Review Of The Season, A

[Jordan Tansley]

Now that the season is effectively over for us having staved off relegation and nothing but a dead rubber match remaining I thought this might represent the 'right' time for us all to critically review it. We had a thread that did something similar recently that was criticised for it's timing so here is perhaps the chance to do this again.

It cannot be doubted that this season has been one of the single most disappointing ones in many a year and aside from the obvious poor performances it has been incredibly frustrating to see the inconsistency in the squad of players who have found it within themselves to get amazing results against Southampton (x2) West Ham United (x2) and Birmingham but could not perform anywhere near the levels that they are not only capable of but are also expected of them.

We've seen flashes of very good football, the first goal we scored yesterday being a prime example of the ability within these players but we've been served some pretty mediocre (and on occasions downright terrible) performances too. With the last two points in mind I come to my first criticism- The players we have at this club have a very unprofessional attitude and cannot motivate themselves to play to the best of their abilities unless the game has something major riding on it. On of the usual retorts when this accusation has been leveled at the players is 'it's the managers job to motivate them' and whilst I would agree that the role of manager does have a large part to play in motivation professional pride should be enough to ensure the level of effort is there every time they cross the white line. I think it is indicative of this lack of professional pride within the squad that a player who has not been a regular starter over the 45 games played this season and has only 6 goals to his name has been named player of the season by the fans. Jon Stead is one of the only players we have on our books who will run himself into the ground for the cause and leaves everything he has on the pitch when he crosses the white line. He is in no way the most talented footballer we have at City, but he easily has the best attitude which has meant he has been our best performer.

On the managerial side we must count our blessings that Millen was let go. I liked Keith, I really did. I was desperate for him to do well for the club he had given such good service to in a number of roles but that wasn't likely to happen as soon as he made the fatal mistake of chasing players that were clearly better than a club of our stature. Some might argue that it was commendable for Millen to chase players like MaCauley and Jones who ended up playing Premier League football this season but for me it was a complete waste of resources and time when we should have been concentrating on players who we definitely had a chance to sign. The dealings in the summer were weak at best and I think this particular period had a large impact in the questionable actions of the forums favourite topic of discussion, Nicky Maynard.

The entire circus surrounding Nicky Maynard was of course avoidable but the increased discontent from the fans was not at all aided by the remarks that came from the previous manager throughout the early season, I feel that Sexstone also should shoulder some of the blame in that regard as his apparent 'bulldog' persona was not visible in an incident which many interpret as Maynard walking all over the club and board. The incident had a fracturing impact on the fan base as much as anything else and it was a particularly damaging to see fans so angered by the scenario that they felt it necessary to take banners to the Coventry away game. The entire episode could have been handled so much better by all involved and I don't think anyone including Maynard can really come out of it with much credibility intact at all. One thing I will say is that whilst Maynards performances were not up to the high standards we had experienced previously he did score some vital vital goals and considering how close to the wire survival got we must acknowledge that as important.

The appointment of the relatively unknown Derek McInnes looks like it could have been the first master stroke of the new boards reign, though it is obviously too early to say that with any conviction. He is however the best 'sounding' manager we've had and listening to his interviews fills me with confidence and trust that he is the man to take us forward. We've had our bad runs under him, no doubt, but when you consider the squad of players that are here at the moment his job has been very difficult and he has striven to find the right formula to get the best out of them. He got us over a line I don't think we would have been close to had the previous manager been retained and already his interviews which have focused on next season are encouraging. As Robbored will be only too quick to point out though, the proof is very much in the pudding but I enter the next stage in BCFC's history with a renewed sense of optimism.

Individually it would be very easy to sit here and lament the majority of the squad, I suppose I've already done that when talking about the attitude problem I believe exists within the squad but other than that it seems somewhat pointless. The majority of the squad are quite simply not good enough and some (My dad especially) would love nothing more than to see the whole lot leave and for us to start again from scratch. I don't necessarily agree with that level of upheaval but there are merely a handful of players I would want involved in our squad come next season which is indicative of the absolute mess left by the previous three managers.

In goal I truly believe we need two new ones. No doubting the form that Gerken has shown in the late season charge for survival has been good but he just isn't good enough for me to be a championship number one goalkeeper, Likewise despite James' ability to pull of world class saves in his early 40's he simply has too high a wage and too poor a kicking game to constitute another contract. I'd take James as a number two to a new first choice keeper if he was to accept that role and also accept a much reduced wage but I can't imagine that ever being the case.

At the back only Foster, Carey and Fontaine would be retained in my ideal world, Nyatanga, Wilson, Ribeiro, Edwards and Macca are nothing short of deadwood for a variety of reasons and the loan players McGivern and Spence have been poor acquisitions. I'd be delighted to see McManus and/or Amougou given the chance to come back again next season but defensively we need a complete re-jig of personnel to stop the rot.

In midfield we have some very talented wingers in Albert and Yannick (Albert has however had a particularly poor season and has a long long way to go to prove he is the bees knees as many would have us believe, his knowledge of his position is nothing short of criminal at times) and centrally we have one of the best holding midfielders in the league. Cisse is an absolute must for next season and losing him would be a travesty. The problem is of course who do you play along side him. Skuse has shown lately what many of us have known for a long time... He is a player with all the attributes you could ever want as a midfielder and he has the capability to take games by the scruff of the neck. He does need to do this more often though. Pearson is the only player in this current group who has any awareness off the ball when we are attacking, the static nature of his team mates is nothing short of embarrassing at times and it is a breath of fresh air to see Pearson moving into clever positions and picking the ball up in dangerous areas... He probably doesn't do enough with it though to be the creative player we miss. Then there's Elliot... still living off his first season with us and rated far above his ability the bloke is one of the reasons why we cannot play a 4-4-2. I would love for us to get some money for him come the summer months as I really don't see what he brings to us now. He needs to be replaced with that creative attacking midfielder Esmond has been desperate for for so long. We need the player Kilkenny was billed to be (By god what a disappointment he's been, really do not rate him a jot.).

Up front we've clearly had a lot of problems again, the lack of goal threat this season has been very bad, Pitman provides that but his performances this season have been sporadic and when he is off the boil he is simply a passenger. Stead masks his limitations with effort and you really can't say too much bad about him as he has needed a pacey partner which isn't available. Wood has done alright as a loan signing and has obvious talent to go places in the sport and that's been about it...

So, other than Foster, Fontaine, Carey, Skuse, Adomah, Bolasie, Cisse, Stead and Pitman I'd be happy to see the majority of the squad leave this summer. We know that Derek has a lot of out of contract players who will leave and he is probably in a very lucky position in that he should have a lot of room to maneuver in the transfer market in his quest to formulate his own squad... Thank god eh?

This season for me will go down as one of disappointment but also of realisation. Realisation that large parts of this squad are for want of a less insulting term 'unprofessional wasters'. I don't think the good performances that they are capable of sufficiently mask their inadequacies and it is my opinion that the good performances further support the idea that they are unprofessional. I now can look forward to the summer and new season with optimism that the necessary clear out and changing of the guard will commence and that the sweeping broom of Derek McInnes can produce a squad that is capable of competing consistently in this division at the right end of the table as opposed to the hellish scramble for survival we've witnessed this year.

I realise that much of this was negative and I can only apologise for he length of the post. I'm in essay mode at the moment...

[Volta]

Repeated things that have been repeated a million times already.

[Brizzle Jordan]

It's clear alot of fans are happy with Del, if he can sign 6 or 7 real quality players in the right positions, GK, LB, CB, CM, LW, ST whilst retaining Cisse and our better players we would start a season looking so much stronger. I hope he keeps McIntyre and Spink aswell!

[II Wurzel II]

Couldn't agree more JT, the players performed like they should over the last few months but something tells me it wouldn't take much for them to slip back into the "lazy mode" that got us in this mess. Personally I wouldn't keep Carey, we need to step forward for the right reasons and as with David James unfortunatly age is going to prevent them competing at this level consistantly.

Im definatly with you on this one, clear the majorty out and re-build whilst we realistically have the chance, swap Carey for Wilson and I'll agree 100%

[Jordan Tansley]

Repeated things that have been repeated a million times already.

Thanks for that insightful input. You really add something to this forum, mate. No really.

[Pickle Rick]

Easy way to review our season:

1. David James almost got us relegated by handing points to opposition on a plate

2. We have been unlucky at times compared to the teams in the top half.

3. Own goals/deflections and red cards have been an issue

4. Del knows what he is doing

5. Skuse should be player of the season

And I thank you, about 600 words shorter.

[The Fat Controller]

Agree with pretty much all of that. I'd keep Nyatanga though.

Stead has started 16 with 9 substitute appearances (all comps.) this season. 6 goals. 3 Assists.

[Jordan Tansley]

Couldn't agree more JT, the players performed like they should over the last few months but something tells me it wouldn't take much for them to slip back into the "lazy mode" that got us in this mess. Personally I wouldn't keep Carey, we need to step forward for the right reasons and as with David James unfortunatly age is going to prevent them competing at this level consistantly.

Im definatly with you on this one, clear the majorty out and re-build whilst we realistically have the chance, swap Carey for Wilson and I'll agree 100%

I think Carey would offer experience to a squad that would hopefully be young and hungry, he's shown he's exactly the sort of man you want in your side in a battle and as a squad player he'd be much better value than anyone we could bring in.

On Wilson I really don't trust him, his performances this season were poor especially Leeds and Middlesbrough. I just can't see what many others claim to see but if McInnes decides he is good enough then I'll trust that judgement.

[Judge Roughneck]

Review of the season: We were shit. We stayed up.

[Brizzle Jordan]

I think Carey would offer experience to a squad that would hopefully be young and hungry, he's shown he's exactly the sort of man you want in your side in a battle and as a squad player he'd be much better value than anyone we could bring in.

On Wilson I really don't trust him, his performances this season were poor especially Leeds and Middlesbrough. I just can't see what many others claim to see but if McInnes decides he is good enough then I'll trust that judgement.

I think we are in the small minority that think this. Everyone is hoping he is shown the exit door.

Wilson reminds me of Jonny Evans in his early days, didn't have any positional sense or concentration. Good at tackling but every other part of his game is too poor.

[Mad Cyril]

Great post, good work, I'll give you a A-.

Really enjoyed that, very inciteful and balance, I might not agree with every point, but fully respect it.

Surely we must go into next season along with Barnsley and Peterborough as one of the favorites to go down, That a heap of pressure and expectation off, so why not enjoy the season, play with freedom and surprise everyone. At least two of the teams coming up will of course do that.

Next season for me is all about defining if we are a team that is fit for this division, or one that really sits better in the division below where they might enjoy a more even fight and winning much more regularly - just look at the look of relief and reality on the face of Wolves fans today.

[BITW]

I think Carey would offer experience to a squad that would hopefully be young and hungry, he's shown he's exactly the sort of man you want in your side in a battle and as a squad player he'd be much better value than anyone we could bring in.

On Wilson I really don't trust him, his performances this season were poor especially Leeds and Middlesbrough. I just can't see what many others claim to see but if McInnes decides he is good enough then I'll trust that judgement.

I'm pretty sure I remember Wilson playing a blinder against Boro. Gave away the crucial free kick but played well none the less.

Agree with the majority of your novel but I reckon Wilson has a decent future ahead. Recently signed a new contract and reportedly scouted by a number of NPC clubs.

[Mad Cyril]

Review of the season: We were shit. We stayed up.

I like that.

To be honest bar the odd game, we were probably the worst team I watched at Ashton Gate this season.

That is not good is it.

[II Wurzel II]

I think we are in the small minority that think this. Everyone is hoping he is shown the exit door.

Wilson reminds me of Jonny Evans in his early days, didn't have any positional sense or concentration. Good at tackling but every other part of his game is too poor.

But in a way thats kind of contradicting the "Carey Experience" claims. I also don't think that Wilson is upto the mark quite yet, but like Riberio I've witnessed the potential and he's defiantly worth hanging onto. New CB to partner Fontaine, New back-up CB and Wilson as cover.

[lugger]

Agree with the majority of that JT, well put together post. I think Gerken has more to offer and I'm still not sure about Foster but the points about professionalism and pride are right on the money.

[Red Exile]

Thought provoking OP. Thanks Jordan.

I think I agree with most of what you write...and to your detractors I'd say that naturally it covers ground that's been covered throughout the season cos it's a season review!

But I wouldn't retain Carey. Past his best for several seasons. Should have been shown the door when he was leading a defence that couldn't defend a lead in GJ's time. Very lucky to have been around as long as he has IMO. But if he stays...whatever...he won't play much.

I think the die for 2011/12 was cast in the preseason. Millen was out of his depth and his abysmal preparation showed it. Wasn't Kalifa Cisse out of the reckoning in KM's book? Wasn't he arguably player of the season? Millen was a disaster.

I recall you and I having an argument over promises of "jam tomorrow". Believe me, once Keith had the job there was no jam to look forward to!

Listening to McInnes he sounds sober and realistic. Which is a good starting point for sorting things out. By contrast Millen was trying to delude us - and himself? - that he'd built a squad capable of a promotion push this year. We knew he hadn't...indeed he'd assembled a squad barely capable of retaining Championship status. And that's the story of the season...status retained with the help of loanees galore to paper over the cracks.

Let's hope that one of the most depressing spells in my decades following City is firmly put behind us in 2012/13. Let's seize the opportunities we have, and not squander them.

[citybs3]

i agree with most of that (except wilson). i think gerken has been solid since blackpool so if the gk coaches believe in him so would i. the poor cup runs were again disappointing, would hope to progress more next year and not be knocked out by two league 2 teams.

bcfc and del boy have a massive opportunity now to get things right. there is also the risk we could sign 7 dodgy players all on 3yr contracts so my biggest hope is that we don't make mistakes, but sign players with both talent and pride and give 100% effort.

[dezgimed]

**** I, some people have too much time on their hands! How long did that post take?

[john shaws hair]

Now that the season is effectively over for us having staved off relegation and nothing but a dead rubber match remaining I thought this might represent the 'right' time for us all to critically review it. We had a thread that did something similar recently that was criticised for it's timing so here is perhaps the chance to do this again.

It cannot be doubted that this season has been one of the single most disappointing ones in many a year and aside from the obvious poor performances it has been incredibly frustrating to see the inconsistency in the squad of players who have found it within themselves to get amazing results against Southampton (x2) West Ham United (x2) and Birmingham but could not perform anywhere near the levels that they are not only capable of but are also expected of them.

We've seen flashes of very good football, the first goal we scored yesterday being a prime example of the ability within these players but we've been served some pretty mediocre (and on occasions downright terrible) performances too. With the last two points in mind I come to my first criticism- The players we have at this club have a very unprofessional attitude and cannot motivate themselves to play to the best of their abilities unless the game has something major riding on it. On of the usual retorts when this accusation has been leveled at the players is 'it's the managers job to motivate them' and whilst I would agree that the role of manager does have a large part to play in motivation professional pride should be enough to ensure the level of effort is there every time they cross the white line. I think it is indicative of this lack of professional pride within the squad that a player who has not been a regular starter over the 45 games played this season and has only 6 goals to his name has been named player of the season by the fans. Jon Stead is one of the only players we have on our books who will run himself into the ground for the cause and leaves everything he has on the pitch when he crosses the white line. He is in no way the most talented footballer we have at City, but he easily has the best attitude which has meant he has been our best performer.

On the managerial side we must count our blessings that Millen was let go. I liked Keith, I really did. I was desperate for him to do well for the club he had given such good service to in a number of roles but that wasn't likely to happen as soon as he made the fatal mistake of chasing players that were clearly better than a club of our stature. Some might argue that it was commendable for Millen to chase players like MaCauley and Jones who ended up playing Premier League football this season but for me it was a complete waste of resources and time when we should have been concentrating on players who we definitely had a chance to sign. The dealings in the summer were weak at best and I think this particular period had a large impact in the questionable actions of the forums favourite topic of discussion, Nicky Maynard.

The entire circus surrounding Nicky Maynard was of course avoidable but the increased discontent from the fans was not at all aided by the remarks that came from the previous manager throughout the early season, I feel that Sexstone also should shoulder some of the blame in that regard as his apparent 'bulldog' persona was not visible in an incident which many interpret as Maynard walking all over the club and board. The incident had a fracturing impact on the fan base as much as anything else and it was a particularly damaging to see fans so angered by the scenario that they felt it necessary to take banners to the Coventry away game. The entire episode could have been handled so much better by all involved and I don't think anyone including Maynard can really come out of it with much credibility intact at all. One thing I will say is that whilst Maynards performances were not up to the high standards we had experienced previously he did score some vital vital goals and considering how close to the wire survival got we must acknowledge that as important.

The appointment of the relatively unknown Derek McInnes looks like it could have been the first master stroke of the new boards reign, though it is obviously too early to say that with any conviction. He is however the best 'sounding' manager we've had and listening to his interviews fills me with confidence and trust that he is the man to take us forward. We've had our bad runs under him, no doubt, but when you consider the squad of players that are here at the moment his job has been very difficult and he has striven to find the right formula to get the best out of them. He got us over a line I don't think we would have been close to had the previous manager been retained and already his interviews which have focused on next season are encouraging. As Robbored will be only too quick to point out though, the proof is very much in the pudding but I enter the next stage in BCFC's history with a renewed sense of optimism.

Individually it would be very easy to sit here and lament the majority of the squad, I suppose I've already done that when talking about the attitude problem I believe exists within the squad but other than that it seems somewhat pointless. The majority of the squad are quite simply not good enough and some (My dad especially) would love nothing more than to see the whole lot leave and for us to start again from scratch. I don't necessarily agree with that level of upheaval but there are merely a handful of players I would want involved in our squad come next season which is indicative of the absolute mess left by the previous three managers.

In goal I truly believe we need two new ones. No doubting the form that Gerken has shown in the late season charge for survival has been good but he just isn't good enough for me to be a championship number one goalkeeper, Likewise despite James' ability to pull of world class saves in his early 40's he simply has too high a wage and too poor a kicking game to constitute another contract. I'd take James as a number two to a new first choice keeper if he was to accept that role and also accept a much reduced wage but I can't imagine that ever being the case.

At the back only Foster, Carey and Fontaine would be retained in my ideal world, Nyatanga, Wilson, Ribeiro, Edwards and Macca are nothing short of deadwood for a variety of reasons and the loan players McGivern and Spence have been poor acquisitions. I'd be delighted to see McManus and/or Amougou given the chance to come back again next season but defensively we need a complete re-jig of personnel to stop the rot.

In midfield we have some very talented wingers in Albert and Yannick (Albert has however had a particularly poor season and has a long long way to go to prove he is the bees knees as many would have us believe, his knowledge of his position is nothing short of criminal at times) and centrally we have one of the best holding midfielders in the league. Cisse is an absolute must for next season and losing him would be a travesty. The problem is of course who do you play along side him. Skuse has shown lately what many of us have known for a long time... He is a player with all the attributes you could ever want as a midfielder and he has the capability to take games by the scruff of the neck. He does need to do this more often though. Pearson is the only player in this current group who has any awareness off the ball when we are attacking, the static nature of his team mates is nothing short of embarrassing at times and it is a breath of fresh air to see Pearson moving into clever positions and picking the ball up in dangerous areas... He probably doesn't do enough with it though to be the creative player we miss. Then there's Elliot... still living off his first season with us and rated far above his ability the bloke is one of the reasons why we cannot play a 4-4-2. I would love for us to get some money for him come the summer months as I really don't see what he brings to us now. He needs to be replaced with that creative attacking midfielder Esmond has been desperate for for so long. We need the player Kilkenny was billed to be (By god what a disappointment he's been, really do not rate him a jot.).

Up front we've clearly had a lot of problems again, the lack of goal threat this season has been very bad, Pitman provides that but his performances this season have been sporadic and when he is off the boil he is simply a passenger. Stead masks his limitations with effort and you really can't say too much bad about him as he has needed a pacey partner which isn't available. Wood has done alright as a loan signing and has obvious talent to go places in the sport and that's been about it...

So, other than Foster, Fontaine, Carey, Skuse, Adomah, Bolasie, Cisse, Stead and Pitman I'd be happy to see the majority of the squad leave this summer. We know that Derek has a lot of out of contract players who will leave and he is probably in a very lucky position in that he should have a lot of room to maneuver in the transfer market in his quest to formulate his own squad... Thank god eh?

This season for me will go down as one of disappointment but also of realisation. Realisation that large parts of this squad are for want of a less insulting term 'unprofessional wasters'. I don't think the good performances that they are capable of sufficiently mask their inadequacies and it is my opinion that the good performances further support the idea that they are unprofessional. I now can look forward to the summer and new season with optimism that the necessary clear out and changing of the guard will commence and that the sweeping broom of Derek McInnes can produce a squad that is capable of competing consistently in this division at the right end of the table as opposed to the hellish scramble for survival we've witnessed this year.

I realise that much of this was negative and I can only apologise for he length of the post. I'm in essay mode at the moment...

jordan you need to get out a bit more ......decent write up though :read:

[JammyOne]

I wouldn't consider Nyatanga to be dead wood at all, earlier on in the season he played very well, especially when Fonts came back after injury. I would like to see him return. WIlson on the other hand is largely to blame for the amount of goals conceded, he seems OK technically but his positioning is poor and he can't seem to dominate any player on the ground or in the air.

[Warwickshire Red]

The other baffling thing this season was why did the Board extend Wilson's contract while we were managerless rather than giving the in-coming manager a say in whether or not that was right thing to do? Still don't understand this.

Even if an offer had been on the table for some time, why oh why didn't they withdraw it pending the affirmation by the new manager? For all we know, Derek (who was a matter of days away from being appointed) may have been against it and the club could have saved some £££. Ultimately I believe this should've been DMc's decision to make.

[Brizzle Jordan]

To be honest, I think we are all better off just waiting and seeing what develops. It's exciting times and guessing what will happen is too difficult.

[Garland-sweden]

Think Gerken is no problem. 7 games and conceded 6 goals. A brave and good keeper Imo. The defence looks ok with Amougo, havent seen McManus. Hope we can sign them both. Carey I think can play one more season. Fonts a good player. Mcgivern on the lb has been better and better, maybe to slow when he gets an fast winger against him, but then must the mf help him. Foster is ok. Cisse, one of the keyplayers we must have in City. What I want is an creative mf who can make 10 goals in a season. Upfront we also need players. Im not so sure about Pitman, hope Im wrong. So 2-3 good new players wouid be fine. The attitude from the players must be 100 every game as it have been in the last 9-10 games. That is the key and I think Del can make it happen. Offcaues the players can not be in top every game but they have to fight every single game. If Del and the players can make that, we will be a hard team to beat. That have the last 7 games showed. Looking forward to next season, there are no easy games in this leauge but I have hope that we can be a better team next season. Coyr!!!

[JammyOne]

To be honest, I think we are all better off just waiting and seeing what develops. It's exciting times and guessing what will happen is too difficult.

Guessing what's going to happen is half the fun of it! :-)

[SimonL]

Agree with the attitude of the players. Seeing how our recent games have gone and the way we have played even made me consider they had been offered some sort of bonus to stay up!

[Brizzle Jordan]

Guessing what's going to happen is half the fun of it! :-)

I am only worried about Burnley at the minute, I want to finish the season with a solid performance to give me more hope for next year.

[Youngish]

I think we are in the small minority that think this. Everyone is hoping he is shown the exit door.

Wilson reminds me of Jonny Evans in his early days, didn't have any positional sense or concentration. Good at tackling but every other part of his game is too poor.

And look at Evans now... playing week in, week out at Manchester United having been their best defender for a large part of the season.

I personally believe Wilson to have real potential, and think we should hold onto him, for cover if nothing else. Nyatanga I am less enthusiastic about, and wouldn't be devastated if he were to leave or stay, as long as he doesn't end up being first choice next season.

On a separate note, a very enjoyable OP, even if I didn't agree with every point. Thanks.

[Red Cloud]

To be honest, I think we are all better off just waiting and seeing what develops. It's exciting times and guessing what will happen is too difficult.

look at it as the end of a bad era and the dawning of another!

[Brizzle Jordan]

And look at Evans now... playing week in, week out at Manchester United having been their best defender for a large part of the season.

I personally believe Wilson to have real potential, and think we should hold onto him, for cover if nothing else. Nyatanga I am less enthusiastic about, and wouldn't be devastated if he were to leave or stay, as long as he doesn't end up being first choice next season.

On a separate note, a very enjoyable OP, even if I didn't agree with every point. Thanks.

I agree, he's been good this season. He was awful today though. His heading is woeful.

[Garland-sweden]

Maybe its a good ide to give the players more money if we win also smaller bonus when we draw. The paycheck is dependig on the results. We have it here in Sweden in the icehockey and they are all professionals