Davis Cup - Euro Africa Zone I Play-offs - GBR v Poland 18-20 September 2009

Count Zero · Tennis legend

RE: Davis Cup - Euro Africa Zone I Play-offs - GBR v Poland 18-20 September 2009

Count Zero · Tennis legend

i saw that comment by Dan too. but i have to say Dan see seems a fairly ****y so and so, whose to say he would even listen too much? Andy was obviously very concerned by his wrist so that was maybe taking full attention.

But one thing all along is there seems to be very little team spirit in British Tennis, whether thats the fault of the LTA is some way i don't know, but you get the impression that its the case.

indiana · Tennis legend

...and when Boogo played with injury he was allowed to take flak with John Lloyd seemingly very disappointed and not mentioning it at all in first interviews.

It almost seemed to come as an admission later on when reacting to more enquiring souls who had picked up on some aspects of Boggo's play.

Count Zero · Tennis legend

Boggo himself is partly to blame in the regards though, he doesn't do enough to promote himself. when Andy has a slight knock he makes sure the world knows - remember him sitting watching Israel at Eastbourne with a neck brace, this weekend out with the ice pack on at the press conference. Boggo needs to learn to play the media etc better.

James · Satellite level

I haven't read through everyone's comments but my twopence on this issue is that most people in the audience would have done a better job than Lloyd.

From my point of view the position of Captain is one that requires a personality who is tactically astute and able to provide on the spot motivation and/or be a calming influence. As someone who was at the Echo arena for all 3 days I saw very little of this from Lloyd. If he said anything at all he could be seen to mutter 'come on'. For the majority of changeovers he followed the same routine: Stand up as the player walks to his chair, quick look at him, (occasionally) a quick 'come on, lean back in chair, arm over back of seat, glance around the arena, small clap as player left chair. Utterly useless.

Although the Polish captain was a bit of a 'So and So' he had a real presence, he was constantly on his feet, clapping his hands and offering words of advice at the changeover. I understand that not everyone is going to be a full on american style drum basher but if Lloyd can't even appear to provide tactical advice then he really serves no purpose. It was very clear to everyone that Dan was quite nervous - maybe not visible via his mannerisms but the over-useage of his slice was evidence enough. All that was needed was a quick word from John along the lines of 'Dan, stop thinking so much and just hit your one-hander @ 100% - and if you lose you lose'. Surely that would have helped.

Overall, very uninspired by John who seems emotionally and tactically unconnected from the matches and is little more than a team mascot who gets dragged around from venue to venue. You really don't need someone with experience or with a vast tennis playing repertoire but someone with a tactical mind set and genuine enthusiasm.

I am convinced that if GB had had a better captain on the sidelines then Dan would have played to his usual level in both of his matches.

Count Zero · Tennis legend

What James said

Silver · County player

I also need to highlight that at the end of the second set when Dan went off the court for a 'bathroom break', John Lloyd appeared to be proper angry during a conversation with Annacone. If only I could lip read but he didn't appear to be very happy about what has happening.

If anyone recorded it, I'd love to know what he said!

However, if I am honest about the doubles, Andy's play was all well and good and he played well: good return, good serve, generally had that all-court game you need. Ross? Serve was off, returns were non-existent and despite being good at the net, from the back of the court, he was off-colour. If was not a good decision to have them play together, regardless of what good friends they are. The telltale sign was during the interview beforehand when Ross said that he tells Andy what he thinks they should do but then says: "it's up to you" - I'm sorry, WHAT? That's not a good sign of leadership in the slightest. That just basically seems like "do what you like" which in doubles is a bad move.

spud · Challenger qualifying

Why are you blaming John Lloyd, yes his selection of Dan Evans was wrong but its up to the players to do the business, its up to him- as a captain to make good choices and give his players advice.

Dan and Andy were both fine pumping themselves up and you dont do anything if they are like that. He needs to just give advice at the chair and applaud his player which he was doing all the time , so whats wrong with you lot. Its not like a next captain is going to be out of his chair for the whole match screaming like a mad man, its to much and can be off putting for the player. John has done nothing wrong!- his selection just has to be a bit more thoughtful. Tis all.

alex03maccy · Grand Slam Champion

you couldn't find a more miserable, uninspiring guy to have on court with you. he was not in the least bit motivating.

The Hoose · Satellite level

spud wrote:

Why are you blaming John Lloyd, yes his selection of Dan Evans was wrong but its up to the players to do the business, its up to him- as a captain to make good choices and give his players advice.

Dan and Andy were both fine pumping themselves up and you dont do anything if they are like that. He needs to just give advice at the chair and applaud his player which he was doing all the time , so whats wrong with you lot. Its not like a next captain is going to be out of his chair for the whole match screaming like a mad man, its to much and can be off putting for the player. John has done nothing wrong!- his selection just has to be a bit more thoughtful. Tis all.

Given the limited role you set out for him, if his selection is wrong, then he's not doing a good job. But most of the criticisms on here have been about his advice (or lack of it). What has he done right? Like Boggo, Lloyd's now failed on a few 50-50occasions; I don't see the harm in trying someone new.

spud · Challenger qualifying

Both Andy and Dan said in their interviews, he was a great guy to have with them, and many before have said the same- if the players like him, thats it he stays- its nothin to do with us, are we on the court, sitting next to Lloyd, its not like he is talkin to us lot?

Count Zero · Tennis legend

i don't know if the players genuinely like him or are just towing the party line as such. the fact is Lloyd has not enabled any of our players to play above their ranking now, and he has had a go with lots of different players!

scottie1 · Futures level

let us face it we knew that poland were 50/50 to beat us We simply don't have a number 2 player in Britain at the moment. Andy I think has too much say and he should not play again until we are promoted so that we find our feet. Personally if Jamie Baker was fit he would be my number 2 as he has some grit also Colin needs to stay in the team and perhaps Dan as he is the future. I saw the match at Braehead and Goodall just did not have it and although Eaton won some of his play in the first match was embarrassing. Hutchins I am not sure about? Not had a good spell recently. Unlike the GB womens game the mens standard is not very good at moment. Think Willis Smethurst etc might break through but unless they come on loads ------------a risk in davis Cup

johnnylad · Tennis legend

So I was there on the Friday but am only getting a chance to post about it now.
(I then watched Sat and Sun on TV)

I thought Lloyd was about as inspirational as a wet lettuce all day. I really do think he has a problem engaging with and relating to the players.

Against Janowicz, Evans was just outhit. He did a lot of the things that Greg, Tim and Jonny Mac bang on about in Wimbledon comms like jumping around on second serve and changing his position to receive but Janowicz just had a more solid grounding, a bigger game and wanted it much much more.

The other reflection I have is all about how Evo and Rosco were just so so sloppy at times it was unbelievable. Leatting 40-0 and 40-15 leads slip away with inept volleys, smashes etc... Evo was left standing after serving sometimes and the ball was already behind him. Maybe that's a balance issue?

They heaped even more pressure on their weak British minds and crumbled under it. The Poles swung at stuff, served big when it mattered and took every point as it came.

I think we deserved to drop to the next level as has been said. I think we pick a team of Bogdanovic, Ward, and Flemski and we stick with them for 3 or 4 ties. (Smethurst and Phillips and EVans as first reserves depending on the surface)

We ABSOLUTELY fire Lloyd and get someone in without his baggage. I'm free if no one else.

What will actually happen is Llyod will continue to be a mysterious twit, picking people on whims, not supporting them, dropioing them on a whim and picking someone else less suited.

Could be down here a while.

Liverpool put on a great event though!

Count Zero · Tennis legend

come on, tell us what you really think johnny, don't hold back

but seriously i do agree with what you say.

oh and i love the 'weak British minds' bit.

-- Edited by Count Zero on Tuesday 22nd of September 2009 12:14:45 PM