New Manager - Critchley confirmed

[periodictabledancer]

I was delighted at his appointment and his impact even with such little time with the players so far  has been very promising. Last night was a brilliant team performance,  miles better than that miserable Euro campaign of two years ago. 

I can't wait to see what he can do with a decent squad of fully fit players and a decent striker. 

Happy days. 

[pettigrewsstylist]

Difficult month ahead for NC. Keeping this groups heads up during what could be  fruitless and sore period will test him. 

Hopefully intl break will provide a buffer.

[RENE]

8 hours ago, Bongo 1874 said:

please watch our first goal,and tell me it isn’t forrest fault we lose it, his effort to get back in isn't good enough either.

 

He has improved under Critchley, but he's doing the exact same as he did under Neilson and Naismith.

 

Thought their first goal was due to Forrester trying to get  win the ball near the halfway line and left Conteh in space at the back.

[Hømme]

16 minutes ago, periodictabledancer said:

I was delighted at his appointment and his impact even with such little time with the players so far  has been very promising. Last night was a brilliant team performance,  miles better than that miserable Euro campaign of two years ago. 

I can't wait to see what he can do with a decent squad of fully fit players and a decent striker. 

Happy days. 

 

That's just it. We aren't actually too far away. Imagine Shanks on form or another striker being brought in and doing well? We would be nowhere near where we are.

 

You see players have downturns in form but nobody could have predicted the season Shanks is having. 

 

Critchley to me is the right man for the job based on everything I've seen since he came in.

[gorgieshuffle]

Forrester was good last night, that was a maturing performance. I think his starting position in our initial build up phase is often marginally too high, but I do like our aggressive approach to the game. 

[Arfur]

I was dubious about the NC appointment but I have liked what I have seen thus far. We start games well but are tending to fall away - I think this is largely due to a poor pre-season and lack of quality on the bench.

I am sure one of the things that will be worked on during the international break along with more of his playing style ideas will be stamina and athleticism.

Something I have noticed from the players is that by and large their first touch has improved dramatically which gives them more time on the ball to pick out the right pass - it’s obviously something that has been worked on.

[RustyRightPeg]

3 minutes ago, Arfur said:

I was dubious about the NC appointment but I have liked what I have seen thus far. We start games well but are tending to fall away - I think this is largely due to a poor pre-season and lack of quality on the bench.

I am sure one of the things that will be worked on during the international break along with more of his playing style ideas will be stamina and athleticism.

Something I have noticed from the players is that by and large their first touch has improved dramatically which gives them more time on the ball to pick out the right pass - it’s obviously something that has been worked on.

The passing is remarkably quicker, not just the speed of thought doing it but also how they zip them about. It was laboured and slow under the previous regime.

[Hømme]

There is plenty to be excited about and I am of the belief we are firmly going places.

 

We need to be patient and keep our heads above water this season. January won't be the all change some think it is going to be. Too many players on decent contracts will fancy sticking around to the summer which is their prerogative.

[kingantti1874]

Despite my well documented reservations, I’ve been very impressed. As I always said I’d be delighted to be proven wrong and fair play he’s got a better tune out of this group than I thought possible. 

[Pasquale for King]

11 hours ago, copa-mundial said:

I feel for him with the squad he's inherited. 

Its very easy to see that he only trusts 14 or 15 of them. 

 

There was players on their feet tonight, Alan Forrest being a prime example. Critchley could have still made 2 substitutions, but decided not to. 

 

It's going to be very tough trying to make it to January with 14 or 15 that he trusts, more so with playing 2 games a week. 

 

Also as we all know. The current teams levels of fitness is very poor. Some individuals have it in abundance, but 1 or 2 can't carry a team. 

 

I'm fully supportive of NC. I think he will be a very good head coach for us. 

I think the Blackpool fans moaned about him being reluctant to use subs. Someone else mentioned that he may well be playing certain players for 90 minutes to try and get their fitness levels up which with a certain player may well explain the minutes he played last season and this.

He feels like a proper manager though and can only do so much with this squad and the amount of games we are playing atm.

[Pasquale for King]

20 minutes ago, gorgieshuffle said:

Forrester was good last night, that was a maturing performance. I think his starting position in our initial build up phase is often marginally too high, but I do like our aggressive approach to the game. 

Definitely, im not sure many noticed but in the 1st half especially he was moving inside as a RCH with Forrest dropping back to wing back when they had possession.

[18Jambo_dave74]

I like what I've seen from Critchley so far and have to factor in he's had next to no time with the players on the training pitch due to the amount of games. 

 

Also have to consider the complete mess he inherited - lack of striking options/pace in the side and a pretty unfit team as a result of the shambles that was pre-season. 

 

Critchley seems to be making sensible decisions which just shows up Naismith and how he completely lost the plot with the most basic of things. 

 

1) Not playing Kingsley at right back and giving Forrester a chance in his position (which Naismith refused to do despite managing him for the B side). 

2) Giving Wilson an opportunity off the bench. We know Naismith would have been bringing Boyce on in the same situation. 

3) Not playing Spittal as a holding midfielder and trying to get him influencing the game further up the park. 

4) He's been reasonably consistent with formations and line-ups - not constantly changing from back 3's to back 4's etc. 

 

He seems to have sussed the players that he can rely on more often hence why we're seeing very little of Boyce and McKay, even when chasing games. 

 

Going to be a difficult period coming up but hopefully we can get to January and make some changes to the squad to help with the second half of the season. 

[Chimp]

2 minutes ago, 18Jambo_dave74 said:

I like what I've seen from Critchley so far and have to factor in he's had next to no time with the players on the training pitch due to the amount of games. 

 

Also have to consider the complete mess he inherited - lack of striking options/pace in the side and a pretty unfit team as a result of the shambles that was pre-season. 

 

Critchley seems to be making sensible decisions which just shows up Naismith and how he completely lost the plot with the most basic of things. 

 

1) Not playing Kingsley at right back and giving Forrester a chance in his position (which Naismith refused to do despite managing him for the B side). 

2) Giving Wilson an opportunity off the bench. We know Naismith would have been bringing Boyce on in the same situation. 

3) Not playing Spittal as a holding midfielder and trying to get him influencing the game further up the park. 

4) He's been reasonably consistent with formations and line-ups - not constantly changing from back 3's to back 4's etc. 

 

He seems to have sussed the players that he can rely on more often hence why we're seeing very little of Boyce and McKay, even when chasing games. 

 

Going to be a difficult period coming up but hopefully we can get to January and make some changes to the squad to help with the second half of the season. 

 

Good summary

[G McJambo]

44 minutes ago, Hømme said:

 

That's just it. We aren't actually too far away. Imagine Shanks on form or another striker being brought in and doing well? We would be nowhere near where we are.

 

You see players have downturns in form but nobody could have predicted the season Shanks is having. 

 

Critchley to me is the right man for the job based on everything I've seen since he came in.

Agree,   some very clear signs of what Critchley is about and what he’s trying to do.   It’s bonkers to think that if Shanks was even half the player of last season we’d be mid table and got at least 7 points if not 9 and have qualified from our Group stage football.    We’re going to continue to have dips and some poor results at times due to the issues with the squad but I like what I’m seeing so far. 

Edited November 8, 2024 by Gmcjambo

[Byyy The Light]

Well and truly aboard the Critchley train.

 

First proper manager we've had at the club in the Budge era.  Look forward to seeing what the team looks like when the fixtures allow them time to work on the training pitch and once we've cleared out the deadwood like McKay, Grant, Boyce etc.

 

 

[Lone Striker]

34 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

The passing is remarkably quicker, not just the speed of thought doing it but also how they zip them about. It was laboured and slow under the previous regime.

Very much this.    NC has only been in the door for 4 or 5 weeks, but has managed to get the players working for each other, showing good awareness and actually wanting the ball.   Just hope he (with Bloom's help) can   pull a  real goal-threat rabbit out the hat in January.  I'm sure that would help Shankland massively too. 

38 minutes ago, Arfur said:

I was dubious about the NC appointment but I have liked what I have seen thus far. We start games well but are tending to fall away - I think this is largely due to a poor pre-season and lack of quality on the bench.

I am sure one of the things that will be worked on during the international break along with more of his playing style ideas will be stamina and athleticism.

Something I have noticed from the players is that by and large their first touch has improved dramatically which gives them more time on the ball to pick out the right pass - it’s obviously something that has been worked on.

Agree with all of that.  I don't think its co-incidence that we've played really good  attractive attacking football  in the first half then struggled to keep that going in the 2nd half in both the Euro home games plus Killie.   

 

 

 

Bongo having another 'mare  - quelle suprise.  😏

[KariHMFC]

Been very impressed with Critchley so far. I really enjoy listening to his press conferences and post match interviews, where he keeps his answers quite simple, but throws in an occassional tactical insight that is beyond what we have heard before. The players look braver and technically better on the ball, the passing is more ambitious and I understand the tiring in the second half is an issue, but if we had gotten the lead last night I think we would have seen it out quite comfortably. Give me that style of play over anything we have seen over the last few years, and with time the fitness will improve. Should also be noted that Mike Garrity is very well thought of and Blackpool fans were more disappointed when he left than Critchley. Should be an upgrade on the recent Assistant managers we have had. 

[Bongo 1874]

11 hours ago, i wish jj was my dad said:

No idea what games you watch if you are having a pop at Forrest and in Halkett's one cameo this season he was probably our best player. We wouldn't be anywhere as vulnerable in the box with him playing either. 

I'm sure NC can rub along without your advice. 

Forrest and Halkett are deadwood.

[Bongo 1874]

7 hours ago, Nerja Jambo said:

Are you serious, Forrest?

Yes his first touch, is always his last touch.

 

7 hours ago, RENE said:

Thought their first goal was due to Forrester trying to get  win the ball near the halfway line and left Conteh in space at the back.

Compare the goal to Boateng clearance off the line,Boateng gets there because he wants it,

anyone that isn't prepared to sacrifice for the team needs to go.

 

 

[Bongo 1874]

Critchley is the man to lead us to the next step,the players need to buy in or **** off.

 

Look at this high press from Penrice that should result in a goal,they buy in or **** off,keep it up Critchley and management team.

 

 

 

[hearts00]

Their first goal was a peach seeing it again. That’s the difference, pace, the final ball the final touch. All the area we need to improve on.  But that’s why they are a Bundes Liga team and we are, well currently, a bottom 6 SPL team.  

[RustyRightPeg]

2 hours ago, Bongo 1874 said:

Forrest and Halkett are deadwood.

In your opinion. 

[kingantti1874]

Alan Forrest was outstanding last night. 

[Bongo 1874]

41 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

In your opinion. 

Cmon man you don't think we can get better for what we are paying them?

 

Let's be honest Forrest isn't good enough and Halkett is never fit.

Edited November 8, 2024 by Bongo 1874

[Bongo 1874]

36 minutes ago, kingantti1874 said:

Alan Forrest was outstanding last night. 

Outstanding is pushing it now mate 😂.

[Hectormasson]

10 hours ago, Byyy The Light said:

Well and truly aboard the Critchley train.

 

First proper manager we've had at the club in the Budge era.  Look forward to seeing what the team looks like when the fixtures allow them time to work on the training pitch and once we've cleared out the deadwood like McKay, Grant, Boyce etc.

 

 

ive no doubt wel get there, but id like a couple of loanees, to help out, defender and a forward, meantime...

[jamboinglasgow]

While last night was disappointing that we could not finish with all the chances we had, it really impressed me how we attacked in that first half. I actually like Neilson and Naismith but there is no way they would have gone into the match looking to hit them hard.

 

The fact we are now seeing how Critchley likes to play and its a kind that is exciting and one that resonates with Hearts fans. Obviously the issue is that the squad is not fit enough to do it for more than a half and we need to convert more chances. But its making me excited for the long term. The squad is going to be rebuilt over the summer (January is for adding a couple of players and moving some on) and so a squad that fits that style even more and has been properly prepared in regards to fitness could be a horrible team for others to play against.

 

The fact that the change has come already with very little training ground time is good in itself and bodes well for when Critchley can work on the players more.

 

I do think there will be up and downs for the rest of the season. And I suspect at the end of it we will see it as a transitional season, but I do think we should aim to get first top six, then look higher.

[OTT]

41 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

In your opinion. 

 

I want Forrest replaced tbh. 

 

Yes, he was decent enough last night - lots of graft, but we struggled to make much of a breakthrough and I think that is Forrests big issue, 2nd hardest working player after Devlin, but just lacks it in crucial moments. 

 

Wingers should be able to cross a ball, none (NONE) of ours can. Dhanda & Spittal are 10s so not actual wingers. Forrest & McKay can't cross a ball, and its an insane thing to say out loud  

 

We need to be looking at Armstrong or someone like that. Get a fast, direct winger that can cross a ball and make the right decision more often than not. 

 

I think the club need to almost take a view that each window needs to be about getting the current players out, and replacing them with StarLizard signings. Obviously can't do that overnight and needs to be done intelligently, but if we can start to get rid of squad options that don't offer much (McKay, Halkett, Boyce, Grant and a few others) then replace them with properly scouted players that have went through this proven analytics process, then hopefully we'll start seeing a team performing and improving together. 

 

 

[Chaps]

55 minutes ago, Bongo 1874 said:

Cmon man you don't think we can get better for what we are paying them?

 

Let's be honest Forrest isn't good enough and Halkett is never fit.

Halkett is fit and when he has played all be it limited has done well and even scored.

[Bongo 1874]

22 minutes ago, Chaps said:

Halkett is fit and when he has played all be it limited has done well and even scored.

If Halkett is fit then why isn't he playing?

[Bad Religion]

Great start to his time here and looking forward to seeing what he can do in the transfer window after shipping out the lazy slugs signed by Bob and Naismith. 

[FerryJambo81]

3 hours ago, jamboinglasgow said:

While last night was disappointing that we could not finish with all the chances we had, it really impressed me how we attacked in that first half. I actually like Neilson and Naismith but there is no way they would have gone into the match looking to hit them hard.

 

The fact we are now seeing how Critchley likes to play and its a kind that is exciting and one that resonates with Hearts fans. Obviously the issue is that the squad is not fit enough to do it for more than a half and we need to convert more chances. But its making me excited for the long term. The squad is going to be rebuilt over the summer (January is for adding a couple of players and moving some on) and so a squad that fits that style even more and has been properly prepared in regards to fitness could be a horrible team for others to play against.

 

The fact that the change has come already with very little training ground time is good in itself and bodes well for when Critchley can work on the players more.

 

I do think there will be up and downs for the rest of the season. And I suspect at the end of it we will see it as a transitional season, but I do think we should aim to get first top six, then look higher.

Solid post agreed!

[BigStein]

Feel sorry for the guy a bit, he has no idea what he’s dealing with.

 

A talented group of players who will shit the bed at the first sign of trouble, he’ll be hoodwinked before it’s too late

[FerryJambo81]

Forrest, in my opinion...

Thought he was largely very good for 45, not for the first time this season. He has his limitations (just look up pal) but gives his all. He was done long before he came off.   He's a solid first 45 / 60, tires out and others to come on. Vargas obvious Thursday.

 

Devlin is a last 20/30 to inject energy. Sure folks will disagree but think they highlight how some players work at different times in a game.

 

We all want the best players, sadly we fish in the baby pond. These guys offer something in context of realistic squad we're likely to build, it's how they're used.

 

On NC. He's just simplified football. He's made a midfield that largely works, some really nice football between 'revert to type'. Couple areas I'm not quite sure he's sussed. Not sure anyone has tbf.

 

Everything made more difficult by Shanks (I reckon lost in his own head) not being, well,  Shanks. We all know a striker was needed, never happened. Huge hole.

 

People say they're not fit enough, how many games did we gain points in 80+ minutes last season. Few this season too.

 

I'm a big believer all professional athletes should be fit, sadly in Scottish context I don't think we're specifically bad. People saying Shanks isn't fit are mental. Does he look heavy, maybe. As did Rooney. He covers so much ground, probably too much. He's trying too hard, it used to just happen. No one can (should) fault his effort. Not working, yeah, not trying, no!

 

Maybe I'm wrong but with different coaching and approach, honestly think we're a bawhair from being a properly decent side. It could be a really shit few weeks, just hope we collectively look beyond that. Honestly believe it'll get much better, just not overnight

 

Long post, may have rambled. Sorry

[FarmerTweedy]

15 hours ago, Pasquale for King said:

Definitely, im not sure many noticed but in the 1st half especially he was moving inside as a RCH with Forrest dropping back to wing back when they had possession.

I did notice that and it impressed me in terms of just how much of a shift Forrest was putting in getting up and down the park.

[i wish jj was my dad]

9 hours ago, Bongo 1874 said:

Forrest and Halkett are deadwood.

Forrest's performances demonstrate otherwise. As I said, I'm sure NC won't be putting out the bat signal for you. 

[FarmerTweedy]

16 hours ago, Bongo 1874 said:

Yes his first touch, is always his last touch.

 

Compare the goal to Boateng clearance off the line,Boateng gets there because he wants it,

anyone that isn't prepared to sacrifice for the team needs to go.

 

 

Please go back on your meds!