The Frustration Of The Mcinnes Era So Far

[Poodler]

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.

She was a shag

[Jocky Balboa]

 

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.

 

I'm equally baffled and flattered that you actually took the time to analyse my contributions to the entire Board, in such a way that embellishes your argument. That said, you are looking too much into this. I happen to have been very busy recently, hence lack of posting during our great run. There really is no other reason and if you go further back (say 2008, when I joined) I have had prolific spells, some barren, some so-so, due to *y'know*... having a life (no condescension intended).

 

I do however retrospectively acknowledge this run of results, but humbly suggest it adds weight to the "frustration" theme evoked in this thread, insofar as it highlights how we are capable of so much, yet let ourselves down with too many inconsistencies.

 

Let there be no doubt as to my intentions here, I am a lifelong (27yrs of going to Pittodrie) fan of AFC who has lived through some of the best (and almost all of the worst) spells of football of our history. I see McInnes as one of our better managers, but whether he goes down as a GREAT - as opposed to a GOOD - one, will depend on how he addresses these shortcomings.

 

The signs are for me that we are nearing his peak, which will perhaps see us consolidate a distant 2nd place and have a decent chance of another trophy (both of which of course will be fantastic!) before he heads back down south for another crack at England within the next 2yrs. That would cement his legacy for sure and deservedly so, but I (and I'm sure many others) would wonder what might have been, given we have no Huns to contend with, a Hearts team rebuilding from rock bottom and a Hibs team languishing in the second tier... and, yes, a Celtic team arguably their worst since the mid-90's and ultimately there for the taking.

 

 

Oxford Don,

 

I salute you for at least understanding where I am coming from. Ever a discerning mind and insightful contributor, I always welcome your responses.

[Foster14]

The key issue you have Jocky is that you fail to acknowledge that McInnes has had some success in the areas they you say that he fails in. Where you point to the last three games as examples of failure in these areas (which I disagree with having sat through two of them, and I feel Hibs was different given two injuries meaning subs/tactics changes were forced).

 

Why did you pick my post where I was being a nob instead of the one with my serious response?

 

 

 

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.

[Jocky Balboa]

The key issue you have Jocky is that you fail to acknowledge that McInnes has had some success in the areas they you say that he fails in. Where you point to the last three games as examples of failure in these areas (which I disagree with having sat through two of them, and I feel Hibs was different given two injuries meaning subs/tactics changes were forced).

 

Why did you pick my post where I was being a nob instead of the one with my serious response?

 

 

 

Fair play Foster, I note the following:

 

I know the 2 injuries in the Hibs game forced change upon us, but we should also remember this was a cup game against a lower league side. We should have had the strength in depth to adapt and see this one out.

 

The ICT game did see us push back somewhat, but we still lost in the end. This was another example of us chasing a game due to a horrendous start. Like the awful early start in Kazakhstan, we should never have put ourselves in such a position (as a side note, ICT are, like StJ, a club who seem to know how to play us).

 

My use of the term "no Plan B" does not contradict my "tinkering" observation, as the former requires a coherent structure, while the latter involves deploying a tactical tombola and hoping for the best. I'm not saying McInnes is desperate or clueless, far from it, but his often baffling selections and inexplicable substitutions do expose his inability (thus far) to adapt when teams spoil our gameplan.

[Foster14]

On ICT, we got 4 wins out of 4 against them last year. 2 wins and a draw out of 4 the season before.

 

Against St Johnstone, we have more of an issue, but we had a win and a draw against them last year. Our defeats came on last day of the season (pointless game by then). The other one, a poor performance from recollection, early in the season. The prior season, we won 3, drew 2 and lost 1 out of 6. Unfortunately the loss was a big one and a hard one to come to terms with.

 

I don't think you are correct in saying they know how to play us. What I think the point is with these two clubs is that they can compete with anyone on their day, not just us. Both have recorded good results against teams in the top half of the league in recent seasons, and both have beaten Celtic within the last year. One in a cup semi and the other in a league game at Celtic Park (after they had thumped us).

 

I don't see the tactical tombola point. He has a squad to use and different types of teams to play against. I'm not sure where (from a starting perspective), the view could be that he does things that hope for the best. I've seen so many differing views on the causes of the recent poor results which extend from he should have stuck with a winning formula and line up to he should have been freshening up the starting line up more and changing the way we play. He has got it wrong a couple of times, and it has cost us. Parker up front apart, I don't know what I'd have done differently to start at ICT. I certainly had no qualms when I saw the line up to start on Saturday after seeing the ICT game the week before.

 

On the final point, I don't agree at all on it, but I don't see the point in arguing it, we just obviously see things differently. He is always changing things in games, and sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. Happens with every manager, and you have to consider that the opposition is doing the same at all points. He gets it right more often than not, is the most important thing.

[Reed or deed]

I'm equally baffled and flattered that you actually took the time to analyse my contributions to the entire Board, in such a way that embellishes your argument. That said, you are looking too much into this. I happen to have been very busy recently, hence lack of posting during our great run. There really is no other reason and if you go further back (say 2008, when I joined) I have had prolific spells, some barren, some so-so, due to *y'know*... having a life (no condescension intended).

 

I do however retrospectively acknowledge this run of results, but humbly suggest it adds weight to the "frustration" theme evoked in this thread, insofar as it highlights how we are capable of so much, yet let ourselves down with too many inconsistencies.

 

Let there be no doubt as to my intentions here, I am a lifelong (27yrs of going to Pittodrie) fan of AFC who has lived through some of the best (and almost all of the worst) spells of football of our history. I see McInnes as one of our better managers, but whether he goes down as a GREAT - as opposed to a GOOD - one, will depend on how he addresses these shortcomings.

 

The signs are for me that we are nearing his peak, which will perhaps see us consolidate a distant 2nd place and have a decent chance of another trophy (both of which of course will be fantastic!) before he heads back down south for another crack at England within the next 2yrs. That would cement his legacy for sure and deservedly so, but I (and I'm sure many others) would wonder what might have been, given we have no Huns to contend with, a Hearts team rebuilding from rock bottom and a Hibs team languishing in the second tier... and, yes, a Celtic team arguably their worst since the mid-90's and ultimately there for the taking.

 

 

Oxford Don,

 

I salute you for at least understanding where I am coming from. Ever a discerning mind and insightful contributor, I always welcome your responses.

Great post.

[CraigHill]

Jocky B probably doesn't go to games.

[rossafc92]

 

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.

 

It would be unfair to refer to the Motherwell result as 'lucky'. One of the things many of us and some pundits were praising us for during the 8 game winning run was our ability to do enough to win a game. We found a way, by whatever means, and then kept control. I wouldn't say we were particularly amazing in that many of the 8 games won in a row. Perhaps sections of the Celtic game and the first half at Tynecastle.

 

We've got a particular style of winning games. Most of McInnes' wins as AFC manager must be by just the 1 goal? Yet in many of those games won by a goal, it wouldn't fairly reflect the game to say they were 'close'.

 

We'll get back on track, of that I am sure. Even when we were winning, we commented on how we start games quite poorly. These past two league games we've been punished for it. I think that is where a lot of the repair work needs to be focussed on going into the County game.

[boboisared]

I remember back in the day, in the midst of the 'Jimmy Is God' v 'Jimmy Must Go' war. The folk who wanted the manager gone were the folk in regular attendance who saw how poor the football was. We were a house of cards waiting to fall. The folk who wanted Jimmy to stay were the types who didn't get to much games, saw the results and assumed all was well.

 

There's a role reversal here, with the folk supporting the manager in regular attendance whilst the ones having a go seem to be guys who have sat at home, watching the scores come in and have had a bit of a panic.

 

There's still a lot of football to be played this season. Despite what anyone says, we were far the better team in the first half on Saturday. In the second half that early goal took the wind right out of us and it was game over from then.

[RAZOR]

I remember back in the day, in the midst of the 'Jimmy Is God' v 'Jimmy Must Go' war. The folk who wanted the manager gone were the folk in regular attendance who saw how poor the football was. We were a house of cards waiting to fall. The folk who wanted Jimmy to stay were the types who didn't get to much games, saw the results and assumed all was well.

 

 

I missed 3 games under the Calderwood era was a founding member of the JIG squad. All the JIGers were proved to be correct by what followed. Calderwood was appointed too late and should have been appointed over Paterson. At the time, they're wasnt a suitable replacement for him and he had just guided us into Europe.

 

The King will rise once more.

[Poodler]

I remember back in the day, in the midst of the 'Jimmy Is God' v 'Jimmy Must Go' war. The folk who wanted the manager gone were the folk in regular attendance who saw how poor the football was. We were a house of cards waiting to fall. The folk who wanted Jimmy to stay were the types who didn't get to much games, saw the results and assumed all was well.

 

There's a role reversal here, with the folk supporting the manager in regular attendance whilst the ones having a go seem to be guys who have sat at home, watching the scores come in and have had a bit of a panic.

 

There's still a lot of football to be played this season. Despite what anyone says, we were far the better team in the first half on Saturday. In the second half that early goal took the wind right out of us and it was game over from then.

Best post you've made since you called me a guffy cunt

[boboisared]

 

I missed 3 games under the Calderwood era was a founding member of the JIG squad. All the JIGers were proved to be correct by what followed. Calderwood was appointed too late and should have been appointed over Paterson. At the time, they're wasnt a suitable replacement for him and he had just guided us into Europe.

 

The King will rise once more.

You've always been a happy clapper though

[RAZOR]

[Pudgie]

I remember back in the day, in the midst of the 'Jimmy Is God' v 'Jimmy Must Go' war. The folk who wanted the manager gone were the folk in regular attendance who saw how poor the football was. We were a house of cards waiting to fall. The folk who wanted Jimmy to stay were the types who didn't get to much games, saw the results and assumed all was well.

 

There's a role reversal here, with the folk supporting the manager in regular attendance whilst the ones having a go seem to be guys who have sat at home, watching the scores come in and have had a bit of a panic.

 

There's still a lot of football to be played this season. Despite what anyone says, we were far the better team in the first half on Saturday. In the second half that early goal took the wind right out of us and it was game over from then.

Great shout! There were people that went consistently that were JIGgers but there's always going to be people with differing opinions. But on the whole you were right about then, and seem to be right about now.

[boboisared]

Great shout! There were people that went consistently that were JIGgers but there's always going to be people with differing opinions. But on the whole you were right about then, and seem to be right about now.

Due to playing football myself, I missed loads of games. Thought Jimmy was doing a grand job. Went to Pittodrie during winter call offs and it was brutal. Taking early leads against Hamilton then putting 10 men behind the ball.

[Pudgie]

Due to playing football myself, I missed loads of games. Thought Jimmy was doing a grand job. Went to Pittodrie during winter call offs and it was brutal. Taking early leads against Hamilton then putting 10 men behind the ball.

The one that always gets me is a game at Love Street, bothering the top of the table and we go one up. Sit back, invite pressure and fucking Kirk Broadfoot scores a costly equaliser.

 

Devastating.

[RAZOR]

Due to playing football myself, I missed loads of games. Thought Jimmy was doing a grand job. Went to Pittodrie during winter call offs and it was brutal. Taking early leads against Hamilton then putting 10 men behind the ball.

 

McInnes does alot of shutting up shop as well min.

 

Calderwood very rarely lost his lead. Granted, some of it was brutal to watch but it was 10,000000x better than what followed in the next two managers.

[RAZOR]

The one that always gets me is a game at Love Street, bothering the top of the table and we go one up. Sit back, invite pressure and fucking Kirk Broadfoot scores a costly equaliser.

 

Devastating.

 

He put on a striker with 15 minutes to go in that game

[Pudgie]

 

He put on a striker with 15 minutes to go in that game

Someone fast to hit them on the break after sitting back for 45 minutes? Cracking stuff!

[boboisared]

 

McInnes does alot of shutting up shop as well min.

 

Calderwood very rarely lost his lead. Granted, some of it was brutal to watch but it was 10,000000x better than what followed in the next two managers.

Calderwood did fuck the budget for the guys following though. Saying that, you spend what you're given but he did make more than a few mouldy signings.

 

I wouldn't necessarily say McInnes shuts up shop, but he does definitely like the team to play possession football when we're a couple of goals up. The issue for me is if the other team do get a goal then we've stepped down a gear or two, it's not always easy to step back up.

[RAZOR]

Someone fast to hit them on the break after sitting back for 45 minutes? Cracking stuff!

 

Nah min, you clearly don't remember that match. Jamie Smith and Bazza Nic were outstanding that day. Both were making bursting runs through the midfield all day. If I remember rightly the ref (McCurray, I THINK, could be wrong) had an absolute shocker that day and we couldn't get going at all. We certainly didn't sit back for 45 minutes that day.

[RAZOR]

Calderwood did fuck the budget for the guys following though. Saying that, you spend what you're given but he did make more than a few mouldy signings.

 

I wouldn't necessarily say McInnes shuts up shop, but he does definitely like the team to play possession football when we're a couple of goals up. The issue for me is if the other team do get a goal then we've stepped down a gear or two, it's not always easy to step back up.

 

Yep, based on giving managers some trust. He well and truly arsed it up.

 

Totally agree with your post though. Spot on re McInnes.

[boboisared]

 

Nah min, you clearly don't remember that match. Jamie Smith and Bazza Nic were outstanding that day. Both were making bursting runs through the midfield all day. If I remember rightly the ref (McCurray, I THINK, could be wrong) had an absolute shocker that day and we couldn't get going at all. We certainly didn't sit back for 45 minutes that day.

You sure it was that day?

[Pudgie]

 

Nah min, you clearly don't remember that match. Jamie Smith and Bazza Nic were outstanding that day. Both were making bursting runs through the midfield all day. If I remember rightly the ref (McCurray, I THINK, could be wrong) had an absolute shocker that day and we couldn't get going at all. We certainly didn't sit back for 45 minutes that day.

You're right with McCurry. Nae a surprise that he had a bad een, but being dead sober (obviously) I'm certain that we weren't pushing for a second. Looking to hit on the break (backed up by the report on the AFC site) isn't the right way to be playing against a shite team when we should have been putting down a marker for our ambitions for the season.

 

 

Oh, and after the game JC girned about not having any more money to spend.

[RAZOR]

You sure it was that day?

 

95%, been wrong before but it's not very often. I almost tripped coming down the stairs to get to my seat as the stand was sma steep. We were drinking in the pub just down from the Bowling Club thats now shut down and someone fed a stray cat that came in beer.

[RAZOR]

You're right with McCurry. Nae a surprise that he had a bad een, but being dead sober (obviously) I'm certain that we weren't pushing for a second. Looking to hit on the break (backed up by the report on the AFC site) isn't the right way to be playing against a shite team when we should have been putting down a marker for our ambitions for the season.

 

 

Oh, and after the game JC girned about not having any more money to spend.

 

That much is true.

 

Lets not talk about what happened the following Tuesday.

[Pudgie]

 

That much is true.

 

Lets not talk about what happened the following Tuesday.

Thankfully missed that.

 

 

On a side note. There were two players that played in the St Mirren vs Aberdeen game in question that played in Saturday's defeat. Name them.

 

There was actually three. My bad!

[RAZOR]

Thankfully missed that.

 

 

On a side note. There were two players that played in the St Mirren vs Aberdeen game in question that played in Saturday's defeat. Name them.

 

There was actually three. My bad!

 

For us?

 

Only Considine....

 

Can't remember their full lineup that day I'm afraid.

[strachanmcgheegoal]

I remember back in the day, in the midst of the 'Jimmy Is God' v 'Jimmy Must Go' war. The folk who wanted the manager gone were the folk in regular attendance who saw how poor the football was. We were a house of cards waiting to fall. The folk who wanted Jimmy to stay were the types who didn't get to much games, saw the results and assumed all was well.

 

There's a role reversal here, with the folk supporting the manager in regular attendance whilst the ones having a go seem to be guys who have sat at home, watching the scores come in and have had a bit of a panic.

 

There's still a lot of football to be played this season. Despite what anyone says, we were far the better team in the first half on Saturday. In the second half that early goal took the wind right out of us and it was game over from then.

 

That's not necessarily a new phenomenon though Bob.

 

I remember in the Alick Smith days we'd go one up after 20 minutes and everyone around you would say game over and be leaving with 20 minutes to go disinterested. At risk of stating the fucking obvious, winning doesn't have to be pretty, but it does have to be winning.

[boboisared]

 

95%, been wrong before but it's not very often. I almost tripped coming down the stairs to get to my seat as the stand was sma steep. We were drinking in the pub just down from the Bowling Club thats now shut down and someone fed a stray cat that came in beer.

Wooooosh!