Albion suffer misery at Oakwell (From The Argus)

You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes.

You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time.

But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it.

Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management.

I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

Seriously hacked off, one goal against two sides rock bottom of the Championship, not the form of promotion contenders. Wow, Sunday could be interesting, just like Brighton to win it.

I am starting to get a bit concerned. We can only afford 3 more loses if we are going to make the play offs.

Freeloaders, as you are the only one with a brain (albeit rented) please advise Gus what to do as none of us have our own brains anymore so you say.

Think the GG will make a massive dieerence Sunday,
Lets be honest, how many chances do we need to score a goal.? Missed penalties, half chances not quite going in? Truth is we would be top of this league if we were more clinical in front of goal..
If we miss the play offs it's down to that, simply not taking chances.. Our mates up the road who have a goal scorer who equals half of all the goals we have score this season... Not over upset, just fed up with consistant missed chances.

bruce beckett wrote:
You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes. You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time. But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it. Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management. I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

Agree. Poyet's tactics have caused this. He has the assembled squad (not starting 11) the club has ever had but has failed to get any consistency. He is also too negative. The last three games have cried out for Lua Lua but he wasn't even in the squad saturday.

bruce beckett wrote:
You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes.

You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time.

But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it.

Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management.

I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

Exactly, Bruce.

gburbs wrote:

bruce beckett wrote:
You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes. You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time. But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it. Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management. I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

Agree. Poyet's tactics have caused this. He has the assembled squad (not starting 11) the club has ever had but has failed to get any consistency. He is also too negative. The last three games have cried out for Lua Lua but he wasn't even in the squad saturday.

Once again, I concur.

Depressed but not suicidal. I have the feeling that we are being 'eased out' of the play off places match by match.

It isn't make-or-break, but a good win against Palace would work wonders for morale!

Listened on the radio and as usual we miss guilt edge chance early on and concede within 20 mins.Why is it we only start to play in the second half, points were there for taking if we had been much more positive.
Really peed off with 1 pt out of 9 and golden opportunity wasted. I think we will finish 8th and I think you will see the crowd figures drop slightly as season peters out.Glad the chairman was watching the match,be interested to know what he thought,well done to all fans who travelled up to Barnsley.

Disappointed to say the least. I can't believe the result tonight. Good to hear that LuaLua did well when he came on. Hope he earns a start against Palace on Sunday. Anything could happen in a Derby and the playoffs are possible. Don't give up now. The fans deserve the playoffs at least.

A reality check guys, we are only one point off then play offs and we have to play leicester and Forest. We are still on target and this mini blip is just that. Have faith!

Heres the good news,we have more than likely kept Barnsley in this division for another season.Secondly,at least we have avoided another bore draw.
Unpalatable truths
We have not had a striker that can deliver,not 30 odd goals that Murray is likely to deliver for Palace this season,but anything close to 20 goals in a season since we have entered the Championship.
We are now too posh and superior to travel to places like Barnsley and get a result.(we have lots of skillful continentals who feel the cold a bit and dont understand Northern lingo,)
We are making no progress under current managerial regime.
Do not ask me to be patient,I have been a supporter since the 60's,through the Goldstone years,Priestfield years,Withdean years,marched and petitioned for the Amex since day 1.I am sick and tired of being patient,I want Brighton where they belong,in the Premier League.

So yet again Lualua changes the gane when he gets the chance to play. When oh when will Poyet start playing him! Too much tinkering against Bolton and now will have to tinker again v palace.

Mbts is absolutely right we'd be top if we had Murray in ou side. Why on earth can we not attract a goal scorer. That said Ulloa doing OK for goals bit clearly needs support.

bruce beckett wrote:
You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes.

You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time.

But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it.

Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management.

I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

Well put, is it true we have never come from behind to win? That can't be down to luck, but poor tactical judgement..

Carter_Cooldancer wrote:
A reality check guys, we are only one point off then play offs and we have to play leicester and Forest. We are still on target and this mini blip is just that. Have faith!

Another reality check, can't see us beating Forest away sadly! Think they have too many experience players at this level and they have players who can put the ball in the onion bag!

Is it just me or do all of the latest comments appear at the bottom surely they should be at the top. A little thing that really annoys me lol.

Clinical striker required.

Clinical striker required.

Palarse are going to get the backlash from this

Misery says the headlines, and misery is how I feel. A terrible result, in fact a terrible week all round. Here we were after the last match at The Amex saying we would get 6 or 7 points from the 3 away games, some even thinking 9 could be possible. Well we got 1 lousy point and I guess that confirms it's curtains for us this season. There comes a time when reality has to click in and our inability to beat teams such as Barnsley, Bristol City, Shef Wed, Wolves, Brum confirm we are far from ready for the Prem. It's such a shame. We have the best stadium, the best and most fervent supporters, yet here we are again, the nearly man. For me it's tactics as much as personnel that's to blame. Like last season we had a terrible October, 3 points from 15, December 3 from 15 and now March, 1 from 9 with Palace and Forest to follow.
I agree with Bruce B, the starting line-ups are always too negative. It's unbelievable that we have played 77 games where we have never come from behind to win. Why oh why cant we attack from the off and go for those early leads. Gus gives too much respect to poor opposition. It's so disappointing .

gburbs wrote:

bruce beckett wrote:
You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes. You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time. But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it. Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management. I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

Agree. Poyet's tactics have caused this. He has the assembled squad (not starting 11) the club has ever had but has failed to get any consistency. He is also too negative. The last three games have cried out for Lua Lua but he wasn't even in the squad saturday.

I too am starting to think that Gus isn't going to take the club any further. I'm personally tired of too much respect for the opposition. It's one upfront away from home whoever we play. So often we're behind before Gus decides on a more attacking formation which often creates more chances. It's a dream for the likes of Bristol and Barnsley when we play one upfront. We beat Barnsley 5-1 at home why not say I think we're better than you and go for the throat. Be proactive rather than reactive when behind. It was all summed up for me when Oatway spent several minutes bigging up Sheffield Wednesday before they beat us.

disappointing to lose momentum after consecutive home wins v burnley/huddersfield
. away games at bristol/barnsley was opportunity to put points in the bank ahead of visits to forest/boro/leeds. will be carnage v palace on sunday. our confidence is shot and they brim full of it. gus has been great for the club but lack of adventure is killing us - again.

bruce beckett wrote:
You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes.

You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time.

But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it.

Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management.

I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

I don't get how not having a come back win is proof of not changing until we go behind?
If we had lots of come back wins, it would make more sense.

Agree with all Bruce Becket says! However, we will certainly not thrash Palace. I expect them to over run us with strength and pace, two quick quality wingers and a striker who is on his 30th of the season...........! We are not quite good enough for play offs and the last 3 results demonstrates that, although we should finish higher than last year and that was Gus's objective, so all good really!

when Murray scores the winner on Sunday, the anaconda should slither off with the rest of the cockroaches who leave 5 minutes before the end and disappear down the nearest manhole leading to the new sewer on the seafront where he will be refined into pellets and spread on the fields overlooking the sea

Look at Cardiff they have been nearly men for years (and might still be this year!!). We should be so grateful we are in the position, ie disappointed.at the prospect of not making the champ play offs! The fact is if Bloom wants to get us into the Prem in a hurry he may be ruthless with Poyet, if not, he may see this season as progression and give Gus another year before questioning him as the right man. One this is for sure I wouldn't imagine Gus will be getting the Chelski job this summer! Too much to learn still.

Baldseagull wrote:

bruce beckett wrote:
You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes.

You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time.

But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it.

Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management.

I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

I don't get how not having a come back win is proof of not changing until we go behind?
If we had lots of come back wins, it would make more sense.

It's only having plan A .. No plan B .
Gus has to sign a prolific goal scorer. It's as simple as that, we create chance after chance, how many pens have we missed now? Probably more than some sides have been awarded!
If you don't take your chances, it's never good enough, simple

bruce beckett wrote:
You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes.

You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time.

But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it.

Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management.

I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

Good post. From the commentary, it didn't sound like one of Bridcutt's better games.
Bit stunned by the 77 games point.
Must be some sort of record?

jcd1972 wrote:

gburbs wrote:

bruce beckett wrote:
You can’t blame Gus for the injuries to CMS and Hoskins. Nor the red card handed out to Barnes. You can’t really blame him either for not failing to find a loan striker in such a short space of time or letting Dobbie join our arch rivals as it didn’t look like he would get a game at the time. But you can blame him for his continual negative starting lineups and his refusal to try something different. Even when he finally brought LuaLua on tonight, he took off Lopez rather than one of our 'holding midfielders' Hammond or Bridcutt. The result: we win a penalty and Lopez is not on the field to convert it. Far too often, we have to concede a goal before he is willing to change things. If you want proof of this, look at our record of 77 games without one single come-from-behind win under his management. I really hope we go out and thrash Palace on Sunday, but realistically, if we can’t beat one of Bristol City, Bolton and Barnsley, we can’t really consider ourselves ‘promotion contenders’.

Agree. Poyet's tactics have caused this. He has the assembled squad (not starting 11) the club has ever had but has failed to get any consistency. He is also too negative. The last three games have cried out for Lua Lua but he wasn't even in the squad saturday.

I too am starting to think that Gus isn't going to take the club any further. I'm personally tired of too much respect for the opposition. It's one upfront away from home whoever we play. So often we're behind before Gus decides on a more attacking formation which often creates more chances. It's a dream for the likes of Bristol and Barnsley when we play one upfront. We beat Barnsley 5-1 at home why not say I think we're better than you and go for the throat. Be proactive rather than reactive when behind. It was all summed up for me when Oatway spent several minutes bigging up Sheffield Wednesday before they beat us.

You might get Your Wish apparently He is in the running for the Reading job

I agree, Baldseagull, it could have been phrased better. The point I was trying to make was the Gus is a very defensive-minded coach who seems more concerned about conceding than scoring. Hence the fact that he only seems to play with two or three up front when we are chasing the game or drawing. Even after we signed Ulloa, I think he only started one game with CMS alongside him, even though he said in the Argus that they would be given time to form a partnership.

Or not conceding. I'm not having a good night. Are any of us? Gutted.

Really disappointed with tonight's result. I have tried to remain positive and defend Gus at times this season but I am really fed up with his ongoing negativity in games. Why oh why does he not go for games from the off rather than when it is too late. All this liking to control games is so negative. In other words we will keep it to nil nil and see if we can nick a result. Lua Lua has pace to burn and scare defenders and yet he does not get many starts, why? Buckley is a concern at present and ever since he signed the new contract has gone right off the boil. If we are serious promotion contenders we should be winning at Bristol City and Barnsley. All the comments about they are fighting for their lives to stay up, well are we not fighting for our lives to go up? Gus does not seem to know how to grind out 3 points. The only positive is that due to the nature of the Championship we are not out of it yet but I am now quite concerned about the Palace game as although I dont like him old Grumbleweed up there seems to know how to get teams up for games and what is required for promotion.

we got two lucky results away to cardiff and bristol city and now we got 2 away results that we didnt want. We are only a point off the play off places but things aint looking too good at the moment. Injuries, suspensions and more than a touch of frustration. I think Gus has to earn his corn now and go a bit more attack minded, surely KLL deserves a start now? The Palarse game is massive esp given those teams around us have big games too. Its all to play for still and if you'd have asked me if we would take a point outside the play-offs with 9 to play at the start of the season I would've taken it. We should be beating lowly teams like Barnsley and Bristol if we have aspirations to get to the promised land but now we have to dig deeper than we have all season and that means all of us. A big big atmosophere at the Amex is a must for Sunday and let's just try not to be negative when the team and club needs us most! I totally agree with most comments tonight but am trying (really flippin' hard) to be positive. Those of us that have been following the Albion for a good few years have seen it all but now we want, and feel, that we deserve better so let's try to be positive, even more so against the sphincters on Sunday. COME ON!!!

Carter_Cooldancer wrote:
A reality check guys, we are only one point off then play offs and we have to play leicester and Forest. We are still on target and this mini blip is just that. Have faith!

I am with you on that and palarse

pablobrowno wrote:

Carter_Cooldancer wrote:
A reality check guys, we are only one point off then play offs and we have to play leicester and Forest. We are still on target and this mini blip is just that. Have faith!

Another reality check, can't see us beating Forest away sadly! Think they have too many experience players at this level and they have players who can put the ball in the onion bag!

Are they French?

punt clunderer wrote:
when Murray scores the winner on Sunday, the anaconda should slither off with the rest of the cockroaches who leave 5 minutes before the end and disappear down the nearest manhole leading to the new sewer on the seafront where he will be refined into pellets and spread on the fields overlooking the sea

Ha, ha, welcome back the well known WUM, also known as Carrot and another incarnation, the name of which eludes be just now. You been on holiday or studying the habits of large snakes......or both.....?!!

mr punch wrote:
we got two lucky results away to cardiff and bristol city and now we got 2 away results that we didnt want. We are only a point off the play off places but things aint looking too good at the moment. Injuries, suspensions and more than a touch of frustration. I think Gus has to earn his corn now and go a bit more attack minded, surely KLL deserves a start now? The Palarse game is massive esp given those teams around us have big games too. Its all to play for still and if you'd have asked me if we would take a point outside the play-offs with 9 to play at the start of the season I would've taken it. We should be beating lowly teams like Barnsley and Bristol if we have aspirations to get to the promised land but now we have to dig deeper than we have all season and that means all of us. A big big atmosophere at the Amex is a must for Sunday and let's just try not to be negative when the team and club needs us most! I totally agree with most comments tonight but am trying (really flippin' hard) to be positive. Those of us that have been following the Albion for a good few years have seen it all but now we want, and feel, that we deserve better so let's try to be positive, even more so against the sphincters on Sunday. COME ON!!!

Good comments. I think we would all of taken being outside the play offs by a point with 9 games to go but what frustrates most of us is the games we have thrown away and the constant repetitive comments we hear of "we have dominated teams and created countless chances but not taken them". Had we done so we would be in such a better position. I shall be there on Sunday getting behind the team as we all should as who knows we still have a chance of the play offs.

Now El-Abd and Bruno (and Bridge?) likely to be out on Sunday. Could have a defence crisis aswell as a forward one. At least we have about 20 midfielders in the squad :) Nearly a complete disaster tonight but luckily Cardiff equalised in the last minute so where we will feel like one point dropped Leicester will feel aggrieved that 2 got away. Leeds too. And Gus has achieved his wish of drawing less games :)

To play 3 away games in succession in a short space of time is I would have thought the reason for the bad run.

Players have to live in and out of hotels, travelling on coaches (or do they fly) and fit training in at the same time.

This must be disruptive to a player's sleep pattern not to mention frame of mind

Maybe Gus cant get a striker because strikers know he only plays one at a time and they dont fancy being a sub.

Its still up for grabs. Lets see what happens against Palace

Many have commented on not finishing chances but I'd say we don't actually create enough chances. Surely we should be aiming for double figure attempts on goal each game and if that does't happen Gus should hold an inquiry. We need creation in the middle of the park. We know Bridcutt's abilities, and to a lesser extent Hammond, Croft, and Dicker's similar strengths but are they good/creative enough as a central midfield unit? David was superb centrally for the Huddersfield game but don't think he's been put there since. We know about Vicente of course and must accept apparently that he can't manage every game but maybe time to give J F-C a run.

Orlandi has created quite a few assists on the left wing including Huddersfield. Keep him there?

Not too worried about the missed penalty. These things happen and with David's run we have had a good ratio of late (would try to keep him on the pitch though just in case - same with a free kick opportunities)

Lua Lua - what does he have to do to get a start, even with all these injuries and suspensions?! His direct play may not fit in with Gus's tippy tappy style but he makes things happen and very rarely fails to get a multitude of shots and crosses in. A free running role up front behind Ulloa could be rewarding.

Finally that record of never having won from going a goal behind is appalling. How can that be?

pte wrote:
To play 3 away games in succession in a short space of time is I would have thought the reason for the bad run.

Players have to live in and out of hotels, travelling on coaches (or do they fly) and fit training in at the same time.

This must be disruptive to a player's sleep pattern not to mention frame of mind

Maybe Gus cant get a striker because strikers know he only plays one at a time and they dont fancy being a sub.

Its still up for grabs. Lets see what happens against Palace

For pte sake don't make excuses for losing to two sides who have occupied the bottom of the Championship, and will probably be relegated. Living in hotels and travelling a lot, the poor luvs, get a grip they are professional sportsmen, it's what they do, and sadly not very well.

Alfie T wrote:

pte wrote:
To play 3 away games in succession in a short space of time is I would have thought the reason for the bad run.

Players have to live in and out of hotels, travelling on coaches (or do they fly) and fit training in at the same time.

This must be disruptive to a player's sleep pattern not to mention frame of mind

Maybe Gus cant get a striker because strikers know he only plays one at a time and they dont fancy being a sub.

Its still up for grabs. Lets see what happens against Palace

For pte sake don't make excuses for losing to two sides who have occupied the bottom of the Championship, and will probably be relegated. Living in hotels and travelling a lot, the poor luvs, get a grip they are professional sportsmen, it's what they do, and sadly not very well.

Absolutely right Alfie

Carter_Cooldancer wrote:
A reality check guys, we are only one point off then play offs and we have to play leicester and Forest. We are still on target and this mini blip is just that. Have faith!

Yeah, we have to play Forest, Leicester, and Palace, I think thats why everyone is peeved off about getting just 1 point from 9 the last 3 games, of which 2 were basement teams.

Classic photo of Caldy by the way, that just about sums up whats happening.

Coconuts !

Credit where credits due I think the defence that Gus has put together is outstanding. As are Bridcutt and Kuscak, who were superb free transfer signings.

However, I am just not convinced Poyet knows what his best midfield or forward line is in the championship and for two seasons now he has tinkered with it virtually every game. This affects confidence in the players themselves.

That said I think the forwards and midfielders are far too confidence based and just lose their edge when the chips are down. This explains the 77 match stat of not scoring first.

Poyet,s record of buying strikers is every bit as poor as his buying defenders is superb (hopefully with the exception of Ulloa. Aka the Exocet missile). The list is endless of naff buys Holdroyd, Toby A, bergkamp, Barnes, Dobbie and even mackail-smith. If you add in to that he let woods and Murray go, this is not a good record.

However, Orlando and Lopez are starting to be regular picks and are I think are two of the best players I have ever seen in an Albion shirt in twenty five years of regular attendance. The club has also progressed every year under Poyet so I would give him another year whether we make the play offs or not this year. However, after a good clear out this summer and further millions spent if he can't find a goos striker over the close season. I would call it a day with him and not let him keep wasting millions on strikers who can't cut it. We won't have the best support in the championship forever once the novelty of the stadium and our premiership dream starts to fade. Please be aware of that Mr Bloom and Mr Baker.

PressBoxTeaBoy wrote:

Carter_Cooldancer wrote:
A reality check guys, we are only one point off then play offs and we have to play leicester and Forest. We are still on target and this mini blip is just that. Have faith!

Yeah, we have to play Forest, Leicester, and Palace, I think thats why everyone is peeved off about getting just 1 point from 9 the last 3 games, of which 2 were basement teams.

Classic photo of Caldy by the way, that just about sums up whats happening.

Coconuts !

All of which were away.

Does anyone know what Ulloa's penalty was like? I guess at least it was on target and if the keeper had gone the other way then it would have been considered decent.

Gus, if that was going for 3 points, you could have fooled me! It was only when you brought Kaz and Barker on that we looked remotely like going on full-out attack. But it was too late by then.

From the sound of the commentary for most of the first half it sounded like there was only one team attacking - Barnsley!
How can we keep the pressure on with just one striker? Leo is a good player, but on his own he is ineffective. Why didn't Kaz come on at minimum by half time? As other posters have said, we shouldn't be giving teams like Barnsley so much respect.

Your words that we will go flat out for the win, is not borne out by your starting selections. We need to attack from the off, not when we are chasing the game. This has happened far too many times this season, and we only ever seem to get a draw at best when we go behind after throwing more attacking players on.

VERY FRUSTRATED!

Some of you on here just don't get it...the Championship is one of those leagues in which on any given day anybody can beat anybody.

Barnsley on a cold Tuesday night against a team fighting for their lives was never going to be easy.

Who said it was going to be easy?

We know just how hard the Championship is, especially when you have to play three away games in the space of eight days.

But if you want to be in the shake-up come the end of the season you need to do better than pick up one point (and a lucky one at that) at Bristol, Bolton and Barnsley.

Several hours have passed since out match end and I have been trying to find the right words to explain how I feel but I can't

I am not angry, dissapointed doesn't seem enough and let down seems not to be right.
Suprised, nope that aint it so what is it that I feel. I am not feeling dejected but I am down in the dumps.

I think the right word would be, tired.

I am tired of the fact that we don't get the results that the strength of our squad suggests we should get.
I am tired of reading how we failed to tuck away our chances.
I am tired of hoping that we will get it right on the night only to find we don't.
I am tired of my expectations falling so flat but perhaps I expect too much.
Maybe I am just tired.

Having read this I am sure that you are tired of reading how tired I feel.

Time for a break, time to recharge my batteries.







,

I think we all expect too much, Vegas. But with Bruno, possibly Bridge, El Abd, CMS, Hoskins and Barnes all out against Palace, I'm sure not expecting too much on Sunday.

Injuries and bad luck seem to have come at the same time. A bridge too far, I fear, if you'll pardon the pun.

But if we don't make the play-offs this season, I'm sure we'll be back to have another go next year. Keep the faith.

Please, please, please Argus. the last thing I want to see is an Albion quote from Gus or a player saying '' WE WILL BOUNCE BACK''. We aint gonna bounce back. It's over, finished, kapput. It's 4 in the morning and I am so angry, fed up and frustrated that I can hardly control myself to write this. Why oh why does Gus approach every game with such negative intentions whereas we are all crying out for for more positive and attacking intent. If then we lose so be it. I can accept that. I will be there on Sunday and for the remaining home games. Also I shall renew my season ticket wherever we finish because in spite of the negativety above I am a dyed in the wool supporter since the early 60's and not a WUM.

brightonup wrote:
Depressed but not suicidal. I have the feeling that we are being 'eased out' of the play off places match by match.

It isn't make-or-break, but a good win against Palace would work wonders for morale!

Winnning the lottery would give my morale a boost, but that isn't going to happen either.

The last time we won a league game from having gone a goal down was Doncaster at home last season (opening fixture), that was 82 league games again.

Appalling.

Come on chaps, it's not the end of the world. I can' wait for the last nine (hopefully 12) games!

Remember, no team wins every game, especially in this Championship where any team can beat any other, such as has been seen with Peterborough winning away at Cardiff and Hull, for example, or Bristol City - currently the bottom team - winning five of their last six home games, incuding against Boro, Forest and Watford (note that the only points they dropped in that sequence were against us).

We're into the Iast part of the season and a play-off place is in our own hands. That's good enough for me.

Clearly all of the remaining games are important, but of our next five games we play four teams immediately above and below us (Palace, Forest, Leicester, 'Boro). I couldn't ask for a better set-up to the final play-off push!

Whether or not we're good enough only time will tell. But give Poyet and his team credit. And more importantly, give them your unwavered support for the rest of the season.

I believe we have one of the best squads we've had for years, not to mention a more than promising manager with an attractive football style ethic, a fantastic chairman, spanking new stadium that's at least 80% full every game, a relatively huge number of season ticket holders, etc. This has to be considered in relation to where the club has been the last twenty years or so. We're possibly on for our highest finish in the pyramid since 1991. It's not all doom and gloom is it...?

I'm keeping everything crossed hoping for a little bit of luck to r-start our promotion push starting this coming Sunday!

UTA!

fozziesheadband wrote:
The last time we won a league game from having gone a goal down was Doncaster at home last season (opening fixture), that was 82 league games again.

Appalling.

That's unbelievable! That's not unlucky, but we either shoot ourselves in the foot, or miss a hat full of good chances, I think we have created more than enough to have scored 15 more goals at least... How many pens have we missed in those games? Probably more than we have scored..
Now on to palace...

I have not been impressed with many teams visiting the Amex this season and can see the three promoted sides being relegated the following season.

I think it's good we get to play the teams around us in the next few games. They needs wins too and that will help us play our best football. The teams at the bottom set out to get a point against us and work hard to restrict our play and not play their own game. It works and they snatch half chances. The better teams (we saw it with Cardiff) set out to play their own game and we play ours...we win.
It's a nightmare to have just one fit striker, but he CAN score goals. Ulloa's goals to game ratio is pretty good. He missed a pen...but look at it...it was a GREAT save rather than a poor pen. It happens. Playing him up front on his own, with Lua Lua and Buckley supplying and David supporting...that's a great match up for us against anyone decent and allows Gus to play Bridcutt and one other strongarm midfielder.

GP has got the team this far. He's got 9 games to get the play-offs. I we'd been thirteenth a few weeks ago and were catching Forest up, we'd be full of confidence. Fact is we're NOT out of it yet. Beat Palace and get a result against Forest - we'll all be happy.

UTA!!

Last time I checked we were in 7th not last. Some people need a hefty dose of reality. And wasn't it only recently PalARSE lost to Bristol 4-1? And Peterborough beat Leicster? Anyone can beat anyone. We have no god given right to be in the premier league and we're battling against teams that have been in and around the top half of the championship and the premier league for years... And people are complaining?!?!? Reality check needed me thinks

*"If we'd...", rather than "I"

Gus Poyet has emerged as a contender for the vacant manager job at Reading following Brian McDermott's sacking. (Daily Mail)

Really?!?!?!?!

Seagulls Over Surrey (SOS) wrote:
Gus Poyet has emerged as a contender for the vacant manager job at Reading following Brian McDermott's sacking. (Daily Mail) Really?!?!?!?!

Why should Gus go to Reading (a worse supported club) and come back to where he is now? No way.

fozziesheadband wrote:
The last time we won a league game from having gone a goal down was Doncaster at home last season (opening fixture), that was 82 league games again.

Appalling.

But how many of those games did we go a goal down? Much less than half that number. Bad, but nowhere near as bad as you are painting.

saraman wrote:

Seagulls Over Surrey (SOS) wrote:
Gus Poyet has emerged as a contender for the vacant manager job at Reading following Brian McDermott's sacking. (Daily Mail) Really?!?!?!?!

Why should Gus go to Reading (a worse supported club) and come back to where he is now? No way.

I agree saraman. I feel this is more about puffing up their new owner's ego than it is anything else. We might be in a run of poor form at the moment but our prospects are the envy of the league. For Reading, this is as good as it gets and I have absolutely no doubt that Gus would not leave Sussex for Berkshire. West London, however, is a totally different story!

Fascinating to see that Brian Owen came up with this report. I followed the match on Seagull player and Twitter and was amazed by the size of the knife Andy Naylor had in Will Buckley's back because of a couple of missed opportunities in the first half. Intrigued I scrolled back in Naylor's tweets in the Bolton game... and not a word of criticism of Ashley Barnes who had enough chances to win 3 games let alone the one against Bolton. I can understand supporters having their favourites and disliking others but to see 'journalists' flagrantly doing the same is somewhat surprising. As for the game, well, I think everything has been said. Negativity (on the pitch), lack of Plan B, slow reaction to situations...

Anyone else see Crawley nicking a play-off place and playing at the Amex next year? Mind boggling!!!

And Zebedee said 'It's time for bed'... Goodnight.

OK - so we're going to finish about 8th or 9th - about where we finished last season. Bearing in mind the considerable amount of money that has been spent on the squad this is obviously unacceptable. I hope Poyet goes to Reading - or anywhere. Time for a change of manager Mr Bloom please.

In the cold light of day, our hopes of a play off place are intact but fractured. It will take a shift in form and tactics to cross the finish line. My hope is that we can beat Forest and Leicester and keep the dream alive. Sunday is a matter of pride as well as points and a defeat would possibly make those 'six pointers' pretty academic. In the broader scheme of things, we've come up and immediately established ourselves as a top ten Championship side. Last season we possibly over achieved and this season possibly under. But unlike the forays in the merely and mid noughties, we were never going to be relegation fodder and of course there's the Amex, the crowds., the chairman and a nice new sponsorship deal. I am not tired, I am not disappointed or even upset. I am however a little frustrated at our underachievement in a number of games this season (and our bad luck). Last night I thought the two penalties were soft (fleeting glimpse of Sky highlights). But our inability to impose and strut our stuff is something that Gus needs to work on. No thrashings received this season, why? Because of the way we play. Safety first. We all identified our weak spots last season and in the main they have been addressed. The whole striker thing is as much of a result of the system, as of the individuals concerned. The brand of football Gus wants to play requires discipline, skill and energy; which is arguably beyond some of our players abilities and our overall budget. I believe that Gus has done a fantastic job but he needs to manage or limitations as well as our expectations. Then he will be a great manager. It is easy to blame what you have not got, rather than effectively use what you have. And we have all seen that this current squad has more potential than it is currently displaying.

saraman wrote:

Seagulls Over Surrey (SOS) wrote:
Gus Poyet has emerged as a contender for the vacant manager job at Reading following Brian McDermott's sacking. (Daily Mail) Really?!?!?!?!

Why should Gus go to Reading (a worse supported club) and come back to where he is now? No way.

Beats me why Reading would want him !

Plonkers. Not good enough. 10/12th place again. Big changes needed, instead of excuses.

Finishing 8/9 this or any season in the Championship is fine by me as long as we field attacking sides playing entertaining football.at home.
Its amazing that after coming away without a point against two teams in the relegation area and taking note of the strong opposition we meet in the coming weeks there are still those talking of promotion.