Adkins - Pros and Cons

[SPARTA]

Amazing how many of our muppet supporters hanker for the long-ball to return and wont give Adkins the time he deserves to build his own side here. He's had a shitty time since he came here, full of broken promises and a previous owner who brought a couple of players in against the better judgement of both managers. This summer he had a chance to do a little business (albeit one of those players was again brought in by the investors). He deserves a couple more windows and next season before the knifes come out! You lot have been spoiled with so much success in recent years that you don't know or remember what it is to actually support a club during a rebuilding phase!

[Royal Lady]

He had the full backing of the real fans last night. It's the armchair plastics that want him gone.

Bolux I am afraid. This season was always going to be transitional, so I wasnt expecting promotion or the play offs. I was expecting the kids, I was expecting mistakes. BUt what I cannot accept is highly paid professionals giving up. Adkins has never inspired passion and drive from Reading, and the team he inherited was mostly the one that won the championship on grit, determination, hard work and passion. My reason for wanting Adkins out is not because we are on a bad run of form of 6 games, but that ever since he arrived 18 months ago the team appear to have stopped trying.

If I was playing with the likes of Akpan and Pog I'd give up too. We've McDermott to thank for that.

McDermott didn't sign Pog - Anton did. I think that was obvious to anyone. And Akpan is actually the type of player we need, big, strong, tries to hold the ball up. We have a lot of individually good players, but put them together and the weak links let them down, be it passing, defending or whatever. I don't blame any of the young players at all - they are only being played because we have no-one else. I suspect Adkins had no say in Ferdinand - but sometimes, I think it's better for a manager to speak up and say something to his board of directors, rather than putting up with it. If the Thai's sack Adkins for speaking up to them and demanding more money/better players or whatever, he'll still get a good payoff, he'll find another job and the Thai's will learn a valuable lesson. IMO.

[tidus_mi2]

If you compare Brendan and Adkins, you can see why Adkins hasn't been sacked and probably won't get sacked whereas Brendan did. Brendan had us in the relegation zone with better players trying to enforce his own style of play that at the time wasn't working. He did all this with no ownership problems, no injury crisis, hell we made quite a few signings, including Matt Mills for £2m.

Adkins however has made compromises where necessary with regards to his own playing style, as well as putting up with backroom turmoil and a massive injury list, of course if the ownership situation is truly sorted now, that will be one excuse out of the way but I won't be convinced until we make some short term loans to cover our current deficiencies as well as suitable investment in the January transfer window.

[floyd__streete]

Amazing how many of our muppet supporters hanker for the long-ball to return and wont give Adkins the time he deserves to build his own side here. He's had a shitty time since he came here, full of broken promises and a previous owner who brought a couple of players in against the better judgement of both managers. This summer he had a chance to do a little business (albeit one of those players was again brought in by the investors). He deserves a couple more windows and next season before the knifes come out! You lot have been spoiled with so much success in recent years that you don't know or remember what it is to actually support a club during a rebuilding phase!

The snobbishness regarding supposed long ball speaks volumes here. Under McD we played a pressing game, getting the ball quickly out wide and counter attacking. We played to the strengths of our players and finished in the top 5 of the division two seasons running, despite having had to sell key players in consecutive summers. The 'long ball' style you decry was not disimilar to the style we adopted so successfully under the revered Coppell, albeit that was achieved with a generally more capable set of players. Hence why Coppell's side thrived and McD's struggled. Under McD we had two of the most thrilling RFC wins I can ever remember (4-2 at West Ham, 3-1 at Saints) based on counter-attacking, clinical football. Has anything under Adkins come remotely close? 7-1 against a diabolical Bolton? Not every team can play like Barcelona, we don't have the personnel to do so and as we are forever told (despite some decent-looking investment in August) we are unlikely to have said personnel any time soon. The snobishness regarding 'long ball' (a catch-all phrase if ever there was one) ignores the success the likes of Stoke have had and Bolton had for many years in the top flight.

Everyone would agree that this is a period of rebuilding. But it can't be allowed to develop into a relegation fight and that will happen if this horrific run extends much longer. As I have already said on this thread, no manager would survive a run of conceding 3 goals in 4 of 5 games if that run became 7 of 8, 8 of 9 or whatever. Chances are that run won't continue given we have Blackpool at home on Saturday. Win that one and he gets breathing space, lose or draw and the knives are out again. I don't see what is so unreasonable about that, as supporters we (presumably) have loyalty to the well-being of the club rather than its hired hands?

[Mr.Swainey]

McDermott > Adkins since day one.

[ILoveMoonPig]

Is anyone else a bit dubious about the injury situation? Jem's injury was predicted to be ling term, but for the others I do wonder what the hell happens in Adkins' training sessions that leads to these sudden lengthy injuries.

Playing injured players is wreckless, endangering the player's career and their future at the club, and it does make you wonder if we should have resorted to youngsters or out-of-position cover players, at the end of last year to prevent this bizzarely long injury list.

[tidus_mi2]

Is anyone else a bit dubious about the injury situation? Jem's injury was predicted to be ling term, but for the others I do wonder what the hell happens in Adkins' training sessions that leads to these sudden lengthy injuries.

Playing injured players is wreckless, endangering the player's career and their future at the club, and it does make you wonder if we should have resorted to youngsters or out-of-position cover players, at the end of last year to prevent this bizzarely long injury list.

In the short-term we had the potential to make the play-offs by getting the injured players to play through their injuries, considering our financial position at the time, promotion would have been a massive financial relief so in the end would have been worth it, it was a gamble which unfortunately didn't pay off.

As for endangering the players' careers, I can't see that being the case, if anything it had the potential to extend their recovery time but not cause career ending damage.

[Sutekh]

[Dixeyroyal]

We need to back Adkins and not be speculating about new managers, I personally do not believe he should be sacked and frankly he has shown the patience of a saint to stay with us after ALL of our failed promises to him.

He has not had the chance to BUILD a team and is desperately trying to squeeze the last bit he can from our current squad, put yourself in his shoes...

Just because you played Football manager does make you a seasoned vet.

Hopefully he will get another shot in the Jan transfer window, anyway I look forward to the response from the Adkins out parade.

What a pointless post, the fact is that i pay my money (every season for the last 35 years) therefore i have every right to question the Manager's ability to motivate and be tactically aware, as well as questioning where the passing football is coming from that we were all led to believe was Adkins style.
The fact remains that football is a results business and whilst we are not getting them and are on the back of 2 x 3-0 defeats in the space of 4 days then everyone has a right to question the ability of "our leader"

[SPARTA]

We need to back Adkins and not be speculating about new managers, I personally do not believe he should be sacked and frankly he has shown the patience of a saint to stay with us after ALL of our failed promises to him.

He has not had the chance to BUILD a team and is desperately trying to squeeze the last bit he can from our current squad, put yourself in his shoes...

Just because you played Football manager does make you a seasoned vet.

Hopefully he will get another shot in the Jan transfer window, anyway I look forward to the response from the Adkins out parade.

What a pointless post, the fact is that i pay my money (every season for the last 35 years) therefore i have every right to question the Manager's ability to motivate and be tactically aware, as well as questioning where the passing football is coming from that we were all led to believe was Adkins style.
The fact remains that football is a results business and whilst we are not getting them and are on the back of 2 x 3-0 defeats in the space of 4 days then everyone has a right to question the ability of "our leader"

Adkins' ability is proven, it's the players ability, motivation and professionalism that should be in question first and foremost!

[Forbury Lion]

We need to back Adkins and not be speculating about new managers, I personally do not believe he should be sacked and frankly he has shown the patience of a saint to stay with us after ALL of our failed promises to him.

Maybe he was waiting for the takeover so they could sack him and pay up his contract..... that didn't work so now he's trying to get the sack on performance.

PS - I don't actually believe this, but just putting it out there to stir things up.

[Forbury Lion]

Adkins' ability is proven, it's the players ability, motivation and professionalism that should be in question first and foremost!

If a manager can not motivate his team and instil the right level of professionalism then should recognise their shortcomings and hire a number 2 or appoint a coach who can fill their ability gaps.

Pardew getting rid of Gorman and appointing Martin Allen as his assistant was the catalyst to our turnaround. Much cheaper solution too than replacing the players.

[No Fixed Abode]

#Atkinsout

[Ian Royal]

No wins in 7. 3 goals shipped in 4 of the last 5 games. Any manager would be facing the sack if that kind of form stretched much longer. Adkins is no different.

For the McDermott fans out there:
2010/11
QPR L, Cardiff D, Norwich D, Watford D, Leeds D, Coventry D
Cardiff D,, QPR L, Norwich L, Sheff U D, Watford D

2011/12
Pompey L, Barnsley L, Charlton L, Hull L, Watford L

2012/13
Newcastle D, Swansea D, Liverpool L, Fulham D, Arsenal L, QPR D, Norwich D.
Wigan L, Villa L, Utd L, Saints L, Sunderland L, Arsenal L, City L, Swansea D.
Stoke L, Utd L, Wigan L, Everton L, Villa L.

Coppell

2004/05
Preston L, Gills D, Derby L, Swansea D, Burnley D.
Ipswich D, Leicester L, Plymouth D, Leeds L, Coventry L, Crewe D, Leicester D, QPR D

2003/04
Stoke L, Palace L, Wimbledon L, Walsall D, Preston D, Ipswich D, Preston L

Bad runs are common. Even in relatively good seasons. If you want to sack a manager every time you go on a bad run, you might as well lobby for Massimo Cellini to swap Leeds for us with the Thais.

[Forbury Lion]

The owners need to back Adkins big in the transfer window, particularly as the Murray transfer isn't permanent.

Nicky Hammond should focus on shifting fringe players rather than looking for the next manager.

[sandman]

We need to back Adkins and not be speculating about new managers, I personally do not believe he should be sacked and frankly he has shown the patience of a saint to stay with us after ALL of our failed promises to him.

He has not had the chance to BUILD a team and is desperately trying to squeeze the last bit he can from our current squad, put yourself in his shoes...

Just because you played Football manager does make you a seasoned vet.

Hopefully he will get another shot in the Jan transfer window, anyway I look forward to the response from the Adkins out parade.

What a pointless post, the fact is that i pay my money (every season for the last 35 years) therefore i have every right to question the Manager's ability to motivate and be tactically aware, as well as questioning where the passing football is coming from that we were all led to believe was Adkins style.
The fact remains that football is a results business and whilst we are not getting them and are on the back of 2 x 3-0 defeats in the space of 4 days then everyone has a right to question the ability of "our leader"

Adkins' ability is proven, it's the players ability, motivation and professionalism that should be in question first and foremost!

Adkins ability at Reading is not proven.

[RoyallyFcuked]

A big problem that we have here at Reading is the fact that we have a whole generation of fans up to the age of early 20's that have never experienced anything but successful times (Premier League what ever position and challenging for promotion from the Championship is success) . They have never had to put up with year after year of 3rd and 4th division football watched on sparsely populated terraces in a ramshackle Elm Park. Success then was promotion from Division 4 or mid-table in Division 3. As a result, this generation behave like spoilt brats, with toys flying from the pram at an alarming rate. One loss and off goes the dummy, 3 in a row and we have a nursery rampage. Its not really your fault young-uns, you don't know any different.
Just look what has happened here at the Madstad, Adkins comes in and in his first proper season we come within a gnats' cock of the Play-offs. At the moment, Nigel has financial restraints until the new owners get up and running, and is also playing with a small and depleted squad. I'm sure that Nigel will turn it around, but if after another year or 18 months it remains the same, then perhaps his incumbency may need reviewing. Remember, never show a job unfinished to Fools or Children.

Actually a lot of the more impatient fans are older fans but don't let that get in the way of your attempt at smug superiority.

Adkins is not the manager for us, I have no doubt he will move on from Reading and will be successful at another club.

Ironically, his appointment was made by a young, impatient, glory seeking Owner who panicked at the first sign of things going bad. So when you think about it whilst backing Adiins you're actually supporting the very attitude you claim to despise.

A bit OTT as always Sandy, but there is no real reason as to why Adkins can "be succesful at another club but not at Reading" (as you basically put it)

I do agree that there's a fair few impatient older fans though, pretty sure there's a handful on here...

[sandman]

If you think it's ott then that's your prerogative but the evidence so far in comparison with the rest of his managerial career suggests it's not far fetched at all. Some people and their methods work at certain clubs but not others and that is what we are seeing here.

[OldBiscuit]

A big problem that we have here at Reading is the fact that we have a whole generation of fans up to the age of early 20's that have never experienced anything but successful times (Premier League what ever position and challenging for promotion from the Championship is success) . They have never had to put up with year after year of 3rd and 4th division football watched on sparsely populated terraces in a ramshackle Elm Park. Success then was promotion from Division 4 or mid-table in Division 3. As a result, this generation behave like spoilt brats, with toys flying from the pram at an alarming rate. One loss and off goes the dummy, 3 in a row and we have a nursery rampage. Its not really your fault young-uns, you don't know any different.
Just look what has happened here at the Madstad, Adkins comes in and in his first proper season we come within a gnats' cock of the Play-offs. At the moment, Nigel has financial restraints until the new owners get up and running, and is also playing with a small and depleted squad. I'm sure that Nigel will turn it around, but if after another year or 18 months it remains the same, then perhaps his incumbency may need reviewing. Remember, never show a job unfinished to Fools or Children.

Actually a lot of the more impatient fans are older fans but don't let that get in the way of your attempt at smug superiority.

Adkins is not the manager for us, I have no doubt he will move on from Reading and will be successful at another club.

Ironically, his appointment was made by a young, impatient, glory seeking Owner who panicked at the first sign of things going bad. So when you think about it whilst backing Adiins you're actually supporting the very attitude you claim to despise.

Despite your 3 efforts to post (original post followed by 2 edits) you still came over as patronising and condescending, neither of which you are qualified to do. No one is 'smug' or 'superior', and there are no paradoxical situations regarding support. The fact is the majority of 'Head of Adkins' demands are from the category that i have described, as are most of the 'Hob Nobbers'.
Yes you DO have a good point when you say that Adkins will be successful at another Club, but you have to allow his time to run its natural course. I do remember Pardew being in a similar position back in 1999 & again in 200, as was Sir Stevie back at the end of the 2004 season.
Let the Man have a good crack of the whip! And back him while he does because there is nothing more nauseating than a whinger in the stands.

[P!ssed Off]

No, OldBiscuit, you were being massively patronising, and Sandman rightly called you out on it:

As a result, this generation behave like spoilt brats, with toys flying from the pram at an alarming rate. One loss and off goes the dummy, 3 in a row and we have a nursery rampage. Its not really your fault young-uns, you don't know any different.

Also, your "Reading used to be a small club, don't you know" schtick is as tedious as Leeds/Forest/Wednesday fans telling everyone they're still a big club.

If you want to stand on a terrace and support a team that teeters between 3rd and 4th division then you'll have to go and support someone else. That is not Reading FC anymore, deal with it.