Stubborn seems to be a word used quite a lot recently in relation to PP. I get the impression he reads this forum and takes very little onboard of the opinions of the supporters, which by the way, I have zero problem with. The problem I do have is that the opinions expressed on here and around the ground all seem to be one and the same, and that’s play your flipping players in their correct positions in a formation that they’re all understanding of!
My second issue seems to be that his recruitment is based on three things -
1- Played for Nantwich, a la Morgan, Mullarkey
2- Played for him previously - White, Hancock, Hulme, Osborne
3- A miles past his best journeyman - LS, Pringle, Furman
It’s like sentiment plays a massive part in his ability to want to retain players or re-sign players who he already knows. Look how offering EVERYONE new two year deals after promotion.
I might be in a minority here but it feels like PP is stuck in a rut after being here for so long, and he’s just hoping things turn without any real plan.
Don't agree with this I'm afraid.
Thompson
Senior
Colclough
Kosylo
Hampson
Jones
Smith
Mooney
Hulme
Poole
Durrell
Ceesay
Some of our best additions don't fit your criteria.
Sure there was an influx from his Nantwich squad in 2017/18, but why wouldn't there have been? It worked out pretty well. We added a couple more over time but again, why wouldn't a manager bring in a player he knows, if he thinks he's up to the task? At the end of the day it's gotten us to where we are and for that reason we shouldn't have anything but praise for the approach.
That said, it does seem that we are at a bit of a recruitment crossroads now - but the addition of Marriott is a good indication of what we're probably looking to do long term.
I was actually talking about this season though, hence all the players I mentioned. His recruitment had been first class up until promotion, but I feel after eighteen months at this level we’re no closer to having a different recruitment strategy.
Yes managers will always have players that have done well for them elsewhere and yes they’ll have players who follow them from club to club but ultimately, if he continues with players he knows, that well will soon run dry.
And let’s be right here, he got the cast offs from Salford when they went full time, the likes of Jordan, Poolie and JJ all came together as mates.
PP is a bonafide legend, the football we’ve played over the last five years has been brilliant to watch, but it’s the here and now that I’m bothered about.
There’s always a reason, and for me, that’s the recruitment that has been wrong over the last two seasons.
