By all accounts ..." truly atrocious " today

[hallamblue]

This could have been written fir the QPR game. If this fans view of todays game is anything to go by!......


We are painfully one dimensional and it is so hard to watch us fail to create any real chance when a goal down against a side 4th from bottom. Bristol City's game plan was executed perfectly, just sit back when we have the ball and soon enough we'll lose it. Chambers and Knudsen's endless punting up field, usually flying out of play or landing at the oppositions feet, is getting tiresome and I think the latter is playing 2-3 division's higher than he is actually capable of. Sears is a striker and I feel sorry for him as week after week he continues to be completely ineffective out wide. Thought Pringle was actually quite decent, very nice left foot and it's nice to see somebody look up and play a pass on the floor. Also, notice how Bristol City continued to attack and push on for a third even when 2-0 up? Imagine how exciting that must be as a fan to watch... Appalling performance, season might just be over.

Cant say I disagree with him.

[Shed on tour]

hallam
To be truthful it's been pretty poor for ages now. Even the games where we have scored late winners we haven't really played well. Really think this season could just fizzle out now and the gates really fall if it does.

[hallamblue]

Yes I agree Shed. We were all at tge QPR debacle werent we! As soon as we started to play the f**king thing on the deck, QPR were in a blind panic at the back.

Why leave it to the 87th bloody minute to start attacking the opposition?

we could ask Rusher, I expect he'll have a view about Town!

[Shed on tour]

Yes I agree Shed. We were all at tge QPR debacle werent we! As soon as we started to play the f**king thing on the deck, QPR were in a blind panic at the back.

Why leave it to the 87th bloody minute to start attacking the opposition?

we could ask Rusher, I expect he'll have a view about Town!

That really pissed me off last week. Time and time again we don't even start playing until the 2nd half in games, (ok last week it was 3 minutes from the end!) and this needs to be sorted whether it be down to the management or players.
I really do wonder if I will see us play top flight football in my lifetime again. Looking on the bright side UEFA took the money out of my account today for Euro 2016 tickets which means I will be able to watch another team underperform in the summer . Got tickets for as far as England go which will probably be 3 group games!

[hallamblue]

Good on yer Shed. Hopefully England can turn up this summer eh? As for Town I reallh am, after 45 yrs +starting to lose the buzz for watching us. And I never all my years of gollowing Town , thought Id ever be posting something like this. But Im at a loss to see how we ard going forward I find the style of play mind numbingly dull, boring , predictable, call it what you like.

[Shed on tour]

I suppose at least we can say we have seen some fantastic times.
Hopefully some of our younger fans will get the opportunity sometime in the future but unfortunately it may be a while yet.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Good on yer Shed. Hopefully England can turn up this summer eh? As for Town I reallh am, after 45 yrs +starting to lose the buzz for watching us. And I never all my years of gollowing Town , thought Id ever be posting something like this. But Im at a loss to see how we ard going forward I find the style of play mind numbingly dull, boring , predictable, call it what you like.

That is precisely how I feel Liz.

I'm even thinking that I cant be bothered to make the effort to watch them again this season, and maybe longer than that if the current strategy and approach does not change. I'll always support Town no matter what, but am starting to think that if the club cannot make the effort then why should I.

[barmy billy]

I agree with both Hallam and Rossi. It really is soul destroying.

There is no doubt that all is not yet lost this season, but do we want to go being treated to the same hoof ball we have watching for goodness knows how long, I fully accept that injuries are playing a part, but that does not alter our style of play. Perhaps it would be best the write-off this season and seek a change in leadership and hopefully attitude for the next.

[arana peligrosa]

I agree with both Hallam and Rossi. It really is soul destroying.

There is no doubt that all is not yet lost this season, but do we want to go being treated to the same hoof ball we have watching for goodness knows how long, I fully accept that injuries are playing a part, but that does not alter our style of play. Perhaps it would be best the write-off this season and seek a change in leadership and hopefully attitude for the next.

Disappointing to read with a large section of the season remaining but essentially you're right. I think a great number may just realize or have accepted we're not going to achieve anything this year and are already planning ahead to August.

Even if we were to get back into the play-offs in May, can we really expect as it now stands, to beat two teams that may well finish above us on route and expect Town to be a premier league team next season ? In so many words, seems unlikely. There are so many factors that set us back from other promotion challengers from McCarthy himself to team motivation, that will (or may) eventually prove costly.

[hallamblue]

Things put into perspective perhaps, by this post?


Is this the first time we've stopped making progress under Mick? 21:06 - Feb 13 with 209 views Vic

Give the guy a break - we've had constant upward progress from the day he walked in the door until the last couple of months. The guy has done wonders on a budget shorter than a shoe string.

Ok, last season we were higher in the league before Christmas, but we didn't have the squad to sustain it. This year we were a few places lower but in August and September we had a squad that we all thought was considerably better than last season. That was progress.

Sadly injuries to Frazer, Didz and Bishop p, plus the strange non event of Tommy Oar mean the team has never once been at its best. I think even in December the vast majority of us were optimistic that after Christmas the injuries would be over and we'd push on and settle in the PO's.

Sadly the injuries haven't improved , plus we've picked up a load more and TO decided to chase the cash.

What was frustrating, for me at least, was hearing Mick say that there were no players out there that we could sign that would have improved the squad. That annoyed me because clearly there were, but there was not the money to buy them.

So for the first time in 3 years were at a standstill and perhaps dolling backwards. But it's not the time to sack the manager, etc. Give the guy a few months to see if he can get traction again and if ME may release a bit more money for transfer payments. We moan at other clubs seeking short term fixes - let's not be the same.

Am I Frustrated? Yes! But am I going to call for the managers head? Absolutely not.

As an aside, I remember in the winter and spring of 1977 there was a lot of discontent with Sir Bobby with the team in real danger of relegation. We are know I hope what happened afterwards!

[jeremy rusher]

Yes I agree Shed. We were all at tge QPR debacle werent we! As soon as we started to play the f**king thing on the deck, QPR were in a blind panic at the back.

Why leave it to the 87th bloody minute to start attacking the opposition?

we could ask Rusher, I expect he'll have a view about Town!

Yeah....you really are a childish little girl aren,t you. Looking for a silly little row are we ?

[hallamblue]

Get lost Troll

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Good on yer Shed. Hopefully England can turn up this summer eh? As for Town I reallh am, after 45 yrs +starting to lose the buzz for watching us. And I never all my years of gollowing Town , thought Id ever be posting something like this. But Im at a loss to see how we ard going forward I find the style of play mind numbingly dull, boring , predictable, call it what you like.

That is precisely how I feel Liz.

I'm even thinking that I cant be bothered to make the effort to watch them again this season, and maybe longer than that if the current strategy and approach does not change. I'll always support Town no matter what, but am starting to think that if the club cannot make the effort then why should I.

Famous last words Liz, just got my ticket for the Forest game - looks like you and Mike will have to put up with me in the pub after all, just don't almost get us run over by a bloody great bus this time please

[hallamblue]

lol . Yer see , you're just like all us other Lemmings ! see u in the pub the x

[phily bon bon]

Things put into perspective perhaps, by this post?


Is this the first time we've stopped making progress under Mick? 21:06 - Feb 13 with 209 views Vic

Give the guy a break - we've had constant upward progress from the day he walked in the door until the last couple of months. The guy has done wonders on a budget shorter than a shoe string.

Ok, last season we were higher in the league before Christmas, but we didn't have the squad to sustain it. This year we were a few places lower but in August and September we had a squad that we all thought was considerably better than last season. That was progress.

Sadly injuries to Frazer, Didz and Bishop p, plus the strange non event of Tommy Oar mean the team has never once been at its best. I think even in December the vast majority of us were optimistic that after Christmas the injuries would be over and we'd push on and settle in the PO's.

Sadly the injuries haven't improved , plus we've picked up a load more and TO decided to chase the cash.

What was frustrating, for me at least, was hearing Mick say that there were no players out there that we could sign that would have improved the squad. That annoyed me because clearly there were, but there was not the money to buy them.

So for the first time in 3 years were at a standstill and perhaps dolling backwards. But it's not the time to sack the manager, etc. Give the guy a few months to see if he can get traction again and if ME may release a bit more money for transfer payments. We moan at other clubs seeking short term fixes - let's not be the same.

Am I Frustrated? Yes! But am I going to call for the managers head? Absolutely not.

As an aside, I remember in the winter and spring of 1977 there was a lot of discontent with Sir Bobby with the team in real danger of relegation. We are know I hope what happened afterwards!

Great post Hallamblue and its a great observation. In my heart of hearts i would LOVE IT if Mick could make a miracle and pull some loan signings out of the bag which could lift us in the play offs. Unfortunatley i have little faith right now in Micks or the clubs desire to make things happen.
I know its a difficult job and hes damned if he does and damned if he does'nt. The problem for me is that for the life of me, i cant see real progress, and that hurts. I don't doubt that without Mick coming in when he did we would have gone down, but how long can he and we live on that?

I heard Evans maybe looking to sell us, time will tell. I feel hes heart is not really in it as a serious project in getting us up. I dont expect him to spunk untold millions again,but Mick has proved his worth. I just feel he should have been backed better.

I dont see many clubs adhering 100% to the FFP rules,its like some take a risk while others know their limits.

Its not pleasent reading die hards like you loosing the desire to follow the super blues. I have fortunatley seen and remember when we were a force to be recond with. I doubt i will ever see those days again.

[hallamblue]

PBB I think there are a lot of unanswered questions. Town although starting well.enough this season, are clearly lacking in squad depth and quality. The summer saw Mick bringing in youngsters that have since been farmed out to other clubs for the season. MM has a first 11 that has no credible competition for their places and the opportunity to strengthen saw absolutely nothing happening in the window for us whilst all other top 6 clubs did so. lo and behold we lose more players to long term injuries as soon as the window slams shut. Unfortunate, some might say. Poor planning and strategy would be nearer the mark.

The style of Town's game has been rumbled and we have no answer to opponents that have sussed us. We are one trick ponies, devoid of any creativity and the games are shockingly similar no matter who we play ie we hoof it high to Murphy, and hope.

Looking beyond the first team to what is happening in the U21, U18 levels. The trend of gutless football appears to be endemic throughout the Club . When was last time these kids teams won a game? Where is the evidence of these promising youngsters breaking into the first team squad? I just don't see any signs of progress?

I am VERY concerned about what is happening at our Club. We are told there is money if Mick wants it. Mick says he won't find better players out there than what he currently has. REALLY?? Who's telling the truth. The Club, who state there is money available? Or Mick who says he's happy with his squad. Is He really, or is he just putting a spin on it and prepared to work with zilch backing in bringing in real quality? Finally. Is Evans actually just tired of his play thing, which is why he no longer stumps up the cash for Mick. I understand he is covering the £6m pa to run the Club, but this will not get us promoted.

WHAT'S THE NEXT 5 YEAR PLAN? Where's the strategy? Something doesn't smell right to me. Sod the play offs this season. Where is this Club going to be at the end of next season?

[herforder]

With ME still the owner, MM still the manager and the financial business model remaining largely the same, our situation at the end of next season will, in all probability, be similar to where we are now. Effectively holding our own, perhaps even slightly over-achieving, but in reality no better than marking time in terms of promotion. That summary is not intended to be negative; but unless any of those three key factors change significantly, then scope for progress in a highly competitive environment, with certain club's having access to, or prepared to gamble big bucks, then our place in the pecking order is pretty much fixed.

Would agree, however, that the Club should behave with greater integrity towards those supporters it relies upon to generate the bulk of its income. The credibility gap is growing. I would also like to see both the official supporters club, and local media, take a far more robust line in their dealings with the club. I believe their relationships are far too cosy!

[hallamblue]

quite agree about the last point although I see that EADT today are finally getting a sniff of a sort and starting to ask questions.

It will be interesting one see the Club's tact / approach in a week or two when they try to get people to buy ST again.

You could have put your house on this squad falling away like this. it's too small and lacks quality in the team that is fit. Yes I know we're only 3 pts off PO. but it wasn't that long ago we had a cushion of points whilst sitting in 5th ! the trend over recent weeks is very much downward, yet all of us were warning this would happen if we didn't strengthen.

If there is money available then this current situation is down to Mick and is stubborness I'm afraid

[hallamblue]

some pretty damning letters to the EADT here I think ......there is most definitely a growing discontent among the die hard Town fans .

http://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/fans_frustr ... _1_4420187

[Andym]

I watched part of the Leeds v Middlesboro game last night. The quality of football from both sides far exceeded out recent efforts. I'd happily watch if we played like that - even if we finished halfway or a bit below as Leeds seem destined to. Movement off the ball, neat passing, ball on the floor.... a real treat to watch. I still believe our problems lie firmly with MM - either encouraging the poor style of play or signing players who fit his type of football. I was really disappointed when he had his contract extended, which is why I am seriously considering not renewing my season ticket. Win, lose or draw, we know what utter sh*te we are going to have to endure.

[marko69]

A sign that the conversation is becoming repetitive; I really like the pinstriped coat Mick is wearing in the EADT link.

They'll pump Hull 4-0. You heard that utter sh*te here first.

[Andym]

Sorry. I'll f*ck off.

[herforder]

Sorry. I'll f*ck off.

Me, too. And potentially a large number of ST holders with us!

Agreed some of the recent exchanges have been 'more of the same'. However, they do reflect a sense of growing concern on a number of fronts, and I guess folk need to get it out there. Far better to have some comment on here, than none at all.

[herforder]

I watched part of the Leeds v Middlesboro game last night. The quality of football from both sides far exceeded out recent efforts. I'd happily watch if we played like that - even if we finished halfway or a bit below as Leeds seem destined to. Movement off the ball, neat passing, ball on the floor.... a real treat to watch. I still believe our problems lie firmly with MM - either encouraging the poor style of play or signing players who fit his type of football. I was really disappointed when he had his contract extended, which is why I am seriously considering not renewing my season ticket. Win, lose or draw, we know what utter sh*te we are going to have to endure.

Also watched that game - which, as you say, saw both sides displaying basic footballing qualities way beyond anything we have seen for some time! As for strength in depth, M'boro's ability to bring our nemeses, David Nugent, off the bench says it all. (I know, we're comparing apples with pears etc, but you can't help being a tad envious).

[phily bon bon]

Yep I saw the game too,and had to Wonder how we beat Leeds and Boro look a neat side. The worst thing is I cant see Boro surviving in the premier League, the gaps getting bigger and bigger each year.

I dont have the answers but i can slowly feel myself Falling out of love with football .

I watched the France Ireland rugby match which was end of your seat stuff. These huge gys not slagging off the ref or feining injury to get an opponent sent off. The tiny Referee surrounded by these men Mountains ,but you could see they respected him listened and reacted on his Words. Loved the camera and microphone on his chest to.

[marko69]

Sorry. I'll f*ck off.

Deary dear, Andy, hope you didn't take my comment personally to yourself? Not good at all if you did. I used the word "conversation" which entails many people talking! So you can all f*ck off!

I jest of course! (Add a smiley ffs! ) Just wanted to get a word in about Micks coat. I like it. Couldn't wear it in Edinburgh though.

More "Mick in, Mick out, in, out, in, out, what's the play offs all about" talk please.

[Bluemike]

Well now that the masses appear to be turning on MM I don't see the momentum stopping anytime soon, these things only tend to go one way. I find it all rather disappointing if I am honest. I won't bother to scroll back through the early season posts to find the ones by fans who are now saying the squad is weaker etc proclaiming how much better our squad was/is. I seem to recall converstions about how we are "planning and building for the future" on Two fronts, the first team and the youngsters, suddenly at the first sign of us standing still a little bit everything is falling apart or coming to an end where progress is concerned.

Of course this seasons squad is stronger !!! Who the hell could forsee Parr & Oar wanting to bugger off rather than earn their place in the team ? Last season we had Murphy up front and then Sears came along, that was it, this season we have Five strikers !! Last season we pretty much had no Midfielder on the scoresheet, this season we have Fraser & Douglas, whatever the results might be over the last week or Two the squad is without question stronger, it's a no brainer. Looking further into the future we are trying to bring on kids like Clarke, Yorwerth, Emmanuel, Crowe, Kenlock, Robinson, Benyu, Hammond, Dozzell etc etc etc, most of these are getting valuable experience at lower league clubs, some will fall by the wayside but the effort in bringing them through is there.

Of course the last couple of weeks havent seen the results that we have wanted but there is nothing like blowing something up out of all proportion. I was at Bristol City and yes we were poor, a very bad day, I was at QPR and again not great but 2 minutes away from a valuable point, our goalie did his job that day, it's what he is there to do. I was at home to Leeds who now seem to be regarded as something special based on last night and let me tell you we played them off the pitch with some pretty decent football, we also beat them at their place. I was at Birmingham where I saw a pretty good performance ruined by a red card in a game where we looked more than capable of getting something, it's all about fine lines and fine margins. I was also at Burnley we were put in a very competent dispaly against one of the best teams in the league to secure a deserved point, and just prior to that I was at Brighton to see us beat the previously flying Seagulls on their own patch.

That run of games I mention seems to constitute a crisis, it is hardly that and certainly does not warrant the nonsense currently being fired in MM's direction. We are suffering really badly with injuries at the moment, pretty obvious, Skuse, Bishop, Hyam, McGoldrick, Fraser, Gerken, Coke, and Douglas suspended would cripple most clubs. People complain about not strengthening and yes we could have done more than Digby, Foley and Pringle. I was present at the AGM in Bristol prior to the game saturday where Ian Milne told those present that we HAD been in for different players during the window but for whatever reason these deals could not be done, the sceptics among us will no doubt say what a load of rubbish etc but that was what was stated, Milne also made it perfectly clear that funds ARE there and MM was happy with his squad, it was said that no way would MM bring anyone to the club who did not fit in with the way things are being done here for fear of upsetting the whole thing.

Who do people SERIOUSLY think we can entice to PR with the type of budget we have to be our manager, we are so lucky to have a man of the calibre of Mick McCarthy, I would like to hear some sensible alternatives, it is ok throwing names around but most of them are not realistic or feasible in the slightest. What really pisses me off is should we somehow beat Hull opinions start to quieten down again, I will use Rossi as an example, even when we were top of the league he made it clear he did not want MM here as our boss, that is fine, nothing wrong with that at all, it is standing by his beliefs and thoughts, suddenly and Two defeats later we get a fair amount jumping ship and getting on the bandwagon while scrutinising everything the club is trying to do in a negative way.

As someone else said elsewhere I really don't want or can be arsed to get into arguments every time I post but these are my thoughts which I obviously believe to be correct, the momentum that seems to have grown over the last week or two can be more damaging than we know, sack the manager and bring someone new in and we start the whole sorry process all over again, back to square one in the HOPE it improves, again no stability whatsoever. I accept we arent the prettiest or most entertaining but we have to accept what we are these days, we are punching above our weight again under extreme limitations both on and off the pitch. I think we really need to be careful what we wish for, things may not be able to get too much better than it is at the moment but they sure as hell could get a lot, lot worse if ME & MM decide to move on.