Just back.

Another pretty dismal home game that followed the pattern of many others this season in that we created very little and what we did create was mostly fruitless, apart from the one bit of composure in the 90 minutes when Orsi finished off his chance brilliantly to show that he really does know how to take oppotunities. I suspect that the reason he doesn't get many chances is that he doesn't offer the other things PH likes. He's not going to win many headers or chase and harry defenders; that's not his game. But he's pretty cool in front of goal.

The difference today and the reason we won instead of drawing is because Barrow didn't take their chances like many other teams have at BP this season, so one goal was enough for us for once.

So, all in all, it was like many other games at BP, with a ref who made some baffling decisions and a Town team who struggle to flow.

And it was fecking freezing in the Upper.

I’d never seen us lose possession as often as we did on Saturday but the first half, in particular, was anti football.

We could and maybe should have been 4-0 down by the time we scored and for that single reason Max was my MoM.

Nice to win a game we probably should have lost. 2 massive chances for them after half time. 1 of them goes in and there’s no chance we win that. Cool finish from Orsi

A win that gives us an excellent chance of our highest finish in 17 years. 17, mostly awful years.

This comes 9 days short of 2 years since we were relegated out of the football league for second time. This season has been far from perfect, but you cannot argue that we are not progressing on and off the pitch.

Anyone care to allude to what the cringeworthy light show was all about

Quoted from ginnywings

Another pretty dismal home game that followed the pattern of many others this season in that we created very little and what we did create was mostly fruitless, apart from the one bit of composure in the 90 minutes when Orsi finished off his chance brilliantly to show that he really does know how to take oppotunities. I suspect that the reason he doesn't get many chances is that he doesn't offer the other things PH likes. He's not going to win many headers or chase and harry defenders; that's not his game. But he's pretty cool in front of goal.

The difference today and the reason we won instead of drawing is because Barrow didn't take their chances like many other teams have at BP this season, so one goal was enough for us for once.

So, all in all, it was like many other games at BP, with a ref who made some baffling decisions and a Town team who struggle to flow.

And it was fecking freezing in the Upper.

Great save from Max when it was 0-0, and we got lucky with the header hitting the bar, but the conditions were awful - the wind caused havoc.

If we have a plan I don’t know what is .Maximising playing time for those who won’t be here next season and giving non to some of those who will eg Hunt seems odd unless we are resting players for next season. Providing entertainment for fans doesn’t seem to be part of the plan.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Anyone care to allude to what the cringeworthy light show was all about

Bored kids finding their own entertainment.

Quoted from Poojah

A win that gives us an excellent chance of our highest finish in 17 years. 17, mostly awful years.

This comes 9 days short of 2 years since we were relegated out of the football league for second time. This season has been far from perfect, but you cannot argue that we are not progressing on and off the pitch.

Double negatives usually belie a certain lack of confidence in a statement .

We have taken 4 points off two play off hopefuls and I’d say the was decent in terms of results if not nearly total football (look it up kids).
Think we’ll end up on 60 points so a lot of progress all over. The task now is to build and make us a t least a play off side if not more. That’s going to be immensely tough though so be patient.

A game pretty much ruined by the wind. We tried to manage it in our faces 1st half and could still have gone in 1-0 had it not been for a great save to deny khan by the keepers foot. Crocombe and some stubborn defending kept it 0-0 at half time. Khouri was my mom 1st half.

2nd half, despite kicking into the wind, Barrow came at us and on another day we could have been 1 or 2 down. thankfully weathered the storm and with the only real moment of quality, Orsi sits down the defender, shifts the ball right before a composed finish with a much needed win.

Overall not a classic, the wind contributing to that, but a home victory against a handy team that had an outside chance of the play offs and we go top half with 7 points from 9, 5th home win of season and a promising display by Khouri.

Hope we stay unbeaten in last 4 and finish with a strong league position to help attract better players in the summer.

Utm

I’ll take that all day long a win is a win. #pointswinprizes

Only watched it online cos i'm stuck away for work this week but I thought we generally controlled that match. Yeah Barrow had a couple of chances, primarily from set pieces, but we finished with over 60% possession and had a number of very good opportunities to score earlier in the game but for poor decision making. Really thought Khan should have put us 1-0 up when their defender fell on his bottom and left him with a 1 on 1. Khouri looked great and Orsi took his chance superbly. I do want to see Hunt featuring heavily in the last few games of the season though - I know Hurst worries too much about his height (in tonight's interview post match with JT he brought up the height of the starting line-up unprompted), but he's our best passer and is under contract for two more years - I really think he can develop into a key player in that time!

The goal was worth the entrance fee.
Fukin freezing.

Quoted from HerveJosse

Double negatives usually belie a certain lack of confidence in a statement .

Not in this case. I’m very confident, and why wouldn’t I be?

Since 2006, the highest we have finished is 14th in League Two. That was the 2016/17 season, the season after we were promoted previously, under Paul Hurst no less.

Technically, we completed that season under the stewardship of Russell Slade, but were earlier led by Marcus Bignot and before that, Paul Hurst. As of Hurst’s last game in the dugout that season, we were 6th.

His record stands. In his time here, he’s delivered 2 more promotions than any manager since 1998. That’s 25 years. Twist it if you want to, he’s at least our second best manager since the early 80s and he’s here largely on the basis of our incumbent owners.

The positives from tonight apart from the three points was Khouri first half looks like a good prospect, thought Crocombe had a better game tonight and the finish from Orsi...

Difficult conditions....but still a  slow start not helped by a bright opposition and a very narrow formation.
Took 20 odd mins to settle into but thought we grew into the game and took control towards half time.
Second half back to square one and struggled to get going, lots of pressure, saves, woodwork to the rescue and started to think this could be our night.
Khan through on goal but smothered and I thought that was our chance gone but Orsi and Holohan on pepped us up.
Orsi is a very intelligent player, aware of what's around him, decent touch and rarely overplays it. Couple of nice simple lay offs, decent runs and a very composed finish under pressure.
Makes a difference when he plays.

It is strange as I think we would all have taken 6 defeats from 21 home games but it is has been very hard work watching the majority of the matches in a Baltic Blundell park.

Fair play to Orsi and Gav did well when he came on.

Surely gotta give Hunt and Orsi a proper run in these last few.
Orsi does seem to make things happen. That Salford game he started we scored from his quick thinking.
Difficult to understand how he has been overlooked on occasions especially when the young loan players have featured.

Nice to get a lucky win for a change instead of suffering an unlucky defeat/draw at home.
Thought khori played some good forward passes but did give away the ball a number of times when playing what should have been simple balls wide. Perhaps it was nerves because he did better doing some of the more difficult stuff.
Couple of good saves from max too.

Thought Gav made a telling and decisive difference.

I see khan as abit like andy parkinson. lots of endeavour but not always happen ing for him

Orsi and Gav deserve a pat on the back, especially Gav. Worked hard and changed the game.
It's a funny old game. If you forget how we've performed and just look at the table and our cup exploits you'd have to say it's been a satisfying 1st season back in the FL.

Quoted from chaos33

Thought Gav made a telling and decisive difference.

I’ve been critical of Holohan but I’d have to agree with you here. Was more like himself.

I must be alone in thinking that the 2nd half was enjoyable ,and decent offensively, from town. 3/4 subs improved us and we were generally quicker in thought and deed.
Was pleased with khouri performance, although think him n gave would be a better option than him n the very limited green.gav would also help guide him through it. Orsi showed what he needs, playing off someone and having someone deliver the ball to feet. I really think that if ph gets those 2 elements right he will flourish.
He showed in that luton game that he dies have the ability

flipping Hurst, subs are always excrement and never at the right time 🙄

Quoted from HerveJosse

Double negatives usually belie a certain lack of confidence in a statement .

In this case the stats don’t lie though.

The more I think about the season, the more happier I get now we have distanced ourselves from the relegation fight. I come on after a match and berate the team if they have played utter drivel - some times this season has been the case. But if we manage to get a top half finish and add to that our cup run.. We would of taken that at the start of the season, constant improvement I would settle for here, we have been disgraced over the past 15 seasons with some of the players pulling on the shirt but if Jason sticks to his word then we will be up there next year.

I thought Green had a reasonable game. Won no end of headers in the second half and used the ball better than in the first as well.

Khouri did OK in general for an inexperienced player. Got stuck in to win the ball and a nice touch to set up a blocked shot in the first half. Some of his passing was a bit dodgy, but the same could be said for the rest of the team! Nowhere near man of the match, however.

Crocombe probably won that for me with a couple of important saves when we wavered defensively. It was a decent performance by the defence, considering that we were giving away a couple of inches to most of their players at set pieces. We had Harry and Khouri trying to mark players who were about 6 inches taller than them from some corners!

We're in League 2. Not many teams with three ball players in the middle of the park and at times when Green hasn't played we've bemoaned the lack of physicality. I think there is a place for him but we've not quite found the right combination in midfield this season - with or without him.

Green clear mom for me. Won his battles , passing ok and a better footballer than many he give him credit for.
Khan works hard even when things are not running well and I like him. Subs did well. Emmanuel I am not sure about. Looks very able and I expect a bit more from him. I like Smith and I wonder if he could be signed, there is a huge gulf to the championship. I watched Hull play Burnley and there is a chasm in standard. Crocombe much better last night I thought , I think he had been poor since Xmas but full credit last night he played very well. MacAtee was off the pace again and perhaps his mind is elsewhere. He had been great and so no complaints. I am lost as to why Hurst plays him in this forward role. He does not head the ball or hold it up and so I am lost. As a link up player he is great. Great to win but a hard watch yet again utm

Crocombe Kouri Orsi  Glennon Amos Khan   -   good games     Emmanuel and Clifton -  poor games -  the rest -  so so

Thought we pretty much controlled the game against a decentish Barrow side. Very surprised how they started, compact and didn't want to come out of their shape - zero pressing in the first half. Hence the amount of time our defence had it. Made it even more difficult for us to get through or around them and we looked best when on the rare occasions they had a go first half.

Second half better as they seemed to change and be a little more adventurous - obviously classic away game tactic 'stay in it til half time'.

Not great football by any stretch but is it a little optimistic to be expecting that sometimes. I get its been a difficult watch sometimes at home, but has L2 football ever been total football? Tough conditions, tough side that are clearly no mugs and our lads have been Sat/Tuesday since January. All going to take their toll.

Been said earlier in the season we struggle against teams that aren't more open, confident we'd have lost that game 3/4 months ago.

Hurst subs helped to change the game - shock!

Overall this is turning out to be a much better season than expected. FA Cup 1/4 final, into the top half and in the mix for anything up to 9th with some teams in and around us left to play. Would have snapped your hand of in July for that.

Definitely work in progress, but first season back in the EFL this is quite a base to set to build from in season 2.

Khouri deserves a special mention, looked very assured.

We miss a big target man the likes of the lump, Cook, Bogel etc on last night's performance.although he had a decent game Lloyd was hammered by their big defenders, we need strength up front

Quoted from forza ivano

I must be alone in thinking that the 2nd half was enjoyable ,and decent offensively, from town. 3/4 subs improved us and we were generally quicker in thought and deed.
Was pleased with khouri performance, although think him n gave would be a better option than him n the very limited green.gav would also help guide him through it. Orsi showed what he needs, playing off someone and having someone deliver the ball to feet. I really think that if ph gets those 2 elements right he will flourish.
He showed in that luton game that he dies have the ability

Not alone.  I enjoyed it as a spectacle.  At times I thought both sides knocked it about fairly well considering the conditions but largely it was enjoyable despite the lack of quality.  Perhaps a bit of a kick-and-rush game which felt like a throwback in some ways.

Khouri was outstanding in the middle first half.  Wasn't just his desire to get stuck in and mix it up but the way he gets it out his feet straight away and moves it with pace, that's something only Hunt is capable of in our team.  I've said it before but I really do think this lad has a big, big future.  

Don't think anyone else was either outstanding or poor.  Crocombe made some very smart stops, one in particular with his feet and his distribution was much better tonight (early shank out of play aside).  Delighted that Orsi took his chance and you could see what it meant to him.  

Winning games is always the priority but eyes should be well locked onto next season.  Orsi, Hunt and Khouri to start the remaining games for me.  We've got to see what they can do on a consistent basis.  We know what everyone else can do and they've all had decent runs in the side to do so.

The second half was much better than the first and the subs worked. I thought Orsi look calm and collective and scored a very goal. Khouri played really well considering this was one of the few starts he's had and certainly one for the future.

On the negative side, McAtee is no longer at his best and, by his own standards, I thought Emmanuel was poor. Not that he was bad but he set a high standard which didn't seem to be there last night.

Overall it was not a good game to watch, but we won. Joint 11th in the league with only 4 games left to play is not a bad spot to be in. I think everybody would have been happy with that last July when the season started.

Quoted from Garth

We miss a big target man the likes of the lump, Cook, Bogel etc on last night's performance.although he had a decent game Lloyd was hammered by their big defenders, we need strength up front

Harry Smith got another goal for Barnet in the NL last night. 9 in 12 for him since going on loan from Leyton Orient, where he’s unwanted and out of contract in the summer.

15 goals in League Two last season and 6ft 5” - has to be on the summer hit list.

Quoted from Poojah

Harry Smith got another goal for Barnet in the NL last night. 9 in 12 for him since going on loan from Leyton Orient, where he’s unwanted and out of contract in the summer.

15 goals in League Two last season and 6ft 5” - has to be on the summer hit list.

If you don't ask, you don't get, but other than a year at Macclesfield and six months in Scotland, he's been based down south. I think he will end up at Wimbledon, Gillingham, Sutton or Stevenage, if they bottle promotion.

Quoted from golfer

Crocombe Kouri Orsi  Glennon Amos Khan   -   good games     Emmanuel and Clifton -  poor games -  the rest -  so so

Bit generous on Mcatee. Noticeably given up on the pressing and harrying and offering little effective on the creative front .

Quoted from jamesgtfc

If you don't ask, you don't get, but other than a year at Macclesfield and six months in Scotland, he's been based down south. I think he will end up at Wimbledon, Gillingham, Sutton or Stevenage, if they bottle promotion.

He had a brief spell at Motherwell, too, but your point is valid and one that did occur to me. I just hope we can be bolder this summer; we have the biggest budget we’ll have had for many years off the back of our highest finish in nearly two decades (all being well).

We are no longer the bottom-feeding, non-league yo-yo club we once were. We need to make that clear to prospects in both words and actions.

Quoted from Poojah

Harry Smith got another goal for Barnet in the NL last night. 9 in 12 for him since going on loan from Leyton Orient, where he’s unwanted and out of contract in the summer.

15 goals in League Two last season and 6ft 5” - has to be on the summer hit list.

Two or three things in his Wiki profile suggest there is no way he is moving to Cleethorpes

I'd say that he's moved north twice and then right out west (Exeter) from southern clubs, be it permanent or on loan, suggests he's prepared to move for his football.

Quoted from HerveJosse

Two or three things in his Wiki profile suggest there is no way he is moving to Cleethorpes

He’s a southern lad who’s played a lot of his football darn sarf, I hear ya. What else am I missing?

What’s the story with Smith, @pontoonlew?

Suggestion we were close but surely couldn’t have been that close if he ended up at Exeter?

Been reading to the Orient forum recently (again, apologies to my employer) and they seem to think he has a bad attitude and doesn’t really want to do the donkey work, stormed off down the tunnel before and other bits. Like has been said, would be almost tailor-made for what we need.

With McAtee going, I think we can accommodate a bit of a rogue. Whilst Hurst builds hard working teams, he has often taken a punt on a player who isn't quite like the rest of the group: McAtee, Neilson, Vose, Cook. Some have worked, some haven't.

I don't think Smith will come here, but we definitely need a focal point up front in that mould.

I've missed a few games of late for one reason or another and, what struck me last night, was that it seemed to be a relatively open game in comparison to the usual fare. They didn't put the press on us as most teams do these days and I think the fact we had a back 4 instead of a back three meant that midfield wasn't quite as congested as usual. I quite enjoyed it, truth be told.

Not a huge amount of quality on show, but some decent spells for both teams in difficult conditions. The victory an obvious bonus!

I'm still far from convinced by Orsi when he starts, but he did take his goal very well last night. Worth continuing with him and Lloyd for a game or two, especially as McAtee looks to have run his race this season.

Quoted from Poojah

He’s a southern lad who’s played a lot of his football darn sarf, I hear ya. What else am I missing?

His wiki profile suggests he left Exeter early because he couldn’t settle in Devon , that was only last year. Prior to that reported to have had mental health and gambling problems. He is from Chatham so with a wealth of clubs to chose from in the South East and Gillingham on his doorstep I think for us it a longshot.

Quoted from HerveJosse

His wiki profile suggests he left Exeter early because he couldn’t settle in Devon , that was only last year.

I’m no Geographist, but I think Cleethorpes is a reasonable way from Devon.

Quoted from HerveJosse

Prior to that reported to have had mental health and gambling problems.

Christ, who doesn’t have mental health problems these days? That said, I had forgotten Meggies’ moniker of “The Las Vegas of the East Coast” and that Spurn Point has recently been twinned with Macau.

Quoted from HerveJosse

He is from Chatham so with a wealth of clubs to chose from in the South East and Gillingham on his doorstep I think for us it a longshot.

Quite possibly. Geography rarely works in our favour, as we well know. But since it seems Scunny have already got their feet under the table at Ilkeston, it seems we ain’t moving any time soon. What we do have, I believe, is a club on the up, managed by a good manager and run by good, forward thinking people, with a budget that should genuinely, for once, be competitive. It’s about time we fúcking sold ourselves.

Quoted from Poojah

I’m no Geographist, but I think Cleethorpes is a reasonable way from Devon.


Christ, who doesn’t have mental health problems these days? That said, I had forgotten Meggies’ moniker of “The Las Vegas of the East Coast” and that Spurn Point has recently been twinned with Macau.


Quite possibly. Geography rarely works in our favour, as we well know. But since it seems Scunny have already got their feet under the table at Ilkeston, it seems we ain’t moving any time soon. What we do have, I believe, is a club on the up, managed by a good manager and run by good, forward thinking people, with a budget that should genuinely, for once, be competitive. It’s about time we fúcking sold ourselves.

And I thought you were a sensible poster

Quoted from HerveJosse

And I thought you were a sensible poster

I’m not sure why you thought that, but putting that to one side, which part of my post did you not find sensible?

Why was Farman going back to the docks to take a run up for his kicks btw? was funny though.

I thought that once again we struggled to break down a team set up to defend (odd choices by Barra as they are chasing the playoffs, top scorer on the bench and a 4-5-1 formation with solid defensive banks? would have thought they'd be going for it from the start) and eventually the penny dropped that we needed to play through them and commit defenders to get anywhere, then we looked better.  We definitely look better when games are at a higher tempo but I guess they are all too knackered to do that all game at this stage.  

It was frustrating to watch Khan get 1-1 twice and fail to score both times, really starting to wonder why the one player with any composure in front of goal (Orsi) doesn't get played more when often all we've needed is someone with composure in the box.  Seeing as he's here next season and McAtee isn't would be good to see some starts for Orsi in the last few games and see if he can be consistent.

Thought Khouri did well, a couple of stray passes from him but then everyone else in a town shirt was guilty of that too.  Energetic, combative, good technical ability, he could definitely make it at this level long term.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Anyone care to allude to what the cringeworthy light show was all about

Genuinely no pun intended but people need to lighten up. I had some old git sat behind me in the upper effing n jeffing about it, there really is no need. i didn't take part but im not knocking anyone who did,  if you don't like then don't do it. it was merely kids trying to enjoy what was(apart from the result) quite a miserable night and like it or not, they are the future fan base.

Quoted from Poojah

I’m not sure why you thought that, but putting that to one side, which part of my post did you not find sensible?

I am sure you can work it out for yourself

Quoted from HerveJosse

I am sure you can work it out for yourself

Mate, play stupid games, win stupid prizes. I was just thinking to myself only yesterday, that you actually make some decent points from time-to-time. This was the one that triggered that particular thought; you said:

Quoted Text

Already behind the curve many clubs have had season tickets on sale for weeks now. Shortly after the cup run ended would have been the time to do it. Still struggling to see what all these back office additions are bringing to the party.
Look at Lincoln  website as an example how to do it already in 2nd Purchase window and various packages adding shirts and other etc to season tickets

I think that’s an absolutely reasonable and valid perspective. We have, for years, been slow and uninventive with our season ticket offering, and whilst it’s not necessarily the fault of our current custodians, it’s something that remains unsolved.

But…but, the validity of your better and more reasonable posts is often lost in the constant negativity and apparent agenda against the ‘new’ owners that you bring to the table. I don’t see balance.

After the 20 years we were served under Fenty it’s absolutely imperative that the club’s owners are held to account, but I see little to no positive comment from you on all of the good that has been done during the last two years (and if I have that meaningfully wrong, then I hereby advance you my apology). I don’t get it.

In this instance, you’re seemingly clamouring for any reason you can find to think a potential target wouldn’t come here. He didn’t like Devon? He has gambling problems? Seriously, what does that have to do with anything? Why so unnecessarily negative?

Your last point about his southern base is absolutely reasonable, but again rather just gets lost in the sillyness which came before it.

What’s the problem?

Been an exhausting season in many ways,for the fans as much as the team it feels at times, so many players not performing then performing/team shapes working/not working depending on the team members who are currently performing...I've found myself summing up the latest game by comparing it to the previous.
Last nights first half was very poor (again) but not as bad as Saturdays first half, while last nights second half was much better than the first half but not anywhere near as good as Saturdays.
So inconsistent is the quality of the football I often wonder what it is they do in training all week.

Quoted from Poojah

Harry Smith got another goal for Barnet in the NL last night. 9 in 12 for him since going on loan from Leyton Orient, where he’s unwanted and out of contract in the summer.

15 goals in League Two last season and 6ft 5” - has to be on the summer hit list.

With the O's now promoted to League 1, he won't be getting kept on there, so if we want him, we will have to get in early and make him an offer that at least makes him give it serious consideration. Maybe we already have, as I think he was one of those on the wanted list with us previously.

Quoted from HatTrickHero

Been an exhausting season in many ways,for the fans as much as the team it feels at times, so many players not performing then performing/team shapes working/not working depending on the team members who are currently performing...I've found myself summing up the latest game by comparing it to the previous.
Last nights first half was very poor (again) but not as bad as Saturdays first half, while last nights second half was much better than the first half but not anywhere near as good as Saturdays.
So inconsistent is the quality of the football I often wonder what it is they do in training all week.

Think PH has form for this though doesn't he?

Plenty of people moan about him and his team / tactics / substitutions, but when you look at the big picture, he is quietly and confidently making us better, and achieving stuff that many other managers fail at doing, and the critics have to eat their words.

15 months ago, fans were screaming for his head, and then we get promoted, reach the FA Cup quarter finals, and now find ourselves in the top half of League 2, whilst not so long ago, some were worried we would be getting dragged into a relegation scrap.

He just keeps soldiering on, ignoring the flak and being very competent.

Quoted from Poojah

Mate, play stupid games, win stupid prizes. I was just thinking to myself only yesterday, that you actually make some decent points from time-to-time. This was the one that triggered that particular thought; you said:



I think that’s an absolutely reasonable and valid perspective. We have, for years, been slow and uninventive with our season ticket offering, and whilst it’s not necessarily the fault of our current custodians, it’s something that remains unsolved.

But…but, the validity of your better and more reasonable posts is often lost in the constant negativity and apparent agenda against the ‘new’ owners that you bring to the table. I don’t see balance.

After the 20 years we were served under Fenty it’s absolutely imperative that the club’s owners are held to account, but I see little to no positive comment from you on all of the good that has been done during the last two years (and if I have that meaningfully wrong, then I hereby advance you my apology). I don’t get it.

In this instance, you’re seemingly clamouring for any reason you can find to think a potential target wouldn’t come here. He didn’t like Devon? He has gambling problems? Seriously, what does that have to do with anything? Why so unnecessarily negative?

Your last point about his southern base is absolutely reasonable, but again rather just gets lost in the sillyness which came before it.

What’s the problem?

Not sure that observing that a player who may aid our cause has a profile that suggests he wouldnt want to move here or anywhere else outside the south east has anything to do with any views I may have on the new owners.

Quoted from ginnywings

Think PH has form for this though doesn't he?

Plenty of people moan about him and his team / tactics / substitutions, but when you look at the big picture, he is quietly and confidently making us better, and achieving stuff that many other managers fail at doing, and the critics have to eat their words.

15 months ago, fans were screaming for his head, and then we get promoted, reach the FA Cup quarter finals, and now find ourselves in the top half of League 2, whilst not so long ago, some were worried we would be getting dragged into a relegation scrap.

He just keeps soldiering on, ignoring the flak and being very competent.

How true this is!

Every time I really start to get fed up with him, he pulls a rabbit out of the hat; wins a difficult game,  or a series of games, or manages to unexpectedly hit on the right formula and this is repeated many times over. I guess that is part of the job in a way, but he has a knack of keep coming up with the answers eventually.

Like you said a while back, it can get a bit wearing though; the negative home games, and the lack of goals and excitement led you to consider not buying a season ticket and taking a break, but hey presto he has done it again - the top half of the table, hoping for a good end to the season with hopefully some early (good) signings to re-kindle our enthusiasm once more.

He seems to shine in adversity somehow; the more difficult the situation he seems to thrive on it.  

Quoted from Poojah

Mate, play stupid games, win stupid prizes. I was just thinking to myself only yesterday, that you actually make some decent points from time-to-time. This was the one that triggered that particular thought; you said:



I think that’s an absolutely reasonable and valid perspective. We have, for years, been slow and uninventive with our season ticket offering, and whilst it’s not necessarily the fault of our current custodians, it’s something that remains unsolved.



Reply
Why isn’t  it the responsibility of the current custodians. How many years do they get to sort something that is obvious and could be planned and actioned in a meeting lasting a couple of hours



After the 20 years we were served under Fenty it’s absolutely imperative that the club’s owners are held to account, but I see little to no positive comment from you on all of the good that has been done during the last two years (and if I have that meaningfully wrong, then I hereby advance you my apology). I don’t get it.

Reply
I am not intersted in comparison with Fenty era. Comparison with best possible at our level is all that interests me



What’s the problem?

Reply
No problem.it is well known that 80% of people have a positive outcome bias. While that has many advantages it can also lead to acceptance of the stays quo ,mediocrity and underachievement . I am in the other 20%

And as you can see I am crap at understanding the mechanics of how to post on these reply to points based comments

Quoted from HerveJosse

Not sure that observing that a player who may aid our cause has a profile that suggests he would want to move here on anywhere else outside the south east has anything to do with any views I may have on the new owners.

It doesn’t, particularly. Both are just examples of a consistent theme of negativity that you seem to peddle, the justification for which I do not see.

As I said earlier, if I’ve got that wrong and that’s not a fair comment, please feel free to correct me.

Quoted from HerveJosse

.it is well known that 80% of people have a positive outcome bias.

Is it?

Quoted from ska face

Is it?

Yes More accurately I should have said positive outlook bias. You can round about it on the interweb

Quoted from HerveJosse

Reply
No problem.it is well known that 80% of people have a positive outcome bias. While that has many advantages it can also lead to acceptance of the stays quo ,mediocrity and underachievement . I am in the other 20%

And as you can see I am crap at understanding the mechanics of how to post on these reply to points based comments

I think you both make a good point re early season ticket sales, it struck me at Bradford the other week how on the ball they always are, as they were promoting them over the tannoy on 1st April

Quoted from ginnywings

Think PH has form for this though doesn't he?

Plenty of people moan about him and his team / tactics / substitutions, but when you look at the big picture, he is quietly and confidently making us better, and achieving stuff that many other managers fail at doing, and the critics have to eat their words.

15 months ago, fans were screaming for his head, and then we get promoted, reach the FA Cup quarter finals, and now find ourselves in the top half of League 2, whilst not so long ago, some were worried we would be getting dragged into a relegation scrap.

He just keeps soldiering on, ignoring the flak and being very competent.

That's the thing though, I'm happy enough with Hurst at the helm, never gave relegation a thought and I'm quietly hopeful he will improve us for next season. It's the contrast in feeling after every game that I refer to, poor at home but brilliant away, then struggling both home and away...yet if someone this time last year had offered me a deal that we were to gain promotion by winning the most thrilling play-offs ever, in exchange for a mid-table solid position at the end of the first season back in the league I'd have snapped their arm off. The home fans have been a little short changed though, directionless play against 2nd from bottom Hartlepool, a baffling and concerted effort to get the ball to Smith for him to give possesion away vs Mansfield and then spirited 2nd halves where you get flashes of what could have been/what could be.

I'm happy with the season and prepared to put it down to a transitional period but as Crofty said last first half  night, it's a hard watch at times.

Quoted from Zmariner

Green clear mom for me. Won his battles , passing ok and a better footballer than many he give him credit for.
Khan works hard even when things are not running well and I like him. Subs did well. Emmanuel I am not sure about. Looks very able and I expect a bit more from him. I like Smith and I wonder if he could be signed, there is a huge gulf to the championship. I watched Hull play Burnley and there is a chasm in standard. Crocombe much better last night I thought , I think he had been poor since Xmas but full credit last night he played very well. MacAtee was off the pace again and perhaps his mind is elsewhere. He had been great and so no complaints. I am lost as to why Hurst plays him in this forward role. He does not head the ball or hold it up and so I am lost. As a link up player he is great. Great to win but a hard watch yet again utm

Me too. Looks very lazy in comparison to Efete, didn't defend as well, didn't get forward much and didn't put any crosses in, never mind good ones. Probably looked after the ball slightly better, but has 50p heading ability.. Has only ever looked half decent with Efete behind him and providing the overlap..

In defence of McAtee. He's missed a bit of pre-season, had the shoulder operation and has been playing catch up fitness wise ever since. His future's a bit undecided as Luton now have a new manager, but he works his nuts off every game trying to win the ball back, probably doing too many of the hard yards. We haven't been playing great football either, so we're not playing to his strengths. If we're lucky enough somehow to get him back here for next season, we'd see a completely rejuvenated player with a full pre-season and hopefully a few new quality signings for him to play with..

Quoted from jamesgtfc

With McAtee going, I think we can accommodate a bit of a rogue. Whilst Hurst builds hard working teams, he has often taken a punt on a player who isn't quite like the rest of the group: McAtee, Neilson, Vose, Cook. Some have worked, some haven't.

I don't think Smith will come here, but we definitely need a focal point up front in that mould.

How many of those rogues were down to Hurst signing them or Scott though?  I can only think of McAtee and Vose as someone he's gambled on a bit and one of them was someone he's worked with before and then Vose was a loan.  Oh, let's not forget Stefan Payne (but, again, had worked with him before).

Hurst likes what he likes and he definitely doesn't like taking risks.  I think it's too our detriment at times but it's also possibly his best asset too, in a weird way. He'll speak at lengths about the dressing room and the right characters in there, he'll protect that at all costs.

Quoted from HatTrickHero

That's the thing though, I'm happy enough with Hurst at the helm, never gave relegation a thought and I'm quietly hopeful he will improve us for next season. It's the contrast in feeling after every game that I refer to, poor at home but brilliant away, then struggling both home and away...yet if someone this time last year had offered me a deal that we were to gain promotion by winning the most thrilling play-offs ever, in exchange for a mid-table solid position at the end of the first season back in the league I'd have snapped their arm off. The home fans have been a little short changed though, directionless play against 2nd from bottom Hartlepool, a baffling and concerted effort to get the ball to Smith for him to give possesion away vs Mansfield and then spirited 2nd halves where you get flashes of what could have been/what could be.

I'm happy with the season and prepared to put it down to a transitional period but as Crofty said last first half  night, it's a hard watch at times.

It's a case of being happy with the destination, but not the journey. A bit like driving to Cornwall.

Quoted from HerveJosse

No problem.it is well known that 80% of people have a positive outcome bias. While that has many advantages it can also lead to acceptance of the stays quo ,mediocrity and underachievement . I am in the other 20%

Is 'people who lack a positive outlook bias' the new high-falutin' phrase for what we used to call "miserable gits" in days gone by?

Quoted from Bigdog

Me too. Looks very lazy in comparison to Efete, didn't defend as well, didn't get forward much and didn't put any crosses in, never mind good ones. Probably looked after the ball slightly better, but has 50p heading ability.. Has only ever looked half decent with Efete behind him and providing the overlap..

He doesn't look like a full-back to me.  Looks a bit lost defensively and then like he's got a leash on him when trying to get forward.  If we're going with wing-backs I think he'll be a fine addition, but otherwise I think he just looks ok. Nothing more.

A lot of people seem to think we'll be struggling to hold onto him.  Bar a 15 minute cameo against Northampton he's really just plodded along since signing for us.  There's absolutely something to consider in terms of how long he was out of the game and then went straight into our first team fold, but if I was the manager of a League One/Two club I don't think I'd be ready to burst my budget on him.  

I'd say the same for Andy Smith, he's shown patches where he's very exciting but then enough to show that he's a fair way off that next level just yet.  Hull have aspirations to get into the Premier League and he's a long way off playing a part in that type of team, again yet.  Using the League One/Two manager shoes again, I wouldn't be desperate to add him to my squad.

I think Hurst will want them in his squad next season as he identifies people, characters and personalities - then he can develop them into his team.  For both he's started this and I think he'll want to continue it, I also think both will get a lot better here next season.

Was it just me who was absolutely freezing in The Upper last night. I couldn't believe how cold it was after the fairly reasonable day we'd had before.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Was it just me who was absolutely freezing in The Upper last night. I couldn't believe how cold it was after the fairly reasonable day we'd had before.

Not just you Les.

A lot of people were caught out by the cold and inappropriately dressed. Person sat next to me didn't come back after half time and I saw them sat in the bar when i left at the end of the game. Stayed there for the second half by the looks of it.

That wind was bitter and still is. I'm on the seafront with my dog and its fecking cold.

Quoted from ginnywings

It's a case of being happy with the destination, but not the journey. A bit like driving to Cornwall.

And Devon, apparently...

Quoted from 137

Is 'people who lack a positive outlook bias' the new high-falutin' phrase for what we used to call "miserable gits" in days gone by?

For some yes bit like thinking telling a depressed person to cheer up .

Quoted from Les Brechin

Was it just me who was absolutely freezing in The Upper last night. I couldn't believe how cold it was after the fairly reasonable day we'd had before.

I agree with you, I wonder though if the side panels that have fallen out/broken (on both ends of the stand) were replaced would've helped?

I thought Barrow were the better team overall and it's no fluke that they are in the top ten. Their passing accuracy was streets ahead of ours, and they seemed to be first to the ball almost every time it broke loose. Not sure if it was my imagination but every one one of their out field players looked bigger than most of our players. They seemed a physically stronger team. I have felt for some time that L2 calls for some more robust units in the side. We can look a little lightweight.

On another night Barrow might easily have had a couple of goals, but as ever, the team that takes their chances wins. And we did that thanks to fine approach work from Holohan and Lloyd, and a great finish from Orsi who must surely be worth a start at the weekend.    

Quoted from diehardmariner

He doesn't look like a full-back to me.  Looks a bit lost defensively and then like he's got a leash on him when trying to get forward.  If we're going with wing-backs I think he'll be a fine addition, but otherwise I think he just looks ok. Nothing more.

A lot of people seem to think we'll be struggling to hold onto him.  Bar a 15 minute cameo against Northampton he's really just plodded along since signing for us.  There's absolutely something to consider in terms of how long he was out of the game and then went straight into our first team fold, but if I was the manager of a League One/Two club I don't think I'd be ready to burst my budget on him.  

I'd say the same for Andy Smith, he's shown patches where he's very exciting but then enough to show that he's a fair way off that next level just yet.  Hull have aspirations to get into the Premier League and he's a long way off playing a part in that type of team, again yet.  Using the League One/Two manager shoes again, I wouldn't be desperate to add him to my squad.

I think Hurst will want them in his squad next season as he identifies people, characters and personalities - then he can develop them into his team.  For both he's started this and I think he'll want to continue it, I also think both will get a lot better here next season.

I see Emmanuel as Right-Mid to be honest, looks great going forwards and can play good footy, always looks a bit like defending is a chore for him though.  I'd be interested to see him used on the right wing freed of most of his defensive duties and see what he could do.  Like has been alluded to though, a short break and a proper full pre-season might see him looking far better than he's shown so far.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Was it just me who was absolutely freezing in The Upper last night. I couldn't believe how cold it was after the fairly reasonable day we'd had before.

I underestimated it big time - hoodie and gilet, as opposed to the usual ‘big coat’ - massive mistake. I actually know someone whose wife turned up at half time to take his daughter home as she was frozen!

The upper was bloody Baltic.

Glad it wasn't just me who was really cold in the upper, I thought I was being soft lol

Quoted from robborhino

Glad it wasn't just me who was really cold in the upper, I thought I was being soft lol

Poor form that. The Blundell Park microclimate is something that needs to be studied, anyone knows it’s at least 5c cooler than the rest of Cleethorpes

I would be smug and claim that I knew it was going to be cold and so was well wrapped-up, but I was still too daft to remember to take a hat and gloves.

Barrow could have won 3 - 1 so easily last night.

If their forwards had been better and Crocombe hadn't pulled off some good saves, everyone would have been disappointed.

But, Town stayed in the game, and Hurst made the right subs to give the team a chance to play more accurate passing and attacking, which gave up the goal and eventual win.

Amazed how many times our giant George Lloyd managed to manhandle their centre backs sufficiently to give away so many free kicks????

That sarcastic remark shows the contempt for another blind ref who allowed all of Barrow's physical bullying, pushing, shirt grabbing etc, when if they had stuck to their attacking plan could have took us apart legally.

The guy who took Khouri out could have put him out for the season with a slightly harder contact.

Right result, a struggle to watch the 1st half yet again ??

Quoted from Heisenberg

I underestimated it big time - hoodie and gilet, as opposed to the usual ‘big coat’ - massive mistake. I actually know someone whose wife turned up at half time to take his daughter home as she was frozen!

The upper was bloody Baltic.

You will never learn. You will be suggesting we have a green kit next.

Great posts on Emmanuel by diehard (post 70) and esp.lew chatterley's lover on ph (post 5 dont often agree with Lew, but think hes got it spot on
Emmanuel is a bit like o'Neill great start but gone off the boil.
I think ph might well have a chance of getting him next season .of course it's fair to say Emmanuel has been out for a long time and might benefit from a proper pre season

Quoted from acko338

Barrow could have won 3 - 1 so easily last night.

If their forwards had been better and Crocombe hadn't pulled off some good saves, everyone would have been disappointed.

But, Town stayed in the game, and Hurst made the right subs to give the team a chance to play more accurate passing and attacking, which gave up the goal and eventual win.

Amazed how many times our giant George Lloyd managed to manhandle their centre backs sufficiently to give away so many free kicks????

That sarcastic remark shows the contempt for another blind ref who allowed all of Barrow's physical bullying, pushing, shirt grabbing etc, when if they had stuck to their attacking plan could have took us apart legally.

The guy who took Khouri out could have put him out for the season with a slightly harder contact.

Right result, a struggle to watch the 1st half yet again ??

If Khan hadn't wasted being 1-1 twice we could - and should- have had 3 goals too tbf.  The ref was an enigma, not the  worst we've had by any stretch and wasn't one-eyed (let several of our lads get away with offences that should have been yellows for example) but seemed to think featherweight george was beating up the Barra man mountains, who were simulating quite a bit.  I can get on board with ignoring the smaller stuff like shirt pulling and pushing etc if it's in aid of keeping the game flowing but he didn't let the game flow so it's all just rather puzzling.  Still, not the worst ref by a long shot......maybe that says something about the standard of officials though

Since when did using two hands to push someone in the back become legal and not a foul?  You see it happen regularly in every game now, and very rarely is a free kick given.

Quoted from forza ivano

Great posts on Emmanuel by diehard (post 70) and esp.lew chatterley's lover on ph (post 5 dont often agree with Lew, but think hes got it spot on
Emmanuel is a bit like o'Neill great start but gone off the boil.
I think ph might well have a chance of getting him next season .of course it's fair to say Emmanuel has been out for a long time and might benefit from a proper pre season

If Emanuel looked great every game we would have no chance of him signing for next season, but currently we might, and I would if possible 👍