Relegation fodder (8 Viewers)

[Ring Of Steel]

It will be tomorrow and we certainly are.

For whatever reason you’ve become obsessed that armageddon is looking and even more over-the-top negative than usual. That’s your business but my god it must be horrible living like that where everything is an utter catastrophe.

It is not December, Sheffield Wednesday did not “play us off the park” (as the stats prove), and we are not in a relegation battle.

Frank Lampard has a lot of work to do and it will take a few games because we are horribly underperforming- instead of trying to get everyone whipped up into your way of thinking & projecting out 6 months, maybe see how things pan out & what happens in the transfer window.

 

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[TomRad85]

Scraped a point against shite. Winning a late penalty as dubious as that one against Notts County. Lost to an awful Derby and Sheffield Wednesday. No real leader, no solid keeper, piss poor defence who can’t stop leaking goals. Timid midfield, toothless attack, all fans have to rave about is a quick runner who goes over when the wind blows.

I can’t see why people are worried either.

I don't disagree with most of it but we're not toothless in attack really, we do score at an ok rate. The real issue is the other end.

 

[samccov1987]

I think we stay up but it won’t be pretty with this bunch of players.

I thought we’d see some reaction with the new boss in but it was flat. On paper the squad should suit 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 but we leak goals.

We lack experience and grit in defence and the engine room of midfield. I’m sure Frank has some guarantees of funds but January isn’t an easy time to buy experience; more likely to get some young loans to cover MVE and LB if we were to let Bidwell go.

It’s one game with the new boss and I think he’ll figure a way to get the points for safety but come the summer we really need to be clearing the ‘deck’.

Sheaf will go and probably Hadji and MVE. Bidwell, Wilson, Allen all out of contract. Then if Kitching and Ellis haven’t stepped up you have to wonder if they need releasing too.

This team might not go down but it ain’t going up.

 

[shmmeee]

The first minute we arguably should have scored. Then like clockwork our left side of the pitch goes missing, they get a corner from which a free header from 6 yards is scored despite us packing the box.

To their credit, they equalised very quickly but followed it up by what you describe. Still looked very brittle defensively in the first half too and the alarming thing is how much time and space we give up in midfield. You can see opposition players surprised at just how much they've got, in this league you normally have players constantly on top of you and you're struggling for time on the ball.

The second goal punished exactly that, you just can't allow someone so much time in a good shooting position.

There was one today where their left back just strolled down the pitch unchallenged. Teams walk through us with no challenge yet we can’t seem to progress the ball in thirty passes.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

What was an average MR performance is this season our best, what was a once in a season abhorrence is now the norm. It’s crazy to see.

I can’t help but feel even if Viveash was a lot of it, this group of players is the bulk of the problem. They’re uninterested, cowardly, lacking fight. Just the basics. Serious surgery is required and January isn’t the time for it. I really hope Lampard has some strings he can pull in January to get an experienced pro or quality loanee or two who can change the mentality of the group a bit.

That Stoke 0-4 put a rocket up the players' arses for the rest of the season. If it happens now they just shrug their shoulders and turn in the same shite next game.

The one silver lining is Lampard sees this in the first game and recognises the scale of the job he's got. You cannot trust these players-they got a club legend sacked and will torpedo his career too if he lets them.

 

[Rodders1]

Robins not been here for 3 weeks and now we’re apparently in a relegation battle. Afraid we were struggling with him guys. DK didn’t sack AV or DL.

FL been here for 2 days.

Calm down and let’s see how we’re playing post January. Yes we were shite today.

 

[TomRad85]

For whatever reason you’ve become obsessed that armageddon is looking and even more over-the-top negative than usual. That’s your business but my god it must be horrible living like that where everything is an utter catastrophe.

It is not December, Sheffield Wednesday did not “play us off the park” (as the stats prove), and we are not in a relegation battle.

Frank Lampard has a lot of work to do and it will take a few games because we are horribly underperforming- instead of trying to get everyone whipped up into your way of thinking & projecting out 6 months, maybe see how things pan out & what happens in the transfer window.

I actually think we'll be ok too although it is a depressing watch at times. Feel like maybe we'll see up to 3 new faces in the window, Wright to come back too.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

For whatever reason you’ve become obsessed that armageddon is looking and even more over-the-top negative than usual. That’s your business but my god it must be horrible living like that where everything is an utter catastrophe.

It is not December, Sheffield Wednesday did not “play us off the park” (as the stats prove), and we are not in a relegation battle.

Frank Lampard has a lot of work to do and it will take a few games because we are horribly underperforming- instead of trying to get everyone whipped up into your way of thinking & projecting out 6 months, maybe see how things pan out & what happens in the transfer window.

Yeah you can get in the bin buddy

 

[Otis]

Not worried about relegation at all personally

Yeah, same. I don't think we will be anywhere near relegation.

Do need a bit of astute dealing in January though.

 

[Tommo1993]

I don't disagree with most of it but we're not toothless in attack really, we do score at an ok rate. The real issue is the other end.

Toothless may not be the right word - I couldn’t think of better. In the first half I think the ball was with Sheaf at about 25 yards in space - one of the worst shooters ever, granted, but have a go. Nope. Pass. There were two more chances from that first pass. Still no shot. We are far too forgiving. The killer instinct of a basket of newly born kittens with a winning pools coupon.

 

[Earlsdon_Skyblue1]

Are we?

We're almost halfway through the season. Lost too and not beaten some utter shite

Players look not arsed

No change in urgency of them from Robins, to Carr, to today with Lampard

None of them have taken the bull by the horns, not one of them has tried to gee up the others, not one of them has raised their game, not one of them has ran themselves into the ground to show they're worth the shirt


Today was the first time I felt concerned about the R Word


This is more than a management issue

This is £45 million pissed away on not to the level players

I wouldn't like to look over my shoulder just yet, but there are some genuine concerns.

I've maintained that the problem is the players. Not necessarily their ability, but their application. There were many on here that had a go at me for that, but we're not seeing any change in fight.

I really think we should be brave in January and twist. Ship out some of these underperforming so called 'bigger players', and replace them the best we can. I'm not thinking about a relgation battle just yet, but if we are by January then I definitely think we should take the above action.

 

[TomRad85]

Toothless may not be the right word - I couldn’t think of better. In the first half I think the ball was with Sheaf at about 25 yards in space - one of the worst shooters ever, granted, but have a go. Nope. Pass. There were two more chances from that first pass. Still no shot. We are far too forgiving. The killer instinct of a basket of newly born kittens with a winning pools coupon.

Well the finishing of both Sheaf and Eccles has long pissed me off, I don't even like playing both of them and I'd probably give Eccles the edge atm.
Get Torp in!

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

A telling game will be Boxing Day against Plymouth, who get twatted by virtually everyone on their travels. Fail to perform against even them...

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

The first minute we arguably should have scored. Then like clockwork our left side of the pitch goes missing, they get a corner from which a free header from 6 yards is scored despite us packing the box.

To their credit, they equalised very quickly but followed it up by what you describe. Still looked very brittle defensively in the first half too and the alarming thing is how much time and space we give up in midfield. You can see opposition players surprised at just how much they've got, in this league you normally have players constantly on top of you and you're struggling for time on the ball.

The second goal punished exactly that, you just can't allow someone so much time in a good shooting position.

We’ve conceded a few long range goals this season iirc?

We’re just so soft it’s unbelievable. It’s a massive red flag that Binks has only kept 3 clean sheets in his 38 appearances. Likewise with JDS, I can’t imagine we’ve kept clean sheets in many games he’s started either.

Context is everything, the volume of chances we create isn’t bad if we didn’t concede as many goals. It’s just that we’ve conceded 2 or more goals in 10 games out of 18 and kept 2 clean sheets. It isn’t sustainable and is by far are biggest issue as a team at the minute.

We need to identify and sign an experienced CB to really galvanise the group. In fact, it’s a good time to strengthen the full backs too because MVE is sometimes playing like he has no competition for his spot.

 

[Ring Of Steel]

I actually think we'll be ok too although it is a depressing watch at times. Feel like maybe we'll see up to 3 new faces in the window, Wright to come back too.

Yeah this is about where I am. It’s garbage and we miss Wright badly, but we won’t go down.

 

[Otis]

Been poor all season. But so have all of them. To lose probably your most valuable player (MvE) your captain (Sheaf) and your joint top scorer (Simms) to poor form really is something.

Yeah, said the same.

These are not bad players. They are good players playing poorly.

It's baffling.

It really does come across a bit like they can't be arsed.

Very odd.

 

[TomRad85]

Yeah this is about where I am. It’s garbage and we miss Wright badly, but we won’t go down.

There's some really bad teams in the league, admittedly we've already fucked it against a few of those really bad teams
But yeh Wright is a real asset and it's virtually impossible we bring no one in during the window. Pretty sure Lampard will have a couple lined up already if he's honest.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

We’ve conceded a few long range goals this season iirc?

We’re just so soft it’s unbelievable. It’s a massive red flag that Binks has only kept 3 clean sheets in his 38 appearances. Likewise with JDS, I can’t imagine we’ve kept clean sheets in many games he’s started either.

Context is everything, the volume of chances we create isn’t bad if we didn’t concede as many goals. It’s just that we’ve conceded 2 or more goals in 10 games out of 18 and kept 2 clean sheets. It isn’t sustainable and is by far are biggest issue as a team at the minute.

We need to identify and sign an experienced CB to really galvanise the group. In fact, it’s a good time to strengthen the full backs too because MVE is sometimes playing like he has no competition for his spot.

It's one thing for Brad Collins to spill and parry virtually everything, but he parries it back towards the centre instead of away from goal. No doubt another Aled Williams masterstroke as he surely wasn't guilty of this at Barnsley.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Yeah, said the same.

These are not bad players. They are good players playing poorly.

It's baffling.

It really does come across a bit like they can't be arsed.

Very odd.

I think they’ve been coached badly in the last 5-6 months which is why I’m open minded to the idea that we’ve made the right decision in sacking Robins.

It doesn’t help that they’re low on confidence and all that but there’s a big piece of work for the coaching staff and glad FL pointed it out in his press conference.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

I wouldn't like to look over my shoulder just yet, but there are some genuine concerns.

I've maintained that the problem is the players. Not necessarily their ability, but their application. There were many on here that had a go at me for that, but we're not seeing any change in fight.

I really think we should be brave in January and twist. Ship out some of these underperforming so called 'bigger players', and replace them the best we can. I'm not thinking about a relgation battle just yet, but if we are by January then I definitely think we should take the above action.

I haven't seen a player less suited to captaincy than Ben Sheaf in a very long time.

 

[Otis]

I think they’ve been coached badly in the last 5-6 months which is why I’m open minded to the idea that we’ve made the right decision in sacking Robins.

It doesn’t help that they’re low on confidence and all that but there’s a big piece of work for the coaching staff and glad FL pointed it out in his press conference.

Well, okay, but that's 4 games now without Robins.

Wouldn't something have surely changed?

Sheaf was looking one of the best midfielders in the Championship not so long back.

 

[Otis]

I haven't seen a player less suited to captaincy than Ben Sheaf in a very long time.

Yeah, not so sure on the no-one less suited, but he doesn't scream captain at any point really does he.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Yeah, not so sure on the no-one less suited, but he doesn't scream captain at any point really does he.

Just from a CCFC perspective. For years it was Liam Kelly and when he wasn't fit or was out of the team, McFadzean. Both vocal, both lead by example and galvanise players around them. Sheaf isn't vocal, and his performances have been very poor.

Maybe it would be better for him to lose some of that responsibility.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Well, okay, but that's 4 games now without Robins.

Wouldn't something have surely changed?

Sheaf was looking one of the best midfielders in the Championship not so long back.

Well, no because the coaches before FL came in were Robins hires. We didn’t approach the game differently to MR would have - for better or worse.

With FL, he’s got to get his tactics across and coach whatever areas are needed in his view to get results now. This game might be a let off because he had 1.5-2 days with them.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Yeah, not so sure on the no-one less suited, but he doesn't scream captain at any point really does he.

He’s not fit and is taking injections iirc. Which is probably because we don’t have any midfielders to come into the match day squad.

Not signing a single CM was a bad decision this summer.

 

[Evo1883]

We won't go down ffs

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

We won't go down ffs

What is this based on?

 

[Otis]

He’s not fit and is taking injections iirc. Which is probably because we don’t have any midfielders to come into the match day squad.

Not signing a single CM was a bad decision this summer.

It was. I think we tried, but we should have had contingencies in place and made sure that if we didn't get our first choice, we got our second choice, and if not our second choice etc. etc.

 

[skybluecam]

Another what the fuck?! Moment from yourself

If you think we’re relegation “fodder” you can get 22/1 on us going down with Sky bet. There’ll be better odds out there too.

All you drama queens put your money where your mouth is, lump on or shut up.

 

[Evo1883]

What is this based on?

Il tell you what as I've seen you consistently say this , il bet you 300 pound to any charity of your choice that we do not go down

 

[clint van damme]

Lampard has came in talking about exciting, attacking football, but his first task needs to be to sort us out defensively
The fact we are shipping 2 goals per game is a fucking massive issue, while obviously nothing to do with him he's at the helm now and that is clearly the biggest job he's got on his hands

 

[Flying Fokker]

I think if we stay up it’ll be because there is too much rubbish below us keeping us afloat. We’re an awful team with an awful mentality.

If we do manage to end up going down then that clown King needs to hounded out of the club. We’re going so far backwards under him it’s unbelievable.

Backwards is SISU.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

It was. I think we tried, but we should have had contingencies in place and made sure that if we didn't get our first choice, we got our second choice, and if not our second choice etc. etc.

By all accounts a loan was going to come in for that position, and in some ironic twist got injured himself.

 

[clint van damme]

If you think we’re relegation “fodder” you can get 22/1 on us going down with Sky bet. There’ll be better odds out there too.

All you drama queens put your money where your mouth is, lump on or shut up.

You've been one of the biggest drama queens on here for months!

 

[Otis]

Il tell you what as I've seen you consistently say this , il bet you 300 pound to any charity of your choice that we do not go down

We won't go down.

The only way we will go down is if Lampard, himself, proves to be an awful manager