ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Big-mouth Moyes

Has anyone else noticed David Moyes' new tactic of standing on the touchline for the whole game attempting to direct play like a conductor at the Royal Albert Hall? During the Metalist game the Five TV microphones were right next to our manager and so he could be heard throughout the game telling each player what to do, when to pass, to get back faster etc. I get the feeling that this just puts the players off and prevents them from working on instinct.

On Sunday at Villa he could be heard screaming at Victor Anichebe and while the advice he was giving was correct, it seems a bit overbearing and distracting. I like Moyes and whilst his tactics can at times be a bit suspect, he seems to be a genuine man-manager and always has a super-fit team. However, this new practice of directing play the entire game shows a certain lack of trust in his players.
Danny Beats, London Posted 24/09/2007 at 13:21:24

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Tony Marsh
1 Posted 24/09/2007 at 15:45:27

Danny its been going on since day one with Moyes mate.I touched on this a few years back and noticed how the players are constantly being hounded by the manager.It must be a real ball breaker playing for this guy.He needs to be up in the main stand for 60 minutes and let the players play.

Tony Towers
2 Posted 24/09/2007 at 16:51:45

Tony I agree with you there just let the players play. When you watch SAF or watched Maureen at Chelski they never belt out orders like Mr Moyes.

Let them play Davie.

terry downes
3 Posted 24/09/2007 at 16:59:03

if it was me he was shouting at i,d be ready to tell him shut the f--- up, im sure 1 or 2 must think the same

Declan O Shaughnessy
4 Posted 24/09/2007 at 17:27:41

I have to admit that, as big a fan as I am of Moyes in general, this new passion for shouting at the players for 90 minutes is really getting on my tits. I don’t remember Moyes ever being this bad in previous seasons, even though he always stood on the touchline watching everything (which I quite like). But I’ve always equated shouting at players during a game with bad management. I’ve only ever seen poor managers do this, and can’t remember ever seeing a successful manager do it.

Tell your players what to do before the game, again at half time, and explain what they did wrong to them after the game. You shouldn’t need to keep telling them during the game, surely. Trust in their ability and knowledge. There again, with our lot, is that really such a good idea? Maybe all it shows is how much Moyes cares. I mean, I shout at the tv / monitor at home, so who’s the bigger fool?

But Davey, please shut up for a while. Practice your "if you do that again I’ll going to murder you" stare. It might be more effective.

Tommy Coleman
5 Posted 24/09/2007 at 17:38:49

I made this point about Inspector Clouseau after the comedy against Metalist. He needs to relise that he can’t be pupet master with his players. It reminds of Parents and Coaches ( in Britain ) shouting orders at 7 year olds scaring the life and expression out of them. Its no wonder we don’t see any flair at the club. How Arteta ignores it baffles me, he must be deaf.

Phil Bellis
6 Posted 24/09/2007 at 17:47:09

As I’ve mentioned previously Tony, there’d be less need for barking instructions for 90 mins if we had any kind of leadership on the field, e.g a Ratcliffe or a Reid etc. We’ve got no-one who can get a grip, kick arse and sort problems out when things go wrong during a game. While I agree players should know the game plan (?), I don’t think the manager should have to think for them all the time. I suppose it’s moot now what came first..the 90 mins touchline coaching or the need for it.

Jeremy Benson
7 Posted 24/09/2007 at 18:16:32

Have some of you never been to a game?! Moyes has been doing this from the start.

When he gets the team on board, we do well. When he doesnt, it goes badly wrong. Its erred more on the latter, and I hoped after season 1’s players "talk" that he had backed off, but clearly old habits die hard.

Nick Harrison
8 Posted 24/09/2007 at 18:20:51

All managers do this. If not them, their assistants do.

Russell Smith
9 Posted 24/09/2007 at 18:47:48

I like our manager to show a bit of passion on the sidelines..but i have to admit that I have noticed his constant stream of orders in recent matches...It could definitly show a lack of faith in our players. Anyway, more importantly has anyone else noticed the pattern of the last few seasons?? Starting with a 4-4-2 after about 5 or 6 disappointing results reverting back to a 4-5-1. Our attack is probably the best its been in ages but our midfield just isnt up to the task with only 4 of them in their...when Cahill, Outeta and Tommy come back it will be interesting to see what Moyes Decides.

Mark Stanley
10 Posted 24/09/2007 at 19:10:16

Does anybody agree that it is alot easier to see how the game is developing tactically from higher up in the stands and maybe this is the reason why Moyes often gets tactics wrong? Maybe he should sit in the stands an contact Irvine via an ear piece on the touchline with better informed tactical instructions in the way that Sam Allardyce does at Newcastle, instead of getting over excited an ranting at the players.

Steve Taylor
11 Posted 24/09/2007 at 19:47:55

Completely agree Mark - I’ve always found Moyes constant calling of every ball annoying as a fan - so God knows how professional footballers deal with it every week. He should be a bit more removed & watching the 1st half from the stands would give him a better perspective & if necessary Irvine could do a bit of balling!

Peter Singer
12 Posted 24/09/2007 at 20:14:48

You can see Sir Alex and Mourinho doing the very same thing when they feel the players are not sticking to the tactics. Heck, Mourinho even used to send letters along with the subs.

The same goes for Allardyce, his players at Bolton knew what he wanted from them so they didn’t need to be shouted at.

I bet if he sat in the stands someone would come here and start moaning about Moyes not getting involved in the match and claiming that he doesn’t even try to sort out the tactical problems on the spot.

I’m far from being a great footballer but I don’t have objections of any kind to being told what to do as long as the advice is correct. Neither do I find it distracting despite my ball control being far worse than Hibbert’s.

Peter Singer
13 Posted 24/09/2007 at 20:28:49

I have to admit that earphone thing does make sense though.

Mark Stanley
14 Posted 24/09/2007 at 21:27:54

Peter, I agree players need to be given positive an negative feedback by somebody on the touchline, but does that have to be the manager for the full ninety minutes? Having sat low down and high up at games myself, its amazing how differently you see the game from the different viewpoints. I just feel that Moyes seems to get so involved in the game that he forgets that he should be looking at the bigger picture, hence him often seeing things that we can all see in the stands, only when its too late. Also, Irvine has a good relationship with the players and seems like the type who would make a good touchline assistant to shout at the players when necesary.

Dick Fearon
15 Posted 24/09/2007 at 23:32:28

Here in the land of Oz, referees will warn then report coaches who constantly bellow instructions to juniors.
The idea is to encourage kids to think for themselves and not be used as pawns on a chess board.
In Moyes case he is dealing with adult professionals earning fabulous wages. I am amazed that he has not yet been ’decked’ and would not be surprised if it happened any day now.

John Audsley
16 Posted 25/09/2007 at 10:02:51

Love the idea of a player coming over and decking Moyes, would add a certain comedy value to pretty dire times!!

Also, All Irvine seems to do is look blank and write things down on scraps of paper which he then passes to Moyes. I wonder if they say the following

"Oi Phil run faster"

"Chase him down Faddy"

"WORK HARDER, RUN FASTER"

Maybe words like pass the ball or try to create someting might be a little better

Well, i can dream cant i!