherwood has pointed out some of our frailties so hopefully we can work on fixing them. He still hasn't mentioned our terrible fitness and discipline, but one thing at a time I guess...

Should give the players a lift too.

From the presser, Sherwood 'talked the talk' and raised many of the deficiencies that have blighted the last two seasons, to address this as he suggested he will, in the manner in which he also discussed will mean changes to formation to counteract our opponents as we have depended too much on being able to beat teams with our system and had no other plan (I think he mentioned that we needed a Plan B).

I suppose the question that remains unanswered is whether he will be allowed to 'walk the walk' and put this into practice, it was suggested yesterday that he would but time will tell, I must admit the idea of mates working together does worry me as it has the potential to go spectacularly wrong but we shall see, I still wonder whether there is some manner of performance (or player profit) incentive in place rather than a salary, but we will never know.

Interesting to note how his sides played when he was at Villa - often 442, accused of being "basic" but ultimately a high press, direct to a big man, strong wide players and a (sometimes reckless) gung ho approach.

In other words, completely opposite to what we do right now. I guess we'll see whether that was out of necessity or desire, but think we'll change it up considerably, and expect an emphasis on wide players and CBs in January.

Pretty much agree with Horlock.

I'd add he's not one to make me wet my pants in excitement, he's still got to prove himself as a manager. He's not an Ossie or Paolo for me.

But conversely we've got to give him time to succeed, or otherwise. I can't see us becoming a different team overnight simply because I don't think we have the personnel - something TS eluded to with his comments about bringing in players in January.

It'll be tweaks, and hopefully we stop passing for the sake of it/play it forward quicker (the Fonz should like that). Oh and sorting out our defending in the process would be good - something supercoach Williams never managed.

 We still have the basic problem of a squad of inexperienced players, struggling with the demands of Div 3.

For me much of his time should be spent in setting up some moves ready for January, both in and out.

If he can find a way of getting, for example, a few goals out of Norris and Delfouneso, then great.  If he can get someone to take a corner properly, or make the keeper work from a free kick, even better.

With what we've got atm, edging up the table to say 17th/18th would be an achievement.

But equally both Ossie and Paolo (just for you Nev - although it keeps autocorrecting to Paolo!) were entirely unproven when they came here, Sherwood's record is mixed (50% win rate at Spurs and 35.7% at Villa - overall 42.9 which isn't that bad when you consider what a basket case Villa were - cannot remember of he was actually allowed to sign any players) and entirely unproven at this level. By comparison the two great managerial hopes for English football, Appleton and Howe have 35.85 and 46.1% (but only 39.1 at Burnley) respectively - yeah I know its only statistics!  :D

Defensive coaching seems to be the nemesis of the 'modern' coach, see also Martinez, R the absence of decent defenders seems mirrored by an equal absence of decent defensive coaches!

I know he had a bad time at a poor Aston Villa, but he had a premier league team in 6th place after 28(?) games with a 50%+ win ratio.

I'm fucking well astounded that anybody would think he's not a good appointment for a 3rd tier team. Absolutely baffled.

This

Totally agree flasheart. Williams needed some help and guidance and Sherwoods appointment will be a great help to him. Manager, Coach, D of F or whatever

If you ignore the cups his win rate at spurs is pushing 60%

http://www.myfootballfacts.com/TottenhamHotspurManagersRecords1898-2009.html

Ditto

Assumed that is aimed at me? I said I'm not excited by it. I don't think this basket case of a club should be able to attract anyone on its own merit.

His Tottenham record was superb, but I find it hard to see any parallels with what we have to work with at Swindon.

Lastly, I didn't say it was bad. Its as good as we could hope for and equally a fuck load better than doing nothing. He could become the best manager we have ever had for all I know. I'm just not getting the "wow-this is going to be super amazing" feel that some have - yet.
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If it wasn't aimed at me, I'll pretend it was anyway. I like my paranoia.

That's an astonishing record for any league, let alone the PL.

It wasn't necessarily aimed at you specifically, but what would excite you?

I don't honestly know, at a bit of a low ebb on football at the moment. Contrary to the noises coming out I still don't feel like we are going anywhere as a club right now.

If we are talking managers, I think this is the best shot we have to change things on the pitch.  

I think a few wins and a bit of unity and effort on the pitch and it'll all be fine.

A lot of people have got exactly what they wanted - being experts at running a football club, of course.

Power takes a backwards step, a nobody yes man was the only alternative expected but we get a PL manager who seems to have pretty much carte blanche from now on.

Cant see fans flocking back on the basis of that - only results will do that - but it is a whole lot healthier outlook that's for sure.

I cant make tomorrow - working til 1.00pm - but will be there Tuesday giving the players and staff my full support.

He's got a lot to do. Fitness, discipline, self inflicted fuck ups, lack of backbone and in some cases a lack of giving a fuck. Where the fuck do you start with this lot. Can't trade until January, a lot of points to be won and lost. You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig.

Obviously we need some "ins" a no nonsense centre back who can organise and a forward who is any sort of goal threat for a start. But no talk that this won't be financed by some outs. Obika, Kasim potentially most likely and Vigs likely to raise most dosh. Williams talked week or so back about those who have had plenty of opportunities but failed to deliver. Who does he mean? Norris, Goddard, Del Fonz, Boo, Barry, Branco, Rodgers, Murray, Thomas ? Apart from those currently crocked, ex youth teamers and loanees that doesn't leave much does it?

The goalie won't go. Not mid way through the season.

Unless you're a conspiracy theorist, Power was willing to buy that lad from Wycombe and if more money was available then, why would it not be available in January?

Murray and Thomas have done pretty well and are good long-term signings, and genuinely think Norris will come good. His all round game is strong and might be very well suited to Sherwood.

Can't see anyone parting with cash for Obika given he struggles to play more than 15 games a season and has done naff all this year, plus he's out of contract at the end of the season. We won't sell Vigs yet...

To me, it looks like Power is ready to pretty much ready write off half of the bunch he paid little for (BOO, Brophy, Del Fonz, Branco), and go after value elsewhere in the likes of Thomas and Murray. Think we'll see that type of signing in January again, particularly at CB. The chap at Wycombe seems an obvious move.

Tim Sherwood will not be at the football club by the time the transfer window shuts

Why not?

Not on a contract. Reminds me of when king brought in coppel

I am very happy to have Sherwood at the club, thought he was doing a good job at Spurs and surprised he left, Aston Villa he had a good cup run with and the club was already in trouble so he was struggling, but I think it got a lot worse after he left.

He seems to have identified most of the weaknesses that the fans have been talking about, ie pissing about  at the back, need for some experience etc, I  don't think he stand and watch without shouting instructions from the sidelines as many complain about Wiliams. 

It also looks like the injury situation is clearing up (except Thompson), but with Jones, Doubty, and Obika nearing fitness, Norris (now scoring?) making the squad a lot stronger, I am hoping this is turns around the results pretty quickly.

I also think when the January transfer window opens, we will be in a stronger position to persuade some players, working under Sherwood and coached by Williams and hopefully he's got further contacts we can tap up.

On the whole I think this is a very good move by Power

To be honest Stevie Wonder could have identified these as well.

Aaron Pierre is in the same situation as Obika/Kasim - out of contract in the summer. If Wycombe want any sort of money for him he has to go in January.

Apparently, his current form isn't that good - maybe he was pissed at not moving here in the summer.

Most positive I've felt about a new manager since PDC.

If Sherwood maintains his league win percentage of 42.9% over the remaining 30 league games, this would equate to about 12 or 13 wins putting us on 52 to 55 points less any draws.

Picking up some points before start of the transfer window will be crucial.

I don't think the side is as bad as many others seem to. Just needs around 3 players in key positions and a plan b.
I think Sherwood can see this and will address it. Just needs Power to step back a bit, trust his man and back him.

What you actually mean, is you don't think Sherwood will be at the club in the new year.

 Sherwood should try and persuade Joey Barton to play for us.....free agent now.  I'm sure Wes, must have told Joey how cool it was turning out for the Town.

Someone suggesting on Twitter Sherwood was out in town last night having a few - anyone got any light to shed on that rumour here?

Hope he enjoyed himself

A grown man having a few beers, whatever next?

There's also a rumour I may, too, have a few this evening.

BOO and Brophy were in Nando's on Wednesday. Two grown men having dinner, the club has gone to bits!

Yep he was slaughtered. Jaga bombs all round...

 ;D

picked this up off Twitter, and people say town fans are negative

http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2015/2/13/8031277/aston-villa-manager-tim-sherwood-paul-lambert-tottenham-hotspur

fairly interesting read, assumed Tottenham fans would have nothing but good things to say.

anyway it is a negative view of our Tim, I'll judge him on what he do does for town.

I've been reading quite a bit of negativity from Spurs fans, which surprises me considering he did so well there.

I think people are negative, as Sherwood comes across quite 'boring'. PDC was very very passionate, and wore his heart on his sleeve. I think our fans want that now, despite most wanting pdc out...

It feels like we have the most fickle fans going. It's quite embarrassing.

but we are taking spurs fans.

it's the tactical/defensive shambles comments that stood out.

suck it and see I suppose

Who knows what is going to happen. It's a concern he's here on non-contract terms, so he could fuck off tmrw. I do feel for Luke Williams as well.

I just don't understand all the negativity.

sorry, I was just surprised at the spurs fans take.

as I said, suck it and see, like every new manager

Definitely no negativity here, again just surprised at the negativity from Spurs fans.

I say that to the Wife. Still waiting...

Cheeky. I bet the banter was off the scale.

Top bantz.

From a couple of Spurs fans I know:





Again, I'm not being negative. I'm actually quite optimistic (believe it or not ;) ). Just intrigued as to why he has such a negative reputation. I'm still none the wiser.

 Cos he comes across a miserable bastard

I'm fine with that as long as we get points on the board.

Haha, that's amazing coming from you :)

He won't even build a fucking fort the cunt.

Different teams, different expectations, I know quite a few spurs fans, and although never far from the top, they almost always moan about everything, as they never win fuck all. No 1 bridesmaids, unless of course you talk to Arsenal fans, then it's them that are shit bottlers. Football fans eh.

Won't or can't? I reckon he's been trying all evening, reduced half his furniture to matchsticks and just made a complete arse of it, but won't admit it so he's cracking on he never even tried.

As the TEF's resident Spurs plastic (I think?) I have to say most of the people who've spoken to me about Sherwood have said he was unlucky not to be given more time there but seemed a bit of a bellend, or some combination of/variation on those 2 statements. I've not had any genuine hatred.

I'm with Flasheart....let's get some points in the bag...

Was speaking to someone connected to the club today and, apparently, Sherwood's 'gardening leave' from Villa precludes him taking another paid job for 2 years.

On that basis, he will be here for at least another 12 months. Hence the no contract with us.

Fucking hell, they 'sack' him but they are actually paying him until next October (I suspect it was actually a negotiated lump sum), something bloody fishy going on there!

No, it was gardening leave not fishing leave ;)

Lump sum is the usual pay off. Restrictions on subsequent employment not so much.

Apparently the trainning has been stepped up since this man arrived, should help I would have thought.

 Nice TS reference in today's David Squires offering to the world.  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

 https://www.theguardian.com/football/picture/2016/nov/15/david-squires-on-england-scotland-wembley

Discussed this in the pub on Saturday as I wondered if this was the reason but we established it was reported as being 12 months in the media, hence the timing.

Fancy any of these?

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-players-tim-sherwood-12179042

Hmm. like the way they are all bigged up. And then one can't get into cheltenham's side...

Contracted until 17/18 season - so he will be here until a big interesting job is offered to him

Think we'll need to see a significant upswing in results if Tactics Tim is going to be around in the new year.  Reminds me a bit of Quique Sanchez Flores, another style icon not lacking in self love.  Season before last Flores did 8 games at Getafe, they were terrible, so he resigned saying being connected to such shit was damaging his reputaion. Wise move the Pozzo's gave him Watford, and he's now got Espanyol.

I don't suppose Sherwod enjoyed Tuesday night's hit to his reputation....outwitted by happening coach Ronnie Moore   :)

:)

Villa connection now looking to be firmed up by Bruce wanting Colin Calderwood as his number 2, Colin has now resigned from B and HA. Could well be a south coast post for Paul Trollope then.

Absolute golden fake account on twitter now with quotes from Robbie Keane saying he's going to be the new manager https://twitter.com/MelJamesonECHO?lang=en

Yay! Robbie Keane, Tactics Tim both backed by Red Bull. Looking forward to it.

Could you imagine a PDC and Jeremy Wray backed by Red Bull?

Very few posts on this forum make me even chuckle, but that got a fucking belly laugh

I think the last thing Di Canio needs is any form of artificial stimulant!

 I wonder if TS will be at the match tomorrow or out looking for players to sign in January  :hmmm:

Absolute golden fake account on twitter now with quotes from Robbie Keane saying he's going to be the new manager https://twitter.com/MelJamesonECHO?lang=en

Not sure whether John Gorman absolutely bleeding Swindon Town or Robbie watching Swindon his 2nd team as much as he could as a kid is the more ridiculous

Yes. It's. Hilarious.

(https://media3.giphy.com/media/P8IXl0kmQgmDS/giphy.gif)

Obama blames fake news for the US getting Trump.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/nov/17/barack-obama-fake-news-facebook-social-media

Oddly (or not), on Fox News last night they were discussing how cleaning up obviously fake news from social media was an abomination, that it was censorship and just the sort of thing you'd expect from the Left.

Fox News really is quite funny to watch - until you realize that half the population just agreed with their approach to life.