NcnsBcfc

On 21/05/2024 at 16:48, Davefevs said:

Me too.  This doesn’t feel like agent talk to force a better deal…he’s had his offer, we aren’t going back with a fresh one.

Yep agree with that @Davefevs.

He's our 4th CM In my opinion  and will certainly be behind Knight and Bird in our proposed starting line up on the 1st game if the season. I cam imagine our contract offer to him reflects that.

Ultimately it would come down to Williams. You're at your prime (27) signing potentially the most important contract of your career. Would you sign on for another 2/3 years at a club that you know won't view you as first choice and is offering a lower wage no doubt that what you are currently on.

As much as people say about us making this happen, it seems to me that Williams will be looking to be first choice and on a better wage that what we are currently offering (understandably).

"If or when" he goes, we'll need someone else in that position, but I'm sure there will be numerous OOCs that will fall into the wage structure that are setting.

I'm glad in a way that he was able to have a decent enough season with us in the end, after 2 years of injury hell. I'll certainly miss his lack of shooting ability and am still amazed that he is out top assister last season (with a measly 5).

8 minutes ago, Harry said:

The loss of James and King is often portrayed as us losing our only ‘Prem’ experience. 
Rarely do we see Andy Weimann’s name also included in this conversation. And he has more prem appearances and more prem goals than King & James combined. 
So it’s always worth chucking his name into that conversation too. 
 

I’m afraid though, that the most important “experience” left the club in September. Phil Alexander was the one ‘off field’ person who would have been able to bring any experience or competence to the club. Let’s not forget, he was highly recommended by Scudamore. I’m assured also that he was “very clever” (direct quote) in some of the finances involved with our summer transfers last year (referencing Knight & Dickie - probably 2 of our best signings in a decade). 
But of course, as soon as Phil started asking questions about certain people and their job roles and responsibilities, daddy was asked to intervene and get rid of him. 

Many thanks @Harry, I was guessing that it was PA, that JL was referring to in his "Ego" comments.

Ultimately i can't understand the concept of the "committee", that the club seems to have now settled on. Surely as an organisation if it wants to do things better, then it needs more experienced employees who not only have the right contacts in the game, but also have the right mentality (read Ego). Whereas a committed group, who are all focused on the same goal is commendable, you do need people who challenge and have their own views, or the group can just fall into Confirmation bias around every decision.

At the moment, the club looks like a bunch of people who "think" they know what they're doing. That may well be the case in terms of the stadium/City finance, but does Gavin Marshall know anything about being the Chief Executive of a Football club (i think not). Hence why Lisa Knights insisted on being present during the FBC podcast interview with him, in case he said anything that he shouldn't (I can't imagine PA would have needed such a babysitter).

When asked in the Podcast, what the club were going to do differently next season and in the next few years to get into the playoffs at least (given that we hadn't done in in the previous 9 seasons), GM was completely flummoxed and starting using ideas like "hope" and "fingers crossed". In essence the SLT at the club don't really have a plan as to how we are going to do things better or more effectively. You can't help feeling PA was telling them things that they didn't want to hear and thus had to go (not unlike the breakdown in relationship with NP).

Interesting summer ahead. I think I'll just follow Ian Gay on twitter (@bristolboy) as he seems sure in his own mind exactly what's going on at the club, even if the Chairman, Board, Tinnion don't. 

53 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Compared to part two it actually says very little.

More guff about a sale that they don’t appear to actually want & a rehash of the blindingly obvious “need to work smartly in the transfer market because we don’t have the largest budget” mantra.

Piercy also left the club that loses the playoff final out of his list of those that will start next season with parachute payments..

And he got the bit about Watford have parachute payments for the 24/25 wrong (they don't and also don't have a Pedro to sell)

4 hours ago, 1960maaan said:

What ever you think of the season just finished , and it has been a strange mixed bag IMO , the fans/supporters have seen something. Across the board we have seen increased following , not sure I can put my finger on why, but that is good news. 
The numbers may not be massive , the home ones are reaching our max anyway , but an average rise of nearly 300 for away games shows more are doing the longer trips as the close ones sell out anyway. I wonder if the trend will continue next year, if it does it will surely mean a good season.

Thought I'd share as I found it interesting . 

 

Even with the cost of living being so high, what this shows is Club's have been proactive in marketing themselves more towards families, with only 4 clubs showing marginal losses in home support.

I'm sure if most clubs did a breakdown in the demographics of who actually goes to games nowadays the era of cheap U12s and Under 19s tickets has increased the numbers of children coming to games massively.

To avoid the anticipated drop off when the under 19s go into Adult prices, City are one of the only clubs I reckon to do Under 22 and Under 25 tickets as well.

Will be interesting to see if we keep the momentum going, but next season's sales have I think shocked a large number of us over how high they actually are.

I think there is some points to be made here from the club's communications today.

They are obviously priotising POTD for next season. Hence the "South Stand sold out". It won't be sold out, just sold out to anyone buying STs. There will probably be 500+ free seats for the first game of the season for POTD punters.

Secondly, they are only offering a "limited" number of STs for the open sale market.

I think as a club we will be looking to cap ST sales at around 14k or so (not sure about H/T STs around Christmas). This will once again force more people to get memberships or go POTD.

The club has probably recognised that the missing STs and a certain number of the STs that do come are unlikely to spend as much in the shop/concessions as people doing the POTD trip down the gate experience.

It's going to be interesting how this new approach works anyhow.

1 hour ago, eardun said:

Are you doing this?

”selecting your Season Ticket under the “Season Tickets” tab and then selecting the “Replace Seat” button.”

Yep, just moved by youngest's seat in E28, all went well.

A lot better than being in "queue position 52" for the next 3 hours....

5 hours ago, Davefevs said:

My maths:

 

So of the possible 15 or 16 home Saturday 3pm k/os, plus opening day or final day, I reckon 7 or 8 could move (light blue box on right).  To when, I don’t know.

Now, if those 7 or 8 contain Swansea, Cardiff and Bears movements, it might not feel too bad.

The annoying thing is the lack of “explainer” by club / EFL.  Fans are buying season tickets with a big unknown.

For me it makes little difference, I quite like Friday night, or Saturday lunchtime, but for others (work, kids matches, etc) it could be a real deal breaker.

I know @Davefevs it's been a real quandary as to whether to do it or not this year.

Last week, I renewed all 4 ST's in the Dolman ( 3 x E32, 1 X E28). Total cost just under £2k.

Will have to see how the season pans out fixtures wise. If it's a solid season and I don't miss more than 5/6 games, I'll carry on with an ST (probably with @GrahamC in the LS). Otherwise it's looking like memberships and POTD.

Judging by the 48 notice of renewals period that has just come out from the club, without any mention of numbers sold, I'm guessing the figure isn't one that they want to be publicising.

2 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Unlikely!

My view (moving from Dolman to Lansdown) is slightly less central & a little bit lower down.

I’m moving with 4 others, who are used to my rants, but I’ll be interested to see how others react..

The Linesman that patrol the Dolman side are having an end of season party to celebrate this news. 

Last season in E32 for us as well I think @Graham c. Like you, we'll be looking to move to LS wings as @TomSutton will be off to Uni.

4 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Hits his hand.

@NcnsBcfc did not hit upper arm.

Thanks @Davefevs, as i said on the FBC podcast this morning, i was half way down Ashton Road at this point .

From this screen shot, the ref got her sightlines absolutely spot on. Shame a few Huddersfield supporters have chosen to take it personally.

I do wonder whether we are seeing a 80% fit Twine at the moment?

A few times he's got into shooting positions and not been able to either generate the power/accuracy that he has demonstrated in his career. 

Obviously had his injury issues at Burnley as well and although only still 24, he does look a player who is "prone" to Injuries unfortunately.

That said, teams are aware of Twine and having him on the pitch opens up space for other City players. So from a team perspective having him back has been a positive (results wise of course over the last few weeks).

When talking of transfer fees, McCrorie's fee at the moment looks a bit heavy based on the skillset he has demonstrated so far.

Let's see what a pre season does for him, but unless we are able to get him for £2.5-3m I would pass. We would also need to bring in a number of players next season to allow us not to rely on a "fragile" player.

6 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Good summary.  Yes, a bit wasteful with it, but really found lots of space and gave good options.  Not sure what he was trying to achieve on his 1v1?

On Saturday, I thought him, Pring and Twine looked like they were going through the motions.  I was very interested to see them last night.  Saturday was a one-off.  Sykes has had a few one-offs this season, but generally he’s been pretty important to us.

@Davefevs will be interesting to see what happens with Sykes in the summer.

Entering the last year of his contract and probably not unreasonably asking for a better deal that what he arrived on from Oxford. He'll have other suitors in the Championship as well of course.

Wouldn't be at all surprised to see him move on rather than lose him for free at the end of the season. I don't want that of course, but he's an established international player now with no bad stats in the division over 2 seasons, he'll expect a decent deal no doubt.

I'd like to personally congratulate  Dominic Hyam for one of the most inept performances I've seen from a visiting centre back.

Why Eustace kept him on at half time and took Wharton off is anyone's guess, but he was able to cluster it again with our third (just like the first 2) in the second half.

Thank you Dominic for an entertaining display

3 hours ago, ashton_fan said:

 

Went to that game. Tues night away at Sunderland, what was I thinking???

Got home at 3 30 am, ready for work at 8. Crazy game, but a great goal by Soren.

When you look at the communication from this time last year around "record sales etc etc", it's telling that we are now 10 days on from the start of the process and no figures have been released.

It must be starting to dawn on even the most clueless at the club (Hello Jon) that the fanbase is not happy and that some big decisions are going to have to be made to correct the trajectory we are going in.

Although the international break came at just the right time for Manning and the club, the restless supporters have been stewing in the background.

Not quite sure how tomorrow is going to go really. In any other given season playing probably the best team in the division would afford the manager a bit of a pass. Got this feeling that unless the performance itself is substantially better tomorrow, then the boos will start to ring out again live on Sky.

Not a pretty scenario for anyone connected with the club.

He really is the most boring public speaker.

I wish he would talk less about what the players are going to do and focus on how the management team have been working on their game management and intent.

Tinnion spoke about him "learning on the job", well he took over a team of seasoned Championship players who he's failed to develop or enhance in any way. 

He may be excellent on those FA coaching courses, but now is the time to be brave in your selection/formation/leadership and tactics. Let's see real improvement in the next week, or it's going to be even more uncomfortable for both the Management and the club.

On 15/03/2024 at 10:15, 1960maaan said:

Been named in the U21 England squad .

Just from an age perspective Archie Gray really stands out in this group.

What a player he is going to become in the next few seasons.

Best young talent I've seen down the Gate in a long time.

16 hours ago, Carey 6 said:

Went to watch Cribbs Reserves v Boco tonight. 

Great first half, 3 goals and a missed penalty from Cribbs. 

Boco won 2-1. 

I think Portishead will win the league, but anyone down to 8th in with a shout of play offs.

Be good to have a couple more local sides in the Toolstation Prem next year & rid of 1 or 2 Devon based ones!

Anyone have any idea if they’re looking to restructure the leagues at the end of this season or have talks failed again? 

Is Tom Headford still playing for Cribbs @headhunter?

34, but looks 10 years younger 

24 minutes ago, Harry said:

See you there

Where do you park Harry?

I used the park and ride. It worked well going up to the ground, but we were left queuing for 20 mins afterwards to get back down the hill of doom....

Just now, Baldyman said:

Just seeking clarity . Lansdown stand CENTRE? Is that just the centre block (14) or the 3 central blocks 13,14.,15  ? 

13,14,15

6 hours ago, Harry said:

 

Good summary Dan. 
Dave - the keeper, Reyes, gives me butterflies whenever the ball goes near him. 
He did pull off a couple of good close range saves but when the ball is in the air, I am hiding behind the sofa! 

For reference, it was his awful flapping that led to the late Wrexham equaliser last week. 
He seems to play very well and then make a complete blunder. 
FGR have really struggled for a decent keeper since their promotion year (and they’ve signed about 6 of them since then!!)
 

Regarding Harvey Bunker - Dave and I have had a number of conversations about him. 
He’s always played as a DM but Cotts has moved him to LCB in a back 3 and he’s been solid there. As you say Dan, he got in the way of everything last night and was brilliant. 
Cotts then reacted to their half time subs and moved Bunker into midfield again to counter Jamie Walker coming on. And he did his job there too. 
I like Bunker - he’s a neat and tidy player with a good heart and desire. 

@Harry

Reyes made an excellent penalty save against Walsall at a critical point of the game, as well as 2 x 1 on 1 saves.

He's quite small, but a excellent shop stopper at that level.

Bunker played CDM against Walsall, wasn't great and was subbed off after 58 mins for Omotoye (who went on to win the penalty, that was never a pen.. )

With two really good runner in Doidge and McAllister up top (alongside Omotoye), Cotts has really given them a chance of staying up.

Playing Sutton at home this weekend, massive game... C'mon Cotts.

Went to see FGR vs Walsall at the New Lawn last Sat.

Walsall technically far the better team, but Cotts has got FGR motivated and organised and they produced a fantastic result.

Just got given the other day this book, many thanks @TomSutton. A great read

Fill out the squad photo with the 4 keepers as well.

Was hoping to see the mythical "no knees" Murphy in the photo.

24 minutes ago, Curr Avon said:

Agreed, there was no context. You can produce winning football without being 'entertaining', Wimbledon did so to good effect in the 80's and 90's. However, even the Crazy Gang had a style of play that produced pressure and goalscoring chances throughout 90 minutes. We didn't have either yesterday.

@Curr Avon

Mark, I got @headhunter to read out some of Ian's tweets during the game so there will be a record of them (in retrospect I should have screen shoted).

@TomSutton and I aren't on the podcast this Sat. But Ian has to be challenged on going back and deleting his less than favourable postings of the game and Manning he made during it, in favour of more positive ones this morning on Twitter. 

It's like somebody has had a word with him?

I'm relying on you...

2 hours ago, Sir Geoff said:

First time I've ever been shouting at the phone e in favour of IG. Just answer the question Neil !!!!! It's a hypothetical would you happy watching 16 games of dull turgid football and accept a 1-0 win each time.

No context needed.

I'm with Ian, no I wouldn't watch it .

@Sir Geoff

The issue for me answering that question is that it was so badly phrased on Ian's part.

Would I beat happy to win 16 games at home per season, whilst playing dire football?

So would I be happy in essence to get promotion playing dire football?

The dire football yesterday was so awful that it would be a really hard sell to come and watch it, but do I want promotion?

Ian once again tried to defend LM. But I bought up all of his postings during the game where he commented how bad it was, and what he would do to change it.

In true Ian fashion, following the podcast he went back to his postings and deleted a number of those posts to show his feelings in a more positive light post result. It's his way of appearing to be in the right all the time.