Robbored Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Very disapointing result but one positive is that City defended pretty well apart from the sloppy goal that won the game. McGivern looked solid enough as did Wilson and Nyatana. Spence didn't have his best game and with Albert also below par the right side looked a little vunerable. Elliot and Skuse both battled and disrupted Brighton well and JCR looked a real handfull but with Maynard isolated had few options around the box. Surely Millen can see that one up front at home doesn't provide enough chances and with the defence now looking stronger doesn't need 5 across midfield to provide protectionat home. Kilkenny didn't help much with his tendency to linger too long on the ball thereby slowing play down and maybe he'd be more effective further up the pitch where he'd have to move the ball more quickly. Much as I support Millen and what he's trying to do, he got it wrong today not only with the substitutions but the formation as well.
petehinton Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 4-5-1 with 3 defensive midfielders and two right wingers making up our midfield. To add to that, our best player is replaced by a target man....to play left wing. It took Millen until we conceded with 10 minutes left to realise it was the wrong formation, no passion, no belief, no anything!!
Donald Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Millen seems to be falling into the Gary Johnson trick of setting up to avoid defeat not to win. Unless he changes that he's going to have real problems Today Formation - Bad. Good away, Wrong at Home Subs - Wrong, should have moved to 4-4-2 sooner Team - can't really fault anyone McGivern impressed as game went on Skuse - best of the midfield 3, tackled everything that moved JCR - direct and best attacking option Maynard - isolated Albert - off form today
Sir Colby-Tit Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 If Millen plays one up front at home again he will be having my ST surgically removed from his arse. It's starting to look like his priority is not losing, instead of trying to win.
Red Exile Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Millen seems to be falling into the Gary Johnson trick of setting up to avoid defeat not to win. The difference being that GJ was rather good at avoiding defeat - particularly at home where we were very rarely beaten. Late equalisers from visiting sides coloured many people's view of the last year of Johnson's reign and cost us hard won points that could well have secured a second play-off season in 08-09.
Guest MC Risk Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 But robbored and Donald, Millen's brand of football is extremely entertaining according to you both!!!! At least with johnson i always felt we had a goal in us, mainly due to the spirit of the team......with millen.....well tell me anyone of our fans who believes we can score at any time, or who has hope we can pull it around when backs are against the wall. Take the rose tinted specs off
Guest forevered Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Today Formation - Bad. Good away, Wrong at Home Subs - Wrong, should have moved to 4-4-2 sooner Team - can't really fault anyone McGivern impressed as game went on Skuse - best of the midfield 3, tackled everything that moved JCR - direct and best attacking option Maynard - isolated Albert - off form today This is the correct analysis. Not loads wrong! Just couldn't get that goal, solid performance and there was some good play, the ball didn't fall right all day. For me it's not a disaster and plenty of promise from today. A draw would have been fair. FR
Guest MC Risk Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 This is the correct analysis. Not loads wrong! Just couldn't get that goal, solid performance and there was some good play, the ball didn't fall right all day. For me it's not a disaster and plenty of promise from today. A draw would have been fair. FR oh come on, these players have had 2 weeks off, 2 weeks to try new things, new tactics, set pieces, build some team spirit away from prying eyes, come back refreshed and hungry........but all i saw was the all too predictable outcome of no creativity, no motivation, and NO LEADERSHIP at all....who is the leader of this team, why isnt marv taking this lot by the scruff of the neck on the pitch, he has been here for 5 years now, he should be driving us on......i looked around and saw a load of mutes, just going through the motions.........pathetic
Robbored Posted September 10, 2011 Author Posted September 10, 2011 This is the correct analysis. Not loads wrong! Just couldn't get that goal, solid performance and there was some good play, the ball didn't fall right all day. For me it's not a disaster and plenty of promise from today. A draw would have been fair. FR Considering Brighton are top of the league there wasn't much difference between the two teams today. Not many chances either end and they nicked the points with a scrappy/sloppy goal. The difference was the tactic of isolating Maynard up front on his own. No doubt the plan was for the midfielders to support him but that didn't work very well. In fairness City didn't look like they would have scored if they played until midnight. Millen has to change it for the next home game on 27th September..
chinapig Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Considering Brighton are top of the league there wasn't much difference between the two teams today. Not many chances either end and they nicked the points with a scrappy/sloppy goal. The difference was the tactic of isolating Maynard up front on his own. No doubt the plan was for the midfielders to support him but that didn't work very well. In fairness City didn't look like they would have scored if they played until midnight. Millen has to change it for the next home game on 27th September.. Keith says it worked well so don't hold your breath Robbo. He can see no connection between his tactics and the absence of goals it seems.
Guest MC Risk Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Considering Brighton are top of the league there wasn't much difference between the two teams today. Not many chances either end and they nicked the points with a scrappy/sloppy goal. The difference was the tactic of isolating Maynard up front on his own. No doubt the plan was for the midfielders to support him but that didn't work very well. In fairness City didn't look like they would have scored if they played until midnight. Millen has to change it for the next home game on 27th September.. and if he doesnt, will you still be on here posting how he has to change and learn from mistakes.....how many chances does he get.....johnson superior manager and motivator full stop!!!
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Agree with a lot of posters, we weren't exactly terrible today. A draw I think would have been about right, though the 4-5-1 style even at home can have merit if utilised properly. I would have been happy with 4-5-1 today had we not slowed down when we seemed to break- quite often we seemed to pass it out wide and momentum would fade, but despite us being at home had we got a positive result on the counterattack vs the League leaders- i.e. a win or draw, that would have been quite alright. Stead on the left was a waste however, in addition to which he didn't seem to win enough in the air or hold it up enough.
Guest MC Risk Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 yea hes doing a blinding job at northampton For us ....i think the stats will back that up compared to millen......he was unlucky at peterboro, and made a strange decision to go to northampton, but i can only assume that was due to fact he has to work, rather than wait for the right job
Alex_BCFC Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 It was closer than expected but still not good enough. Playing Maynard up on his own meant he struggled and we barely had any clear cut chances. I can't see any difference between 'what millen is trying to do' and what Johnson did. Except Johnson actually got us results.
Guest MC Risk Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 It was closer than expected but still not good enough. Playing Maynard up on his own meant he struggled and we barely had any clear cut chances. I can't see any difference between 'what millen is trying to do' and what Johnson did. Except Johnson actually got us results. nail firmly hit on the head with that staement
Esmond Million's Bung Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Very disapointing result but one positive is that City defended pretty well apart from the sloppy goal that won the game. McGivern looked solid enough as did Wilson and Nyatana. Spence didn't have his best game and with Albert also below par the right side looked a little vunerable. Elliot and Skuse both battled and disrupted Brighton well and JCR looked a real handfull but with Maynard isolated had few options around the box. Surely Millen can see that one up front at home doesn't provide enough chances and with the defence now looking stronger doesn't need 5 across midfield to provide protectionat home. Kilkenny didn't help much with his tendency to linger too long on the ball thereby slowing play down and maybe he'd be more effective further up the pitch where he'd have to move the ball more quickly. Much as I support Millen and what he's trying to do, he got it wrong today not only with the substitutions but the formation as well. You and Donnie and several others told us give him 10 games, although you then extended your 10 games to the whole of this season and then the whole of next season. 6 games in, 4 difficult games to go in that 10 if the results persist in this vain, what say you?. PS:-What is he trying to do?.
Whale Eye Beef Hooked Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 I hope we can put this into some context, I didn't think the performance was that bad and in reality we created a lot more than we did against Pompey in our last home game. I think on reflection Brighton didn't deserve to steal the win, and 0-0 would have been a fair reflection. However, I completely agree with every one who says we simply cannot play 4-5-1 at home. It is soul destroying and aimless. I have been labelled a "rose tinter" and all the rest of it in the past but I really cannot defend Millen any more. I have no interest in calling him names and hope that the other posters will refrain from that and try keep our criticisms constructive. There are plenty of things we can talk about without the usual illiterate brigade chucking names about. Now to start my attempt at being constructive.. I think Millen should have noticed before the first half had concluded that Brighton had very little interest in going forward. They set out defensively and did not flood forward at all, We should have changed the system and pushed up to force them to play. We sat back far too often and considering we were at home it was little wonder why plenty of fans got frustrated by it. The team actually all played well, only Nyatanga (Who I thought to be at fault for the goal), Spence and Killkenny seemed to have bad games. I thought Albert was brilliant second half and Maynard (Despite the service) held the ball up brilliantly and looked very alert. But despite the decent performances the system and shape meant the game simply petered. I have always said that I will back the manager, whoever it may be, whilst they are at the helm. But if I was in Sexstone's positions what would I do? The crowds aren't responding to Millen, the football is defensive and the attendances are dwindling... We are in reality going nowhere. The new board had the opportunity to take this club in any direction they wanted but the message from the club is so mixed that nobody has a clue what the hell is going on! It's a shambles from top to bottom. So if I was in Lansdown/Sexstone's shoes I would ask Keith to leave and I would make a huge effort to bring in a manager who will capture the imagination of the fans and more importantly the players. I would grab this club by the scruff of the neck and force us through this horrible stagnant period. £5 offer and a packed away end and the attendance was 13k... That maths just doesn't work for much longer.. I have been flicking through some abusive and stupid posts that i dont agree with and theni read yours...fair play JT above well put....... Our defence has been awful for a long time and we have worked hard to shore it up , it HAS to start with this and it was much better today against a team full of confidence and top of the league. I thought we were ok going forward but obviously Maynard struggled on his own but i feel that Elliot could have got forward better to support. Brighton are dangerous on the flanks and they had 2 wingers glued to the line so it was important to stop their full backs coming forward which is why Stead played wide WHEN WE NEVER HAD THE BALL. We didn't do a lot wrong today and the first goal was always going to win it. Pitman looked sharp when he came on but Spence and Elliot were awful today. For the next home game we need to swap Elliot for Stead or Pitman and we will be fine.
numbeast Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 If we persist with playing Maynard up front on his own his contract will remain unsigned. NM's game isn't suited to that style and in both the last 2 home games he hasn't looked likely to score and that will affect his confidence in himself and his manager. Before the season started the majority of us believed we had as strong an attack as anyone in this league, 3 quality strikers battling for 2 places and 2 others in Clarkson and Taylor as decent backup in case of injuries. By playing 4-5-1 at home we are A) not utilising our resources and B) telling every team that turns up to Ashton Gate our midfield/defence is poor. Keith needs to take a good look at the squad and himself and identify who deserves their place and who should look else where. We've not got a bad squad but they're under achieving and if Keith can't turn them around and get them performing to a standard which allows him to play 2 strikers he needs hold his hands up and say the jobs too big for him.
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Can we play 4-4-2 to a decent standard though? I do have my doubts personally though the current situation is far from ideal- certainly an Elliott-Skuse axis in a traditional 4-4-2 wouldn't fill me with hope, regardless of home, away or neutral.
Esmond Million's Bung Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 I hope we can put this into some context, I didn't think the performance was that bad and in reality we created a lot more than we did against Pompey in our last home game. I think on reflection Brighton didn't deserve to steal the win, and 0-0 would have been a fair reflection. However, I completely agree with every one who says we simply cannot play 4-5-1 at home. It is soul destroying and aimless. I have been labelled a "rose tinter" and all the rest of it in the past but I really cannot defend Millen any more. I have no interest in calling him names and hope that the other posters will refrain from that and try keep our criticisms constructive. There are plenty of things we can talk about without the usual illiterate brigade chucking names about. Now to start my attempt at being constructive.. I think Millen should have noticed before the first half had concluded that Brighton had very little interest in going forward. They set out defensively and did not flood forward at all, We should have changed the system and pushed up to force them to play. We sat back far too often and considering we were at home it was little wonder why plenty of fans got frustrated by it. The team actually all played well, only Nyatanga (Who I thought to be at fault for the goal), Spence and Killkenny seemed to have bad games. I thought Albert was brilliant second half and Maynard (Despite the service) held the ball up brilliantly and looked very alert. But despite the decent performances the system and shape meant the game simply petered. I have always said that I will back the manager, whoever it may be, whilst they are at the helm. But if I was in Sexstone's positions what would I do? The crowds aren't responding to Millen, the football is defensive and the attendances are dwindling... We are in reality going nowhere. The new board had the opportunity to take this club in any direction they wanted but the message from the club is so mixed that nobody has a clue what the hell is going on! It's a shambles from top to bottom. So if I was in Lansdown/Sexstone's shoes I would ask Keith to leave and I would make a huge effort to bring in a manager who will capture the imagination of the fans and more importantly the players. I would grab this club by the scruff of the neck and force us through this horrible stagnant period. £5 offer and a packed away end and the attendance was 13k... That maths just doesn't work for much longer.. A very fair post I said on an earlier post it appeared that Brighton had come looking for a point and met a side looking for a point and another mistake settled the game and we made that mistake, it's all too predictable.
Redcliffe 78 Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 I don't class it as 4-5-1, it can be 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 with the players who strarted today but you need class players who can interchange for this, get back to basics, Millen feels you need to flood midfield to win at this level and when we play too offensive we leave our-self open need i say more. 4-1-3-2 i would go, two wide players tuck in when defending hug the touchline whilst attacking. James Spencer Wilson Fontaine McGivern Cisse JCR Elliott Albert Maynard Stead
Robbored Posted September 10, 2011 Author Posted September 10, 2011 Can we play 4-4-2 to a decent standard though? I do have my doubts personally though the current situation is far from ideal- certainly an Elliott-Skuse axis in a traditional 4-4-2 wouldn't fill me with hope, regardless of home, away or neutral. Millen is essentially building from scratch and trying to keep City in the Championship while he does it. The real development will take place next summer when loads of fringe players will be out the door and he'll have a decent budget. In the meantime he has to find a successful formation away from AG (4-5-1) and a formation that works at AG. So far he's played 442 against Ipswich and conceded 3 goals and in the two games since 4-5-1 and has not yet scored a home goal. So what's next? 3-5-2 has been suggested but that would mean bringing Albert inside as he's no wing back. Personally I'd like to see that against Hull on the 24th Sept but listening to Millen after todays match he appears to be under the impression that one up front at home is effective, but no goals at home all season should be a bit of a clue that maybe its not working. No problem with 4-5-1 at Leeds but things have to change come the Reading game.
Redcliffe 78 Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Millen is essentially building from scratch and trying to keep City in the Championship while he does it. The real development will take place next summer when loads of fringe players will be out the door and he'll have a decent budget. In the meantime he has to find a successful formation away from AG (4-5-1) and a formation that works at AG. So far he's played 442 against Ipswich and conceded 3 goals and in the two games since 4-5-1 and has not yet scored a home goal. So what's next? 3-5-2 has been suggested but that would mean bringing Albert inside as he's no wing back. Personally I'd like to see that against Reading on the 27th Sept but listening to Millen after todays match he appears to be under the impression that one up front at home is effective, but no goals at home all season should be a bit of a clue that maybe its not working. No problem with 4-5-1 at Leeds but things have to change come the Reading game. The real development will start next year and the Hull game at home before Reading does not matter, no wonder Johnson showed you up for what you are, nothing personal but WTF.
Esmond Million's Bung Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Millen is essentially building from scratch and trying to keep City in the Championship while he does it. The real development will take place next summer when loads of fringe players will be out the door and he'll have a decent budget. In the meantime he has to find a successful formation away from AG (4-5-1) and a formation that works at AG. So far he's played 442 against Ipswich and conceded 3 goals and in the two games since 4-5-1 and has not yet scored a home goal. So what's next? 3-5-2 has been suggested but that would mean bringing Albert inside as he's no wing back. Personally I'd like to see that against Reading on the 27th Sept but listening to Millen after todays match he appears to be under the impression that one up front at home is effective, but no goals at home all season should be a bit of a clue that maybe its not working. No problem with 4-5-1 at Leeds but things have to change come the Reading game. The strange thing is Millen signings are now mainly proving to be poor to average in fact so much so many either don't get a game or even on the bench and he has to rely on the GJ signings many of whom you have castigated, I for one would not trust him with a decent budget he has already wasted the wrong end of 2 mill and is proving himself clueless tactically, he is out of his depth.
Wrongagain Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Can't expect passion from the players when the manager shows the passion of a crash test dummy, watched him clapping today when Brighton stole the ball!! He should be forced to watch a vid of the Swindon manager in action - the first 15 minutes of that HOME DEFEAT, for us, was filmed by the BCFC official photographer, he filmed nothing else! I sat 15 feet away. He showed so much passion I was suprised he did not put boots on and join in. We believe in our team, its full of talent at the moment (except no attacking midfielder) - so how can the players be motivated when their manager shows more interest in a special offer at Tesco than what is taking place in front of him? My 8 yo grandson could do better! If I could no longer do my job I would move on and go fishing - spare place in my boat Kieth - bring your own Mae West!
Robbored Posted September 10, 2011 Author Posted September 10, 2011 The real development will start next year and the Hull game at home before Reading does not matter, no wonder Johnson showed you up for what you are, nothing personal but WTF. Been on the lash? WTF.
Redcliffe 78 Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Been on the lash? WTF. Could not be bothered to type anymore to your crap, sorry, can you explain why Hull which is our next home game is not a must win at home? Millen hands are tied in away but he has spent alot more than many aside in our league stop licking his ass majority knows he is useless as a manager, good coach.
Esmond Million's Bung Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Could not be bothered to type anymore to your crap, sorry, can you explain why Hull which is our next home game is not a must win at home? or even a must score!.
internetjef Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 need to start 442 at home IMO --------------------------------Jamo----------------------------------- Spence---------Wilson---------------Tangs----------McGivern Adomah---------Elliot------------------Killa-----------Jamal CR ------------------Maynard---------------Stead----------------------- i know its going out of fashion a bit in favour of more fluid formations these days but at least the players have no excuse for not being able to play it. And it hasn't just become a redundant formation over night. With two out and out strikers and attacking wide men theres no need for elliot to go bursting forward. IMO he was always at his best as a combatitive centre mid breaking up play and picking up some of LJs tackling duties in a 442. Elliot and Killa can both sit in front of back 4 and protect them. Elliot doing the tackling and Killa trying to feed the 4 more attacking players ahead, even if just simple short balls to put them in possesion, not necessarily needing to be killer through balls. All the players are natural in those positions (or at least very comfortable in JCR and McGiverns cases). It gets our best players in the starting 11, and when we bring on Pitman there will be more chance of it being in his favoured position as one of the top two. I know the concern will always be leaving our defence unprotected, but if we offer a bit more going forward and look like scoring ourselves that would stop the pressure building on our back four.
Guest Tenyards Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 How is Millen "building from scratch" this season? He was assistant to Tinnion, Johnson and Coppell so involved in building the current squad. He was a player before that so knows the one or two older players and youngsters who have been brought through the ranks inside out. He has signed a raft of players (most of which he doesn't put in the side) and he has signed some loan players. This is Millen's squad. We were a good mid-table Championship side when he took over and we are now a very shaky bottom of the table side. He has lost the confidence of the fans. His team selections seem odd and substitutions odder. He is passionless on the touchline and seems to rely on "statistics" and computer print-outs to analyse the game rather than seeing what is in front of his eyes. By his own admission in most games this season the players have looked second best to the opposition at the start of games and are failing to "come out of the traps" with any enthusiasm or speed - that enthusiasm and speed is usually put there by an inspiring pre-match team talk by the manager. There is no way he should be given another season. This club should have ambitions to have a new stadium and be in the Premier League.....are we as a club inferior to Swansea? Blackpool? Hull?....No we are not. We just lack a manager. Now Brighton have shown that even though they were a division lower last year they have got their act together and are nearer to Premier League status than us (complete with a new stadium). If you want years of mediocrity...stick with Millen...if you believe in the dream that Steve Lansdown sold to fans over recent years then he must go and be replaced by a more experienced manager who can motivate and organise these expensive, well-paid, talented players into something that resembles a team.
Donald Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 The strange thing is Millen signings are now mainly proving to be poor to average in fact so much so many either don't get a game or even on the bench and he has to rely on the GJ signings many of whom you have castigated, I for one would not trust him with a decent budget he has already wasted the wrong end of 2 mill and is proving himself clueless tactically, he is out of his depth. Poor to average? who and Based on what? How many of these players have you actually seen play? Or do you just judge them based on how often they appear on teletext?
milo1111 Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Millen is essentially building from scratch and trying to keep City in the Championship while he does it. The real development will take place next summer when loads of fringe players will be out the door Give it a rest. He should be getting more out of what's there not unsuccesfully trying to freeze out players we are paying good money to. Starting from scratch? Wrap up ffs. Maynard, pitman, stead, Elliott, cisse, kilkenny, adomah, are all decent enough for this league so he isnt starting from scratch. He should be getting more. When is it going to be his responsibility? one excuse after another. I'm convinced another manager could do better.
Redcliffe 78 Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Poor to average? who and Based on what? How many of these players have you actually seen play? Or do you just judge them based on how often they appear on teletext? Teletext or not his facts are true.
Donald Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Teletext or not his facts are true. ???? English please ????
Monkeh Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Excuse after excuse after excuse Teflon will never make a manager he will never get a job after this one
Redcliffe 78 Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 ???? English please ???? ? The signings haven't done too good, the boy of Plymouth is showing goals on twitter to show how good he was, is that English or were we picking up on a spelling mistake Sir Donald. Sorry Sir Donald mistakes.
myol'man Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Considering Brighton are top of the league there wasn't much difference between the two teams today. Not many chances either end and they nicked the points with a scrappy/sloppy goal. The difference was the tactic of isolating Maynard up front on his own. No doubt the plan was for the midfielders to support him but that didn't work very well. In fairness City didn't look like they would have scored if they played until midnight. Millen has to change it for the next home game on 27th September.. I don't want to join the usual Robbo bashing session, but i think you'll find 24th September is the next home game. If we lose at Leeds and fail to score past Basso and Reading i think you'll have a new manager to love/hate.
rednotblue Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 The whole idea of 451 is that the midfield support the striker. Who out of our 3 central midfielders gets forward? Answers on a postcard to Keef.
Esmond Million's Bung Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Poor to average? who and Based on what? How many of these players have you actually seen play? Or do you just judge them based on how often they appear on teletext? Your about a month behind as usual, I have seen more than you have this season and last. Pitman can't get a full game. Stead can't get a full game. Woolford can't get a full game and crap when he comes on. Bolasie can't get on the bench. Taylor can't get on the bench. Killkenny LJ doppleganger.
Sir Colby-Tit Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Can we play 4-4-2 to a decent standard though? I do have my doubts personally though the current situation is far from ideal- certainly an Elliott-Skuse axis in a traditional 4-4-2 wouldn't fill me with hope, regardless of home, away or neutral. I think we can, if one of Elliot or Skuse is dropped. Millen doesn't seem to keen on this idea though.
Rednready Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 Goals win games so consider this. Milly for all his statistics, has to consider the goal scoring issue and we have a major trend that has developed. I think we have played 16 pre season, cup and league games. At this stage we have failed to score in 8 of them. Four of these non scoring games were pre season and 4 since the season started. When you dont score in half your games, its usually a recipe for disaster/ relegation. This point was pointed out to me by a retired bookie. After pre season he said " I think your lot could go down, they have no goals in them ". The defence has only conceded 3 goals in the last 4 matches, however we have to score more than the other teams. Its not happened pre season or during the season. The warning lights were flashing in July, most of this forum can see it and the fans are staying away from the gate. Goals Milly, Goals !
Redcliffe 78 Posted September 10, 2011 Posted September 10, 2011 3-2, 2-2, 4-3, edge of the seat games i don't won't every home game but football is meant to be something i enjoy at the end of a hard working week, not a chess game of football, i have nether heard AG so quiet and dull as under Millen in all my years of watching.
REDOXO Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 Goals win games so consider this. Milly for all his statistics, has to consider the goal scoring issue and we have a major trend that has developed. I think we have played 16 pre season, cup and league games. At this stage we have failed to score in 8 of them. Four of these non scoring games were pre season and 4 since the season started. When you dont score in half your games, its usually a recipe for disaster/ relegation. This point was pointed out to me by a retired bookie. After pre season he said " I think your lot could go down, they have no goals in them ". The defence has only conceded 3 goals in the last 4 matches, however we have to score more than the other teams. Its not happened pre season or during the season. The warning lights were flashing in July, most of this forum can see it and the fans are staying away from the gate. Goals Milly, Goals ! Exactly We didn't get the players we were looking for and as such we have had to bed in a back four with an average age of 21 and a bit... KM is/has been trying to protect them as much as possible which explains the five across the midfield, thus leaving Nicky up front on his own...The problem being we dont have goals in us playing like that and certainly Nicky isn't happy having little to feed off...Lets face it his goals at Leicester were from a Free Kick and a dispossesion of a full back which speaks for it self, with a consolation thrown in at cardiff.. Thus we have not created a scoring chance for Maynard in six games (and he has still come up with three goals)...We need to be attacking at home and the players need a lift, we need to set up to win games, but within the abilities of the players we have, as such 352 may be better at the start and not just deployed when we are chasng a game that we often are!!!
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 Millen is essentially building from scratch and trying to keep City in the Championship while he does it. The real development will take place next summer when loads of fringe players will be out the door and he'll have a decent budget. In the meantime he has to find a successful formation away from AG (4-5-1) and a formation that works at AG. So far he's played 442 against Ipswich and conceded 3 goals and in the two games since 4-5-1 and has not yet scored a home goal. So what's next? 3-5-2 has been suggested but that would mean bringing Albert inside as he's no wing back. Personally I'd like to see that against Hull on the 24th Sept but listening to Millen after todays match he appears to be under the impression that one up front at home is effective, but no goals at home all season should be a bit of a clue that maybe its not working. No problem with 4-5-1 at Leeds but things have to change come the Reading game. 3-5-2 may be useful enough- I still can't see us dominating the midfield enough in a 4-4-2 however. The whole idea of 451 is that the midfield support the striker. Who out of our 3 central midfielders gets forward? Answers on a postcard to Keef. Well quite, this is it. Not necessarily inherently defensive as a style, the problem seems to be either how we use it or our personnel. The movement is terrible also. I think we can, if one of Elliot or Skuse is dropped. Millen doesn't seem to keen on this idea though. Well yeah, if one them is dropped then maybe. Dunno why Cisse is personanongrata, thought he kept the ball quite well last season but I'm sure Millen has a good reason...Either way though, Elliott's technical ability isn't fantastic, remain wary about 4-4-2 with our squad- though the bad individual errors at the back seem to have been cut out somewhat so maybe...
Rednready Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 Some good posts on this topic and I would add the following. Last season after Christmas our best revival had a midfield of Cisse who was very solid and Elliot who ended the season with 8 goals. Elliot is wasted with players like LJ and Kilkenny, he has to spend more time covering for them, rather than moving forward and adding to the attack and the goal tally. Elliot pressures opposition defences and helps close down the opposition midfield. Used with the right partner MILLY he is a strong assett to our game plan in attack and defence. Elliot has recieved plenty of flack since his first great season, he was doing the midfield clean up for 2 players, if anyone could not see that, they know very little about the game. For me he is not as technically proficient as say Luke Wilkshire, but he puts in a grand shift and last season started to move up the field and scored 8 goals. For me and working on previous results, I would play Cisse and Elliot behind Stead and Pitman/Maynard. Stead is a better pro at this level than Maynard or Pitman and should be the first pick in a 4-4-2. Pitman needs to soon get a run as first pick with Stead, Maynard needs to know he is not gauranteed an automatic selection .
Donald Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 Your about a month behind as usual, I have seen more than you have this season and last. Pitman can't get a full game. Stead can't get a full game. Woolford can't get a full game and crap when he comes on. Bolasie can't get on the bench. Taylor can't get on the bench. Killkenny LJ doppleganger. more lies as ever..... it's well know you barely go to games, evidence being the amount of posting your doing during match threads (ditto, last season) , personally I've been to 9 games so far this season as for the player, Pitman and Stead have both proven to be good signings and are merely out of the team due to the formaotion, Kilkenny - mixed but starts ever week (doubt you've even seen him play) Bolasie and Taylor with both signed "for the future" for nominal fee's Woolford - mixed when he comes on, seems to be better at left back than left wing, AGAIN - doubt you have even seen him play. more ramblings from the king of teletext.
Talk Of The Town Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 Millen is essentially building from scratch and trying to keep City in the Championship while he does it. The real development will take place next summer when loads of fringe players will be out the door and he'll have a decent budget. In the meantime he has to find a successful formation away from AG (4-5-1) and a formation that works at AG. So far he's played 442 against Ipswich and conceded 3 goals and in the two games since 4-5-1 and has not yet scored a home goal. So what's next? 3-5-2 has been suggested but that would mean bringing Albert inside as he's no wing back. Personally I'd like to see that against Hull on the 24th Sept but listening to Millen after todays match he appears to be under the impression that one up front at home is effective, but no goals at home all season should be a bit of a clue that maybe its not working. No problem with 4-5-1 at Leeds but things have to change come the Reading game. Did they play 4-4-2 against Swindon?
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 Did they play 4-4-2 against Swindon? Starting lineup had Taylor and Pitman so presumably so- unless Pitman was on the left once more...
Robbored Posted September 11, 2011 Author Posted September 11, 2011 Did they play 4-4-2 against Swindon? Yes they did and Swindon ran through the middle again and again........ Bottom line is that 4-4-2 doesn't suit the players at Millen's disposal and its clear why he plays 5 across the middle.
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 Yes they did and Swindon ran through the middle again and again........ Bottom line is that 4-4-2 doesn't suit the players at Millen's disposal and its clear why he plays 5 across the middle. This. Just leaves us much too open as our midfield isn't good enough to function in that style.
Chivs Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 Yes they did and Swindon ran through the middle again and again........ Bottom line is that 4-4-2 doesn't suit the players at Millen's disposal and its clear why he plays 5 across the middle. I recall the Swindon midfield passing and moving. It was actually quite enjoyable as I haven't seen that from our midfielders for about 3 years now. We actually have a good midfield squad of players who are quite capable of playing 4-4-2. Bottom line is that Millen is an innately conservative personality who would rather not lose a point than win 3. This attitude is now apparent in the entire team's performance who are scared stiff to risk anything going forward.
Esmond Million's Bung Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 more lies as ever..... it's well know you barely go to games, evidence being the amount of posting your doing during match threads (ditto, last season) , personally I've been to 9 games so far this season as for the player, Pitman and Stead have both proven to be good signings and are merely out of the team due to the formaotion, Kilkenny - mixed but starts ever week (doubt you've even seen him play) Bolasie and Taylor with both signed "for the future" for nominal fee's Woolford - mixed when he comes on, seems to be better at left back than left wing, AGAIN - doubt you have even seen him play. more ramblings from the king of teletext. You really behind the times old fruit, but hey you don't know me never met me yet you feel you can call me a liar, stick to what you are good at, so just keep on talking out your arse. Trust me I have seen more BCFC games than you especially since Millen took over, with all the functions.
SJC Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 I genuinely can't believe how much time some are willing to give him. And I say that from a perspective of not rampaging for his head, simply struggling to see what he is either trying to achieve or infact achieving. Talk of him not having his own squad, inheriting poor/unwanted players, every single manager to be appointed to any job encounters this or similar. Those who defend the current state of things are not demonstrating patience, they are demonstrating a complete blindness to a situation approaching critical. We're not talking about a new manager who is struggling to settle, he's been in the role, if you include post Johnson / pre Coppell, about 63 of the last 65 games. There should be something, anything, by now which tells me what he is trying to instil into this team but I have absolutely no idea. On the pitch we look weak and rudderless while off it we're all but a circus. Where is Cisse!? Hunt seems to have had a decent pre-season, why he is literally nowhere? Pre match comments are so utterly tedious they're not even worth reading - players don't respond, his words seem to have no affect what-so-ever. Post match is just the same old repetitive, drab mundaneness. Just where is anything? Where is the fight, the passing football, the leadership, the solid defense (and by that I don't mean James making x amount of saves to keep us in games). Where are the goals, where is the running. Something, anything, the whole club is just ponderously drooping through the motions while crowds drop and interest wanes. How can we be talking about him not having his squad, Stead, Pitman, Killkenny, Bolasie, Taylor, Spence, McGivern, Woolford. Loan signings aside, only Killkenny starts and he appears graced with being an Aussie, coming in with a reputation of being a bit gobby and not being Gary Johnson's son, because I'm afraid the harsh reality is we've, on the evidence so far, signed a replica of a player we already had when being told the squad is too big and wages are too high. I genuinely think it's getting to the stage where, unfortunately, a change is required. A fresh face, fresh staff, reinvigorate the squad and start with a clean slate. Hiding behind fictitious assertions that the squad is poor or we're carrying too much dead wood to make a fist of things is complete nonsense. The truth is the man at the helm needs to start inspiring not just the players, but the fans too, otherwise it's 'thanks for your efforts, we're going to go in a different direction.'
Pederho ll Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 This. Just leaves us much too open as our midfield isn't good enough to function in that style. What, are centre midfield players cannot play centre midfield? We are in serious trouble.
Pederho ll Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 I genuinely can't believe how much time some are willing to give him. And I say that from a perspective of not rampaging for his head, simply struggling to see what he is either trying to achieve or infact achieving. Talk of him not having his own squad, inheriting poor/unwanted players, every single manager to be appointed to any job encounters this or similar. Those who defend the current state of things are not demonstrating patience, they are demonstrating a complete blindness to a situation approaching critical. We're not talking about a new manager who is struggling to settle, he's been in the role, if you include post Johnson / pre Coppell, about 63 of the last 65 games. There should be something, anything, by now which tells me what he is trying to instil into this team but I have absolutely no idea. On the pitch we look weak and rudderless while off it we're all but a circus. Where is Cisse!? Hunt seems to have had a decent pre-season, why he is literally nowhere? Pre match comments are so utterly tedious they're not even worth reading - players don't respond, his words seem to have no affect what-so-ever. Post match is just the same old repetitive, drab mundaneness. Just where is anything? Where is the fight, the passing football, the leadership, the solid defense (and by that I don't mean James making x amount of saves to keep us in games). Where are the goals, where is the running. Something, anything, the whole club is just ponderously drooping through the motions while crowds drop and interest wanes. How can we be talking about him not having his squad, Stead, Pitman, Killkenny, Bolasie, Taylor, Spence, McGivern, Woolford. Loan signings aside, only Killkenny starts and he appears graced with being an Aussie, coming in with a reputation of being a bit gobby and not being Gary Johnson's son, because I'm afraid the harsh reality is we've, on the evidence so far, signed a replica of a player we already had when being told the squad is too big and wages are too high. I genuinely think it's getting to the stage where, unfortunately, a change is required. A fresh face, fresh staff, reinvigorate the squad and start with a clean slate. Hiding behind fictitious assertions that the squad is poor or we're carrying too much dead wood to make a fist of things is complete nonsense. The truth is the man at the helm needs to start inspiring not just the players, but the fans too, otherwise it's 'thanks for your efforts, we're going to go in a different direction.' SJC, you my friend talk sense. Spot on!
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 What, are centre midfield players cannot play centre midfield? We are in serious trouble. I don't think they have the technical ability in the main to play a 4-4-2. I'm generally against the 4-4-2 anyway, no numerical advantage in midfield in terms of controlling the game, give the ball away too cheaply a risk, more pressure on back 4 etc. 4-4-2 may suit some sides but I'm unconvinced it suits us at this moment in time.
Robbored Posted September 11, 2011 Author Posted September 11, 2011 What, are centre midfield players cannot play centre midfield? We are in serious trouble. That's not the way to look at it. Games are won and lost in midfield and if a team sets up with 4 across the middle then the two wide players need to tuck in. By doing that attacking options are restricted. If they stay wide then the middle is exposed especially against a team who are playing with 5 across the middle. I'm convinced 5 across the middle is the right tactic home and away but what to do with the remaining 5 outfield players at AG is open to debate.
Donald Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 You really behind the times old fruit, but hey you don't know me never met me yet you feel you can call me a liar, stick to what you are good at, so just keep on talking out your arse. Trust me I have seen more BCFC games than you especially since Millen took over, with all the functions. I stand by my comments. Stereotypical Keyboard Warrior/Armchair Supporter who never witnesses games first hand, I've invited you to meet in person, but surprise surprise, you weren't attending games. Please enlighten us on the games you have attended this season. Only sing when we're losing.
Donald Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 That's not the way to look at it. Games are won and lost in midfield and if a team sets up with 4 across the middle then the two wide players need to tuck in. By doing that attacking options are restricted. If they stay wide then the middle is exposed especially against a team who are playing with 5 across the middle. I'm convinced 5 across the middle is the right tactic home and away but what to do with the remaining 5 outfield players at AG is open to debate. 3-5-2 personally. James Spencer, Wilson, Nyatanga Albert, Kilkenny, Skuse, Marv, McGivern Maynard, Stead That would be my ideal line up. Changes you could make, Carey or Fontaine in for any of the back 3. Woolford for McGivern (Personally I wouldn't play JCR in a 3-5-2 as defending is not his game, Albert can get away with it due to his excellent work-rate) Either way, 4-5-1 doesn't work at all at Home (No problem with it away from home) 4-4-2 is...ok but it means dropping Marv and playing Skuse/Kilkenny, but it appears Marv is undroppable
Esmond Million's Bung Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 I stand by my comments. Stereotypical Keyboard Warrior/Armchair Supporter who never witnesses games first hand, I've invited you to meet in person, but surprise surprise, you weren't attending games. Please enlighten us on the games you have attended this season. Only sing when we're losing. You really are thick are'nt you, you still don't get it do you?. You are just talking right out your arse as usual, you don't know me do you?. i'll give you a clue do you need to be at a match to see it ?(albeit eventually).
marshy Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 That's not the way to look at it. Games are won and lost in midfield and if a team sets up with 4 across the middle then the two wide players need to tuck in. By doing that attacking options are restricted. If they stay wide then the middle is exposed especially against a team who are playing with 5 across the middle. I'm convinced 5 across the middle is the right tactic home and away but what to do with the remaining 5 outfield players at AG is open to debate. That's debatable. I think we need to be more effective in and around both penalty areas. Personally I think we need to play two up front both home and away. Might as well go down fighting playing with a bit of spirit and putting some of our better players, Pitman and Stead, actually on the pitch, up front, rather than warming their backsides.
Guest belfastrobin Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 I genuinely can't believe how much time some are willing to give him. And I say that from a perspective of not rampaging for his head, simply struggling to see what he is either trying to achieve or infact achieving. Talk of him not having his own squad, inheriting poor/unwanted players, every single manager to be appointed to any job encounters this or similar. Those who defend the current state of things are not demonstrating patience, they are demonstrating a complete blindness to a situation approaching critical. We're not talking about a new manager who is struggling to settle, he's been in the role, if you include post Johnson / pre Coppell, about 63 of the last 65 games. There should be something, anything, by now which tells me what he is trying to instil into this team but I have absolutely no idea. On the pitch we look weak and rudderless while off it we're all but a circus. Where is Cisse!? Hunt seems to have had a decent pre-season, why he is literally nowhere? Pre match comments are so utterly tedious they're not even worth reading - players don't respond, his words seem to have no affect what-so-ever. Post match is just the same old repetitive, drab mundaneness. Just where is anything? Where is the fight, the passing football, the leadership, the solid defense (and by that I don't mean James making x amount of saves to keep us in games). Where are the goals, where is the running. Something, anything, the whole club is just ponderously drooping through the motions while crowds drop and interest wanes. How can we be talking about him not having his squad, Stead, Pitman, Killkenny, Bolasie, Taylor, Spence, McGivern, Woolford. Loan signings aside, only Killkenny starts and he appears graced with being an Aussie, coming in with a reputation of being a bit gobby and not being Gary Johnson's son, because I'm afraid the harsh reality is we've, on the evidence so far, signed a replica of a player we already had when being told the squad is too big and wages are too high. I genuinely think it's getting to the stage where, unfortunately, a change is required. A fresh face, fresh staff, reinvigorate the squad and start with a clean slate. Hiding behind fictitious assertions that the squad is poor or we're carrying too much dead wood to make a fist of things is complete nonsense. The truth is the man at the helm needs to start inspiring not just the players, but the fans too, otherwise it's 'thanks for your efforts, we're going to go in a different direction.' SJC i couldnt disagree with you at all. I have city player and cant even be bothered to log in to listen to anything he has to say. God knows how the players ever get motivated. IMO Mr Millens time is up. CTID
hippy273 Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 Also needs to stop the substitution of JCR late on in the game, he's the one creating chances and he should play to the final whistle.
Monkeh Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 5 accross the middle doesnt work we've tried it for 3 home games and scored 0 goals and been beaten twice
Strictly Obi Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 I think it's true to say - what Millen And Robbored know about football...ain't worth knowing. It's such a shame we were a club on the up, and now there is so little optimism around anymore. I would give Millen till chritmas, but that's it for me. Much rather we lose 2-3 or 3-4......at least give it a real go at home. I still think we have some really good players, but they need motivating...and let's face it Keef's just too laid back. We really needed a central midfielder that can actually play a bit, read the game and create momentum. But Keef bought LJ mk2. If we can get one in before xmas, loanee or something..then i would feel a lot more optimistic. One of Skuse or Elliot for me....not both...in a 4-4-2...with Stead and Maynard upfront.
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