Yeti, if I’ve given the impression that I think Lyon is never at fault, then I apologise. Dockerland has become a bit of an echo-chamber to bagging Lyon and the club generally, so I often don’t feel the need to pile on when I agree with the criticisms (although I can’t help myself when it comes to Rosich). I’m much more likely to chime in when I feel like Lyon (or the club) is getting blamed for things I don’t think are deserved. With the exception of Jezza, Jason and a few others, there aren’t many people here willing to come to his defence, so perhaps you’ve got the impression I’m a huge fan or that Lyon is blameless. I’m just less passionately opposed to him than most.
For what it’s worth, I do think his tactical tendencies are a little defensive, but I’ve never thought that in his tenure we have had an above average forward line for talent (I think that has changed now). In terms of personality, he’s a little too matter-of-fact for my tastes, especially when we lose (and double especially when we lose to West Coast).
As for how much control over the club he has, I find it hard to reconcile his mantra about the cobblers with the notion that he’s controlling every aspect of the football club. I also find it hard to reconcile what people perceive as a difficult personality with how warmly former players talk about him. He seems to me to genuinely care for his players, and they seem to value that.
I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with an actual forward line next season, and a defence that has had a year together. Our midfield is a concern, but there’s enough quality if our key midfields are fit.
