Most liked posts in thread: Pre-season update

Its been said but I will reaffirm this as possibly the best pre-season performance by a City side in my 47 years !. Kind of expected the promise of the prev games to descend into pessimism. But no ! I am underestimating the players; but more likely their manager. He has this group "in a death stare". I dont think they dare drop their levels or they are going to feel his wrath !

At the start we remarked how small they appeared measured against us. But for all our physical advantage Rovers started the brighter. Some quick attacking on the right flank looked threatening and Armstrong was buzzung about the 18 yard box.

But City stayed resilient and cleared the threats with an odd punt from distance going past O'Donnells post. City were in "Adams Mode" with Cooke & Watt deployed midfield and Angol and Gilliead out wide. Around 20 mins Rovers centre back Ayala upended Gilliead. Angol stepped forward to score his second spot kick for City put another goal on his scorecard. So City 1-0 which might have flattered us but we'll take it. Watt impressed with his work and short passing knitting things together. This left Cooke to go forward and join the attack at times. There wasnt much else in the first half but Threlkeld got to a cross at the back post and just headed over

You expect Rovers to regroup and make the two leagues gap between us count. But City seemed to come out with more resolve and belief in themselves. Again some great interchange play Angol - Cooke - Watt - Gillead. Then Cook puts the ball to Cooke and bam ! its in the roof of the net from just inside the box !. 2-0 and this really makes the encouragement in this pre-season seem vindicated. For me if Watt was MOM; Angol was not far off ! He looks a striker with all the attributes ; pace, strength; a brain; skills on the ball - more than once he had Rovers players with flicks that found a team mate in space and he has a shot - which we know from the Guiseley game. He can come in from right or left and be the point of attack as he was when Cook left the field.

We seem have so many options coming from the bench as Eisa; Crankie & Vernam did. Crankie had great effect in the last 10 mins attacking from the right shots on goal and winning a corner.

I dont want to go over the top but this Adams side really impresses me with this as the standard we have set and need to aspire to in every game. Adams will take them back to this afternoon on cold slogs at League 2 grounds in the months to come. This standard delivered consistently will surely see us past most of what opposition League Two has to offer. I believe that Adams will take these players where they all want to go.

 

So this is the problem with giving people a personal choice, society is split into two groups, the considerate people who understand that some fans maybe in a vulnerable group, maybe have an underlying health issue or just feel a little anxious about going to a match. The considerate group wear a mask when they feel it’s needed or when requested. Unfortunately the other group tend to be selfish two hats who spout nonsense about living your life, as if a paper mask is a massive infringement to their human rights, then belittle anyone who doesn’t share their view. Unfortunately if we have another lockdown or restricted crowds, meaning that yet again we have to watch home games on I-player, the second group not only be 100% to blame for rising case numbers but will also be the most vocal in moaning about it!

 

So Fordy117 if small clubs play non-league local teams but big clubs only play big clubs, how come Liverpool played Tranmere 4 consecutive pre-season up to & including 2019/20, despite Tranmere being in the National League at the time of the first 2 matches? Having been a Liverpool supporter since 1965 (City since 1961) I've seen both teams play lots of pre-season games against both small and big teams over the years.

 

You want us to be tested?

You've spent 3 weeks arguing friendlies are just for fitness ffs.

You're utterly inconsistent and nonsensical.

 

The posters describing Derek Adams as "Dour " either don't understand the meaning of the word or are not familiar with different Scottish accents.
I have enjoyed listening to his interviews, he speaks a lot of enthusiastic good sense.

 

But Flamingo Land don’t own the ground, it’s the pension fund. At the moment the pension fund is guaranteed £400k a year (or whatever) in income.

The trustees have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the pension fund’s beneficiaries. A legal duty. They can’t say we’ll half the rent to put Flamingo Land on the front of the shirts or name the stadium the Mumbo Jumbo Stadium after one of their rides unless Flamingo Land pays the difference. For the same reason they can’t sell it unless they can realistically get a better return by investing elsewhere the money realised by the sale.

 

I know @Fordy117 thinks preseason is all about fitness, but it's also about other factors too: tactics, formations, developing player understanding, confidence and morale to name but a few.
Played five, won five, goals for fourteen, goals against two shows that we are moving forward on other key objectives besides fitness.
I think we can be a little bit optimistic about the season ahead.

 

Four Four two magazine predicts we will finish 2nd, let’s hope their right. Mike Harrison of City Gent fame answers the questionnaire and reckons the appointment of Adams has been very mixed. I thought the reaction from fans has been very positive.

 

Ah, thankfully, back to pension funds.

 

Big plus from tonight is two goals from Angol. Gets him up and running and gives him confidence.

 

Ooh @Fordy117 won't like that! Possibly a bigger Liverpool fan than him on the site

 

Slightly concerning how much of a game Brig gave us ? Especially with the full squad minus Sonogo. After going with us for 20-25 mins they tired and we grabbed three goals before half time. City showed full respect to our hosts by playing a team of first team contenders. But again its game time and fitness for those who did not feature at Guiseley. Certaintly Blackburn Saturday will be more of a measure of where we are at !?

Nice evening in the sinking sun but precious little evidence of anyone following Covid guidance !? Two masks in the crowd mine and another fellas !! I was literally on the City bench first half thing I noted was how little Adams says from the touchline. No shouting or histrionics. Just stands and watches occasional words to Trueman. I dont think the players will be able to read him ? Which is a good thing. He has that "Alex Ferguson" aura about him sort of dour Scottish PE Teacher. Its Trueman that sounds as though hes swallowed the FA Coaching manual "overloads and what not" ? I think we'll be alright with Mr Adams.

 

If I have to wear s mask then i will, without complaining and without ranting about govt double standards. If they want it then so be it.

JFDI

 

At Brighouse on Wed there were two people wearing masks ! Me and another chap.

For todays game you must wear your mask ! It is not so much for your own benefit as others and if you dont just exposes you as a right inconsiderate barsteward tbf.

The stewards (the ones not at the bar) have a duty to remind people and they should not be ridiculed or dragged into an argument over it.

Cant those who are resisting this see that we will all suffer from their non compliance Either by potentially picking up a serious virus and/or forcing the League/Clubs to stall and limit the return of supporters in August if it proves unsafe.

So please dont be an idiot just respect others and lets all enjoy being "back home" and the afternoon safely.

 

There is zero scientific justification for wearing a mask outdoors. Fair enough on the concourse but don't expect people to wear one whilst sat at their seat.

 

Really enjoyed that game and we were well worth the win. Some promising performances notably from Watt, Threlkeld, Canavan and Angol.

 

Are you Simon Parker in disguise?

Good read.

 

Results dont matter. Performances certainly do. I want to see good performances so we can see what works best and who wants their shirt for Exeter.

You need to try harder. You are saying obviously ridiculous stuff for the sake of it now.