Newest article: Re: The longest posts ever - Part 6 by rwakeleyToday 05:10Today at 05:10:42view thread
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The longest posts ever - Part 1
Views: 17
Into,
I used to do this back in the day. Many parts of great inspiration, passed down, akin to the Muses from Mount Olympus!
What a waste of time that was!
The consensus appears to be along the lines of this is era being the worst act since The Osmonds!
It's five in the morning, and I'm not even drunk.
I'm more optimistic, because I believe the situation is retrievable and despite obvious headwinds it's always at it's darkest before the dawn. I have some thoughts....
Re: The longest posts ever - Part 2
Views: 10
Oversight.
What is it now, 3 managers (ish), in 20 years. Are Hendon about to go more post Sir Alex at Man Utd over time or remain calm and collected? The words laissez-fairese spring to mind. Blessing or a curse? I'm being totally honest - not be critical - we all have our opinions. I would not have gone down the interim route post Lee's departure, particularly with someone with no experience. I would not have appointed Ben either. In a mass exodus backrop is hardly condusive for someone still pretty raw. Having said that, I back the management and thankfully leave those decisions to others.
I do again maintain this is an inflexion point. The gaffer has said as much himself. In my view, not just predicated on results, but moreover on the mid-term horizon. This division is that poor that getting relegated again seems almost impossible. An unbeaten run of 10 matches, you can reach the play-offs, but for I, the bigger picture 18 months out is more significant than short-term fluctuations. I believe the problems on the pitch emanate from the move the Southern League and are not of Ben's making and remain unresolved.
Re: The longest posts ever - Part 3
Views: 10
No text
Re: The longest posts ever - Part 3 - 2nd attempt
Views: 13
Don't know what just happened! I'm back!
Listened to the gaffers most recent. I get similar vibes to the end of James Gray days in the post-match synopsis. I used to bang on about how Hendon capitulated second half and primarily focus on central midfield. Ryan Hope being a constant source of reference. A scapegoat, a current topic of wider conversation. Everything seems to swirl in the same overall external context these days.
I highlight this to suggest and try and give my thoughts to on the pitch rather than off it. Solutions, that's what we need.
The only period of success since the Southern was clearly under Lee for something like 12 months. For I, and all my ranting, It's merely frustration born out of seeing potential remedies.
Edited by rwakeley at 04:50:49 on 10th December 2025
Re: The longest posts ever - Part 4
Views: 14
Footballing wise, I agree with AA on FB! I think he's a knowledgable lad. As with I, we have our ways of communicating. My Geography teacher said I waffled! Can't be right!
AA's comments on Kingstonian playing fast and direct being the type of side Hendon struggle against being spot on. I think the formation is the key with these teams AA identifying cutting through the midfield like a knife through butter. The constant reference to yet another modern day part the vernacular 'transition' covering up the fundamental flaw rather than providing a solution, another longer-standing unresolved red flag. Watching the likes of Dorchester visit SJP and inflicting identical defeats in consecutive seasons demonstrating no progress.
Re: The longest posts ever - Part 5
Views: 11
I admit I'm completely old fashioned and probably out of touch. I hate 3 at the back. I think you need every component firing for it to work. You can't have one side not functioning. Managers seem today to persist with this 'philosophy' regardless of it's effectiveness. Factors like injuries and scupper the best made plans and Gary was fortunate that in his second play-off side, he was injury free. And Gary, for his credit, I naturally would gravitate to his first play-off side, has given future Hendon managers a template from which to work. The blue-print is there. I like 4-4-2, but then I would. I think it;s easier to maintain, more workmanlike, and provides defensive strength.
For me, there is no amount of tweaking the shape or midweek training sessions which can compensate for a weakened immune system.
Lee to his credit, shored the up the spine, Joe White 10, Tommy Brewer did a sterling job protecting the back line. Consideration with regards to correct formation for the environment is also a hallmark. I think you can compensate the correct approach for a reduced level in quality - to a certain degree. Get both components wrong, you see the results.
Re: The longest posts ever - Part 6
Views: 13
I'm trying to get the workings of the current gaffer's mind down on a bit of paper. I do think he comes across well. At the end of the day all of them just give a commentary. What goes on behind closed doors is another matter. Hendon have seen the best of times and the worst of times recently. There's a considerable amount of options on the table with regards to the managers approach and styles, irrespective of personnel. I'll leave that one there.
I do think this is the market bottom for Hendon. Similar to James Gray vibes when I referenced the song 'Build' by The Housemartins. I do think the lyrics are somewhat poignant.
If the play-offs are out of reach, serious planning with regards to the coaching of the players to incorporate a more solid team is paramount. The older heads in the squad are going on the wrong side of their individual bell curve. This is a massive rebuild. It is not daunting, it's a great opportunity to start effectively from scratch. Short-term its back to basics.
Other clubs across the board have rebuilt in adversity and come back and flourished.
Let's Build!
Edited by rwakeley at 05:22:14 on 10th December 2025
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