Just Back

Frustration more than anger this week.

We’ve done more than enough there to come away with at least a point, but our newly found inability to defend and achilles heel of not putting gilt edged chances away cost us.

Defending for both goals was really poor, Waterfall in particular for the 2nd, and unfortunately he looks like the relegation season Waterfall which is a real shame- side note, i thought Efete had a decent game.

Going forward we missed 3. 3. Sitters, clifton on one occasion, Rose and i think Mullarkey on the other. Just no excusing it. We got a goal back, lovely finish from wilson, and we huffed and puffed, Rodgers just wide, khan just wide, Gav just inches over, so frustrating.

The midfield we started with, Hunt, Clifton & Andrews were completely overrun, and the changes helped us, Harry looks a player devoid of confidence, and Hunt was just non existant. No way on earth should Gav have been on the bench.

I still back PH, I always have and I always will, I do not think we are far off a good side, and I believe he’s the right man to be at the helm, but he must go 2 up top on Tuesday. He must.

Calls on social media are getting louder for him to go, You’re just labelled a happy clapper if you disagree unfortuantely

I'd get off social media then. It's just toxic. Pure negativity.

I'll personally support the team and manager, and I see no reason after that tricky starting run and injuries as to why he cannot turn it around.

I agree with most of this. We have Wilson and Khan back and getting fitter. Not sure if Wilson is ready for a full game yet, but we can change a match with substitutions now. Confidence is definitely a problem. Right now it isn't working for Waterfall, Glennon, Clifton, Hunt, and not sure why Amos isn't being played, but hopefully they can find it and get it back.

Hopefully Conteh and Maher back for next match.

Quoted from Hagrid

Frustration more than anger this week.

We’ve done more than enough there to come away with at least a point, but our newly found inability to defend and achilles heel of not putting gilt edged chances away cost us.

Defending for both goals was really poor, Waterfall in particular for the 2nd, and unfortunately he looks like the relegation season Waterfall which is a real shame- side note, i thought Efete had a decent game.

Going forward we missed 3. 3. Sitters, clifton on one occasion, Rose and i think Mullarkey on the other. Just no excusing it. We got a goal back, lovely finish from wilson, and we huffed and puffed, Rodgers just wide, khan just wide, Gav just inches over, so frustrating.

The midfield we started with, Hunt, Clifton & Andrews were completely overrun, and the changes helped us, Harry looks a player devoid of confidence, and Hunt was just non existant. No way on earth should Gav have been on the bench.

I still back PH, I always have and I always will, I do not think we are far off a good side, and I believe he’s the right man to be at the helm, but he must go 2 up top on Tuesday. He must.

Calls on social media are getting louder for him to go, You’re a happy clapper if you disagree unfortuantely

One just needs to reflect on our observations on here regarding social media on the Scunthorpe thread…

On the coach we did ok disagree with hagrid think rodgers must smell danger quicker on 2nd goal not switched on , negative for me was harry really struggling & i'm his biggest fan also we would should really be talking about at least a good point we cant miss sitters with keeper layed on floor

I think the overall feeling for me is disappointment that we’re clearly just not good enough to be up there this season, we look very beatable for all the decent sides yet nowhere near bad enough to worry about relegation. 10 games in it just feels as inevitable as the past 3 games have.

Swindon just made it look easy enough to put away chances and we made it look so bloody hard. Wilson’s goal was the most natural forward play I’ve seen in 2 seasons, promising it may be but it’s a reflection of just how toothless we’ve been.

There are positives and there were today, but every decent opposition just puts us at arms length. Wrexham have conceded 8 goals since we played them 2 weeks ago and got absolutely nowhere near scoring, that tells you all you need to know.

As far as individuals go, I thought Rodgers, Efete, Mullarkey and Andrews all had good games. Wilsons finish was very good and Holohan looked good in a short spell. Hunt was poor and Clifton is back to running around whilst looking so wasteful in possession.

The one thing I’m clinging onto is the fact our opening games have been ridiculously tough in hindsight, but I feel our decision to sign a load of triers in pre season and fall short in creativity will again let us down.

Quoted from Hagrid

……but our newly found inability to defend and achilles heel of not putting gilt edged chances away cost us.

A recipe for disaster. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing well, deserve to win or draw. If your above quote continues throughout the season then we are down. Again!

Struggling to accept that we should be accepting of another defeat. We’ve won two of thirteen and that’s simply not good enough. I’m grateful for what Hurst has done but we’re in virtually the same league position as when he took over. Enough is enough.

Quoted from heppy88

A recipe for disaster. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing well, deserve to win or draw. If your above quote continues throughout the season then we are down. Again!

Even at the current rate, we would hit 46 points, so even a slight improvement would get us over 50 easily.

Can't believe that anyone is even contemplating the R word after 10 games.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Struggling to accept that we should be accepting of another defeat. We’ve won two of thirteen and that’s simply not good enough. I’m grateful for what Hurst has done but we’re in virtually the same league position as when he took over. Enough is enough.

But there are over 30 games left to play, lets see where we are after that.

we will be halfway comfortably it's if that's enough for some , for me think lge two is a difficult place this season & no i'm not a happy clapper but we've been down the route of sacking this manager before & look how that went so be careful what you wish far

sorry meant wanting him sacked & him leaving

Hopefully Wilson and Rose up top on Tuesday night.  The spell with 2 in attack showed what it can offer with Wilson offering pace and power, I'm hoping that allows Rose to drop off a little bit.

That would mean a two man midfield, Conteh returning so I presume he goes straight back in and Holohan deserves to have regained his starting spot.

Clifton out wide and Eisa on the other flank I reckon. Unless he puts Wilson and Eisa wide of Rose and sticks with 3 in the middle.

Not a big fan of the meddling about at left back but I thought Efete had a decent game, just the lack of balance that I'm not keen on. Even more so without Maher in there.

Agree with the general feeling being one of frustration. Not much between the two sides when you take the game as a whole.

First half hour we were poor. Half-heartedly pressing and Swindon finding it way too easy to play around and through us, getting space all over the place. This was shown by the goal - way too much space and time between our two centre backs. All that said, they didn't create many clear cut chances.

Last 15 of the first half we started to impose ourselves and carried this through to the second half. They had spells in the second half (and what looked like a pen turned down) but we were the better team and they were genuinely holding on by the end. Their second goal was too easy with one ball cutting us wide open.

It's time for calm heads rather than gnashing and wailing. We're a decent team with some good options returning. The subs livened us up and I'd agree that Holohan should have been on from the start.

Couple of things for me. Like some others, I'm not yet convinced Eastwood is an upgrade from last season. Very little to do today and (this may be harsh) could have done better on both goals. The first shot was from the edge of the box. He was clear sighted and had time to set himself and was slow getting down. For the second, he came, stopped and came again. If he'd committed to coming out I felt he could have got there.

Hunt. Much talked about whether in or out. Don't think he was any better or worse than others today. Two or three times he played balls forward that looked like he wasted possession when those on the other end needed to be more alert and gambling. That said, he spent too much time deep, sometimes alongside our CBs. Hard for him at the moment to be so in and out and then be expected to pings balls around.

Lovely goal by Wilson.

Quoted from pontoonlew

I think the overall feeling for me is disappointment that we’re clearly just not good enough to be up there this season, we look very beatable for all the decent sides yet nowhere near bad enough to worry about relegation. 10 games in it just feels as inevitable as the past 3 games have.

Swindon just made it look easy enough to put away chances and we made it look so bloody hard. Wilson’s goal was the most natural forward play I’ve seen in 2 seasons, promising it may be but it’s a reflection of just how toothless we’ve been.

There are positives and there were today, but every decent opposition just puts us at arms length. Wrexham have conceded 8 goals since we played them 2 weeks ago and got absolutely nowhere near scoring, that tells you all you need to know.

As far as individuals go, I thought Rodgers, Efete, Mullarkey and Andrews all had good games. Wilsons finish was very good and Holohan looked good in a short spell. Hunt was poor and Clifton is back to running around whilst looking so wasteful in possession.

The one thing I’m clinging onto is the fact our opening games have been ridiculously tough in hindsight, but I feel our decision to sign a load of triers in pre season and fall short in creativity will again let us down.

I am a massive Hurst fan as a manager , as I have stated before but have slowly over the last few months come to the conclusion that it's time for a change - as I have said I want him to prove me wrong ; but I just can't see it to the extent to what  I would regard as 'success' - a full decent sesaon over achieving , like many other clubs have .

I don't think he will take us down ,or even close;  but it does worry me that a gritty team has been replaced with a soft underbelly of better individuals but potentially a worse collective unit.

I think my main gripe is , although I have enjoyed the amazing 1 off memories that he's provided over the whole 9 years across his 2 spells , the actual amount of games I have enjoyed watching in that time have  probably been between 10-20  and out of 500  odd that seems quite a low % .

'Stale' comes to mind maybe it's me , maybe it's Hurst maybe a mixture I'm not sure .

Quoted from cardiffmariner

Agree with the general feeling being one of frustration. Not much between the two sides when you take the game as a whole.

First half hour we were poor. Half-heartedly pressing and Swindon finding it way too easy to play around and through us, getting space all over the place. This was shown by the goal - way too much space and time between our two centre backs. All that said, they didn't create many clear cut chances.

Last 15 of the first half we started to impose ourselves and carried this through to the second half. They had spells in the second half (and what looked like a pen turned down) but we were the better team and they were genuinely holding on by the end. Their second goal was too easy with one ball cutting us wide open.

It's time for calm heads rather than gnashing and wailing. We're a decent team with some good options returning. The subs livened us up and I'd agree that Holohan should have been on from the start.

Couple of things for me. Like some others, I'm not yet convinced Eastwood is an upgrade from last season. Very little to do today and (this may be harsh) could have done better on both goals. The first shot was from the edge of the box. He was clear sighted and had time to set himself and was slow getting down. For the second, he came, stopped and came again. If he'd committed to coming out I felt he could have got there.

Hunt. Much talked about whether in or out. Don't think he was any better or worse than others today. Two or three times he played balls forward that looked like he wasted possession when those on the other end needed to be more alert and gambling. That said, he spent too much time deep, sometimes alongside our CBs. Hard for him at the moment to be so in and out and then be expected to pings balls around.

Lovely goal by Wilson.

Hunt is simply not a replacement for Conteh.

I agree he was no better or worse than Andrews or Clifton today, but was nailed one he would be the first to be hooked.  Few times Hunt did get his passing right, he got his away down the flanks.

I do rate the lad and I don't think him knowing he's a bad pass away from getting hooked helps, but he really needs to add consistency to his game. Few occasions where he nipped in to win possession and then gave it away cheaply with a lazy type pass or layoff.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Hunt is simply not a replacement for Conteh.

I don’t think that’s in doubt.

This idea from some that we/Hurst have gone ‘stale’ etc seems odd considering the obvious improvement and change in the way we play and the players we have.

Quoted from cardiffmariner

I don’t think that’s in doubt.

This idea from some that we/Hurst have gone ‘stale’ etc seems odd considering the obvious improvement and change in the way we play and the players we have.

He plays 1 up front, no runners, no intent on attack but plays to out wit the opposition, we have not improved even if we are playing a different style.
I will put my house on him going to 1 up front on Tuesday night, even though it was blatantly obvious we are a bigger threat with 2 up..time for a change before we do end up in a relegation battle, because 10 games soon becomes 20 than we could be up the  creek without a paddle

As I mentioned last week, without Maher and the reshuffles to defence that is causing, we simply aren't as good a defensive unit without him.

The 4 games we have lost have been against the big hitters, and the in form Crawley, a game we should really have got something from. In those 4 games, we have had to male private about with the defence, and we have conceded 11 goals.

In the other 6 games, we have won 2, drawn 4 and only conceded 3 goals. Unfortunately, 2 of those conceded goals were late ones that cost us 2 points in each game, against Walsall and Bradford, and both were harsh.

Get Maher back, and get Wilson up to speed, coupled with some more winnable fixtures coming up, and I reckon we will start to pick up more than the 1 point per game we have managed so far.

I'm sure there are plenty who will disagree with what I'm saying, and fair enough, but for me, there are plenty of signs of a decent side developing here and my usual stance is that the first 10 games of any season are just the bedding in period, and if after the next 10, we are still struggling to gain more than a point a game, then yes, the position of the manager will need to be looked at.

For now, I'm still optimistic, and I'm convinced we have a much better side now that isn't yet translating into results.

Quoted from cardiffmariner

I don’t think that’s in doubt.

This idea from some that we/Hurst have gone ‘stale’ etc seems odd considering the obvious improvement and change in the way we play and the players we have.

I agree with the stale part. Maybe it’s just this level of football but genuinely how often do you walk away from our games feeling genuinely entertained?

Quoted from cardiffmariner

I don’t think that’s in doubt.

This idea from some that we/Hurst have gone ‘stale’ etc seems odd considering the obvious improvement and change in the way we play and the players we have.

The obvious improvement? Poor results and a continued lack of quality and entertainment is what’s on offer.

The villagers have already decided Hurst is a witch. Thankfully the Witchfinder General is a thoughtful man and I doubt we’ll see Hurst burning at the stake this side of Christmas.

First half they were the better side going forward, the extra over lapping runs through the middle as Auston dropped deep was killing us. 2nd half it was, in my opinion, all us except the 1 shot they scored and a possible penalty they probably should have had. We created a few chanced 2nd half and really should have stuck 1 or 2 away. Overall I feel a point a piece would have been a fair result but that's football for you.

Heard Hurst make a very good point and one missed on here so far, Swindon 100% should’ve had a red for the last man challenge

Quoted from pontoonlew

Heard Hurst make a very good point and one missed on here so far, Swindon 100% should’ve had a red for the last man challenge

That was a red card all day long...

Quoted from pontoonlew

I agree with the stale part. Maybe it’s just this level of football but genuinely how often do you walk away from our games feeling genuinely entertained?

This is the thing for me now. I have traditionally been a Hurst fan. I appreciate the work rate he instills in teams, and it's rare (if ever) I'd question his team's effort. That used to be enough, but after a decade, I find myself increasingly craving more attacking football. I'm not expecting Barcelona or anything, but it would be nice to see more attacking intent. The only games were we ever create much is against the quite risky teams like Notts and Crawley, which we lost. It's very rare that our wins are anything other than tight and scrappy, which is clearly a byproduct of Hurst's approach.

I like Hurst and would get no pleasure from seeing him sacked - not least because it means someone's out of a job. From a footballing viewpoint, I'm becoming increasingly bored watching us.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Wilson’s goal was the most natural forward play I’ve seen in 2 seasons, promising it may be but it’s a reflection of just how toothless we’ve been.

Excellent point.

Quoted from Mariner93er

This is the thing for me now. I have traditionally been a Hurst fan. I appreciate the work rate he instills in teams, and it's rare (if ever) I'd question his team's effort. That used to be enough, but after a decade, I find myself increasingly craving more attacking football. I'm not expecting Barcelona or anything, but it would be nice to see more attacking intent. The only games were we ever create much is against the quite risky teams like Notts and Crawley, which we lost. It's very rare that our wins are anything other than tight and scrappy, which is clearly a byproduct of Hurst's approach.

I like Hurst and would get no pleasure from seeing him sacked - not least because it means someone's out of a job. From a footballing viewpoint, I'm becoming increasingly bored watching us.

And I've just said on twitter, at some point the crowds will dwindle due to his boring, anti football approach, and I honestly think that will be the wake up call the board requires, as the product is devalued, only then will they react. Although I have put my neck on the block about Stockwood being ready to pull the plug on Hurst previously, even I'm doubting my source for that information now tbh.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

The obvious improvement? Poor results and a continued lack of quality and entertainment is what’s on offer.

We can beg to differ but as far I'm concerned the summer signings are, on the whole, an improvement on what we had last season.

I also think that the obvious change in style (high press) is an evolution from last season, albeit one that hasn't yet (9 games guys!) transferred itself into more point on the board.

I've only seen 3 games so far (Salford, Bradford and today) and I'd say there's been some decent quality and entertainment. I thought today was a good match.

I totally get that too many of Hurst's games in charge have been poor on both fronts but I do think there are obvious efforts to improve on that this season.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

And I've just said on twitter, at some point the crowds will dwindle due to his boring, anti football approach, and I honestly think that will be the wake up call the board requires, as the product is devalued, only then will they react. Although I have put my neck on the block about Stockwood being ready to pull the plug on Hurst previously, even I'm doubting my source for that information now tbh.

I take your point and share your frustration but you simply could not call today a 'boring, anti football approach'.

Quoted from cardiffmariner

We can beg to differ but as far I'm concerned the summer signings are, on the whole, an improvement on what we had last season.

I also think that the obvious change in style (high press) is an evolution from last season, albeit one that hasn't yet (9 games guys!) transferred itself into more point on the board.

I've only seen 3 games so far (Salford, Bradford and today) and I'd say there's been some decent quality and entertainment. I thought today was a good match.

I totally get that too many of Hurst's games in charge have been poor on both fronts but I do think there are obvious efforts to improve on that this season.

Conteh, Eisa, Rodgers and Rose are an undoubted improvement but we have no midfield runners to link the play and create an open play threat. Entertainment levels remain poor and 2 wins from 13 competitive games is surely not good enough. How long does he get a free ride because, although the parts seem better, the sum of the parts flatters to deceive.

My first time of seeing hem live this season. Main points
lot of people commenting who weren't actually at the game
it was a decent performance, as witnessed by the comments on here from those who were there, plus our slightly disappointing turnout of fans, stayed and applauded them - no boos or negativity.
Swindon were out on their feet at the final whistle - lying down, exhausted, which rather shows the pressure we put them under.
they were clinical with their finishing, we weren't
nobody had  a bad game, although nobody was particularly outstanding
Very impressed with Mullarkey & Rose. Thought Efete & Waterfall did well, given the previous criticisms
Didn't really think there was much difference in Clifton's level of performance compared to last season
thought we deserved a point; they were really rattled once we got 1 back
overall the quality of our play and players looked  a notch or 2 higher last season (but then the whole division may be the same)
Overall it looked like a good side against a decent mid table side
we looked at the table - 1 game so far versus the bottom 10, 8 against the top 8. It's been bloody tough
We are not  a bad side; suspect we won't be up there, but we are in no danger of a relegation battle
thought it was going to be awful, but came away much more enthused

Quoted from forza ivano

My first time of seeing hem live this season. Main points
lot of people commenting who weren't actually at the game
it was a decent performance, as witnessed by the comments on here from those who were there, plus our slightly disappointing turnout of fans, stayed and applauded them - no boos or negativity.
Swindon were out on their feet at the final whistle - lying down, exhausted, which rather shows the pressure we put them under.
they were clinical with their finishing, we weren't
nobody had  a bad game, although nobody was particularly outstanding
Very impressed with Mullarkey & Rose. Thought Efete & Waterfall did well, given the previous criticisms
Didn't really think there was much difference in Clifton's level of performance compared to last season
thought we deserved a point; they were really rattled once we got 1 back
overall the quality of our play and players looked  a notch or 2 higher last season (but then the whole division may be the same)
Overall it looked like a good side against a decent mid table side
we looked at the table - 1 game so far versus the bottom 10, 8 against the top 8. It's been bloody tough
We are not  a bad side; suspect we won't be up there, but we are in no danger of a relegation battle
thought it was going to be awful, but came away much more enthused

And therein lies the problem. We’ve still not recruited the striker that would turn us into a good side. Mid table is the limit of our ambition.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

And therein lies the problem. We’ve still not recruited the striker that would turn us into a good side. Mid table is the limit of our ambition.

We've not even recruited enough strikers - every season under Hurst mk2 we are a striker short and then have to to rectify it mid season. To do it for a 3rd time, after all the cup money, is really poor I'm afraid.

No such thing as a rational response to a defeat these days. It is what it is - we played a top half team away from home without our best player and dominated for large spells but couldn’t convert our chances. No need to panic. Anyone who can’t see a change to our approach this season doesn’t understand football. Our other managers in the past 15 years are Newell, Woods, Bignot, Slade, Jolley and Holloway - which of those have provided more entertainment that Hurst?  

Ok Swindon away
FOR ME my 1st game "With my own eyes!"  With 4 more to go see out the fixtures.
1st half mediocre = 1-0 down
Then 2nd half we went 2-0 down  OK  great to see PH chuck on 3 Subs ...straight away town exploded into life and we put a goal in!!
A possible draw was the possible outcome but no but yes the last 15 mins was a vast improvement on the first half...
Come on Town !!
UTM2023--24

Quoted from Vance Warner

No such thing as a rational response to a defeat these days. It is what it is - we played a top half team away from home without our best player and dominated for large spells but couldn’t convert our chances. No need to panic. Anyone who can’t see a change to our approach this season doesn’t understand football. Our other managers in the past 15 years are Newell, Woods, Bignot, Slade, Jolley and Holloway - which of those have provided more entertainment that Hurst?  

Holloway had us playing a lot better football than Hurst, unfortunately covid and a friends suicide did for him.
Anybody who can't see we are not progressing doesn't understand football, we are 19th in league 2, had 2 wins in 13 games abd dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, going great innit!!

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Holloway had us playing a lot better football than Hurst, unfortunately covid and a friends suicide did for him.
Anybody who can't see we are not progressing doesn't understand football, we are 19th in league 2, had 2 wins in 13 games abd dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, going great innit!!

Sorry but people who understand football don’t wet themselves about the league position after ten games when the style and quality of football has clearly improved

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Holloway had us playing a lot better football than Hurst, unfortunately covid and a friends suicide did for him.
Anybody who can't see we are not progressing doesn't understand football, we are 19th in league 2, had 2 wins in 13 games abd dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, going great innit!!

No he didnt. I’ve said this many times on here, the shortened covid season under him we were okay in parts, and dreadful in other games. Swindon at Home, Plymouth away, Even that Scunny game we won, lets not kid ourselves, we were poor. I completely disagree with you here

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Holloway had us playing a lot better football than Hurst, unfortunately covid and a friends suicide did for him.
Anybody who can't see we are not progressing doesn't understand football, we are 19th in league 2, had 2 wins in 13 games abd dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, going great innit!!

…what did for him was he was a c*nt and the only reason he was here in the first place was to try and cut some dodgy deal with Fenty. Once that plan was scuppered, he ran away like his own mouth.

Quoted from Vance Warner

Sorry but people who understand football don’t wet themselves about the league position after ten games when the style and quality of football has clearly improved

So what constitutes a crisis? I’d say two wins in 13 games is a cause for concern. I’m no more entertained now than I was last year.

On the striker situation, or the lack of signing one, although we seem to have spent last season’s cup money, surprising what you get for a million quid, it would probably have been better to have one less squad man so that the additional money could have gone on a striker, if you pay them they will come. I know some people will say that paying someone more then the rest it can cause differences but if said striker is successful then the rest of the squad are happy as they get additional win bonuses.

Quoted from Mariner93er

This is the thing for me now. I have traditionally been a Hurst fan. I appreciate the work rate he instills in teams, and it's rare (if ever) I'd question his team's effort. That used to be enough, but after a decade, I find myself increasingly craving more attacking football. I'm not expecting Barcelona or anything, but it would be nice to see more attacking intent. The only games were we ever create much is against the quite risky teams like Notts and Crawley, which we lost. It's very rare that our wins are anything other than tight and scrappy, which is clearly a byproduct of Hurst's approach.

I like Hurst and would get no pleasure from seeing him sacked - not least because it means someone's out of a job. From a footballing viewpoint, I'm becoming increasingly bored watching us.

Fully agree with your post. Last season at home we were truly urine-poor at home in the league. Luckily our away form and performances made the home games tolerable. Excitement at BP came in the cup games as we all know. The lads I sit with all jokingly questioned renewing the season tickets for yet another dull season.
I’ve said on previous posts we have improved in certain players/areas but as it stands our defensive game plan and a formation with one up top just doesn’t do the players any justice. No attacking coach to bring out the best of all attacking players was surely an area we needed to improve along with the squad in the summer. It’s going to be a long season, hopefully we’ll be fine….time will tell. UTM

Quoted from MuddyWaters

So what constitutes a crisis? I’d say two wins in 13 games is a cause for concern. I’m no more entertained now than I was last year.

To that I would add again no clarity on what system we are playing or what our best 11 is particularly midfield.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

So what constitutes a crisis? I’d say two wins in 13 games is a cause for concern. I’m no more entertained now than I was last year.

Scunthorpe constitutes a crisis not narrowly losing away to a team 3rd in the league. If you’re not more entertained watching Elisa than Wearne, Rose than Taylor or Conteh than Morris then I feel for you.

Quoted from Vance Warner

Scunthorpe constitutes a crisis not narrowly losing away to a team 3rd in the league. If you’re not more entertained watching Elisa than Wearne, Rose than Taylor or Conteh than Morris then I feel for you.

Blimey! You’ve picked two players who rarely featured and and old crock (albeit a good one) as your comparison.

As I said previously, the individuals may be better but the team isn’t. It may come, I hope it does otherwise we’re looking at another relegation scrap. My concern is that I don’t see any leaders other than Niall Maher.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Blimey! You’ve picked two players who rarely featured and and old crock (albeit a good one) as your comparison.

As I said previously, the individuals may be better but the team isn’t. It may come, I hope it does otherwise we’re looking at another relegation scrap. My concern is that I don’t see any leaders other than Niall Maher.

From memory Morris and Taylor were playing regularly this time last year. Fair enough about Wearne but Eisa is an upgrade on Kiernan. I’m comfortable with Paul Hurst because he’s always improved us season by season

Usual guys, usual hysteria.

I’m fairly ambivalent about today’s result. I wasn’t remotely confident going into the game, what with key players unavailable for selection and the respective form of the two sides, and whilst my gut instinct might have been correct, the performance was respectable for the most part.

Again, basic lapses in concentration and a lack of composure in front of goal was our undoing, but I do feel these are resolvable issues in the longer-term; Wilson’s turn and finish offered a glimpse of what may be to come - a proper striker’s goal, that.

Ultimately, I think any talk of Hurst’s demise is premature. I’m far from content with recent results and our league position, and we’re well below where I thought and hoped we would be at this stage, but context is needed. In our first 10 games, we have managed to play the entire current top 6, and only 1 side currently lower than 14th in the table.

I said previously that Halloween would be a sensible milestone to make judgement, but 7 of our 9 next games are against Tranmere (23rd), Accrington (15th), Colchester (18th), Doncaster (21st), Morecambe (12th), Forest Green (22nd) and Sutton (24th). It’s almost the reverse of what we’ve faced thus far.

Whatever your take on Hurst at this juncture, the advantage we have is that he’s not an unknown quantity. We know he’ll have good runs and bad runs. We know he’ll frustrate with tactics and substitutions. We know the brand of football is more likely to be industrious than scintillating. But we also know that he tends to right the ship in time.

If we don’t see an improvement in results over the course of the next few weeks, then it’s inevitable questions will be asked. But I think, as of right now, it’s a considerably bigger gamble to dispense of Hursty than to keep him.

Quoted from Poojah

I’m fairly ambivalent about today’s result. I wasn’t remotely confident going into the game, what with key players unavailable for selection and the respective form of the two sides, and whilst my gut instinct might have been correct, the performance was respectable for the most part.

Again, basic lapses in concentration and a lack of composure in front of goal was our undoing, but I do feel these are resolvable issues in the longer-term; Wilson’s turn and finish offered a glimpse of what may be to come - a proper striker’s goal, that.

Ultimately, I think any talk of Hurst’s demise is premature. I’m far from content with recent results and our league position, and we’re well below where I thought and hoped we would be at this stage, but context is needed. In our first 10 games, we have managed to play the entire current top 6, and only 1 side currently lower than 14th in the table.

I said previously that Halloween would be a sensible milestone to make judgement, but 7 of our 9 next games are against Tranmere (23rd), Accrington (15th), Colchester (18th), Doncaster (21st), Morecambe (12th), Forest Green (22nd) and Sutton (24th). It’s almost the reverse of what we’ve faced thus far.

Whatever your take on Hurst at this juncture, the advantage we have is that he’s not an unknown quantity. We know he’ll have good runs and bad runs. We know he’ll frustrate with tactics and substitutions. We know the brand of football is more likely to be industrious than scintillating. But we also know that he tends to right the ship in time.

If we don’t see an improvement in results over the course of the next few weeks, then it’s inevitable questions will be asked. But I think, as of right now, it’s a considerably bigger gamble to dispense of Hursty than to keep him.

The good runs are never that good ( we never won more than 2 on the bounce in the league last season ) .The bad runs are normally never that bad  (3 defeats on the bounce our worst run in the league )  .If we lose on Tuesday it would be the first time he has lost 4 games on the bounce in a league game since he came back for the second time , which i think just shows you what a  good solid ,yet unspectacular manager he is really .

Quoted from Gaffer58

On the striker situation, or the lack of signing one, although we seem to have spent last season’s cup money, surprising what you get for a million quid, it would probably have been better to have one less squad man so that the additional money could have gone on a striker, if you pay them they will come. I know some people will say that paying someone more then the rest it can cause differences but if said striker is successful then the rest of the squad are happy as they get additional win bonuses.

*off topic coming post so scroll on if you’re after matchchat*

This is what I don’t quite get. We must have some money just sat there as we supposedly had three deals ready to be done on deadline day, all of which fell through. Two of those supposedly striker McNeil from Man Utd & Fleming the left-back from Hull, both now on loan in L1. No idea who the third supposedly was. Only the players know if it was money or playing up a league that made their minds up, but would be disappointing if we’re playing without a league-standard left-back for the sake of a few hundred quid.

We’ve gone & signed Ainley, so that’s money down the drain for a few months at least, but there’s got to be wages for two players sat gathering dust. Hursts’s said they’re already looking to January & next summer, so have to wait & see I suppose.

My main concern is whether we’re devaluing some of the players we’ve brought in. Conteh must’ve been seen as an investment and hopefully he continues to kick on & might make us a profit when he goes, but he needs support. Rogers too should be worth a few quid given his 3-year contract but needs to be playing in a settled back line. Eisa’s a worry as he’s only on a 1-year-deal & not sure if we’ve got an option on him. Was apparently rumoured to have had some interest in August but would be gutting if he went on a free. Clifton’s value must’ve fallen through the floor, not ideal for him or us being out of contract in the summer.

Must say that for me, today was Hunt’s last chance. I’d send him out on loan to the National League for the rest of the season if there’s a club that will have him.

Interesting how many posts are almost 50/50 with the ticks/crosses.

I agree that if we don't get a few results against the supposed lesser teams then questions should be asked.

I definitely don't think we have "wasted" the cup money. We have some bloody good players who are worth a fair whack if anyone wants them anytime soon.

Really hope Wilson can kick on. Would love to see him and Rose start on Tuesday. Those 2 with Eisa and Khan could be a real threat. C'mon Paul, make the opposition worry about us for a change.

Quoted from CSLM

Interesting how many posts are almost 50/50 with the ticks/crosses.

I agree that if we don't get a few results against the supposed lesser teams then questions should be asked.

I definitely don't think we have "wasted" the cup money. We have some bloody good players who are worth a fair whack if anyone wants them anytime soon.

Really hope Wilson can kick on. Would love to see him and Rose start on Tuesday. Those 2 with Eisa and Khan could be a real threat. C'mon Paul, make the opposition worry about us for a change.

With respect, the only player worth a fair whack would be Conteh, who else? As much as I rate Eisa and Rodgers one of them is 27 and the other nearly 27 so I seriously doubt any club would come in and give us decent money for either of them? If they was 5 years younger then yeah maybe, but they aren't

Quoted from Davec

With respect, the only player worth a fair whack would be Conteh, who else? As much as I rate Eisa and Rodgers one of them is 27 and the other nearly 27 so I seriously doubt any club would come in and give us decent money for either of them? If they was 5 years younger then yeah maybe, but they aren't

Fair point, before Wrexham I'd definitely say Rodgers and I still think he will be sought after. Him and Conteh could make that money back next year, possibly more.
Mullarkey is an interesting one to, could go either way.

Clearly there are positions that we really needed to improve and it didn't work as planned, that is fustrating.

Quoted from forza ivano

My first time of seeing hem live this season. Main points
lot of people commenting who weren't actually at the game
it was a decent performance, as witnessed by the comments on here from those who were there, plus our slightly disappointing turnout of fans, stayed and applauded them - no boos or negativity.
Swindon were out on their feet at the final whistle - lying down, exhausted, which rather shows the pressure we put them under.
they were clinical with their finishing, we weren't
nobody had  a bad game, although nobody was particularly outstanding
Very impressed with Mullarkey & Rose. Thought Efete & Waterfall did well, given the previous criticisms
Didn't really think there was much difference in Clifton's level of performance compared to last season
thought we deserved a point; they were really rattled once we got 1 back
overall the quality of our play and players looked  a notch or 2 higher last season (but then the whole division may be the same)
Overall it looked like a good side against a decent mid table side
we looked at the table - 1 game so far versus the bottom 10, 8 against the top 8. It's been bloody tough
We are not  a bad side; suspect we won't be up there, but we are in no danger of a relegation battle
thought it was going to be awful, but came away much more enthused

100% this.I stayed behind today and the way we (the fans) reacted it was asif we got a result. We appreciated the effort the boys put in. On another day 1 of those big chances goes in and we walk away with atleast a point.
I had a few Swindon fans speak to me and the kids after the game commenting on how well they played and how they were lucky to win.

Quoted from Maringer

Usual guys, usual hysteria.

And the same guys burying their head in the sand rather than face reality....
Crewe put 3 past Wrexham, Colchester put 4 past Notts, Sutton put 5 past Swindon...
For all those saying we've had a tough start, I'm not buying that, no game should be seen as "I'll take a draw" from team X, as seen above 3 of those teams have conceded 12 goals against other opposition, they've conceded 3 against us!!...
We've dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, won the grand total of 2 games out of the last 13, its simply not good enough, and if you're happy to accept that, that's your choice, but I know I certainly am not.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

And the same guys burying their head in the sand rather than face reality....
Crewe put 3 past Wrexham, Colchester put 4 past Notts, Sutton put 5 past Swindon...
For all those saying we've had a tough start, I'm not buying that, no game should be seen as "I'll take a draw" from team X, as seen above 3 of those teams have conceded 12 goals against other opposition, they've conceded 3 against us!!...
We've dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, won the grand total of 2 games out of the last 13, its simply not good enough, and if you're happy to accept that, that's your choice, but I know I certainly am not.

Absolutley spot on .... And why cannot people see what is going on. Why do people just be happy with survival , And on two wins every 10 games aint going to achieve survival. He has wasted out little football fortune and we have gone backwards.. Listen to his interview after the game ,, He is lost struggled to find the words and what to say, He may be a safe pair of hands in none league but he is not a football league manager .Stop looking up the road and worrying about them, look at us take your blinkers off.. But no too many cannot see past their noses and when someone points out whats happining all the can do is call you from a pig to a dog and kiss hurst rear end .

I also hear the words ‘he’ll turn it around’. What exactly turns around, a couple of wins followed by some more stale tactics, rinsed & repeated all season for a mid table finish. For Hurst to really ‘turn it around’ we need a fresh tactical approach, and I’d be absolutely stunned if that suddenly happened.

I also see the fact we’ve played most of the top 10, but if you keep gifting sides points early on in the season, then the chances are they’re going to find themselves above us.

Calm down. Once we hit half way through the season I'll make 2 judgements. 1 based on performances (for me they're good so far) and results (not good). Until then I'll be supporting PH and the boys each game week and hoping the performances will start to turn results around.
Yesterday nearly everyone stayed after the final whistle to clap the lads off.

Not much more to add other than a couple of things I saw. Yes Waterfall is starting to look like he's off the pace at times but for me the issue is that for both of their goals their guy just strolled through the middle with no one near him. Is this what to expect every time Conteh is missing?
The other thing is the lack of accuracy of the passing again. Their passing movement was so quick and precise, ours are so often underhit or half a yard wide of the intended target, you can almost count to 4 passes before the poor pass happens and we concede possession.
It sometimes looks like Hurst is constantly caught between 2, even 3 styles of play and we end up with a mish-mash of all of them, and Rose for me is being wasted in this approach.

Quoted from SpiritOf98

Not much more to add other than a couple of things I saw. Yes Waterfall is starting to look like he's off the pace at times but for me the issue is that for both of their goals their guy just strolled through the middle with no one near him. Is this what to expect every time Conteh is missing?
The other thing is the lack of accuracy of the passing again. Their passing movement was so quick and precise, ours are so often underhit or half a yard wide of the intended target, you can almost count to 4 passes before the poor pass happens and we concede possession.
It sometimes looks like Hurst is constantly caught between 2, even 3 styles of play and we end up with a mish-mash of all of them, and Rose for me is being wasted in this approach.

It looks to me like we’ve recruited several decent players but are still searching for a way to fit them together. Rose is a great asset but we’re not getting any runners anywhere near him. Rodgers looks great (and confident) when Maher plays but not Waterfall. Conteh is another great signing but he spends too much time cleaning up after Clifton, Holohan and Hunt lose possession.

It can only be described as disjointed.

My husband , a Wiltshire lad is a Swindon fan and he and his mate's reaction to the game was that they were lucky to get 3 points "we've got away with one there" they think a draw was a fair reflection of the game and in the last 20 mins thought we would score and get the draw. I'm still optimistic that with Maher, Conteh and Wilson fully fit we can turn it round and agree Gav ahead of Hunt

Quoted from MuddyWaters

It looks to me like we’ve recruited several decent players but are still searching for a way to fit them together. Rose is a great asset but we’re not getting any runners anywhere near him. Rodgers looks great (and confident) when Maher plays but not Waterfall. Conteh is another great signing but he spends too much time cleaning up after Clifton, Holohan and Hunt lose possession.

It can only be described as disjointed.

We must get some support up to Rose absolutely, we looked a much better side yesterday when we went 2 up top and brought Gav on

Holohan should be one of the players named first on the team sheet

Basic premise of football...

Score more than your opposition to win the game.

Facts hindering that;
1.We struggle to keep a clean sheet
2.We have minimal attempts on target in a game
3.Our chance conversion rate is poor

Items 2 & 3 need the attention. As the squad is now the squad , until January, we need to swap the approach / system to either increase item 2 enough by at least 100% to compensate for the misses......or hope that Wilson comes in and can massively increase Item 3.

Personally I would prefer Wilson to come in alongside Rose and see what two up front can produce as Alex Rodman said a few times yesterday Rose looked pretty dejected , isolated  on his own with poor service.

Would be interested to know from others how we fit Rose and Wilson together. Do we go 442 like so many of Hurst’s previous teams, with one winger and the other wide man in a narrower role. If we stick to 4141 with Rose behind Wilson, or vice versa, who drops out of midfield? Any thoughts?

Despite all the fanfare when we signed them the players haven't been good enough. Hurst wanted to play a more expansive game with better players but they are not good enough to play like that.

Eisa has been good by virtue of his individual brilliance and Conteh for his Interceptions but after that?

He will have to change to two up top and adjust the system because we haven't got the passing the fluidity or pace to play as he wants.

Four of the last five goals we’ve conceded have been caused by midfielders not tracking their runners and defenders not spotting the danger and shifting across to cover to protect our goal.

I know Hurst signed these players. I know he trains them every week. But the players have to take some responsibility themselves.

Swindon’s first goal - how can Efete not realise there is a massive gap between him and Rodgers? I know the two of them are playing out of position but it’s basics. Why has no midfielder followed the runner - again!

The second goal - yes, I know Waterfall’s turned slowly and what pace he has appears to have disappeared. But why has our midfield just allowed Cain to stand 10 yards behind them. Why aren’t Rodgers and Efete covering Waterfall when they know he’s short of pace and they can see there is a midfield runner?

They had a warning in the first half when Andrews got caught the wrong side of Cain and there was a huge gap between our non-existent midfield and our defence.

I realise Maher and Conteh missing is huge. But the same thing happened last week when Holohan couldn’t be arsëd tracking his man or bothering to run back (twice).

All this talk of our problems upfront - it’s our defensive work in midfield that’s worrying me more.

Another point about yesterday.

`Hurst doesn`t use subs and can`t change a game the way other managers do against us`

He brought on 3 together yesterday, switched the formation and took the game to them. He made the last quarter very difficult for Swindon.

I left the ground very frustrated that we didn`t get the draw.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

Four of the last five goals we’ve conceded have been caused by midfielders not tracking their runners and defenders not spotting the danger and shifting across to cover to protect our goal.

I know Hurst signed these players. I know he trains them every week. But the players have to take some responsibility themselves.

Swindon’s first goal - how can Efete not realise there is a massive gap between him and Rodgers? I know the two of them are playing out of position but it’s basics. Why has no midfielder followed the runner - again!

The second goal - yes, I know Waterfall’s turned slowly and what pace he has appears to have disappeared. But why has our midfield just allowed Cain to stand 10 yards behind them. Why aren’t Rodgers and Efete covering Waterfall when they know he’s short of pace and they can see there is a midfield runner?

They had a warning in the first half when Andrews got caught the wrong side of Cain and there was a huge gap between our non-existent midfield and our defence.

I realise Maher and Conteh missing is huge. But the same thing happened last week when Holohan couldn’t be arsëd tracking his man or bothering to run back (twice).

All this talk of our problems upfront - it’s our defensive work in midfield that’s worrying me more.

100% agree. Swindon had huge amounts of space in midfield and very little challenge when they were on the ball.

I know Holohan isn`t everyone`s cup of tea but he does some of the grunt work here to close down space and get a challenge in.

Quoted from denni266

Absolutley spot on .... And why cannot people see what is going on. Why do people just be happy with survival , And on two wins every 10 games aint going to achieve survival. He has wasted out little football fortune and we have gone backwards.. Listen to his interview after the game ,, He is lost struggled to find the words and what to say, He may be a safe pair of hands in none league but he is not a football league manager .Stop looking up the road and worrying about them, look at us take your blinkers off.. But no too many cannot see past their noses and when someone points out whats happining all the can do is call you from a pig to a dog and kiss hurst rear end .

Says the football expert.............

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

100% agree. Swindon had huge amounts of space in midfield and very little challenge when they were on the ball.

I know Holohan isn`t everyone`s cup of tea but he does some of the grunt work here to close down space and get a challenge in.

Apart from last week, which is why Hurst dropped him 😊

Speaking to Swindon fans they said they were hoping for final whistle it was to tense for them Grimisby played well  should have come out with the points the pressures  of football .Be carefully what we wish for  Holloway comes to mind We playing football a few injuries but those last away games  of seen notts county Bradford Swindon  Even wrexham to a point   our football just needs a finish how missed those goalmouth scambles  at Swindon  look different team with Rose playing
Totally different love them hate them good to get a drummer always keeps spirts up  maybe we could Pyke to do it

We've been worked out. Everyone in the division knows how to beat us. Outnumber us in central midfield which forces our wingers back and nullifies them to a big extent and leaves Rose isolated.

I was convinced during pre-season that we would line up in a 4-3-3 / 4-1-4-1 with an anchor (Conteh) in central midfield and a player either side of them. To 4-2-3-1 formation we are attempting to play is useless because we get overrun in central midfield than exposes our centre-backs and also because we don't have anyone to play in the number 10 role who is anywhere near competent enough to play that role.

I go to football in the hope that we play well and win matches. But more important than that is that I am entertained. The truth is this season the football has been turgid and entertainment almost non-existent.

And people are rightly asking serious question about whether PH can take us where we want to go. We can all accept poor form and defeats as long as we can see signs of improvement and see where we are heading and that their is a footballing plan to take us forward.

But the recruitment has been patchy. We are still weak in central midfield despite having one of the very best in the division at our disposal and there is a serious lack of goals in the team. And then there's the goalkeeper issue, We have 2 great prospects who will have very good careers, but neither are at the level of Crocombe at the monent even if both will end up having better careers than him.

Most successful teams having a solid spine. We have glaring weaknesses all over our spine.

This could be a very long season spent looking over our shoulders worrying about the bottom 2 team only being 8-10 behind us.

Quoted from 123614

Says the football expert.............

Well thanks for that . I try my best . One think for sure is the way things are  they are not working are they ??????

I really think we need two up top. I am not a traditionalist by any means, but Conteh and Holohan with Clifton and Eisa out wide will prevent us getting run ragged in midfield and also help in attack and defence.

Wilson and Rose up top would help create something and test defences

Quoted from AncientExiledMariner

I'd get off social media then. It's just toxic. Pure negativity.

.

You can say that again mate. Across the board though on online social media . Some give it Billy big Bollox yet in real life have balls the size of peanuts.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

And the same guys burying their head in the sand rather than face reality....
Crewe put 3 past Wrexham, Colchester put 4 past Notts, Sutton put 5 past Swindon...
For all those saying we've had a tough start, I'm not buying that, no game should be seen as "I'll take a draw" from team X, as seen above 3 of those teams have conceded 12 goals against other opposition, they've conceded 3 against us!!...
We've dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, won the grand total of 2 games out of the last 13, its simply not good enough, and if you're happy to accept that, that's your choice, but I know I certainly am not.

Wrexham were down to 10 men early, but still managed a draw. Colchester actually scored 5, but conceded 4, so tight game, and Swindon never conceded 5 against Sutton as they are unbeaten all season.

We have had a tough start; that can't be denied.

On your last point, that you are not going to accept it. What are you going to do other than accept it? I'm curious. Yourself and Denni seem to think that other fans are happy with the way things are going, but we're not. This happy clapper bollox is just that; bollox.

Quoted from denni266

Well thanks for that . I try my best . One think for sure is the way things are  they are not working are they ??????

No they are not, but I prefer to reserve my opinion on our Manager till the end of the season, not 10 games in.

Quoted from denni266

Well thanks for that . I try my best . One think for sure is the way things are  they are not working are they ??????

Correct.  
Reminds me of the old surgeon joke, when asked how the operation went. His reply was it was textbook, the sutures were neat, no complications, and the rest of the team did everything right, I was satisfied with this perfect operation.
Unfortunately, the patient died.

Quoted from Dodorondon

Would be interested to know from others how we fit Rose and Wilson together. Do we go 442 like so many of Hurst’s previous teams, with one winger and the other wide man in a narrower role. If we stick to 4141 with Rose behind Wilson, or vice versa, who drops out of midfield? Any thoughts?

For me... flat back 4. 2 semi sitting. Rose close behind Wilson with Khan and Eisa out wide as high up as the other 2.
Watching the way Wilson and Rose played yesterday, Rose has vision and can hold it up etc. Whereas Wilson looked more direct. I'd love to see us do what we did 2nd half yesterday and commit more men forward.
4
2 cdms
1 cam (Rose but really close up to Wilson)
3 - 2 wide men with Wilson central.

Quoted from denni266

Well thanks for that . I try my best . One think for sure is the way things are  they are not working are they ??????

It's hard to take your opinions objectively when you've had it in for Hurst for years now and was furious about him returning. Did he make you mad when he said the fans are "spoiled" being a big team in the NL? Does it still hurt that he didn't get down on his knees and tell you how good you are for buying a ticket? Holloway and Jolley did that and they were excrement managers.

If we are going on football expertise, I got my town team promoted to the championship as champions of L1 in FM so maybe I should take the job instead of Hurst since I clearly know more about football management and running a successful team than he does.  

Again unpopular opinion Clifton gets an easy ride as he is one of our own, he is massively overrated and his first touch and passing is shocking makes up for lack of quality with effort and endurance. Would like to see a side without him in it for a while at some point.

Quoted from GrimPol

Correct.  
Reminds me of the old surgeon joke, when asked how the operation went. His reply was it was textbook, the sutures were neat, no complications, and the rest of the team did everything right, I was satisfied with this perfect operation.
Unfortunately, the patient died.

I wouldn’t open with it…

Quoted from ginnywings

Wrexham were down to 10 men early, but still managed a draw. Colchester actually scored 5, but conceded 4, so tight game, and Swindon never conceded 5 against Sutton as they are unbeaten all season.

We have had a tough start; that can't be denied.

On your last point, that you are not going to accept it. What are you going to do other than accept it? I'm curious. Yourself and Denni seem to think that other fans are happy with the way things are going, but we're not. This happy clapper bollox is just that; bollox.

Yeah, sorry it was actually 3, although Wrexham put 5 past them, which proves my point even more, we are f@cking useless in front of goal!!...
I'll tell you what, I'll just sit there and go "oh well, never mind, we only lost again, always next week" or i can show some passion from the stands and let those at the club know I'm not happy.

Have I called anybody, or even used the term "happy clapper"?...
I've supported this club for 50 years, through thick, thin and mud, and I will continue to do so, and I will always show passion, be that berating them when they are sh!te or applauding when we play well...what I won't to do is just turn up abd watch the game like I'm wearing a mask, sat on my hands with my tongue tied!!

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Yeah, sorry it was actually 3, although Wrexham put 5 past them, which proves my point even more, we are f@cking useless in front of goal!!...
I'll tell you what, I'll just sit there and go "oh well, never mind, we only lost again, always next week" or i can show some passion from the stands and let those at the club know I'm not happy.

Have I called anybody, or even used the term "happy clapper"?...
I've supported this club for 50 years, through thick, thin and mud, and I will continue to do so, and I will always show passion, be that berating them when they are sh!te or applauding when we play well...what I won't to do is just turn up abd watch the game like I'm wearing a mask, sat on my hands with my tongue tied!!

This is my 52nd season, so I've been right there with you.

Whether you scream and shout like you, or sit and watch stoically like me, the outcomes are the same.

All we can do as fans is support the team and hope the board and manager get it right, and for me, they haven't got it wrong enough, for long enough as yet to warrant a change of manager or direction.

You feel differently and that is your prerogative, but because some of us don't jump up and down and demand changes, doesn't mean we are saps who are happy with where we are.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Despite all the fanfare when we signed them the players haven't been good enough. Hurst wanted to play a more expansive game with better players but they are not good enough to play like that.

Eisa has been good by virtue of his individual brilliance and Conteh for his Interceptions but after that?

He will have to change to two up top and adjust the system because we haven't got the passing the fluidity or pace to play as he wants.

How on earth did this post get 12 red x's for stating the obvious. Have the players been good enough ?  You don't get a banquet fit for a king if the cooks are shite no matter how good the maitre d is

Quoted from golfer

How on earth did this post get 12 red x's for stating the obvious. Have the players been good enough ?  You don't get a banquet fit for a king if the cooks are shite no matter how good the maitre d is

Hear! Hear!

It's obviously not a popular opinion and perhaps some of the signings might show more in a different set up, but I can't see a discernable improvement apart from on paper.

We didn't see anything from Vernam when he was fit. Pyke I don't think we will see much of in the striker role he was bought for, goalkeeper certainly no better than Crocome, Arthur G not sure of a place, Mullarkey OK and Rodgers, Rose completely isolated and playing a role he is unsuited for (not his fault).

It may all click in which case I will comment on that but apart from Conteh and Eisa the rest have been average so far.

Quoted from ginnywings

This is my 52nd season, so I've been right there with you.

Whether you scream and shout like you, or sit and watch stoically like me, the outcomes are the same.

All we can do as fans is support the team and hope the board and manager get it right, and for me, they haven't got it wrong enough, for long enough as yet to warrant a change of manager or direction.

You feel differently and that is your prerogative, but because some of us don't jump up and down and demand changes, doesn't mean we are saps who are happy with where we are.

My first season (that I remember properly ) was 89-90 , that and the following season were our last 2 automatic promotions - I don't think wanting / expecting a third one in 35 years is too much of an ask - I expect one in division 4 within the next 3 or 4 years if we don't make it up via the play-offs somehow .

Feel like we have the capability to compete at league 1 level ,even if it's as a lower to mid end team - I would be delighted with that and would not have anymore major expectations as we stand now .

We have been in division 4 and 5 for the majority of the last 20 years , division 3 for the next 10 would do me .

Quoted from FishySmithy

Again unpopular opinion Clifton gets an easy ride as he is one of our own, he is massively overrated and his first touch and passing is shocking makes up for lack of quality with effort and endurance. Would like to see a side without him in it for a while at some point.

He’s basically turned into Luke Summerfield

Quoted from It Bites

He’s basically turned into Luke Summerfield

Bit of an insult to Summerfield

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Yeah, sorry it was actually 3, although Wrexham put 5 past them, which proves my point even more, we are f@cking useless in front of goal!!...
I'll tell you what, I'll just sit there and go "oh well, never mind, we only lost again, always next week" or i can show some passion from the stands and let those at the club know I'm not happy.

Have I called anybody, or even used the term "happy clapper"?...
I've supported this club for 50 years, through thick, thin and mud, and I will continue to do so, and I will always show passion, be that berating them when they are sh!te or applauding when we play well...what I won't to do is just turn up abd watch the game like I'm wearing a mask, sat on my hands with my tongue tied!!

"I've supported this club for 50 years, through thick, thin and mud" "berating them when they are sh!te"

Definition: Support

"To bear the weight of, especially from below; keep from falling, sinking, or slipping."

"To bear or hold up (an amount of weight)."

"To keep from weakening or failing; give confidence or comfort to."

Which one of those definitions are you doing there? Is that berating building up players confidence when they're not at their best or mess up?

Players are human and jumping on their back when they intercourse up doesn't help. It just makes people more risk averse.

You'd be better off being quite that dragging the team down.

Support through thick and thin, and average. We all get emotional, but some of us can show restraint rather than yelling at young lads doing their best.

On the topic of Clifton. He's clearly not in form. Hurst has to decide whether the other options are better. Ultimately, he doesn't feel that is the case and the off the ball work give more than the on the ball errors. Harry is still the same player, and he'll get back to last seasons quality. He just needs time and encouragement.

Do we really think he wants to miss those opportunities? He'll be mortified.

The thing about Clifton, is he gets these chances because he doesn't stop running, doesn't stop moving and he's the guy who made it into the box to get that opportunity. Maybe other players might execute it better, but they gotta get on the end of it first.

Quoted from AncientExiledMariner

"I've supported this club for 50 years, through thick, thin and mud" "berating them when they are sh!te"

Definition: Support

"To bear the weight of, especially from below; keep from falling, sinking, or slipping."

"To bear or hold up (an amount of weight)."

"To keep from weakening or failing; give confidence or comfort to."

Which one of those definitions are you doing there? Is that berating building up players confidence when they're not at their best or mess up?

Players are human and jumping on their back when they intercourse up doesn't help. It just makes people more risk averse.

You'd be better off being quite that dragging the team down.

Support through thick and thin, and average. We all get emotional, but some of us can show restraint rather than yelling at young lads doing their best.

You might want to remember that when certain players are always dropped after one game while others get umpteen chances.