[Albion] Do you think Uncle Tony is happy?

[Dave the OAP]

Don’t know whether he is happy or not. But I really dislike it when people refer to him as ‘Uncle Tony’

Just sounds creepy

(Any nephews and nieces he may have excluded, obvs)

I play golf with his nephew

 

[DJ NOBO]

20 goals in his first season is far better than so so. This season I agree but last season he was outstanding.

I was thinking of the 6 non pen league goals last season mainly , which was a modest return . But yes , his europa league form was very good . So so so not fair for last season

 

[BluesRockDJ]

We've had key players constantly injured for the last two seasons, any club would struggle that.

And many other clubs have suffered the same, we're not exclusive in that !

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Almost Power of Attorney levels of knowledge of Tones inner thoughts.

I knew this thread wouldn’t disappoint

 

[Iggle Piggle]

How long ago was that?

 

[Iggle Piggle]

"Top 5 in sight" was his exact words just over a month ago.

 

[John Byrnes Mullet]

Tony has always been loyal to his Managers. Highton lost the plot in the end with his tactics and we had stopped playing attractive passing football. I think there maybe a few words with Hurzeler about his tactics and direct style which is boring to watch. But I think the German will be in charge of the team next year. But I'd rather we looked for a Manager who likes to play attractive flowing football. I hate to see the ball being lumped up field after playing some of the best football I've ever seen under Potter and Roberto.

 

[Mo Gosfield]

Tony has always been loyal to his Managers. Highton lost the plot in the end with his tactics and we had stopped playing attractive passing football. I think there maybe a few words with Hurzeler about his tactics and direct style which is boring to watch. But I think the German will be in charge of the team next year. But I'd rather we looked for a Manager who likes to play attractive flowing football. I hate to see the ball being lumped up field after playing some of the best football I've ever seen under Potter and Roberto.

Attractive flowing football ?
I guess you've conveniently forgotten the turgid non goal scoring periods under Potter.

 

[John Byrnes Mullet]

Attractive flowing football ?
I guess you've conveniently forgotten the turgid non goal scoring periods under Potter.

Potter got it right at the end. That's why many of us were so upset when he left. Chelsea can take Hurzeler tomorrow.

 

[Weststander]

I don’t think we’re sterile in creativity.

Instead I wish we were far more solid against the counter attack and shored up our wings.

 

[Doug-ees-evil]

If he's going to sack someone, I think David Weir is living a more dangerous time than Fabian Hurzeler.

There's no algorithm in the world saying we've got good value out of our established (Wieffer, O'Riley, Ferdi, Dahoud, Igor, Fati, Milner) signings the last two years.

I think this is the first time Teflon David Weir’s name has been mentioned in these types of discussions. Spot on.

Although would probably take MOR + definitely Ferdi out that list. Feels a bit harsh on Igor too.

 

[pocketseagull]

The last transfer window seemed to be very unlike ourselves tbf, I know we were in a position of use it or lose with regards to PSR but maybe harsh to blame Weir for the change of strategy?

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

I don’t think we’re sterile in creativity.

Instead I wish we were far more solid against the counter attack and shored up our wings.

We are certainly adept at creating chances, as we proved yesterday, the problem for me lays further back, we are too easily bullied by aggressive counter attacking teamswhoo run against our passive defence.

 

[Weststander]

We are certainly adept at creating chances, as we proved yesterday, the problem for me lays further back, we are too easily bullied by aggressive counter attacking teamswhoo run against our passive defence.

We need athletic defenders and CM pivots to provide assurance because we’re pushed up to centre line when we have the ball. This is covered in detail in tactics pieces online. Also discussed on NSC when all Maresca/Palmer’s Christmas's came at once in our visit to the Chavs. FH did later adapt, but with injuries we’ve reverted to type.

 

[Machiavelli]

I don’t think we’re sterile in creativity.

Instead I wish we were far more solid against the counter attack and shored up our wings.

Agreed, that's the problem. We're too open. The other one is penetrating a low block but, then again, that was a problem under GP and RDZ too. Not under CH because we were playing it.

 

[Weststander]

Agreed, that's the problem. We're too open. The other one is penetrating a low block but, then again, that was a problem under GP and RDZ too. Not under CH because we were playing it.

Was it cracked in 2022/23, to a decent extent?

Moving the ball quickly when possession’s won, some set piece goals and a smattering of brilliant game changers such as Gross and Mac Allister.

 

[Doug-ees-evil]

The last transfer window seemed to be very unlike ourselves tbf, I know we were in a position of use it or lose with regards to PSR but maybe harsh to blame Weir for the change of strategy?

Yes possibly a bit harsh. It’s not entirely clear how much clout and influence he has. It was a remark as to how little his name has come up generally when fans are understandably asking a few questions about some of the summer spend. Not sure he should get a free pass in all this though.

I agree the last window was completely out of kilter with all the others before. Mainly because of the sums involved of course.

 

[Machiavelli]

Was it cracked in 2022/23, to a decent extent?

Moving the ball quickly when possession’s won, some set piece goals and a smattering of brilliant game changers such as Gross and Mac Allister.

Yes, fair play but that was down to having those stunning players (particularly 3xCM) and oppo managers yet to work out how to counteract RDZ's philosophy.

 

[Klaas]

As a fan, I'm sure he was as frustrated as any of us on Saturday.

But, the cool, calm and collected Tony, the brains behind this amazing project of the last 14 years, would be happy I'd say.
New, young (apparently he's only 32?!?) coach, first time in the premier league, lots of new players, another shocking season for injuries, AND the loss of Pascal Gross, yet we are still 9th. Not bad.

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

I'm going to take a wild guess and say everyone that's not happy with the season have voted no he isn't happy and those that are have voted yes he is.