New manager

[SupermarketShrimp]

First 17 games of the season we scored 34 goals
Then Jim said we were conceding too many.
The next 17 games we scored 19 goals.

First 17 games we conceded 26
Defensive next 17 we conceded 28

I agree, the defence is the problem generally. However, Jim's plan to 'cure' that is to playing defensively. All that happened is we end up deep, inviting pressure on to us. The defines, being under pressure, resort to hoofing it, bypassing midfield. The lone striker is isolated out of the game and we lose possession, so it comes straight back at us.

Time, after time, after time.

Eventually the defence make mistakes and we concede.

Yet Jim stubbornly keeps playing to our weaknesses not our strengths. After Crawley game, when Jim said about conceding, my heart sank and I genuinely thought 'here we go again'. The next 17 games took us up to the Mansfield defeat. If anything, since then we've been even worse.

Carlisle away, we were superb. Great to watch, three points. We could have had more, they just couldn't live with us. Basically the same players here now but relegation fodder. If it hadn't been for the good start, when we were scoring & conceding, we'd be bottom by now.

Now I'm only talking from viewing about 35%-40% of the games, I know, but frankly the attacking football we all craved was essentially turning defence into attack, bypassing midfield and having Barky, Devitt, Miller, etc terrifying defences as a result. The Carlisle game was a game where Carlisle had something to play for so attacked and left holes for it to work. The vast majority of sides have just sat deeper - its exacerbated our weaknesses and nullified the attacking threat.

[Keith]

We've never been this attacking fluid beast, we were a slick counter attacking side. Once sides defended a bit deeper and realised the centre of defence was bog average it became very easy to play against us and the playing staff haven't got anyone suitable in it's ranks to change it.

I actually agree with some of that, but when teams played deep against us, we should have pressed them further up the pitch and held them there. Instead, we played deep too, with five at the back. We have got flair players who can run at players. We can turn defenders. We have players who can shoot well from outside the area. We just don't get in those positions anymore.

I think I'm still annoyed because I really thought, after Saturday, we were going to see us going at teams. To be frightened of Dagenham, setting up for a clean sheet against the bottom of the league, with a forty year old forward. Unbelievable.

Someone said in a different thread, Jim should release his formation ahead of the match so fans can choose whether to attend or not.

Now I'm only talking from viewing about 35%-40% of the games, I know, but frankly the attacking football we all craved was essentially turning defence into attack, bypassing midfield and having Barky, Devitt, Miller, etc terrifying defences as a result. The Carlisle game was a game where Carlisle had something to play for so attacked and left holes for it to work. The vast majority of sides have just sat deeper - its exacerbated our weaknesses and nullified the attacking threat.

We're bypassing each others posts too! I was writing while you replied!

I don't think we were bypassing midfield. Admittedly, I've seen even less games than you, but apart from Newport away, which we won but didn't really deserve to, I thought we'd passed quickly & slickly, with players like Devitt & Barky running with the ball, from midfield. In my opinion, it is after we went five at the back that we bypassed midfield. But to an extent you are correct. Barnet played far too far up the field on Saturday. Had they played deeper, then we may have found it more difficult to play against?

[SupermarketShrimp]

I think I'm still annoyed because I really thought, after Saturday, we were going to see us going at teams. To be frightened of Dagenham, setting up for a clean sheet against the bottom of the league, with a forty year old forward. Unbelievable.

Imagine the following press release

"Dear Morecambe fans,

We are playing Dagenham on Tuesday, none of you bother coming because I'm playing the fringe players and the ones looking for a new contract rather than giving a shiny shite about the result.

I'm sure you'll understand but I'd much rather get the credit for playing well at home than keeping 30 of you happy that can be arsed to go to East London on a Tuesday night

Much Love,

Sir James of Bentley"

It's pretty much what he's done and what he confirmed in the interview. I really wouldn't read too much into the performance, it's glorified pre season.

[Keith]

It's pretty much what he's done and what he confirmed in the interview. I really wouldn't read too much into the performance, it's glorified pre season.

I agree. And that's what worries me. Setting up with five at the back with the intention of playing it next season too?

[BoroRedShrimp]

All depends on the new owner. If it is somebody like Ridsdale I can see changes but all depends on who. Coleman won't leave Stanley for Morecambe. I like Keith Hill but again he won't leave Rochdale, so the only other managers are the ones out of work. Steve Cotterill would be a good choice as done a decent job at Notts County & Bristol City, but depends on location and wages.

[Arnside Red]

Good grief, I hope Ridsdale come nowhere near the club, same goes for Keith Hill, either of those would drive me away for their duration.....as for the current tactics, these are really unacceptable but it would appear Jim is totally reluctant to change, and it's killing the club, fans are speaking with their feet and the non attenders are growing in number, something has to be done doesn't it.

[BoroRedShrimp]

Good grief, I hope Ridsdale come nowhere near the club, same goes for Keith Hill, either of those would drive me away for their duration.....as for the current tactics, these are really unacceptable but it would appear Jim is totally reluctant to change, and it's killing the club, fans are speaking with their feet and the non attenders are growing in number, something has to be done doesn't it.

Keith Hill is a decent manager at league 1/2 level. He doesn't have to prove a thing to you, he has already got dale in league one on players who work their socks off week in week out. He has a knack of getting the best out of his players & can work on a shoe string like Coleman. As long as the new owner looks after the club & fans and also wants the club to succeed at the highest level, I couldn't give a monkeys who takes over.I want like many others to see the stands packed and the good old days to return when we took over 1k to Sheff Utd.

[George Dawes]

Good grief, I hope Ridsdale come nowhere near the club, same goes for Keith Hill, either of those would drive me away for their duration.....as for the current tactics, these are really unacceptable but it would appear Jim is totally reluctant to change, and it's killing the club, fans are speaking with their feet and the non attenders are growing in number, something has to be done doesn't it.

why what's the worst thing what can happen, relegation,?

it's gonna happen anyway, dying a slow death, our hardcore next season will be 800 at most + away fans, I predict we will see crowds lower than Accrington Stanley.

rather have Ridsdale, than a owner like we have now, who's abandoned us.

[BoroRedShrimp]

Good grief, I hope Ridsdale come nowhere near the club, same goes for Keith Hill, either of those would drive me away for their duration.....as for the current tactics, these are really unacceptable but it would appear Jim is totally reluctant to change, and it's killing the club, fans are speaking with their feet and the non attenders are growing in number, something has to be done doesn't it.

why what's the worst thing what can happen, relegation,?

it's gonna happen anyway, dying a slow death, our hardcore next season will be 800 at most + away fans, I predict we will see crowds lower than Accrington Stanley.

rather have Ridsdale, than a owner like we have now, who's abandoned us.

I agree George. We have to do something or Morecambe may not exist if we carry on. Fans have disappeared and we need to get them back as quickly as possible. The only way that is going to happen is changes at the top.

[black morse]

Good grief, I hope Ridsdale come nowhere near the club, same goes for Keith Hill, either of those would drive me away for their duration.....as for the current tactics, these are really unacceptable but it would appear Jim is totally reluctant to change, and it's killing the club, fans are speaking with their feet and the non attenders are growing in number, something has to be done doesn't it.

why what's the worst thing what can happen, relegation,?

it's gonna happen anyway, dying a slow death, our hardcore next season will be 800 at most + away fans, I predict we will see crowds lower than Accrington Stanley.

rather have Ridsdale, than a owner like we have now, who's abandoned us.

[black morse]

Good grief, I hope Ridsdale come nowhere near the club, same goes for Keith Hill, either of those would drive me away for their duration.....as for the current tactics, these are really unacceptable but it would appear Jim is totally reluctant to change, and it's killing the club, fans are speaking with their feet and the non attenders are growing in number, something has to be done doesn't it.

why what's the worst thing what can happen, relegation,?

it's gonna happen anyway, dying a slow death, our hardcore next season will be 800 at most + away fans, I predict we will see crowds lower than Accrington Stanley.

rather have Ridsdale, than a owner like we have now, who's abandoned us.

The worst that can happen is that we get done over for the few assets we have and go into liquidation. Look at the clubs it has happened to. Relegation will be awful but not as awful as having no club.

[Seasider9601]

same goes for Keith Hill, either of those would drive me away for their duration....

Keith Hill is a decent manager at league 1/2 level.

NOT when you're quoting a Barnsley fan he isn't........

[Arnside Red]

Seasider is right, I have personal experience of both of these characters at my club and whilst I don't want to get into an argument with anyone on here, we are all entitled to our own opinion, I would not go near a club with PR in control........he left a trail of devastation behind him at Leeds, Barnsley and Cardiff.......I was told by an acquaintance of his that the only reason he was interested (allegedly) in Barnsley was for the land they owned.....he took them within a couple of hours of a second liquidation in 2 years...I will never forget this....anyway, each to his own....Keith Hill would be alright at this level, he is proven but he again has nothing but contempt for the fans, even Rochdale fans will agree re this,

[Kendalshrimp]

Can someone tell me why Keith hills name is being mentioned in the same sentence as our new manager he's within touching distance of the league 1 play offs at a club he's loved with a bigger budget and fan base. More chance of us signing Adam Johnson than hill coming to us

[Christies Child]

Good grief, I hope Ridsdale come nowhere near the club, same goes for Keith Hill, either of those would drive me away for their duration.....as for the current tactics, these are really unacceptable but it would appear Jim is totally reluctant to change, and it's killing the club, fans are speaking with their feet and the non attenders are growing in number, something has to be done doesn't it.

why what's the worst thing what can happen, relegation,?

it's gonna happen anyway, dying a slow death, our hardcore next season will be 800 at most + away fans, I predict we will see crowds lower than Accrington Stanley.

rather have Ridsdale, than a owner like we have now, who's abandoned us.

What a load of utter rubbish....

[BoroRedShrimp]

All depends on the new owner. If it is somebody like Ridsdale I can see changes but all depends on who. Coleman won't leave Stanley for Morecambe. I like Keith Hill but again he won't leave Rochdale, so the only other managers are the ones out of work. Steve Cotterill would be a good choice as done a decent job at Notts County & Bristol City, but depends on location and wages.

KendalShrimp, if you bothered to read my post I stated he won't come to Morecambe as he is at Rochdale, just like Coleman at Accy. Jim is still our manager until the owners decide otherwise. We need to still get behind him, whether he has made bad decisions or not.

[BoroRedShrimp]

Good grief, I hope Ridsdale come nowhere near the club, same goes for Keith Hill, either of those would drive me away for their duration.....as for the current tactics, these are really unacceptable but it would appear Jim is totally reluctant to change, and it's killing the club, fans are speaking with their feet and the non attenders are growing in number, something has to be done doesn't it.

why what's the worst thing what can happen, relegation,?

it's gonna happen anyway, dying a slow death, our hardcore next season will be 800 at most + away fans, I predict we will see crowds lower than Accrington Stanley.

rather have Ridsdale, than a owner like we have now, who's abandoned us.

What a load of utter rubbish....

Maybe Ridsdale is a risk but it depends if we want money spent on improvements to the ground, better quality players for Jim to be able to sign & better atmosphere throughout the ground with fans returning. It may not be what we want, but for the club to progress we need a chairman who can splash the cash sensibly and not get us in debt. Burton chairman springs to mind.

[Shrimpy]

Maybe Ridsdale is a risk but it depends if we want money spent on improvements to the ground, better quality players for Jim to be able to sign & better atmosphere throughout the ground with fans returning. It may not be what we want, but for the club to progress we need a chairman who can splash the cash sensibly and not get us in debt. Burton chairman springs to mind.

Any idea how wealthy Risdale actually is and whether he's got the financial might to run a football club that is currently losing £500k a year?

[Posh]

Well done Supermarket Shrimp.

Nice to have some well thought through positivity on here. Agree with a lot of what you've said.

I'm torn at the moment because I genuinely think this is one of the best squads we've ever had and we've underperformed. The reasons for that are many - from floods to injuries to money - but Jim has to take responsibility for a large part of it. We should play more to our strengths than the oppositions and it has hurt us time after time.

[BoroRedShrimp]

Ridsdale is not my cup of tea with his track record but plenty of decent investors out there who probably bankroll the club. Hemming's has not done a bad job at Preston North End. Whoever we have, somebody will take a dislike to but it depends whether we want the club to progress or die completely. My biggest fear is we end up like Rushden & Diamonds or Stockport, so we have to move on.

[Shrimpy]

I'm torn at the moment because I genuinely think this is one of the best squads we've ever had and we've underperformed.

We're currently on 43 points with 6 games left. The worst season we've had under Jim saw us finish on 54 points so that means we need to get at least 12 points (4 wins or 3 wins & 3 draws) to avoid this being the worst season under his tenure.

As you say, arguably the best squad Jim has had and he's returned the worst performance.

[SupermarketShrimp]

I'm torn at the moment because I genuinely think this is one of the best squads we've ever had and we've underperformed.

We're currently on 43 points with 6 games left. The worst season we've had under Jim saw us finish on 54 points so that means we need to get at least 12 points (4 wins or 3 wins & 3 draws) to avoid this being the worst season under his tenure.

As you say, arguably the best squad Jim has had and he's returned the worst performance.

It reminds me of the last season of Sammy where we took a punt on a load of players that if it'd worked would have been brilliant, it just hasn't worked.

I expect a return to some horrible meatheads to kick a bit more TBH from the interviews that I've listened to.

It someone had have offered us 12th after being 8th for a bit everyone would have gone never mind eh. We will probably just attack it from the other angle. Playoffs for a club our size would have been really going some.

The negativity will kill the club though, it needs sorting.

[Seasider9601]

Am I missing something?

Ridsdale is at PNE doing quite alright thank you very much (so I'm told, anyway) - so why would he come here?

Or am I missing something blatantly obvious ??!!

[John L]

Assuming that the present management team 'walk' or are pushed by any new owners who would we like to step into the hot seat...

Personally I'd like us to go for a 'name' who has connections at the highest level of football....and for me Lytham based former Man City and England star Trevor Sinclair fits the bill, despite his short term as Assistant Manager at the Dolly blues.

At least he talks a good attacking game which would be a refreshing change from what we hear now...

He's talked himself into trouble and out of any reckoning, in my opinion...
http://www.itv.com/news/2018-01-02/ex-man-city-and-england-winger-trevor-sinclair-pleads-guilty/

[Christies Child]

Would have to agree, but had it not been for his behaviour and the drink driving ban he would have been the ideal replacement in my opinion BUT the crowds post match reception v Yeovil towards Jimbo it would make those having to make the decision very hard indeed.