spudski

2 minutes ago, Shuffle said:

Like most it probably starts with your dad or a relative taking you to the first game.  My first game was over 50 years ago and even though I was playing for local teams to a reasonable standard for years, my heart was always on what was happening at the Gate. Every game we weren’t playing home or away, I would go & that includes 82 when there weren’t many of us. 

Another factor was growing up in Keynsham most of my school was Gas at the time. I took pride in representing City as my team in whatever happened and that includes banter and skirmishes. I’m also an incredibly proud Bristolian and love my football team and worked all over the country and am always proud to say I support Bristol City only to be asked who my prem team is?

My personal take is that I support my local team & whilst it’s not been in the main pretty or successful, you cannot beat the buzz of a win against the odds and if I stop, I can guarantee that I will miss the best game in the clubs history.

If it’s in your blood then you will continue to commit both financially and emotionally & as I’m getting older, I find it more depressing when we lose and under perform.  Wish I wasn’t so engaged but in essence my dad passed on his love of Bristol City and despite moaning like mad, I’d be lost without them now as despite however much I Moan (especially this season), I’d be lost without it.
 

 

 

Your post in response resonates with me. So similar.

I guess I found solice elsewhere before you.

Trust me...I still feel something, wouldn't be writing this otherwise...but I do wonder how many feel totally disconnected like me.

Bearing in mind this decision was made after Pearson was appointment. 

6 minutes ago, Eddie Notgetinya said:

I wish I knew the answer.

I get as frustrated as everyone. I travel most weeks from Norwich. I could go to Carrow Road every week and it would take much less time out of my weekend, but I just can’t do it. I could go to Ipswich - same. I could go to Kings Lynn town but it’s not my team. I still love going and the good times will come again. Plus I want to share the bond of having something special with my son when he’s old enough to go and I want him to be City with me not Liverpool or Norwich or Chelsea.

However, in answer to your question, I don’t know why I care!!!!

I was the same for many years...and like you didn't have an answer. Then for whatever reason...clarity. Getting to midlife and realising there was more to life than following City. 

Whats the point of feeling depressed every weekend?

There literally hasn't been many times where it's been fun. Where it hasn't had a negative affect on your mood.

Since SL.its been empty promises.

Premier League in the waiting. Really? How stupid are we? Same old mistakes every season. One step forward, two steps back. 

Sad reading all the emotional posts on here, realising how much it means to so many and actually how many hours of their life they spend following or having an interest.

3 hours ago, steviestevieneville said:

That’s not true about Coppell he left because of  SL’s meddling . Millen more or less said so on a podcast . 
This issue you raise about the wrong manager being appointed is very narrow minded. These problems didn’t start with Pearson , they started under LJ & mark ashton . It was the same mistakes made under mciines . Please tell me who appointed these people ? 
Also as for the dog about getting things wrong. I would of thought you’d know all about that. Nobody’s perfect. 

How does any fan not know that ?

On 02/11/2021 at 09:57, Markman said:

did we have a thread? Apologies if posted before

 

 

Blimey...just had a moment. Seeing her dressed like that. Memories of 1991 at the Fleece watching River City People with Sinead O'Connor and Peter Gabriel watching at the back. They were the days...Fleece, Bierkeller, Thekla etc...

https://youtu.be/yDVbbVhMMvE

38 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

Other teams have built their teams with cheap signings, frees and loans that are higher than us.

Surely NIge can do the same?

Depends on the coaches he brings in imo. He's a good man manager and motivator but imo he needs decent coaches around him.

9 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Good post BW.  The Cosy Club ain’t very cosy at the mo’….and nor should it be.  Noses will be put out of joint.

Fair post Spud.  Looks like they’re being asked to do the basics, work hard, show commitment, etc.  Most appear to have bought into that.

It is a difficult time managing the dynamic of trying to move on players you no longer need.  In an ideal world he’d have another 6 or 7 players in his first team squad, and he could ignore those not part of his plans.  But due to budget constraints he’s having to keep them involved 1) to enable training needs are met, e.g. intensive 11v11s and 2) in case they’re needed in the 18.  Ideally he would have plenty of others to pick from.

I think he’s started to confirm in his own mind who has a “ticket for the bus”, but he’s giving a few reminders that there won’t be “pay on the day”, so make sure you “buy now”. This is a gear up for January imho.  Players like O’Dowda could go “pre-contract” in January.

Tactical stuff, is a whole different discussion.

It's going to be difficult I think. Experienced players getting older and past their best, youngsters still not got enough under them for next season to be relied upon. Who's going to want to come here on lower wages that has the ability to play as NP wants and get us improve our situation. Bumpy ride this year and next imo.

Players Mental strength and confidence low!!! In their own ability or in what they are being asked to do by the manager?

These players individually have the quality to do much better. Imo, the coaching team should be getting more out of them.

Or are some of them under the impression they aren't good enough under the new regime and won't be in future plans...

For me...regardless of who's playing, have been set up poorly on some occasions. 

NP mentioned after the last game our inability to stop crosses coming in. This has been going on for years. I've never known a team allow so many balls into their own box.

Nearly every team exploits our weakness...the wide spaces between full backs and wider midfield. Diagonal balls, after drawing us across the other side of the pitch. So slow to move across and defend. 

It's so easy to play against us...it's basic...and I don't know why they don't resolve the problem.

12 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Hmm, think it can be relatively easy to play through these days. 

Will only go so far at this level I feel- we'll win some lose some but not really go for it up the top end.

I'm still leaning towards 4-3-3...two full backs, a tight 3 in CM, two wingers or wide forwards and one through the middle. Passing and pressing and the wide forwards need to contribute to avoid the 2 v 1 that you describe.

If there is a 4-4-2, that can solve the 2 v 1 in wide areas but at the expense of a 3 v 2 centrally and again the potential gaps between midfield and defence.

It shouldn't do, as when the ball is pinged diagonally, the midfield slides/shifts as a unit across the pitch...giving the extra man centrally.

We are just too slow and passive when doing it.

In the time the ball has travelled across the width of the pitch to the wide man, our full back should be on him, ready to pounce as he controls, and the midfield should be tracking the runners with intent.

They don't...it's passive and symbolic having no affect on the outcome.

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

People say Barnsley worst side in the League but not convinced that some of their underlying numbers are.

I digress, about us. Goal was relatively soft to concede I thought but well worked as well- somewhere in the middle perhaps. Good points there @JonDolman although watching the highlights back, thought we had reasonable numbers actually in and around the box, but perhaps not spread out effectively. At times anyway.

I can see the appeal in blocking the wide areas with a full back and a winger/wide midfielder whatever, but if you have natural full backs in wide areas this in turn leaves you open in CM- 4-4-2 vs 4-3-3 or the correct type of 4-2-3-1...perhaps even any type of 4-2-3-1. If it was Vyner and Baker at fullback I could understand the narrow defence but it's not that natural if say Tanner and one of DaSilva and Pring are told to go so narrow- in the same way that Vyner and Baker at full back would see the side pulled out of position.

It's not all about formations and shapes but...no easy answers of course. Depends what you want too, I think we need a bit more stability, control and yes possession and then the attacking play can be built from there.

4-2-3-1 vs 4-4-2 of the traditional kind...

Could Weimann maybe drop in and help form a 3 out of possession or pull wide right and one of the wide men tuck in to compensate? Maybe but anyway...

2 full backs, 2 CBs...2 CMs, 2 wide men/wingers, 2 strikers. 4-4-2.

vs

The defence and CM the same...wide men too but they might be more in and out, central and wide- vice versa- in a 4-2-3-1. The striker yes but that attacking midfielder if he is one who can go back and forth can drop and pick up that space between the lines, perhaps cause havoc if he's the right type of player. A wide man drops central to help...then you leave your full back exposed. A striker pulls wider- you get pinned back a bit and his partner is isolated up the pitch! If it's in straight lines then not only does it leave the side tactically perhaps outmanouvered and uncomfortable in their positions but easier to pull out of shape and again exploit that extra space.

Even if it's more of a traditional 10, they can have license and run at that space between the lines and perhaps have some fun.

We all know the downside risk of a 4-4-2 of a fairly traditional kind vs a 4-3-3. 

A 4-1-4-1 vs a 4-4-2

This can vary- if it's a fairly traditional DM then that can perhaps mean that the strikers are a bit isolated 2 CBs and a DM vs two strikers and matched up elsewhere...although 1 vs 2 may help you defensively but as you will need to tuck someone in or push someone up to match up the 2 v 3, gaps can appear at your end. If it's one of those modern types it can be trickier still, perhaps you see them drop into a 3-4-3/3-4-1-2/3-5-2 something like that.

You then have a 2 vs 3 problem up front, you have 2 vs 2 in wide areas, 2 vs 2 centrally and again you will need to pull someone out to compensate, thereby opening up space once again and unbalancing your original shape/setup. There must be some advantage to the 4-4-2 side in that scenario that I am missing however. Depends on which version of the base of a back 3 the opposition go to as well. 3-5-2 could provide with an advantage on the flanks for the 4-4-2 side eg.

The problem we have regardless of playing 4 at the back with natural full backs or a three, is not so much the defence but the back up from midfield.

So often you see the hole being exploited, with overload of players. More often than not, a full back having to deal with 2 offensive players, whilst our midfield adjust too slowly...worried they are leaving gaps centrally because one of the forwards isn't dropping quick enough.

It's still very passive when dropping back from midfield...Massengo an exception.

442 would certainly help at the moment as nearly every team has seen our weakness.

I think the biggest problem we have when defending, is the gaps wide between defence and midfield.

There is so much space to exploit. Just ping diagonal balls into that space. It's easy. All too often no defensive midfielder to cover and and full back left on his own to shift across.

By then it's too late...you either get a cross whipped in and last ditch defending/ goalkeeping in the box, or a midfield runner, receiving ball from wide as he runs into the box.

It's been like it for ages...and one reason why I'd revert to 442 with our present crop.

We play so narrow...it's so easy to exploit. Basics...

11 hours ago, Robbored said:

And quite right too - if you want to sit with your mate every game then get a SC - if you can afford it.

I think you are missing the point and sentiment RR.

24 minutes ago, Robbored said:

Most of us regular fans know that a SC is the most economical way of watching City. For me it works out at £20 per Championship game.

I appreciate that not everyone can afford a SC or they can’t make every home game for what ever reason but every club has to resource as much income as it can and PotD prices have to be significantly higher than what a SC holder pays. 

An extra tenner per game seems reasonable to me.

 

Why does it have to be more expensive? It doesn't. A season ticket guarantees your preferred seat and that you've been able to organise to sit close to friends.

Potd...you get what's left over.

57 minutes ago, Robbored said:

Live football matches are unscripted theatre and how much is a ticket to see a live show in the Hippodrome?

The last time I went the seats were £45 for a two hour show. The bar prices were excessive as we’re snacks.

Football is no different.

People aren't 'connected' to the Theatre like supporting a football club mate. People generally go occasionally as a treat to the theatre.

Football should be accessible to the working man and shouldn't be penalised for not having a season ticket imo.

Many have family or work obligations which come first, but would love to be able to support their club at the drop of a hat without having to fork out a small fortune to do so. 

The entertainment value compared to cost is far removed imo.

I can fully understand why some would rather pay for TV subscription or go down the pub with mates and watch games and have fun.

This is a good read...it's something we as a country need to do.

https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/tickets-2019-20-bayern-munich-borussia-dortmund-schalke-rb-leipzig-5342

15 minutes ago, Wiltshire robin said:

You could use the same argument for people who get lung cancer after smoking or people who get ill after having a poor diet for years

You could...and I agree to an extent...however they are all legal activities. Beating the shit out of one another over a game of football isn't.

How do the CSF and other firms, who inflict violence and injury to one another, feel about using the NHS, hospitals, doctors, ambulances, police etc to mop up the self inflicted injuries? Do they think it's reasonable to be looked after, and use up the time of the services ahead of the general public who haven't gone looking for violence? 

Imo...if you go looking for it, don't expect others to mop up your injuries. Sort yourself out. 

Can't believe people are comparing Tomlin with Jackie. Wtf

I was in the home end, with many others at Leicester. Jackie was head and shoulders above anyone else that day.

People have to remember we were shit back then. FFS...Andy Llewellyn was playing. 

The whole club was just a bunch of drinkers, Clubbers and chancers.

Cole and Jackie were something else for us. 

You simply can't judge Jackie with others years later. The culture at our club was trash.

Osman was a joke.

4 minutes ago, CyderInACan said:

There are none so blind as those who will not see

I'd love to know what he actually does on a day to day basis. 

Putting your trust in MA to run the club, when you have a son as managing director of the club seems all at odds...what does he manage or direct? Serious question...you'd think he'd be the go between, eyes and ears for SL. 

1 minute ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Fair, your view. But I think Pearson's track record of bringing on players like this, at this level, versus McInnes' non-existent record of doing so, counts for a lot. 

One season with Nige and let's day he has 10 goals and 10 assists, then he is likely a £10m player who has made a huge contribution to Bristol City.

Look, I agree it's one of those that's in the balance - let's hope we make the right call. I'm certainly leaning towards wanting to see the kid for at least one more season in  a City shirt unless the offer is big. 

Your last sentence sums up my gut instinct too...hard one to call.

6 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

A risk for sure, but Semenyo in the hands of Nigel Pearson, versus Bolasie in the hands of Derek McInnes are very different propositions. 

I don't see it like that at all mate. 

Both of those players are beasts, with unorthodox talent.

Regardless of ' manager' it could go either way imo.

Outside of a covid year I reckon a Prem club would risk £10 m on him.

Right now, it's an unknown quantity value wise. A true gamble.

I'd edge on the side of keep him as I see potential, but if £10 m I'd sell.

3 minutes ago, Taz said:

 

He's a difficult player to judge. On one hand, he frustrates so much because he doesn't score enough (or at times look likely to), and that money could get a decent replacement, or cover the wages of a few free's. Palace aren't stupid, they know this, along with the fact that we need to rebuild and let's be fair, cash in the hand would be beneficial.

On the other hand, he is probably one of the players that is likely to go on and prove a lot of people wrong - Bobby Reid style.

We haven't looked like scoring much this season, so to knock him for not scoring enough, could be a bit unfair. Maybe with a decent pre season, and decent coaching from the right type of coach (e.g. one that is/was able to find the net regularly), he could improve ten fold.

Was there not a club supposedly interested in him recently? If there is anything substantial in both "rumours" then let the bids come in, and see where they go.

The thing with these Prem clubs, is that while people are saying "he won't get game time for ages/if at all", at that price they can afford to take the gamble. For them, it's the equivalent of us taking a "punt" on Engval. Won't miss it at all.

I'm in the undecided camp with him. Frustrates but has potential.

Agree with the Posh comments - put a high price on him and see who takes the bait. Start playing proper hardball.

I think post covid we have to play hardball as you say.

2 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Composure...OK, in an unimpressive season for City, the guy has most assists out of anybody... so there is some end product there.

My view is that he is a Nige type player. He likes players with pace and power. So, on  balance, I think I'd be disappointed to lose Semenyo. 

Hence my view in he's worth more in the market.

I can see talent...but unorthodox. So a risk.

1 minute ago, ncnsbcfc said:

Strange one isn't he?

That goal against Millwall in the cup, i thought "wow he has the ability to do that". Plus the 5/6 assists that he got in the first half of the season.

I didn't rate him at all, based on the evidence of the 19/20 season. But i thought i would have to reevaluate my thinking around him.

However, second half of the season (like everyone else), his overall performances were not of the same standard.

His two league goals consist of 2 x chasing down the keeper, and the ball coming off his ass. He's not a natural goalscorer, in the way that Conway and Britton have demonstrated for the under 23s, and first team.

In that case, what sort of player is he?

In the current climate £4-5m affords us the capability to get 3/4 other players in to help with the rebuild.

I have no problem with him going for that figure. But a lot will depend on how we replace him.

That will be the indication of whether we've learned from our previous mistakes; and that the new processes/talent id process is working in the way we hope it will.

I think you've hit the nail on the head re Semenyo...unless something drastically changed.

He's not a natural goal scorer, he's not a ' number 10'...is he an attacking me? Who knows...my guess is he'll have a career, but unfulfilled, because no one will work out his best position or how to play him.

Just now, Davefevs said:

Danni was more of a “keeper” for me.

She's pure filth however...after Hutch got hold of Kylie I expect similar

How odd...it literally crossed my mind the other day as to who would come calling for Semenyo. 

Palace screamed at me...he is totally a Palace type player.

Semenyo literally is the biggest dilemma I've ever seen as a player for us.

He's so unatural it's confusing. 

He's big, strong, direct for his age, but has the composure of a 17 year old in front of Kylie when in front of goal. Literally watch every pass, shot or control ..tell me it isn't crisp, controlled or composed.....so, so frustrating.

Like Harry...I'd be pushing for more.