Lee Johnson on Radio Bristol

[AshtonGreat]

11 hours ago, Red Right Hand said:

Playing the voice of doom here but what would it take to tempt him away? Assuming he wouldn`t be offered a job with the `top six` what else would appeal to him? I can`t see him going to a divisional rival but would he fancy a shot at somewhere like Saints or Swansea do we think? Personally I think he`s here for the long haul so we don`t need to worry just yet but he must want to manage in the prem at some time I should think - hopefully with us.

Steady on, he hasn't achieved anything yet

[Portland Bill]

11 hours ago, Super said:

Kodjia is a disgrace really.

I know where coming from but let's be realistic. He knew a big move was about to happen which would ( money wise) set him and his family up for life.

Why would he want to risk an injury at Scunthorpe that could jepordise all that.

Im sure he was under enormous pressure from his agents to not play. I'm not one to normally side with a player, but in this situation most of us would have probably felt the same as him.

[Port Said Red]

10 hours ago, Strawberry2157. said:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p044ync2

 

Thanks Strawberry.

I am in a hotel near Nottingham near Nottingham and listening to this right now. Others have summarised this very nicely, but I did pick up on one thing which was his summary of "DNA". I know that this comes across as Management speak to the cynical amongst us but LJ has put it into football terms we can all recognise, at least on the ball.

"Do they want the ball?"

"Can they handle the ball?" (hopefully not literally!)

"Can they get the ball back?"

Again, it sounds simple, but we can all name players that can only do one or maybe two of those things, but it's important for this level and above for players to be much more all rounders.

Geoff, who had a pretty long career himself seemed really surprised by the focus on "deceleration", but when he explained why it made so much sense. Also Golbourne has improved his speed over 50 metres by 0.4 of a second, that is incredible, any olympic sprinter would be probably tested for drugs if they could do that!

[Fontaineofallknowledge]

Agreed, was a great listen and Lee comes across very well.

All this talk of marginal gains though...why cant we get our best player into a decent physical condition, would say that's a pretty big gain!?

he should be on a specialised training camp this week, not sat on a beach with a heart monitor on in Dubai!

[Drew Peacock]

Can we put him in charge of ticketing as well?

[Port Said Red]

4 minutes ago, Fontaineofallknowledge said:

Agreed, was a great listen and Lee comes across very well.

All this talk of marginal gains though...why cant we get our best player into a decent physical condition, would say that's a pretty big gain!?

he should be on a specialised training camp this week, not sat on a beach with a heart monitor on in Dubai!

He explained that all the players deserved a break and that he has come back trimmer so whats the problem?

[Fontaineofallknowledge]

1 minute ago, Port Said Red said:

He explained that all the players deserved a break and that he has come back trimmer so whats the problem?

He came back a couple of stone over weight in the summer and has clearly been using games to get fitter. Just think a couple of weeks fitness training wouldn't have gone a miss. 

[Port Said Red]

7 hours ago, Redsi2 said:

What i can't believe he said is jonathan kodjia had 4 agents! What the hell is going on in football. They must be like leaches just encouraging players to make them money.

Maybe thats a common in Europe? It's got me wondering about that picture of Engvall with 3 - 4 people stood with him now.....

2 minutes ago, Fontaineofallknowledge said:

He came back a couple of stone over weight in the summer and has clearly been using games to get fitter. Just think a couple of weeks fitness training wouldn't have gone a miss. 

A couple of stone? Really? 28lb? Wow! I am not disputing your knowledge because of your username, but that seems unlikely I would have thought we would have pulled out of any deal if that was the case. I think it's more likely that he is one of those people who will never look as fit as he probably is.

[downendcity]

I had a listen but must have missed the bit where he said "stupid question" !

Noticeable the lack of the normal manager cliches and evading answering the question being asked and how open and honest he was about players ( had to smile about his comments about Matthews being top 3 in the league when fit but bottom 5 when not).

He talks about reviewing training to make sure sure  he talks to players with clarity so they understand what he wants, but I would say that after listening to him for the best part of an hour, that should not be a problem.

Sounds like we have SL, MA and LJ all singing from the same hymn sheet and actually all on the same page at the same time. Hopefully good times ahead if things carry on as they are. 

 

 

  

 

 

[Lord Northski]

As everyone has said, genuinely interesting to listen to, which makes is a pretty rare comodity in the panthion of sporting interviews. Would agree with others that he has grabbed his opportunity and is giving it everything. 

 

[Fontaineofallknowledge]

6 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

Maybe thats a common in Europe? It's got me wondering about that picture of Engvall with 3 - 4 people stood with him now.....

A couple of stone? Really? 28lb? Wow! I am not disputing your knowledge because of your username, but that seems unlikely I would have thought we would have pulled out of any deal if that was the case. I think it's more likely that he is one of those people who will never look as fit as he probably is.

So you didn't attend the first few games of the season then? I agree that he's fitter than he looks but like Matthews it's clearly something we need to be on top off!

[NYTRAM]

10 hours ago, Alessandro said:

I know LJ likes a field trip, he should try and shadow Team Sky for a day on a grand tour.

The level of detail they put in on all the tiniest elements, kits, data, nutrition, aerodynamics, tactics, recovery, pillows (as you say!) etc etc is astonishing.

Someone should mention this to him, although I would be surprised he hadn't already looked into it. 

Maybe an opportunity when tour of Britain comes to Bristol he can collar Sir Brad. 

[Port Said Red]

11 minutes ago, Fontaineofallknowledge said:

So you didn't attend the first few games of the season then? I agree that he's fitter than he looks but like Matthews it's clearly something we need to be on top off!

I just think that when we are use to seeing very fit people, a few pounds over really shows. I have never seen him with his shirt off, but I think we might be surprised.

[spudski]

I'd like to be able to quote Davefevs post, but for some reason, it seems I am unable to quote people on the forum. Anyone else having this problem?

Regarding 'People in the game saying fans don't understand'... it's not a case of they think fans are thick perse, it's because generally fans have no idea about what is going on at a Pro Club. Not their fault.

Interviews like this by LJ, are few and far between. If Pro football was more transparent, and let fans know about how they were running the Club, from the inside, then fans would be better informed and could give more informed opinion.

From some of the posts on this thread, it's obvious certain fans are stunned at some of the info given by LJ.

The one thing that most fans don't understand, is how hard transfers and signings are these days. The contracts are so detailed...and some Agents are a nightmare to work with.

It's very simple for fans on a forum to talk about possible signings and why we don't sign certain players. However the reality is often different.

Prime example...the two players we tried to sign from abroad...all falling through because their teams couldn't get replacements. This is what happens now, because of Transfer windows. Without 'Windows' it would be so much easier.

Hence why LJ says he will need a fair few transfer windows to get a team he wants. The two non signings have already set him back one...so we have to wait again until January. Plus the new Loan rules will also have a massive knock on effect to how transfers pan out.

Another point worth noting...I'd say the great majority of fans that attend AG would probably not even be aware of the LJ interview. And even if they did, they wouldn't listen. They are happy to just turn up and watch for 90 mins on the day and get snippets of info through chatting with mates at work. It still doesn't stop them voicing their 'opinions' regardless of no knowledge.

[JamesBCFC]

4 minutes ago, spudski said:

I'd like to be able to quote Davefevs post, but for some reason, it seems I am unable to quote people on the forum. Anyone else having this problem?

Regarding 'People in the game saying fans don't understand'... it's not a case of they think fans are thick perse, it's because generally fans have no idea about what is going on at a Pro Club. Not their fault.

Interviews like this by LJ, are few and far between. If Pro football was more transparent, and let fans know about how they were running the Club, from the inside, then fans would be better informed and could give more informed opinion.

From some of the posts on this thread, it's obvious certain fans are stunned at some of the info given by LJ.

The one thing that most fans don't understand, is how hard transfers and signings are these days. The contracts are so detailed...and some Agents are a nightmare to work with.

It's very simple for fans on a forum to talk about possible signings and why we don't sign certain players. However the reality is often different.

Prime example...the two players we tried to sign from abroad...all falling through because their teams couldn't get replacements. This is what happens now, because of Transfer windows. Without 'Windows' it would be so much easier.

Hence why LJ says he will need a fair few transfer windows to get a team he wants. The two non signings have already set him back one...so we have to wait again until January. Plus the new Loan rules will also have a massive knock on effect to how transfers pan out.

Another point worth noting...I'd say the great majority of fans that attend AG would probably not even be aware of the LJ interview. And even if they did, they wouldn't listen. They are happy to just turn up and watch for 90 mins on the day and get snippets of info through chatting with mates at work. It still doesn't stop them voicing their 'opinions' regardless of no knowledge.

Is it possible for City to say to the selling club "we still want these players, we'll keep the offer there for if you find someone to join in January"?

If so, then that gives the selling clubs months to get started and then should these come off would negate the set back.

Of course it still relies on the selling club finding a replacement, and the player wanting the move.

[Rudolf Hucker]

12 hours ago, Robbored said:

I forgot LJ was on the radio but it seems he came over very well. He certainly talks the talk.lets hope with all the new signings that he can walk the walk.

I never feel that use of the expression is correct. Surely, "walk the talk" makes more sense?

[Fat Cigar]

13 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

 

 

I like this because it's something that transcends football. I heard Dave Brailsford the Cycling coach interviewed and he said that they break down everything that goes into making a top cyclist into its component parts and then they try to improve each aspect by 1%. The idea being that if you find that it takes 100 key factors to be a top athlete and you improve each one, you get 100% better results. If you can find an interview with him it's fascinating, his team even carry around their own pillows to each hotel to ensure a good nights sleep.

Was going to mention the British Cycling team too. They spoke about this after London 2012 and we're continually finding those extra gains, as just witnessed in Rio. This time around it was advising the female cyclists not to shave their pubic hair! Irritation and friction when wearing such tight clothing almost eradicated when they stopped. And yet because most of the coaching staff and others were men, the women never felt comfortable bringing it up, or were even asked about it, until one day someone obviously did. 

[Fat Cigar]

13 hours ago, Red Right Hand said:

One of the most interesting bits were his comments re Adam Matthews. he doesn`t mince his words does he?

Thought he was even more frank re: Pack. Said twice that he's not the best player in terms of ability! But, works hard, has a 'good engine,' and has improved loads. Bet he sees himself in Pack. Not the most gifted but someone who won't stop working to improve their game. 

[Fat Cigar]

Already been said, but what a pleasure that was to listen to. Could have listened for hours. Never shirking away from an answer. Revealing, engaging and very down to earth. My wife (hates football) thinks he comes across as a lovely guy!

Can honestly see him taking us up. Not this season, maybe not next season, but maybe 2018/19. A top 10 finish this season would be job well done, although I'm starting to think we might even challenge for a play-off place.

[Dave]

Excellent listening.

I also though it benefitted from not having callers as such, as more areas were covered.

 

[Major Isewater]

35 minutes ago, Fat Cigar said:

Was going to mention the British Cycling team too. They spoke about this after London 2012 and we're continually finding those extra gains, as just witnessed in Rio. This time around it was advising the female cyclists not to shave their pubic hair! Irritation and friction when wearing such tight clothing almost eradicated when they stopped. And yet because most of the coaching staff and others were men, the women never felt comfortable bringing it up, or were even asked about it, until one day someone obviously did. 

I can just imagine the meeting where a guy pipes up ' so do you ladies shave down there ? ' 

['Orns]

Looking forward to listening in tonight, thanks for the link Strawberry!

Lots of comments about how it's taken City a while to realise how we should be doing things, do we know how many clubs in and around us are ahead of us / same as us / barely scratched the surface in terms of using technology and looking for marginal gains etc? @spudski perhaps??

 

[Port Said Red]

16 minutes ago, Major Isewater said:

I can just imagine the meeting where a guy pipes up ' so do you ladies shave down there ? ' 

Perhaps it came up in a discussion between Laura Trott and Jason Kenny?  

[Port Said Red]

14 hours ago, Alessandro said:

I know LJ likes a field trip, he should try and shadow Team Sky for a day on a grand tour.

The level of detail they put in on all the tiniest elements, kits, data, nutrition, aerodynamics, tactics, recovery, pillows (as you say!) etc etc is astonishing.

I could easily imagine him talking with Andy Robinson and his team about strength and condition and whether there are any hints and tips that can be transferred across the two sports and vice versa.

[Fat Cigar]

2 minutes ago, Woodsy said:

Looking forward to listening in tonight, thanks for the link Strawberry!

Lots of comments about how it's taken City a while to realise how we should be doing things, do we know how many clubs in and around us are ahead of us / same as us / barely scratched the surface in terms of using technology and looking for marginal gains etc? @spudski perhaps??

 

Marginal gains are crucial, but a well run club (with a wealthy owner) trumps all. Seriously, if you look at things objectively, we've just sold Ayling (a squad player) to Leeds. Leeds! Now, with the greatest respect to Luke who I respect dearly, Leeds have fallen way down the pecking order for top ambitious players. Can you imagine us selling such a player to a club like Leeds 10-15 years ago??

Brighton seem to be well run, have a new(ish) stadium, and its close proximity to London must help in attracting new players. 

Looking at all the teams in the Championship, I'd say we are ahead of most in how we're run and our current philosophy of looking to sign the best young players. We can't pay the wages of a club like Norwich or Newcastle, but take a close look at the table, how many clubs do we honestly think are ahead of us in terms of medium and long-term thinking and strategy? 

I'd say: Brighton, Norwich and Newcastle. I think the new Villa owner is an accident waiting to happen. Sheff Weds maybe. Again, new foreign owner, I'd always start with a default position of being wary. Derby? Huge fan expectations, and what Leicester achieved last season will put even more pressure on Pearson, bearing in mind some believe he deserves credit in this. 

Wolves? Again, new foreign owners. More often than not, when it comes to wealthy foreign owners promising the world, at clubs outside the Premiership, things don't seem to be rosy. Not that being foreign has anything to do with it, but they're obviously the latest in vogue owners, notably those from the Far East. 

[phantom]

Just listened to it back, very informative interview - recommend to anyone that hasn't heard it yet

[spudski]

@Woodsy We are playing catch up to the majority of Championship and Prem clubs mate...although we are doing it rapidly. Miles behind still in terms of Scouting network, but that's not hard considering what we had in previous years.

I was all for having LJ here way before he came, because he's well known throughout football as being very diligent and with a modern approach. I only heard good things about him.

If we didn't have so many foreign managers in the game, he would be at a far bigger club than BCFC imo.

The fact we are now looking at, and bringing in players from the foreign market has made us much more of a forward thinking club.

However much we'd like it...the coaching in this country at grass roots is still far behind other countries.

Unfortunately...to compete at a higher level...you need these foreign players to understand all aspects of the modern game.

Footballers as well as intelligent human beings.

Of course there are British players like this...but it's far more common abroad. The whole modern thos has to be understood to compete in this day and age.

This is why SoD came unstuck in so many ways...the players here at the time, just didn't get what he was trying to do.

The 'whole' player is being looked at. Will they fit in in with all aspects of the modern game? Hence the DNA philosophy.

That 'DNA' is vital for a football like BCFC. We can't afford 'Billy big bollox' type players and all the problems that brings.

Hence why a lot of bigger clubs are struggling. They have the 'infrastructure' just the wrong ethos.

 

['Orns]

9 minutes ago, spudski said:

@Woodsy We are playing catch up to the majority of Championship and Prem clubs mate...although we are doing it rapidly. Miles behind still in terms of Scouting network, but that's not hard considering what we had in previous years.

I was all for having LJ here way before he came, because he's well known throughout football as being very diligent and with a modern approach. I only heard good things about him.

If we didn't have so many foreign managers in the game, he would be at a far bigger club than BCFC imo.

The fact we are now looking at, and bringing in players from the foreign market has made us much more of a forward thinking club.

However much we'd like it...the coaching in this country at grass roots is still far behind other countries.

Unfortunately...to compete at a higher level...you need these foreign players to understand all aspects of the modern game.

Footballers as well as intelligent human beings.

Of course there are British players like this...but it's far more common abroad. The whole modern thos has to be understood to compete in this day and age.

This is why SoD came unstuck in so many ways...the players here at the time, just didn't get what he was trying to do.

The 'whole' player is being looked at. Will they fit in in with all aspects of the modern game? Hence the DNA philosophy.

That 'DNA' is vital for a football like BCFC. We can't afford 'Billy big bollox' type players and all the problems that brings.

Hence why a lot of bigger clubs are struggling. They have the 'infrastructure' just the wrong ethos.

 

GJ was famous for doing his 'interviews' before signing players, so guess LJ learned from this, and just brought it up to modern day standards

We did seem to be way behind on scouring Europe, for every 5 Styvar's there is a Kodjia, guess there is no tried and tested, foolproof way of knowing which one is which though

May have taken us a while, but great to hear we're catching up. Got a good feeling about this season - and top half would be massive for us, I'm not suggesting we are going to get in the play offs. One or two added in January, another 3 or 4 next summer then have a real good crack at it

What a time to be alive

[Bar BS3]

8 minutes ago, Woodsy said:

GJ was famous for doing his 'interviews' before signing players, so guess LJ learned from this, and just brought it up to modern day standards

We did seem to be way behind on scouring Europe, for every 5 Styvar's there is a Kodjia, guess there is no tried and tested, foolproof way of knowing which one is which though

I'm sure that I regularly read now that we have been watching & monitoring the foreign based players that we sign for some time, rather than sign them on the basis of one decent performance & goal in a televised European game. 

That's a good start and an improvement on the Styvar situation. iirc. 

['Orns]

3 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I'm sure that I regularly read now that we have been watching & monitoring the foreign based players that we sign for some time, rather than sign them on the basis of one decent performance & goal in a televised European game. 

That's a good start and an improvement on the Styvar situation. iirc. 

One of Engvall or Moore had been scouted '30 to 40 times' according to the club when they signed. Loved reading that