Match Thread Away v Port Vale April 24th 3pm

Six matches now under T&S in which we've trailed at the half, six losses, only two second-half goals over those matches. Houston, I think we have a problem...

RCB

 

Alas it is true. The two O'Connors are inconsistent and never the dynamic fulcrum you need at the centre of a successful defence. Unfortunately, they also have the taint of two years plus of underachievement and poor performance. They must go.

 

I couldn't agree more Inspector. I'll be honest. I was one who got carried away by T&S's initial success. Not surprising I guess, because things had been so godawful before that. The points they amassed got us out of the dire possibility of National League, and my was I grateful for that. But then we've seen things unfold. Beyond a game plan to get us out of danger - which credit to them worked - I don't have confidence in them to take us to the next level and challenge for automatics next season. The last six or seven matches have displayed a naivety and general cluelessness that hasn't served us well.

 

Dave, they're drowning not waving.

 

Well, that game only confirms what I've been saying for weeks on end. I originally thought we needed to improve on every player in front of the defence but I now think it's worse than that. The only player we can build around is Canavan and, possibly, Wood. We need a complete clearout as far as we can. We have to keep the contracted players but even there, there are ways and means. Anyone out of contract can go. Anyone signed by Stuart, who must have the worst eye for a player ever, anyone signed by previous managers, anyone who's been with us throughout the recent years of mediocrity, anyone who's injury prone, they can all go. Our management duo can also go back to their previous jobs or, as someone suggested, be kept on as coaches to learn their trade. There's no point in pretending we have the basis of a promotion winning side because we obviously haven't. The most telling point today was the fact that our two wide players, both lauded as great signings, were substituted, one to be replaced by a fullback and the other by Evans. There are some huge decisions to be made in the near future and it will be a tremendous challenge for Ryan Sparks. He needs to be absolutely ruthless or we'll just drift along again for another season. I know a number of people, supporting several different clubs, who've fallen out of love with football and just can't be bothered anymore, and I'm sure that will apply to us unless we can show a convincing ambition to improve the awful product on offer at the moment. A big summer ahead.

 

Or not inspired enough to follow the instructions?

 

Doubly pissed off by this result. Obviously annoyed that we've lost again. But also I'm away down south meeting my kids and forgot to put in my Prediction League entry. I would have gone for 2-1 to Vale. Bah.

 

Cannot make my mind up about that to be honest. They seemed inspired enough a few weeks ago and then............

I am completely baffled by this season. We have gone from relegation form to play off form to relegation form in the space of a few months. Talk about roller coaster ride.

I think T&S have earned the right to have a go at next season with more players who suit their style of play.

 

We are missing Canavan big time and those who are out of contract know they are leaving and have given up the ghost.

 

I think they are gonna have to get the defence more tough and ruthless if they are gonna play this way. It’s turgid to watch and just invites pressure so you’ve got to be defensively sound and have a commanding keeper as you’re undoubtedly gonna invite pressure at key stages of the game.
And I’d say a defensive midfielder or two.

 

Just in....

Well, not one iota of interest in this game. See another defeat.....

1 line sentence to summarise the game please

 

And if as most suspect there will be a clear the decks situation they will have little time to blend the new players, I don't think anyone would disagree when they took over the majority got carried away with the initial success, many asking why Stuart could not get results with this squad.
Without a doubt next season has to be the season we get out of this league but we have no divine right it will have to be earned, the question is can these two rookies do it, big call for Ryan.

 

Great days fishing

 

******* ******* **** ******* ******** ** **

 

Did you catch a cold

 

Perfect. I'll check in after the Salford game for an overview

 

Beautiful day here plenty of fish in the net
Followed the updates on my phone
Confirmed I made the right decision

 

Will give it now to save you the bother

********* *** ***** ***** ******** ** * ****

 

The bit you are missing is football confidence game and that has clearly ebbed away of late, building a team around wood would be a joke. Knee jerk. A few key players could make a massive difference, centre midfield is weak IMO and it’s foolish to play one up front unless the support is mobile. To suggest keeping two of this squad is ridiculous.

 

I missed it too, but guessing, dull, drab and pretty boring.