Mark Bunn - an apology

[Micalijo]

No, only joking. You're still way too small and acident prone to become a serious keeper at CCC level but great effort last night.

He won us the game, that is what you need in a keeper. Someone who amidst all the totally inept and shambolic stuff in front of you can make the difference and win points.

I thought Sinclair's praise of him at half time was embarrassing. He was basically saying we know how bad you are and we're all amazed that you've actually stopped a few goal bound shots.

Performance last night a total joke for me, other than first 15. Luckiest 3-0 win in the history of football. At least Blackwell has admitted it was poor. Quite obvious something is wrong with Wardy. He's probably got strop on because he aint got a pay rise and that is not cricket but do I trust Blackwell to handle it right, of course not. That said, there aint much KB can do if club aren't offering him what he thinks he should get.

I thought decision to replace Taylor was a bit harsh - he made a great tackle but it was his lack of power that got him in trouble for me and Stewart has at least got a bit of muscle and spring about him.

 

[LouTheBlade]

No, only joking. You're still way too small and acident prone to become a serious keeper at CCC level but great effort last night.

He won us the game, that is what you need in a keeper. Someone who amidst all the totally inept and shambolic stuff in front of you can make the difference and win points.

I thought Sinclair's praise of him at half time was embarrassing. He was basically saying we know how bad you are and we're all amazed that you've actually stopped a few goal bound shots.

Performance last night a total joke for me, other than first 15. Luckiest 3-0 win in the history of football. At least Blackwell has admitted it was poor. Quite obvious something is wrong with Wardy. He's probably got strop on because he aint got a pay rise and that is not cricket but do I trust Blackwell to handle it right, of course not. That said, there aint much KB can do if club aren't offering him what he thinks he should get.

I thought decision to replace Taylor was a bit harsh - he made a great tackle but it was his lack of power that got him in trouble for me and Stewart has at least got a bit of muscle and spring about him.

Bunn is a decent young keeper and proved it last night. The times where he probably should have done better with shots (like at Bolton) is an example of him being young and inexperienced. He will learn - people need to get off his back. He was superb last night.

The performance wasnt a joke. The first 20-25 mins were ours and we played well. Reading then had the last 20 mins of the half and came out with a purpose in the second and made it harder for us. They looked a lot better than their league positions suggests - they just dont have ebough cohesion and they didnt punish us when they had chances. United took theirs and that will do for me. It wasnt a bad performance, we just took our foot of the gas as we typically do under KB.

Taylor was subbed off because he was injured. I thought it was just yet another inept performance from him in the first half but I only found out this morning he had a knock.

 

[Micalijo]

Fair enough Lou. I just think he lacks the basic physical attributes to be good enough but that's purely personal opinion on what makes a good keeper. Been down that road before obviously and yes he looked really excellent yesterday.

I know those who can be arsed will have a go at me, but I have tried to praise good performances and the spirit we showed (Barnsley and Newcastle for example) but I genuinely thought we were shocking last night. I think we looked a terrible side. In saying that, I'm conceding that Blackwell must have something in order to get that lot into top 6.

 

[Micalijo]

Fair enough Lou. I just think he lacks the basic physical attributes to be good enough but that's purely personal opinion on what makes a good keeper. Been down that road before obviously and yes he looked really excellent yesterday.

I know those who can be arsed will have a go at me, but I have tried to praise good performances and the spirit we showed (Barnsley and Newcastle for example) but I genuinely thought we were shocking last night. I think we looked a terrible side. In saying that, I'm conceding that Blackwell must have something in order to get that lot into top 6.

 

[LouTheBlade]

Fair enough Lou. I just think he lacks the basic physical attributes to be good enough but that's purely personal opinion on what makes a good keeper. Been down that road before obviously and yes he looked really excellent yesterday.

I know those who can be arsed will have a go at me, but I have tried to praise good performances and the spirit we showed (Barnsley and Newcastle for example) but I genuinely thought we were shocking last night. I think we looked a terrible side. In saying that, I'm conceding that Blackwell must have something in order to get that lot into top 6.

To be honest Micalijo I had severe doubts about Bunn at first and thought his shot stopping ratio was poor so I know where you're coming from. However, I think he has stepped up his game of late and apart from the Bolton game he's started to show a bit of promise.

Again with last nights performace I can see why youre frustrated because I was disappointed at our lack of drive in the second half. We let them into the game after the first goal and had it not been for the turning point of the penalty save we probably wouldnt have scored the second as early as we did.

Luck was on our side for a change last night but I thought there were things we did well. The defence looked rather shakey in the first half which is a worry. Stresses the need to cover Seip's injury with a new signing.

 

[wardlowwanderer]

This is how bad Bunn is

He's one home game off equalling the home record of seven games without conceeding - but let's not let facts get in the way of honest opinion.


quote 'I thought Sinclair's praise of him at half time was embarrassing.' unquote
- hope you didn't bother applauding him then. Guess the other 24,008 in the crowd weren't quite as embarrassed.

 

[Grecian2000]

He's one home game off equalling the home record of seven games without conceeding - but let's not let facts get in the way of honest opinion.

That'll be a League record will it? He conceded a couple of games ago against QPR in the cup.
Who holds the current record incidentally?

 

[Linz]

Mark Bunn - a message

A few more performances like last night and I will have your babies.

​

Foxy has been informed, he didn't seem to mind*

Keep it up Bunny lad. And if you turn crap, Micalijo will blame me instead now for scaring you off

* I distinctly remember him saying he'd have Jon Harley's children at one point. Now that was worrying.

 

[SwissBlade]

Its thought that Bunny was only brought in to pave the way for a lucrative sponsorship deal with Heffner and his Playboy Brand.

He just happens to be a decent Keeper as well

 

[Casper]

Bunn will never make it as a successful professional goalkeeper, long term - not in a million years. I can see his career going the way of people like Michael Twiss who came on loan from prem and after a few games it became obvious he was destined for non or lower league.

Yes, he had a good game last night, ill give him that, but a goalkeeper needs to do the 'bread and butter' stuff week in week out. Bunn is probably the worst shot stopper i have ever seen in a blades shirt. Strangely enough he is very good in the air, but to make it as a top keeper you must be able to consistently save mediocre shots - and he just cant do that. No team in the top 2 divisions at least will put up with that unless they are desperate (ie us at the mo lol).

I agree about that prat Sinclair at half time and full time too - i wonder if he realises how patronising he came across? Everybody around me was cringing with embarrassment for him.

 

[SwissBlade]

Don't knock Sinclair, he's a legend for some of his comments on the mic.

 

[Blade58]

Surprisingly, Bunn was class last night.

The speed at which he got down for the pen shocked me somewhat and the other 3 saves were excellent!

Keep that up and Paddy is in bother.

Incidently, Paddy is back training with the club again, albeit with the boys. He's carrying a fair bit of surplus so I'm told. Better get those 3 marathons done for charity, or else he might find those "you fat b'stard" chants once again ringing in his ears when he plays again.

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

I thought Bunn was excellent last night and I think people need to remember that he is a young kid making his first appearances at a very decent level of football. He IS learning and in my opinion, he is improving week on week. Yes, he is making mistakes but he is improving.

Cannot understand the complaints about his shot stopping ability after last night. He hasn't conceded in six at home so he is either (a) saving everything or (b) having nothing to do. It's not (b) is it? Our defence isn't that good!

My criticisms of our supposed 'number 1' who has been suspended for most of the season are that he doesn't make enough big saves AND he never takes a cross. Whilst I agree that Bunn might not make enough of the big saves - particularly away - he is far better than Kenny at commanding his area. I would prefer to be looking at Mark Bunn long term than having the clown back in goal.

 

[Casper]

I thought Bunn was excellent last night and I think people need to remember that he is a young kid making his first appearances at a very decent level of football. He IS learning and in my opinion, he is improving week on week. Yes, he is making mistakes but he is improving.

Cannot understand the complaints about his shot stopping ability after last night. He hasn't conceded in six at home so he is either (a) saving everything or (b) having nothing to do. It's not (b) is it? Our defence isn't that good!

My criticisms of our supposed 'number 1' who has been suspended for most of the season are that he doesn't make enough big saves AND he never takes a cross. Whilst I agree that Bunn might not make enough of the big saves - particularly away - he is far better than Kenny at commanding his area. I would prefer to be looking at Mark Bunn long term than having the clown back in goal.

He's a strange un is Bunny. His strenghts are coming out on a 50/50 1 on 1 and taking command when the ball is in the air. However, he never looks comfortable to me when facing a shot. Apart from last night, the defence in recent home games has been exceptional. Bunn really has had bugger all to do. I am amazed that teams dont do their homework and just fire shots at him every time they are less than 30 yards out.

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

He's a strange un is Bunny. His strenghts are coming out on a 50/50 1 on 1 and taking command when the ball is in the air. However, he never looks comfortable to me when facing a shot. Apart from last night, the defence in recent home games has been exceptional. Bunn really has had bugger all to do. I am amazed that teams dont do their homework and just fire shots at him every time they are less than 30 yards out.

He looks very brittle when faced with a long shot. After the penalty save, Reading fired a dipper just over his bar and Bunn was all over the place!

 

[Casper]

He looks very brittle when faced with a long shot. After the penalty save, Reading fired a dipper just over his bar and Bunn was all over the place!

Thats what concerns me. When the crosses come in and the ball is in the air = no problem. But when teams flood forward and there is a shot on, i start shitting mesen! (so does Bunny!)

 

[JohnDenver]

Superb penalty save but what was all the badge-slapping and playing to the crowd about afterwards?

Show some decorum man - you're only on loan!

 

[wardlowwanderer]

For Grecian

That'll be a League record will it? He conceded a couple of games ago against QPR in the cup.
Who holds the current record incidentally?

The record is held by Paul Tomlinson 83/84. He kept a clean sheet in his first seven home league games. Bunn has now bettered the legend Alan Hodkinson who only managed five and his defence included Cec Coldwell.

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

Bunn > Hodgkinson then?

.....

 

[Revolution]

The record is held by Paul Tomlinson 83/84. He kept a clean sheet in his first seven home league games. Bunn has now bettered the legend Alan Hodkinson who only managed five and his defence included Cec Coldwell.

Didn't know that - thanks for posting the info.

The Tomlinson run must be:

Southend 5-0 (when Tomlinson saved a penalty on his league debut, when it was 0-0 I think)
Rotherham 3-0
Bolton 5-0
Burnley 0-0
Millwall 2-0
Lincoln 0-0
Plymouth 2-0

The run ended when we beat Orient 6-3.

Tomlinson also kept one clean sheet in a cup replay vs Lincoln (1-0), but like Bunn he conceded a goal in the 3rd round of the Cup at home when we drew 1-1 with Birmingham.

 

[Grecian2000]

That was a PROMOTION season as well.

 

[Ollessendro]

Superb penalty save but what was all the badge-slapping and playing to the crowd about afterwards?

Show some decorum man - you're only on loan!

Wtf!?

The guy saves the match and you don't expect him to celebrate?

He's taken a lot of stick, made a couple of mistakes and then he has a big moment. The guy clearly wants to play for the club and was showing some passion.

For all the talk that people have been giving about Kilgallon not being committed to the club. Then we get someone who shows some passion and demonstrates he wants to be a Blade and you start kncoking him for it. Shame on you JD!!??

 

[Houso]

Got a lot of time for Bunn. And the post that said he'll go the way of Michael Twiss... surely a bit of fishing?

He'll not end up at a Premier team IMO, but he'll do fine at a mid to top level Championship club.

If goalkeepers were judged on mistakes alone and not their general performances, Ben Foster, Scott Carson and David James would have ended up at Morecombe too.

 

[wardlowwanderer]

Learn to read

Bunn > Hodgkinson then?

.....

No but he has overtaken Hodkinsons tally of home league clean sheets which is what my post says.

Perhaps if you twist the message even nore you could turn it into a rumour that Bunn has been selected for England.

 

[Darthblade]

Bunn will never make it as a successful professional goalkeeper, long term - not in a million years. I can see his career going the way of people like Michael Twiss who came on loan from prem and after a few games it became obvious he was destined for non or lower league.

Yes, he had a good game last night, ill give him that, but a goalkeeper needs to do the 'bread and butter' stuff week in week out. Bunn is probably the worst shot stopper i have ever seen in a blades shirt. Strangely enough he is very good in the air, but to make it as a top keeper you must be able to consistently save mediocre shots - and he just cant do that. No team in the top 2 divisions at least will put up with that unless they are desperate (ie us at the mo lol).

I agree about that prat Sinclair at half time and full time too - i wonder if he realises how patronising he came across? Everybody around me was cringing with embarrassment for him.

I think its a bit unfair to say hes the worst shot stopper in a r & w shirt. I can remember that muppet Blackwell brought in for 1 game away at Burnley!!

I do, however, think that he's too small to be a top class keeper, which is why he is susceptible to conceding from long distance. (eg several goals conceded earlier in the season) There are very few small top class keepers, only 1 I can think of is Given and hes very good.

He would make a decent squad player when Bennett retires, but I would like to see us go for a keeper like Lonergan, Loach, Westwood, or (hesitates to say it) even Grant.
UTB

 

[Ollessendro]

I think its a bit unfair to say hes the worst shot stopper in a r & w shirt. I can remember that muppet Blackwell brought in for 1 game away at Burnley!!

I do, however, think that he's too small to be a top class keeper, which is why he is susceptible to conceding from long distance. (eg several goals conceded earlier in the season) There are very few small top class keepers, only 1 I can think of is Given and hes very good.

He would make a decent squad player when Bennett retires, but I would like to see us go for a keeper like Lonergan, Loach, Westwood, or (hesitates to say it) even Grant.
UTB

It was Baxter wasn't it? And it was NW that brough him on not KB.

Shay Given and Iker Casillas are both under 6 feet and are (IMO) 2 of the best 3 keepers in the world. Hence that disproves your theory about him being too small.

Don't get me wrong I'm not 100% convinced. However he's improved a lot. He deserves to wear the shirt and I now have a lot more confidence in him. He's very young and he's learning. Maybe we'll be in a better position to judge around April time (when Paddy is due back) and we've seen a lot more of him.

 

[Bramley]

He's had a lot of stick, but all Blades players get it these days. Seems an alright keeper, nowhere near as good as Paddy though.

 

[Guesty]

It was Baxter wasn't it? And it was NW that brough him on not KB.

Shay Given and Iker Casillas are both under 6 feet and are (IMO) 2 of the best 3 keepers in the world. Hence that disproves your theory about him being too small.

Don't get me wrong I'm not 100% convinced. However he's improved a lot. He deserves to wear the shirt and I now have a lot more confidence in him. He's very young and he's learning. Maybe we'll be in a better position to judge around April time (when Paddy is due back) and we've seen a lot more of him.

Shay Given is 6 foot 1.

 

[JohnDenver]

Wtf!?

The guy saves the match and you don't expect him to celebrate?

He's taken a lot of stick, made a couple of mistakes and then he has a big moment. The guy clearly wants to play for the club and was showing some passion.

For all the talk that people have been giving about Kilgallon not being committed to the club. Then we get someone who shows some passion and demonstrates he wants to be a Blade and you start kncoking him for it. Shame on you JD!!??

I'm allergic to badge related gestures of any sort.

A brief but firm handshake with a defender. Perhaps a little wink at your teammates. Nothing more please.

The miserable git in me (which occupies a large proportion of the whole), was rather hoping Reading scored before Bunn and his teamates had finished their male bonding session.*






*may not reflect actual events.

 

[Pinchy]

A couple of random comments.

Times have changed since Hodgy's day [he was a great keeper]. In the modern game a goalie needs to be big and commanding - well over 6 feet in my view.

I must have seen Tomlinson's run of clean sheets though I can't remember it. All I can say is that the defence in front of him must have had a truly inspired spell. We've had some dodgy keepers and he was one of the worst.