DCFC_Sloth

I really liked the theory that was laid out in the final couple of years of Mel’s tenure (frightening sentence, I know). The idea that over half the first team would be made up of academy players, with high quality loans to cover shorter term gaps and good signings brought in to cover areas where there were no players coming through. I thought this was quite a good model in the modern day. It would attract youngsters with high ceilings to the club as their was a clear path to the first team, build confidence with other clubs to lend us their best talent, and allow us to spend decent money on players as academy players would be pure profit. It seemed to align academy with first team and present a good vision for a modern sustainable football club. 
 
I think we were maybe a couple of seasons from seeing it come to fruition too. We were looking at having a team/squad with the potential of having Knight, Bird, Sibley, Thompson, Delap, Gordon, Kellyman, Cashin, Ebosele, Buchanan, Whitaker, Plange, and Williams all drawn from our own academy in it. We all know why it never happened, and the initial idea behind it may have been pushed by outside factors, but looking at the idea on paper it showed a club well aligned in philosophy, both in development and recruitment.
At the moment I don’t really know what the plan is. Academy players don’t seem to be anywhere near it. That might be due to the club being gutted and them not being to the standard but they never seem to be given a chance. The recruitment seems to be focused on older players, but they don’t appear to fit a system. Cocu spoke about having all teams playing the same way so younger players can step up, which seems really sensible, but currently our first team doesn’t seem to have a consistent way of playing let alone something aligned through the age groups. I think we could do with really setting out a clear goal and a philosophy and working towards it. It would really allow supporters to buy into the vision and direction. Build trust and patience. And, as I think supporters often back their academy graduates the most, really build a unity between team and fans. 

I really liked the theory that was laid out in the final couple of years of Mel’s tenure (frightening sentence, I know). The idea that over half the first team would be made up of academy players, with high quality loans to cover shorter term gaps and good signings brought in to cover areas where there were no players coming through. I thought this was quite a good model in the modern day. It would attract youngsters with high ceilings to the club as their was a clear path to the first team, build confidence with other clubs to lend us their best talent, and allow us to spend decent money on players as academy players would be pure profit. It seemed to align academy with first team and present a good vision for a modern sustainable football club. 
 
I think we were maybe a couple of seasons from seeing it come to fruition too. We were looking at having a team/squad with the potential of having Knight, Bird, Sibley, Thompson, Delap, Gordon, Kellyman, Cashin, Ebosele, Buchanan, Whitaker, Plange, and Williams all drawn from our own academy in it. We all know why it never happened, and the initial idea behind it may have been pushed by outside factors, but looking at the idea on paper it showed a club well aligned in philosophy, both in development and recruitment.
At the moment I don’t really know what the plan is. Academy players don’t seem to be anywhere near it. That might be due to the club being gutted and them not being to the standard but they never seem to be given a chance. The recruitment seems to be focused on older players, but they don’t appear to fit a system. Cocu spoke about having all teams playing the same way so younger players can step up, which seems really sensible, but currently our first team doesn’t seem to have a consistent way of playing let alone something aligned through the age groups. I think we could do with really setting out a clear goal and a philosophy and working towards it. It would really allow supporters to buy into the vision and direction. Build trust and patience. And, as I think supporters often back their academy graduates the most, really build a unity between team and fans. 

I really liked the theory that was laid out in the final couple of years of Mel’s tenure (frightening sentence, I know). The idea that over half the first team would be made up of academy players, with high quality loans to cover shorter term gaps and good signings brought in to cover areas where there were no players coming through. I thought this was quite a good model in the modern day. It would attract youngsters with high ceilings to the club as their was a clear path to the first team, build confidence with other clubs to lend us their best talent, and allow us to spend decent money on players as academy players would be pure profit. It seemed to align academy with first team and present a good vision for a modern sustainable football club. 
 
I think we were maybe a couple of seasons from seeing it come to fruition too. We were looking at having a team/squad with the potential of having Knight, Bird, Sibley, Thompson, Delap, Gordon, Kellyman, Cashin, Ebosele, Buchanan, Whitaker, Plange, and Williams all drawn from our own academy in it. We all know why it never happened, and the initial idea behind it may have been pushed by outside factors, but looking at the idea on paper it showed a club well aligned in philosophy, both in development and recruitment.
At the moment I don’t really know what the plan is. Academy players don’t seem to be anywhere near it. That might be due to the club being gutted and them not being to the standard but they never seem to be given a chance. The recruitment seems to be focused on older players, but they don’t appear to fit a system. Cocu spoke about having all teams playing the same way so younger players can step up, which seems really sensible, but currently our first team doesn’t seem to have a consistent way of playing let alone something aligned through the age groups. I think we could do with really setting out a clear goal and a philosophy and working towards it. It would really allow supporters to buy into the vision and direction. Build trust and patience. And, as I think supporters often back their academy graduates the most, really build a unity between team and fans. 

I find his commentary to be awful. People talking about a commentator having a bit of passion, but I just find him to flip between moaning and shouting. He offers his analysis of the game when it has about as much weight as mine, and is something that I think should be left to the expert co-commentator. I also feel like he tries to be Graham Richards, taking a lot of inspiration from the ‘he’s dropped it’ line (which was partly great because how many times did GR actually get *that* animated), but just doesn’t have the skill to convey it properly so it just comes off as a shouting fan rather than an excited broadcaster with a vested interest in proceedings. 
It is different strokes for different folks, of course, but I’ve found radio derby far more enjoyable without him. I’m glad he’s doing better, but I know that I won’t be listening to him if they are bringing him back. I found RD a far more positive and enjoyable listen without him there and hope that it stays as it is with Dom covering the commentary. 

I find his commentary to be awful. People talking about a commentator having a bit of passion, but I just find him to flip between moaning and shouting. He offers his analysis of the game when it has about as much weight as mine, and is something that I think should be left to the expert co-commentator. I also feel like he tries to be Graham Richards, taking a lot of inspiration from the ‘he’s dropped it’ line (which was partly great because how many times did GR actually get *that* animated), but just doesn’t have the skill to convey it properly so it just comes off as a shouting fan rather than an excited broadcaster with a vested interest in proceedings. 
It is different strokes for different folks, of course, but I’ve found radio derby far more enjoyable without him. I’m glad he’s doing better, but I know that I won’t be listening to him if they are bringing him back. I found RD a far more positive and enjoyable listen without him there and hope that it stays as it is with Dom covering the commentary. 

I find his commentary to be awful. People talking about a commentator having a bit of passion, but I just find him to flip between moaning and shouting. He offers his analysis of the game when it has about as much weight as mine, and is something that I think should be left to the expert co-commentator. I also feel like he tries to be Graham Richards, taking a lot of inspiration from the ‘he’s dropped it’ line (which was partly great because how many times did GR actually get *that* animated), but just doesn’t have the skill to convey it properly so it just comes off as a shouting fan rather than an excited broadcaster with a vested interest in proceedings. 
It is different strokes for different folks, of course, but I’ve found radio derby far more enjoyable without him. I’m glad he’s doing better, but I know that I won’t be listening to him if they are bringing him back. I found RD a far more positive and enjoyable listen without him there and hope that it stays as it is with Dom covering the commentary. 

I find his commentary to be awful. People talking about a commentator having a bit of passion, but I just find him to flip between moaning and shouting. He offers his analysis of the game when it has about as much weight as mine, and is something that I think should be left to the expert co-commentator. I also feel like he tries to be Graham Richards, taking a lot of inspiration from the ‘he’s dropped it’ line (which was partly great because how many times did GR actually get *that* animated), but just doesn’t have the skill to convey it properly so it just comes off as a shouting fan rather than an excited broadcaster with a vested interest in proceedings. 
It is different strokes for different folks, of course, but I’ve found radio derby far more enjoyable without him. I’m glad he’s doing better, but I know that I won’t be listening to him if they are bringing him back. I found RD a far more positive and enjoyable listen without him there and hope that it stays as it is with Dom covering the commentary. 

I find his commentary to be awful. People talking about a commentator having a bit of passion, but I just find him to flip between moaning and shouting. He offers his analysis of the game when it has about as much weight as mine, and is something that I think should be left to the expert co-commentator. I also feel like he tries to be Graham Richards, taking a lot of inspiration from the ‘he’s dropped it’ line (which was partly great because how many times did GR actually get *that* animated), but just doesn’t have the skill to convey it properly so it just comes off as a shouting fan rather than an excited broadcaster with a vested interest in proceedings. 
It is different strokes for different folks, of course, but I’ve found radio derby far more enjoyable without him. I’m glad he’s doing better, but I know that I won’t be listening to him if they are bringing him back. I found RD a far more positive and enjoyable listen without him there and hope that it stays as it is with Dom covering the commentary. 

I feel like there are a fair few issues with train travel which become exacerbated by the football. The main three are:
- The cost. Some train fares are extortionate and it can be hard to buy singles as there are a lot of variables at play when it comes to attending the football - especially on the return journey. You’re a captive audience too, so you don’t have much choice.
- The number of people. It’s often like sardines when you go. Extra carriages and trains seems a no brainier, but instead you’re going to have to accept you’re standing up for 2 hours. 
- The reliability. The number of cancellations/late trains/trains at half length. Makes booking cheaper tickets harder (see first two points)
I’d like to see special football trains put on for games with big away attendances. I imagine getting to Barnsley this weekend will be carnage - for example. I’d also like to see an ability to buy a train ticket with your football ticket. Or the football ticket lets you travel on the train free/reduced. I think we need to reassess football transport because it’s an absolute mess currently. 

I feel like there are a fair few issues with train travel which become exacerbated by the football. The main three are:
- The cost. Some train fares are extortionate and it can be hard to buy singles as there are a lot of variables at play when it comes to attending the football - especially on the return journey. You’re a captive audience too, so you don’t have much choice.
- The number of people. It’s often like sardines when you go. Extra carriages and trains seems a no brainier, but instead you’re going to have to accept you’re standing up for 2 hours. 
- The reliability. The number of cancellations/late trains/trains at half length. Makes booking cheaper tickets harder (see first two points)
I’d like to see special football trains put on for games with big away attendances. I imagine getting to Barnsley this weekend will be carnage - for example. I’d also like to see an ability to buy a train ticket with your football ticket. Or the football ticket lets you travel on the train free/reduced. I think we need to reassess football transport because it’s an absolute mess currently. 

I struggle with Warne. I see nothing in the way we set up that gives me any confidence. I don’t really understand what the style of play is, we never seem to have any in midfield, yet somehow we look short up top and in defence. We get results, so I guess something must be right, though I do suspect that it might be due to our players just being individually better, but it’s not a great watch. We’ve won today, but it’s another unconvincing performance. I can’t think of many games over his tenure where I think we’ve played well and we look no different to the way we were after his first few games. If he left tomorrow I wouldn’t be upset 

I feel very similar !

I struggle with Warne. I see nothing in the way we set up that gives me any confidence. I don’t really understand what the style of play is, we never seem to have any in midfield, yet somehow we look short up top and in defence. We get results, so I guess something must be right, though I do suspect that it might be due to our players just being individually better, but it’s not a great watch. We’ve won today, but it’s another unconvincing performance. I can’t think of many games over his tenure where I think we’ve played well and we look no different to the way we were after his first few games. If he left tomorrow I wouldn’t be upset 

I struggle with Warne. I see nothing in the way we set up that gives me any confidence. I don’t really understand what the style of play is, we never seem to have any in midfield, yet somehow we look short up top and in defence. We get results, so I guess something must be right, though I do suspect that it might be due to our players just being individually better, but it’s not a great watch. We’ve won today, but it’s another unconvincing performance. I can’t think of many games over his tenure where I think we’ve played well and we look no different to the way we were after his first few games. If he left tomorrow I wouldn’t be upset 

I struggle with Warne. I see nothing in the way we set up that gives me any confidence. I don’t really understand what the style of play is, we never seem to have any in midfield, yet somehow we look short up top and in defence. We get results, so I guess something must be right, though I do suspect that it might be due to our players just being individually better, but it’s not a great watch. We’ve won today, but it’s another unconvincing performance. I can’t think of many games over his tenure where I think we’ve played well and we look no different to the way we were after his first few games. If he left tomorrow I wouldn’t be upset 

I struggle with Warne. I see nothing in the way we set up that gives me any confidence. I don’t really understand what the style of play is, we never seem to have any in midfield, yet somehow we look short up top and in defence. We get results, so I guess something must be right, though I do suspect that it might be due to our players just being individually better, but it’s not a great watch. We’ve won today, but it’s another unconvincing performance. I can’t think of many games over his tenure where I think we’ve played well and we look no different to the way we were after his first few games. If he left tomorrow I wouldn’t be upset 

I struggle with Warne. I see nothing in the way we set up that gives me any confidence. I don’t really understand what the style of play is, we never seem to have any in midfield, yet somehow we look short up top and in defence. We get results, so I guess something must be right, though I do suspect that it might be due to our players just being individually better, but it’s not a great watch. We’ve won today, but it’s another unconvincing performance. I can’t think of many games over his tenure where I think we’ve played well and we look no different to the way we were after his first few games. If he left tomorrow I wouldn’t be upset 

I struggle with Warne. I see nothing in the way we set up that gives me any confidence. I don’t really understand what the style of play is, we never seem to have any in midfield, yet somehow we look short up top and in defence. We get results, so I guess something must be right, though I do suspect that it might be due to our players just being individually better, but it’s not a great watch. We’ve won today, but it’s another unconvincing performance. I can’t think of many games over his tenure where I think we’ve played well and we look no different to the way we were after his first few games. If he left tomorrow I wouldn’t be upset 

I struggle with Warne. I see nothing in the way we set up that gives me any confidence. I don’t really understand what the style of play is, we never seem to have any in midfield, yet somehow we look short up top and in defence. We get results, so I guess something must be right, though I do suspect that it might be due to our players just being individually better, but it’s not a great watch. We’ve won today, but it’s another unconvincing performance. I can’t think of many games over his tenure where I think we’ve played well and we look no different to the way we were after his first few games. If he left tomorrow I wouldn’t be upset 

I struggle with Warne. I see nothing in the way we set up that gives me any confidence. I don’t really understand what the style of play is, we never seem to have any in midfield, yet somehow we look short up top and in defence. We get results, so I guess something must be right, though I do suspect that it might be due to our players just being individually better, but it’s not a great watch. We’ve won today, but it’s another unconvincing performance. I can’t think of many games over his tenure where I think we’ve played well and we look no different to the way we were after his first few games. If he left tomorrow I wouldn’t be upset 

Lost to Hartlepool in 1984 in the first round of the FA Cup I think 

This is unbelievably sad news. I stood next to B4 and his dad at the famous Leeds play off game - not that I realised it at the time. Both he and his dad were lovely. I was there and my own and we had a good chat before and throughout the game and celebrated together at full time. 
I will always remember two things. One, just how many people came over to him to say hello and have a quick chat. I think a testament to how well liked he was, not just on the forum, but by those at the matches too. Secondly, his unwavering belief and passion. I remember him slapping the badge on his chest at half time, telling me not to give up on them because we will win, and then at full time, with immense delight, ‘I told you! I told you! They will never let you down!’
My thoughts go out to his family. If you read this I hope you can take some solace in knowing how many people were touched by Daniel and how many people remember him. I only met him once, but he will live on in my memory. 
Be more B4. Rest in peace. 

This is unbelievably sad news. I stood next to B4 and his dad at the famous Leeds play off game - not that I realised it at the time. Both he and his dad were lovely. I was there and my own and we had a good chat before and throughout the game and celebrated together at full time. 
I will always remember two things. One, just how many people came over to him to say hello and have a quick chat. I think a testament to how well liked he was, not just on the forum, but by those at the matches too. Secondly, his unwavering belief and passion. I remember him slapping the badge on his chest at half time, telling me not to give up on them because we will win, and then at full time, with immense delight, ‘I told you! I told you! They will never let you down!’
My thoughts go out to his family. If you read this I hope you can take some solace in knowing how many people were touched by Daniel and how many people remember him. I only met him once, but he will live on in my memory. 
Be more B4. Rest in peace. 

This is unbelievably sad news. I stood next to B4 and his dad at the famous Leeds play off game - not that I realised it at the time. Both he and his dad were lovely. I was there and my own and we had a good chat before and throughout the game and celebrated together at full time. 
I will always remember two things. One, just how many people came over to him to say hello and have a quick chat. I think a testament to how well liked he was, not just on the forum, but by those at the matches too. Secondly, his unwavering belief and passion. I remember him slapping the badge on his chest at half time, telling me not to give up on them because we will win, and then at full time, with immense delight, ‘I told you! I told you! They will never let you down!’
My thoughts go out to his family. If you read this I hope you can take some solace in knowing how many people were touched by Daniel and how many people remember him. I only met him once, but he will live on in my memory. 
Be more B4. Rest in peace. 

This is unbelievably sad news. I stood next to B4 and his dad at the famous Leeds play off game - not that I realised it at the time. Both he and his dad were lovely. I was there and my own and we had a good chat before and throughout the game and celebrated together at full time. 
I will always remember two things. One, just how many people came over to him to say hello and have a quick chat. I think a testament to how well liked he was, not just on the forum, but by those at the matches too. Secondly, his unwavering belief and passion. I remember him slapping the badge on his chest at half time, telling me not to give up on them because we will win, and then at full time, with immense delight, ‘I told you! I told you! They will never let you down!’
My thoughts go out to his family. If you read this I hope you can take some solace in knowing how many people were touched by Daniel and how many people remember him. I only met him once, but he will live on in my memory. 
Be more B4. Rest in peace.