26-02-2015, 22:55
...an interesting debate, certainly.
My opinion is that we DO have a few talented, technical players, and we mostly always have had - but not nearly as many as the more successful international teams, certainly - they are in a huge minority. The Enland HC can't pick what isn't there, and so it's got to go down to 'grass roots' - coaching kids to improve this aspect, and get that going in the schools AND clubs.
However this can't happen overnight, and until it changes and then bears fruit, lets PLAY TO OUR STRENGTHS and not try and (miserabley fail to) match the best by playing a type of game that we just don't have the players to play!
My opinion is that we DO have a few talented, technical players, and we mostly always have had - but not nearly as many as the more successful international teams, certainly - they are in a huge minority. The Enland HC can't pick what isn't there, and so it's got to go down to 'grass roots' - coaching kids to improve this aspect, and get that going in the schools AND clubs.
However this can't happen overnight, and until it changes and then bears fruit, lets PLAY TO OUR STRENGTHS and not try and (miserabley fail to) match the best by playing a type of game that we just don't have the players to play!