Problems!!!

[Manager]

After our performance yesterday I feel the need to post this message.

As I think we will all agree yesterday's performance was awful. I can't think of any plus's to come out of it.

All of our hard work since before xmas went out of the window and we played like we used to. We defended poorly, we missed too many chances and we were weak in the challenge and the scoreline flattered us.

What do we do next?

Do we put this down to an off day?
Is the team selection/formation wrong?
Are too many players comfortable in the fact that they won't get dropped (due to the number of players available)?
Do we need to set ourselves goals for the rest of the season?
Would anyone take any notice if we did?
Do some players think they are too good for us & others are letting them down?

I could go on, I don't know about the rest of you but I am still cheesed off by yesterday but am I the only one!

I need your input. I need your ideas. i'm new to this manager lark & could do with your help/hindrance!

If you want to talk specifics call me. If you have general points to make post them here.

On a final positive note we've got Beeston on Sunday who are only a few places above us & we have a chance. But not if we play like we did yesterday.

thanks
Craig

[Ian AS]

I agree. I was also bitterly disappointed with our performance yesterday. Obviously, we were getting on each others backs virtually from the opening minutes which is something I think we desperately need to eradicate from our team. No-one will perform to the best of their ability if they don't have the full support from other players. We have all played football long enough to know and realise when we have made a mistake therefore meaning that highlighting our own and others' mistakes is pointless. I'm not saying that we should ignore our mistakes but simply that encouragement is a lot more beneficial than consistent criticism. I'm no angel, I get equally frustrated with others and myself but I think in order for us to improve our performances we have to have a degree of belief and confidence in those we are playing alongside.

[Matt Hallam]

Well I'm certainly not going to argue with any of the points that have been made above. I'm cheesed off about the performance yesterday and I didn't even play!!!

It seems such a shame that all the hard work we put in to getting our first win of the season seems to be slipping away from us. I thought after last weeks performance, against Bestwood Youth, that our work rate wasn't as high as it had been. Almost as if we felt we had 'turned the corner' and that it was only a matter of time before we started winning on a regular basis.

As for what we do next I've always been a big believer in going 'back to basics' when times are tough. We concentrate on the simple things like winning tackles and headers. When you've got the ball trying to retain possession by playing the easy pass and not over complicating things. And if you get a goalscoring opportunity concentrating on getting a good connection with the ball and getting it on target. If the goalkeeper saves it so what. All in all we've got to start enjoying playing again with plenty of encouragement from team mates.

The good news about the game last Sunday is that we have the perfect opportunity to get the performance out of our system. The game against Beeston United is a winnable one for us as long as we approach it in the right manner, i.e. all the points I've made above.

Craigs' chirpped on about attitude and effort all season but they are vitally important. Get those two things right and we can walk off the pitch at the end of a game with our heads held high, even if we have lost. If we play without them then the atmosphere in the changing room after Sundays game is one we are going to experience again and again.

[kenty7]

Don't take it to heart Craig, i always thought you were a very good manager, and i thoroughly enjoyed playing for you guys!

I agree with Matt on the what to do bit! Back to basics is the first place i'd go to improve results and performances. I think people underestimate how importnant it is to be concentrating on winning the ball. If you are winning takcles/headers/first to the loose balls then you are on the right track. Hard work is also key to your performances, i still believe you have some class players, Young Pacey Ian (old, bald, and slow) was brilliant for all the cheek, Gareth seems to have improved this year, scoring left right and centre, Kelvin was young and talented till the haircuts got the better of him! Harry and Craig were steady at the back, and you had the new boys coming in, Centre half Daz and crew.

The point to this enormous rant, is that you guys have the talent, and if you apply the right workrate and attitude, you will start to get back to the improvement you were seein before Christmas.

Good luck this weekend, i still read the reports and am keeping tabs on your season! Dan

[Manager of FC Dynamo]

Lads,

I regularly visit your site (as it is by far the best around) and so often read your comments, and have noticed that really this is the first time you have started being overly dissapointed with yourselves.

I cannot judge your team, nor will I try to, as that is not my place, but to me you already must have a fantastic team spirit.

I for one can only give you maximum credit for sticking to it all season, when things have been against you and the luck has been on the other side, you guys have still stuck together and fought for one another. That must prove to each and every one of you that team work is the only way forward. There may be a gap between you and us, but attitudes should still be the same.

Why do we get up on a Sunday morning at 8am - is it to get fit, maybe, is it to play footie, maybe, or is it infact to do something as a team with good people and enjoy yourselves. Every week my players get up because they want to, they are never made to feel it is a chore, and nor do I ever put pressure on people for no reason, that is my job to hold all the pressure.

Basics are good and what will win you a match without breaking sweat, but the main thing is all 11 starting and up to 5 named subs should want to a) play for the club and b) want to enjoy themselves, it is the only formula that will prove successful.

Sorry to drag on and by all means tell me to shove off, but you are a recognised team with some quality players, 1 bad performance does not put you back to square one, it should, as you have commented on, just make you realise what is important, once you realise that, good performances will start to flow.

Good luck this coming Sunday I will be looking out for your result.

Steve
FC Dynamo Manager

[unknown]

regarding dynamo geezer, doesnt he talk a load of ****. i agree with the main issue that you at bridge in have a good team spirt but to state that you have quality players is rather sucking up, to concede 92 goals in 18 games is TERRIBLE. eradicate that and you'll come good. i mean 31 goals scored aint a bad reply but defense issues are the worry, why dont u hire GARY MEGSON? and DARREN MOORE