Fair call Elixir , thanks for the "chin up" words! I also think that maybe were using big Chris wrong ,How about starting with Massey and Marvin ,then with 20 mins to go against tiring centre halves bring on big Chris!
i would start with Massey too, and then bring on Deeney 20 minutes from the end...let CI get a chance to get fit first!
The annoying thing is that with a couple of exceptions, I didn't think anybody had a bad game (exceptions being Iwelumo obviously, and Loach should have stopped at least 2 of those goals. For one, he appeared to make a spectacular dive but somehow managed to go backwards away from the ball). Iwelumo is not fit enough to play 90, and not fit enough to play against fresh legs, so make him a sub to come on with 15 to go as suggested. On the other hand, West Ham were a class apart - when you saw the team sheet, that's still a prem squad.
The Good Erm, well, nice pint of lager before the game......oh who am I kidding it was Carlsberg, tastes like p*ss water. Seriously, Mariappa looks like he may be in for a good season (although I think it was him who backed off Parker for the 4th). Bizarrely for a team conceding 4 I don't think our defence had a bad game. Sordell is going to get hacked off pretty quickly if he has to do everything himself as once again he was pretty much our sole threat up front. The team that finished should be the team that starts. Massey looked lively when he came on but gets caught offside too much so sitck him on the right with Deeney up front has potential. The Bad The gap between the midfield and forward line seemed at times to be larger than ever. There was rarely a decent option other than lump it over the top. A distinct lack of movement off the ball contributed. Our midfield is simply not mobile enough. The Ugly Iwelumo. I'm sorry to get on a players back so early in the season and I understand if he isn't up to match sharpness which may explain his lack of reacting to what's going on around him but I cannot excuse his inability to hold the ball up and pretty much fail to win a single header. I was genuinely thinking at half time that it wouldn't be the worst idea to bring Bennett on and stick Tiny up front because he was 10 times more threatening in the final third. Finally, I know a lot had left by the end but a round of applause to those who stuck it out. Again, and despite possibly having more reason to boo, those that were still there applauded the team. Cannot understate how important our support and patience will be this season.
all good points Si, as usual. the problem with Massey is that he's quick and he creates problems, but his final shot is weak. He's never going to score, trickling the ball towards the net, he needs strength, we need him too soon. It's a shame. I've never really rated RJ but i do think he's improved this season. Trouble is, he gives the ball away far too much. You're right, there weren't many left at the end, that always pees me off...but we were still applauding as they went off...especially for Dickinson, who seems to always make an effort before and after the game with the fans. He's a top bloke, that one.
Dickinson getting some good reviews seems to be doing the right things! As ever as long as the effort is there ........ we dont seem to be to tolerant of shirkers which is no bad thing!
Cheers Hornette, I try to keep an even keel on things! Certainly Massey does lack that clinical finishing but I do think he may be worth a start even though I am pretty sure he'll be subbed after an hour. Dickinson is already showing signs of class both with his defensive duties which look solid and his respect of the fans. After tonights results this division is already showing signs of WTF! Brighton stuffing Cardiff 3-1 was sweet for obvious reasons but Derby's second 1-0 away win was really surprising based on what we saw on Saturday. This actually gives me a lot of hope. It is a competitive league for sure, but if Derby can go away to Blackpool and get a result then we really do not have anything to fear. Norway, I think we've got a team of honest players, I just hope that is enough.
I am simply going to say this. Nice to see Dickinson grow into the squad and do a lap after the match. Other than Sordell and Carl i think we were S**T.
