Bristol City head coach Sean O'Driscoll makes no apology for "boring" methods
Bristol City head coach Sean O’Driscoll will make no apology for being boring if it means keeping his team in the npower Championship this season.
Since being appointed head coach in mid-January, the 55-year-old Midlander has inspired a recovery in fortunes that has seen the Robins take 17 points from a possible 33 to render a remarkable escape a distinct possibility.
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Sean O'Driscoll insists a return to basics was necessary before Bristol City could improve performance on the pitch.
Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough – City’s fifth win in six games at Ashton Gate – lifted them off the foot of the table and brought them level on points with fourth-from-bottom Wolves, whom they play next at Molineux in a contest that could have a profound effect on the battle to avoid the drop.
Asked to explain the reasons behind the recent upturn on City’s fortunes, O’Driscoll was characteristically deadpan, describing his methods as “boring.”
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He explained: “Your back-line dictates where you defend and everything else comes from that. It is not rocket science and it is not particularly difficult to do, but it is a little bit boring.
“These are the things we have to instil in players and it is a case of same old, same old, I’m afraid.
“We are focussing on the processes rather than the outcomes and, win, lose or draw, we are trying to make sure they do the things that will stand them in good stead. We are not talking about a relegation fight, we are talking about doing the right things.
“Fortunately, the players have bought into it and realised that, if they are going to get out of this mess we are in, trying to score more goals than the opposition is probably the wrong way to do it.
“Instead, we need to make sure we are hard to beat and understand that. If they understand it, then they have to exhibit the behaviours. We’ve told them to do it rather than just saying it and, to be fair, they have done that.
“Everything in football is about doing the basics right. Every player in this league wants to do well. We’ve told them ‘if you want to do well, these are the things you need to do’. We’ve been consistent in what we have said to them and have got performances out of them.”
Goals from substitute Albert Adomah and top-scorer Steven Davies stunned play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough, who were no match for a City team that is now gaining impressive momentum. The Robins are now unbeaten in four games and have kept three successive clean sheets to dramatically improve their chances of staying up.
Hard work and organisation were once again key factors for City, who hardly allowed play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough a shot at goal.
O’Driscoll added: “It is about defending as a team, staying compact, understanding what the opposition are trying to do and solving the problem.
“We are not a team that is going to dominate possession – that is not there yet.
But we are a team that is organised, looks as though it knows what it is doing and is comfortable within that.
“Win lose or draw, performance-wise, I can have no complaints. I’ve been pleased with every single performance since I walked through the door.”
10 Comments
by gdknac
Tuesday, March 12 2013, 9:15AM
“When Boro attacked on Saturday, you could see two clearly, organised lines of four. It was impressive and is extemely difficult to break down.-
This makes a complete change from earlier in the season when the defence looked like a dogs hind leg with gaps that you could drive a tank through-
It is getting very tight now. A win on saturday, coupled with a Derby defeat will see us level on points with Derby by beating them on 29th-
There is much more optimism now and right now, I would take 9 ugly 1-0 boring wins anyday!”
by BCFCfinker
Monday, March 11 2013, 10:07PM
“City are in a predicament and if the training for the team has to be boring to get us out of it, then so be it. Get out of the relegation scrap and on to next season, then SO'D can start making things interesting for the lads.
One step in front of the other is the name of the game. Do the basics right, get us moving up the table and next season, we'll see if SO'D has got what it takes to get us to the promised land.
Always believe.”
by Jab_the_cab
Monday, March 11 2013, 9:59PM
“There is nothing boring about watching professionals doing their jobs properly.”
by THEIRONS
Monday, March 11 2013, 6:10PM
“Who cares how boring the football is as long it is accruing points , any football fan will get bored of watching a entertaining losing team, if you are a neutral entertainment is what you wish to see in a game , when it is the team you support winning is the most important however it is achieved .
Mr o Driscoll can continue with the style of football currently employed If it results in avoiding relegation , where has this boring tag came from anyway, not that it matters a jot.”
by Vonner
Monday, March 11 2013, 4:38PM
“Probably not quite the right time to compare us to Barca (ho ho) but watch them when they have not got the ball. They are probably more boring than anyone.
Getting points on the board starts with not conceding. Building a side starts with putting down the foundations. Regardless of if we go down or not Sean OD is putting in a framework for the long term, it is his way and he will stand and fall by it. I just hope the majority of City fans will be patient and forget about flair, goals, thrills and spills for now - I don't get any pleasure from a 3-4 or 3-5 defeat like we've had this season. I want a team that wants to kill for each other and will only lose games for Bristol City - our great local club - over dead bodies. That attitude should get as much passion and support from the Gate faithful as a goal-fest.
Keep it going Sean - you and the rejuvanated players have given us hope for the future, short and long term. Monday mornings are not so embarrassing anymore....”
by zzzider
Monday, March 11 2013, 12:54PM
“Absolutely no apologies necessary! Keep up the good work!”
by piledriver
Monday, March 11 2013, 12:21PM
“There is nothing boring about winning and I'll never get bored watching us win, honest.
Now, losing regularly, oh boy, is that boring!”
by fatboy67
Monday, March 11 2013, 11:50AM
“When your in the bottom 3/4 you need to resort to direct plain football. Goodluck city fans your not out of the woods yet.”
by harryreg_uk
Monday, March 11 2013, 8:59AM
“It's not boring just not what you'd normally expect from SOD - effective is all that counts now and so far, it's certainly that!”
by westywardy
Monday, March 11 2013, 8:50AM
“Really good on Saturday. Boro never looked like scoring just like Brighton Forest and Watford in recent weeks. Organisation goes along way in football and SOD has it spot on at the moment. Massive Massive game on Saturday.”