Bristol City 1 United 0 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

United’s poor form, and limp end to the season, continued with another defeat – their 3rd on the bounce – to a mid-table Bristol City side at Ashton Gate. The home side should have been down to ten men early but after Cameron Pring somehow survived a second yellow card – but the Blades struggled to create anything of note and City went ahead after another soft goal was conceded – with Mark Sykes the scorer. City missed a golden chance to double their lead but United remained in the game despite a flat performance. The Blades made changes at the interval and were much improved and then had enough chances to get something from the game but home keeper Radek Vitek was in fine form and kept out Brooks, Bamford and McGuiness, to make it two wins from two for new (old!) manager Roy Hodgson. City’s playoff hopes remain alive, albeit slim whilst United’s end of season slump continued. It is now no wins in six and the team and club look ready for a summer break and a change of ideas/personnel if they are to improve from a season where they have lost 20 games in total – 2nd only to their woeful city rivals Wednesday.



The home side had several injuries but they looked to build on Roy Hodgson’s first game and a victory at the Valley. For the visitors, there were rare starts for McGuiness, Hjelde and Rothwell as United went to a 3-5-2 formation with Seriki and Burrows as wing backs and Soumare, Rothwell and Peck in a midfield two.



Pring was cautioned for a late tackle on Bamford on only 3 minutes. Vitek’s slice out of play saw United have some time at the top end of the field but they could not find any clear opportunities. First chance came when Riis got down the right and his pull back was cleared by McGuiness.



Pring was extremely fortunate not to pick up his second yellow card when he took out Seriki – after a neat one two with Peck down the right-hand side. This seemed more of a yellow card than the one Lewis Smith brandished early in the game but the Robins man somehow escaped.



Cannon was then cautioned for a late tackle in the middle of the field in a contest that saw no real fluency in terms of possession or attacking intent. However, out of nothing the home side took the lead on 22 minutes. There was a ball though the middle that completely dissected Hjelde and McGuiness and Bird was in on goal. Davies came out and got there with his feet but his clearance did not go very far and SYKES picked it up, easily avoiding Burrows and rolled a low shot that beat the retreating defender Hjelde and nestled into the corner. It was another extremely soft goal for the Blades to concede -with virtually the first meaningful attack for either side.



United managed to finally get the ball into the box but Tanganga’s header looped easily into Vitek’s hands and at the other end, it should have been 2.0. It was another ball down the side that evaded a static backline and Riis low cross seemed perfect for Twine but Tanganga managed to somehow, almost inadvertently get a touch, taking it away from the striker who looked set to tap in.



Seriki’s cross to the back post saw Burrows diagonal volleyed strike go a few yards wide in a rare foray but the home side seemed comfortable moving it around a slow and pedestrian United midfield.



Hamer and Brooks came on for Hjelde and Soumare which was no surprise as United’s performance had been so disappointing – carrying on the flat end to the game against Swansea at the weekend. However, the away side improved instantly as Brooks cross looped up and was held by the keeper. Cannon then looked to replicate his effort from Saturday but his effort was hit over the bar. Brooks finally forced Vitek into a save as he came inside and hit a curling effort that Vitek pushed away.



Seriki then forced a corner and Vitek nearly spilled a Burrows shot. It was all United now and Hamer’s curler was punched away by the suddenly busy keeper. There was a great chance to equalise when Seriki put over an excellent cross that was perfect for Bamford but the striker made a mess of the chance and blazed over when it seemed easier to score.



The chances kept coming and just before the hour mark, Brooks came down the side and hit a powerful effort with his weaker right foot but once again Videk got in the way tipping it over. Borges went down for the home side as they tried to take the sting out of things but Bamford had another opportunity on 64 minutes. Peck played a clever ball inside the defence and the striker cut in but the keeper Vitek smothered his shot.



Brooks was booked for a foul on halfway and after not being in the game at all this half, Riis was played in and Tanganga had to make a brave block. Brooks could have been sent off, the same as Pring, when he committed a cynical foul but he somehow survived with referee Smith probably knowing he could not produce a second yellow for the United man after not doing the same for the home defender earlier in the game.



Bamford was next in the book, perhaps harshly and then Hamer had an effort deflected over. There were changes made on the hour as Burgzorg and Earthy on for Riis and Bird ad Arblaster for Rothwell. Tanganga made another block as United’s momentum seemed to have stalled. Seriki pulled up but was replaced by Hoever. Burrows cross was blocked before O’Hare came on for Peck as the game entered the final 5 minutes. Hoever sent over a deep cross that seemed set for McGuiness but Bell made a brave headed clearance despite the height difference. The game went into 8 minutes stoppage time but O’Hare’s deflected effort went behind for a corner -and Cannon could only head over.

 

[Deadbat]

United – First half we looked totally disinterested and nobody put a tackle in, made a forward run or pass and we just seemed to be going through the motions. The formation change did not work – at least in terms of us having a more secure defence or control of midfield – or even the wing backs being high up field. However, I think the personnel was an even bigger issues with two slow, immobile forwards and a midfield that was static and no one prepared to get in behind. We had no creativity at all. Rothwell, Soumare and Peck barely touched the ball to be honest. Bristol City were not much better and had only a few chances themselves. Of course, they should have been down to 10 men – a bad decision by the referee that surely had to book the lad but maybe thought it was too early (wish we had the same ref at Charlton who had no hesitation to do the same no matter the stage of the game!). It was a stonewall yellow and he should have gone and would have given the game a totally different look. However, even with that awful decision, we barely put a move or attack together (one Burrows shot). They score with their first attack of the game – a ball that dissects the defence completely (3 centre backs and they are somehow playing a high line and attempting offside?) and they are in with no one spotting the runner. Davies got there (maybe he was unwise but the counter opinion is he is one on one anyway and tried to deal with it). The issues was that he did not deal with it and was not strong enough but Burrows does not react and neither do any of the other defenders. Hjelde’s attempt to stop it was laughable as the ball rolled in slowly. They could have had another if not for Tanganga’s touch. It was an awful game that was like a pre-season friendly.



We made changes and immediately improved with Hamer passing it forward and Brooks getting on it and running at them. Seriki was well forward and even Rothwell improved a bit. We had all the ball and pushed them back but did not take our chances. We had one superb one through Bamford and another 3 or 4 decent ones (Bamford, Brooks, McGuiness) but failed to take any and the keeper made some good saves. They have one chance and they score – all game! Sums up where we are at. We cannot defend the few things coming into our goal and then the other way takes us lots of chances to score. That’s a major issue. Did anyone play that well again? Tanganga was decent and the subs improved us but the rest of the team were so ordinary to poor and despite us being the much better side second half, Bristol saw it out and won the game. We deserved at least a draw but if you don’t put the ball in the net then you won’t get anything. At least it was a different way of losing – rather than throwing away a lead – we went behind and then could not get back into it. We did have a better second half and more clinical finishing and we maybe win 2 or 3-1. Overall though it was quite a depressing game and was rather boring (both teams).



The fact we are the level of a Bristol City, Swansea, Stoke, QPR etc (in fact we are worse than all of them) sums up where we are at. We have a squad full of players simply not good enough and lack pace, athleticism and bravery to make decisions. That combined with the appalling goals we routinely concede means we are where we are, just above the relegation area/worries. We will not go down, but glad the season is ending when it is, as we are falling off a cliff. I worry that the best two players attacking wide Hamer and Brooks will go and then we saw 1st half what we are left with and that is a side that may struggle to be much higher than we are now. Those thinking we are not far off a playoffs team are deluded. We are miles off, over the season. It’s ok saying we got within a reasonable shout of the top 6 but we have hardly ever been in the top half and other than a spell of maybe 10-12 games before/around/after Xmas, the season has been dreadful and the only salvation is Wilder got us away from trouble and did pick up a team that looked on the floor. It is worrying though that the same team look largely disinterested to me and I am not buying it is just down to not having anything to play for – as we did a few weeks ago and still put in similarly flat performances. We have lost 20 games – we only last 28 in the Premier League (granted less games) and could end up easily on 24-25 by the end of the season if the current bad form continues. Taking out Wednesday the next highest losses is 18. That is fairly damning on the current group of players. We need a major overhaul over the summer and with little funds and a poor recruitment record in recent times from the scouts/management – I worry how we can change things round knowing we will have little to play with and are stuck with most of the players we probably want to get rid of. Wilder spoke about it won’t be the same next season fitness wise but has been the same under him for both his last two spells so remain unconvinced what them running round Shirecliffe for 4 weeks in July is going to do – there is thing fundamentally wrong with the fitness and conditioning but we also keep signing players that cannot run adding to a profile of slow/unathletic players we already have. The recruitment needs to be signing fitter, quicker and stronger athletes – not just the personalities he talks of. I agree we do need some leadership but if the likes of Rothwell and Phillips are the types he is after then that concerns me. At some point he had to address the coaching and tactical side and improve players that we have. Get the best out of them. To just say none are good enough underneath the first eleven - is not a good management strategy.



Wilder will be here next year as the owners have no idea what to do differently and deserves a summer and time to have a go at shaping a better season next time around but we need to see a different approach in how the players are coached and set up – even if the personnel changes. The current side and management reminds me of when Iain Porterfield was there in the 80’s when a previously successful manager was hanging onto past glories and trying to plug gaps with character type experienced players mixed with some decent young players but the visual that we are left in terms of what we are seeing entertainment and results is someway below the standards that we should be capable of – as a club who has spent 3 years out of the last 7 in the Premier League. It is hard to be too excited about next season with the way the season has petered out and we need to see if Wilder can find something from somewhere to galvanise whatever he is left with and hope he can do something more innovative in the transfer market but I am concerned we are kind of stuck in a bit of a malaise now – knowing that if we tried something different – it could backfire like last time so will maintain the status quo until we finally admit we have to remodel everything we do at the club. That is not just about Wilder but the whole operation at the club.



I worry that after 15 months that we have not seen anything from the ownership group (nor did we from the last group) to suggest they have any idea how to modernise the club in terms of how we operate – from a modern, football experienced CEO, to a director of football or equivalent, to a succession plan at management level to a clear blueprint for recruitment, scouting and transfers. Bettis said that they were happy with the situation at the recent forum and saying just because no one knows what the likes of him, Shieber, Allen, Hoyland do, does not mean they are not doing good things or are busy? Well, if all the club can do in the last few years is waste valuable funds on players like Rothwell, Matos, McGuiness, Chong, Cannon etc and then twice fail to even do a proper managerial recruitment process, I am worried even more that we will just limp along. I was hopeful the new ownership may have a clear plan and ideas to try and progress the club but much like the Prince, they seem to have no idea and we are reliant on the old school approach and Wilder (as I say I am not saying it is all his fault) until the inevitable rot sets in – which is probably happening now and then they may have to try something different. I wonder whether they just do not know how to change a football club but then Bettis talks of the chap who was high up with an NBA/MLB side in Cleveland and others who have loads of experience in roles with organisations – but we have not even reviewed the current structure seemingly? Anyway, I digress as realise I have gone on a bit of a rant in frustration….



Ratings:



Davies 3/10 – Mark is hard as he had nothing to do all game and the one thing he had to do, he did not deal with. I did not have an issue him coming out as the player was through but had to get there quicker and ensure he dealt with it but sort of tackled him but was not firm enough and needed to take everything out. I think others were to blame but he kind of went and did not do what he needed to do. You look at their keeper and think, he would not have made that mistake. Too many times, Davies and Cooper have had only a few shots to save and too many end up in our net.



Seriki 6/10 – First half had that run where he was upended but saw little else but that is from a defensive point too – not pressured that much. Second half much better and linked well with Brooks and got up and down. One excellent cross to Bamford and a few other runs. Seemed to go off with a muscle pull so might be out for a few weeks (rest of season?). Dropped off recently but better today.



Burrows 4.5/10 – A bit of a nothing game. Had that one volley wide and then put over one cross that hit a defender but didn’t see much attacking wide outside of this for an attacking wing back. He took too long when given the ball and too many touches. On the goal he was so slow to react to the ball dropping – even if he does not get there, he must at least put his body in. It was awful as the player just walked round him.



McGuiness 5/10 – Not sure was that bad. They did not have many attacks. The goal sees him and Hjelde get into bad positions and there is a big gap. This happened again soon after when they nearly made it two. After this he was ok and nothing awful and nearly scored with a header.



Tanganga 6/10 – Better today and maybe our best starter – not hard! A few dodgy moments first half but then he got a touch to stop the 2nd (although he knew little about it) and 2nd half he was excellent with 2 or 3 blocks and interceptions. Did look better in a 5 I felt and not exposed as much. #



Hjelde 3/10 – Only lasted a half and looked very rusty. They got behind him and found gaps down that side as he did not seem to know where his defensive line was. The goal he must do better and the shot trickled past him – if he moves his feet, then surely he can get to it and cut it out but just falls over and puts himself out of it? Taken off at half time as the formation change did not work.



Rothwell 4/10 – First half he was not in the game at all and I am not sure I saw him touch the ball. Did not sit in front of the defence (even with a 3) but did not get amongst it, to kind of pick-up loose pieces. Barely moved at all. He got better 2nd half as he at least had a few passes or moved it on and seemed to know his role more. His legs do seem to have completely gone and another that cannot get around the pitch.



Peck 4.5/10 – He looks tired to me and not seeing the energetic performances we often come to expect. He has been quiet and games sort of passing him by currently. He was a bit better second half but throughout, he took too many touches and allows teams to get men back. One good ball to Bamford nearly led to a goal – when he finally passed it forward – as too often was sideways and backways.



Soumare 3.5/10 – Not in the game at all and I forgot he was even playing for long periods. He seemed unsure of his position at times and went more left side than central which congested the space for Burrows. I do think he has been messed around. He has been poor at times but also shown promise and been no worse many of the rest of the midfielders but Wilder bins him completely out of the squad for a few games but then starts him after he says there is no point playing loan players who won’t be here (which he surely won’t be). Doubt we will see him again now but then we haves said that before.



Cannon 4/10 – better than Bamford but he was hardly great. One shot over the bar and a header at the end but outside of this, he was not effective at all and never seems to offer himself in terms of making a run or showing as an outlet. Just a very, very ordinary player. He has a hard shot but no football brain, does not chase things or hold it up. I do feel we have to see if we can get anything for him this summer as he is not the answer and not convinced he will ever develop much looking at what his attributes are.



Bamford 3/10 – Woeful display sadly. He did get into some good areas but then missed a sitter over the bar and another one on one. His touch was poor and he seemed totally bereft of energy. The last few weeks he has looked like the Bamford I had seen for Leeds for the last few years – an out of confidence / slow and languid player who missed easy chances. Of course, for most of his spell here, he has been good and better than I envisaged but he has dropped off quite a bit recently and missed some glaring chances. The fact he is our best striker (only decent striker) is a damning inditement on the rest of the strikers at the club.



Subs -



Brooks 6/10 – He got on the ball, tried to run at the defenders and at least made things happen. Two best efforts we had come from him and felt if we were going to get anything it was going to be down that right side. He loses marks though for the two bookings and could easily have been sent off. I did want him to run more at the lad who had been booked but kind of let him off the hook towards the end by coming inside too much.



Hamer 6/10 – Like Brooks, he got on the ball and at least gave us some creativity and forward play. He always tries to pass forward and look for the balls that make things happen. He had one shot saved and another deflected over. Surprised he was taken out as he was our best player at the weekend. We are not good enough where we can leave our most creative player out.



Arblaster 4/10 – Another game where he looked leggy and nearly coughed up a chance for them early on. He took forever to move it on and lacks the zip and ability to get through the lines – that we used to see from him. I would give him game time now as the season is done and we need him to try and find his way back but I have seen nothing yet of him getting anywhere near the promising player of a few years ago.



Hoever – Given 10 minutes. One decent cross that nearly found McGuiness.



O’Hare – Given only 5 minutes which was ridiculous – he has been off form but surely would offer more than Cannon did if given longer in a game we needed some creativity? Had one shot deflected wide.





Manager: Wilder 4/10 – He said he wanted to try something different which was fair enough and a lot of fans had asked for a five with Burrows and Seriki as wing backs. It did not work but think that was more to do with the midfield three and a front two with no movement or creativity at all. Tactically we should have had more flexibility but oddly we had less as we seemed rigid with a three at the back and three in the midfield that did not move out of positions. Despite having 3 at the back, we got passed through and had gaps still! They scored one and nearly had another despite is not being pressured as once again we conceded a soft goal. Half time he made changes and we were much better and Brooks and Hamer gave us some thrust but we missed chances and f all the good play – apart from Bamford’s – most of the chances were long range shots rather than clear opportunities. Still, we had enough of the game and should have got something against a poor opponent who looked about as disinterested as us! I am concerned that he says it is not about shape (was tactics Saturday) and about attitude. That is important of course and being forward thinking but a good shape and tactics also allows you to have the ball higher up the field and not concede goals. He seems to disregard these areas which as a football manager/coach disappoints me.







Bristol City – Another side that does not seem to know what direction it is going – managerially or personnel playing side wide. The Hodgson appointment seemed odd as they are not going up or down – you think they would try and get a plan together for next season and appoint ready so it seems strange to me on the outside. They started the season well (hammered us when they scored with their only shots on target that day too – every shot Bristol City has had this season against us, has gone in I think?) but dropped off. They are protesting against the ownership and they are no closer to a promotion challenging side and seemed to have regressed since last season when they may be surprised – but the days of vibrant, attacking football under Lee Johnson seem a long time ago and are now marooned as a mid-table type outfit (last season more an outlier) like Preston, Stoke etc. They have a nice stadium and bring some promising young players through but with a division next year that will be even more competitive, I struggle to see how they can properly contend and a lot will depend on getting the managerial appointment right. However, they have beaten us twice – so says how poor we have been and not been that impressed with them in either game!



Opponent Man of the Match – Vitek. Some good saves and kept them in the lead. He played well at the Lane too. On loan from Man Utd. We have him in both games and we probably pick up points but too often our keepers concede the sort of goals, other teams keepers make saves.



Opponent Weak link – Pring. Should have been sent off. Amazed after this, they did not take him off. Two awful tackles but somehow survived.



Referee / Officials – Lewis Smith. Had a bit of a mare in terms of getting a big decision wrong. . I was surprised he booked the lad early but on replay it was a yellow as he was late on Bamford. Then he commits a cynical foul on Seriki. He went to his knees and think expected the red (not sure anyone could have complained) but somehow he does not book him? It was an incredibly poor decision. He then did the same later with Brooks (albeit 70 minutes later and not quite as impactful) but he too should have been sent off but kind of knew he could not do it then. The other yellow Cannon was correct but Bamford’s seemed harsh. The rest of the game there were not too many other contentious ones but the biggest one – he got completely wrong as poor as United were first half and guilty of not taking chances in the second half – we have not had the best of refereeing decisions recently (Seriki and now this).

 

[Maurice Maurice]

No idea what you were watching. Davis did well to get the tackle in, the defenders were 100% to blame. Sydie 4.5??? I stopped reading there, you must have been hammered on the cider or something.

 

[Putney Blade]

The bigger picture stuff is as worrying as the day-to-day. Owners lacking football nouce, probably step back after getting their fingers burnt and leave the running to Wilder. Trouble is Wilder not covered himself in glory. Most managers have sell-by-date. Can’t help think Wilder is approaching his.

 

[Paisley Blade]

Third defeat on the bounce ?

 

[Deadbat]

Third defeat on the bounce ?

2 defeats. One draw. Oops. Saturday felt like a defeat tbf!

 

[Deadbat]

No idea what you were watching. Davis did well to get the tackle in, the defenders were 100% to blame. Sydie 4.5??? I stopped reading there, you must have been hammered on the cider or something.

He got there but failed to clear.

Peck was anonymous most of the game save one good ball. When he had the ball he took too many touches and went sideways / slowed us down.

He was better than the other midfield starters but was not hard.

What did he do well for you or do you think 4.5 was too high?

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Not 3rd loss on bounce Deaders. Drew on Friday.

 

[Deadbat]

Not 3rd loss on bounce Deaders. Drew on Friday.

Yeah realised! Too late to edit.

Just felt like a loss! My mistake.

 

[Harry's Game]

I think we went with this formation solely to try and see what Rothwell could do in a midfield 3 with two more mobile players around him.. and I think we found out he couldn’t do very much.

He looks a million miles from the player who ran the game against us twice for Leeds last season and it does look like his legs have completely gone. And guess what he got a contract for next season too… Sausage Rohl must be laughing his head off .. no wonder he agreed to let him come here.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Thanks for the report Deadbat
I thought McGuinness had a decent game and in the first half it was Hjelde not holding the right line that caused us constant problems down that side. In fact McGuinness covered well and blocked on a couple of occasions. I think he also won all his headers and was unlucky not to score too.

 

[Deadbat]

Thanks for the report Deadbat
I thought McGuinness had a decent game and in the first half it was Hjelde not holding the right line that caused us constant problems down that side. In fact McGuinness covered well and blocked on a couple of occasions. I think he also won all his headers and was unlucky not to score too.

Yeah he was steady nothing more or less, hence my 5.

His positional sense was poor first half and meant there were gaps but as you say Hjedle was as much to blame if not more but McGuiness as the central one has to slide across as he can see the line. The goal was laughable how easily they got in.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

He got there but failed to clear.

Peck was anonymous most of the game save one good ball. When he had the ball he took too many touches and went sideways / slowed us down.

He was better than the other midfield starters but was not hard.

What did he do well for you or do you think 4.5 was too high?

He got the block while the defenders were labouring to offer any help. None of them reacted and as a result, it was an easy tap in because the defenders just stood and watched.

As to Sydie, if you didn't see the number of deft passes he played second half, the link up play and the energy then we're never going to agree. He was more like an 8/10 for me so no idea where your low mark came from. I'm thinking the frustration at losing a game that we should have won easily had you a little more grumpy than usual

UTBFTP

 

[Stretch]

3/10 for Davies is frankly ridiculous.

You even state that other players were to blame and this is backed up by other posters. He was left hopelessly exposed by a midfield and defence who stood watching as BC just passed through us.

 

[Isaw Joeshaw]

He was the only one who reacted positively to a situation which had happened several times before , which Carl Asaba mentioned in his SUTV commentary , ie the large gap between Hjelde and McGuinness at the centre of our defence .

He predicted that this would cost us and was proved to be right .

Whilst I generally agree with DB’s assessment of players performances , I think on this occasion he has got it wrong and that of all the players involved in that woeful scenario , Davies was the one least culpable .

 

[Champagneblade]

Hard to know how to evaluate that.

Self inflicted wounds.

Did Bristol City deserve the win? Did they hell! They didn’t even defend especially well. They just allowed us to attack them second half and watched us mids good chances to score.

Tee to green we weren’t awful. But to let in one form their only shot on target and need 20+ to still not score tells you all you need about this team.

 

[Deadbat]

He was the only one who reacted positively to a situation which had happened several times before , which Carl Asaba mentioned in his SUTV commentary , ie the large gap between Hjelde and McGuinness at the centre of our defence .

He predicted that this would cost us and was proved to be right .

Whilst I generally agree with DB’s assessment of players performances , I think on this occasion he has got it wrong and that of all the players involved in that woeful scenario , Davies was the one least culpable .

The commentators on Sky both blamed Davies too

My point was if he goes, he has to be more forceful with it. He kind of got into no man's land and then left an empty net. The defence was poor but Davies failed to deal with it also.

He had nothing else to do in the game. One shot and one goal.

 

[Millhousesblade1889]

I think the squad gassed out and gave up after the West Brom game. There’s not many leaders in the team so with nothing to play for it doesn’t seem like anyone cares.

The players like us fans just seem desperate for the season to finish.

 

[Deadbat]

He got the block while the defenders were labouring to offer any help. None of them reacted and as a result, it was an easy tap in because the defenders just stood and watched.

As to Sydie, if you didn't see the number of deft passes he played second half, the link up play and the energy then we're never going to agree. He was more like an 8/10 for me so no idea where your low mark came from. I'm thinking the frustration at losing a game that we should have won easily had you a little more grumpy than usual

UTBFTP

Davies got the block but left an empty goal. If he comes out and leaves his goal, he has to deal with it. I said the defenders were poor this idea that he had to come out, I'm not sure? He was 40 yards from goal and had a lot to do. Davies decision is only a good one if he deals with it.

Re: Peck are not going to agree. He played one deft pass to Bamford but rarely played any other forward passes. First half he rarely touched the ball as our midfield had no control at all.

2nd half he and Rothwell were better but it was Brooks and Hamer that made the difference. Peck once again took too many touches and often slowed it down.

8/10! Really? Not seen one other review/analysis where Peck was rated so high on that game. He was a long way off our best player. He was average. Nothing more. He gets 4.8 on the cumulative ratings on this forum (where fans vote) for a comparison

 

[Addison]

Agree with the report and scores. Goalkeeper is the last line of defence. When we had quality between the sticks in Henderson it guaranteed little in the way of errors and ensured important match winning saves. Coopers injuries have caught up with him. The less said about Davies the better. We had an opportunity to bring in a loan in January allowing Cooper to have his operation. We didnt and that has been reflected in the drop off since. Vitek is everything you would want from a keeper in the championship. 6 foot 6, athletic, commands his box. If the club had any sense they would pick up the phone to Travis Binnon at Man U and angle for Vitek here on loan next season. Problem is we dont do sense when it comes to recruitment. The goalkeeping coach is allegedly credited with bringing Gribc in so expect much more of the same dross next season.

Agree Peck looks knackered but with so many limp along leslies in midfield the manager has little to choose from.

It is about shape. It is about tactics. It is about conditioning. To start with three players who were drastically short of match fitness was asking for trouble. Its about athleticism, physicality and pace which we have very little of and seem oblivious to its importance. Its also about respect. The players performances indicate they have lost it for the manager. The feeling seems mutual with CW.

Our twenty minuters did what they always do play well for a short period and then drop off. No amount of I'm going to clear them all out and wait till pre season will convince the growing disgruntled supporters that it will be solved next year.

As you allude to the fundamental problem is an absence of a visible plan from the owners. Bereft of investment and parachute payments. Tied up with a legal action and without football experience guidance at Board level. The Club is destined to drift aimlessly on at lower championship level unless radical action is taken. We have see nothing so far in the current tenure to expect this will happen.

Who would trust the status quo structure building a new team, bringing in quality replacements that fit with what we are lacking whilst at the same time obtaining significant sale fees. As we look forward to Chesterfield Rovrum and Burton as our opening pre season games we can only cast envious glances at the likes of Sunderland and Wrexham's innovative owners who have overhauled their clubs operation and are enjoying the fruits of their labours.

 

[Blade56]

We need a major overhaul over the summer and with little funds and a poor recruitment record

You don’t need to go mad on bringing players in, we have some decent players. I’m afraid it’s more…..

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

Thanks. Harsh on Davies IMO. He did what he needed to do, couldn't have done more. The player who received the cleared ball should have been cleared out by (can't remember who tried to tackle him)

McGuiness seemed ok. Second half header from corner took a wonder save from their keeper or we'd have levelled.

 

[Houston_Blade]

He got the block while the defenders were labouring to offer any help. None of them reacted and as a result, it was an easy tap in because the defenders just stood and watched.

As to Sydie, if you didn't see the number of deft passes he played second half, the link up play and the energy then we're never going to agree. He was more like an 8/10 for me so no idea where your low mark came from. I'm thinking the frustration at losing a game that we should have won easily had you a little more grumpy than usual

UTBFTP

An 8/10 would be one of his best performances of the season.

Peck was probably a 4.5/10 for me. First half he was invisible, second half he at least got on the ball a bit. Considering that 5/10 is ‘turning up and doing your job’ he only did that for part of the game.

 

[Bell4]

You don’t need to go mad on bringing players in, we have some decent players. I’m afraid it’s more…..

View attachment 234531

Brilliant

 

[Bell4]

Limp Leslies

Love it

 

[Blade59]

Davies got the block but left an empty goal. If he comes out and leaves his goal, he has to deal with it. I said the defenders were poor this idea that he had to come out, I'm not sure? He was 40 yards from goal and had a lot to do. Davies decision is only a good one if he deals with it.

Re: Peck are not going to agree. He played one deft pass to Bamford but rarely played any other forward passes. First half he rarely touched the ball as our midfield had no control at all.

2nd half he and Rothwell were better but it was Brooks and Hamer that made the difference. Peck once again took too many touches and often slowed it down.

8/10! Really? Not seen one other review/analysis where Peck was rated so high on that game. He was a long way off our best player. He was average. Nothing more. He gets 4.8 on the cumulative ratings on this forum (where fans vote) for a comparison

Think where you can question Davies is the decision to come out. Once he does come out he cannot just put his foot through the ball as he risks taking out the Bristol City player at the same time and possibly getting a red card. So the decision to block rather than clear is possibly the best choice as better to risk conceding the goal from the follow up rather than being down to 10 men. Having said that we had enough defenders around to deal with the situation so I would say he is about 25% to blame being the original decision to come out.

Agree regarding Peck. His problem is he takes 2 or 3 touches before making the pass when 1 should do. This more than often slows the move down allowing the opposition to get more men goal side of the ball.

 

[Chimpan-A]

Great report and I can’t disagree with a single word or a single rating.

Does anyone else think Burgzorg and Earthy sounds like a good name for a buddy comedy set in a galaxy far far away? Earthy is a human, trying to find his way back to Earth after having become stranded in a forsaken outpost of the galaxy. He is befriended by Burgzorg, a hapless but well-meaning alien with a habit of getting into trouble. Their chalk-and-cheese character traits mean adventure is never far away etc etc

 

[North Shields Blade]

I don’t agree that Bamford is “our best (only decent) striker”. I’d have a fully-fit Campbell over him every day of the week. Speedier, better movement, better reactions, better finisher.

Whether a fully-fit (and motivated) Campbell is something that can be achieved is the question, of course.

 

[Deadbat]

I don’t agree that Bamford is “our best (only decent) striker”. I’d have a fully-fit Campbell over him every day of the week. Speedier, better movement, better reactions, better finisher.

Whether a fully-fit (and motivated) Campbell is something that can be achieved is the question, of course.

Not seen that version of Campbell most of the season though. It is worrying that we essentially need 2 new CBs, at least 1 CM and 2 CFs, and that's just the starting line up.

 

[FenBlade]

I didn’t see the match at all so can’t comment on the player ratings but Addison you have hit a lot of nails on the head in post #20 above. Deadbat, your ‘United’ section is far from a rant. It is a comprehensive and accurate analysis of the current situation. I hope the owners read posts like these as I doubt they will receive such perceptive comment from Bettis or Wilder. Keep up the good work!