Scunthorpe Utd: Iron's defending gives Knill sleepless nights
Alan Knill was preparing himself for a sleepless night in the wake of more shocking Scunthorpe United defending.
The Iron's unbeaten start to 2012 came crashing to a halt as high-flying Sheffield Wednesday recorded a 3-1 win at Glanford Park to complete the double over United this season.
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SLEEPLESS NIGHT: Iron manager Alan Knill was critical of his side's defending in the 3-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: Carl Gac
Although disappointed to see his side trail inside 40 seconds and then watch the Owls double their lead before the 20 minute mark, the manner of both strikes was of more frustration to Knill than the timing.
"I won't get much sleep tonight because we lost the game ourselves really," he groaned.
"The first goal was a pretty easy goal for them, O'Grady didn't have to do too much to get it in, and then we allow them a free header and we're 2-0 down.
"We're playing Sheffield Wednesday here, one of the best teams in the league, so after that it was always going to be an uphill battle.
"I thought we gave it a go in the second half, but at 3-0 it was too late."
Wednesday's first-ever win at Glanford Park means Scunthorpe have tasted victory in just two of their 14 home games this term.
And until they learn to defend better, Knill accepts they are unlikely to make much progress – heightening the need for reinforcements before the transfer window closes next Tuesday.
"It's very hard going for us at home," said the Iron boss.
"Before tonight, we'd only lost nine games, but we've drawn a lot and we keep conceding.
"It's tough at the moment, as it has been all season, but we've got a group of players we've got to work with and so we'll keep working hard with them.
"I've been saying the same all things all season with the goals we concede and that's why we are where we are. We can't seem to keep it out of our net.
"At the other end we had a couple of opportunities to make it 3-3 but we didn't take them.
"We have to find solutions to those problems.
"We need some fresh faces and some of our injured faces back."
11 Comments
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by PStoff
Thursday, January 26 2012, 9:19AM
“Wharton said there was no money, if we are to bring in then we need to ship out. We have lost or shipped out 6 players and brought in three as well as cutting the wage bill losing Dagnall and Nelson (mooted highest wage earners).
You owe us three players Mr. Wharton IF your comments are to be believed and some money in reserve to have Knill's charisma bypass operation reversed.”
by stevescunny
Thursday, January 26 2012, 8:14AM
“Agreed! Knill's philosohpy appears to be based on wnating players that want to improve. It was easy to see that Adkins developing his own eduacation as a manager when at scunny, we heard via the media about his attendance at FA courses etc. and that was also clear in his management of the team.Well what about Mr Knill? Anythnig going on or do we have "old school" approach to football management? I fear the evidence points to the latter.
I doubt we will change managers after the Jan transfer window although I do believe that this squad is capable of much better if effectively managed.”
by NilforKnill
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 11:17PM
“Knill - I have nightmares watching you leaning on the dugout with your arms in the folded position.
Southampton were poor on Monday but Nigel was certainly active on the touchline, motivating his players. He is also enthusiastic and this rubs off on people.
I'm not sure what your players must think with your choice of language and general demenour.
'I inherited a poor squad but we have to work with them'.
Come on AK. Hardly inspiring is it. We all know they are useless, but keep certain information to yourself.
There is no value in open declarations of discontent to the press.”
by NilforKnill
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 11:09PM
“Lets face it, Wharton isnt going to provide the funds for transfers, especially with the threat of relegation. He's already indicated there are no funds available, so it's a catch 22.
Do you sign players to help avoid the drop, but if the club still get relegated, the club finds itself in a perilous financial position with League one wages and League two revenue.
Accepting the club will not be investing in players, the only other option is to get more out of the current crop. I'm affraid I cant see this occurring under Knill's leadership. So, PSTOFF - I have to agree with you.... a change of management is required, although I would prefer wholescale changes.
Brian Laws may not be a long term proposition, but its hard to believe he couldnt get more out of this bunch (short term) than Knill.
Lets not forget that Laws left us in a prime position, challenging at the top of league one with a good squad, inherited by Adkins.
He also did this on a much lower budget than recent managers to be fair.
Pease dont let AK continue any longer. I accept he has had injuries but he is just unable to extract anything like the maximum potential from this group.”
by stevescunny
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 9:21PM
“Knill has not seem to have been very effective in managing his team. Any manager of any team, no matter what the sport or business, needs to encourage belief in his team - i.e. the Adkins principle, getting the players to believe in their team.
Knill does not focus on getting the "clubs" players to perform. Instead the message is that he will do the best with what he has got, not exactly a motivating message.
I don't understand why people believe wharton wants us in L2, or even L1. We made profits in the Championship, profit is the best way Wharton will get his money back on hos loans.”