Noble -why?

[Markman]

why he was substituted?

He was actually creating things in a formation that was "odd" to say the least. Cole Skuse did not come on and influence, Lee J - well the fact is he was poor (and it is not just picking on Lee) he ws poor and it does nothing to to make those fans that doubt him reconsider when a substitution like tonight is made.

Maybe I am missing something - if so tell me why Noble came off and not Lee?

[A Horse With No Name]

why he was substituted?

He was actually creating things in a formation that was "odd" to say the least. Cole Skuse did not come on and influence, Lee J - well the fact is he was poor (and it is not just picking on Lee) he ws poor and it does nothing to to make those fans that doubt him reconsider when a substitution like tonight is made.

Maybe I am missing something - if so tell me why Noble came off and not Lee?

Because Lee Johnson's uncle is our chief scout, and our manager doesn't want to upset him.

[sephjnr]

Because GJ overlooks his midfield far too much.

Noble was rock-solid through it all, and Skuse missed a classic chance to make a fatal run on the left, choosing instead to pass it into the pack...

[bucksred]

why he was substituted?

He was actually creating things in a formation that was "odd" to say the least. Cole Skuse did not come on and influence, Lee J - well the fact is he was poor (and it is not just picking on Lee) he ws poor and it does nothing to to make those fans that doubt him reconsider when a substitution like tonight is made.

Maybe I am missing something - if so tell me why Noble came off and not Lee?

I agree with you, and many phoning twentypence did too, but the holy disciples will label you a moaner for doubting GJ's tactics.

We will have do a whole load better next week.

[Guest iWurzel]

LJ was no better or worse than anyone else tonight. Lack of vision and creativity all round in midfield is what made the game so awful, long ball after long ball just hoofed forward with no insight. Wrong balls were played, we could have played another 90 and still not look like finding the net, let's face facts, it was a dire performance.

That said, there are three vital points to be won on Saturday and we should not be thinking about Bristol Rovers until the job is done at Brighton.

[Markman]

I agree with you, and many phoning twentypence did too, but the holy disciples will label you a moaner for doubting GJ's tactics.

We will have do a whole load better next week.

Thanks - sometimes you think you are going mad because it seems so obvious - and you are right I am expecting criticism for daring to suggest Lee J should have come off - that said we will walk it at the Mem.

[aller g]

poor decision. i'm not moaning, but, it ended our chances of a goal.

we just couldnt hit that level of what we're used to.

nothing to knock about it, it just wasnt our day.

[Nibor]

Couldn't understand it either, Noble was the best player on the pitch.

[SimplyRed]

Noble was my MoM. if any midfielder should've been subbed, it was Johnson, who had a 'mare tonight.

[bucksred]

Couldn't understand it either, Noble was the best player on the pitch.

Would you start with him on Sat nibor, or would you stick with johnson? and who else with him?

[dezgimed]

Best player on the pitch.

Best midfielder too in terms of creativity, defensive work, attacking, ball retention..

To be perfectly honest Lee didnt play well..and he didnt play bad...but its obvious he will never be rightfully subbed.

[Nibor]

Would you start with him on Sat nibor, or would you stick with johnson? and who else with him?

Posted a line up in the other thread but yes I'd start with him, and I'd play 3 in the centre away from home and rest LJ - he was pretty anonymous tonight so it's time to give the others a go. Noble can't be dropped after tonight really.

[bucksred]

Posted a line up in the other thread but yes I'd start with him, and I'd play 3 in the centre away from home and rest LJ - he was pretty anonymous tonight so it's time to give the others a go. Noble can't be dropped after tonight really.

spot on. Johnson needs a rest. noble is a more than capable deputy/challenger

[beaverface]

why he was substituted?

He was actually creating things in a formation that was "odd" to say the least. Cole Skuse did not come on and influence, Lee J - well the fact is he was poor (and it is not just picking on Lee) he ws poor and it does nothing to to make those fans that doubt him reconsider when a substitution like tonight is made.

Maybe I am missing something - if so tell me why Noble came off and not Lee?

Noble did have a good game but he was let down by not having an outlet. The amount of times he pivoted, dummied and dribbled around in cricles to keep possession was amazing, but he never had anyone to pass to, this is where the lack of wingers showed up.

On a slightly different note, tonights formation really showed how much we missed someone like Tinnion to spread the ball about. The amount of room our wingbacks had in the first half was huge, we just couldnt spread the ball out to them fast enough.

Fair play to Rovers, they got the result they wanted it was well earned (however dull it was in the end) BTW, a nil-nil isnt a bad result for us either, the main thing is we didnt go kamikaze and end up letting a sucker punch goal in.

BTW - Does anyone else find it ironic that Gash fans phone in radio bristol to comment how arrogant we are because we say we're going to win, and yet they then start saying once Nicholson plays they're going to beat us?! Talk about an inferiority complex!!

[Guest tommy doc]

Noble did have a good game but he was let down by not having an outlet. The amount of times he pivoted, dummied and dribbled around in cricles to keep possession was amazing, but he never had anyone to pass to, this is where the lack of wingers showed up.

[Robbored]

Lee Johnson seems to have two types of game, 1) excellant. 2) rubbish. The problem is that its impossible to know which one will turn up beforehand. Unfortunately tonight he was the later.I can hardly recall him having any impact on the game for the whole 90 mins.

His dad often refers to players 'changing the game'. Well...Lee Johnson didn't do that tonight whereas Noble did look as if he might make the difference with his vision and clever play.Sadly the rest of the City players (Keogh excepted) all looked as inaffective as Lee Johnson.That left Keogh and Noble as the only two City players who had decent games.

Why Noble was subbed is anyones guess.Mine is that it was due to lack of match fitness - but who really knows?

[Guest mtg]

I did think the only explanation seemed to be that he was tired, didn't really look that obvious but did seem to be a few more passes going astray. He hasn't played a lot of games yet so is maybe still getting back to match fitness. Was definitely mom though. As the game went on he did seem to have a few more tricks and less end product. IMHO.

[Guest snowy_RDFC]

Noble was perhaps the best player in a red shirt. Was trying to create stuff but didn't have the support - forwards didn't move enough and Lee Johnson wasn't interested.

Talking of Lee Johnson...he was pants. Swaggered about as if he was going to dazzle his way to midfield and just didn't play way. Passing was shocking, reading of the game non-existent and did he make a challenge all game!?

Someone must be brought in because i'd rather have no-one than Skuse on the bench - i'm sure there were a good number of spectators who could do a better job. He is a waste of space.

[wesco]

I thought Noble was class in the first half but in the second half disley started to control the midfield a bit better and they were closing him down a lot quicker. Also he hasn't played much football recently so wouldn't be surprised if he was tiring

[Markman]

Would you start with him on Sat nibor, or would you stick with johnson? and who else with him?

I would start with Noble - with Russell if he is fit? We do need more width though but if Murray is fit and "Betty" that will help. Myre did not have much of a game but as someone else saidwe did not actually have anyone to spay the quick incisive cross field pass - still think the only one who was going to unlock the Gas was Noble and he played a lot of the 2nd half on my side of the ground and did not look shattered to me?

[Whale Eye Beef Hooked]

Noble was perhaps the best player in a red shirt. Was trying to create stuff but didn't have the support - forwards didn't move enough and Lee Johnson wasn't interested.

Talking of Lee Johnson...he was pants. Swaggered about as if he was going to dazzle his way to midfield and just didn't play way. Passing was shocking, reading of the game non-existent and did he make a challenge all game!?

Someone must be brought in because i'd rather have no-one than Skuse on the bench - i'm sure there were a good number of spectators who could do a better job. He is a waste of space.

Sums up some of the idiots that come onto this Forum. Rather have no-one than Skuse on the bench !!!!! What a dull ead

Lee Johnson is an easy target and it is getting boring now. Do people honestly think that he stays on the field because his dad is the manager.

I though LJ played really well in the last 20 mins, he ran all over ( Noble was tired ) and was putting some good passes together. He looked our most likely assist towards the end.

I am not a happy clapper but i just get fed up with the negativity on here if we don`t get a big win.

[Andy Horsman]

Definitely a bizarre substitution, and the strange sight of seeing City fans giving a departing, substituted player a deserved standing ovation whilst shaking their heads. LJ was dire, totally bullied off the ball, most of the others little better. Still, I believe that we will get this game out of our systems and win @ Brighton and at the Squat. Think a slightly fitter Brooker and a hopefully returning Enoch would batter the gas @ their hovel.

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

Noble was perhaps the best player in a red shirt. Was trying to create stuff but didn't have the support - forwards didn't move enough and Lee Johnson wasn't interested.

Its all about balance in midfield and, as we discovered earlier in the season, Noble and Johnson just don't work as a pair. You have to have either Skuse or (preferably) Russell in there. This was an area we should have strengthened in the transfer window and where we could do with a strong loan signing now.

[brady bunch]

came onto this foum with only one thought in mind, WHY THE HECK WAS NOBLE PULLED OFF AND LJ KEPT ON????

I cannot beleive even the biggest LJ supporters could argue the point...

I hear the faint sound of "daddys boy, daddys boy" in the back of my mind....

How soul destroying must it be to play along side LJ knowing that no matter how well you are playing or how poorly he is playing you are going to get taken off before him....

[brady bunch]

Lee Johnson is an easy target and it is getting boring now. Do people honestly think that he stays on the field because his dad is the manager. - YES

I am not a happy clapper - you are!

[deadratinmycider]

LJ kept trying to 'dink' little clever passes that didn't come off all night. The most frustrating thing is he gets knocked off the ball so easily and rarley wins any 50-50 balls. Noble was excellent I thought and was very surprised when he was substituted.

I just don't understand the idea of bringing on Skuse when our most attacking player, Murray, went off injured. Skuse is a hard working defensive midfielder who offers next to nothing in the terms of attack. I know JMW isn't great but at least he has a bit of pace about him.

Would definitely stick with Noble for Saturday.

[Whale Eye Beef Hooked]

I am the first to say if a player deserves to come off.

You are very nieve if you think that the staff would allow favourtism towards a family member.

Get a grip on reality, this is not your school team this is a professional business

[brady bunch]

[aller g]

You are very nieve if you think that the staff would allow favourtism towards a family member.

Get a grip on reality, this is not your school team this is a professional business

So what would you call that farse of a substitution then?

You personally think LJ should have stayed on over Noble?

You should get a grip and get your head out of LJ's ass.

The Lad has a poor game, should have been substituted, but wasn't.

Yet the only player to be giving us a glimpse of hope if taken off?!

no... theres no favouritism there mate, none at all.

[pdgifford64]

Noble was undoubtedly MOM, by the time he was subbed, he was getting knackered, is not 90 min match fit.

Now i`d say get him off, save him for BHA, a more important match.

If GJ had kept him on and he`d got injured some fans would be on here now slating him for not subbing him.

Footy manager ? shite job

City manager ? i`d sooner hack my balls off with a blunt spoon.

PDG

[Whale Eye Beef Hooked]

So what would you call that farse of a substitution then?

You personally think LJ should have stayed on over Noble?

You should get a grip and get your head out of LJ's ass.

The Lad has a poor game, should have been substituted, but wasn't.

Yet the only player to be giving us a glimpse of hope if taken off?!

no... theres no favouritism there mate, none at all.

Typical ,

I suppose you were one of the morons booing LJ at the last home game, shouting that he should have gone off .. just before he ...ere.........oh yea SCORED the equaliser.

My head is not up his arse, he had a poor first half but he is the most likely to put the pass in for a late goal.

Just for the record, i rate Noble as the best midfielder at the club but he looked knackered at the end, and he will be needed for a far more important game at the weekend.

Take your blinkers off, look at the whole picture.

[Whale Eye Beef Hooked]

[cidercity1987]

My mate who knows nothing about BCFC politics but knows alot about football in general complained about the Noble substitution.

Him: 'I wouldn't have done that'.

Me: 'Why? We need a striker on'.

Him: 'I would have taken the short guy off, Noble has been our best player'.

[Nibor]

I just think it is easy for people to jump on the bandwaggon with the daddy`s boy thing.

True. I think it's unfair to call it nepotism while there's a credible reason for him to leave LJ on and there IS a credible reason.

Let me make it clear, I would have taken him off and I think it was wrong to sub Noble, but Lee Johnson has before created and scored goals out of nothing even when having a poor game. Noble hasn't.

I don't agree with the substitution but there is at least a possible explanation for it.

[sephjnr]

True. I think it's unfair to call it nepotism while there's a credible reason for him to leave LJ on and there IS a credible reason.

Let me make it clear, I would have taken him off and I think it was wrong to sub Noble, but Lee Johnson has before created and scored goals out of nothing even when having a poor game. Noble hasn't.

I don't agree with the substitution but there is at least a possible explanation for it.

LJ's been getting crucial passes several times and has either been muscled out or has failed to capitalise. He's had more poor misses & gaffes when they hurt the most than great strikes when they helped, and Noble's been left out of the loop until now so he's not privvy to the same judgement for at least 2-3 more games.

[RedTop]

I thought Noble had a good game but I also thought it was the right thing to do for two main reasons:

1. Although Noble had rarely misplaced a pass, he had not really put any penetrating balls through and with the Gas sitting back towards the end it looked less likely he would unlock the defence. I also thought his tendency to stop and check back before passing slowed us down and prevented any urgency or speed to develop in our attacking.

2. Even when LJ has proved ineffectual, his ability to pop up with a strike from distance or defence-splitting ball out of nowhere made him the better option to keep on the pitch. He's made the difference late in a game on more than one occasion this season, and that justifies keeping him on at times.

I, like many others, feel it is unfair to suggest the GJ keeps him on because he is his son, or that he gets any special favours. Probably the best example of what I am talking about was the game when we were 2-0 down. GJ was about to take him off and bring on Noble, and they were preparing the numbers board when LJ crops up and unlocks the defence with a fantastic pass for Murray to score after 74 mins - then whacks in the equaliser to get us out of jail six minutes later. When he can alter games like that late on, I think GJ is justified in bearing it in mind.

[brady bunch]

I just think it is easy for people to jump on the bandwaggon with the daddy`s boy thing. - it is I admit that.

p.s If your daddys boy is getting promotion over more abled staff, then as a company Director you should know that that is an unfair employment practice - I know it as does everyone else (including the owner), but it it worth upsetting your most senior manager and for me my line manager? No. and just as with LJ how do you prove it? and what do you gain when you have done so, apart from righting a wrong you may lose your job or bonus money. In GJ's case if SL challenges it he may lose a good manager that is moving city in the right direction.

[Guest reggiedenim]

Forget the fact that LJ had a poor game...

Skuse should be the discussion issue here...

Firstly bringing on a defensive player for Murray is totally rediculous... Secondly what in gods name did Skuse do all game ??? He didnt challenge he didnt run - he just hovered around like a little boy thats lost his mum in the supermarket...

I don't like picking on players but if there was one player for City that did nothing last night it was Skuse...

I thought Andrews looked sharp and up for it - but unfortunatley Brooker still doesnt look anywhere near match fit - and seriously struggles to get anywhere behind the opposition defence...

All in all a waste of a game last night and I'm actually pissed right off i forked out £10 on the big screen for next week now...

[bucksred]

Sums up some of the idiots that come onto this Forum. Rather have no-one than Skuse on the bench !!!!! What a dull ead

Lee Johnson is an easy target and it is getting boring now. Do people honestly think that he stays on the field because his dad is the manager.

I though LJ played really well in the last 20 mins, he ran all over ( Noble was tired ) and was putting some good passes together. He looked our most likely assist towards the end.

I am not a happy clapper but i just get fed up with the negativity on here if we don`t get a big win.

Is there any other reason, in games like last night?

[Markman]

Sums up some of the idiots that come onto this Forum. Rather have no-one than Skuse on the bench !!!!! What a dull ead

Lee Johnson is an easy target and it is getting boring now. Do people honestly think that he stays on the field because his dad is the manager.

I though LJ played really well in the last 20 mins, he ran all over ( Noble was tired ) and was putting some good passes together. He looked our most likely assist towards the end.

I am not a happy clapper but i just get fed up with the negativity on here if we don`t get a big win.

Lee J is an easy target because sometimes the fact he is the son of the Manager actually does seem to sway decisions. It is human nature for a Father to see better product from his son (or daughter as the case may be) than from another person, surely you must accept that (and don't call me etc...) - so Lee stays on despite sometimes deserving to come off and that gets the back up of a fair number of supporters.

I am not sure when I started this post it was one full of negativity - I just could not, in any way shape or form, see why Noble was subsituted when he was influencing and Minni-me was not - unless GJ wises up to the fact that he has to be impartial (which will be tough for him) the saga of LJ getting the bird from time to time will continue - fact of life but not really negativity more frustration?

[RedM]

I, like many others, feel it is unfair to suggest the GJ keeps him on because he is his son, or that he gets any special favours. Probably the best example of what I am talking about was the game when we were 2-0 down. GJ was about to take him off and bring on Noble, and they were preparing the numbers board when LJ crops up and unlocks the defence with a fantastic pass for Murray to score after 74 mins - then whacks in the equaliser to get us out of jail six minutes later. When he can alter games like that late on, I think GJ is justified in bearing it in mind.

I'm a fan of LJ, but even I have to admit it just wasn't working for him last night, he was by no means alone as it wasn't working for the majority of them if we were honest. But if I had a choice of who I wanted subbed I would have taken off Lee and left Noble on.

But maybe you have given me an idea which I'd like to see tried, what about we use LJ as a sub? Bring him on after an hour when the opposition are tiring. It gives us a chance to see our other midfielders form some sort of partnership with eachother. I don't really buy into the father/son thing but it does tend to be LJ plus whoever on the whole?