46 Game Mark

[Bernard_Bresslaw]

I'd also argue the profile of the squad has changed as well. Ardley's first season had a very experienced football league set up in Wootton, Dennis, Thomas and Tyson supported by Enzio.

Now we have a lot younger less experienced players but potentially better forwards for the future but perhaps not quite yet

This is a really important point. We've spent years with short term solutions, whether it's old pros near the end of their careers or loanees we've always left ourselves needing to rebuild at scale even when things are going pretty well. It's probably more expensive too and apart from a couple of nearly moments it's got us nowhere in over a decade (longer if you discount Munto).

Aside from Richardson all our key players are our own now too and there are probably half a dozen who could well make decent money for us when they move on. You can't really say there have been any out and out recruitment flops in the last 2 years apart from Sloth which is practically unheard of for us. This may well not all be down to IB but as he or someone similar comes as a package with the owners he has to take some credit.

The 'bigger picture' is also the development of players which is as good as I can remember for some time - would Sam, Ed Francis or even Nemane have been given another chance to show what they can do after shaky starts under other regimes?

Overall PPG is one thing but the trajectory during Ardley's later months was clear.

[jackal2]

I can pick faults with some of IB's individual decisions on player selection and tactics, but standing back and looking at the big picture I think the level of coaching is higher under IB than under Ardley. At our best we look like a very well organised and coached team playing some very attractive and attacking football. The next step is to become a little more consistent and a little more able to deploy a 'Plan B' when we need it, and I think the recent change in formation has been a positive step in that direction. Overall I think IB is doing a good job.

[queenslandpie]

Decent summary that QLD, on paper not much to choose between them. On the pitch big difference.

CBP also makes a very good point regarding squad profile, much healthier looking.

More to do with football radar statistics people than either Ardley or Birchnall I would have thought but yeah it is for sure. Was great to see Nemane come in and do a job on the weekend. Seemed pretty chuffed in his interview.

Medium term I believe still we will achieve a lot more with Birchnall then we ever would have done with Ardley. He had naturally reached the end of his tenure and his frustration was clear to see in the final few interviews after games.