Lack of Action Man

About the same as Dean Gerken then?

When playing away from home it is (arguably) easier to go at your opposition without fear of reprisal than it is at home. I maintain that we have a squad of mentally weak players, and that shows when we’re at home. That being said, they deserve all the plaudits for today’s win - let’s keep that momentum going!

Food voucher flavour

Best comment in here.

The badge being off centre irks me… but £12 is very tempting… is this a one off issue on this shirt?

Likewise, I felt this also. Does come across quite petty and can’t say I really agree at all. At best both keepers are of equal overall ability, but with very different strengths and weaknesses. That said I don’t think DB will be particularly bothered by those comments from NP. Seems to me he’s done alright for himself since leaving the club for pastures new.

It wouldn’t be OTIB without Tony Anthony Rougier (This has to be one of the longest running gags on the forum?)

Guys it’s clearly Curbishley, he was spotted in Clifton earlier today eyeing up several properties for his portfolio.

You’re right on Mehmetti, but he seems creatively stifled in the current set up. Game may have changed, but not for the better in this regard.

That plan really isn’t what we are seeing on the pitch at all.

This is exactly what I have alluded to in another thread. There are no “moments” in this current team which get the fans going. No crunching tackles, no chasing down lost causes, and little else to inspire some fight or passion.

It’s not that I would expect the chat to make a difference, the professional footballer likely shuts out that noise and focussed on their game plan from the manager and his assistants. It’s more that the if this chant becomes more widespread, it’s an expression of frustration at our somewhat negative play style. Whilst I didn’t get involved, I’d Rather hear this chant, than hear people hurling abuse at individual players.

It is a bit Chicken and the egg for me. However, On the 3PIAP show this week, Joe Burnell alluded to Danny Wilson integrating atmosphere into his team talks which I thought was interesting. I.e. recognise that you (the player) need to get the crowd going in your own way with your own “moment”. Whether that’s a crunching tackle, chasing down a lost cause, or something else entirely - that gets people off their arses and making some noise. That feeds into creating the atmosphere, which in turn creates that hostile environment to the opposition that NP is asking for. The problem is, there are no “moments” in this team. No crunching tackles, no shithousery, no shots from distance, just nothing which is really THAT exciting. It’s all just so very “meh” ??

I agree. I didn’t expect this type of football under NP at this point in his managerial cycle, so it has been a bit of a surprise. By now I did think we would be faster, more incisive and less ponderous in our build up play. On another thread I’ve seen comments alluding to the overall play-style/tactical plan stifling those more “unpredictable” players of ours, such as Mehmetti and I can see this point also.

Group of lads near me in the SS tried to get this going, with minimal response. But have to say having reflected on the game a bit, they were right to have a go at getting the chant going. We are far too ponderous on the ball, comfortable sliding it back and forth in very safe areas but lack any convincing movement or penetration to the final third. If we keep playing this overly tactical, dare I say “negative” brand of football it won’t be long before the locals become increasingly restless.

Very good ?

We either need the midfield sentinel in the mould of Marvin Elliott or we need the creative distributor in the mould of Paul Hartley (though hopefully not quite as old). I highly doubt we will get both, but we should be going hell for leather now in the transfer market to acquire ONE of these types of midfield player.

Sums it up quite nicely.

It’s not the fact we play backwards, it’s how OFTEN we play backwards and especially when there are as good options to pass to in space in advanced positions which we just don’t seem to want to explore.

At best though being consistently solid will only end up in drawn matches. And a season of draws won’t keep you up in this league. We must add creativity to our game. I appreciate your optimism, but I’m struggling to believe we will become a side that creates better chances without quality additions in midfield and attack…

They were the better team. Tactically, physically and (probably) skilfully. Preston were the better side tactically and physically. Not filling me with confidence, but then again I haven’t seen us away from home in-the-flesh yet.

Definitely not an empty seat next to me in the South Stand. In fact this weeks’ resident was so large they were overflowing into my seat.

The style of play is too negative and bereft of creativity. Whether that’s due to the coaching staff or the players remains to be seen. What IS clear is that the Scott money MUST be reinvested into quality both in central midfield and upfront.

I remember my dad deliberately doing this on so many of our holidays ?

It would appear not ?