The Frustration Of The Mcinnes Era So Far

[dejanflapovic]

not saying there is anything wrong with Logan or generally anywhere else but if you have no genuine competition for places then complacency sets in as one or two will know they are going to play every game regardless. Just my opinion though.

[Jocky Balboa]

I was derided for starting this thread, yet in the fullness of time at least some of what I said has come to pass... I still believe in the Manager, but stand by much of what I said before:-

 

• Tommy Wright has one again bested us and in doing so also exposed McInnes key weakness, namely that he has no Plan B
• When a game is going well and we are allowed to play his way, we are a force to be reckoned with, but when we come up against teams who upset our natural rhythm, the Manager has thus far not displayed an ability to change games
• His substitutions are still highly questionable and are often made too late (if at all)

Latterly, I would add to the list that he has recently grown fond of Balsawood-style tinkering, despite there (Reynolds injury aside) being no need to do so. While the players are far, far from blameless in all of this, the fact is that time and time again we are seeing a potentially great AFC manager let himself down.

[shooftahmooftah]

I was derided for starting this thread, yet in the fullness of time at least some of what I said has come to pass... I still believe in the Manager, but stand by much of what I said before:-

 

• Tommy Wright has one again bested us and in doing so also exposed McInnes key weakness, namely that he has no Plan B
• When a game is going well and we are allowed to play his way, we are a force to be reckoned with, but when we come up against teams who upset our natural rhythm, the Manager has thus far not displayed an ability to change games
• His substitutions are still highly questionable and are often made too late (if at all)

Latterly, I would add to the list that he has recently grown fond of Balsawood-style tinkering, despite there (Reynolds injury aside) being no need to do so. While the players are far, far from blameless in all of this, the fact is that time and time again we are seeing a potentially great AFC manager let himself down.

Great Aberdeen manager?????????????????????? He won the teacup, league cup does that make him great, he is full of glezga yap.

[barassie_afc]

Weird Jocky your absence from this thread when we won 8 in a row was telling , now you pop back up

[Jocky Balboa]

Weird Jocky your absence from this thread when we won 8 in a row was telling , now you pop back up

 

Only insofar as I was happy to be proved wrong, though my lingering doubts remained. I'm not alone in saying it would be how we respond to our first defeat that would make or break the season.

 

In addition to the above points, I also think we need to bring in one or two faces in January (though I note Shankland scored at the weekend and we were haunted YET AGAIN by an ex-Don).

[Foster14]

I was derided for starting this thread, yet in the fullness of time at least some of what I said has come to pass... I still believe in the Manager, but stand by much of what I said before:-

 

• Tommy Wright has one again bested us and in doing so also exposed McInnes key weakness, namely that he has no Plan B
• When a game is going well and we are allowed to play his way, we are a force to be reckoned with, but when we come up against teams who upset our natural rhythm, the Manager has thus far not displayed an ability to change games
• His substitutions are still highly questionable and are often made too late (if at all)

Latterly, I would add to the list that he has recently grown fond of Balsawood-style tinkering, despite there (Reynolds injury aside) being no need to do so. While the players are far, far from blameless in all of this, the fact is that time and time again we are seeing a potentially great AFC manager let himself down.

 

In response to your bullet points:

 

• McInnes does have Plan Bs. Sometimes they come in the form of a change in the starting line up (Goodwillie for Rooney at Tynecastle being a prime example). They don't always work, but the suggestion that either we consistently play the exact same way from the start, and never change throughout a game is just utter rubbish. Our winning from losing position stats are none too shabby, both this season already and last year as well. I vaguely recall a period in our recent history (last 10 years), where we went years without doing that. I am thinking McGhee and Brown years. Perhaps Calderwood.

• Again, rubbish. Last week the game was certainly changed, after a horrific start. We were dominant and a draw would not have been an unfair result based on going in 1 behind. Two other times this season we have fallen behind (Celtic and Motherwell) and we have adapted and responded with a win. Saturday is the exception, but I honestly don't know what could have been changed to stop conceding from set pieces and maintain a threat.

• At times yes, but this season, by in large, no. I again would ask you, what would you have done differently to try change things last week and yesterday.

Your tinkering is perhaps a valid one, but then again, squad usage and tiredness is something to consider. I did fine the Parker starting last week very bizarre, but then despite all our dominance in the second half last week, nothing really changed in what was being offered by our strikers. You had as many folk on here suggesting that we needed to freshen up etc before it got stale as you had saying stick with the same team. Also, we had plenty tinkering happening when we went 8 out of 8 without any complaints. You basically contradict yourself by saying no Plan B and tinkering. Surely a Plan B can be put in place from the outset based on who we are playing.

 

I get the feeling you've been itching to bring this thread back up.

[Foster14]

 

Only insofar as I was happy to be proved wrong, though my lingering doubts remained. I'm not alone in saying it would be how we respond to our first defeat that would make or break the season.

 

In addition to the above points, I also think we need to bring in one or two faces in January (though I note Shankland scored at the weekend and we were haunted YET AGAIN by an ex-Don).

 

Your contributions to the AFC/Scotland forum since this thread on 7 August (last post in here):

 

1 x Disappointment of losing to goat fuckers from Kazakhstan

1 x Comment on Scottish referees being Freemasons

1 x Pleased with loan signing of McLaucghlin based on mate in Liverpool's view

4 x Comments on Scotland

1 x Comment expecting defeat by the Soap dodgers (Celtic)

1 x Comment on glad we got knocked out of Europe thread. Largely focused on disappointment of Almaty result and what could have beens.

2 x Comments in this thread

 

As I said, itching to get on the negativity again, no comments to praise or even analyse Aberdeen during their excellent run of form pre-Hibs.

[The Oxford Don]

Jocky's 3 basic points are spot-on:

 

- Obvious mental block in playing Saints under Wright;

- Crap / incomprehensible / non-existent substitutions;

- Lack of a Plan B when Plan A has flown oot the windae for whatever reason.

 

My worry is that teams are already figuring out how to play this season's Aberdeen, presumably because of our great start to the season (coupled with the Celtic result) which has meant that everyone has sat-up and taken notice of what we are doing and how we are playing.

 

As I said in the match thread for Saturday there is nothing fancy or complicated about what Aberdeen do... it's all about ball retention, wearing the opposition down and exploiting their mistakes when they're tired. Teams are starting to work out that if you disrupt the passing rhythm then we look pretty lost, and as Jocky says there is no Plan B for when the passing game breaks down.

 

The most obvious Plan B is to hoof the ball to a big target-man striker, giving you an instant 'out' ball, but we no longer have one. It may be horrible to watch but in a less sophisticated league like ours it's still a useful option to have.

[barassie_afc]

Nice assessment Fozzy. IF Shankland continues to score I would bring him back in January

[shooftahmooftah]

 

Now I know what you look like Roberto I will be looking for you at the next home game from my box sipping my champagne. Do you want me to arrange a meeting with my dentist or facial surgeon. You look like you need a little nip and tuck.

[barassie_afc]

This teams have worked out to play against us? We are not playing any differently from last year , there is an over analysis of tactics and what teams can or cant do. I always remember Willie Miller stating that if the managers instructions/tactics werent working the players took responsibilty and found a way to win. I said in other posts, 90% of this comes down to desire and a will to win. Guys like Pawlett, Considine, Jack i dont not believe have this in their locker.

[Henry]

Now I know what you look like Roberto I will be looking for you at the next home game from my box sipping my champagne. Do you want me to arrange a meeting with my dentist or facial surgeon. You look like you need a little nip and tuck.

 

Why do you have a facial surgeon?

[The Oxford Don]

This teams have worked out to play against us? We are not playing any differently from last year , there is an over analysis of tactics and what teams can or cant do. I always remember Willie Miller stating that if the managers instructions/tactics werent working the players took responsibilty and found a way to win. I said in other posts, 90% of this comes down to desire and a will to win. Guys like Pawlett, Considine, Jack i dont not believe have this in their locker.

 

Yup, I'll accept this too. Fair points.

[shooftahmooftah]

Well harcus after the Aberdeen collapse, my face collapsed as well. I needed an uplift. as I don't expect the next result against Ross County to help any.

[shooftahmooftah]

Ok Roberto you are trying to tell me you are a RED DWARF from planet DON. That figures.

[robbojunior]

Got to love the micro analysis of every decision and every mistake now that we've lost 3 games in a row and been tanked by St Johnstone at home.

People need to take a step back and look at this when the clouds have cleared from their vision. We're top of the league by a point after 10 games, having beaten Celtic and Hearts, our two main rivals by the looks of it.

We've lost to ICT based on a poor start, but were very unlucky not to get something from the game in the end.

 

McInnes has changed our formation around in many many games this season and last, more often than not, resulting in a win for us. He's clearly capable of a plan B. But it seems that many are now expecting us to win every single game and have a nervous breakdown when we don't.

 

We'll lose games. I think Tord has it spot on, just keep our sights on the bigger picture, keep picking up as many points as possible and we won't be far away.

[barassie_afc]

I agree to an extent, but i guess its the manner of some of he performances and defeats. We have to assume the 5-1 was a freak , an outlier.

[boboisared]

I agree to an extent, but i guess its the manner of some of he performances and defeats. We have to assume the 5-1 was a freak , an outlier.

Most other weeks we would have been 3-0 up by half time. Nothing went right on Saturday, that's why I agree that it was a freak result.

 

Their first was a screamer but it started with Hayes wildly clearing the ball out of play for no reason at all. Same with the 4th.

[robbojunior]

I agree to an extent, but i guess its the manner of some of he performances and defeats. We have to assume the 5-1 was a freak , an outlier.

 

Agreed, an outlier.

 

You've got to remember we could have lost (or certainly drawn) some of the games we won in the 8 in a row - its very fine margins. You also have to expect some shite performances from time to time.

 

Out of our 3 defeats, I'd say we were shite in one of those games.

[StandFree1982]

Ok Roberto you are trying to tell me you are a RED DWARF from planet DON. That figures.

[The Oxford Don]

 

Agreed, an outlier.

 

You've got to remember we could have lost (or certainly drawn) some of the games we won in the 8 in a row - its very fine margins. You also have to expect some shite performances from time to time.

 

Out of our 3 defeats, I'd say we were shite in one of those games.

 

Lucky against Motherwell (a flukey equaliser from McGinn calming the nerves after conceding early), and then riding our luck at times against Hamilton. Celtic game could obviously have gone either way but we were the better team in that match for long spells.

 

I agree it's not (quite) time to be hitting the panic button yet, but by Christ we need to get back on track pronto.

[tommo1903]

 

Your contributions to the AFC/Scotland forum since this thread on 7 August (last post in here):

 

1 x Disappointment of losing to goat fuckers from Kazakhstan

1 x Comment on Scottish referees being Freemasons

1 x Pleased with loan signing of McLaucghlin based on mate in Liverpool's view

4 x Comments on Scotland

1 x Comment expecting defeat by the Soap dodgers (Celtic)

1 x Comment on glad we got knocked out of Europe thread. Largely focused on disappointment of Almaty result and what could have beens.

2 x Comments in this thread

 

As I said, itching to get on the negativity again, no comments to praise or even analyse Aberdeen during their excellent run of form pre-Hibs.

 

Haha, Good work.

 

Some folk are just mongs.

[DD1903]

Got to love the micro analysis of every decision and every mistake now that we've lost 3 games in a row and been tanked by St Johnstone at home.

People need to take a step back and look at this when the clouds have cleared from their vision. We're top of the league by a point after 10 games, having beaten Celtic and Hearts, our two main rivals by the looks of it.

We've lost to ICT based on a poor start, but were very unlucky not to get something from the game in the end.

 

McInnes has changed our formation around in many many games this season and last, more often than not, resulting in a win for us. He's clearly capable of a plan B. But it seems that many are now expecting us to win every single game and have a nervous breakdown when we don't.

 

We'll lose games. I think Tord has it spot on, just keep our sights on the bigger picture, keep picking up as many points as possible and we won't be far away.

This type of common sense posting has no place in this forum! How dare you!

[BWG]

Folk need to actually get a fucking grip and trust in Deek. Remember when we were finishing 9th every season? Remember 9-0? I'll take top of the league, 8 straight win and an occasional dip in form over that every time.

[elephantstone78]

This type of common sense posting has no place in this forum! How dare you!

However, a good rant can be quite cathartic at half 5 on a Saturday afternoon. Less cats get kicked

[Pudgie]

Got to love the micro analysis of every decision and every mistake now that we've lost 3 games in a row and been tanked by St Johnstone at home.

People need to take a step back and look at this when the clouds have cleared from their vision. We're top of the league by a point after 10 games, having beaten Celtic and Hearts, our two main rivals by the looks of it.

We've lost to ICT based on a poor start, but were very unlucky not to get something from the game in the end.

 

McInnes has changed our formation around in many many games this season and last, more often than not, resulting in a win for us. He's clearly capable of a plan B. But it seems that many are now expecting us to win every single game and have a nervous breakdown when we don't.

 

We'll lose games. I think Tord has it spot on, just keep our sights on the bigger picture, keep picking up as many points as possible and we won't be far away.

Came here to post pretty much this. Thanks for saving me the bother.

 

 

Glad to see things have calmed down on here. Also the amount of fucking idiots commenting about our "demise" on Facebook was sensational! All Dons mind you, and they were all getting torn in left right and centre. Sure I saw someone say before the highlights were oot "I wasn't at the game, but we need to get our defence sorted very quickly or I won't be back!"

 

A) You weren't even there so how the fuck can you come "back"?

B) We've just been fucked 5-1 at home... *uses tongue to protrude bottom lip* NNNNNNNHHHHHHHHH

C) You can't bother to get your arse to the game but more than quick enough to stick up an ultimatum for the team? Fuck. Off!

[The Boofon]

Came here to post pretty much this. Thanks for saving me the bother.

 

 

Glad to see things have calmed down on here. Also the amount of fucking idiots commenting about our "demise" on Facebook was sensational! All Dons mind you, and they were all getting torn in left right and centre. Sure I saw someone say before the highlights were oot "I wasn't at the game, but we need to get our defence sorted very quickly or I won't be back!"

 

A) You weren't even there so how the fuck can you come "back"?

B) We've just been fucked 5-1 at home... *uses tongue to protrude bottom lip* NNNNNNNHHHHHHHHH

C) You can't bother to get your arse to the game but more than quick enough to stick up an ultimatum for the team? Fuck. Off!

@@Stoney without a doubt.

[DD1903]

However, a good rant can be quite cathartic at half 5 on a Saturday afternoon. Less cats get kicked

I'm a dog man, so cats being kicked don't bother me!

[RAZOR]

Only insofar as I was happy to be proved wrong, though my lingering doubts remained. I'm not alone in saying it would be how we respond to our first defeat that would make or break the season.

 

In addition to the above points, I also think we need to bring in one or two faces in January (though I note Shankland scored at the weekend and we were haunted YET AGAIN by an ex-Don).

2 ex dons min.

[elephantstone78]

2 ex dons min.

2 ex dons min.

True. McLean and Shaun the sheep. Ex sheep.

I preferred st j when they had another dons legend Rory fallon. World Cup star and plagiarist journo wife shagger.