Sarumred

17 minutes ago, Erithacus said:

The main thing I'll take away today is the feeling that this team is slowly starting to get to grips with the system Lauren Smith has put in place and that they are up to WSL level. It's taken a little longer than desired but it is becoming the standard we need now. For the first half we kept United at bay and were more than up for a tussle. It was in no way the battering that some were whispering - and I think this will be the way forwards from here on.

It was somewhat of a shock to see the Dolman Stand so full (more so than the previous day?), as well as a smattering of fans in the South Stand. I imagine United brought quite a few but it is clear that Bristol has more Lioness fans than City fans.

No surprise to see a 5-4-1 out formation, but the burden really fell on the midfield once again. Without Furness, I did wonder how we would cope with the jewellery of United's international set, but I was encouraged to see the way the players were focussed on the gameplan and applied themselves so strongly. No-one was starstruck; everyone got stuck in. Some superstars didn't get the sort of reception they thought they would. More, please!

Liv CLark in goal has attracted some criticism lately but I thought she had a much improved game and was blameless for the two conceded. Her shot-stopping was first rate and frustrated the attacks well. Defensively, we worked well as a back 5 and the central defenders were usually in control of things. With the few chances that United did fashion, there were solid blocks and tight marking across the line. Considering the array of talent up against them, our girls showed no fear. Meg Connolly organised thoroughly, but the second-minute injury to Brooke Aspin was a big worry. Despite treatment the problem only got worse and she had to be stretchered off eventually. Hopefully it's not a serious knock. Chloe Mustaki came into the left of the line, with Layzell switching over to right. Even with the reshuffle, the defence stayed pretty solid.

In the middle of the park Napier, Rodgers and Morgan grafted hard all game, often in a defensive mode but were also able to stride forwards on the odd occasion and City created worthwhile attacks of their own. Although those chances were limited United weren't having it all their own way by any means. Abi Harrison started out wide left but soon came more into the middle to offer an outlet, as well as prompting play forwards. Thestrup was at times a lone figure but with Harrison linking up more as the game went on we looked a threat that meant United could not relax. Carrie Jones was always in the thick of things, often outshoning her more illustrious opponents and I'd give her the top rating today. The ongoing battle between Ella Toone and Jamie-Lee Napier was absorbing.

However, the bottom line is: we lost. A results business and all that. But there is a lot of mitigation, as we have matched one of Europe's top clubs and gavin them a game. More importantly, we showed more of what we are capable of and the team shows signs of improvement. Considering the absence of players like Furness, Murray, Hayles and so on, it was a gritty and determined performance today. If we can keep this momentum and build on it we will give ourselves more than a hope of survival this season. All in all, it was a heartening display from the Robins.

Good summary. I think the other thing we have to bear in mind is that our squad is very young and largely inexperienced at this level.

Thanks for the reminder.

2 minutes ago, downendcity said:

At the time Ipswich appointed him, everyone's favourite, Kieran McKenna,had a managerial CV comprising 3 years U18s and 2-3 years assistant at Man U.

If we were appointing him on that background how many on here would find it an "exciting" appointment, and especially if paired with Mark Ashton?!

 

That was exactly my point in another thread.

Important game next Sunday at home to Aston Villa

Just now, old_eastender said:

Absolute dire defending, with just 30 seconds to see out before HT.

Yep. Giving the ball away far too often.

2 years or so ago, Ipswich appointed McKenna who very few had heard of outside of Manchester. At the time most of us would have thought that was an uninspiring appointment but he has done well. 

So maybe, just maybe it might turn out to be a good appointment, if indeed the rumours are right.

1 minute ago, johnheadbcfc said:

Lampard is joining city for backup to matty James 

Is he in the team tomorrow?

9 minutes ago, frenchred said:

Gavin Marshall just been on HTV news being interviewed.

I'm now thinking it is Frank after watching that!

What did he say to give you that impression?

37 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

Well that article makes it sound like an appointment is not imminent.

If there's any truth in it an approach to Oxford will not happen until after their match this weekend. Compensation will have to be agreed before Manning can be spoken to.

14 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

You’re clearly not looking in the right places.  If you seriously think that 97% of fans are angry about Pearson going then I suspect you’re way off the mark.  Most fans have seen it all before.  Managers come and go.  It’s part of football.  Pearson had a good run, and has done some very good work, but at the end of the day, we’re in the same position we were in four seasons ago and have just lost a manager with one of the worst win percentages in the clubs history.  I’ve talked to Pearson and I liked him, but it’s hardly a huge surprise that he’s gone.  Time to move on.

Well put.

1 minute ago, LoyalRed said:

Was it Pearson or the club who were against loan signings, I don’t recall Pearson making a single loan. 

TGH is a loan with an option to buy.

7 minutes ago, Back of the net said:

Same for whoever gets the gig. We can't afford, or attract, someone who's not a risk. We can minimise through due diligence but it's still going to be a risk. 

Every appointment, whether that be manager/coach or player is a risk.

Basically, Redkev, not managing/coaching at championship level. I

I have concerns over Williams despite his previous connection to the club or his record with Notts County.

6 minutes ago, ZiderEyed said:

Genuine question - is it common for other clubs execs/board members/DoFs to do radio interviews after the sacking of a manager (never mind a very popular one)?

That thought had crossed my mind. I don't ever recall any board member/ceo coming on RB after sacking previous managers but circumstances in this instance are a little different. 

6 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

I've bene considering this possibility. 

Coventry are on a run of something like 1 win in 11. Lose tonight and that will be 3 losses in a row. I can't see they getting rid but that's a far worse record than Pearson was on. 

I'd personally not want him here but I could potentially see it happen.

I wouldn't rule him out. He spent a great deal of money in the summer and he hasn't been getting the results this season. Loose tonight and he could find himself out of a job in a day or so.

I have supported city for over 70 years and in all that time I cannot recall such being so disappointed at the sacking of a manager.

Thank you, Nige, for all you have done for our club and very good wishes for the future.

23 minutes ago, ChippenhamRed said:

 

It’s so dull supporting us.

Go and support the gas if that's how you feel.

3 minutes ago, EstoniaTallinnRed said:

Because this streaming service is getting wirse as the season goes on. Needs lots of emails to them to tell them to get it right, It's pretty obvious nobody monitors it.

Email sent.

Gas on mine as well. Why?

No surprises there.....not that I expected any with our injuries. 

1 hour ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Where I do have some sympathy with the Lansdowns is Nige's health. A current as yet undiagnosed neurological condition that is basically making Nige immobile would have to be a consideration if you are thinking about giving him a longer contract.  It sounds quite concerning to me.

Football is a ruthless business and, where possible, you do need everyone firing at 100%. 

Nige seems unbothered by it, which is a great mentality to have, but I think we have to accept it must be at least a point of consideration for the owners going forward. 

So do I but wouldn't you have thought that some discussion has taken place and according to NP no such talks have taken place.

7 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Who’s J.James?

A 17 year old full back.

22 minutes ago, frenchred said:

He hasn't, and he'd be happy to sign another contract if he was offered one

From the horse's mouth!

I certainly got that impression listening to his presser.

Oh dear 1-0 down after 9 minutes.