Calderon: Don't worry about our rivals (From The Argus)

I'll be chuffed with 5-6 points in these three games. Could be a defining wee spell.

Mr. Calderon has summed everything up perfectly.

Bridcutt will come back in and that just makes us stronger and I guess Bridge too if he is fit. I would not be at all surprised to see Vicente not start at Bristol.
Our fate is in our own hands and we have the players in the squad that should be able to deal with the pressure as it mounts with each passing game.

Two players that are missing out right now, Greer and CMS, will have to wait to get back to starting matches, both right now look destined to be warming the bench. I hope they can handle this, I feel sure that Greer can, not quite so sure about CMS.

Beating Huddersfield 4-1 was a great result due to a great team performance, and I guess it's only natural to think that we will go to Bottom placed Bristol and just roll over them, and we might, but I am expecting a really tough game, maybe even a, 'ugly,' game.

We have the confidence and momentum, they have the desperate need for at least a point and in reality all three.
I can see some tough tackles coming in from a determined defense, for me Vicente would be better off out of this one and Barnes should start.

I think Gus rested Vicente yesterday because he knows he cant play two games in 4 days and therefore wants him for the Bristol away game, which is likely to be a tougher proposition than Huddersfield at home.

I think Vicente will only start the home games.

I also think it will do CMS the world of good now that the pressure is off him, and coming on in the last 20 mins to chase the game out may work in his and our favour.

Calderon is correct Albion need not worry about other team's results. The target appears to be 20 point from the last 12 games = 75 points. But don’t you just know we are going to be looking.

An interesting side issue to yesterday's match.

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Brighton and Huddersfield are both keen to sign Charlton striker Haynes in the summer window.

Now this report might have some legs, who knows, but why would we be interested?
Is this lad good enough for the prem, we might be there.
Even if we don't go up and if Huddersfield survive the drop, why would the lad want to join Huddersfield over us considering where we both stand in the table?

Brighton have put a hold on contract talks for our existing players and yet we have this report.

I don't really know what to make of this. Freeloader would ask, 'if other prem clubs don't want him then why would we,' and if we do make the prem and we do sign this lad, then Freeloader would have a point.

Wow, just the thought of Freeloader being provided more targets is a worry, -:).

Just teasing Mr. Freeloader.

A great result yesterday and thoroughly deserved. 4-1 was a fair reflection of the game IMHO.

As others have mentioned, David was excellent and I think may have found his position... He was great at right back and not bad on the wing but his lack of pace left him wanting occasionally so to see him in the middle distributing balls so accurately both left and right was a joy to behold.

I thought Upson was also magnificent, solid and assured at the back, great distribution including sime cross field balls and the icing on the cake... A danger at set pieces. Sign him up.

Buckley finding form again, Bruno and the hat rock hero looking better and better and the commitment of the likes of Calderon, Hammond and El abd.

All in all a thoroughly enjoying game.

Looking forward to seeing what happens when next match arrives. Bridcutt must surely return even though Hammond has done a good job and I'd expect Bridge to step back in if fit for Calderon. I'd also think that Vicente would come in for Dicker, again if fit. Feel for Hammond if this happens but given David's display it would appear to be a no brained.

Exciting times ahead and really believe that if the bitterness and frost stays away, we will stay in the playoffs.

Well done lads.

UTA

Hovite wrote:
I think Vicente will only start the home games. I also think it will do CMS the world of good now that the pressure is off him, and coming on in the last 20 mins to chase the game out may work in his and our favour.

I can see why you say what you do about Vicente being held back just for home games, but I don't think I concur.

It would make sense to me to play him against Bolton away, rest him against Barnsley away and then play him at home against Palace.

The Bristol game could get rough for Vicnete, the best way to stop him is to put him on the floor.
Bolton have no worries about going up or down, should be attractive football for all to watch. Vicente could be the key to open the lock to Palace's defence so yes he must play.

Huddersfield rest.
Bristol rest.
Bolton play.
Barnsley rest.
Palace play.

Wouldn't that work Hovite?

I wasn't saying he will only play at home, just that he wouldn't start away games.

Good result yesterday and team played well although I thought Dicker was poor.Much as I really like Calderon he is very very vulnerable from set pieces,yesterday he didnt challenge at all on the Huddersfield cross that led to their goal,not for the first time.
Would like to know what the club are doing to try and sell these extra seats that are now available,capacity is now 30750. As someone previously stated the 5 match package is not too enticing price wise,also when you check seat availability on club website extra seats become available day before the match,these are not away fan seats but generally in the upper east stand,why arent these advertised earlier? Currently we are on course for 28000 plus for CP match and only way we can beat this figure is in a 2 legged play off match I believe.

PressBoxTeaBoy wrote:
I think Gus rested Vicente yesterday because he knows he cant play two games in 4 days and therefore wants him for the Bristol away game, which is likely to be a tougher proposition than Huddersfield at home.

Now you're thinking like a good manager does.Also please note still know word about Croft lol.Its Hoskins at the start of the season all over again.Also note how things have gone so bad for Bournemouth once Painter got there.Like i said a few weeks ago when he left."Just a league one player at best."Thank God people like me are never often wrong ha lol.

VegasSeagull wrote:
An interesting side issue to yesterday's match.

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Brighton and Huddersfield are both keen to sign Charlton striker Haynes in the summer window.

Now this report might have some legs, who knows, but why would we be interested?
Is this lad good enough for the prem, we might be there.
Even if we don't go up and if Huddersfield survive the drop, why would the lad want to join Huddersfield over us considering where we both stand in the table?

Brighton have put a hold on contract talks for our existing players and yet we have this report.

I don't really know what to make of this. Freeloader would ask, 'if other prem clubs don't want him then why would we,' and if we do make the prem and we do sign this lad, then Freeloader would have a point.

Wow, just the thought of Freeloader being provided more targets is a worry, -:).

Just teasing Mr. Freeloader.

Vegas i thought more of you lol.What did Gus say only the other day?The scouts are looking at players which we would like if we get to the prem-league,plus they are also looking at players which we maybe able to afford if we stay in the Championship.Like he pointed out its a very different ball game my friend.

Limit for the Palace game agreed with the policeat 28500.

Inigo Calderon - future Albion manager?

If Leo Ulloa turns out to be as good as his countrymen that played for Spurs we indeed have a gem in our midst. Ossie Ardilles and Ricky Villa I believe were their names. I think it was a cup semi or final that Ricky Villa beat 3 or 4 defenders in the penalty area to score a cracker. I recall Ossie had a spell managing Swindon, but what became of Ricky? Crikey, when was all that happening, late 70's or early 80's? Things get a bit foggy these days. I can't recall any other Argentinians that graced our wonderful game like those two did. Finally I wouldn't bet against Leo being considered for his national team before long.

Well said Ini,we should think about each game,and how to keep our lads fit and play the correct set-up to win,Vegas mate,imho your spot on about how to rest and play Vicente,while i totally agree with Hovite ,that this does not mean that he should not play a part in the other games.

Its good to hear SMF20 thinks David has found his most effective place is in the middle,sounds a bit like he did a mini me version of Vicente yesterday,can only be good for us. In fact it could possibly give Vicente more chance to push further forward when both are on the pitch!.

Matt Upson will surely be given a contract SMF20,he is looking at our great club with the same eyes that Bridgey does,unbelievable that two great players of such a high calibre,hold us in such good affection.

The next 3 away games all represent a totally different problem imo,Bristol City have had some descent results recently,they have won their last 4 home games beating:

Forest 2-0
Barnsley 5-3
Watford 2-0
Ipswich 2-1

So we will have to fight for anything there. Bolton as Vegas has pointed out have nothing but pride to play for,and that always means a tough game. Barnsley imo is probably the least troublesome of the 3,their in trouble and playing for their lives,but if we have the bit between our teeth,we are too strong. Old Scrote would be happy with 5-6 points from these 3 games,personally i agree,but putting aside my eternal optimism,i believe we will need 6-7,and cant see why we shouldn`t get them,especially with Bridds back. UTA

VegasSeagull wrote:

Hovite wrote:
I think Vicente will only start the home games. I also think it will do CMS the world of good now that the pressure is off him, and coming on in the last 20 mins to chase the game out may work in his and our favour.

I can see why you say what you do about Vicente being held back just for home games, but I don't think I concur.

It would make sense to me to play him against Bolton away, rest him against Barnsley away and then play him at home against Palace.

The Bristol game could get rough for Vicnete, the best way to stop him is to put him on the floor.
Bolton have no worries about going up or down, should be attractive football for all to watch. Vicente could be the key to open the lock to Palace's defence so yes he must play.

Huddersfield rest.
Bristol rest.
Bolton play.
Barnsley rest.
Palace play.

Wouldn't that work Hovite?

Well said Inigo. CMS should be measured on goals so he'll have to wait I guess

Best we set up for the 3 Bs away games to win - seeing as we are far the better side than BC or Barnsley and we know we can create at least 11 chances against Bolton (albeit earlier in the season)

I don't reckon we should show Bruno's great goal against Bolton before home matches on the big screen in that montage - it brings back too many bad memories!!

For me Vicente should be starting virtually every match - home or away - getting the lead is key statistically for us so it makes clear sense (assuming he's managed to train, isn't injured, too cold, missed the bus blah blah)

For Vegas and others ... don't think that Bolton have nothing to play for. They are on a good run and will think they can catch us if they win next weekend. It's a really big game. Similarly Forrest are on a good run and could sneak into the play off race. Just think where we were a month ago. With 3 points for a win things can change quickly. For me, we have to win as many games as possible and not lose to the teams trying to catch us.

Freeloaders wrote:

VegasSeagull wrote:
An interesting side issue to yesterday's match.

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Brighton and Huddersfield are both keen to sign Charlton striker Haynes in the summer window.

Now this report might have some legs, who knows, but why would we be interested?
Is this lad good enough for the prem, we might be there.
Even if we don't go up and if Huddersfield survive the drop, why would the lad want to join Huddersfield over us considering where we both stand in the table?

Brighton have put a hold on contract talks for our existing players and yet we have this report.

I don't really know what to make of this. Freeloader would ask, 'if other prem clubs don't want him then why would we,' and if we do make the prem and we do sign this lad, then Freeloader would have a point.

Wow, just the thought of Freeloader being provided more targets is a worry, -:).

Just teasing Mr. Freeloader.

Vegas i thought more of you lol.What did Gus say only the other day?The scouts are looking at players which we would like if we get to the prem-league,plus they are also looking at players which we maybe able to afford if we stay in the Championship.Like he pointed out its a very different ball game my friend.

I think the Club Management have put themselves in a brilliant position.Next year the FFP comes into real effect which will mean most Premiership Clubs will have to start trimming their Wage Budget.Last year over 140 players were released by Premiership clubs alone.With a big percentage of players out of Contract Gus and the team must be in overdrive. Maybe the time has arrived where British players will become less expensive.With the construction of the new training complex due to start I am sure the Club will become a far better attraction with players preferring to live in Good Old Sussex by the Sea

As we all know Vicente can be a game changer but we also know that Gus said that he, (Gus) has to consider when and how to use his one of his most prized assets.

As I said earlier, IMHO, the best way to stop Vicente is to put him on the floor. Bristol will fight at the back for every ball as their future is at stake. One miss timed tackle could side line Vicente for a number of matches, why take the risk.

We have shown that we can win without Vicente, Bridcutt and Bridge. With Bridge coming back, Bridcutt in for Hammond and Hammond in for Dicker we don't need Vicente against Bristol.

CMS, Barnes and JFC on the bench gives us enough options.

With Bridge coming back I guess Dunk will lose his place on the bench.

Our position in the table, but more importantly our recent rich vein of form, suggests that we, on paper at least, should be able to take all 9 points from our next three matches. I think we can do this with Bristol being the hardest of the three, IMHO, if we turn them over I think the next two will fall into place.

Chi Gull wrote:
For Vegas and others ... don't think that Bolton have nothing to play for. They are on a good run and will think they can catch us if they win next weekend. It's a really big game. Similarly Forrest are on a good run and could sneak into the play off race. Just think where we were a month ago. With 3 points for a win things can change quickly. For me, we have to win as many games as possible and not lose to the teams trying to catch us.

Chi Gull is right. Bolton are still in it, and our game there will be difficult. Quite possibly a six-pointer when we look at the end-of-season table. It would be a big mistake to assume that Bolton are resigned to mid-table mediocrity.

VegasSeagull wrote:
An interesting side issue to yesterday's match.

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Brighton and Huddersfield are both keen to sign Charlton striker Haynes in the summer window.

Now this report might have some legs, who knows, but why would we be interested?
Is this lad good enough for the prem, we might be there.
Even if we don't go up and if Huddersfield survive the drop, why would the lad want to join Huddersfield over us considering where we both stand in the table?

Brighton have put a hold on contract talks for our existing players and yet we have this report.

I don't really know what to make of this. Freeloader would ask, 'if other prem clubs don't want him then why would we,' and if we do make the prem and we do sign this lad, then Freeloader would have a point.

Wow, just the thought of Freeloader being provided more targets is a worry, -:).

Just teasing Mr. Freeloader.

I think the simple answer is that we're probably not after this Haynes fellow and it's just mindless media gossip. Remember all the players we were apparently after during the window, and how many clubs had Gus at the top of their recruitment list? 99% hogwash, using a random story generator :-)

OldScrote, yes the Haynes story is probabaly a lot about nothing.

Florida and Chi, I am not saying that the match against Bolton won't matter to them, (Bolton) as I am sure it will. I think in all honesty they, like a few other teams, are inwardly accepting mid-table. The danger of that match for me is that they will not be too worried if they lose or draw so will probabaly come out and really go for the win. I still think Bristol has more to lose or gain than Bolton does when playing Brighton.

The Forest match, haven't got that far but again a tough game.

We'll smash 'em all. Bring on the Prem!

saraman wrote:
If Leo Ulloa turns out to be as good as his countrymen that played for Spurs we indeed have a gem in our midst. Ossie Ardilles and Ricky Villa I believe were their names. I think it was a cup semi or final that Ricky Villa beat 3 or 4 defenders in the penalty area to score a cracker. I recall Ossie had a spell managing Swindon, but what became of Ricky? Crikey, when was all that happening, late 70's or early 80's? Things get a bit foggy these days. I can't recall any other Argentinians that graced our wonderful game like those two did. Finally I wouldn't bet against Leo being considered for his national team before long.

Think that Leo likely grew up trying to emulate Batistuta as a big striker.

But I clearly remember that 1981 Cup Final replay (against Man. C.) where Ricky Villa left all those defenders for dead in the area and almost walked the ball into the net.
Everyone was exhausted at that point, and it seemed to happen in slow motion.

Leo has the capability to shine in the Premiership for us and in the bargain get a call up from whoever is managing his national squad then.
This must be quite a motivation for him.

saraman wrote:
If Leo Ulloa turns out to be as good as his countrymen that played for Spurs we indeed have a gem in our midst. Ossie Ardilles and Ricky Villa I believe were their names. I think it was a cup semi or final that Ricky Villa beat 3 or 4 defenders in the penalty area to score a cracker. I recall Ossie had a spell managing Swindon, but what became of Ricky? Crikey, when was all that happening, late 70's or early 80's? Things get a bit foggy these days. I can't recall any other Argentinians that graced our wonderful game like those two did. Finally I wouldn't bet against Leo being considered for his national team before long.

Ricky Villa scored his wonder goal in 1981 and yes it was a belter.
The Falklands war started in April 1982
and there was an outburst of hatred towards anything Argentenian including(funny enough)Fray Bentos corned beef which was boycotted.
Joke being,Fray Bentos is a town in Uraguay
Anyway both Ricky and Ossie felt they could no longer stay in England and sadly returned.
When everything settled down Ossie, as you know came back.
Ricky built up a ranch in Argentinia where he remains.
Hope this answers your question.

UTA.................
.........

hannover seagull wrote:

saraman wrote:
If Leo Ulloa turns out to be as good as his countrymen that played for Spurs we indeed have a gem in our midst. Ossie Ardilles and Ricky Villa I believe were their names. I think it was a cup semi or final that Ricky Villa beat 3 or 4 defenders in the penalty area to score a cracker. I recall Ossie had a spell managing Swindon, but what became of Ricky? Crikey, when was all that happening, late 70's or early 80's? Things get a bit foggy these days. I can't recall any other Argentinians that graced our wonderful game like those two did. Finally I wouldn't bet against Leo being considered for his national team before long.

Ricky Villa scored his wonder goal in 1981 and yes it was a belter.
The Falklands war started in April 1982
and there was an outburst of hatred towards anything Argentenian including(funny enough)Fray Bentos corned beef which was boycotted.
Joke being,Fray Bentos is a town in Uraguay
Anyway both Ricky and Ossie felt they could no longer stay in England and sadly returned.
When everything settled down Ossie, as you know came back.
Ricky built up a ranch in Argentinia where he remains.
Hope this answers your question.

UTA.................

.........

As I recall that great man and brilliant player Ossie Ardilles was loaned out to a French team until the Falklands war was resolved.

farside wrote:
Limit for the Palace game agreed with the policeat 28500.

Inigo Calderon - future Albion manager?

Why on earth would we limit this game to 28500, just because the Police want to. If this is true it's outrageous, Sussex Police need to buck their ideas up, when we are in the Premier League we will have 30750 crowds every week! If the Police can't deal with this they need to have a good long look at themselves and perhaps we need to look elsewhere for our security arrangements. It's bad enough they make us play on Sunday lunchtime instead of Saturday 15:00.

Alan G Skinner wrote:

farside wrote:
Limit for the Palace game agreed with the policeat 28500.

Inigo Calderon - future Albion manager?

Why on earth would we limit this game to 28500, just because the Police want to. If this is true it's outrageous, Sussex Police need to buck their ideas up, when we are in the Premier League we will have 30750 crowds every week! If the Police can't deal with this they need to have a good long look at themselves and perhaps we need to look elsewhere for our security arrangements. It's bad enough they make us play on Sunday lunchtime instead of Saturday 15:00.

Because there has to be separation between the sets of fans as the seats now go all round the ground.

If we dont agree the gate will be nil !!

Yes but my understanding is that the capacity of the Stadium is 30750 with full segregation?

12 matches to go we should be looking to win every game, simples.

CMS did win us a penalty and we still don't know if he and Ullua will get the chance to forge a partnership up front.

We might need this against some of the defence minded opponents in the run in.

Hovite wrote:
I think Vicente will only start the home games.

I also think it will do CMS the world of good now that the pressure is off him, and coming on in the last 20 mins to chase the game out may work in his and our favour.

Agree with both points Hovite.

Yep, we potentially have 15 games left, with 7 at home and it is important for the fans to see Vicente at the Amex.

There would be nothing worse than Vicente nissing any home games where the whole of the Amex is behind him and willing him to stay.

Alan G Skinner wrote:

farside wrote:
Limit for the Palace game agreed with the policeat 28500.

Inigo Calderon - future Albion manager?

Why on earth would we limit this game to 28500, just because the Police want to. If this is true it's outrageous, Sussex Police need to buck their ideas up, when we are in the Premier League we will have 30750 crowds every week! If the Police can't deal with this they need to have a good long look at themselves and perhaps we need to look elsewhere for our security arrangements. It's bad enough they make us play on Sunday lunchtime instead of Saturday 15:00.

Spot on Alan.