Is It Just Me, Or Does Keith Hill Talk Too Much

Before you all get excited and upset over the title of this piece allow me to make one thing clear - I think Keith Hill’s influence on the pitch at Bolton Wanderers has been a joy to behold. We have finally started playing football after three years of miserable on-field action thanks to his predecessor.

That said, I think he talks too much.

I recall speaking to a Rochdale supporting mate when Hill was announced. “Top manager, but an absolute gobshite” was the quote.

I’m starting to see what he means.

When the cat took your tongue, I say you took it right back

Whether he’s right or not is another matter, but I noted Hill’s comments today on the quality and strength of our academy with interest. Should he really be sticking his nose into this sort of matter so soon into his tenure. Should be really need to comment on the academy coaches when he hasn’t won a match at Bolton yet?

You’re like the Independent Network News on Channel 9

I know some find his interviews refreshing.

I know some find his interviews deeply irritating.

His vocabulary is certainly interesting and couldn’t be more different from the dour interviews given both during his time at Bolton and afterwards from Phil Parkinson. That said, I do think my Rochdale-supporting mate was right - Hill does talk too much.

I know that we are going through troubled times still, despite the progress made on and off the field, I just wish the manager would keep his head down a little more and focus on the job at hand.

Granted, it’s clearly his style. His wild metaphors, the flowery speech and the grand promises about how proud he is to be manager here are so different to what we are used to. Perhaps I’d be more patient had we actually won a game since he arrived.

You talk when you’re awake, I heard you talk when you sleep

With regards to his comments on the academy, I think there’s a positive message in there but again I wonder whether he was too clumsy with his words. Wanting more and demanding higher standards is exactly what I want from my manager.

That said, I question whether it was something that was worth saying in public to the local paper.

The fact that there is a perceptible energy around Wanderers right now is absolutely fantastic to see. I just want that to continue for as long as possible - to have someone come in and rock the boat so publicly rubs me up the wrong way. We have had the curtain pulled back far too far over recent years and I would just prefer things to kept in-house and the manager to keep his counsel.

That the academy hasn’t been as productive as it might in recent years is a fair point, mind.

I wonder whether Parkinson told him to keep an eye on Lee and Phillips.

You told the cavity creeps, to watch out for Crest

The trouble is fans demanding openness and honesty is that sometimes you get to hear things that you might not like.

This is clearly Hill’s way.

If he’s still here talking absolute shite in three years then I’ll be happier than anyone - because it’ll mean he’s been successful.

Let’s hope that’s the case.