Bring it on Scotty

[IWOODLOVETT]

What an huge and impressive impact Scott Parker has made in the short time he’s been here.

After the chaos of last season and the subsequent departure of VK plus several members of his staff, it looked as though Scott Parker had been handed a poisoned chalice. Then came the ‘revolving doors’ of the transfer market (including a wholesale reduction of the playing squad) which stoked worry, panic and abuse from some members on this site.

Following the excellent start that the manager and his new staff have now achieved already we can all breathe deeply and, yes, get very, very excited for the season ahead.

A quick look at the squad list versus games played tells me that SP has now witnessed a total of 31 players performing in competitive matches (including the 8 no longer with us). Only the youngsters and Egan - the latest new recruit- haven’t had their chance to impress. This is in stark contrast to the previous regime who blatantly denied opportunities and which created a toxic atmosphere and eventual failure.

This approach has generated much needed team spirit, ambition, enthusiasm and encouragement to each and every member of the first team squad. In short every player is motivated in the knowledge that they will get their chance. This also includes the six injured players who are desperate to return from the bleakness of the fitness room. The manager knows his players, is prepared to adjust his team/tactics if necessary and has created a mini revolution behind the scenes.

The feel good atmosphere has now returned. Well done Scotty Parker - sort out your settled side and the rest of the season will be a significant triumph.

UTC

[lakedistrictclaret]

I agree with all of that, IWL.
The togetherness of the squad was plain to see when they, and SP, were celebrating in front of us after the match on Saturday.

[ClaretTony]

I haven't met Parker, nor did I meet Kompany, but it so clear to me just watching the games how much this team is playing for him. He seemed to be building something at the beginning but then the wheels came off leading to that awful day at Sunderland with all the uncertainty. He's got through the window now, knows who he has to work with, and they look as though they are giving him absolutely everything. As I wrote in my match report, we can't ask for any more than that.

[criminalclaret]

This is in stark contrast to the previous regime who blatantly denied opportunities and which created a toxic atmosphere and eventual failure.

I'm not offering bait here, bur care to eloberate?

If anything we gave more opportunities to unknown quantities which we have resold for a profit.

Our downfall came from tactics rather than personnel, bar Muric, I don't think we denied many their chances to stake their claim from Champ to PL.

[andyh]

I think Benson and Zaroury would disagree. Neither given a proper chance

[Row x]

I think Benson and Zaroury would disagree. Neither given a proper chance

They got many chances, and took them, in the season people seem to have forgotten

[jedi_master]

I was very much on the fence when his name was first mooted, but he’s seriously impressed me. His announcement interview was so different (full of uncertainty, nervousness and so on) compared to the man I hear each week now. He is a bubbly, thoughtful, sincere man who talks absolute common sense and he comes across like such a genuinely nice bloke. Those values might not be a requirement to be a successful manager, but they make you root for him. Hes had so much to deal with that terrible week around Sunderland, and has effectively had to try and build two teams up this season.

He has the players very clearly on board and I really think he’s got the fans there too. He’s someone it’s very easy to get behind and you simply want to see him succeed (I mean, that’s a given as he is Burnley’s manager - but I mean on a human level, I want to see him succeed here).

[Benson]

They got many chances, and took them, in the season people seem to have forgotten

Especially Kompany.

[Newchurch Claret]

Benson and Zaroury started 1 game each in the Prem, I believe. Similar shoddy treatment for Roberts, Cullen, Cork, Rodriguez, Muric. Brownhill started the season on the bench. Taylor told to leave then asked to be depended on. Barnes moved on.

Let’s not kid ourselves. The team was ripped up for no good reason. Kompany to blame.

[IWOODLOVETT]

I don’t need or want to elaborate but most will agree that some such as Muric, Benson, Zaroury, Charlie Taylor, Amdouni, Tresor, McNally, Twine, Al Dakhil, Ekdal, Messinga, Robert’s etc. we’re all denied a run in side for various reasons and some languished on the bench without any sub appearances, which resulted on requests for loan moves.

[Mattster]

Fully expect to be shouted down but I'm not impressed. The results are good and you can't argue with them but as an attacking unit we are poor and seem to have little idea what to do in possession and create chances for ourselves as a team.

We are 23rd in the league for % of passes played forwards and 2nd in the league for % of passes played sideways. I'm steering clear of xG because that just gets pelters regardless of what it shows but we're 22nd in the league for shots on goal.

You can point to the results but I don't think they're sustainable if this doesn't change.

You can point to the disruption of the transfer window and that's fair but I didn't see any improvement in our chance creation or build up off the back of 2 uninterrupted weeks of training between Rovers and Leeds.

I hope to be proven wrong and guilty of judging too soon. I really do, but personally I'm not jumping on the Parker bandwagon and hyping him up until I see improvement in that respect.

[Pickles]

Team spirit seemed pretty good when Burnley were winning the league at Ewood, losing just three games all season.

Parker has made a good start and the players certainly seem to be playing for him. Here's to more results like the one at Elland Road!

But let's not just pretend that Kompany's first season didn't happen - one of the best, if not the best seasons we've had in about forty years. We were saying very similar things about Kompany then as we are Parker now.

[RVclaret]

Fully expect to be shouted down but I'm not impressed. The results are good and you can't argue with them but as an attacking unit we are poor and seem to have little idea what to do in possession and create chances for ourselves as a team.

We are 23rd in the league for % of passes played forwards and 2nd in the league for % of passes played sideways. I'm steering clear of xG because that just gets pelters regardless of what it shows but we're 22nd in the league for shots on goal.

You can point to the results but I don't think they're sustainable if this doesn't change.

You can point to the disruption of the transfer window and that's fair but I didn't see any improvement in our chance creation or build up off the back of 2 uninterrupted weeks of training between Rovers and Leeds.

I hope to be proven wrong and guilty of judging too soon. I really do, but personally I'm not jumping on the Parker bandwagon and hyping him up until I see improvement in that respect.

No wonder you’re prepared to be ‘shouted down’ when you spout ridiculous statements like this. Using xG and other metrics such as ‘sideways passing’ 5 games into a season, are you sure? How is 5 games, of which 2 have been away to title favourites, and 1 been away to the top of the league, where we he was dealt a complete joke of a team, fair? It’s stuff like this which gives xG and the like a bad name tbh. Zero context provided and using your own cherry picking of stats to back up confirmation bias.

[Darnhill Claret]

Mattster and Pickles both make good points and it's healthy to have some initial reservations. I would say that although there was 2 weeks between Rovers and Leeds, a lot of players were away from the club so it wasn't 2 solid weeks of team bonding. I like that players brought into the club by Parker have a good first touch which is always a good starting point. If the players maintain this high level of workrate, and supporting each other through the game, I believe there is enough quality to keep us at the right end of the table.

[Mattster]

No wonder you’re prepared to be ‘shouted down’ when you spout ridiculous statements like this. Using xG and other metrics such as ‘sideways passing’ 5 games into a season, are you sure? How is 5 games, of which 2 have been away to title favourites, and 1 been away to the top of the league, where we he was dealt a complete joke of a team, fair? It’s stuff like this which gives xG and the like a bad name tbh. Zero context provided and using your own cherry picking of stats to back up confirmation bias.

I haven't used xG. I mentioned the context of the disruption. You mention context of the teams we've faced, you're picking and choosing that context by describing them as you have. In the simplest terms faced 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 17th and 24th. It's not massively skewed towards one end of the table.

Genuinely, why can't you use simple statistics on direction of passing / number of shots after 5 games?

Do you think we've created a lot of chances? Looked good in possession/build up?

You've jumped right down my throat here, pretty aggressively and straight to name calling simply for voicing an opinion different to yours. I'd suggest if anyone is cherry picking for confirmation bias it is you.

[Mattster]

Mattster and Pickles both make good points and it's healthy to have some initial reservations. I would say that although there was 2 weeks between Rovers and Leeds, a lot of players were away from the club so it wasn't 2 solid weeks of team bonding. I like that players brought into the club by Parker have a good first touch which is always a good starting point. If the players maintain this high level of workrate, and supporting each other through the game, I believe there is enough quality to keep us at the right end of the table.

Thanks for not instantly having a go.

On the point I made about having 2 weeks, I think I'm right in saying none of our 10 outfield starters on the weekend were on international duty but I accept it's a squad game.

[Wile E Coyote]

we know these people are well paid for their work, but its still pressure. He came in at an awkward time and has had to fashion his team from what appeared to be quite a chaotic background, and with very little time.
He comes across extremely well. Clearly knows his football. Looking like a great appointment. Well done Scott Parker.

[criminalclaret]

Benson and Zaroury started 1 game each in the Prem, I believe. Similar shoddy treatment for Roberts, Cullen, Cork, Rodriguez, Muric. Brownhill started the season on the bench. Taylor told to leave then asked to be depended on. Barnes moved on.

Let’s not kid ourselves. The team was ripped up for no good reason. Kompany to blame.

If the Champ team started in Cardiff game started against City I think we would have had conceded more than the 6 we had earlier in the year. I'm not at all doubting that the shear size of the turnover was a shakeup to the squad, but if people think re-enforcements weren't needed upon promotion (and look after where majority of those reinforcements are now) then you are looking with some tinted glasses on. VK overall had an eye for some quality players, as reflected in our balance sheet come the end of the transfer window.

Anyways, back to Parker. Yep he deserves full plaudits. Rode that transfer window as well as he could, showed a lot of integrity and effectively has to re-gel a team after a painful but necessary transfer window.

He will be a pragmatic manager, Dyche-esque. I think he'll know before a game whether we are setting up for a 1-0 and those are the tactics unless we are substantially behind. I'm not expecting much flair for the first half of the season until the team gel. He has been nothing but professional, optimistic and pragmatic so far. I really do think he'll have a cracking season and the board will give him a chance in the PL that other boards haven't. Only thing I hope will happen is a dedicated Director of Football to bridge between the board and the manager to reduce the expected turbulence of the next few windows regardless of PL status.

In Parker we trust. UTC

[CoolClaret]

I haven't used xG. I mentioned the context of the disruption. You mention context of the teams we've faced, you're picking and choosing that context by describing them as you have. In the simplest terms faced 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 17th and 24th. It's not massively skewed towards one end of the table.

Genuinely, why can't you use simple statistics on direction of passing / number of shots after 5 games?

Do you think we've created a lot of chances? Looked good in possession/build up?

You've jumped right down my throat here, pretty aggressively and straight to name calling simply for voicing an opinion different to yours. I'd suggest if anyone is cherry picking for confirmation bias it is you.

The Sunderland game is a complete anomaly and should be discarded as such.

As for the rest, well, we've had two wins away at teams that were favourites to be in and around for promotion, with an obvious game plan of playing on the counter, one was a local derby at home (with a brand new team) where the team struggled to break them down, then Cardiff was a 5-0 win. Maybe 5-0 flattered us but you simply don't win a game 5-0 by luck.

It's quite simply a ridiculous sample size to start pulling from in the way in which you have done, tbh and no wonder RV pulled you up on it.

xG in this matter doesn't particularly matter because any team that has a lot of shots will naturally have more of an xG, even if they are low % chances...

Revisit this after 10 games, after we have played more teams that we expect to dominate and I'm certain that we'll be near the top or thereabouts in these sort of categories.

[Vegas Claret]

I'm pleased that people have taken to Scott, he's putting Brugge behind him very quickly. It looks like the board have got this decision correct, let's hope he can get the job done. It's about time we had another English manager in the PL imho

[Big Vinny K]

Way too early and way too much disruption to take a strong view either way as to how we are playing.
So you either pull out the positives or you focus on the negatives.

Our pressing has been very good - particularity in the first half.
Our midfield running beyond the strikers has been good.
We are working hard in games and whilst a couple of players have lost their concentration generally they are working hard to support the defence when we lose the ball and trying to get up the pitch to support the attack.

I think SP realises we need to keep the ball better and we have struggled in games to keep possession at times,
You saw against Blackburn at home in the first half how I think SP wants to play. The pressing was off the scale from Hannibal and Koleosho. The passing was crisp and sharp. We got to the bi line a number of times with Pires, Anthony and Koleosho and we just needed to get a second and that game would have been finished.

It seems like SP will also be a manager who adapts and sets up differently according to the opposition. You saw that against Luton.

I honestly think at this stage and in the context of the massive disruption that statistics are absolutely useless. To have the points we do is very much a bonus after all the upheaval. SP and the players need time - at least 3 or 4 months.

Last Thursday was possibly the first day he had his squad altogether in training.

[Raconteur]

I haven't used xG. I mentioned the context of the disruption. You mention context of the teams we've faced, you're picking and choosing that context by describing them as you have. In the simplest terms faced 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 17th and 24th. It's not massively skewed towards one end of the table.

Genuinely, why can't you use simple statistics on direction of passing / number of shots after 5 games?

Do you think we've created a lot of chances? Looked good in possession/build up?

You've jumped right down my throat here, pretty aggressively and straight to name calling simply for voicing an opinion different to yours. I'd suggest if anyone is cherry picking for confirmation bias it is you.

Totally agree with this. RV's reaction to your post is more ridiculous. Everything you said was factual correct.

For what it's worth, the style of football hasn't impressed me at all but the results have. I will happily take winning like that. I can stomach the football not being easy on the eye but only when it's winning football.

All it takes is to go on a tough run and lose a few and the football we are playing will be crucified on here.

[RVclaret]

I haven't used xG. I mentioned the context of the disruption. You mention context of the teams we've faced, you're picking and choosing that context by describing them as you have. In the simplest terms faced 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 17th and 24th. It's not massively skewed towards one end of the table.

Genuinely, why can't you use simple statistics on direction of passing / number of shots after 5 games?

Do you think we've created a lot of chances? Looked good in possession/build up?

You've jumped right down my throat here, pretty aggressively and straight to name calling simply for voicing an opinion different to yours. I'd suggest if anyone is cherry picking for confirmation bias it is you.

Aggressively and name calling? Where?

5 games when the team has been completely changed and the manager has had to deal with all sorts of chaos behind the scenes, including a game where we had Jay Rod playing in a midfield pivot and Vitinho not wanting to play (to mention 2 issues), is quite obviously going to not be a representative example. If you don’t understand how that’s an mis-skewed sample then nothing else I can add here. What I’ll say is we have played 2 title favourites away and won both, in different ways - impressive regardless of how you want to spin it.

[Elizabeth]

Parker and the squad will remain grounded so I don’t think we need worry about complacency setting in.
I don’t see a bandwagon but a group of posters now recognising that they may have been premature in their early estimation of Parker.
Successful teams are built from the back which is what has happened. One good example of that is we now have a goalkeeper widely recognised as our number 1. The value of that is not to be underestimated.
Clearly the offensive side of our game is going to take a little longer but we will begin to hurt sides. There are enough good players, both in the squad now and to come in , for Parker to work with in this direction. I do think it’s far too premature to be raising questions about our ability to move the ball forward at this stage.

[Bosscat]

Parker and the squad will remain grounded so I don’t think we need worry about complacency setting in.
I don’t see a bandwagon but a group of posters now recognising that they may have been premature in their early estimation of Parker.
Successful teams are built from the back which is what has happened. One good example of that is we now have a goalkeeper widely recognised as our number 1. The value of that is not to be underestimated.
Clearly the offensive side of our game is going to take a little longer but we will begin to hurt sides. There are enough good players, both in the squad now and to come in , for Parker to work with in this direction. I do think it’s far too premature to be raising questions about our ability to move the ball forward at this stage.

I hold my hand up ... I did not want Scott when his name was 1st mentioned but ... He is proving himself, and the lads are definitely looking like they back him, and not turning back into a squad not a bunch of individuals.

Long may it continue

[IWOODLOVETT]

Team spirit seemed pretty good when Burnley were winning the league at Ewood, losing just three games all season.

Parker has made a good start and the players certainly seem to be playing for him. Here's to more results like the one at Elland Road!

But let's not just pretend that Kompany's first season didn't happen - one of the best, if not the best seasons we've had in about forty years. We were saying very similar things about Kompany then as we are Parker now.

Yep team spirit at Ewood was what you’d expect - we’d won the league by a street at our fierce rival’s ground with some seriously talented loanees.

However for a rough comparison I took a look back at the start of that season 22/23 and VK’s start. His first 4 games yielded just 6 points against very modest opposition including 3 successive home draws. The last of those draws was against Blackpool and TC’s match report remarked :
“There’s certainly no need to panic but I don’t think as we all stood marvelling at the first half showing at Huddersfield just over three weeks ago that we’d find ourselves as low as sixteenth in the table at the time of writing, and without another win.”

[Tall Paul]

No need to overanalyse, we've gone from having one of the worst squads in the division to one of the best. It's amazing what that does for team spirit and togetherness.

[RVclaret]

Totally agree with this. RV's reaction to your post is more ridiculous. Everything you said was factual correct.

For what it's worth, the style of football hasn't impressed me at all but the results have. I will happily take winning like that. I can stomach the football not being easy on the eye but only when it's winning football.

All it takes is to go on a tough run and lose a few and the football we are playing will be crucified on here.

So you ‘fully agree’ with misusing stats because you don’t like the manager?

Obv ‘style of play’ is subjective - I personally thought we were electric at Luton, very efficient 2nd half v Cardiff, exciting first half v Blackburn and incredibly dangerous in transition 1st half at Leeds.

The ‘football we are playing’ (regardless of if you like it or don’t like it) hasn’t settled yet because Parker has basically been given a 2nd pre season, 3 games into the season, while having to play players who have had single figure training sessions and/or zero match fitness.

[Pickles]

Yep team spirit at Ewood was what you’d expect - we’d won the league by a street at our fierce rival’s ground with some seriously talented loanees.

For us to be in a position to win the league at Ewood, team spirit must've been good. I just don't like the re-writing of history some people try to do. There was obviously a lot right, on the field and off it, during Kompany's first season. It was phenomenal.

[Raconteur]

So you ‘fully agree’ with misusing stats because you don’t like the manager?

Obv ‘style of play’ is subjective - I personally thought we were electric at Luton, very efficient 2nd half v Cardiff, exciting first half v Blackburn and incredibly dangerous in transition 1st half at Leeds.

The ‘football we are playing’ (regardless of if you like it or don’t like it) hasn’t settled yet because Parker has basically been given a 2nd pre season, 3 games into the season, while having to play players who have had single figure training sessions and/or zero match fitness.

Who said they don't like the manager because i definitely don't agree with that. I like Scott.

I was agreeing that your reaction to Mattsters post was a bit ott.

Regarding the factually correct, it was regarding the stats because they were correct, even though it is a small sample size.

[AGENT_CLARET]

Kompany"s first five league game's P5 W1 D3 L1 PTS 6

Parker's first five league game's P5 W3 D1 L1 PTS 10

Just saying

[TsarBomba]

I simply find it incredible that the football, and by extension Parker, are getting any criticism whatsoever.

The club was in absolute turmoil the week leading up to Sunderland. All that pre-season work went straight out the window.

Parker is effectively now having to redo pre-season and prepare for each game and implement specific tactics at the same time.

Parker said after the Leeds game we didn’t play how he wanted us to. That’s a direct consequence of the turmoil we were in only a few weeks ago.

We have, what, 9 players still out injured, and we started 7 new players in the first 11 against the best team in the Championship, and still won.

Some people need to give their heads a wobble. Parker is working minor miracles.

[RVclaret]

Who said they don't like the manager because i definitely don't agree with that. I like Scott.

I was agreeing that your reaction to Mattsters post was a bit ott.

Regarding the factually correct, it was regarding the stats because they were correct, even though it is a small sample size.

Mattster doesn’t like the manager, he made that clear on here prior to the appointment and said it will be a disaster. We’ve now had a solid start, from a tricky run of fixtures, while dealing with off field chaos, and he’s using stats like ‘sideways passing’ against him, and touching on xG. My point is using 5 games as a sample size is not enough in normal circumstances (doesn’t balance out who you’ve played when comparing against others), let alone the circumstances he’s been handed - surely anyone and everyone (except those who dislike the manager) can agree? Interesting to note our best 90 minute performance came against Luton, why is that, probably because we had a settled side and he’d had a full pre season with them, not just a week or less of training.

[taio]

Parker has done a very good job so far.

[Raconteur]

Mattster doesn’t like the manager, he made that clear on here prior to the appointment and said it will be a disaster.

That i didn't know!

Irrespective of the the style of play, i think Scott is doing a great job so far

[Mattster]

However for a rough comparison I took a look back at the start of that season 22/23 and VK’s start. His first 4 games yielded just 6 points against very modest opposition including 3 successive home draws.

Our first 4 games were Luton that finished 3rd and won the playoffs, Millwall who finished 8th (having started the final game of the season in 6th), Watford (finished 11th) and Huddersfield (finished 18th).

This is the kind of rewriting mentioned.

[IWOODLOVETT]

Exactly - modest opposition when compared to the teams at the start of this season.
Rewriting unnecessary.

[Mattster]

Mattster doesn’t like the manager, he made that clear on here prior to the appointment and said it will be a disaster. We’ve now had a solid start, from a tricky run of fixtures, while dealing with off field chaos, and he’s using stats like ‘sideways passing’ against him, and touching on xG. My point is using 5 games as a sample size is not enough in normal circumstances (doesn’t balance out who you’ve played when comparing against others), let alone the circumstances he’s been handed - surely anyone and everyone (except those who dislike the manager) can agree? Interesting to note our best 90 minute performance came against Luton, why is that, probably because we had a settled side and he’d had a full pre season with them, not just a week or less of training.

So I was against it. You were for it. How is it that that means my opinion is somehow an agenda and yours isn't?

I don't think we've created much of anything going forward and think we look without any real idea or plan in possession. I've given some stats, not even ones that are controversial or need much interpreting (pass direction and shots) that back up that view.

And yes, context is important but you're cherry picking that to suit your stance to no lesser degree than I am the stats for us in possession.

If it's too early to critique the manager then that applies both ways.

[Mattster]

Exactly - modest opposition when compared to the teams at the start of this season.
Rewriting unnecessary.

1) A team that was relegated with us.
2) A somewhat surprise title challenger (based off the previous season)
3) A play off contender
4) Relegation candidate.

Sound similar to our opening 4 this season, no?

1) Luton / Watford
2) Sunderland / Luton
3) Blackburn / Millwall
4) Cardiff / Huddersfield

[Claret53]

SP looks like the best signing we made this summer. He was always a player with good vision and a cool temperament and it looks as if he has brought the same attributes to management.
He will have expected that a number of first team players would be sold.
He would not, I suspect, have anticipated the blizzard of departures which he has had to cope with.
But he has coped - admirably. Recruitment will not all have been down to him, but he will have had a significant input and it has been a very successful window, bringing in not just skill, but character.
The organisation and concentration shown against DL were both really encouraging for the season to come.
If you want to see the results of good coaching and handling of players, just look at James Trafford. He played flawlessly and showed guts and judgment in coming out for that cross late in the match. He has to have the ability and courage to come out as he did, but they can only flourish if they are encouraged and supported.
It’s quite clear that SP is good tactically - the team has played in various ways which have been, largely, effective.
It’s important to remember, however, that we are still early in the season. I hope and expect that all the positives which we have seen so far will be built upon and that we will have a cracker of a season.
So, early signs are good but we cannot expect the instant production of an outstanding team. But, if I were a betting man….

[TsarBomba]

So I was against it. You were for it. How is it that that means my opinion is somehow an agenda and yours isn't?

I don't think we've created much of anything going forward and think we look without any real idea or plan in possession. I've given some stats, not even ones that are controversial or need much interpreting (pass direction and shots) that back up that view.

And yes, context is important but you're cherry picking that to suit your stance to no lesser degree than I am the stats for us in possession.

If it's too early to critique the manager then that applies both ways.

But look behind the reasons why we’ve passed sideways and not so much forwards.

We have a group of players that don’t know each other particularly well. It takes time on the training ground to build patterns of play. Time we haven’t had. Surely you can see that? Players are going to play it safe, first, before that understanding comes later.

Or are you expecting like Parker said after the Leeds game for a magic wand to be waved and for us to play all conquering football straight away?

And you also need to consider the opposition we have played. 3 of the hardest away games in the first 5. Against Luton and Leeds we have played counter attacking football to great effect. The intention hasn’t been to dominate the ball.

[RVclaret]

So I was against it. You were for it. How is it that that means my opinion is somehow an agenda and yours isn't?

I don't think we've created much of anything going forward and think we look without any real idea or plan in possession. I've given some stats, not even ones that are controversial or need much interpreting (pass direction and shots) that back up that view.

And yes, context is important but you're cherry picking that to suit your stance to no lesser degree than I am the stats for us in possession.

If it's too early to critique the manager then that applies both ways.

I was actually ‘on the fence’ for it, but prepared to be 1) get behind him 2) be objective. I’m not using a skewed, unfair and small sample for any analysis or criticism, which is why I’ve challenged your view here.

It’s fine to have the view we haven’t been fully fluent in possession yet, but surely you should acknowledge all the mitigating factors mentioned to yourself on here. You seem to be the only one not doing so which is why it appears your criticism is agenda driven given your pre-determined views on Parker and his football. For example I genuinely don’t think there will be one other Burnley fan in the world digging into sideways passing stats after 5 games.

Hopefully we can come back to this in another 5 or so games and have a more valid discussion once the squad and playing style has settled.

[boatshed bill]

Surely the only comparison worth making is Parker's or Kompany's first 5 Championship games: results, style, and evidence of good team spirit.

[Stan Tastic]

Here's the league table after VK's first five games.
[url]https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/lea ... -2022//url]

[Mattster]

I was actually ‘on the fence’ for it, but prepared to be 1) get behind him 2) be objective. I’m not using a skewed, unfair and small sample for any analysis or criticism, which is why I’ve challenged your view here.

It’s fine to have the view we haven’t been fully fluent in possession yet, but surely you should acknowledge all the mitigating factors mentioned to yourself on here. You seem to be the only one not doing so which is why it appears your criticism is agenda driven given your pre-determined views on Parker and his football. For example I genuinely don’t think there will be one other Burnley fan in the world digging into sideways passing stats after 5 games.

Hopefully we can come back to this in another 5 or so games and have a more valid discussion once the squad and playing style has settled.

I did acknowledge the mitigating factors.

I simply said "attacking unit we are poor and seem to have little idea what to do in possession and create chances for ourselves as a team". Then I pointed to some stats that back up that view, no different to you pointing to the context of the opposition and transfer window to back up your stance.

Only I didn't call you ridiculous for it. Even though there is cherry picking in your "context". For example, Luton may have been considered title competitors but we faced them at the height of an injury crisis which meant they had 3 teenagers making their first ever professional league starts, at any level, 2 of them as part of their back 3. They also only picked up their first win of the season this weekend.

I said I'm not yet impressed and am still to be convinced but that I hope to be wrong. I still don't see what I said that justified you launching into a tirade.

[boatshed bill]

Here's the league table after VK's first five games.
[url]https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/lea ... -2022//url]

There you go.

[blatherwickstattoos]

Long way to go yet. But impressed with the defending and no nonsense stuff and working hard to grind out results. I’m sure the fluidity will come when the players gel a bit more. We’ve had 2 very poor halves against Blackburn and leeds and one poor full game against Sunderland but never really looked like conceding many goals.

Would like to be a bit better on the ball and keeping the ball but I’m sure when Cullen gets fit again we will be fine.

[Hibsclaret]

It’s been a great start with the best performance with the ball being the first game at Luton. The signs are good that someone can change a team so much in a few weeks and then show the resolution in a Leeds away fixture.

All that said, it is way too early to be comparing seasons with 22/23 where we got 101 points. If we get anywhere near that tally we are going to need to be as good with the ball as we were without it at Leeds, on a very regular basis. There are very few teams that get 101 points and so being disrespectful about the previous regime in terms of team spirit and such like is nonsense. The team getting 101 points had absolute bundles of team spirit and lots of skill which to get anywhere near this season will take some doing. To compare the 5 first games is nonsense.

We all know now that Kompany wanted to showcase his playing style for more attractive suitors and we can see that worked to the expense of Burnley FC. The problems in that were not evident at all in the 22/23 season irrespective of the early results at Watford or versus Blackpool.

As for Scott himself, I think he has shown a lot of class so far and long may it continue.

[Spike]

We are still a work in progress
But there are some good signs and some good signings
The last week of the window was incredibly disruptive for all the players and fans. Alan Pace must take the blame for that.
We have players who can set this division on fire
Very interesting that we put in a shift with Foster out because that won’t be the last time we have to pick a team without him
My worry is that we are a striker short of having a cracking squad.
Parker is conducting himself very well so in Parker I Trust!

[Stan Tastic]

I was watching a highlights video of Mike Tresor playing in Belgium two seasons ago and he looked absolute class in their league. If SP can get him firing he could be this season's Nathan Tella.
There's also Ramsey, Redmond and Beyer to return, who should be quality at this level.