THE CONCRETE ROUNDABOUT (TCR)

Last season PW was lauding how we had got our identity back, playing nice football the MK way and hailing LM as the man for implementing it.

The football this season is light years from how we played last term, we’ve lost the identity again, playing long hopeful balls is NOT the MK way, it’s the Tisdale, Nielson way, it’s infuriating to watch, dull as ditchwater, with players aimlessly lumbering around hoping for the best.

I can’t believe Pete is happy/enjoying watching this dross, if he his let’s hear from him

Gonna give it a listen this afternoon.

Regarding Manning - glowing review from Pete in his opening remarks on Liam M being the best coach we have ever had at the club.
Sounds like he backs him 100%.
Also mentions that had we gone up we would have probably been able to keep Darling and Twine and would have been trying hard to get Coventry and Parrot back.

Edit to add some thoughts as I listen.

Sweeting attempts to explain what LM's possession with purpose style is all about.
Essentially is sounds like being direct and the 1st pass anyone should look for is the ball in behind to set an attacker away.
If this isn't on the next pass should be a forward one to break the lines.
If nothing is one retain the ball and work it across the pitch to open up the opposition by disrupting their shape.
Perhaps explains the tendency of our players to lump it long atm.

Sweeting and Pete both very bullish on the quality of the signings we've signed for transfer fees (Grant, Devoy, Burns and Tucker all name dropped by Pete).
Sweeting adamant the potential is higher than last season (not sure I agree) but that it will take time for these young additions to settle into a new way of playing.

Not sure I agree with them either, and here is what LS also said:

"LS: ...so it's been a rocky start, but that's all it is.
We've signed some really good players.
I've got a list here of 8 or 9 players that we beat clubs to that are much bigger in financial clout to us.
I don't share the view that it's going to be that much of a poor season, because I'm still really excited about the development that's going to come in these players.

AG: Starting tomorrow night..."



See 53 mins & 40 secs or so, here: https://www.mkdons.com/news/2022/september/ifollow-mk-dons-fans-forum-2022/

I’m still willing to believe them about the squad potential; they’re better players than the performances suggest. But it sure isn’t working yet. Did they give any indication as to when things will improve?

I’m still willing to believe them about the squad potential; they’re better players than the performances suggest. But it sure isn’t working yet. Did they give any indication as to when things will improve?

Not until the 12th of never, and that's a long long time.