Popular Post mitch14 Posted October 3, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 I put this together for The Terrace, thought I'd post it on here too: http://terracepodcast.net/why-lee-mcculloch-was-the-wrong-man-at-the-wrong-time/ Full-time on Saturday, September 30 and yet another defeat meant that Killie hadn’t won in the league after eight games. With fixtures against Rangers, Celtic and Hibs on the horizon the fans are genuinely beginning to forget what a win feels like. The boos ringing around Rugby Park were so angry that an extra line of G4S was deployed around the home fans. It’s little wonder that Lee McCulloch has gone. To make sense of all this you have to start with last season. The apparently agreed media line was that McCulloch did a great job towards the end of the season. That he hadn’t been appointed sooner was a source of frustration to the pundits. In reality, McCulloch did fine, no better and no worse. A scorecard would read par. Hamilton and Inverness were far poorer sides and Killie only really needed to play at something close to their potential to stay up. McCulloch gave us that and no more. Dig deeper and it gets even more interesting. The key game in keeping Killie out of trouble was a bottom six trip to New Douglas Park and a two-nil win which, on paper, looks fantastic. On closer inspection, Killie were fortunate to come away with the win. Accies had more shots and the better chances. There was nothing particularly impressive in the display. A solid, battling win was not to be sniffed at, but neither was it a sign that he squad was playing good football and on the up. A home win against a pathetic Inverness side barely counts. What did count were the games against the remaining sides. Killie lost all three. More than that, they lost all three in exactly the same manner: play not too bad, opposition manager changes system, McCulloch does nothing, Killie lose the game. It was a pattern obvious in May and one which continued to thrive into the new season. As a football fan, it’s fantastic to see a young Scottish manager given the chance to make a name for himself in the Premiership. The Killie support wanted McCulloch to succeed. He had shown some potential and, to an extent, I could understand the clamour for him to be given the job full-time. But for me it was always the wrong manager at the wrong time. The context in which McCulloch took the job was massively important and largely ignored in the media analysis at the time. With a huge turnover of players, there was going to be a lot to do in the transfer market. More than that, the quality of the league was about to improve with Hibs replacing Inverness and squads improving all round. With everything taken together, that’s an enormous challenge for a rookie manager. Lee Clark’s novel approach to the transfer market had left the club in a very strange position. The signings were largely terrible and Killie fans could enjoy, one by one, crossing off the faces of the eleven players signed in one day last season. Jordan Jones and Souleymane Coulibaly were the exceptions, but the fact remained that a huge rebuild was on the cards. For a new manager who had never previously signed a player in his life, a rebuild of that size was huge ask. McCulloch thankfully avoided the Clark approach, but he singularly failed in the most important signing required for the team. It was apparent for all of last season that Killie were lacking in the midfield. At least one man was needed in the centre of the park, and almost certainly another as backup. Along came Alan Power, deemed so bad that young players out of position have been chosen in his place. It’s fair to mention that the injured Gary Dicker will make a difference, but the he needs someone beside him and the squad needs options. Teams up and down the Premiership were able to bring in strong midfielders whereas Killie have been left wanting. There were positives in the signings. Lee Erwin has made a positive impact on the team, Stephen O’Donnell is proven at this level and Stuart Findlay on loan is a settling force in the defence. But Isma-wrestling-clanger-merchant Kirk Broadfoot has been woeful, Alex Samizadeh has barely featured, Eamonn Brophy has barely featured, Chris Burke has been poor, Cammy Bell makes no sense warming the bench on wages that could have been put to better use. Recent sightings of Alan Power have been reported but I refuse to believe them. Beyond squad building, McCulloch is a fledgling manager in an improving league. Time and again he has either got it wrong or been out-thought by opposing managers. There is no better example than the cup game against Ayr. In the wake of McCulloch’s departure, I was disappointed to see hear Michael Stewart talk about the negativity of the Killie fans making the job impossible for McCulloch. Anyone travelling with the Killie fans to Somerset Park would have found a town energised by a new season, supporters groups going above and beyond to get tickets to fans and a noisy atmosphere. The optimism was punctured by a tactically inept performance which played into Ayr’s hands and ended in impotent embarrassment. It was nowhere near good enough. Fans are often accused of not understanding the game, but McCulloch has been honest in the press about getting team selections wrong, about the team not starting games well and about the performances not being good enough. Gordon Greer added his voice to the criticism after an away day at Motherwell that is one of the bleakest football experiences of my life. Greer spoke about the lack of effort in the team and there were reports that he asked to speak to the players outwith the presence of the management team at half-time at Pittodrie. A similar huddle on the pitch against County saw Greer try to encourage the team again, noticeably away from McCulloch. To get specific, throwing away a two-goal lead at home to Hamilton was a real masterclass in managerial ineptitude. A smart change by Martin Canning got Accies back into the game and put them on the front foot. McCulloch seemed frozen on the touchline and watched the team get deeper and deeper, inviting pressure. No change came. Eamonn Brophy, on the bench, would have given an out-ball, would have given Accies something to think about. No change came. The Killie players grew obviously knackered. No change came. Instead, the inevitable equaliser arrived, not only dropping points but delivering a real kick to the confidence of the squad. McCulloch got a lot of credit for earning a draw at Aberdeen. But it’s worth remembering that the team which started the game was all wrong and Killie were getting hammered. It was only an enforced change that made the difference. That ensured a three-man midfield that was perfect for soaking up the pressure and launching counter-attacks. Neil McCann must have been laughing up his sleeve when McCulloch stuck with that same formation in a home game against Dundee which was a completely different challenge, and one which the squad was not adapted for in the slightest. And then came the County game. Anyone who finds themselves musing on whether McCulloch should have been given more time should be forced, Clockwork Orange style, to watch that game back. Killie were embarrassing. The game played out like a Premiership team patiently taking apart a poor Championship side, neither bothering nor needing to move through the gears. There was no semblance of system, of motivation in the squad, or of any positives to take forward. A team like Killie will always lose games, but there is losing games and there is losing games. As a lifelong Killie fan I’d consider myself something of a connoisseur of defeats, and Killie have been losing in the worst possible manner. They haven’t been unlucky, they haven’t been adjusting to a new system, they haven’t been the victim of bad decisions. It’s just not good enough. There is nothing there. There is little animosity towards McCulloch. It hasn’t worked and that’s that. But the importance of a good appointment in his place cannot be overstated. The board have gone with three managers of relative inexperience in recent years. It is surely time for someone with a proven track record and some experience in the game. The usual list of potentials has appeared and fills me with dread. But a smart choice of manager could lift the club and get the fans back on board. There is potential at Kilmarnock and a fan-base hungry for success. Where we go from here could define the club for many years to come. 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie's Dad Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Really good article. The only bit I’d disagree with is your comment about Lee Irwin. Initially I thought he looked like a great signing. However recently he’s just looked like a younger Kris Boyd. Not the quickest and not the fittest. Maybe we’ve just ruined him like so many other players. Hopefully a new Manager can get the best out of him. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkD1989KTID Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 1 hour ago, mitch14 said: Lee Erwin has made a positive impact on the team Really? ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkD1989KTID Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 1 hour ago, mitch14 said: Anyone travelling with the Killie fans to Somerset Park would have found a town energised by a new season, supporters groups going above and beyond to get tickets to fans and a noisy atmosphere. The optimism was punctured by a tactically inept performance which played into Ayr’s hands and ended in impotent embarrassment. It was nowhere near good enough. agree with this completely 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdevoy Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 1 hour ago, Charlie's Dad said: Really good article. The only bit I’d disagree with is your comment about Lee Irwin. Initially I thought he looked like a great signing. However recently he’s just looked like a younger Kris Boyd. Not the quickest and not the fittest. Maybe we’ve just ruined him like so many other players. Hopefully a new Manager can get the best out of him. As above, I agree with most of the post. Cant see the point of Irwin though. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch14 Posted October 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Take the point on Erwin. Good finish against Hamilton aside, he's not done much in the last few games. I think a better system will get the best out of him, but that night be wishful thinking. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piffer Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 There appear to be obvious fitness issues with Erwin which aren’t helping. When you look at him play when he was at Well his game was about drifting into space and running at defences or using his pace and power against isolated defenders. So far we’ve been asking him to get on the end of hopeless hoofballs. If he’s lucky to his feet but more often than not pointlessly high and about 10yards either side of where he is. If he is fortunate enough to win the ball it’s rare that there is a team mate close enough to win the second ball. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister Y Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 I really enjoyed reading that mitch14 and agree with pretty much all of it apart from what's been stated above and the bit about McCulloch having shown some potential. It was a lazy, cheap decision by the Board and I only hope it hasn't affected the man personally because he seems a genuinely nice fella. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bbk Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Agree with most of what you say the ayr game and the first home game were McCulloch big chance just win those two and what a lift it would have been both on and off the park but he failed miserably in both and the die was cast for what has followed.let's hope the club get the right man this time. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flood Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Erwin has looked best when Boyd up front with him. Can't play alone upfront with McCullochs tactics 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskychimp Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Good read and I agree with almost all of it. Discarding the two wins after the split is a little harsh though 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug2930 Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Great article 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killiehippo Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Excellent post mate 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken T Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 On Erwin he burst in to the scene at Well and did us both home and away. Scott McDonald was a big influence in his development. I agree with the comments asap fitness - after the Dundee fiasco I said his lack of jumping ability made Boyd look like Nadia Comaneci - but he is being given absolutely no chance with the appalling service. Deffo needs a McDonald character playing off him; still hopeful Brophy could give that a go. Anyway with a decent coach / tactics we should have a real dangerman. Great article btw! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mclean07 Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 There's a player in Erwin. Good at Motherwell and Oldham and he will cause trouble if used correctly. I was right about Jackson Irvine, so trust me on this one -1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonbon19 Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Good accurate article 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdevoy Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 1 hour ago, Mclean07 said: There's a player in Erwin. Good at Motherwell and Oldham and he will cause trouble if used correctly. I was right about Jackson Irvine, so trust me on this one I agree it is unfair to judge the guy based on 90 minutes of long hopeful balls punted in his general direction. Against Hamilton he seemed ok when the ball was played to his feet. Still looks unfit as noted above. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clayslap KIllie Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Good article, very accurate IMO. Several players have fitness issues, not just Lee Erwin. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister Y Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 49 minutes ago, gdevoy said: Happy Big Birthday Sir! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcilroy56 Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 26 minutes ago, gdevoy said: I agree it is unfair to judge the guy based on 90 minutes of long hopeful balls punted in his general direction. Against Hamilton he seemed ok when the ball was played to his feet. Still looks unfit as noted above. I'm not so sure he looks unfit, possibly been doing too many weights in the gym which can build up strength but sometimes you can lose the sharpness needed for the position he plays. I don't think he is an out and out target man type of player. He doesn't get anywhere near any high balls, to me he looks musclebound and heavy in the legs, and he isn't great at holding the ball up at times, but that doesn't mean he cannot be utilised elsewhere. He reminds me a bit of Magenis when he first came, we tried him wider than through the middle and as I said in another post, let's try him wide, give him the ball with a chance to face and run at the defender. The pitch is a problem as it is not wide enough for the strength that we have in wide players with pace, whoever made that decision should get their arse kicked. He may even do a job playing behind a target man, running on to the ball, worth a shot in my opinion. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrangodog Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Very good article. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pompey Repatriated Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 1 hour ago, Mcilroy56 said: whoever made that decision should get their arse kicked Lee Clark. You can currently find him in Bury (probably not for long) to administer said posterior manipulation. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carpetfitter Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 Very good article. The only thing I would add would be a comment on LM's good fortune in LC having just signed loanees Ajer, Woodman and even to an extent Longstaff who strengthened the team. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcilroy56 Posted October 4, 2017 Report Share Posted October 4, 2017 7 hours ago, Isle of Wight Exile said: Lee Clark. You can currently find him in Bury (probably not for long) to administer said posterior manipulation. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mclean07 Posted October 4, 2017 Report Share Posted October 4, 2017 10 hours ago, Mcilroy56 said: I'm not so sure he looks unfit, possibly been doing too many weights in the gym which can build up strength but sometimes you can lose the sharpness needed for the position he plays. I don't think he is an out and out target man type of player. He doesn't get anywhere near any high balls, to me he looks musclebound and heavy in the legs, and he isn't great at holding the ball up at times, but that doesn't mean he cannot be utilised elsewhere. He reminds me a bit of Magenis when he first came, we tried him wider than through the middle and as I said in another post, let's try him wide, give him the ball with a chance to face and run at the defender. The pitch is a problem as it is not wide enough for the strength that we have in wide players with pace, whoever made that decision should get their arse kicked. He may even do a job playing behind a target man, running on to the ball, worth a shot in my opinion. Interesting from someone who's walked the walk........ 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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