29 Aug 2026 12:22:06
I'm very intrigued by your perspective as a professional EHL on the Mcinnes situation.
As you've mentioned, you have a much better insight on the behind the scenes situations and greater insight as an actual pro coach.
However I don't fully agree with your assessment completely (from the outside looking in of course).
For example you mentioned that you don't necessarily believe the coaching/tactical direction is an issue (at least what I've gathered from certain posts, I could be wrong)
However, things that I can definitely see as a viewer is his constant formation changes are very detrimental, the players can't settle into a game and style. Also imagine fkr players like Dan Neil who aren't necessarily the problem (or sole problem) in a game constantly getting hooked at half time will affect their confidence and faith.
Chuckwuani who looked much better as a proper CM against st Mirren, linking play and carrying the ball, was played in such an advanced position for 45 minutes he was virtually a 2nd striker and unable to affect the game. That must be Derek, seeing as he could tell Chuck during the game (drop deeper) and indeed because we saw Chuck do that against st Mirren. Hooking both his wingers (especially Gassama who while wasn't managing to get his last 3rd right was actually a threat).
You also spoke about the team of individuals (again please forgive me if I got this wrong)
But the signings of Neil, Shankland, McCrorie, Godfrey, Devlin are meant to remedy this issue and build a leadership group/team. So what's the point of acquiring them if they are just as bad as the previous leadership group? Is this down to recruitment failing to get the right characters? Or Derek failing to help build that team spirit? I know of course they need time to gel but the level they've dropped to in this 'gelling' process is mortifying and beyond the pale of some of our worst performances.
And for me, perhaps pedantically, some of Dereks pressers saying things like "ironically we looked more of a threat with 1 striker" screams to me of a fundamental misunderstanding of A- why we have failed to create chances and be a threat in a 4-4-2 and B-his understanding of how control of a game and chances are created to be a threat.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things but that's the main points I can think of just now. EHL if you have the time or the interest to give better insight on these points I would very much enjoy discussing it. I hope this hasn't come across as a hate piece and certainly not as an attack on you or your opinion EHL, I'm just genuinely curious.
(Also of course if anyone else wants to contribute with opinions on either side of the coin, please do)
29 Aug 2026 13:12:58
I'm okay with you not agreeing with me, but I'll be honest, I can't be bothered responding to all that. Sorry.
29 Aug 2026 13:19:24
Hahahahha no worries, EHL. It was a big post.
29 Aug 2026 13:21:22
He has a cheek calling them strikers! Kent, Morelos and Aribo would have run riot against that mob on Thursday. Shows how much we've regressed.
29 Aug 2026 13:22:16
Taking his first point into account about changing formations, does this have a negative effect on the team?
I see teams changing shape at HT every week, and it can have an almost instant impact. I also think any pro should be able to adapt to a different formation as instructed, as long as it's nothing radical.
29 Aug 2026 13:33:01
Mowzer,
I think, certainly early on in a season, it can be disruptive, the team haven't had time to actually build a chemistry between themselves.