Mick doing the right things now.

[KAZZZZ]

Im one of the many fans that wanted mick out for a few months now, but over the last few weeks i see a big change in him in respect of tactics and team selection.

He seems to actually want to do well now, where as 2 months ago was playing negative football along with all his favs.

We are trying to play with wingers at pace and his not scared to leave kyle on bench, eastwood actually getting 30 min run out instead of 2 mins, and he changes shape if not working after 30 mins of a game.

The question is mick why did you wait untill we are in such a bad run to do all this?

I think we have the foundation of a great team for this level if we tweak it here and there, im not so sure now that another man will do a better job if he comes in with these resources.

so confused.

[PeteWolf]

All he needs to do now is stop trying to alienate the fans and he'll be getting there.

[Wolv3nsam]

All the fans need to do is stop alienating the players..

[Paul76]

Good post Kazz. It does seem we are coming Into form at exactly the right time. Maybe Wolves have left It a little late In the day but one thing Is for sure, we're going to get one hell of a climax to the end of the season.

The reason Wolves have been playing negative Is all down to injuries Imo. Now we're running out of games, points need to be picked up. MM is throwing caution to the wind and going for It big time. I think another factor is that the players have regained their confidence which for me is the most important factor.

It's good to see you giving credit to where It's due. MM has made many mistakes this season but I believe he's building something special here.

[PeteWolf]

All the fans need to do is stop alienating the players..
Mick is the agressor in this war. Get him to the table and sign the Keogh-to treaty and all will be fine.

[GoldenHorseshoe]

I don't think that he consciously tried not to do well previously. It's more this question in my mind that he did not seem to know how to do well.

I'm still not convinced, however, he seems to stumble onto a successful formula or successful period, rather than it being the result of trials, experiments or an indepth investigation. And he's way too prone to fall back on his 'comfort zone' at the earliest possible time.

[jbarnettuk1984]

I don't think that he consciously tried not to do well previously. It's more this question in my mind that he did not seem to know how to do well.


I'd say thats a pretty fair point. I also put that down to injuries though.

[The Weasel]

Patience is the key word. All teams have a bad spell. We'll come good.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Here's a surprise, I don't agree. He's doing the same things he did at the end of last season when we won 3 in 11. Maybe if he had addressed the shortcomings in the squad ie centre of defence then we would be further forward.

[Taffywolf]

I still think we are papering over the cracks and so far this season has been a disappointment.. We are still in the same situation now as we were 12 months ago, Needing a pacy central defender to tighten up our defence.

I still hope and expect the man to get the chop at the end of season. I have been fewer this season than I have for along long time and that is down to my hatred for the man.

[RoffeyWolf]

Im one of the many fans that wanted mick out for a few months now, but over the last few weeks i see a big change in him in respect of tactics and team selection.

Translated as:

"Im one of the many fans that wanted mick out for a few months now because we were losing, but over the last few weeks i see a big change in the results so now I want him to stay".

[northnorfolkwolf]

We have one exciting game (which we did not win) and score some goals and everything's fine! MM imo is still a very limited manager in most respects and should we sneak into the pos and promotion, which I doubt, he certainly is not the manager to take us forward in the Prem.

[Paul76]

Translated as:

"Im one of the many fans that wanted mick out for a few months now because we were losing, but over the last few weeks i see a big change in the results so now I want him to stay".

At least he's big enough to come here and change his stance. You can't ask for no more than that.

[Paul76]

We have one exciting game (which we did not win) and score some goals and everything's fine! MM imo is still a very limited manager in most respects and should we sneak into the pos and promotion, which I doubt, he certainly is not the manager to take us forward in the Prem.


Everything Is not fine. We're playing good football and we're scoring goals again. We're one point of the playoffs with all to play for.

Maybe we won't make promotion. Maybe MM isn't the man to take Wolves Into the Premiership. You could be correct In what you're saying.

BUT....Why don't you just relax and enjoy the last 9 games of the season. Enjoy Wolves giving everything for the cause. Enjoy this young Wolves team fighting for every last point.

[northnorfolkwolf]

Everything Is not fine. We're playing good football and we're scoring goals again. We're one point of the playoffs with all to play for.

Maybe we won't make promotion. Maybe MM isn't the man to take Wolves Into the Premiership. You could be correct In what you're saying.

BUT....Why don't you just relax and enjoy the last 9 games of the season. Enjoy Wolves giving everything for the cause. Enjoy this young Wolves team fighting for every last point.

Is that 7 league + 2 pos ?! I would enjoy things more if we were where Stoke were in the table!

[Paul76]

Is that 7 league + 2 pos ?! I would enjoy things more if we were where Stoke were in the table!

Sorry I don't look at the table;)

[northnorfolkwolf]

Sorry I don't look at the table;)
You'll be saying "Breeny was Breeny' soon!!!!!!!!!

[reanswolf]

MM isnt the greatest manager in the world, but we are a poorly run club with little positive outcome.

I think the post highlights that people should reserve their judgement until the end of the season.

[sjonnie]

He's go to go. In addition to his erratic man management, he's just not good enough tactically and he has failed to address the main weaknesses for about a season and a half. We have a decent squad when all are fit but we are let down far too regularly by our defensive weaknesses. A decent manager would have got us up this year (IMHO).

[BB Wolf]

This saturday was the first time this season that I completely agreed with Micks team selection
The shape was balanced and he did not have any round pegs in square holes which IMO has been our No 1 problem this season

[GoldenHorseshoe]

At least he's big enough to come here and change his stance. You can't ask for no more than that.

Correct Paul, there are so many people on here and dig themselves into a hole, and under no circumstances will they ever moderate their views, or consider that the other person has a point.

Evangelistic zeal of a baptist minister comes to mind when reading some views.
(No names mentioned but you can probably guess;))

[Essex Wolf]

With the time MM has had he should never have been in the position he was a few months ago.

He showed his limitations which he still suffers now.When he does get things right it doesn't make him some great manager all of a sudden.

[Atlas 1951]

He spent some more money in January, we have every right to expect things to be better now than they were in December. But oh for six more points in the bag!

[jonesey85]

All he needs to do now is stop trying to alienate the fans and he'll be getting there.

Thats exactly what he tries to do, because it makes life so much easier for him :rolleyes:

[jonesey85]

I still think we are papering over the cracks and so far this season has been a disappointment.. We are still in the same situation now as we were 12 months ago, Needing a pacy central defender to tighten up our defence.

I still hope and expect the man to get the chop at the end of season. I have been fewer this season than I have for along long time and that is down to my hatred for the man.
Hatred? I cant get my head round that fact im afraid.

[BridgnorthWolf Inc]

Translated as:

"Im one of the many fans that wanted mick out for a few months now because we were losing, but over the last few weeks i see a big change in the results so now I want him to stay".

We all change our minds at times I guess. Fickle fans eh?

[jonesey85]

Everything Is not fine. We're playing good football and we're scoring goals again. We're one point of the playoffs with all to play for.

Maybe we won't make promotion. Maybe MM isn't the man to take Wolves Into the Premiership. You could be correct In what you're saying.

BUT....Why don't you just relax and enjoy the last 9 games of the season. Enjoy Wolves giving everything for the cause. Enjoy this young Wolves team fighting for every last point.

If we relaxed and enjoyed it, we would actually help the team too I feel.

We have reached the stage of the season where what will be will be now. The internal debate amongst fans must rest until the real review period which comes at the end of the season. All clubs that we face will show a united front as they know how important these upcoming games are, so we must match and beat this with the OTHER thing our crowd is famous for... making an intimidating racket.

If you want Mick out, fair enough. But surely even you can see that with such a small period of time in which to claw the points which we need, sacking him at this stage would pretty much write off what is still very much a live season.

Whether you think it is through sheer luck, or through sheer merit, we are still in the mix.

If you think it is through sheer merit, then fair enough.

If you think it is through sheer luck, then I ask you to embrace that luck, because if you have watched wolves for any period of time you will know lady luck does not come our way too often.

We really have to get our act together and support together now. We cant afford one more misplaced 10 yard pass because of a player ****ing himself so badly infront of his own fans.

Lets get this straight. By cheering on the lads, you are not conceding defeat to your MM out campaign, you are simply appeasing your views at a very important time, until a more appropriate time is upon us.

Support together, win together, celebrate together. Its the only way to really enjoy football.

[Wolv3nsam]

He spent some more money in January, we have every right to expect things to be better now than they were in December.

The January window has paid off this season yet again.

Last year: Kightly, Keogh, S. Ward
This year: Ebanks-Blake, Elokobi

[kennyB]

But why wait until January Wolvensam? And for goodness sake he still hasn't bought in a decent central defender despite the time and money he's had (and we really need two). Of course he shouldn't be sacked at this stage of the season but he should go when it's over 'cos I don't believe he is going to get us up or even into the play-offs although I hope he proves me wrong. With the money spent and the size of the squad we should be doing better in this mediocre league.

[RoffeyWolf]

At least he's big enough to come here and change his stance. You can't ask for no more than that.

Yeah but for how long? Or am I tarring KAZZZZZ with the Essexxxxx brush?

[RoffeyWolf]

With the money spent and the size of the squad we should be doing better in this mediocre league. How many other teams are thinking the same?

[itsonlyagame]

How many other teams are thinking the same?

A fair few I shouldn't wonder, but I don't care about the others. I think the main problem with Mick at the moment IMO (and which of course has an adverse knock-on effect on the club) is he seems unable to overcome his Sunderland Old Boys fixation. If he can overcome that then I think he can get us promoted, if he can't he won't. I hate the thought of us being a team of Sunderland hand me downs! If he did take us up he wouldn't keep us up because he isn't good enough to. I said when he joined us that he could be the first manager who could justifiably be shown the door the day after winning promotion, because as a Prem manager he simply does not have what it takes, and what's the point in going up just to replicate what we did last time?

[MK Panther]

Should have been pushing for automatic promotion, still outside the play-offs and couple of losses will see the knives out again. We have managed somehow with results in our favour and some positive results to stay in touch. The concern I am having is our inability to win against the leaders in this division.

[nimrod]

Has he revamped the coaching or something....

[The Weasel]

If we relaxed and enjoyed it, we would actually help the team too I feel.

We have reached the stage of the season where what will be will be now. The internal debate amongst fans must rest until the real review period which comes at the end of the season. All clubs that we face will show a united front as they know how important these upcoming games are, so we must match and beat this with the OTHER thing our crowd is famous for... making an intimidating racket.

If you want Mick out, fair enough. But surely even you can see that with such a small period of time in which to claw the points which we need, sacking him at this stage would pretty much write off what is still very much a live season.

Whether you think it is through sheer luck, or through sheer merit, we are still in the mix.

If you think it is through sheer merit, then fair enough.

If you think it is through sheer luck, then I ask you to embrace that luck, because if you have watched wolves for any period of time you will know lady luck does not come our way too often.

We really have to get our act together and support together now. We cant afford one more misplaced 10 yard pass because of a player ****ing himself so badly infront of his own fans.

Lets get this straight. By cheering on the lads, you are not conceding defeat to your MM out campaign, you are simply appeasing your views at a very important time, until a more appropriate time is upon us.

Support together, win together, celebrate together. Its the only way to really enjoy football.

Absolutely spot on. Agree 100%

[Stewarton Wolf]

Absolutely spot on. Agree 100%
The sentiment is fine but when we started poorly at the beginning of the season, people who raised doubts were appeased by "We'll do a Sunderland - They started slowly" Still waiting, Then the transfer window closed, we got Wait he'll strengthen the defence in the loan market, then we will go up automatically. Then the worst spell for years we were greeted with "The fightback starts here" Since then its been a non stop offensive by the manager and the players to blame the fans for failings that have never been addressed.

Charlton is crucial win and we still have a chance, a draw or a loss will leave us with a mountain to climb. By the end of next home game a call for unity in all likelihood will be worthless, as the season will be over.

[Ogerp]

Im one of the many fans that wanted mick out for a few months now, but over the last few weeks i see a big change in him in respect of tactics and team selection.

He seems to actually want to do well now, where as 2 months ago was playing negative football along with all his favs.

We are trying to play with wingers at pace and his not scared to leave kyle on bench, eastwood actually getting 30 min run out instead of 2 mins, and he changes shape if not working after 30 mins of a game.

The question is mick why did you wait untill we are in such a bad run to do all this?

I think we have the foundation of a great team for this level if we tweak it here and there, im not so sure now that another man will do a better job if he comes in with these resources.

so confused.

What a damning post of MM.
If he is doing it right this month, what was he doing the last seven months?

[Atlas 1951]

The sentiment is fine but when we started poorly at the beginning of the season, people who raised doubts were appeased by "We'll do a Sunderland - They started slowly" Still waiting, Then the transfer window closed, we got Wait he'll strengthen the defence in the loan market, then we will go up automatically. Then the worst spell for years we were greeted with "The fightback starts here" Since then its been a non stop offensive by the manager and the players to blame the fans for failings that have never been addressed.

Charlton is crucial win and we still have a chance, a draw or a loss will leave us with a mountain to climb. By the end of next home game a call for unity in all likelihood will be worthless, as the season will be over.

Yes, the pep squad have certainly been putting in the overtime this year. That said, we have been unlucky with injuries.

As far as your last paragraph goes, Stewarton, I'm afraid I'm not buying it. On the 2pts per game thread you were ramming the last nail into the coffin months ago, and low and behold, we're still in the mix. The worst that could happen after Saturday is that we are 4 points (5 points, effectively) off a play-off place with six games to go. Another very possible scenario after a defeat would be that we were two points behind sixth-placed Charlton with a game in hand and six-pointer games vs. Ipswich and Plymouth to come.

I can imagine that the league has been a bit frustrating for you this year, Stewarton, and I don't mean this as a dig at all. You see nothing but negativity in McCarthy's management, yet by the incompetence of those around us, the season refuses to be buried and thus the issue of management continuity resists serious examination.

Mick has suffered with injuries this year but he has surely benefitted from uncustomarily mediocre competition.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Yes, the pep squad have certainly been putting in the overtime this year. That said, we have been unlucky with injuries.

As far as your last paragraph goes, Stewarton, I'm afraid I'm not buying it. On the 2pts per game thread you were ramming the last nail into the coffin months ago, and low and behold, we're still in the mix. The worst that could happen after Saturday is that we are 4 points (5 points, effectively) off a play-off place with six games to go. Another very possible scenario after a defeat would be that we were two points behind sixth-placed Charlton with a game in hand and six-pointer games vs. Ipswich and Plymouth to come.

I can imagine that the league has been a bit frustrating for you this year, Stewarton, and I don't mean this as a dig at all. You see nothing but negativity in McCarthy's management, yet by the incompetence of those around us, the season refuses to be buried and thus the issue of management continuity resists serious examination.

Mick has suffered with injuries this year but he has surely benefitted from uncustomarily mediocre competition.

Its not just the standings after the Charlton game, its the matches other sides play - in particular Ipswich before we kick a ball again.

[Devil's Slide Wolf]

With the time MM has had he should never have been in the position he was a few months ago.

He showed his limitations which he still suffers now.When he does get things right it doesn't make him some great manager all of a sudden.

I have to agree with you Essex. I need to preface what I'm about to say by stating once more (before I'm reminded) that I don't go to matches because my weekends are taken up by climbing, running and dragging my (reluctant) wife and kids along to do the same. There is also the small inconvenience of being an ocean a continent apart from the Mol.

That all said, here are some home truths:

1. We don't score enough goals, I think Stewarton and others have pointed out that our team formation, team shape, team selection and the lack of versatility with some of our midfield have all contributed to our low goal tally. There's only so many times you can point out how good the opposition's goalie was or how unlucky we were with not taking our chances.

2. Expectations set by both MM and Mr Morgan in pre-season have not been met. I remember when they both came out in the summer last year and claimed that they'll achieve automatic promotion in 08 I thought to myself "here's a couple of smart and accomplished men that have set their respective IQs aside and set themselves up for ridicule"

3. As has been alluded to by sjonnie above MM's man management has been questioned. Good, bad or indifferent there are really obvious and credible reasons why the fans have brought this up as a negative. Without wanting to open up a new debate all I really need to say is "Macca, Craddock to Stoke and recall, Jay, Freddy, perceived favouritism of some players (Keogh - though he is worthy of praise, Elliott, Breen etc..)"

4. Stewarton has been consistent all season (hope some of you will enjoy the random bold of the starting sentence;) a la early versions of the Viz) in his criticism of the positions that we've focussed on when bringing in fresh blood. As he rightly points out, and I think we all agree to this to varying degrees, the obvious shortcomings of last season's team is still with us today. We've not plugged our obvious gaps such as bringing in a solid central defender. We've not provided for adequate cover for Kightly and it turns out our midfield isn't always primed to support an attacking style of football since they're forced to sit deep to provide cover for our central defenders.

5. IMO management this year has been in cruise control, still high from last season's success. The role the fans have played in reminding the players, manager and owner of our expectations has been valuable. Breen and, more recently, Karl henry have acknowledged the fans' behavious as major motivational tools.

6. Management and trainers have been slack in doing their homework on the opposition. Based on media reports and verdict threads from this site and others, our tactical inflexibility has often been cited when we lose or under-perform in general. I'm no expert like many of you but when MM says outright that his plans were shot down in the first minute when we concede a goal makes me apoplectic. How can MM not have a contingency plan for conceding early, especially since this happens kinda like not all the time but noticeably frequently. Fark me, if I waked into a battle without a backup plan should $$$$ hit the fan then I'm a dead man walking.

/I still think we'll sneak into the POs
//When we finish 6th in the league we'll probably get promoted!!
/// If we praise MM for the positives then we're also obliged to point out the negatives without being shat on by Zuki and Paul76

[Essex Wolf]

DSW, you make some very good comments and the distance you live away does not detract from them.

[Dewsburywolf]

I'd like to hazard a guess that the usual suspects will say that it's BS and only the other usual suspects (ie Stewarton, BILD, Essex, myself etc.) will be the ones that agree with it.

[Essex Wolf]

I'd like to hazard a guess that the usual suspects will say that it's BS and only the other usual suspects (ie Stewarton, BILD, Essex, myself etc.) will be the ones that agree with it.

Haven't you realised by now DW some just disagree because they want to provoke argument? I'd hazard a guess some that make comment don't even attend the games.

[Dewsburywolf]

Haven't you realised by now DW some just disagree because they want to provoke argument? I'd hazard a guess some that make comment don't even attend the games.

Ah yes but some say they avoid my Posts because I talk BS. How they know this if they avoid them is one of life's great mysteries.

Mutchy says I'm just being Paranoid though. ;)

[The Weasel]

The sentiment is fine but when we started poorly at the beginning of the season, people who raised doubts were appeased by "We'll do a Sunderland - They started slowly" Still waiting, Then the transfer window closed, we got Wait he'll strengthen the defence in the loan market, then we will go up automatically. Then the worst spell for years we were greeted with "The fightback starts here" Since then its been a non stop offensive by the manager and the players to blame the fans for failings that have never been addressed.

Charlton is crucial win and we still have a chance, a draw or a loss will leave us with a mountain to climb. By the end of next home game a call for unity in all likelihood will be worthless, as the season will be over.

Surprising enough SW I don't especially disagree with you, in that excuses have been wheeled out which fail to properly address periods of underperformance which with games running out, could well mean the season is over sooner rather than later for us. However the sentiment that I was applauding and you describe as fine, is simply calling for all of us to back the side during games while we still have a realistic chance of salvaging something from the season. I think we can play a part, as fans, either way. And if we scrape the play-offs I firmly believe its a lottery.

[OCD Wolf]

I think the Charlton game is a season decider, probably for both teams. The winners will have a shot at the play-offs, losers will be pretty well out of the picture. A draw is no good for either side.

So, a high pressure must win game. Let's see if MM does the right things.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Surprising enough SW I don't especially disagree with you, in that excuses have been wheeled out which fail to properly address periods of underperformance which with games running out, could well mean the season is over sooner rather than later for us. However the sentiment that I was applauding and you describe as fine, is simply calling for all of us to back the side during games while we still have a realistic chance of salvaging something from the season. I think we can play a part, as fans, either way. And if we scrape the play-offs I firmly believe its a lottery.
On the basis that only 6th is attainable. I think with our hole in the fixture calender it could all be over (not mathematically but realistically), before we walk out against Albion. And whilst the lets all pull is fine I think the wheels will finally fall off MM wagon on that Tuesday night. Ipswich have 3 games (2 at Home - QPR, Then Cardiff + Colchester A) we have one Charlton A. In the weekend we go to Bristol, they Play Norwich at home.

[Dewsburywolf]

I think the Charlton game is a season decider, probably for both teams. The winners will have a shot at the play-offs, losers will be pretty well out of the picture. A draw is no good for either side.

So, a high pressure must win game. Let's see if MM does the right things.


It's on the TV too. The hoodoo's got to end some time hasn't it?:eek:

Being Paranoid again.;)

[Devil's Slide Wolf]

I'd like to hazard a guess that the usual suspects will say that it's BS and only the other usual suspects (ie Stewarton, BILD, Essex, myself etc.) will be the ones that agree with it.

without meaning to come across as someone who likes the smell of his own farts, points 1,2 and 4 are just stating the bleeding obvious. The rest is open to debate.

[The Weasel]

On the basis that only 6th is attainable. I think with our hole in the fixture calender it could all be over (not mathematically but realistically), before we walk out against Albion. And whilst the lets all pull is fine I think the wheels will finally fall off MM wagon on that Tuesday night. Ipswich have 3 games (2 at Home - QPR, Then Cardiff + Colchester A) we have one Charlton A. In the weekend we go to Bristol, they Play Norwich at home.

I agree that our hole in the calendar will make it look bad, and that we need to get something from the Charlton and Bristol City games (I'd take 4pts now please!) to still be amongst it. However, earlier in the season when I looked at Ipswich's run-in I thought it was easy, viewing it now there are some tricky fixtures against in form side like QPR and Hull, plus the east anglian derby and of course they have to play us which will be a crunch match. Given that even Cardiff and Preston have surprised a few sides recently you could argue that Colchester is their only banker...

[Devil's Slide Wolf]

DSW, you make some very good comments and the distance you live away does not detract from them.
Cheers Essex, I hope you remember I was once San Francisco Wolf on the old board. How comes you on here anyway, been working the late shift or just being a skiving copper;)

[wallace]

no good assuming anything, there are still plenty of games to go and we still have it in our own hands to make the final six.

[goldeneyed]

MM is doing less stupid things perhaps but if he loans Eastwood out this week as is rumoured that will finally convince me he is an all time idiot. And no doubt he can't wait to bring his love child Ward back into the team.

If MM has woken up its far too late in the day. I will be very surprised if we get into the play offs and truly astonished if we win promotion. I really rated him after last season but how wrong can you be. He really has cocked up big time this season and I am amazed how his apologists still drone on and make excuses for him. Such poor football up to now and such poor decisions by him over all these months.

[glasgowwolf]

MM is doing less stupid things perhaps but if he loans Eastwood out this week as is rumoured that will finally convince me he is an all time idiot. And no doubt he can't wait to bring his love child Ward back into the team.

If MM has woken up its far too late in the day. I will be very surprised if we get into the play offs and truly astonished if we win promotion. I really rated him after last season but how wrong can you be. He really has cocked up big time this season and I am amazed how his apologists still drone on and make excuses for him. Such poor football up to now and such poor decisions by him over all these months.

Whilst I am not convinced that Loaning out Eastwood is a good idea.

Leave Ward out of this, he played really well up front last season.

[Kenny-11]

Leave Ward out of this, he played really well up front last season.

You've got to remember.......if it was a positive thing from the past - forget it, no argument can be based on the past.....if it was a negative thing from the past, well bring it on the FACTS and stats prove the argument and therefore is a valid one

[Atlas 1951]

Its not just the standings after the Charlton game, its the matches other sides play - in particular Ipswich before we kick a ball again.

Point taken and I know we've got a poor record against top-five teams. But this is football, not baseball: percentages don't always pan out. We have yet to play Ipswich and Plymouth which means, even if we're two points behind them we can claw them back. I'm not saying we will, merely that the league has refused to live up to any kind of expectation thus far. Furthermore, we have lost one league game in the last eight and thus I doubt too many of the other teams are looking forward to playing us, either.

[Atlas 1951]

4. Stewarton has been consistent all season (hope some of you will enjoy the random bold of the starting sentence;) a la early versions of the Viz) in his criticism of the positions that we've focussed on when bringing in fresh blood. As he rightly points out, and I think we all agree to this to varying degrees, the obvious shortcomings of last season's team is still with us today. We've not plugged our obvious gaps such as bringing in a solid central defender. We've not provided for adequate cover for Kightly and it turns out our midfield isn't always primed to support an attacking style of football since they're forced to sit deep to provide cover for our central defenders.


Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think Stewarton or anybody else was particularly vehement about the need for cover on the wings until Jarvis' injury prolonged itself or Kightly got crocked. We do have Gobern after all, who has unfortunately been injured with an ingrowing toenail all decade. Central defence, yes. The left back slot until Elokobi appeared, yes. Many people pointed out Henry's relative success at right wing as opposed to his rather rudimentary performances in the middle of the park. And MM certainly overdid it on the striking front and paid too much for Eliot, yes. But the argument that our narrowness is all down to McCarthy (and I believe I may have used it myself in the past) is harsh, and an example of how easy it is to be a great manager from the stands or the armchair and a great manager in retrospect.

I consider Mick's insistence on sticking to a rigid 4-4-2 and trying to teach centre forwards to be wide players overnight a far greater managerial sin than his not having four world-beating, fully-fit wingers in the first team.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think Stewarton or anybody else was particularly vehement about the need for cover on the wings until Jarvis' injury prolonged itself or Kightly got crocked. We do have Gobern after all, who has unfortunately been injured with an ingrowing toenail all decade. Central defence, yes. The left back slot until Elokobi appeared, yes. Many people pointed out Henry's relative success at right wing as opposed to his rather rudimentary performances in the middle of the park. And MM certainly overdid it on the striking front and paid too much for Eliot, yes. But the argument that our narrowness is all down to McCarthy (and I believe I may have used it myself in the past) is harsh, and an example of how easy it is to be a great manager from the stands or the armchair and a great manager in retrospect.

I consider Mick's insistence on sticking to a rigid 4-4-2 and trying to teach centre forwards to be wide players overnight a far greater managerial sin than his not having four world-beating, fully-fit wingers in the first team.

I have been pretty critical over allowing McIndoe to leave if that counts for anything.

[Atlas 1951]

I have been pretty critical over allowing McIndoe to leave if that counts for anything.
That I do remember, Stewarton, but it was more for the fact that you rated McIndoe's contribution last season than because we should have been looking to get two men in for each wide position.

The point I'm making is that the reality of the situation is probably somewhere slap bang between the two extremes of viewpoint we tend to get here. I don't think McCarthy should be given another year just for the sake of continuity but I think it would be harsh to judge him on a season in which Kightly, Davies, Gobern and Jarvis have been unavailable for most of it (and who is to say the presence of Murray between the sticks wouldn't have secured as another six points by now?).

I don't rate McCarthy as a long term prospect - he's old school, a one-trick pony and short on the kind of man-management skills that you need when surrounded by talent. His reactions in the face of injury problems this season confirmed my worst fears about his tactical adaptability. But that said, and looking at the table, but for injuries we would be in the top two.

Judging him on plan A, we'll have a strong shot at the title next year. But Plan A is really all you get with Mick, and that is the danger.