August 29, 200817 yr For me Rioch started the revolution, not Neal... But this idea that we played 'glorious passing football' is a myth, we did at times, but he wasn't averse to playing 5 at the back and toughing out 0-0's away from home. Near post corners etc. He was a pragmatic tactician, not Ossie Ardiles. And I recall a story (maybe boll?cks mind) that on his first day he had meetings with players, those who turned up in casual clothing were sent home to change immediately... anyway point is he was a disciplinarian. Times have changed. That approach wouldn't work now, in my opinion. Genuine BWFC legend, sat on his plastic seat in front of the Manchester Road, but his time is long gone.
August 29, 200817 yr For me Rioch started the revolution, not Neal... But this idea that we played 'glorious passing football' is a myth, we did at times, but he wasn't averse to playing 5 at the back and toughing out 0-0's away from home. Near post corners etc. He was a pragmatic tactician, not Ossie Ardiles. And I recall a story (maybe boll?cks mind) that on his first day he had meetings with players, those who turned up in casual clothing were sent home to change immediately... anyway point is he was a disciplinarian. Times have changed. That approach wouldn't work now, in my opinion. Genuine BWFC legend, sat on his plastic seat in front of the Manchester Road, but his time is long gone. why has his time long gone? disciplainarians are at all the top clubs, scolari/ferguson etc, the man commands respect, would get the players into shirts and ties, turn up at supporters events, these are the very basics every club should adhere to, he would also get the ball down and play the right way.
August 29, 200817 yr [/b] he would also get the ball down and play the right way. like Sammy Lee was trying to do?... As much as i agree with most posted about Rioch and i would have him back any day over the current misfit... i felt towards the end of his tenure, we became very predictable to play against...
August 29, 200817 yr [/b] why has his time long gone? disciplainarians are at all the top clubs, scolari/ferguson etc, the man commands respect, would get the players into shirts and ties, turn up at supporters events, these are the very basics every club should adhere to, he would also get the ball down and play the right way. I think the disciplinarians you mention have a) massive reputations and authority within their club and hungry players who are, to a point, grateful to be at these clubs I don't think it works at a club of our size, we have players who are wealthy enough and can move on to another mid-size club easily enough Regrettably I might add, because I agree with your points about the 'basics' Sammy Lee's time proved how the players can easily act against you these days, they have no fear of 'management' In fact Rioch was undone by player power at Arsenal wasn't he... big characters admittedly
August 29, 200817 yr No, Rioch was undone at Arsenal by David Dein. A shitbag of the highest order. david dein is ian wrights daddy tis exactly the point being made
August 29, 200817 yr For me Rioch started the revolution, not Neal... i think neal did alot of the groundwork started to sort the club out and bring some youth players through,his football wasn't the best,but i personally think he started the ball rolling.
August 29, 200817 yr [/b] why has his time long gone? disciplainarians are at all the top clubs, scolari/ferguson etc, the man commands respect, would get the players into shirts and ties, turn up at supporters events, these are the very basics every club should adhere to, he would also get the ball down and play the right way. here here I agree I am a big fan of Rioch
August 31, 200817 yr I went to Aalborg in the summer in hope of seeing Rioch or at least seeing where he was now at, instead I bumped into Gary Megson in Gothenburg.. small world.
August 31, 200817 yr I went to Aalborg in the summer in hope of seeing Rioch or at least seeing where he was now at, instead I bumped into Gary Megson in Gothenburg.. small world. I wonder if Brucie knows he's got a stalker
August 31, 200817 yr Think it's only us and Boro that do hold affection for him. Oh and Aalborg fans might stand him. smoggies hated him ! remember going to ayresome park on a snowy sunday afternoon? one of their more intelligent fans ran on the pitch and threatened him !! strange affection !
August 31, 200817 yr I went to Aalborg in the summer in hope of seeing Rioch or at least seeing where he was now at, instead I bumped into Gary Megson in Gothenburg.. small world. were you lost?
August 31, 200817 yr rioch started the revolution not neil. if neil did bring in new young talent then that's all he did do as bolton manager, he hardly started a dynasty. rioch on the other hand built a team that played good attractive football and achieved far more than neil did in the same amount of time.
August 31, 200817 yr rioch started the revolution not neil. if neil did bring in new young talent then that's all he did do as bolton manager, he hardly started a dynasty. rioch on the other hand built a team that played good attractive football and achieved far more than neil did in the same amount of time. I agree We were a dozy lower division club under Neal and I never had the impression we were close to breaking out of that Under Rioch, suddenly anything was possible That's how it felt to me anyway
Got his team in the Champions League last night.