the1stknowle

Interesting that this comment got a confused reaction. Which is the bit you disagree with? On the main topic, Roberts has been absolutely brilliant since coming in. Wouldn't even mind him playing CB in a back two although that would give manager some decisions to make. But surely one of first names in starting 11 at the moment, regardless of formation.

Agree. That level of composure on ball at back with way we want to play under manning makes a massive difference. At least it did today.

One thing I think is fair to say is that when we are good under manning, we are really good. That at least is something to build on. Lets see if we can carry it on this time. Really enjoyable game today.

We are

But can you not make exactly the same argument the other way? Or you're saying while it's impossible from the outside to prove he is responsible/had a huge positive impact on anything good, we can definitively prove he is directly or largely responsible for the negative things. Seems to me that it is that line of thinking which, to use your words, is convenient.

Except, not by all accounts at all.

If you're not convinced, what would you need to see to think that since his involvement, the Academy set up has improved beyond all recognition? Just, as you say, that his communication improves and he stops being 'delusional'? And that would be more conclusive than, for example, significant increase in standard, first team contribution, and sale value of players produced by the Academy? I think this kind of post is exactly what the OP is talking about when they say that Tins isn't being critiqued on the job that he is doing but instead, at least in part, on a set of OTIB talking points that have now come to be accepted truth on here (snake, grass, idiot, out of his depth, Lansdown yes man, delusional, self-aggrandising, can't string sentence together, blah).

Agree exactly with this. I listened this morning and the listen and what I’d already read on here was very different. The u18 thing sounds like a deliberate decision related to the particular view of this u18 group and what is best for them. A view formed by, whatever everyone here thinks of Tins I hope they would agree, someone that knows infinitely more about youth development than every person on this forum. I don’t think the interpretation that it’s some whimsy of the Lansdowns that is behind that decision is a fair one from what was said. Maybe they think this group would benefit from pushing themselves against elite youth teams or trying to instil a winning culture. The idea that it has affected the first team in any real way is totally fanciful. The rest of it I thought was pretty forthcoming. It was fine. I disagree that it was some irrefutable proof of his incompetence or the terrible state we are in as a mid table championship club.

Yeah, that was a lot better watch than last three. Weirdly, Cornick going off was massive for us.

If there is no harm in it, what's the harm in sticking with Manning?

I always thought Will Buse looked like the better prospect of all the up and coming keepers. Admittedly from little I saw him. Anyone know if he is getting into team at Yeovil? Would hope he’s a few levels above NLS.

There seems more confirmation bias with people's opinions of keepers. It is the position where people seem less open to the idea of professional development - drop a few clangers and you are a dodgy keeper, not up to it, need to be shifted, a problem to solve. Whereas other positions are allowed to be inexperienced and develop, probably because their mistakes don't stand out as much. Max is clearly a good keeper and is demonstrably improving in performance, confidence and presence (same as the two centre backs in front of him). Not only do I not think he needs to be moved on. I also think he is nowhere near his ceiling and he could get very good. Hopefully fans on here can give him some space and not copy and paste the 'we need new keeper to progress' thread after every defeat.

Come on now. They have given us tonnes of credit all night. They are talking about the end of a 25-game unbeaten run because that is an incredible run and it coming to an end is a thing that deserves being talked about. But they haven't gone overboard with that to the exclusion of talking about how well we've played individually and tactically.

Rob Dickie for me but not going to argue with James. Was excellent. But so was everyone. Genuinely best 90-minute performance I can remember from us in years.

Come on now. Without myself fully being on board with the original post, no one can honestly say ‘Manning has barely taken any stick‘ on this forum.