Poyet: Don't blow it now (From The Argus)
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Poyet: Don't blow it now
9:30am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in Sport By Andy Naylor
Adam El-Abd and Leonardo Ulloa walk off at the end last night. Picture by Simon Dack
Gus Poyet fears Albion are blowing their Championship promotion chances after missing out on a return to the top six.
The Seagulls remain seventh following last night’s 2-1 defeat in their game in hand at relegation-threatened Barnsley.
A downcast Poyet said: “We gave the game away. You could never be 100% sure that Barnsley wouldn’t create many chances but the only way for them to score was an incredible action or to give something away and we gave them two goals. If you want to be at the top you cannot do things like that.
“When you get to these games you need to start better, you need to dominate and if you have got more chances than the opposition you need to score and make sure you give nothing away.
“We did everything the opposite. We gave two goals away and when we had the chances we didn’t take them. That’s the story of the season.”
Adam El-Abd conceded a penalty which allowed Barnsley to restore their lead in the second half. Then, with regular taker David substituted, Leo Ulloa had a spot-kick saved by Luke Steele after the Argentinian had cancelled out Jason Scotland’s early opener for the Yorkshiremen.
Poyet said: “That’s not the issue. We had the chance to win the game and we needed to win and we didn’t do it, so we cannot blame anyone apart from ourselves and it’s going away, the whole season.”
Albion’s hopes of bouncing back from a run of one point out of nine in Sunday’s derby against Crystal Palace at The Amex have also been hit by injuries and suspension. El-Abd is banned following his shirt-tugging booking for Barnsley’s penalty, while Bruno, braving a recurrence of Achilles trouble, limped off with a calf problem.
Wayne Bridge (hamstring) and Vicente both missed last night’s defeat. Poyet said: “Bridgey will depend on the next few days. Vicente was not fit enough.”
Asked if the Spaniard will be fit for Palace, Poyet added: “I haven’t got a clue, impossible to say.”
Comments(92)
wiseman of hove
says...
10:06am Wed 13 Mar 13
mark by the sea wrote:Well Mark, much as I appreciate the wonder skills of Vicente, I am fed up with the ' will he be fit'?... 'is it too cold'?...'he is tired' saga that is endless. Too much emphasis on him week after week . Hardly condusive to a settled set up. It is seeing the picture of Calderon last night with his glum bandaged face after another hard stint that has prompted this rant so apologies to the legion of Vicente fans if you are upset.
It really is time to get rid of Vicente, when he turns up he has the skill to get me out of my seat, but his wages must surely be better spent on someone who wants to play? Someone who is fit? The recent clip of the Spanish contingent at the Spanish restaurant , showed around the time of the hull game .. Only player not there was Vicente! Caldi explained Vicente was on siesta! Lets hope bridge is fit, I can't wait to see GG back in the side, also the passing around of the captains arm badge is a farce, same as penalty takers, sort out some basics.
russellsnr2
says...
10:07am Wed 13 Mar 13
mark by the sea wrote:Agree 100% it is really is time to get rid of Vicente and spend that money elsewhere even if it is pay per game for him?
It really is time to get rid of Vicente, when he turns up he has the skill to get me out of my seat, but his wages must surely be better spent on someone who wants to play? Someone who is fit? The recent clip of the Spanish contingent at the Spanish restaurant , showed around the time of the hull game .. Only player not there was Vicente! Caldi explained Vicente was on siesta! Lets hope bridge is fit, I can't wait to see GG back in the side, also the passing around of the captains arm badge is a farce, same as penalty takers, sort out some basics.
I only listen to the games on Seagulls player and last night the commentators both could not see that Adam El-Abd was at fault they thought the foul was on him and also the officials did not give us much. We must take 3 points from Palace if not then I think that a play off place is only a dream.
markymark03
says...
10:08am Wed 13 Mar 13
If we are still in the Championship next season thats fine by me. Its a great league anyway
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
10:09am Wed 13 Mar 13
mark by the sea wrote:Come on MBTS, I expected better from you! His wages are not the problem, and are still worth his occasional appearance. And all this "he doesn't WANT to play" is nothing more than gossip and conjecture.
It really is time to get rid of Vicente, when he turns up he has the skill to get me out of my seat, but his wages must surely be better spent on someone who wants to play? Someone who is fit? The recent clip of the Spanish contingent at the Spanish restaurant , showed around the time of the hull game .. Only player not there was Vicente! Caldi explained Vicente was on siesta! Lets hope bridge is fit, I can't wait to see GG back in the side, also the passing around of the captains arm badge is a farce, same as penalty takers, sort out some basics.
The captain's armband is a non-issue too -it makes no difference to the players who the captain is, it is a purely notional honour. As for penalties, we have a decent taker but he wasn't on the pitch so someone else had to take it. Did Ulloa miss the target?
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
10:10am Wed 13 Mar 13
Alan G Skinner
says...
10:12am Wed 13 Mar 13
markymark03
says...
10:16am Wed 13 Mar 13
Alan G Skinner wrote:Here here
Mark, in all liklehood and unlesswe get promoted and he doesn't get offers elsewhere, Vicente won't be with us next season and I say that with a heavy heart. While we have all been frustrated by his lack of availability, he is surely the finest footballer ever to where our colours. I have never seen another player who gets the crowds heart racing every time he got on the ball. I can only hope that Gus and Chairman Bloom can find another player to where his boots.
Big boots to fill though
(Not literally)
tug509
says...
10:16am Wed 13 Mar 13
Gee Jay
says...
10:31am Wed 13 Mar 13
As Homer Simpson says...'It gets worse and worse'
How we are still in seventh place beats me.
Perhaps another season in the Championship will not be a bad thing.
cvs
says...
10:37am Wed 13 Mar 13
pappaK
says...
10:52am Wed 13 Mar 13
A little bit of friendly advice...
Someone said many years ago when you were just a twinkle in your dads eye
Life was not meant to be easy...
I am sure you knew that as you climbed ladders and shoveled concrete.
Following a club or sport,has its up`s` and it`s down`s
You have good coaches,bad ones
You have good owners and bad ones.
You ride the waves of success
You try not to drown in the emotions of failure.
If for BHA ,it does not happen this year,then enjoy life and look forward to the next campain
If you are still feeling too tired with everything around you ,pack up this lifestyle of blogging and take up knitting,I think it will be better for your stress levels and might even
keep you on this planet a bit longer.
Champions are not Men that never fail.
But Men that never QUIT.
Have a Good one
Clean Sheet
says...
10:56am Wed 13 Mar 13
I too am concerned that we are going to miss out on the play offs, and I don't expext much out of Sunday's game. Whatever you think of Palace, they have to be the most overachieveing side of the year surely? I expected them to really struggle this year. If they do go up, they will surely bounce straight back down.
Eddy B
says...
11:00am Wed 13 Mar 13
I was listening to some Reading fans on 606 or Talk Sport the other day saying they wished they had stayed in the championship - they are now playing dire football apparently and of course the manager has now gone (hot on the heels of the Southampton one). Don't get me wrong, I'd still like to see us promoted asap but the team would need serious investment. I just get the feeling this is not our season but if we can put the Vicente and Amex money (and money saved from some other cast offs) to good use and add just one or two premiership quality players to the squad we should be one of the favourites for automatic promotion next year!
Neville
says...
11:01am Wed 13 Mar 13
Most teams have us sussed now even the bottom ones and we just do not have a plan b, and I do question the commitment (Calderon apart) from some of the overseas additions on cold winter nights in the cold North of England.
I can see 4 wins 2 draws and 3 defeats for the remainder of the season and predict finishing 8th,which will not hlpe season ticket sales for next season.Very very frustrating as this season looks like going the same way as last.
Neillo
says...
11:24am Wed 13 Mar 13
Clean Sheet wrote:Palace lost their first 3 games. Then they went into the market and brought in players that literally transformed their playing style. Hence the Murray goals.
Well, we had to change a winning team because of injuries/illness etc. MBTS, I normally appreciate your input, but the Vicente rant makes not sense. He is contracted to BHA, so the only way he would go now is if we pay off his contract, with compensation, or loan him out for a month. Neither make sense to me. Lets use him as and when we can please.
I too am concerned that we are going to miss out on the play offs, and I don't expext much out of Sunday's game. Whatever you think of Palace, they have to be the most overachieveing side of the year surely? I expected them to really struggle this year. If they do go up, they will surely bounce straight back down.
They also did reasonable business in the January window.
If they go up it's doubtful they could stay there, but that's not the point. The cash injection alone would sustain the club for years to come.
the taffster
says...
11:25am Wed 13 Mar 13
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
11:27am Wed 13 Mar 13
cvs wrote:You play your BEST team! That includes our best player.
Admire Bridcutt but we won 3 in a row without him. Since then disaster. You don't change a winning team do you? Why not wait and continue with what's obviously working before changing the team round again.
PressBoxTeaBoy
says...
11:27am Wed 13 Mar 13
Jimmy Langley
says...
11:33am Wed 13 Mar 13
When building a football team you look for technique, pace, passing ability, vision and movement off the ball. But these qualities are not enough unless you add character (fighting spirit).
A wise old manager once said that whe his team boarded the bus for a difficult away fixture he "counted the hearts". He wanted to know who he could rely upon when faced with adversity.
Perhaps it's time for Gus to count the hearts!
Joel'sGrandad
says...
11:36am Wed 13 Mar 13
Don't worry folks, we'll probably go and wallop Palace now and win every game till the end of the season.
Football can be like that. That's why we turn up every week.
If we don't go up this year why worry?
We're a top half Championship team, have a great stadium and attract big gates.
Gus is a good coach with the potential to become a great one and Mr Bloom is a fan. I don't see us doing a Reading or Southampton and pressing the panic button.
So keep calm and enjoy the ride.
UTA
B-hove
says...
11:47am Wed 13 Mar 13
What needs to happen?
1. Gus needs to stop fueling rumours of leaving. Last week it was Chelsea, today it’s Reading. He needs to make a statement as to whether he prefers to stay or go, and then act on it. Personally, I’d like him to stay. More importantly, I’d like him to be committed to the cause
2. We need more determination in front of goal. Shooting practice for the likes of Orlandi and Buckley – ideally with both feet! And yes, we need an instinctive striker or two, like there is no tomorrow. The club needs to be clear whether or not they are prepared to risk, financially, what that will cost. Because these people tend to have self-confidence, Gus may have to accept they come with an ego nearly as big as his own
3. GG needs to back at the heart of our defence and orchestrating our play from the back asap. Time for him and Upson to build a partnership. We should have enough about us to grind-out wins at home. The basis to points away from home is shutting out opposition – clean sheets.
For our part, let’s get behind the team on Sunday, for a morale-raising win
smallie
says...
11:53am Wed 13 Mar 13
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
12:02pm Wed 13 Mar 13
All these clichés about not having a plan B, or 'foreigners not liking a cold Tuesday up north' are nonsense. It's the kind of stuff Andy Townsend and Alan Shearer come out with because they haven't had an original thought between them. There are no such things as rigid plan A and B, football structure is FAR more fluid than that and can change in a heartbeat to one of a dozen different setups - players swapping positions, or Greer occasionally pinging a long ball out t the wings.
We are still only JUST outside the play-offs and as such are still masters of our own destination. We still have the quality to climb back in the top six by the end of the season AND to stay there. My season as an Albion fan is far from over, even if many others have already given up the ghost.
As a side issue, I'm looking forward to seeing how Greer and Upson play together - it could be a while before El Abd gets back in the side.
jockithenoo
says...
12:05pm Wed 13 Mar 13
tug509 wrote:I seem to remember Gus saying we will have to take chances and be more positive and it worked we got a bit of momentum and went on a little run !!!!!
Well Gus if you dont want us to blow it,get some strikers in,theres no point if most of the lads are working their socks off,if you dont do your bit and give them cover and support,imo anyway.UTA or as things are looking,not going UTA
What happened last night seemed to be back to the old style of don't change until its to late .
The changes made a difference why not start like that and take the chances come on Gus
UTA
dave from bexill
says...
12:10pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Neville wrote:I know. It make one wonder how the Latin players at Man City, United, Newcastle et al cope doesn't it. Have you ever been to Madrid on a cold February night?
Every match we hear we must start well and we rarely do,we only started to play in the second half and this has been the trend for so many matches now,even a home sometimes.
Most teams have us sussed now even the bottom ones and we just do not have a plan b, and I do question the commitment (Calderon apart) from some of the overseas additions on cold winter nights in the cold North of England.
I can see 4 wins 2 draws and 3 defeats for the remainder of the season and predict finishing 8th,which will not hlpe season ticket sales for next season.Very very frustrating as this season looks like going the same way as last.
Jonathan Mouette
says...
12:10pm Wed 13 Mar 13
dave from bexill
says...
12:16pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:Nicely put Old Scrote
I really don't get all the doom and gloom on here! Okay, we've had a short bad run, a trio of matches - all away from home - we knew would be tricky. Last night's result was nothingt o do with tactics or coaching, it was to do with individual moments: Buckers not scoring early; El Abd being out-muscled (how often does that happen?), El Abd giving a away a penalty (some say dubious, others say not); Ulloa missing a penalty. Usually these would not all happen together and we would have got a decent result.
All these clichés about not having a plan B, or 'foreigners not liking a cold Tuesday up north' are nonsense. It's the kind of stuff Andy Townsend and Alan Shearer come out with because they haven't had an original thought between them. There are no such things as rigid plan A and B, football structure is FAR more fluid than that and can change in a heartbeat to one of a dozen different setups - players swapping positions, or Greer occasionally pinging a long ball out t the wings.
We are still only JUST outside the play-offs and as such are still masters of our own destination. We still have the quality to climb back in the top six by the end of the season AND to stay there. My season as an Albion fan is far from over, even if many others have already given up the ghost.
As a side issue, I'm looking forward to seeing how Greer and Upson play together - it could be a while before El Abd gets back in the side.
tug509
says...
12:18pm Wed 13 Mar 13
jockithenoo wrote:There seem to be a lot of lads on here who agree with your thoughts jockithenoo,i dont understand Gus` need to tinker,and leave it late to show our teeth. We need another striker before Sunday,and Greer back in defence. UTA
tug509 wrote:I seem to remember Gus saying we will have to take chances and be more positive and it worked we got a bit of momentum and went on a little run !!!!!
Well Gus if you dont want us to blow it,get some strikers in,theres no point if most of the lads are working their socks off,if you dont do your bit and give them cover and support,imo anyway.UTA or as things are looking,not going UTA
What happened last night seemed to be back to the old style of don't change until its to late .
The changes made a difference why not start like that and take the chances come on Gus
UTA
Gibseagull
says...
12:22pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Neville wrote:This sounds like a realistic scenario to me, except that I wouldn't be surprised to see us finishing lower than 8th. On the plus side, we have become a good Championship outfit but a significant investment and changes will be required to bridge the gap between upper mid-table and automatic promotion. Gus needs to review his own performance and ask himself why we can't compete physically, why we can't break down teams that succeed in defearting us without possession, why we have so many injuries, why our disciplinary record is poor, why he has no Plan B or C or D because teams have really sussed out how to play against us and why we fall away at this time of the year.
Every match we hear we must start well and we rarely do,we only started to play in the second half and this has been the trend for so many matches now,even a home sometimes. Most teams have us sussed now even the bottom ones and we just do not have a plan b, and I do question the commitment (Calderon apart) from some of the overseas additions on cold winter nights in the cold North of England. I can see 4 wins 2 draws and 3 defeats for the remainder of the season and predict finishing 8th,which will not hlpe season ticket sales for next season.Very very frustrating as this season looks like going the same way as last.
Albion23
says...
12:25pm Wed 13 Mar 13
pablobrowno
says...
12:28pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Article is here http://www.caughtoff
side.com/2013/03/13/
brighton-boss-gus-po
yet-in-contention-fo
r-vacant-reading-man
ager-post/
hannover seagull
says...
12:36pm Wed 13 Mar 13
We play at times some of the best football I have ever seen in over 40yrs
as a fan but somehow although we control the game,we cant seem to control the result.
The issues with strikers has been going on for nearly two years now and in this respect as much as it pains me to say i feel Gus has been caught napping.
How long did it take to get cover for CMS?
The lone striker plan A is fine when we are firing but whatever happened to the two striker Plan B when we have to force the game a little.
Don´t get me wrong it has still been a great ride so far this season but i feel we have squandered so many points on a regular basis because at the moment we do not possess that killer instinct to put games to bed and more frustratingly
games that we should be winning easily
Glad Adam is out for Sunday as Iwas sure that this ref had his card marked anyway,
In GG we trust
KLL must start
UTA.................
....................
.
Claude Back
says...
12:40pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Alan G Skinner wrote:Didn't you ever see Peter Ward then?
Mark, in all liklehood and unlesswe get promoted and he doesn't get offers elsewhere, Vicente won't be with us next season and I say that with a heavy heart. While we have all been frustrated by his lack of availability, he is surely the finest footballer ever to where our colours. I have never seen another player who gets the crowds heart racing every time he got on the ball. I can only hope that Gus and Chairman Bloom can find another player to where his boots.
Much better than Vicente to watch. Hat-trick on his England Under 21 debut too.
Claude Back
says...
12:42pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:Bridcutt is not our best payer!
cvs wrote:You play your BEST team! That includes our best player.
Admire Bridcutt but we won 3 in a row without him. Since then disaster. You don't change a winning team do you? Why not wait and continue with what's obviously working before changing the team round again.
I suppose you think the plodding and uncreative Scott Parker is Spurs best player too?
markymark03
says...
12:43pm Wed 13 Mar 13
hannover seagull wrote:Poor Kaz wont start. Recently I feel Gus has gone back to being cautious with his line up. The last three matches didn't inspire me with much confidence. We start with players that are great technically but not many (maybe only Buckley) game changers. If we were supposed to be throwing caution to the wind, we need to see it firstly with the line up.
Football is all about end product and that has been sadly lacking this season We play at times some of the best football I have ever seen in over 40yrs as a fan but somehow although we control the game,we cant seem to control the result. The issues with strikers has been going on for nearly two years now and in this respect as much as it pains me to say i feel Gus has been caught napping. How long did it take to get cover for CMS? The lone striker plan A is fine when we are firing but whatever happened to the two striker Plan B when we have to force the game a little. Don´t get me wrong it has still been a great ride so far this season but i feel we have squandered so many points on a regular basis because at the moment we do not possess that killer instinct to put games to bed and more frustratingly games that we should be winning easily Glad Adam is out for Sunday as Iwas sure that this ref had his card marked anyway, In GG we trust KLL must start UTA................. .................... .
Wont happen against Palace though
GosportGull
says...
12:43pm Wed 13 Mar 13
I think now we need to swallow the reality pill and start using some of the DS players .. they won't get a better chance to play in the championship than now and they might well show more fight, committment and skill than what we have seen lately ...
It was good to see Barker get on last night and Jake in last two games , all be it for a few minutes.. We are screaming out for a loan striker ..but in reality , who is going to come here with 9 games to go ? Lets use what we have ... i doubt if Gus will be brave enough to do that and personally im losing faith with Gus very rapidly ... i think maybe we do need a change of leadership ..more attacking ideas ...just like his good friend Zola does !
Gus going to Reading would be good for both clubs ... bad time of season but then we can look forward to next season .... GG
Claude Back
says...
12:44pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Claude Back
says...
12:46pm Wed 13 Mar 13
hannover seagull
says...
12:49pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Claude Back wrote:I agree
Alan G Skinner wrote:Didn't you ever see Peter Ward then?
Mark, in all liklehood and unlesswe get promoted and he doesn't get offers elsewhere, Vicente won't be with us next season and I say that with a heavy heart. While we have all been frustrated by his lack of availability, he is surely the finest footballer ever to where our colours. I have never seen another player who gets the crowds heart racing every time he got on the ball. I can only hope that Gus and Chairman Bloom can find another player to where his boots.
Much better than Vicente to watch. Hat-trick on his England Under 21 debut too.
Wardy was better and played nearly every game.
(Even cold days)
wiseman of hove
says...
12:57pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Jimmy Langley wrote:Reminds me of an article I recall from an old Charles Buchan - the old fashioned scout running the rule over certain players on a freezing away match and noting the commitment and effort in the last fifteen minutes or so, when the team are losing.
The statics often quoted on this site which reveal that Albion never win after their opponents score first are worrying.
When building a football team you look for technique, pace, passing ability, vision and movement off the ball. But these qualities are not enough unless you add character (fighting spirit).
A wise old manager once said that whe his team boarded the bus for a difficult away fixture he "counted the hearts". He wanted to know who he could rely upon when faced with adversity.
Perhaps it's time for Gus to count the hearts!
wiseman of hove
says...
1:03pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Claude Back wrote:That's a cracker, Claude - I wish I had thought of that one.
I think Gus has trouble distinguishing between a lone striker and a loan striker.
Neville
says...
1:13pm Wed 13 Mar 13
side.com/2013/03/13/
brighton-boss-gus-po
yet-in-contention-fo
r-vacant-reading-man
ager-post/”
I am guessing Poyet keeping all options open,if we fail to get promoted this season then he seems to be touting for business. If this is the case I find it very disappointing that he shows very little loyalty and respect for the Chairman,backroom staff and fans. The club gave him his first full managerial job,backed him to the hilt within the financial limits,gave him a free reign to get all teams playing to his style and had him involved in all aspects of the stadium and future training academy. I know there will always be speculation but he does nothing to quell any rumours and is not exactly quiet when these matters arise. When Poyet does leave he will take most of the backroom staff,including analysts with him,although he may well leave Charlie behind. I am sure Tony Bloom has a list of names prepared for this eventuality.
rolivan
says...
1:14pm Wed 13 Mar 13
russellsnr2
says...
1:17pm Wed 13 Mar 13
hannover seagull wrote:Have to agree, Peter Ward was in his day a brilliant player, watched him in a game against Glasgow Rangers (YES that Rangers) was best player on the field.
Claude Back wrote:I agree
Alan G Skinner wrote:Didn't you ever see Peter Ward then?
Mark, in all liklehood and unlesswe get promoted and he doesn't get offers elsewhere, Vicente won't be with us next season and I say that with a heavy heart. While we have all been frustrated by his lack of availability, he is surely the finest footballer ever to where our colours. I have never seen another player who gets the crowds heart racing every time he got on the ball. I can only hope that Gus and Chairman Bloom can find another player to where his boots.
Much better than Vicente to watch. Hat-trick on his England Under 21 debut too.
Wardy was better and played nearly every game.
(Even cold days)
markymark03
says...
1:26pm Wed 13 Mar 13
PressBoxTeaBoy
says...
1:27pm Wed 13 Mar 13
pablobrowno wrote:Yeah - that story is from the Daily Mail. Just read it, seems ridiculous actually if one of the main drivers for Poyet going to Reading is because it's closer to London ? We're talking about a difference of 10 miles for Reading to WC1 versus Brighton to WC1 ?
So Poyet reportly interested in the Reading job as long as he can be part of the long term future of the club. Has he given up on BHA?? (according to "sources close to him"). Is it just me who thinks this could be a strange move? Suppose they would probably give him all the money he wants to spend.... Article is here http://www.caughtoff side.com/2013/03/13/ brighton-boss-gus-po yet-in-contention-fo r-vacant-reading-man ager-post/
What would Gus gain by this move. High degree of chance that Reading will be in the Championship next season, albeit with a parachute fund, but Gus would be labelled as the guy that took them down. Reading is a very similar club to Brighton in many ways, so I really dont see what's gained. Also, Gus has always professed to only be interested in a BIG club move away from Brighton. We all know that Chelski, Spurs, Arsenal and the top Spanish sides are his draw, but he first has to show he can be successful at Championshp level (which he is not proving right now).
Conclusion - Bullcrap story to fill the papers I think, but if he goes, he goes, we now are a good enough draw to replace him with someone equally if not better suited.
As long as he takes Barnes, Vicente, and CMS, with him I'll be good with it !
Neville
says...
1:34pm Wed 13 Mar 13
1:26pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Just seen next seasons kit on seagulls.co.uk. Don't like the collar! Otherwise its quite nice but not as good as current”
Yes both shirts worn by El Abd and Bridcutt, both of whom won't be here next season lol
4everaseagull
says...
1:37pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
1:43pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Claude Back wrote:I'm using 'best' as a synonym for most important, in which case, yes, I still think that. Who do YOU think will win player of the season?
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:Bridcutt is not our best payer!
cvs wrote:You play your BEST team! That includes our best player.
Admire Bridcutt but we won 3 in a row without him. Since then disaster. You don't change a winning team do you? Why not wait and continue with what's obviously working before changing the team round again.
I suppose you think the plodding and uncreative Scott Parker is Spurs best player too?
And that is the SECOND time in a few days when someone has challenged me with a ridiculous comparison (BB's OJ Simpson one was a classic). Spurs are a different team to us and have an embarrassment of attacking riches, specifically Bale, who are better players than their holding midfielder. We do not.
bruce beckett
says...
1:56pm Wed 13 Mar 13
12:02pm Wed 13 Mar 13
I really don't get all the doom and gloom on here!
I think the doom and gloom on here is the realisation that we've all but blown our play-off chances BEFORE we even play Palace.
Only the most blind optimist can see us getting to 75 points with only one striker – and he a young man still learning his trade in English football.
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
2:04pm Wed 13 Mar 13
bruce beckett wrote:He's 26 and has a better than 1 goal in 2 scoring ratio since he got here. I think he's learning quite fast!
Old Scrote of the Amex says...
12:02pm Wed 13 Mar 13
I really don't get all the doom and gloom on here!
I think the doom and gloom on here is the realisation that we've all but blown our play-off chances BEFORE we even play Palace.
Only the most blind optimist can see us getting to 75 points with only one striker – and he a young man still learning his trade in English football.
I think only the most depressing pessimist can say we've "blown it" when we're just ONE point off the play-offs. We still have 10 points from the last 6 games.
This site becomes devoid of all perspective after a bad result, but then it has a very different set of commenters, so that's only to be expected.
Jaghebby
says...
2:10pm Wed 13 Mar 13
SeagullOverSelsey
says...
2:11pm Wed 13 Mar 13
My team for Sun.is:
TK
Bruno (if fit) otherwise Calderon Greer Upson Bridge(if fit) otherwise Orlandi
Buckley Bridcutt Vicente (if fit) otherwise David Lua Lua
Ulloa.If a loan signing arrives chuck him straight in up front with Ulloa.If not add Barker.Subs:Ankegren Agdestein Hammond Dicker Crofts JFK. AN Other (!).
Hovite
says...
2:12pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:Come on Bruce, people were saying that before Christmas, the trouble is with the fans being too highly strung and always want instant gratification.
bruce beckett wrote:He's 26 and has a better than 1 goal in 2 scoring ratio since he got here. I think he's learning quite fast!
Old Scrote of the Amex says...
12:02pm Wed 13 Mar 13
I really don't get all the doom and gloom on here!
I think the doom and gloom on here is the realisation that we've all but blown our play-off chances BEFORE we even play Palace.
Only the most blind optimist can see us getting to 75 points with only one striker – and he a young man still learning his trade in English football.
I think only the most depressing pessimist can say we've "blown it" when we're just ONE point off the play-offs. We still have 10 points from the last 6 games.
This site becomes devoid of all perspective after a bad result, but then it has a very different set of commenters, so that's only to be expected.
Everyone is disappointed last night’s result but the fat lady isn’t putting on her makeup yet, let alone clearing her voice to sing.
The best thing to do is sit back and see how it unfolds and not be so desperate about it.
tug509
says...
2:22pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:Old Scrote,
bruce beckett wrote:He's 26 and has a better than 1 goal in 2 scoring ratio since he got here. I think he's learning quite fast!
Old Scrote of the Amex says...
12:02pm Wed 13 Mar 13
I really don't get all the doom and gloom on here!
I think the doom and gloom on here is the realisation that we've all but blown our play-off chances BEFORE we even play Palace.
Only the most blind optimist can see us getting to 75 points with only one striker – and he a young man still learning his trade in English football.
I think only the most depressing pessimist can say we've "blown it" when we're just ONE point off the play-offs. We still have 10 points from the last 6 games.
This site becomes devoid of all perspective after a bad result, but then it has a very different set of commenters, so that's only to be expected.
obviously i can only speak for myself,but it seems to me that the feeling is ,if we cant beat Bristol City or Barnsley what chance against Leicester,Forest,M,b
oro or even the rabble up the road. Not necessarily a case of pessimism more an understanding of what we can expect from 9 games with 1 striker and several influential players absent at a time when there most needed. UTA
bruce beckett
says...
2:24pm Wed 13 Mar 13
This site becomes devoid of all perspective after a bad result, but then it has a very different set of commenters, so that's only to be expected.
Bad result? Don't you mean bad results (plural), Scrote? We've just taken one point off two teams bottom of the table and lost to another, also below us in the table.
Add to that the injuries to Hoskins, CMS, Bridge and Bruno, the suspensions to Barnes and El Abd, and the apparent apathy of Vicente, and it doesn't exactly fill you with confidence about the remaining nine games, does it?
It's about time you took your head out of the sand, or whatever part of your anatomy it is stuck up, and faced the facts. We've gone from favourites to make the play-offs to outsiders in the space of a week.
To quote a line from Dumb and Dumber: "So you're telling me there's a chance?" Yes, there is still a chance. But, IMHO, it's only a slim one now.
VegasSeagull
says...
2:28pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Accepting that fact we have to wonder why we can't beat teams at the bottom of the table and one of them is capable of ensuring that we don't even have a shot at goal.
If we can't take Barnsley or Bristol down do we relally think that we can beat Palace, Leicester or Middlesborough.
I think it's time we stopped talking of good and bad luck and start talking about good players maybe not making the right decisions and the manager too. Did El-Abd really needs to tug on the guy's shirt in the penalty area? Did Barnes really need to chase after the ref, even if he didn't trip him up. Did Gus really need to take David off, recently he has been one of our most potent weapons.
We threw the kitchen sink at Bolton, every attacking option ended up on the park, what did we throw at Bristol.
Are we becoming a tad stale, same ol same ol, with the occasional surprise every now and then. Is Gus becoming a tad stale. The january window saw clubs around us buying, and yes we got Ulloa, and players are still moving around on loan deals, but not for us.
I am thinking that the financial restraints on Gus are the main factor in his ability to do deals, but is he now getting frustrated by the constraints being placed upon him.
We still have a chance of reaching the playoffs, we are not out of them by any means but something has to change if we are to get there. What needs changing, I don't know but then I am not the manager and I don't have the ability to second guess the decisions being made either by Gus or the chairman.
Far gull
says...
2:32pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Jonathan Mouette wrote:very well put jm .
Maybe a little less Chelski dreaming and a little more reality should preoccupy our leader... Team selections and tactics are often questionable, reactions to situations are often too slow and even dubious... An analysis of our season, our performances and the purchases made would make even the owner of Chelski sit back and reflect on what makes GP a favourite to take over... Having said that I couldn't do any better so what do I know... Let's just focus on Sunday - fingers crossed!!!
I like you inreality think i would do any better(that said for a tenth gus's salary, i
would if asked give it ago) :-)
My big issue ( and i have renewed my season tickets) is and has been all season, tactics often contrary to what gus has said he would do after a loss or defeat ,in changing things in the next game.He still doesn't!
Always starts with two defensive midfielders ,not even tried until to late in a game without. Why ,we still seem to lose.
He never plays with a proper two up front ,even after buying the big man he has said he wanted to play with cms!
My point if his system was working i could understand but it only works when we score first,as 80 games prove!!! so why cannot he at least try? love we are not that badly off but to go forward it is no longer imho a personnel problem ,change as many players as you like result will bee similar. We have a Gus ego issue . Gus has a big club ambition like many managers but he has to cut it here first! Think he might need a reality check himself.
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
2:38pm Wed 13 Mar 13
We were poor are Bristol but got a point. We got nothing out of Bolton and Barnsley despite deserving to. That is football.
I love it when people present opinions as fact. You THINK we will struggle over the rest of the season, and we might, but then again we might not. There is no FACT there. We just don't know.
We have gone from 6th in the bookies' reckoning to 7th. Wow, however will we manage to get back? Maybe in the same way that Notts Forest went from 7th to 6th! I don't know if you have noticed this, but teams can go UP the table as well as down.
You have always been a pessimist on this site, and this is just another example. I may have my head somewhere, but at least I don't talk out of it quite so much as others. Allow some of us to have our glasses half full, maybe? Thanks.
Get a grip, man. WE ARE ONE POINT AND ONE PLACE OFF THE PLAYOFFS!
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
2:44pm Wed 13 Mar 13
bruce beckett
says...
2:55pm Wed 13 Mar 13
tug509
says...
3:02pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Hovite
says...
3:13pm Wed 13 Mar 13
tug509
says...
3:14pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Hovite wrote:Funny you should say that,that thought has crossed my mind in the past.
Kit looks alright, but I have always thought having the stripes diagonal instead of vertical would be more innovative
fratsomrover
says...
3:19pm Wed 13 Mar 13
As for Vicente, he might well be a star but if he dont play, he's a waste of resources. It's like locking a work of art in a vault ! No point if you cant glean any benefit from seeing it every day. For a pro-footballer, he a bit of a disgrace to be honest, letting down team mates, manager and supporters alike.
bruce beckett
says...
3:22pm Wed 13 Mar 13
wiseman of hove
says...
3:25pm Wed 13 Mar 13
VegasSeagull wrote:An excellent post may I say, Vegas.
We have all either said it, thought it or read it, in this division anyone can beat anyone, and we know that's true.
Accepting that fact we have to wonder why we can't beat teams at the bottom of the table and one of them is capable of ensuring that we don't even have a shot at goal.
If we can't take Barnsley or Bristol down do we relally think that we can beat Palace, Leicester or Middlesborough.
I think it's time we stopped talking of good and bad luck and start talking about good players maybe not making the right decisions and the manager too. Did El-Abd really needs to tug on the guy's shirt in the penalty area? Did Barnes really need to chase after the ref, even if he didn't trip him up. Did Gus really need to take David off, recently he has been one of our most potent weapons.
We threw the kitchen sink at Bolton, every attacking option ended up on the park, what did we throw at Bristol.
Are we becoming a tad stale, same ol same ol, with the occasional surprise every now and then. Is Gus becoming a tad stale. The january window saw clubs around us buying, and yes we got Ulloa, and players are still moving around on loan deals, but not for us.
I am thinking that the financial restraints on Gus are the main factor in his ability to do deals, but is he now getting frustrated by the constraints being placed upon him.
We still have a chance of reaching the playoffs, we are not out of them by any means but something has to change if we are to get there. What needs changing, I don't know but then I am not the manager and I don't have the ability to second guess the decisions being made either by Gus or the chairman.
Hovite
says...
3:27pm Wed 13 Mar 13
tug509 wrote:Yeah, it would be more dynamic, would stand out from the rest and it sort of reinvents our brand identity.
Hovite wrote:Funny you should say that,that thought has crossed my mind in the past.
Kit looks alright, but I have always thought having the stripes diagonal instead of vertical would be more innovative
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
3:31pm Wed 13 Mar 13
bruce beckett wrote:Detention for you then, Beckett! :-)
Scrote, you're beginning to sound like my old headmaster. Come to think of it, you probably are by old headmaster!
tug509
says...
3:40pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Hovite wrote:When we moved to the Amex,and changed our badge,i wondered whether we would do something like that as a statement of renewal. So long as there is no red added to the shirt im happy.UTA
tug509 wrote:Yeah, it would be more dynamic, would stand out from the rest and it sort of reinvents our brand identity.
Hovite wrote:Funny you should say that,that thought has crossed my mind in the past.
Kit looks alright, but I have always thought having the stripes diagonal instead of vertical would be more innovative
bruce beckett
says...
3:40pm Wed 13 Mar 13
I must not give up on the season.
I must not give up on the season.
etc.
Let's hope we take out our frustration by caning Palace rather than let a certain Mr. Murray play school bully again.
VegasSeagull
says...
3:53pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Hoskins injured
CMS injured
Bruno injured
Bridge injured
Barnes banned
El-Abd banned
Vicnete not fit enough
Did I leave anyone out?
This is how we go into sunday's game, not too good is it, but we will have new shirts.
Taking a more serious look at our squad, with or without new shirts, one could argue that all of the above, with Hoksins on the bench, would feature against Palace if they were available or fit to play.
Six starters and one useful sub all out at the same time, none of this is down to Gus.
How Gus deploys those that are available and fit is down to him. Forget that it's Palace we face and just take it that we are facing a good team Gus has to decide whether we are going all out to win or try to play a holding game looking to score on the break. We don't have the players for the first option and I doubt we can do the second.
Someone please offer up a starting eleven, with subs, from what we have left of the squad that looks capable of beating a good team.
I have been sitting here trying to work one out and I can't.
.
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
4:01pm Wed 13 Mar 13
That gives:
Kuszczak;
David, Greer, Upson, Calde;
Bridcutt, Hammond/Crofts;
Buckley, Orlandi, Vicente/LuaLua;
Ulloa
Plus a weak bench.
Not that I can see us playing with two wingers, but I can't think of anyone else who could start.
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
4:03pm Wed 13 Mar 13
tug509
says...
4:03pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Kuz
Greer
Dunk
Upson
Bridge(should be fit)
Bucks
Orlandi
Bridds
Hammond
David
Kaz
Leo
Subs: whoever `s left,including the tea lady if need be. UTA
tug509
says...
4:05pm Wed 13 Mar 13
tug509 wrote:Blast,cant count,mind you the way we are at the moment,we may need 12.
Hello Vegas,how about
Kuz
Greer
Dunk
Upson
Bridge(should be fit)
Bucks
Orlandi
Bridds
Hammond
David
Kaz
Leo
Subs: whoever `s left,including the tea lady if need be. UTA
bruce beckett
says...
4:08pm Wed 13 Mar 13
If Bridge is fit, I would go with this team, but start with Kaz and leave Buckers on the bench. We need Buckley so badly but he's been sadly out of form lately.
raymondo999
says...
4:09pm Wed 13 Mar 13
hannover seagull wrote:Took the words out of my mouth. Having watched football for 20 years suddenly watched wardy in 76/77 never seen anything like it. But he did it in the old 3rd division against big old slow defenders, was never quite the same when he came up against div 1and2defendrs who were quicker and stood off him. Vicente is a mighty talent who's done it at the top but sadly is now too injury/fitness/psych
Claude Back wrote:I agree
Alan G Skinner wrote:Didn't you ever see Peter Ward then?
Mark, in all liklehood and unlesswe get promoted and he doesn't get offers elsewhere, Vicente won't be with us next season and I say that with a heavy heart. While we have all been frustrated by his lack of availability, he is surely the finest footballer ever to where our colours. I have never seen another player who gets the crowds heart racing every time he got on the ball. I can only hope that Gus and Chairman Bloom can find another player to where his boots.
Much better than Vicente to watch. Hat-trick on his England Under 21 debut too.
Wardy was better and played nearly every game.
(Even cold days)
ologically unfit to perform regularly.
Far gull
says...
4:11pm Wed 13 Mar 13
tug509 wrote:Think a few old strikers need to pack their boots for Sunday. Wardy,Zamora ,Mellor ,Binny
Hello Vegas,how about
Kuz
Greer
Dunk
Upson
Bridge(should be fit)
Bucks
Orlandi
Bridds
Hammond
David
Kaz
Leo
Subs: whoever `s left,including the tea lady if need be. UTA
tug509
says...
4:18pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Far gull wrote:If only,what odds a new striker ahead of Sunday?. UTA
tug509 wrote:Think a few old strikers need to pack their boots for Sunday. Wardy,Zamora ,Mellor ,Binny
Hello Vegas,how about
Kuz
Greer
Dunk
Upson
Bridge(should be fit)
Bucks
Orlandi
Bridds
Hammond
David
Kaz
Leo
Subs: whoever `s left,including the tea lady if need be. UTA
fratsomrover
says...
4:22pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Kuz
Calderon/Lopez
Greer
Upson
Bridge/Calderon
Bridcutt
Buckley/Lopez
Hammond
Orlandi
Lua Lua
Ulloa
Subs
Vicente
Croft
JFC
Dicker
Barker
Dunk
StevieD
says...
4:52pm Wed 13 Mar 13
SMF20
says...
4:53pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Tom
David, Greer, Upson, Bridge
Bridcutt
Buckley, Vicente, Orlandi, Lua Lua
Ulloa.
Given that we really do need the 3 points on Sunday and that it really is time for everything in with no holding back, this would be my starting team to play Palace.
Don't worry.. I know it won't happen.
Uta
Claude Back
says...
4:59pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:WB or TK I hope will win POTS.
Claude Back wrote:I'm using 'best' as a synonym for most important, in which case, yes, I still think that. Who do YOU think will win player of the season?
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:Bridcutt is not our best payer!
cvs wrote:You play your BEST team! That includes our best player.
Admire Bridcutt but we won 3 in a row without him. Since then disaster. You don't change a winning team do you? Why not wait and continue with what's obviously working before changing the team round again.
I suppose you think the plodding and uncreative Scott Parker is Spurs best player too?
And that is the SECOND time in a few days when someone has challenged me with a ridiculous comparison (BB's OJ Simpson one was a classic). Spurs are a different team to us and have an embarrassment of attacking riches, specifically Bale, who are better players than their holding midfielder. We do not.
Bridcutt is a good player but not as wonderful as some people think.
Btw I was not making a comparison but an observation. People who like dull, prosaic things (like tacklers) usually think Parker is good too and then have the arrogance to say that detractors don't know anything about Foottball.
Just a matter of taste.I prefer the artist over the artisan. Chacun a son gout.
Claude Back
says...
5:00pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Major Bloodboil
says...
5:18pm Wed 13 Mar 13
om/watch?v=HFOrfVmpy
N0
It really cheered me up. If only we had someone now who could finish as Wardy used to!!
Hovite
says...
5:42pm Wed 13 Mar 13
tonytowner1
says...
8:22pm Wed 13 Mar 13
It feels like Gus lacks ability at the moment to give the team belief - certainly recent comments I have read do not inspire confidence or build a positive mindset but offer up excuses for failure
tonytowner1
says...
8:24pm Wed 13 Mar 13
Major Bloodboil wrote:A couple of matches ago people were talking about the current set of players being the best ever - whilst they could become that with the right mindset and confidence they are still some way off many of the teams from '78 - '83 for sure with Lawrenson, Gregory, Stevens, Foster, Robinson and absolutely of course our very own here, Wardy!!
Feeling very down like everyone else after the last three games and there is nothing more to add than has been said on here. However, Claude's comments about Peter Ward being better than Vicente made me have a look for a Wardy video. Try http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=HFOrfVmpy
N0
It really cheered me up. If only we had someone now who could finish as Wardy used to!!
Always worth watching a video or two from those days when feeling a little low on the footie front!!
VegasSeagull
says...
8:25pm Wed 13 Mar 13
If you are not fit you are not fit, I can't see hoe a few days extra training can make Vicente fit. Maybe Gus means, tired rather than not match fit.
Bridge appears to be injured, can't think he will recover by sunday. This is, I fear a genuine injury and not a niggle.
Witht he above in mind, how do you now see Gus fielding a team to beat Palace, and don't forget the bench.
Falmer Wizard
says...
7:07pm Thu 14 Mar 13

mark by the sea says...
9:39am Wed 13 Mar 13