Relegation fodder

Yes class goals alright but what were they up against today?

 

Beginning to think the blip was our form in December. We seem to be back on form now.

 

If I am honest an unexpected performance from a team that was bang in form and looking confident. Genuinely surprised with how we played today. Southend took full advantage as we made it too easy for them.

 

Well Rahic left and it got better for a while. But now they've downed tools again. Looks like he has left a lasting impression.

 

Are you confusing Hopkin's questionable formation with players ability?

 

Looks like we're undoing all the good work.Any new signings may see us as a relegation on their CV's.

Just can't understand when a bad result ends a good run and we automatically lose the will to win. Payne and L.O'B staying should have galvanised everyone but BCFC always seem to disappoint when you need the fight and determination to win.

 

You obviously didn’t see last weeks game. Today was a carry on from that.

 

To be honest I don't know what to think any more. All I know is City are fecked

 

I was there RT and for 25 mins we were in the game.

 

So for 65+ mins we weren't. Not good.

 

Agree but that was down to tactics and formation. The players are capable but if constrained , cant perform.

 

Well we weren’t in this for 90. I personally thought this was worse than last week. They had a good game plan that they didn’t need to change. Our game plan was poor, and we didn’t really have another. The defence didn’t perform because they were being hit direct from the countless attacks. Akpan showed no desire or inclination to get involved, midfield was either bypassed or overrun, and our attack received no useful service, as a result.

All the long balls from our keeper just about drove me to distraction, he didn’t pass it out to the defenders, there was no determination to run at them. They were really good, and stopped Payne from receiving the ball if it got through, but they also nullified Ball and Lewis, they did a number on us.

Wrap all that lot up, and it is no surprise we got smacked 0-4.

 

Hopefully the last two games ARE down to a change in approach.

We need more quality - fast. 3 of the back 4 need replacing but we’ve seen that in the right system, a back 4 of Chicksen, NkP, OC/McG, Caddis can keep clean sheets.

We need a quality striker, midfielder and left sided player, pronto. Not just speculative punts - players of real quality. It’s literally pointless bunging Payne a few grand a week extra if we’re not going to strengthen the areas needed. Keeping him was important but it doesnt make us ANY stronger than the side who’s been in the bottom 4 all season.

 

Maybe it’s just me, but did anyone else worry about the body language of the players yesterday?

Didn’t look right from the start. Slow to get sorted on set pieces, heads down etc.

 

Jack Payne affect?

All of a sudden we are paying directly to a loan player a.massive wage compared with the others. Must have some affect on some of them, the likes of Ball, for example, who is currently negotiating a contract to sign permanently

 

A possible factor could be the fact it’s January Transfer window.

Could some players either:

A) Have their hearts set on leaving, or be actively trying to push through a move? Perhaps the improved performances just before the Jan window were to put themselves in the shop window?

B) Have knowledge that some players are on their way in who may take their place in the team, causing anxiety and lack of confidence on the pitch?

 

I must admit, the thought crossed my mind. On one hand I’m sure they’re all delighted he’s staying. But when we’re apparently desperate to get rid of 4 or 5 players (making them train on their own it would seem) and when we lose an important player like JOB based on finances, but we can pay Payne a massive wedge....

Ball for example. My understanding is that the sticking point isn’t the weekly wage, but contract length. We’ve offered to take his contract on till the summer but he wants a longer deal and we’re reluctant to add to the wage bill in the longer term until we know which division we’re in next season - or until we shift a few of the obsolete higher earners out.

 

The Christmas piss up worked wonders. Maybe we just need to send them all out on the lash again.

 

Yeah it was worrying. Seems like there was no leader out there since O’Brien has gone. Back to the good old days eh?