Out of my tiny mind - YT

[Plissken]

I've only just realised that I've done 50 of these things now.

Anyway, time to back up the tactics truck and explore exactly why we never look like scoring. Warning, contains flashbacks to that Lincoln game.

"Buzzkill" - https://youtu.be/eFY5X0PQeR8

[Goody1975]

I look forward to listening today.

[CleggHall]

Depressingly true I am afraid Mike, our game is so dull, narrow and predictable. Saved by a dodgy penalty but, perversely, I enjoyed your vlog. What does that make me?

[clansman]

That’s a good summary of our “attacking” tactics.They make no sense.Driving into the angle of a defensive line is essentially like continuing to bang your head against a wall. !! It doesn’t work !!
I’m sure Pace likes Scottie( I do he is personable and easy to like) but I wonder if some of his fellow Americans will be as patient when forced to suffer the frustration of watching this team. A brilliant defence ,a solid set up ,4 th in league yet I’m sure all of us would hope that any time soon we throw off the shackles and go for it!!

[Leisure]

That’s a good summary of our “attacking” tactics.They make no sense.Driving into the angle of a defensive line is essentially like continuing to bang your head against a wall. !! It doesn’t work !!
I’m sure Pace likes Scottie( I do he is personable and easy to like) but I wonder if some of his fellow Americans will be as patient when forced to suffer the frustration of watching this team. A brilliant defence ,a solid set up ,4 th in league yet I’m sure all of us would hope that any time soon we throw off the shackles and go for it!!

Nick - All well and good but how does he 'throw off the shackles' with the very very limited attacking players at his disposal at present?

[Plissken]

I say in the video, I'm not accepting the transfer business as an excuse. It's been thirteen games, you can see how they are being told to play.

Watch how few times we attack the space between the side of the 18 yard box and the touchline. If the winger gets the ball on the touchline midway in the opposite half (usually from that 40 yard long ball from the centre back that we see often), they head straight for the corner of the 18 yard box and ignore anyone overlapping. When Pires or Roberts go forward, again, they head for the 18 yard box, not the outside. A lot of our chances are long range shots from what we would call Benson territory.

You could have Anass Zaroury on the wing and Chris Wood in the middle and the winger would still be told to constantly cut inside and play a low ball along the 18 yard line.

The irony is that Fosters goal against that lot came from exactly the sort of cross that the players are being told not to put in.

[Plissken]

Saved by a dodgy penalty but, perversely, I enjoyed your vlog. What does that make me?

Beyond all hope?

[Mattster]

Nick - All well and good but how does he 'throw off the shackles' with the very very limited attacking players at his disposal at present?

In comparison to the rest of the division our attacking players are not "very very limited".

[Leisure]

In comparison to the rest of the division our attacking players are not "very very limited".

Which of our players are you referring to?

[quoonbeatz]

Well, all of them. Even the woefully devoid of form Koleosho would get in practically every starting 11 in this division.

[clansman]

I take your pint Pete about a lack of attacking player options but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s the attacking tactics that are wrong as much as a lack of high quality players

[Mattster]

Which of our players are you referring to?

Foster, Flemming, Anthony, Koleosho, Sarmiento for a start.

If you genuinely think they are "very very limited" in comparison to the rest of the division then I don't know what you're seeing at the clubs like Portsmouth, Cardiff, Oxford, Preston etc.

[RVclaret]

I've only just realised that I've done 50 of these things now.

Anyway, time to back up the tactics truck and explore exactly why we never look like scoring. Warning, contains flashbacks to that Lincoln game.

"Buzzkill" - https://youtu.be/eFY5X0PQeR8

Sorry to be picky but I find these things rather annoying, I skipped through bits as it was already waffling but came across this example:

‘No pass is EVER played to a player running forward, no pass is EVER played to a player looking likes he’s running forward’

This is quite simply not true. At least if you want to ‘back up the tactics truck’ you could be genuine and not talk absolute sh1te.

Against Sheff Weds we scored from CJ picking out (rather fortunately’ a runner in Anthony.

Against West Brom both Koleosho and Anthony had half chances from running in behind and being picked out.

Against Swansea Flemming had a lovely ball to run onto over the top which he volleyed first time (stupidly) from 25 yards. Laurent tried picking out a runner late on with a through ball down the middle which got intercepted.

I could go through many different examples including the first 2 goals at Luton, but they are some from the past 2 weeks.

[Leisure]

Foster, Flemming, Anthony, Koleosho, Sarmiento for a start.

If you genuinely think they are "very very limited" in comparison to the rest of the division then I don't know what you're seeing at the clubs like Portsmouth, Cardiff, Oxford, Preston etc.

If you look back at my post I referred to players which were available to the manager 'at present' and I never even mentioned comparison with the rest of the division! Foster isn't fit, Flemming has been injured and was unavailable for Millwall game, Anthony and Koleosho have been very poor and Sarmiento had been out injured. Notice you haven't mentioned our other 'main' strikers, Jay and Hountondji!

[Leisure]

I take your pint Pete about a lack of attacking player options but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s the attacking tactics that are wrong as much as a lack of high quality players

Hi Nick - With the players which we've had available, what different attacking tactics do you consider he should be employing?

[Mattster]

If you look back at my post I referred to players which were available to the manager 'at present' and I never even mentioned comparison with the rest of the division! Foster isn't fit, Flemming has been injured and was unavailable for Millwall game, Anthony and Koleosho have been very poor and Sarmiento had been out injured. Notice you haven't mentioned our other 'main' strikers, Jay and Hountondji!

Well the comparison to the rest of the division is implied, isn't it. You're basically saying they're not good enough for the level by suggesting Parker can't throw off the shackles because his attackers are "very very limited".

Which is nonsense

[fatboy47]

No shortage of talent other than at 9.

[Leisure]

Well the comparison to the rest of the division is implied, isn't it. You're basically saying they're not good enough for the level by suggesting Parker can't throw off the shackles because his attackers are "very very limited".

Which is nonsense

No, it's not implied, you're just making that up! I'm saying that he has very limited attacking/forward/goal scoring options.

[Vegas Claret]

No, it's not implied, you're just making that up! I'm saying that he has very limited attacking/forward/goal scoring options.

they might be limited but when you employ tactics that are implemented in a ridiculously slow style they are incredibly easy to defend against. We can dress it up however we want but our current squad cost way more than the majority of the division put together. Parker isn't getting anything out of this team offensively and we can't hide behind the defensive stats nor the position in the table either - most teams have missed really good chances against us and we should have lost to Blackburn and Preston (or at least been behind on both games and given our scoring record the likelihood of us coming back would have been low imho).

Parker's style of play goes against everything the board seemingly want so that's confusing too.

I'm hoping that little slice of luck with the pen on Sunday will give them a bit of confidence and they can push on, but hand on heart, I just don't see it happening.

[Plissken]

I find these things rather annoying, I skipped through bits as it was already waffling

[..]

you could be genuine and not talk absolute sh1te.

Look, I’ve told you before, Mum. You can watch the videos but not comment on them.

[RVclaret]

they might be limited but when you employ tactics that are implemented in a ridiculously slow style they are incredibly easy to defend against. We can dress it up however we want but our current squad cost way more than the majority of the division put together. Parker isn't getting anything out of this team offensively and we can't hide behind the defensive stats nor the position in the table either - most teams have missed really good chances against us and we should have lost to Blackburn and Preston (or at least been behind on both games and given our scoring record the likelihood of us coming back would have been low imho).

Parker's style of play goes against everything the board seemingly want so that's confusing too.

I'm hoping that little slice of luck with the pen on Sunday will give them a bit of confidence and they can push on, but hand on heart, I just don't see it happening.

We are currently ranking 2nd in the league for (least) chances conceded and 2nd in the league for (least) big chances conceded.

Also, how do you know what goes against the style the board want? If anything, the board want promotion (clearly stated in MTB2) and hired a guy with 2/2 promotions.

[RVclaret]

Look, I’ve told you before, Mum. You can watch the videos but not comment on them.

Lol

[Vegas Claret]

We are currently ranking 2nd in the league for (least) chances conceded and 2nd in the league for (least) big chances conceded.

Also, how do you know what goes against the style the board want? If anything, the board want promotion (clearly stated in MTB2) and hired a guy with 2/2 promotions.

did you miss the style change between Dyche and VK ? Did you miss the dozens of times it's been mentioned about wanting to grow the 'brand' in the US ? Can you not see the connection?

I think only Oxford didn't really create chances against us, every other team has and good ones at that.

[RVclaret]

did you miss the style change between Dyche and VK ? Did you miss the dozens of times it's been mentioned about wanting to grow the 'brand' in the US ? Can you not see the connection?

I think only Oxford didn't really create chances against us, every other team has and good ones at that.

No brand is growing in the US by being in the Championship for long. I’m sure they were aware of Parker’s brand of football throughout an extensive interview process which combined data & analytics (this would have ranked candidates based on certain metrics being hit like xG created, Field Tilt, PPDA, possession etc) with the human element and convos.

And sorry but our xG against is the 2nd lowest in the division. This shows (statistically, rather than trying to subjectively recount each game) we are not conceding many chances despite what you are saying. It’s perfectly acceptable to say we aren’t good at creating them too (17th-19th for the same metric depending where you look), though that’s the not the focus of this point.

[Vegas Claret]

No brand is growing in the US by being in the Championship for long. I’m sure they were aware of Parker’s brand of football throughout an extensive interview process which combined data & analytics (this would have ranked candidates based on certain metrics being hit like xG created, Field Tilt, PPDA, possession etc) with the human element and convos.

And sorry but our xG against is the 2nd lowest in the division. This shows (statistically, rather than trying to subjectively recount each game) we are not conceding many chances despite what you are saying. It’s perfectly acceptable to say we aren’t good at creating them too (17th-19th for the same metric depending where you look), though that’s the not the focus of this point.

I've lost count of the amount of managers and coaches who have said 'who is deciding what constitutes a chance' (or other xg types). Cardiff hit the post when it was easier to score and I'll guess that that didn't go down as a shot on target in the stats. I use my eyes not stats.

From what I've heard and I've seen it repeated on here Pace needed persuading to get Parker, it was the other board members that wanted him

[Newcastleclaret93]

Foster, Flemming, Anthony, Koleosho, Sarmiento for a start.

If you genuinely think they are "very very limited" in comparison to the rest of the division then I don't know what you're seeing at the clubs like Portsmouth, Cardiff, Oxford, Preston etc.

To be fair four of the players you have listed have a really poor output at championship level.

Between four of them they (excluding Flemming) they have a combined 29 goal contributions in 160 apps at this level. There is a bit of precedence to say that is a limited output.

I am not sure I would say they a very limited but I think evidence is pointing to the fact that our attackers just are not as good as teams at the top of the table.

Just for a rough comparison to teams around us.

Sunderland three forwards have 15 goal contributions in 34 games
Sheffields three forwards 13 goal contributions in 42 apps
Leeds four forwards have 24 in 53 apps

(Before you say anything I know I’m comparing this seasons form of our rivals with form over years for our players). However I think it’s a valid point, it shows that our lads haven’t really got form for output at this level. So to keep it simple four of attacking lads have 29 in 160 apps and our rivals forwards have 52 in 129 apps. I think that highlights there is some credence to Leisure’s point about our attacking outlets.

[Mattster]

To be fair four of the players you have listed have a really poor output at championship level.

Between four of them they (excluding Flemming) they have a combined 29 goal contributions in 160 apps at this level. There is a bit of precedence to say that is a limited output.

I am not sure I would say they a very limited but I think evidence is pointing to the fact that our attackers just are not as good as teams at the top of the table.

Just for a rough comparison to teams around us.

Sunderland three forwards have 15 goal contributions in 34 games
Sheffields three forwards 13 goal contributions in 42 apps
Leeds four forwards have 24 in 53 apps

(Before you say anything I know I’m comparing this seasons form of our rivals with form over years for our players). However I think it’s a valid point, it shows that our lads haven’t really got form for output at this level. So to keep it simple four of attacking lads have 29 in 160 apps and our rivals forwards have 52 in 129 apps. I think that highlights there is some credence to Leisure’s point about our attacking outlets.

The fact you're excluding the highest scoring player of ours to make that stat makes the whole thing pointless from the off.

Then you're using appearances against goal contributions which obviously inflates Anthony's appearances against goal contributions given he averaged around 10-15 mins off the bench last season for 29 appearances at Leeds. Sarmiento too, 28 appearances off the bench last season.

Then the impact of this season where they're playing in Parker's safety first system. Massive waste of time.

You look at the players actual ability and there is no way they are limited at this level. Let alone "very very limited".

[RVclaret]

I've lost count of the amount of managers and coaches who have said 'who is deciding what constitutes a chance' (or other xg types). Cardiff hit the post when it was easier to score and I'll guess that that didn't go down as a shot on target in the stats. I use my eyes not stats.

From what I've heard and I've seen it repeated on here Pace needed persuading to get Parker, it was the other board members that wanted him

It wasn’t easier to score when hitting the post and the probabilities agree (xG) - ranking it as a similar probability to score as Sarmiento at West Brom (around 1 in 3 go in). If you were to tell me it was easier for Anthony to score than miss his open net at Hull then I’d agree! But this is why it’s better to have xG alongside the ‘eyes’, so we can avoid bias (such as the anti Parker rhetoric where you are even suggesting our defence hasn’t been great and we give up lots of big chances, even though all stats disagree). If you don’t want to understand or try to understand probabilities then fine, I personally think it’s a fairly simple concept to grasp!

I’ve never read on here about Pace being persuaded on Parker, have you got a link? I tried searching some key words like ‘persuaded, Parker, Pace’ in the advanced search but there was nothing related on first check.

[willsclarets]

Nice blog. I don't necessarily agree but that's football! I think there's always an element of the grass being greener. While it has been at times (but not always) a tough watch, I guarantee if we were scoring and leaking goals all over the place with similar points Parker and Trafford in particular would be getting absolute pelters. The "worst crime " is often just the most current one.

[Mattster]

No, it's not implied, you're just making that up! I'm saying that he has very limited attacking/forward/goal scoring options.

Apologies, I thought you were saying the players were limited in ability, not that they limited by number available.

Personally I think 2-3 strikers (depending on if you count Flemming) and 4 wingers is decent enough numbers that they can't be used as an excuse for the turgid, over cautious tactics but can see the other side on that.

[Leisure]

Apologies, I thought you were saying the players were limited in ability, not that they limited by number available.

Personally I think 2-3 strikers (depending on if you count Flemming) and 4 wingers is decent enough numbers that they can't be used as an excuse for the turgid, over cautious tactics but can see the other side on that.

No neen to apologise pal.

[Plissken]

Don’t make me angry. You won’t like me when I’m angry.

Never wanted to do this style of vlog but…


“Mood” - https://youtu.be/Ci0hyuSqvyQ?si=M5BhTps54W2TwzOh

[CleggHall]

A bit extreme and very angry but I guess you are not alone. Parker was dealt a poor hand and had the rug pulled out from under his feet losing key tried and tested players at the last minute. He has since assembled an average mid-table championship side but nevertheless they are in 3rd position. Not an easy watch but up the clarets!

[Stonehouse]

Don’t if it’s more depressing watching the Vlog or watching Burnley.

[Stonehouse]

A bit extreme and very angry but I guess you are not alone. Parker was dealt a poor hand and had the rug pulled out from under his feet losing key tried and tested players at the last minute. He has since assembled an average mid-table championship side but nevertheless they are in 3rd position. Not an easy watch but up the clarets!

If you agree with the vlog then Parker knew what he was letting himself in for and if he didn’t then he’s extremely naive.

[Plissken]

He’s had 16 matches since the end of the transfer window. This team is playing his way now. I’m tired of the squad excuse because it absolutely is that. An excuse.

[RVclaret]

Don’t make me angry. You won’t like me when I’m angry.

Never wanted to do this style of vlog but…


“Mood” - https://youtu.be/Ci0hyuSqvyQ?si=M5BhTps54W2TwzOh

What a load of sh1te

[Stonehouse]

What a load of sh1te

What the team or the vlog?

[Plissken]

What a load of sh1te

That quote is going on the marketing material.

[RVclaret]

That quote is going on the marketing material.

Aren’t vlogs usually for young teenagers these days? Why is a grumpy old man doing them? I suppose you’ve got a nice little target audience on here in fairness.

[Plissken]

Because I like doing them? Wacky idea, I know, but it's the best I got.

[Goody1975]

I will listen tomorrow, good to see you return.

I'm not sure what you have said to be accused of 'talking shite' but the tagline has got me intrigued.

If it's very negative, I can completely understand. I am a glass three quarters full type of fan, but I am at the stage where I don't care, it's so unlike me.

If it was announced that Parker left tomorrow, I don't think you'd get more than a shoulder shrug out of me.

[louieollie]

Aren’t vlogs usually for young teenagers these days? Why is a grumpy old man doing them? I suppose you’ve got a nice little target audience on here in fairness.

How unjustly patronising!

[Vegas Claret]

What a load of sh1te

just because you don't agree with someones opinion doesn't mean it's sh1te.

[Vegas Claret]

Don’t make me angry. You won’t like me when I’m angry.

Never wanted to do this style of vlog but…


“Mood” - https://youtu.be/Ci0hyuSqvyQ?si=M5BhTps54W2TwzOh

pretty much agree with the majority if it as usual

[Loyalclaret]

Little OTT but understand where you are coming from. It is a weird atmosphere when we are near the top but many friends who arent glory supporters, just can't get any enjoyment out of the current team/manager/club.

[ChorltonCharlie]

I agree with a lot of that, though oddly without the anti-Parker sentiment.

I do keep thinking that we'll see where we are at the end of Jan. There's inevitably going to be some movement in and out, and we'll see if Parker is able to get the team attacking at home more as fans would expect. More importantly, as it's a results business there's the incredibly tough run of fixtures coming up. a) can we do reasonably well against those around us and b) can we put in an impressive performance at home to Watford & Stoke and to a lesser degree, away to Plymouth.

One thing I strongly agree with is the comments about the players. Even above someone describes them as average Championship players. It's quite clearly nonsense. Trafford, Esteve, Roberts, Cullen, Brownhill, Sarmiento, Koleosho to name a few are not average for this level. Other clubs would snap your hands off for them. The performances may be making some of them look average, but form is temporary. Even some of the others like Anthony, Foster, Humphreys, Pires, Houtondji, Flemming, etc... look at what we paid for them or reported deals that are in place. We're talking figures that other teams can only dream of. Teams that are holding us to 0-0 draws whilst barely breaking sweat.

[Goody1975]

pretty much agree with the majority if it as usual

I was expecting something controversial, it's just about spot on.

I count myself as being a committed supporter, but it feels like I should be committed at the moment to save me from anymore torture.

I'm going on the Turf out of loyalty rather than excitement at the moment, the empty seats prove I'm not alone, with other making the opposite decision.

Parker seems a thoroughly decent bloke but that doesn't put bums on seats.

Lose our 'season ticket holder' fanbase and it's the start of the slippery slope.

Promotion is vital this year in my opinion

[Vegas Claret]

I was expecting something controversial, it's just about spot on.

I count myself as being a committed supporter, but it feels like I should be committed at the moment to save me from anymore torture.

I'm going on the Turf out of loyalty rather than excitement at the moment, the empty seats prove I'm not alone, with other making the opposite decision.

Parker seems a thoroughly decent bloke but that doesn't put bums on seats.

Lose our 'season ticket holder' fanbase and it's the start of the slippery slope.

Promotion is vital this year in my opinion

Yeah it' a weird one. I'm really stuck with it tbh, part of me obviously wants us to be the best version of 'Burnley FC' we can be and that would likely require us being in the Premier League BUT I hate the Premier League. I really like Parker, he seems a thoroughly decent bloke and I give him massive credit for how he has tried to settle in and for having us third - but his football is awful so far and I want to enjoy watching us play.

I saw a stat the other week that was something along the lines of the average XG for the top two for the last decade was 1.96 (ish, i don't remember the exact number) and we were at 0.86. We are nowhere near where we should be and I still think this is a VERY strong squad for this league. A striker won't make a difference to chances we don't create. I honestly don't see Parker getting us promoted.

[RVclaret]

I saw a stat the other week that was something along the lines of the average XG for the top two for the last decade was 1.96 (ish, i don't remember the exact number) and we were at 0.86. We are nowhere near where we should be and I still think this is a VERY strong squad for this league. A striker won't make a difference to chances we don't create. I honestly don't see Parker getting us promoted.

Deconstructing this…

Facts:

- the average xG for the top 2 is not 1.96 or close to that
- for reference our 101 point team averaged 1.45 p/90
- SP’s 2nd place Bournemouth had 1.65 xG/90
- our current xG/90 is 1.1, not 0.86
- xGA is also important (chances against) and we are 2nd

Opinion:

- of course a better striker could make a difference, they provide better movement which can inevitably lead to getting on the end of chances. Taking this from ClaretPete on another thread but a 28 year old Jay Rod would no doubt be scoring more. Parker having Solanke at B’mouth certainly helped as he scored 29 goals. As well, having good attacking options off the bench that can change a game helps. In the last promotion season Benson and JBG were often the go tos. Ours have been rather limited all season. You can say how strong the squad is but it’s a simple fact we don’t have a Benson or JBG on the bench and haven’t all season. I haven’t checked but other than Sarmiento v Pompey and Jay Rod v Swansea (pen) I don’t think any other sub has scored.