NP’s thoughts

[HappyClapper]

Quite upbeat for a change.

[nickolas]

Because he, like the players, can see the beach ( not just the Bournemouth one), the summer ones in a months or two’s time!

[RobintheRed Red]

Same old same old yes well

[Olé]

Without prompting Pearson highlights the usual farce of City being forbidden clear penalties so what does our Head of Communications do but steer the conversation swiftly away onto something altogether more mundane.

Why is the club obsessed with treating us to this sanitised sycophantic waffle like we're not allowed to hear controversy and everything needs a Bristol Sport airbrushing. I'd like to know what NP thinks about refereeing please.

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

13 minutes ago, Olé said:

Without prompting Pearson highlights the usual farce of City being forbidden clear penalties so what does our Head of Communications do but steer the conversation swiftly away onto something altogether more mundane.

Why is the club obsessed with treating us to this sanitised sycophantic waffle like we're not allowed to hear controversy and everything needs a Bristol Sport airbrushing. I'd like to know what NP thinks about refereeing please.

But why aren’t we winning penalties?  I don’t buy the notion of biased refereeing - why us? - and if it was just poor refereeing then surely it would even itself out over the season?  So I can only think it’s either that we don’t create enough situations that are likely to lead to penalties, or that we don’t go down well enough.  Perhaps we need a bit of drama coaching…

[ralphindevon]

19 minutes ago, Olé said:

Without prompting Pearson highlights the usual farce of City being forbidden clear penalties so what does our Head of Communications do but steer the conversation swiftly away onto something altogether more mundane.

Why is the club obsessed with treating us to this sanitised sycophantic waffle like we're not allowed to hear controversy and everything needs a Bristol Sport airbrushing. I'd like to know what NP thinks about refereeing please.

Perhaps Bristol Sport have to pay his fines when he does tell us what he thinks about refereeing.

[Davefevs]

18 minutes ago, ralphindevon said:

Perhaps Bristol Sport have to pay his fines when he does tell us what he thinks about refereeing.

Haha, was gonna suggest we crowdfund £5k and let him rant!

[Silvio Dante]

29 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

But why aren’t we winning penalties?  I don’t buy the notion of biased refereeing - why us? - and if it was just poor refereeing then surely it would even itself out over the season?  So I can only think it’s either that we don’t create enough situations that are likely to lead to penalties, or that we don’t go down well enough.  Perhaps we need a bit of drama coaching…

Although I don’t think referees are inherently biased, I think there was an incident yesterday which made the ref less likely to give us a penalty.

Early in the second half, he gave a poor decision. A full pint came flying from the city fans onto the pitch. He walked over, looked highly indignant, spoke to the steward and from that point on, we had no decisions.

I’m not saying referees aren’t incompetent and I’m not saying they’re corrupt. What I think can happen is when they get shit, they naturally don’t want to aid the people who give them the shit!

Easy solution is, obviously, better referees…

[Davefevs]

4 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Although I don’t think referees are inherently biased, I think there was an incident yesterday which made the ref less likely to give us a penalty.

Early in the second half, he gave a poor decision. A full pint came flying from the city fans onto the pitch. He walked over, looked highly indignant, spoke to the steward and from that point on, we had no decisions.

I’m not saying referees aren’t incompetent and I’m not saying they’re corrupt. What I think can happen is when they get shit, they naturally don’t want to aid the people who give them the shit!

Easy solution is, obviously, better referees…

But when they get shit from the perceived bigger team’s fans / players, they give them decisions.

[italian dave]

1 hour ago, Olé said:

Without prompting Pearson highlights the usual farce of City being forbidden clear penalties so what does our Head of Communications do but steer the conversation swiftly away onto something altogether more mundane.

Why is the club obsessed with treating us to this sanitised sycophantic waffle like we're not allowed to hear controversy and everything needs a Bristol Sport airbrushing. I'd like to know what NP thinks about refereeing please.

I’d rather hear what the ref had to say about the incident to be honest. He clearly had a view: he very deliberately ran around Martin afterwards and I assume he was letting him know why he hadn’t given it - which is fair enough. I’d love to know what he said though. It’s a pity refs aren’t allowed to explain. 

[maxjak]

It is a really massive summer for Pearson........he HAS to get it right, City fans deserve better, for their tremendous    loyalty and support?  With the economic situation and the cost of living biting peoples pockets, fans will want some excitement and value for money.  Season ticket sales will almost certainly take a hit, as people prioritise their expenditure, so a massive dose of optimism and expectation is needed close season, and City and Pearson need to deliver?

  Fans look at Luton and Forest etc, and it is no wonder they get frustrated, when they see the fantastic facilities, infrastructure and potential of our club, and the big mess that we have created on the one place that really counts.............the playing field.   We need a plan and positive way forward, so it is absolutely imperative that we wheel and deal in the transfer  market, to bring in physically strong talent that has character and ability, and essentially leadership and pride.  Pearson has until November/December to get it right, or he will be out of the door IMHO.  I wish him well.

[Olé]

20 minutes ago, italian dave said:

He clearly had a view: he very deliberately ran around Martin afterwards and I assume he was letting him know why he hadn’t given it - which is fair enough.

Well exactly.

It wasn't missed as he acknowledged the incident as you say by running over but made no decision at all. I'd have more sympathy for refs if they communicated their thinking, if he thinks it's a dive he should have the bottle to say so.

And if our manager believes it is significant to the game as his summary indicates he evidently did I'd like to hear about it before Dave Barton steers him back onto the usual meaningless formulaic platitudes that pass for official "reaction".

 

[Numero Uno]

1 hour ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

But why aren’t we winning penalties?  I don’t buy the notion of biased refereeing - why us? - and if it was just poor refereeing then surely it would even itself out over the season?  So I can only think it’s either that we don’t create enough situations that are likely to lead to penalties, or that we don’t go down well enough.  Perhaps we need a bit of drama coaching…

Alex Scott was assaulted against both Forest and QPR at 1-0 up in both games if I recall correctly. Literally taken out both times. Shocking refereeing on both occasions or do you think both decisions were correct?

[Waconda]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

But when they get shit from the perceived bigger team’s fans / players, they give them decisions.

The unconscious bias already exists in officials minds before the game starts, crowds at the event have little affect as it already exists.

Happens in all sports. Boxing scoring a prime example - IMO.

[italian dave]

16 minutes ago, Olé said:

Well exactly.

It wasn't missed as he acknowledged the incident as you say by running over but made no decision at all. I'd have more sympathy for refs if they communicated their thinking, if he thinks it's a dive he should have the bottle to say so.

And if our manager believes it is significant to the game as his summary indicates he evidently did I'd like to hear about it before Dave Barton steers him back onto the usual meaningless formulaic platitudes that pass for official "reaction".

 

I don’t think refs are allowed to comment though, are they? It may well be that he’d be happy to explain, but can’t? 

I kind of get why the club doesn’t want the media team to “encourage” NP to comment on refs decisions for a while.

I haven’t seen a replay yet, but as I said earlier I wasn’t 100% convinced at the time - although of course I screamed for it as loudly as the next person! I thought Lloyd Kelly did well (I still love watching him play, just as much as I did when he was a City player!) because he stayed upright, and that’s always going to increase the likelihood of getting the decision in your favour as a defender. The challenge can look much more like shoulder to shoulder, clash of legs, getting your body in the way, than if you go to ground or go flying in. I think that may be what the ref would have claimed, rather than an outright dive. 

[Davefevs]

43 minutes ago, maxjak said:

We need a plan and positive way forward, so it is absolutely imperative that we wheel and deal in the transfer  market, to bring in physically strong talent that has character and ability, and essentially leadership and pride. 

…and that’s the hard bit.  Until we either move a player or two on, or create some budget with re-contracting those players we paid fees for who have a year left, we really can’t move.  We’ve seen how difficult it is to move on players you don’t want when they are on wages that nobody else will pay.  Mutual termination weakens our financial position, for any posters thinking that is the way to get rid of them.

If we can arrive in September with anything like a stronger, better balanced squad (on paper) it will have been a very successful summer.  We are being massively hampered by what has gone on previously.  The likelihood is that the summer feels more like inching towards what Pearson wants, rather than striding into next season.

We have to get through next season with Championship status intact as a bare minimum.  That sounds like setting the bar incredibly low, but until we see who moves and what budget it creates it’s really a massive unknown.  As it stands even bringing is a “George Tanner” is out of budget currently.

I guess we will start to build the picture when we know what is happening to those OOC this summer plus Baker:

• Andy King
• Robbie Cundy
• Callum O’Dowda
• Timm Klose
• Nathan Baker

Then we are into the likes of the players with no future (alleged / speculation) or too costly to keep based on minutes:

• Taylor Moore
• Tyreeq Bakinson
• Kasey Palmer
• Nahki Wells

can we get a fee and all of their wages picked up?  Here’s hoping.  If someone like Palmer doesn’t want to leave, we are stuck with the best part of £2m completely tied up.

and then we are into those with a year left who cost us fees:

• Tomas Kalas
• Dan Bentley
• Han-Noah Massengo

It really is gonna be a nervy summer.

Whats left might not actually be what Pearson wants, just that he can’t “trade” them either!  Sorry to depress OTIB on a sunny, Sunday morning.

 

[Rob k]

1 hour ago, maxjak said:

It is a really massive summer for Pearson........he HAS to get it right, City fans deserve better, for their tremendous    loyalty and support?  With the economic situation and the cost of living biting peoples pockets, fans will want some excitement and value for money.  Season ticket sales will almost certainly take a hit, as people prioritise their expenditure, so a massive dose of optimism and expectation is needed close season, and City and Pearson need to deliver?

  Fans look at Luton and Forest etc, and it is no wonder they get frustrated, when they see the fantastic facilities, infrastructure and potential of our club, and the big mess that we have created on the one place that really counts.............the playing field.   We need a plan and positive way forward, so it is absolutely imperative that we wheel and deal in the transfer  market, to bring in physically strong talent that has character and ability, and essentially leadership and pride.  Pearson has until November/December to get it right, or he will be out of the door IMHO.  I wish him well.

I can’t see the point of giving Pearson the window and then getting rid in November 

If they are considering doing that then just do it now and give a new bloke the window, otherwise we just go round in circles with all new managers managing other managers players constantly 

[Davefevs]

3 minutes ago, Rob k said:

I can’t see the point of giving Pearson the window and then getting rid in November 

If they are considering doing that then just do it now and give a new bloke the window, otherwise we just go round in circles with all new managers managing other managers players constantly 

Yep, you either follow the plan….or start a new one.

[Sir Geoff]

10 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

…and that’s the hard bit.  Until we either move a player or two on, or create some budget with re-contracting those players we paid fees for who have a year left, we really can’t move.  We’ve seen how difficult it is to move on players you don’t want when they are on wages that nobody else will pay.  Mutual termination weakens our financial position, for any posters thinking that is the way to get rid of them.

If we can arrive in September with anything like a stronger, better balanced squad (on paper) it will have been a very successful summer.  We are being massively hampered by what has gone on previously.  The likelihood is that the summer feels more like inching towards what Pearson wants, rather than striding into next season.

We have to get through next season with Championship status intact as a bare minimum.  That sounds like setting the bar incredibly low, but until we see who moves and what budget it creates it’s really a massive unknown.  As it stands even bringing is a “George Tanner” is out of budget currently.

I guess we will start to build the picture when we know what is happening to those OOC this summer plus Baker:

• Andy King
• Robbie Cundy
• Callum O’Dowda
• Timm Klose
• Nathan Baker

Then we are into the likes of the players with no future (alleged / speculation) or too costly to keep based on minutes:

• Taylor Moore
• Tyreeq Bakinson
• Kasey Palmer
• Nahki Wells

can we get a fee and all of their wages picked up?  Here’s hoping.  If someone like Palmer doesn’t want to leave, we are stuck with the best part of £2m completely tied up.

and then we are into those with a year left who cost us fees:

• Tomas Kalas
• Dan Bentley
• Han-Noah Massengo

It really is gonna be a nervy summer.

Whats left might not actually be what Pearson wants, just that he can’t “trade” them either!  Sorry to depress OTIB on a sunny, Sunday morning.

 

Exactly my way of thinking in what has to be a realistic scenario. NP hinted recently that Klose may be staying beyond the season ( I guess that depends on a number of things, contract we can offer compared to what he will get elsewhere). Cundy looks like he may earn himself a 12/18 month deal with recent performances.

Of the last 3 players mentioned I think at least 2 of those will be sold and wouldn't be surprised if all 3 go. In the real world we should be looking at circa £7m for all three, particularly as they are coming into their last year.

Moving the middle 4 on will be the big challenge.

[EmissionImpossible]

1 hour ago, Numero Uno said:

Alex Scott was assaulted against both Forest and QPR at 1-0 up in both games if I recall correctly. Literally taken out both times. Shocking refereeing on both occasions or do you think both decisions were correct?

Assaulted :laugh: 

[Davefevs]

3 minutes ago, Sir Geoff said:

Exactly my way of thinking in what has to be a realistic scenario. NP hinted recently that Klose may be staying beyond the season ( I guess that depends on a number of things, contract we can offer compared to what he will get elsewhere). Cundy looks like he may earn himself a 12/18 month deal with recent performances.

Of the last 3 players mentioned I think at least 2 of those will be sold and wouldn't be surprised if all 3 go. In the real world we should be looking at circa £7m for all three, particularly as they are coming into their last year.

Moving the middle 4 on will be the big challenge.

If we did move on two of those last three for the type of money you suggest, that would sort out FFP…but then we have to replace them and use that money to plug other gaps too.  That is where we’d need to execute recruitment expertly.

I wish we could fast forward a few months.

[Sheltons Army]

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

If we did move on two of those last three for the type of money you suggest, that would sort out FFP…but then we have to replace them and use that money to plug other gaps too.  That is where we’d need to execute recruitment expertly.

I wish we could fast forward a few months.

I’ve probably missed it Dave , but have they sorted out the CoVid ‘loss’ allowances yet ?

Is there any hope that , if not , they may give us some wiggle room ?

Apologies if you or MrP have already posted

[Davefevs]

5 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

I’ve probably missed it Dave , but have they sorted out the CoVid ‘loss’ allowances yet ?

Is there any hope that , if not , they may give us some wiggle room ?

Apologies if you or MrP have already posted

The EFL have published (recently) that clubs can offset up to £5m in 19/20, £5m in 20/21 and £2.5m this season.

This goes against their previous rules which said you can offset Covid-linked revenue losses (paraphrased).

You could argue that last season we lost £12m of revenue, whereas the new rules say only £5m.

What we don’t know is whether the new rules are - you can claim these without providing evidence, but you can can claim more with appropriate evidence.  It seems some clubs are specifically calling out £millions in their accounts.  City just used words rather than categorically stating an amount.  That is not to say the FFP return hasn’t done so…we don’t get to see that.

If we could claim £12m rather than £5m, at 50% of that (because of the way FFP splits the 19/20 and 20/21 seasons) that would give us a £3.5m “benefit”…and would probably mean we start the summer on or around the £39m max.  That would help considerably.

[Bristolcityyatton]

35 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

…and that’s the hard bit.  Until we either move a player or two on, or create some budget with re-contracting those players we paid fees for who have a year left, we really can’t move.  We’ve seen how difficult it is to move on players you don’t want when they are on wages that nobody else will pay.  Mutual termination weakens our position, for any posters thinking that is the way to get rid of them.

If we can arrive in with anything like a stronger, better balanced squad (on paper) it will have been a very successful summer.  We are being massively hampered by what has gone on previously.  The likelihood is that the summer feels more like inching towards what Pearson wants, rather than striding into next season.

We have to get through next season with Championship status intact as a bare minimum.  That sounds like setting the bar incredibly low, but until we see who moves and what budget it creates it’s really a massive unknown.  As it stands even bringing is a “George Tanner” is out of budget currently.

I guess we will start to build the when we know what is happening to those OOC this summer Baker:

• Andy King
• Robbie Cundy
• Callum O’Dowda
• Timm Klose
• Nathan Baker

Then we are into the likes of the players with no future (alleged / speculation) or too costly to keep based on minutes:

• Taylor Moore
• Tyreeq Bakinson
• Kasey Palmer
• Nahki Wells

can we get a fee and all of their wages picked up?  Here’s hoping.  If someone like Palmer doesn’t want to leave, we are stuck with the best part of £2m tied up.

and then we are into those with a year left who cost us fees:

• Tomas Kalas
• Dan Bentley
• Han-Noah Massengo

It really is gonna be a nervy summer.

Whats left might not be what Pearson wants, just that he can’t “trade” them either!  Sorry to depress OTIB on a sunny, Sunday .

 

I think Dasilva only has a year left too ?

You could probably add Vyner to the list of players with no future.

I guess they're not really part of what you're discussing but there's players like Morton, Janneh and Britton who are low earners on the very fringes of the first team but also need to be moved on.

Overall, more than half the squad have question marks over their future!

 

[Davefevs]

Just now, Bristolcityyatton said:

I think Dasilva only has a year left too ?

yes , I just didn’t list everyone.  In Jay’s case, the value isn’t there like the others, so I don’t see him commanding the kind of fee the others might.

You could probably add Vyner to the list of players with no future.

yep, didn’t list him because he was Academy, and his cost is wages only

I guess they're not really part of what you're discussing but there's players like Morton, Janneh and Britton who are low earners on the very fringes of the first team but also need to be moved on.

yep, I “immed and ammed” about Janneh.  We might get £100-200k for him if we moved him on.  Which would be worth it.

Overall, more than half the squad have question marks over their future!

yep, fun eh?

 

[Merrick's Marvels]

2 hours ago, Numero Uno said:

Alex Scott was assaulted against both Forest and QPR at 1-0 up in both games if I recall correctly. Literally taken out both times. Shocking refereeing on both occasions or do you think both decisions were correct?

Unfortunately, he'd already established a reputation for going down very easily under pressure. Benarous does the same. 

I fear we've got an unwelcome reputation amongst referees as a team that looks for contact and free kicks. 

Just a theory.  

[Merrick's Marvels]

2 hours ago, italian dave said:

I’d rather hear what the ref had to say about the incident to be honest. He clearly had a view: he very deliberately ran around Martin afterwards and I assume he was letting him know why he hadn’t given it - which is fair enough. I’d love to know what he said though. It’s a pity refs aren’t allowed to explain. 

Perhaps someone could ask Chris Martin?

It sure as heck won't be Dave Barton though. 

[pongo88]

Nigel, the  usual Mr Grumpy,  wasn’t grumpy in the interview so it must have been a good performance. I think we should rate City’s performances on an NP Interview Grump scale. The lower the level of grumpiness the better the performance  

[Numero Uno]

1 hour ago, EmissionImpossible said:

Assaulted

Ok, exaggeration but certainly more than a touch and player goes down scenario!!! Both fouls were bookings in the centre of the pitch when a pen doesn’t have to be given.

[GrahamC]

25 minutes ago, billywedlock said:

If we had VAR they would have to admit their error, as we have not been given multiple clear penalties. It is not reputation, just poor referring (in real time with no replays to use) . The quality of referring this season has been quite poor from my view (both ways, not just against us) . Hard to understand why it has got so poor. The number of clear offsides has also been notable (again both ways).  Not talking marginal decisions either, or those that need slow-motion with 3 camera angles, but some pretty basic stuff. The FA needs to look at what they are doing as the direction is not positive. 

Absolutely, by my calculations we have been denied 5 clear ones now & that is excluding the sometimes you get them types.

I don’t buy the theory we are attracting a reputation for diving, many of those were different players & let’s face it, we can all recall the season when Preston were awarded about 15 of them & everyone knew which players they had (Sinclair, Johnson) who repeatedly dived & it did them no harm decision wise.

[Merrick's Marvels]

44 minutes ago, billywedlock said:

If we had VAR they would have to admit their error, as we have not been given multiple clear penalties. It is not reputation, just poor referring (in real time with no replays to use) . The quality of referring this season has been quite poor from my view (both ways, not just against us) . Hard to understand why it has got so poor. The number of clear offsides has also been notable (again both ways).  Not talking marginal decisions either, or those that need slow-motion with 3 camera angles, but some pretty basic stuff. The FA needs to look at what they are doing as the direction is not positive. 

I don't consider our 2 posts to be mutually exclusive .

[maxjak]

2 hours ago, Rob k said:

I can’t see the point of giving Pearson the window and then getting rid in November 

If they are considering doing that then just do it now and give a new bloke the window, otherwise we just go round in circles with all new managers managing other managers players constantly 

I agree...what is the point in giving Pearson the window, and then getting rid?   If it was up to me, I would get rid of Pearson right now, with 6 games left, as we are safe.   But that is obviously difficult and   problematic?   Anyway I would still do it, IF i had a young forward thinking coach lined up, BUT this is Bristol City, so  if Pearson walked out of the door tomorrow, the powers that be, would almost certainly have no contingency plan in place............this is Bristol City for pheck sake?  When do we ever plan ahead?

So Pearson stays, BUT after 12 games we still look disorganised, and retain all the faults and problems that exisisted previously, so what do the Lansdowns do?  Bite the bullet, and wait to see if it improves, or realise that we are going nowhere fast, and change the manager?   i am just playing devil's advocate here, and looking at the various scenario's that may play out?   I sincerely hope that Pearson gets it right in the summer, and to an extent turns things around,...   ...       even though i do not rate him, and would like him to go,  but it is all about the team, and not my personal preferences.

The comings and goings, transfers and recruiting will be massive, we just all hope it works out, and that we can watch & enjoy some decent football?    

[Mr Popodopolous]

Not seen any of the game as was away Saturday, can't really comment on the penalty claim(s)- is it on the highlights? Highlights that I'll watch soon.

I would say though that the number of penalties awarded in general at our level anyway appears to be down across the board- would delve into stats some other time but still 1 in 18 months is quite some going!

2 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Absolutely, by my calculations we have been denied 5 clear ones now & that is excluding the sometimes you get them types.

I don’t buy the theory we are attracting a reputation for diving, many of those were different players & let’s face it, we can all recall the season when Preston were awarded about 15 of them & everyone knew which players they had (Sinclair, Johnson) who repeatedly dived & it did them no harm decision wise.

Do you think Colin Murray and his mate highlighting their view that Semenyo dived at Preston end of Jan helped? I doubt it although it sholuldn't really make a difference.

[Davefevs]

7 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Do you think Colin Murray and his mate highlighting their view that Semenyo dived at Preston end of Jan helped? I doubt it although it sholuldn't really make a difference.

No, we’ve not been getting our share for much longer than the Preston game.

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

No, we’ve not been getting our share for much longer than the Preston game.

True...like I say less awarded this season in general is my first thought but we have been creating more this year especially from post Blackburn or post Derby at home so it's all quite unusual all told.

[GrahamC]

7 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Not seen any of the game as was away Saturday, can't really comment on the penalty claim(s)- is it on the highlights? Highlights that I'll watch soon.

I would say though that the number of penalties awarded in general at our level anyway appears to be down across the board- would delve into stats some other time but still 1 in 18 months is quite some going!

 

It’s on there, a truly mystifying decision.

Fulham & Middlesbrough have had 7, Blackburn 6, so not for everyone.

Hull are the only other side to have only been awarded one.

 

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 minute ago, GrahamC said:

It’s on there, a truly mystifying decision.

Fulham & Middlesbrough have had 7, Blackburn 6, so not for everyone.

Hull are the only other side to have only been awarded one.

 

I think the divisional average has fallen but still working on that...Silva the other week or a month ago was moaning about lack of protection for Mitrovic, and then lo and behold he/Fulham were awarded a penalty the next game...maybe if NP personalises it?

Six weeks ago he hit out at refs claiming that they were not fair on Mitrovic- 6 weeks on 2-3 penalties!

Edited April 3, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous

[GrahamC]

1 minute ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

I think the divisional average has fallen but still working on that...Silva the other week or a month ago was moaning about lack of protection for Mitrovic, and then lo and behold he/Fulham were awarded a penalty the next game...maybe if NP personalises it?

Six weeks ago he hit out at refs claiming that they were not fair on Mitrovic- 6 weeks on 2-3 penalties!

Bet he didn’t mention how Mitrovic repeatedly pushes defenders in the back off the ball before receiving the ball..

One of the reasons he’s less effective in The Prem is a number of goals he’s scored this season (including one against us) would be disallowed for this by VAR.

[Mr Popodopolous]

4 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Bet he didn’t mention how Mitrovic repeatedly pushes defenders in the back off the ball before receiving the ball..

One of the reasons he’s less effective in The Prem is a number of goals he’s scored this season (including one against us) would be disallowed for this by VAR.

Interesting and don't disagree- watched up to 1-1 while in and out of here, thought there was a question of offside in terms of their equaliser certainly.

The season where he did alright in the PL, you might be onto something- 10 goals and 2-3 assists which while not special is alright in a struggling side- 2018/19- was pre VAR.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Watched it back a couple of times...think it was 'clever' by Kelly, a nudge but relatively disguised ie not blatant on first glance. From the 2nd angle ie the replay it is a clear push- I'd have awarded it I reckon!

[Lanterne Rouge]

You just know we`ll get three in a match one day.

And miss two of them.

[robin for life]

6 hours ago, Davefevs said:

 

I guess we will start to build the picture when we know what is happening to those OOC this summer plus Baker:

• Andy King - If he can stay injury free, give him another year. He's solid at this level, he wont be on much money and with such a young squad, his experience is vital. An old head in the training camp, is no bad thing.
• Robbie Cundy - He's behind Atkinson, Kalas and Klose in the pecking order, can he improve, maybe, depending on how much he's on, give him two year extension and send him to league one on loan next season. If he does good, bring him back and see what he can do, if he struggles sell him to league one in a year.
• Callum O’Dowda - Release
• Timm Klose - 12 month extension, his experience is key and he's been solid.
• Nathan Baker - Release, gutting but I expect his careers over

Then we are into the likes of the players with no future (alleged / speculation) or too costly to keep based on minutes:

• Taylor Moore - - I suspect he will leave by mutual consent
• Tyreeq Bakinson - We wont struggle to sell him , many league one clubs will take him
• Kasey Palmer - Suspect he'll be sold on a free transfer to the MLS or A League. We wont get a fee but he'll be off our books
• Nahki Wells - I say keep him, unless someone comes in with an offer, which means we aren't paying him to play elsewhere. When he has played he has done nothing wrong and if we keep him, Martin, Wiemann, and Conway, we really don't need any more forwards which are the most expensive players to replace. I think he'll be happy staying and trying to get into Pearson's plans 

and then we are into those with a year left who cost us fees:

• Tomas Kalas - We must get him to extend his contract, he's a quality player in this league and a solid centre back. I expect him to sign an extension in the summer
• Dan Bentley - Again probably the best keeper I've seen us have in a long time, we must get him to extend his contract. 
• Han-Noah Massengo - Anything over what we paid for him, he'll be sold, and I don't think it would be a bad thing if we sell him.

Added to this I expect to see Matty James leave, Jay Dasilva sold, Semenyo sold and possibly Max O'Leary sold. 

 

 

[Waconda]

2 hours ago, Davefevs said:

No, we’ve not been getting our share for much longer than the Preston game.

Do you have stats on how much we have the ball in the opposition penalty area compared to other teams ?

A "league table of penalty opportunities" if you will.

I don't see us doing a whole lot of dribbling inside or into the opposition penalty area but may be mistaken.

Time in control of the ball in the opposition area versus penalties given would be a great stat.

Edited April 3, 2022 by Waconda

[Davefevs]

Anyone see Keith Stroud yesterday?  A much maligned ref, sometimes with good reason, but yesterday he booked Tom Ince (Reading) for a blatant dive at Barnsley.

[1960maaan]

48 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Anyone see Keith Stroud yesterday?  A much maligned ref, sometimes with good reason, but yesterday he booked Tom Ince (Reading) for a blatant dive at Barnsley.

I feel the need to say ....

A stopped clock is right twice a day  

[GrahamC]

12 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Anyone see Keith Stroud yesterday?  A much maligned ref, sometimes with good reason, but yesterday he booked Tom Ince (Reading) for a blatant dive at Barnsley.

Now there is someone who should have a reputation with referees as a diver by now, embarrassingly blatant with his attempts at AG (one of which worked).

[Show Me The Money!]

20 hours ago, maxjak said:

I agree...what is the point in giving Pearson the window, and then getting rid?   If it was up to me, I would get rid of Pearson right now, with 6 games left, as we are safe.   But that is obviously difficult and   problematic?   Anyway I would still do it, IF i had a young forward thinking coach lined up, BUT this is Bristol City, so  if Pearson walked out of the door tomorrow, the powers that be, would almost certainly have no contingency plan in place............this is Bristol City for pheck sake?  When do we ever plan ahead?

So Pearson stays, BUT after 12 games we still look disorganised, and retain all the faults and problems that exisisted previously, so what do the Lansdowns do?  Bite the bullet, and wait to see if it improves, or realise that we are going nowhere fast, and change the manager?   i am just playing devil's advocate here, and looking at the various scenario's that may play out?   I sincerely hope that Pearson gets it right in the summer, and to an extent turns things around,...   ...       even though i do not rate him, and would like him to go,  but it is all about the team, and not my personal preferences.

The comings and goings, transfers and recruiting will be massive, we just all hope it works out, and that we can watch & enjoy some decent football?    

The issue with getting rid of NP as you put it is if, and there’s strong chance it’s the case, that we are hamstrung during the off season and can’t strengthen the team and even end up starting the season with a weaker squad how will you know that the new coach you bring in is any better than just keeping NP. Plus we’d have to pay NP off and would only be able to employ someone out of work

[hertsexile]

There is no point in getting rid of Pearson at the moment. I agree our season has not Been  pretty but we have to take into account the mess he inherited. The squad was unbalanced many of them overpaid, with attitude problems. 
The medical team seemed unable to get injured players fit. 
I also agree that the standard of officials this season has been very poor and City have not had the rub of the green. On many occasions this season it has seemed that all a city defender has to do is sneeze in the proximity of the opponents player in the box and a penalty is given! Yet GBH on Scot against QPR goes unpunished! 

[maxjak]

6 hours ago, Show Me The Money! said:

The issue with getting rid of NP as you put it is if, and there’s strong chance it’s the case, that we are hamstrung during the off season and can’t strengthen the team and even end up starting the season with a weaker squad how will you know that the new coach you bring in is any better than just keeping NP. Plus we’d have to pay NP off and would only be able to employ someone out of work

Mmmmm......we will see come November/December of next season if it was the right decision to retain Pearson?  As for being hamstrung during the off (Close) season if Pearson should go, I don't quite grasp your logic?   However, as Pearson is here, and will be here for at  least the next 6/7 months, it's a moot point. 

[pongo88]

A

Edited April 4, 2022 by pongo88

[Mr Popodopolous]

18 minutes ago, maxjak said:

Mmmmm......we will see come November/December of next season if it was the right decision to retain Pearson?  As for being hamstrung during the off (Close) season if Pearson should go, I don't quite grasp your logic?   However, as Pearson is here, and will be here for at  least the next 6/7 months, it's a moot point. 

Think that the suggestion is that if we are forecast to exceed or be right around FFP, then strengthening in the summer will be off the table. New manager comes in who might be less equipped than NP to cope.

Illustrative example

Our losses across 2019/20 and 2020/21 average are £X pretty well confirmed by June/July. Then our losses next season are forecast by club and EFL jointly to be Y.

In this scenario, we are predicted to be £4-5m over next season, that's roughly in line with my calculations and Projections then why would the EFL let us strengthen if a breach is forecast!

Obviously selling a player for the right fee would amend it but if we didn't then the EFL wouldn't permit us to make the problem worse, new signings would only add to the deficit.

[Engvall’s Splinter]

On 03/04/2022 at 15:08, maxjak said:

I agree...what is the point in giving Pearson the window, and then getting rid?   If it was up to me, I would get rid of Pearson right now, with 6 games left, as we are safe.   But that is obviously difficult and   problematic?   Anyway I would still do it, IF i had a young forward thinking coach lined up, BUT this is Bristol City, so  if Pearson walked out of the door tomorrow, the powers that be, would almost certainly have no contingency plan in place............this is Bristol City for pheck sake?  When do we ever plan ahead?

So Pearson stays, BUT after 12 games we still look disorganised, and retain all the faults and problems that exisisted previously, so what do the Lansdowns do?  Bite the bullet, and wait to see if it improves, or realise that we are going nowhere fast, and change the manager?   i am just playing devil's advocate here, and looking at the various scenario's that may play out?   I sincerely hope that Pearson gets it right in the summer, and to an extent turns things around,...   ...       even though i do not rate him, and would like him to go,  but it is all about the team, and not my personal preferences.

The comings and goings, transfers and recruiting will be massive, we just all hope it works out, and that we can watch & enjoy some decent football?    

Out of interest, which young upcoming manager would you replace him with that wouldn’t cost us fee and would be happy to paid in fresh air?

[maxjak]

11 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Think that the suggestion is that if we are forecast to exceed or be right around FFP, then strengthening in the summer will be off the table. New manager comes in who might be less equipped than NP to cope.

Illustrative example

Our losses across 2019/20 and 2020/21 average are £X pretty well confirmed by June/July. Then our losses next season are forecast by club and EFL jointly to be Y.

In this scenario, we are predicted to be £4-5m over next season, that's roughly in line with my calculations and Projections then why would the EFL let us strengthen if a breach is forecast!

Obviously selling a player for the right fee would amend it but if we didn't then the EFL wouldn't permit us to make the problem worse, new signings would only add to the deficit.

I obviously have no idea....but i can see Players like Kelly and Webster, and even  Brownhill  moving, and one at least of Massengo, Semenyo or Scott...............even Weimann leaving.  So that will stir the financial pot?

[maxjak]

17 minutes ago, Engvall’s Splinter said:

Out of interest, which young upcoming manager would you replace him with that wouldn’t cost us fee and would be happy to paid in fresh air?

Please try not to be so predictable?   By dragging out the most obvious cliche that comes to mind?   The operative word is IF?   I do not have the luxury of spending all day and every day with access to every young coach who breathes air.  There are professional sports managenent consultants and specialists who do nothing else but trawl the world to see who is available, who is talented, who is up and coming, who could be the right fit etc.  I am not party to such information.   Of course there are bright young coaches out there, it's just a question of doing your homework, and finding one.  PS. I said coach....not manager.

[DaveInSA]

I still find it really, absolutely mucking afazing that we’ve bought a load of shop brand putters and drivers with absolutely no pings in the bag at all. And no irons.

And it’s left us with a £38 million pound hole.

so we will literally either:

1) lose a load of players and need to replace them; or

2) not have any funds to buy anyone

And Mr Steve Lansdown founded a multibillion pound investment company?

did he forget how to do maths?

[Mr Popodopolous]

3 hours ago, maxjak said:

I obviously have no idea....but i can see Players like Kelly and Webster, and even  Brownhill  moving, and one at least of Massengo, Semenyo or Scott...............even Weimann leaving.  So that will stir the financial pot?

That could change things of course- absolutely good moves for the 3 mentioned would bring significant breathing space, probably ending the FFP concerns and giving us a little room to strengthen.

Clearly player sales would also push us forward financially- Weimann going is intriguing, certainly wouldn't want to sell but striking while the iron is hot is one possibility.