Potter Out

[THUNDERCLINT]

Had enough of this arogrant no mark now.  

11 games, 27% win ratio and 0.66 goals per game.

Either the break clause is true or this flake quits otherwise were proper fucked.

[Russ of the BML]

His comment today that Fullkrug will be assessed, fuck off you miserable twat. He is again setting us up to play a containing game with no focal point in attack. I'm sick to death of him wedging people in positions alien to them 

Yep, he has been saying this same thing in his pre match pressers for weeks now, about Ferguson too. I'm beginning to really dislike this limp wristed cսnt. You can just imagine him going home after training and doing the washing up and peeling the potato's.

You are right. Not sure if you recall a few weeks ago I said after losing to Newcastle at home that he was starting to come across as a bit of a loser. I said he does seem quite comfortable with a loss and rolls out the standard patter about balance, making good decisions, being best versions of ourselves.... I mean, I get it, I know he's not going to stand there and go "Look, I am struggling, the squad is shit and the boys were shit" but it just all seems a little bit namby pamby for me.... A bit too comfortable. As you said 'limp wristed'. 

Not sure he has it in him to call a player out for being lazy or shit. Not sure he's got a bollocking in him. I know he certainly won't be kicking football boots at players heads. 

Very tough situation all round. Has he shown enough to convince us he is the right man? Not for me. But has he been dealt a bad hand? Yes. I know we keep saying it, but he does need time. He needs a window and a pre-season. The real judgement from me will come at Christmas. I think that will be enough time for him to integrate his new signings and start to show what his methods are and how productive / efficient they are. 

And before you shoot me down again about Christmas, I would say obviously that is if we are having a good to average season - If we are struggling from the off then its doubtful he will make October. 

[Texas Iron]

Judge him by results…

…and quality of football…

Not impressed so far…

Poor man’s Southgate…

[eusebiovic]

Just imagine if we were a properly run club with genuine ambition and shrewd acquisition in the transfer market.

This summer we could get free of charge 

Jonathan Tah (Leverkusen)
Tyrick Mitchell (Palace)
Angel Gomes (Lille)
Jonathan David (Lille)

Then you could probably sign Delap from Ipswich or Cherki from Lyon or Etikte from Frankfurt - players we were constantly linked with at a cheaper price for the best part of two fuckin' years.

Still, I'm enjoying a nice pint in The Blue Maid on Borough High Street so it could be worse.

Yea, all the ''properly run clubs with genuine ambition'' are going to snap up all of them players, it's so frustrating!

Why don't you apply for Steitden's job instead of posting bollocks and getting yourself all excited from a pub on a Friday afternoon and be our saviour. Bless.

Sorry Manny, Have the Orelly men arrived yet?

[El Scorchio]

He has been very cautious with bringing players back after injury. Todibo hasn't done the full 90 yet has he?
I'm torn. I want to see Fullkrug start on Sunday because he's clearly the best striker at the club and we are better with him for a number of reasons with and without the ball, but what's the point if he's likely to get injured again? We all saw what happened against Villa. Especially in a match with such a low likely return. I would rather see him get at Southampton and spurs if it came down to it. 

Ferguson can do one though. Bloke has brought nothing whatsoever to the table since he's been here. Looked utterly piss poor every time when he's come on. Don't care if he doesn't get another minute. We're almost better off playing the extra midfielder than him. Something odd going on with that bloke.

[Manuel]

His comment today that Fullkrug will be assessed, fuck off you miserable twat. He is again setting us up to play a containing game with no focal point in attack. I'm sick to death of him wedging people in positions alien to them 

Yep, he has been saying this same thing in his pre match pressers for weeks now, about Ferguson too. I'm beginning to really dislike this limp wristed cսnt. You can just imagine him going home after training and doing the washing up and peeling the potato's.

[Manuel]

Just imagine if we were a properly run club with genuine ambition and shrewd acquisition in the transfer market.

This summer we could get free of charge 

Jonathan Tah (Leverkusen)
Tyrick Mitchell (Palace)
Angel Gomes (Lille)
Jonathan David (Lille)

Then you could probably sign Delap from Ipswich or Cherki from Lyon or Etikte from Frankfurt - players we were constantly linked with at a cheaper price for the best part of two fuckin' years.

Still, I'm enjoying a nice pint in The Blue Maid on Borough High Street so it could be worse.

Yea, all the ''properly run clubs with genuine ambition'' are going to snap up all of them players, it's so frustrating!

Why don't you apply for Steitden's job instead of posting bollocks and getting yourself all excited from a pub on a Friday afternoon and be our saviour. Bless.

[eusebiovic]

Just imagine if we were a properly run club with genuine ambition and shrewd acquisition in the transfer market.

This summer we could get free of charge 

Jonathan Tah (Leverkusen)
Tyrick Mitchell (Palace)
Angel Gomes (Lille)
Jonathan David (Lille)

Then you could probably sign Delap from Ipswich or Cherki from Lyon or Etikte from Frankfurt - players we were constantly linked with at a cheaper price for the best part of two fuckin' years.

Still, I'm enjoying a nice pint in The Blue Maid on Borough High Street so it could be worse.

[Jean-Luc Paul Goddard]

I was watching a documentary about Jurgen Klopps last season at Liverpool and it showed how his career started as a player etc etc but what was interesting was that he joined mid season and the results were indifferent and the supporters were calling for his head but he was given time to mould the side into HIS side and he got rid of a lot of the Brendan Rogers players.

We need to give Potter time.

Ridiculous comparison really. The season Klopp took over they showed a clear improvement as a team and in their style of play. They might have only climbed a couple of positions up the table, but he also got them to the finals of the League cup and Europe League. If Scouse fans wanted rid it's probably because the arrogant pricks thought they should be winning everything, despite only finishing 6th-8th every season but one during the 6 years before Klopp came on board, and only being cup finalists one year out of the previous 8.

We, on the other hand, have not improved at all really. We've actually gone down the table, winning less, scoring less. A bit more pressing; a lot more defending; a lot less shots on goal; slower, drearier football... 

[Mike Oxsaw]

His comment today that Fullkrug will be assessed, fuck off you miserable twat. He is again setting us up to play a containing game with no focal point in attack. I'm sick to death of him wedging people in positions alien to them 

..."wedging people in positions alien to them ".

Hasn't every manager since we were saved from certain administration done exactly that?

There's a common management level thread running through that time-line but I just can't put my finger on it.

[El Scorchio]

He is carried by the team like you would a great goals orer of yesteryear. Examples might be Cottee, Clive Allen, Fowler etc, would have 10 touches of the ball in many games but score one or two goals so no worries.

Problem with Soucek is he aint scoring 20 goals a season but im our squad scoring 5-10 a season gets him in as the bar is so much lower. He actually gets the chances but misses over half of them. To be fair in Moyes low block, 30% possession tactics he was a good fit as his aerial strength and ability to get in last ditch, defensive blocks was far more important.  

At 30 and still with a sale value, the smart thing is to sell him asap. No room for sentimentality. He has been a good buy but if we want to fix central midfield, the weakest area in the squad, its a no brainer, sell him this summer to get funds.  The only caviat is that now Sullivan is back negotiatimg deals, I have a feeling we wont get many of Potters targets and end up with worse options, old and slow from as Salthouse, Silkman and co look to get a last gig for aging clients on their books who have a great past reputation. Sullivan always, I repeat always, avoid young uns, both players and managers, and will unzip for a player nearing or in his 30s that once played for a successful Champs league side.  “Razzle dazzle” is back !!!

Agree- we really should look to sell him now while his value is relatively high and there will almost certainly be a man on Merseyside enquiring after him. Possibly a few clubs on the continent as well. One of only a handful we could get decent wedge for and he won't leave a gaping hole in the team. It's time to move on.

For me, 39 goals in 239 games isn't a bad return for a midfielder, and whatever his merits and limitation's great servant and seems like a top bloke. I'd wish him well, and if we sell him for a profit as well, then he's been good business for us.

[Takashi Miike]

klopp had already won the german league twice, a german cup and runner up in the champions league. this cսnt averaged just over a goal a game in brighton, yes give him time

[LeroysBoots]

His comment today that Fullkrug will be assessed, fuck off you miserable twat. He is again setting us up to play a containing game with no focal point in attack. I'm sick to death of him wedging people in positions alien to them 

[twoleftfeet]

I was watching a documentary about Jurgen Klopps last season at Liverpool and it showed how his career started as a player etc etc but what was interesting was that he joined mid season and the results were indifferent and the supporters were calling for his head but he was given time to mould the side into HIS side and he got rid of a lot of the Brendan Rogers players.

We need to give Potter time.

[Sir Alf]

He is carried by the team like you would a great goals orer of yesteryear. Examples might be Cottee, Clive Allen, Fowler etc, would have 10 touches of the ball in many games but score one or two goals so no worries.

Problem with Soucek is he aint scoring 20 goals a season but im our squad scoring 5-10 a season gets him in as the bar is so much lower. He actually gets the chances but misses over half of them. To be fair in Moyes low block, 30% possession tactics he was a good fit as his aerial strength and ability to get in last ditch, defensive blocks was far more important.  

At 30 and still with a sale value, the smart thing is to sell him asap. No room for sentimentality. He has been a good buy but if we want to fix central midfield, the weakest area in the squad, its a no brainer, sell him this summer to get funds.  The only caviat is that now Sullivan is back negotiatimg deals, I have a feeling we wont get many of Potters targets and end up with worse options, old and slow from as Salthouse, Silkman and co look to get a last gig for aging clients on their books who have a great past reputation. Sullivan always, I repeat always, avoid young uns, both players and managers, and will unzip for a player nearing or in his 30s that once played for a successful Champs league side.  “Razzle dazzle” is back !!!

[El Scorchio]

A huge factor in why our midfield is shit is Soucek. Yes he pops up with a goal every now and then but watch any game he starts this season and you'll see the following 

- least amount of touches of anyone on the pitch 
- Not showing for the ball off the centre halves 
- miles away from his midfield partner when they have the ball 
- fucks off hiding up front when we have the ball in our half 
- wrong side of the ball when we lose it as he has fucked off up front meaning we have no defensive shape when teams counter us
- low pass completion 
- Loses the ball often or kicks it out of play when pressed

Yes great pro blah blah but fuck me he is fucking useless as a premier league centre midfielder. Cant run, Can't pass, scared to get on the ball. I beg Moyes is lining up a £20m bid 

Fair, in that he's lacking some aspects, but some of the things he's being called out for here are not going to be the role in the team he's been asked to do.

- Not showing for the ball off the centre halves 
- miles away from his midfield partner when they have the ball 
- fucks off hiding up front when we have the ball in our half 
- wrong side of the ball when we lose it as he has fucked off up front meaning we have no defensive shape when teams counter us

If he's the advanced one in the midfield, he's not going to be doing some of those, and he's probably been instructed to stay up front.

[Alfs]

 

Agree, just pure BS with no link etc.

It's reported Hammers News, but is just conjecture.

[BBondsBootlaces]

No to the Antonio extension. Insurance is covering his wages (I imagine). Great servant to the club etc. but time to move on.

[Manuel]

Been reading this morning that Potter highly rates Mavropanos, and is giving serious consideration to offering Antonio and Cresswell a year long extension each


 

link?

Agree, just pure BS with no link etc.

[Jasnik]

I do understand Antonio is injured due to that horrific car crash but should we be giving him a year extension just because? 

[Dick Shaftsbury]

Been reading this morning that Potter highly rates Mavropanos, and is giving serious consideration to offering Antonio and Cresswell a year long extension each

 

link?

[Maverick180180]

Been reading this morning that Potter highly rates Mavropanos, and is giving serious consideration to offering Antonio and Cresswell a year long extension each
 

[Rossal]

A huge factor in why our midfield is shit is Soucek. Yes he pops up with a goal every now and then but watch any game he starts this season and you'll see the following 

- least amount of touches of anyone on the pitch 
- Not showing for the ball off the centre halves 
- miles away from his midfield partner when they have the ball 
- fucks off hiding up front when we have the ball in our half 
- wrong side of the ball when we lose it as he has fucked off up front meaning we have no defensive shape when teams counter us
- low pass completion 
- Loses the ball often or kicks it out of play when pressed

Yes great pro blah blah but fuck me he is fucking useless as a premier league centre midfielder. Cant run, Can't pass, scared to get on the ball. I beg Moyes is lining up a £20m bid 

[Sir Alf]

Any central midfield combos are hamstrung by the fact that not one of the squad options can cover the ground at pace and / or carry the ball or play on the half turn. Also Alvarez is the only one who has the physicality to protect the ball. We are highly vulnerable to turnimg it over. All above traits are needed to progress the ball thru midfield and resist teams that press well ( almost every team does ) .  Means we get trapped deep in our own half having to play side to side, backwards to avoid being dispossessed before finally having to hit it long to forwards. That is at least an option when Fullkrug plays as he can hold it up and has the strength and ability to then lay off to Bowen or Kudus etc.

In short, a complete failure in recruitment under 3 managers ( arguably more if you look back before Rice emerged ).  Not one manager or recruitment specialist or data analyst at West Ham identified the need for athleticism, pace and physicality needed in central midfield. It has become critical to success and been that way since Kante enabled a struggling Leicester to win the Premiership.

West Ham got lucky that a central defender in their development squad was tried as a defensive midfielder. We have to credit Bilic for that. Rice was arguably an accident that turned into a hundred million international. But then with 100 million no one at the club seemed to recognise the need to replace his ability to cover the pitch, run with the ball.  Alvarez I guess was what they settled on. Good player but as fast as me !!   No one at West Ham saw the need? Possibly because Moyes didnt as his tactics were extreme low block and counter? Then Lopetegui says he had watched us before taking the job? He must have been pissed or not been to specsavers to not see the need?

Has Potter seen the problem? Rumours from Ex and others at the club about wanting a dynamic centralmidfielder suggest yes but we are about to find out this summer. Imho we need 2 probably 3 players in the squad with a profile like Rice, Gravenberch at Liverpool, Caicedo and Fernandez at Chelsea, Gibbs White at Forest, Linton and Tonali at Newcastle, the latest bloke Brighton have who the rich clubs now want etc etc.  

We have to get more than one with this profile or bring back Earthy who is getting rave reviews for his out of possession pressing now he’s secured a starting spot at Bristol City.  
 

[Monsieur merde de cheval]

I get the impression Potter isn't a fan of our big  Saxon unit ?.
understandable when a beta  has an  Alpha to deal with.
 

[El Scorchio]

"It is a bit worry though that between all the players at the club there isn't a combo that at least works well temporarily"

This.  I don't believe that there is not a combo that can work.....or at least work alot better than it has been so far this season. I thought Potter had enough about him to find a solution or at least get the players playing better.  Playing that midfield 3 on sat for me rings massive alarm bells.  

Yeah I should have said 'seems to work' temporarily. I do find it a little odd that no combo offers what we need. I guess a lot of the players don't have that skillset. Alvarez is the only CDM we have- it's clear Guido isn't kicking a ball for us again barring a big injury crisis. JWP is the one he's settled on. He's got the technical tools to at least move the ball quickly, but just not the legs or physicality to drive forward. I guess the others just aren't decent defensively. It's hard to know what to do with Soler and Soucek and clearly Paqueta's best position in this formation hasn't been found yet. Going from 3 to 2 inthe middle of the park does require the two to be more complete than the ones we have. You can get away with masking things in a three a little more.

But I am a little surprised something a touch more effective hasn't been found.