London Irish
Well-known member
At Burnley, he seemed to be a bit of a dour manager who produced physical nuggety teams that were difficult to play against and you wouldnt pay too much money to watch.
But look at the teams he is now picking that has given them a great late shout at the play-offs.
Two strikers Grabban and Kermorgant and two other decent ones to bring on too - but crucially none of them big stars who cost big money, and all mostly made their name in lower leagues.
Most interesting for me the midfield 4 - two out and out attacking wingers in Ritchie and Pugh. But then look at the central two, Arter and Surman, both ball-playing attack minded midfielders who pose a goal threat, and play a quick pass and move game. Where is the defensive midfielder? None of Howe's team fit that pigeonhole.
Then the defence of course held together by Elphick and Cook. I personally thought Gus did the right thing with the former but was sorry Cook was let go.
This is an attacking team put together with little big spend in transfer fees and wages. It shows what can be done at this level. I actually believe it's the kind of thing Bloom wants to acheive here, generous spending on infrastructure but costs kept relatively low on players (obviously we have and will in the future spend much more on players than B'muff).
Credit to Howe, who is doing it for his chairman.
But look at the teams he is now picking that has given them a great late shout at the play-offs.
Two strikers Grabban and Kermorgant and two other decent ones to bring on too - but crucially none of them big stars who cost big money, and all mostly made their name in lower leagues.
Most interesting for me the midfield 4 - two out and out attacking wingers in Ritchie and Pugh. But then look at the central two, Arter and Surman, both ball-playing attack minded midfielders who pose a goal threat, and play a quick pass and move game. Where is the defensive midfielder? None of Howe's team fit that pigeonhole.
Then the defence of course held together by Elphick and Cook. I personally thought Gus did the right thing with the former but was sorry Cook was let go.
This is an attacking team put together with little big spend in transfer fees and wages. It shows what can be done at this level. I actually believe it's the kind of thing Bloom wants to acheive here, generous spending on infrastructure but costs kept relatively low on players (obviously we have and will in the future spend much more on players than B'muff).
Credit to Howe, who is doing it for his chairman.
