Match Thread Bradford City V Salford - Tue 23 January 2024 7.45pm

I just don't think Walker deserved the stick he got for taking what probably amounted to 10 seconds, kicking into the wind, looking at 10 statues

 

His body language is terrible though. Imagine been in his team, with him constantly glaring at you with his hands on his hip.

There was a great through ball (Halliday I think) that frankly he should have anticipated earlier as he'd have had a better chance of getting to it - instead he as usual seem to blame the supplier.

Like last January, he needs a rest - but now of course we can't give him one!!

 

You know all about being "delusional" @Rcbantam have a good day.

 

Understatement Dave unfortunately !

 

Cook didn't have direct competition last season and netted 33.

I accept Cook has looked poor in many games this season but just like last year, it's the midfield unit behind him that isn't functioning and dictates the whole performance imo.

 

Rides was awful from first to last .

 

Probably for the same reason Kemp wasn't fancied by GA at MK.

I think we're starting to see how GA will build the team and it'll probably be with height and physicality.

 

The thing is we can see what is needed, but it appears our CEO identifies players that are quality based on whether they fit into our sustainable budget! What we mean quality requires cash and plenty of it. We also need experienced toughies (my name) for good tough lg 2 players who will grind out a result if it kills them. We don’t have any of that type in the team Halliday excluded.

 

Like Smallwood, the guy is finished.

 

Agree I was amazed how well the pitch stood up to being played on (well when it was not in the air) maybe being sat in the Morrison Stand we did not feel the wind but it didn't look that bad, certainly seen far worse when keeper have struggled to kicked the ball out and it hasn't reached the half way line.

 

That could explain why he is not playing, and I haven’t forgotten his face the last time he was interviewed. Not good. Can we not play one of our own before cashing in!

 

Again, it's a goal kick. People don't make 15 yard arced runs in behind the centre half from a goal kick.

I just don't know what kind of movement you're suggesting was preventing him from taking the kick?

 

The sustainability vs invest argument, would be valid if we were only getting the same playing budget that Harrogate has.

The fact that we've had one of the best in this division, for the past three seasons - in fact it's been decent ever since Rupp took ovr (it was reported it was 7th best budget when we got relegated) and other teams on lesser budgets have been promoted plus the likes of Salford are no further than us, show full well that it's simplistic to blame it all on a lack of investment.

Investment, is needed to get out of L1. It never has been for L2. Otherwise how on earth are Exeter, Cambridge and Cheltenham get out of here. As an aside, it's no coincidence that all those clubs, when in L2, stuck with their managers and eventually got their rewards.

i.e. out embarrassing kamikaze approach to hiring and firing managers is the problem - and let's remember that it was at it's worse when Rhodes temporarily took over.

 

Spot on Monkey.

 

He did. He got dropped for Oliver. Came back and looked the best we've ever seen and arguably he's ever been.

Without that spell out, I don't think we would have had that Cook 2.0 version.

 

Right I'm probably going to get pelters for this so let me start by saying I'm disappointed Pointon hasn't played more. But, for all his obvious ability and determination, is his end product a bit lacking. Reminds me a bit of Callum Cooke

 

I fully accept our lack of stability and leadership are also to blame. However, I am sure you know what @Dennis has said on more than one occasion, our budget has not risen in cash terms since 2019.

 

ok fair point...but he still didn't deserve that stick

 

I don’t disagree, but he needs further development and playing with more skilled players will help.