Cannybluff

David seal

In a round about way, you're saying the same things. There are a lot of us disappointed with performances this season, we all understand that there are contributory factors, particularly financially, but where are we really at ad a club. 

Taking factors into account, are we performing at the level we should be (e.g. just above drop zone) some would argue we should still be better given we have talent in our squad e.g. potent strike force that "Wayne Rooney thinks is as good as any" or whatever. It does add to the frustration when we see players left out who seem to be our better players e.g. wells, semenyo, pring, Atkinson, Wilson only to be replaced with senior pros out of position. 

I also think that even if we are at the right place in the division then we are still entitled to be frustrated, albeit NP wouldn't be the one to vent at... either the owners in terms of decision making or covid for the crash of the transfer market. Whether the model of buy young promising talent and sell big would have worked is something we might never know.

What is clear though is that we all want our team and club to be successful, we are probably all frustrated that we are hamstrung and want to see us improve. I'm not sure how rapid this improvement can be, realistically but do feel that we would accept more consistency in performance and decisions that we were more likely to understand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can anyone get on? Sky red button?

16 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

They'll be conspicuous by their absence later if we do win.

  I'm split on this. I do think there are pros to keeping NP:

- vision and determination to clear up players we have meaning operating on a reduced squad both in terms of quality and numbers

- experience to stay committed to this despite a tough set of results.

- results have seemed to not reflect performance levels. We have been unlucky more than we have gaining undeserved points. Throw in penalties too (well lack of)

- given youth a chance

And cons:

- freezing out players, and there's a long list. All managers do this to a smaller degree but NP seems to do this for longer and can be baffling.

- freezing out those whose contracts expire... I can't think who this benefits. Sure, use it as a consideration and integrate others into the squad but players will try hard for a move, add value to our team and might actually re-sign if things go well.

-in match ability to change a game. Once we are behind we seem to have no effective plan to get back into the games. Subs seem ineffective and we often peter out in games to a frustrating defeat.

- signings haven't been inspiring. I accept we are shopping in kwik save rather than waitrose but even those signed fail to effect games.

I don't think we should sack him on balance but don't think we'd be missing too much value if we did. Ultimately I think results and performances should be better.

 

 

59 minutes ago, spudski said:

I bet it goes on all the time.

For example, how many players know they are being sold/ transferred and it's agreed before it's made public knowledge.

Tell their mates or whoever...they put on money for you and them before bookies are made aware.

Imagine how easy that is. Not just player, but Agent etc all knowing.

 

These markets are really small and you wouldn't likely make much from that. There are loads of markets much bigger that players can influence that do affect how they make decisions in matches. 

 

Gambling is one of those things that can draw people in. No idea how much he's made on those bets but fairly sure his finances would be secure without it. 

Love that team  

Think we've worked hard and looked dangerous when we run at them. A lot of pace in our team. Starting to open them up a bit now which shows a real spirit. 

Let's get the goals this performance deserves coyr

I think we've been excellent,  barely given a sniff to a decent Sheffield United side. We do need to pick our crossing opportunities better but we always look dangerous running at them at  pace down the centre. If we can sustain the energy levels we will get 3 points. 

The worry is that we've used a lot of energy first half and as we hit 60-70 minutes without a lead the pendulum can easily swing. First goal is gonna be crucial I feel.

Yup I'm in Reading anyway so happy to jump in 

I'll have one of an adult ticket going spare 

Think we are better side and controlled much of that half. Probed a bit but not decisive enough in the final third. Bit more sharpness and attacking variety and we have a good chance to collect all of the points. Maybe a moment of explosiveness from semenyo?

All good on sky except it seems to think 2 entirely different teams are playing... its currently "su 0-0 pr"

Love watching us play... 2 nil but so fluent attacking. A little more decisiveness up front and less mistakes and would be a different game. All to do but we can

I've met 3 Ukrainian women and some young Asians who apparently want to marry and live with me so far... but no stream  

I've seen a few games and bought memberships and would upgrade to ST... I'd like to see them offer what you've paid already off the price of season tickets in the early part of the season... catch those whose circumstances change or get the bug...

Is the point being made that a natural 9 would be something like a Lineker, Fowler type player... more a poacher and alert in the box player. 

 

Antoine"s strengths seem to be running at or behind players. I think for me that he can do both. He has shown more recently that his finishing is pretty clinical, especially with the power with which he can strike the ball. That said, I think him picking up the ball deep and running at players or using his power/strength/pace to get onto through balls is exceptional.

Its good because he isn't necessarily pigeon holed to one particular role but can effectively adapt to different phases of the game. 

 

Just of interest, what was his goalscoring record like prior to first team? Was he prolific for u23s?

I've done this previously over the phone. Can't find any details of phone times tomorrow online but they're always up and working matchdays so just call probably about 9am. I'm pretty sure be it up and running by 10am.

11 minutes ago, CodeRed said:

Can you not cast from your phone to your TV ( if it's a smart TV)

Not sure how to do that... do I need something?

Problem I have is getting it on the TV. Currently without laptop... would buy it but don't fancy sitting round my phone for the evening particularly 

That's a long episode...

That way is fine, other way round you need yo pay difference. 

Definitely talent there. The problem he has is we need players in this squad who will give everything. If he could learn how to influence games and become more consistently involved then he could change from squad player to starter... see HNM for example 

10 hours ago, 1960maaan said:

 

One question which may have been asked elsewhere. WTF is going on with pushing Flint up wide halfway just to play for flick ons??? Horrible tactic , at least when we did it with JB it wasn't pulling your main central defensive partnership apart.

Also frankie wasn't exactly picking him out... kept going for a throw as I remember...