This is the interesting part of your post to me. Teams do make it difficult. We can perform better. We have 3 important first team starters injured. We have had to deal with suspensions to Bogle and Firpo the last 3 or 4 games. Despite all of those limiting factors. We are 2nd in the form table. Above Sheff Utd, ahead of Sunderland, a mile in front of Burnley and in front of Middlesbrough. Only Millwall sit in front of us earning 1 point more than us. I don't understand how we are "struggling". If this form continues then we'll be on course for a huge points total.
Atmosphere can get quiet but I don't think it's the football. The 'big' games are still very good. Sheff Utd was really good atmosphere. Burnley was decent but it was dinner time kick off so most people were sober. Coventry was okay but it was a comfortable win. Plymouth was eerily quiet but it felt like we were playing a non league side in a cup tie. Boro in the cup was ****e because Georginio was leaving and we were just ****e. There is the sense that we can just turn up and win at this level. The crowd don't seem to get nervy. It's just accepted that we play, we win and rinse and repeat. The more important the game, the better the atmosphere. Playing Plymouth reserves doesn't really get the crowd going. I didn't go yesterday.
My reference to struggling was in our ability to break teams down and finish the chances we are making, perhaps I didn’t express that clearly. In terms of attainment I reckon we are doing ok - however I still believe even with the injuries and suspensions, and having seen every game (sadly only on TV) we ought to have been clear at the top now.
I completely agree. It's the frustration that seems to be manifesting in dissatisfaction and anger amongst the fans. The reality is that we are just over a quarter of the season deep and we are in the mix.
Given the money our cost as supposed to most of the teams in this league, we should be near or at the top. I suspect most here could manage our squad into top 6
Been reading a thread on another forum and most of the match day goers are saying they are bored ****less and some saying they are ****ed off with the performances and it is definitely having an effect on the matchday atmosphere.
Not surprised. Money is tight with lots of fans and attending football is not cheap especially if there’s lots of travel. Fans need to be entertained
I would think if you're paying upto £47 for a regular ticket you want to be entertained and not sent into a slumber, there's no reason why you can't entertain and do well.
Bielsa spoilt us. Now winning isn't enough? It has to be winning with a certain amount of style? Newcastle fans were the same when Keegan left. They had nothing good to say about their club for years and hounded managers out of the club, eventually relegating the club. For the record, whilst the team are winning games, the crowd have been absolutely behind them. Because of the slow build up, the crowd turned in the league cup against Boro with chants of "what the **** is going on?". There were a few murmurs against Burnley but nothing too substantial. I didn't go to home games vs Pompey, Hull or QPR but haven't heard anything too negative from lads I know. When winning isn't enough then it's a crowd problem, not a coaching problem. The fans need to stop the false sense of entitlement and wake up to the fact that Bielsa has left and isn't coming back. Got to move on and back this lot like they backed him. That's worth a few points a season.
I don't find winning the way we are entertaining let alone losing. If you're happy watching this **** every week, then power to your elbow.
My concern is that Sunderland are this years Ipswich, Sheff Utd look very strong and should be in autos, then you have Burnley and WBA who could hang around. There is also the possibility of Boro, Watford or a n other going on a run. I don't think this league is as strong as last year but there's still enough games to worry us, Millwall away was just one of them. Sheff Utd stole a win in the last seconds midweek then got maximum points in the steel city derby today. We need to be doing that. I understand that we're missing key players but we've had 2 seasons of our players turning to jelly in the final third. We do get the openings against the low block but invariably we make very poor decisions. I don't know how you teach composure but our lot rarely have it. The reason I backed Firpo was because he showed that composure in the final 3rd. I think Piroe has it but not enough of the others have it to get the ball to him. I predict that Guilavogui will play a big part this season. I like the cut of his jib
The away team hardly contribute to make an entertaining game either. Just sit back and pack the defence. Top 3 after 30% of the season, with injuries to some key players is a good return.
The big games usually coincide with the away team selling their allocation. That’s probably why the atmosphere for Sheffield United/Burnley was decent and Plymouth/QPR not great.
Do you class Bamford as a key player?. He is the only experienced striker we have at the club and fans know this and expect far better.
