Thoughts?

[ClarrieB]

Careful you'll be told to go and watch another team down the M69 with that sort of negative talk.

Hmmmm, could be an option - at least till Christmas when expect Thorn to be gone - Would actually prefer carsley - at least he has led a team to winning ways - obviously alongside rioch though.

Nah, maybe I'll just save me cash.

 

[CJparker]

Bruno looked handy - him and Edje look like real leaders, just the kind of players we need. As for Garner and the right back, they need a decade more in the youth team by the look of it. And if the German winger was playing for his contract, he might as well packs his bags now.

 

[ClarrieB]

Bruno looked handy - him and Edje look like real leaders, just the kind of players we need. As for Garner and the right back, they need a decade more in the youth team by the look of it. And if the German winger was playing for his contract, he might as well packs his bags now.

Maybe - but I wouldn't make either Captain - Personally - I probably think McSheff is the best shout for captaincy - maybe the repsponsibility would make him more consistent but at least he will want to do well for Cov - I don't think the new guys will take it as seriously.

Can they both speak good english - how was the on-field communication?

Thanks

 

[stupot07]

The results are not important no - but the questions as outlined by OldSkyBlue are fair questions to ask, I'll quote them here again for reference...with the answers I fear will be accurate

is there any discernible pattern in our play? No, none.
do we look compact and well organised? No.
what formations are we playing? Vague
are we moving the ball forward with any pace? Rarely
are we creating chances? Few
have we found a leader on the pitch yet? No
do the players look sharp and fit ? Not obvious, no real tempo

Someone who went to the game will hopefully give a more accurate reflection with there answers because these are good questions to ask.

But to be fair.

Murphy
Clarke
Christie
Cameron
Malaga
Wood
Kilbane
Thomas
Sheffers
Baker
Bell
Fleck
Elliot
and even ROD

Didn't play today - 8/9 of those will start against Yeovil

 

[ClarrieB]

But to be fair.

Murphy
Clarke
Christie
Cameron
Malaga
Wood
Kilbane
Thomas
Sheffers
Baker
Bell
Fleck
Elliot
and even ROD

Didn't play today - 8/9 of those will start against Yeovil

So maybe that means there was no leader but seriously - that's your answer to the other issues - they shouldn't be affected. It is feasible that at least half of the players out there will be playing regular first team football - they should know what they are doing - the question is - did they?

 

[skybluegod]

So maybe that means there was no leader but seriously - that's your answer to the other issues - they shouldn't be affected. It is feasible that at least half of the players out there will be playing regular first team football - they should know what they are doing - the question is - did they?

none of them were fit, the only first team member which was fit was hussey.

 

[torchomatic]

Well, if Thorn was to go then I'd hope for someone better than Carsley. Criticism directed at Thorn is his lack of experience in changing the course of a game and his inexperience of management. Who's to say that with Carsley the same thing wouldn't happen. I'd rather get someone who's done it all before rather than take yet another chance.

Hmmmm, could be an option - at least till Christmas when expect Thorn to be gone - Would actually prefer carsley - at least he has led a team to winning ways - obviously alongside rioch though.

Nah, maybe I'll just save me cash.

 

[stupot07]

So maybe that means there was no leader but seriously - that's your answer to the other issues - they shouldn't be affected. It is feasible that at least half of the players out there will be playing regular first team football - they should know what they are doing - the question is - did they?

But for Cody, Deegan, I assume the 2 trialists it was their first match of the season, and possibly ball and brown too do there's bound to be some rust.

 

[torchomatic]

And how many of Thorn's "first choices" actually played today? Not many, which is why today's result doesn't overly concern me.

none of them were fit, the only first team member which was fit was hussey.

 

[ClarrieB]

Well, if Thorn was to go then I'd hope for someone better than Carsley. Criticism directed at Thorn is his lack of experience in changing the course of a game and his inexperience of management. Who's to say that with Carsley the same thing wouldn't happen. I'd rather get someone who's done it all before rather than take yet another chance.

Not from me, I couldn't care less about his experience as long as a manager looks capable of getting result's - to me - our manager just doesn't look capable and never has.

I really do feel sorry for people who don't have the foresight to see where things are heading.

 

[ClarrieB]

And how many of Thorn's "first choices" actually played today? Not many, which is why today's result doesn't overly concern me.

Relegation didn't over concern you either though did it? Where do you think we are going to be at Christmas - 10th?...5th....1st

Seriously - we have no chance.

Becoming a manager isn't something that can just be bestowed upon any individual - management skills are learnt through both education and real world experience.

Would you entrust a rookie with a track record of 100% failure to lead your country? your Business? your Hospital Operation?

If you would then I've got a car I'd like to sell you - a real beauty.

 

[WestEndAgro]

The result should have been far worse, Nuneaton hit the bar twice, and missed other reasonable chances.
We were a very poor second best, Deegan, was particularly poor getting done for fun on a couple of occasions.
Agreed it wasn't our first choice 11, so difficult to read to much into the match, but it was a shocker from us.

 

[skybluegod]

Relegation didn't over concern you either though did it? Where do you think we are going to be at Christmas - 10th?...5th....1st

Seriously - we have no chance.

Becoming a manager isn't something that can just be bestowed upon any individual - management skills are learnt through both education and real world experience.

Would you entrust a rookie with a track record of 100% failure to lead your country? your Business? your Hospital Operation?

If you would then I've got a car I'd like to sell you - a real beauty.

Charlie your making these assumpitions by last years woeful squad, this year we have a new squad when fit could be good you can't say we havve no chance yet wait until we're 5 matches into the season then decide, how can you say thorn doesn't look like he can win matches when he's had no tools to it.

 

[ClarrieB]

The result should have been far worse, Nuneaton hit the bar twice, and missed other reasonable chances.
We were a very poor second best, Deegan, was particularly poor getting done for fun on a couple of occasions.
Agreed it wasn't our first choice 11, so difficult to read to much into the match, but it was a shocker from us.

what was the formation - I haven't found out?

 

[ClarrieB]

Charlie your making thi assumpitions by last years woeful squad, this year we have a new squad when fit could be good you can't say we havve no chance yet wait until we're 5 matches into the season then decide, how can you say thorn doesn't look like he can win matches when he's had no tools to it.

Last Years squad would batter this years squad if you ask me - gonna be a long season mate.

 

[skybluegod]

Last Years squad would batter this years squad if you ask me - gonna be a long season mate.

are you mad? only 3/4 players will be missed from last years squad keogh(replaced for the league we're in),craine(replaced),bigi,norwood

 

[Marty]

are you mad? only 3/4 players will be missed from last years squad keogh(replaced for the league we're in),craine(replaced),bigi,norwood

Who have Keogh and Craine been replaced by? Malaga and Edge haven't played a single second of English football yet so it's very hard to judge.

The person who said we had only 2 players fit or something. That can't be true can it?

We still have 4 games of pre-season left, I wouldn't expect us to be putting out a full team yet, I'm one of Thorn's biggest critics but I think we should just let him do his thing.

 

[TheRoyalScam]

It was a typically insipid pre-season kickabout from a city team playing an uninspiring 4-4-2. The only plusses for me were Brown and Edjenguele who both looked solid and comfortable on the ball, and the endeavour of Hussey - however it's a sad indictment when a left back is your most creative attacking threat.

The triallists were both ineffective, and if that was their attempt to secure contracts well, heaven help us. Deegan looked more like a pit pony than a pitbull, and the game seemed to pass Ball by.

As for the rest of the team, well they're either academy players or 'reserve team' standard at best, so no criticism from me there.

I just hope we were saving Fleck, Baker, Clarke, Thomas, Kilbane, McSheffrey and the rest who didn't play for the next friendly. It can't get worse than today's showing, surely?


ps Good to see Benno and Cyrille there - just wish they'd brought their boots.

 

[torchomatic]

Yet people already are and saying they are crap. And the season hasn't even started yet!

so it's very hard to judge.

 

[ClarrieB]

Yet people already are and saying they are crap. And the season hasn't even started yet!

Your point?

 

[skybluegod]

Who have Keogh and Craine been replaced by? Malaga and Edge haven't played a single second of English football yet so it's very hard to judge.

The person who said we had only 2 players fit or something. That can't be true can it?

We still have 4 games of pre-season left, I wouldn't expect us to be putting out a full team yet, I'm one of Thorn's biggest critics but I think we should just let him do his thing.

so what if they haven't played in england they still have played before and have looked ok so far

 

[stupot07]

so hwat if they haven't played in england they still have played before and have looked ok so far

But to be fair, apart from kilbane all the signings are unknown quantities, and only time will tell whether they were adequate replacements for the players that have left.

 

[Marty]

so hwat if they haven't played in england they still have played before and have looked ok so far

The English game is a lot faster, more physical and players are less protected by refs then on the continent, League one is going to be a huge culture change for anyone playing on the Continent (expect for maybe Germany). They may have looked ok in a pre season friendly against a Hinckley side who had what was it? only 4 players who had actually played a game for them before. A decent standard pub team would probably be able to win a game like that and look comfortable.

The huge concern for me is signing players who aren't decent standard hardened league one players. We need to get out of the blocks flying next season and I feel we're going to be out of the race before the seasons even began.

 

[Seamus1]

I appreciate it is only a pre season friendly, but I actually came away from the ground pretty angry.

I felt sorry for the trialists. In my opinion they should be judged on what they could offer in a more first team reminiscent situation, and if this was their D-Day then fairness should have seen them play with the first team. How can anyone really say if Bruno would struggle to hit a barn door from five paces when he was given no through balls from the midfield that consisted of Garner, who is nowhere near first team ready, and Deegan, the 'Pitbull'...I've seen more intimidating and controlled Labradoodles! Meanwhile, Jeffers (who I thought looked impressive against Hinckley...maybe that says it all) seemed more intent on tugging back their left back and being the frustrating player that he has always been

Riki did not have the best first 65 minutes, but when Hussey decides to carry the ball past you before sending over a cross that is too high and long for everyone, it does negate what you can do, and also being in such a weak midfield (which was all too often By-passed by Dunn hoofing it upfield), he did not have anyone to turn to who could have maybe offered him some advice and talked him through the match. I actually felt really sorry for him.

The most damning thing, and quite worrying concern for me, was what happened when we went 1-0 down. Off came Bruno, who did add some presence, and we reverted to 4-5-1....with Riki sometimes being the one to join up with Cody. Now, with those two having the average height that might come up to an Ewok's belly button, you might have thought it would be more prudent to play the ball to feet. Oh no, we kept on lumping it up high. Meanwhile, Thorn just sat, ignorant, on his seat.

In short,if the two trialists are to be judged fairly, then I would like to see them taking part in the next friendly with at least half of the missing first teamers. Maybe Riki, playing alongside Kilbane in one half, with Bruno being supplied by Sheff and Bell in another half.

Only my opinion, and have now donned my tin hat, in preparation for a flaming

 

[Nonleagueherewecome]

no thoughts because i havent seen any of the friendlies but some questions

1)is there any discernible pattern in our play?
2)do we look compact and well organised?
3)what formations are we playing?
4)are we moving the ball forward with any pace?
5)are we creating chances?
6)have we found a leader on the pitch yet?
7)do the players look sharp and fit ?

friendlies are not massively important in terms of results but by now we should have an idea on some of the above (even if it isnt the finished article or if we are playing the second string)

1) Other than "pass it around, knock it back, then hoof it", no!
2) No, we look loose and disorganised. Precious little closing down, no communication-like a team that hasn't played together, understandably, as that's what it was. But no, we were the opposite of compact and well organised!
3) Sort of a 442 first half with Ball the deeper of the two forwards. Then a 451 with the 1 Cody almost RW after Bruno went off (so, 4-5-1-0?!?): our response to going 1-0 down was to sub a forward for a defensive midfielder and play with no attack. Cheers for that, Andy!
4) Only when The Edge hoofs it into the stands every 5 minutes..so, no.
5) A few really good ones, but not as many as Nuneaton did. Good turn but poor finish by Bruno, and Ricky had 2 great chances he missed. But he did well to make the runs from deep into good positions-needs more composure though. Cody the sharpest forward by far, despite clearly lacking fitness. Hit the post after great individual work on the shoulder of the last defender (who made an error), I expect him to get goals galore-unless he gets exasperated with his team-mates ineptitude, which he visibly was today. Aside from Cody, Gareth Dean had his pipe on at the back. He'll face tougher tasks in BSP than today-sign him up, City, great prospect!
I'd say on gilt edged chances spurned, it should have been 5-2 'Boro.
6) No, but whoever is skipper wasn't playing today. It isn't The Edge!
7) No, not close to Nuneaton in fitness at any rate.

 

[Nonleagueherewecome]

Can't really comment on the pattern OSB as we did'nt really seem to have any longterm possession ,no real tempo to our play ,quite pedestrian really.I could'nt take much from the game ,Reece brown seemed OK and regards Bruno i think he could be useful ,did'nt get much service ,got through twice and has quick feet which enabled him to get a couple of shots in one which shaved the angle.Definately not as at it as they sounded at Hinkley and Borough were very comfortable and far more effective.

I think that that is the pattern.

Erm..(tentatively)...agreed? So I guess that makes it more than 99.9%..

 

[TheFACTs]

What was the point of today???

Possibly only 2 or 3 players that will be in out first team against Yeovil! Is Thorn also going to judge his two trialists on that game? Surely if you want to judge trialists, then you surround them with your best players and see how they respond, rather than surround them with youngsters and the likes of Deegan.

People are slagging off the Brazilian but how do you judge him when getting the service that he did??? Today was a complete waste of time for everybody. I wasted 2 hours of my life and 10 quid and was also surrounded by a bunch of chavs that weren't bothered about watching the game but wanted to chant shite little chavvy chants throughout the 2nd half!!

 

[Nonleagueherewecome]

Why is it that whenever someone mentions things Thorn is doing poorly they face an onslaught from various usual suspects yet whenever challenged to identify things Thorn has done well their is never any valid measuring stick to be found and these same usual suspects go all quiet - Just sayin

I get hammered for being a Thorn fan, but his performance today, as it was from all of his players aside from Cody and Hussey, was abject. I know he has a crap budget, but surely if he has signed these players, freebies or not, he has to take some of the responsibility when they are so shite? The Edge on a 3 year deal..Jesus Christ, no!!! I take back everything negative I've ever said about Richard Wood-if fit, he will be our best centre-back this season, and if we let him go, we are in deep doo-doo.

Ever heard about the concept of "diminished expectations?" Better forget that "we'll walk this league" hype round about now, I think. The last thing this group of players needs is expectation of success, it's going to be tough enough without that added pressure.

 

[Nonleagueherewecome]

Careful you'll be told to go and watch another team down the M69 with that sort of negative talk.

Or Newcastle..

 

[Nonleagueherewecome]

The results are not important no - but the questions as outlined by OldSkyBlue are fair questions to ask, I'll quote them here again for reference...with the answers I fear will be accurate

is there any discernible pattern in our play? No, none.
do we look compact and well organised? No.
what formations are we playing? Vague
are we moving the ball forward with any pace? Rarely
are we creating chances? Few
have we found a leader on the pitch yet? No
do the players look sharp and fit ? Not obvious, no real tempo

Someone who went to the game will hopefully give a more accurate reflection with there answers because these are good questions to ask.

Did you go? 'Cos that is pretty much spot-on..

 

[Nonleagueherewecome]

Bruno looked handy - him and Edje look like real leaders, just the kind of players we need. As for Garner and the right back, they need a decade more in the youth team by the look of it. And if the German winger was playing for his contract, he might as well packs his bags now.

Thought the RB was OK!

 

[Nonleagueherewecome]

Well, if Thorn was to go then I'd hope for someone better than Carsley. Criticism directed at Thorn is his lack of experience in changing the course of a game and his inexperience of management. Who's to say that with Carsley the same thing wouldn't happen. I'd rather get someone who's done it all before rather than take yet another chance.

Paul Tisdale, do it now, might as well.

 

[TheFACTs]

I get hammered for being a Thorn fan, but his performance today, as it was from all of his players aside from Cody and Hussey, was abject. I know he has a crap budget, but surely if he has signed these players, freebies or not, he has to take some of the responsibility when they are so shite? The Edge on a 3 year deal..Jesus Christ, no!!! I take back everything negative I've ever said about Richard Wood-if fit, he will be our best centre-back this season, and if we let him go, we are in deep doo-doo.

Ever heard about the concept of "diminished expectations?" Better forget that "we'll walk this league" hype round about now, I think. The last thing this group of players needs is expectation of success, it's going to be tough enough without that added pressure.

you really didn't go today did you if you thought The Edge was poor. Won every header, had great distribution and seemed one of the few that cared.

 

[dongonzalos]

Not looking good

exactly what i have always thought we need a striker and a creative midfielder and we should get in top six.

Without them who knows too many unknowns

 

[Nonleagueherewecome]

so what if they haven't played in england they still have played before and have looked ok so far

Hopefully Malaga will be better but The Edge looked clumsy, slow and was regularly caught out of position. Brown looked awful too, he misplaced several passes quite abysmally. I was saying to my mate "you really appreciate how good Keogh and Cranie were now, don't you?" as Nuneaton scored..and they should have had 5 by the end. It was shocking!