Manager/Coach Des Buckingham

[Northstandboy]

Manager Stats (Click Below)

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[dickwalton1964]

Nah I don’t agree with this.

We raced into a two goal lead and then were unlucky to concede one before halftime - which completely shot our confidence. We didn’t look like a side who wanted to compete and get forward, we desperately tried to sit back and hang on to our lead.

I’m not saying it was Des’ fault as such (unless at half time he screamed at them to sit deep and defend at all costs) but I don’t think it was due to tiredness. If we’d gone in 2-0 up and managed not to concede for the first 10-15 mins of the first half I think we’d have got at least a draw from that game…

It was probably the deepest I’ve ever seen us defend - whether that was tiredness, desperation or tactical is hard to know. We definitely sat off Derby though when we went 2-0, it looked like we’d decided not to keep our foot in the gas and go for a 3rd or 4th. I agree the goal on half time was a killer but the writing was on the wall 15-20 minutes before that, we’d stopped attacking and looking for further goals.

 

[Eric Blair]

It's not just the players failing to carry out the game plan, though - it's also the fact that some opposition are better able to counter it than others.

Murphy has just torn four successive bad defenses to shreds.....but before that, he was mostly kept quiet by Gethin Jones, who is an outstanding defender at this level. And with him and Dale getting no change, we were completely lacking in ideas.

That's why there's still an element of 'Yes, it's been great, but.......' at the moment. Until we've seen DesBall really work against a good side (and I mean work as in we win the game, not glorious failure like at Pompey) then there's going to be doubts.

Peterborough and then Lincoln are going to be two terrific tests - firstly the best attack in the division (on a Goals per Game basis), and then the best defense in the space of four days.

This time next week, we will have a much better idea of whether Des is going to make it.

Yep. We are over-reliant on either Murphy skinning defenders or one of Brannagan's long range efforts being deflected in. We could really do with RR finding his mojo again and putting together those inch perfect passes through the middle

 

[Foley]

Yep. We are over-reliant on either Murphy skinning defenders or one of Brannagan's long range efforts being deflected in. We could really do with RR finding his mojo again and putting together those inch perfect passes through the middle

I tend to agree. RR needs to find some form. Des has stuck with him - if he found his form, we will be far more difficult to play against.

 

[dickwalton1964]

I tend to agree. RR needs to find some form. Des has stuck with him - if he found his form, we will be far more difficult to play against.

I think he's been a bit better these last few games, him and Goodrham combined well.

 

[Foley]

I think he's been a bit better these last few games, him and Goodrham combined well.

I am not sure that he has been as good as at the start of the season.
From the perspective of scoring goals, opening up defences.

 

[yellow rose of Texas]

I think that's a fair assessment. There can't be excuses, he has to deliver in these games - it's what good managers do, win the big fixtures. Des has had his 25 game bedding in period, he's going in to these games all guns blazing, players on form, three games to shape the season. I'm feeling reasonably confident he is going to do this, I'm not entirely confident he wont revert to type and sit on a narrow lead for 75 minutes, but I have a lot more faith in him now they I did three or four weeks ago. Here's hoping!

f**k off and support Watford

 

[Osei Yaw]

Nah I don’t agree with this.

We raced into a two goal lead and then were unlucky to concede one before halftime - which completely shot our confidence. We didn’t look like a side who wanted to compete and get forward, we desperately tried to sit back and hang on to our lead.

I’m not saying it was Des’ fault as such (unless at half time he screamed at them to sit deep and defend at all costs) but I don’t think it was due to tiredness. If we’d gone in 2-0 up and managed not to concede for the first 10-15 mins of the first half I think we’d have got at least a draw from that game…

I think a large part of the problem was that we didn't have a team that was going to allow us to compete and get forward.

Our bench for that game was:

Eastwood
Gorrin
Henry
McEachran
O'Donkor
Smyth
Thorniley

And the only pace in the team that started that match was Mills and Harris, and both of those had been flogged pretty hard over the Christmas period.

We were crying out for some options off the bench in that game who could take the game to Derby, but we had nothing. No Browne, no Edwards, no Murphy. Derby were able to pen us in safe in the knowledge that James Henry wasn't running in behind them and it was attritional Warne football of cross then corner then cross then corner.

The only thing I wondered if Buckingham could've done differently was get GO'D on earlier and then ask him to try and win some fouls off the centre backs to get us up the pitch a bit, but even that was asking a lot of a 19 year old up against centre backs like Cashin and Nelson.

For me, that game perfectly underlined how limited our squad was. Things are looking better at the moment but all it needs is Murphy and Browne back in the treatment room and things will unravel quickly.

 

[Eric Blair]

I am not sure that he has been as good as at the start of the season.
From the perspective of scoring goals, opening up defences.

Agreed. Not totally anonymous and did a lovely ball to put Harris through (against Port Vale?) but not on his early form yet

 

[Eric Blair]

I think a large part of the problem was that we didn't have a team that was going to allow us to compete and get forward.

Our bench for that game was:

Eastwood
Gorrin
Henry
McEachran
O'Donkor
Smyth
Thorniley

And the only pace in the team that started that match was Mills and Harris, and both of those had been flogged pretty hard over the Christmas period.

We were crying out for some options off the bench in that game who could take the game to Derby, but we had nothing. No Browne, no Edwards, no Murphy. Derby were able to pen us in safe in the knowledge that James Henry wasn't running in behind them and it was attritional Warne football of cross then corner then cross then corner.

The only thing I wondered if Buckingham could've done differently was get GO'D on earlier and then ask him to try and win some fouls off the centre backs to get us up the pitch a bit, but even that was asking a lot of a 19 year old up against centre backs like Cashin and Nelson.

For me, that game perfectly underlined how limited our squad was. Things are looking better at the moment but all it needs is Murphy and Browne back in the treatment room and things will unravel quickly.

I was at that Derby game and the other thing I noticed was how hard that team worked. They flogged themselves to bits and kept running despite being totally knackered. They didnt strike me as a team that had given up on Des. I made a point of clapping them off (I'm near the tunnel South Stand Lower) despite the loss. They ran their socks off and were clearly gutted.

 

[Thomas/Brock/Jones]

I was at that Derby game and the other thing I noticed was how hard that team worked. They flogged themselves to bits and kept running despite being totally knackered. They didnt strike me as a team that had given up on Des. I made a point of clapping them off (I'm near the tunnel South Stand Lower) despite the loss. They ran their socks off and were clearly gutted.

Goodrham having to go off at half time really limited our attacking options as well

 

[38yearsofpain]

f**k off and support Watford

What have Watford done to upset you!

 

[Eric Blair]

Another controversial opinion. I think Dick gets too much of a hard time on this forum.

 

[Gregortheox]

If I was Buckingham, I would really relish these next 4 games.

I’m not sure of the details regarding his appointment and what did, should have and didn’t occur in the days and weeks after, but I’m routing for him so much. I’m still not convinced that it will work out for him but we will have a much better idea very soon. Besides, not one of our squad are in the position to down tools or not perform. I get the feeling a few of them tried to deflect their own shortcomings and got found out.

Lastly, it must be very hard for everyone on the playing side at OUFC at the moment. A lot has happened in 18 months.

 

[IsleofWightYellow]

Another controversial opinion. I think Dick gets too much of a hard time on this forum.

I do feel a little uncomfortable with this recent pile on that seems to be happening - I’m sure he’ll come out and say he’s got thick skin and it doesn’t bother him etc but it can’t be nice having everyone lay into him and random accounts popping up to abuse him… yes he brings it upon himself to an extent but let’s not forget people’s mental health, we come on here because we all support the same team and while there’s nothing wrong with disagreeing and even criticising other posters when it feels like it’s everyone, all the time, for me it gets a bit much at times.

 

[LowerSouth]

Agreed.
His name may be Dick, but continually calling him one can’t be good.

 

[Nox]

Indeed, I'm a fairly new member on the forum. I can understand why some people have stopped posting and seemingly left.
The name calling and vitriol at times overstep the mark imo.
I can only assume we are all OUFC fans and want what's best for the Club.
We all have differing opinions and angles on how we reach those opinions.
We aren't always going to agree with each other.
A forum is a platform for debate and differing opinions.
I just feel we should respect each other's views and challenge differing opinions in a respectful manner.
Anyway, 4 important matches coming up, let's get behind the lads and hopefully we will grab a playoff place.

 

[Eric Blair]

If I was Buckingham, I would really relish these next 4 games.

I’m not sure of the details regarding his appointment and what did, should have and didn’t occur in the days and weeks after, but I’m routing for him so much. I’m still not convinced that it will work out for him but we will have a much better idea very soon. Besides, not one of our squad are in the position to down tools or not perform. I get the feeling a few of them tried to deflect their own shortcomings and got found out.

Lastly, it must be very hard for everyone on the playing side at OUFC at the moment. A lot has happened in 18 months.

It’s been a hell of a season and I’m sure manager and players alike are feeling it. Now is the final push. As you say I’m behind Des and all the lads

 

[dickwalton1964]

I do feel a little uncomfortable with this recent pile on that seems to be happening - I’m sure he’ll come out and say he’s got thick skin and it doesn’t bother him etc but it can’t be nice having everyone lay into him and random accounts popping up to abuse him… yes he brings it upon himself to an extent but let’s not forget people’s mental health, we come on here because we all support the same team and while there’s nothing wrong with disagreeing and even criticising other posters when it feels like it’s everyone, all the time, for me it gets a bit much at times.

Thanks. You’re right, my skin is thick and it’s not so much the personal stick I get but more the childish, tiresome and tedious replies. I’ll admit that I’m not entirely blameless, although I do feel I’m responding to a lot of nonsense a lot of the time, rather than instigating it. My biggest failings, to the wider audience, is probably what I consider normal traits - honesty, straight talking and impartiality. I don’t have favourites and I don’t have agendas. If I think Karl Robinson is a good manager, I’ll say it, and if I think Des Buckingham is doing a crap job I’ll say it too. If the roles reverse I have no problem back tracking my views either. A lot on here have interesting views, are a good read and knowledgeable - some nemesis’ of mine, some not. There are about 6 or 7 though who live in a pink, fluffy, Oxford United world, full of pixies and fairies - they can’t handle the mildest criticism and, in turn, their only riposte is to try and belittle rather than engage.

 

[chuckbert]

This forum:

 

[Thomas/Brock/Jones]

Thanks. You’re right, my skin is thick and it’s not so much the personal stick I get but more the childish, tiresome and tedious replies. I’ll admit that I’m not entirely blameless, although I do feel I’m responding to a lot of nonsense a lot of the time, rather than instigating it. My biggest failings, to the wider audience, is probably what I consider normal traits - honesty, straight talking and impartiality. I don’t have favourites and I don’t have agendas. If I think Karl Robinson is a good manager, I’ll say it, and if I think Des Buckingham is doing a crap job I’ll say it too. If the roles reverse I have no problem back tracking my views either. A lot on here have interesting views, are a good read and knowledgeable - some nemesis’ of mine, some not. There are about 6 or 7 though who live in a pink, fluffy, Oxford United world, full of pixies and fairies - they can’t handle the mildest criticism and, in turn, their only riposte is to try and belittle rather than engage.

Surely any Oxford world would be yellow !! Obviously a Man U fan, cover blown !
We are here to have different opinions but ultimately to support the team and club , yes calling out poor form etc is part of it but some on here live in a dank, rotting world no doubt red who only see turds or decay rather than shoots of spring flowers poking through.
It's the continuous attacks on the team that annoy people rather than a well thought out comment to discuss.
Not saying you are the one Dick but some do go on ...and on for no obvious benefit.