This time last year we were so deep in the mire as to be almost invisible. Going out of business was more than a possibility, we had collected one point and it was difficult to see where we would get another. As of now we are in mid table, have two league wins and three draws and actually have more points than games played. So, we survived as a club, stayed in the Football League and put the finances back on a sound footing. So what did you expect from this season? That everything would suddenly, magically be roses having spent no money? The core of the team is the same as the one that kept us up with one or two additions which we haven't seen the effect of yet. We are seeing the emergence of a different, more attractive style of play and if it doesn't always click, well, that's not entirely surprising - just look at Brendan Rogers and Liverpool. Yet all I seem to see are the moaners and nay-sayers who want Fletcher out and someone else, preferably with a magic wand, to take over. I really don't know what anyone else expected from this season apart from progress. I saw it as a foundation year - putting the building blocks in place for a better future. I hope that is what is now happening. I believe the signs are there but it will take a while and a few more wins to really be sure. We have had four losing seasons in a row - is it any wonder that confidence is a little fragile - not just with the team but also among the supporters. So to all the doom-merchants out there, lighten up. things ARE better but they will take time to be really good again. Don't keep knocking Fletcher and the very young team he has assembled. There are potentially some very good players among the kids and if we keep them and treat them right, they will be the ones to see us climbing the leagues. Manage your own expectations; be realistic. We are very lucky to be here at all after last year's debacle.
With all due respect Westernmac we didn't win the match through our own skills out on the pitch, we won due to Morecombe players taking our players out in the box and giving away 2 penalties. Having said that a win is a win, and I will take one anyway it comes. I still believe that Fletcher isn't up to the job through inexperience and that shows time and time again when the opposition change their tactics against us during the match and start banging in the goals. Fletcher doesn't adapt what is happening out on the pitch and just stands there arms folded as though he is playing statues, although yesterday he whistled to the team at least 3 times whatever that instruction was to the team. I don't expect to win every match but I do expect strong direction and a change of tactics when things arn't working ! I believe we have a decent team if managed properly but sadly I still believe that it isn't Fletcher !
One of Morecombe's goals was a penalty too let's not forget, and being the 2nd, just after half time, a real body blow to whatever Fletcher had said at half time. The general opinion I saw during the match was that we were the better side which seems to be borne out by the match stats, for what they're worth. More overall chances (24 v 12), more of those on target (15 v 7) and more corners (7 v 3). A goal's a goal however it's scored and surely you have to give credit where credit's due. I'm with Westernmac on this, Fletcher wouldn't have been my pick as manager but he's here, he kept us up and there are some stuttering signs of a renaissance - the performance at Burnley, the win over Northampton, the first half against Port Vale and now the win from what looked like a hopeless position at Morecombe. It seems the first goal conceded yesterday was sloppy and that needs to stop - our strength at the end of last season was good defending and we need that back. Secondly, we need to improve at home - 5 points from 4 away games and only 4 from 4 at Home Park. No signs of home advantage there and perhaps fans who like to boo teenagers should think about that.
Thank you westernmac - I was beginning to think I was the only one that would he happy with mid table obscurity at the end of the season given where we were 12 months ago. Obviously anything more than that would be appreciated but prob unlikley unless as NDG says the home crowd stops picking on the kids.
I hear what you are all saying gentlemen but the fact still remains we would have lost yesterday without those 2 penalties no matter how well we played nor how much of possession we had. I don't agree with booing players I personally don't clap at the end of the match if I think it was carp. I think if the terracing was still open in the Moanflower you would know exactly who the booing was aimed at ! I am not for one moment questioning Fletcher's committment just his abilities. I'm sure a few seasons as an assistant manager to a seasoned manager would help him no end, and then I think he would have the makings of a decent manager. In my opinion our younger players are struggling because he doen't have the ability to motivate them !
I wonder why Carl Fletcher decided on two up front against Morecambe yesterday.......was it because he felt that Jenkins was the missing link in that process being successful. If that was the case Fletcher was taking a big risk in playing Jenkins who had played little first team football this season.....and looking at his stats he had been playing less football at first team level for year after year....and was a stranger to how Argyle play, this is so against Fletchers ingrained cautious approach to everything Argyle. They obviously played quite well.....accept for the back four (who as a unit brought us through last season)... struggling this year for consistancy. Jenkins was easily the man of the match on the PASOTI chart....and brought some hope with his stunning goal......and this helped to bring pressure on the Morecambe defence who panicked under pressure........I haven't read that either of Argyles penalties were lucky...so brave on the Referee to give two away penalties against the home side....although the pathetic number of home fans would not be able to put pressure on the tea lady... let alone a referee. Southend next week could be winable.......Wycombe and AFC Wimbledon both having sacked their managers are to follow and we could win those.....If what we saw yesterday is continued and we play two up front......and some of are missing players return things could start easing for Fletcher.
Gat, I hate to disagree with a lady of your eminence but I have to say I don't think Fletcher has any difficulty motivating the kids. We hear a lot of players praising his approach and coaching abilities. I agree that he may be naive tactically but he can learn. I wouldn't be surprised to see another short-term mentor appointed. Plym, you're right about the back four being a bit wobbly. However, last year they had Wotton or the much-maligned Walton in front of them - sometimes both. Wotton is older and slower this year, currently injured and the some of the youngsters are losing their cool under pressure. That doesn't make them bad players, merely inexperienced. One day soon we are going to play well for the full 90 minutes and give someone a real hiding!
Pretty much exactly where we are now mid table, new faces (yet to play), inconsistent but still in the league. Best we could have hoped for given the situation last year and the only saviour being a businessman not a money laden fan or overseas consortium. So when we lose a lead it is due to the other managers outwitting Fletcher and shows his tactical inability and when we come back from 2 down it is lucky!!!!! Big risk in playing Jenkins or good signing of a player he knew, quick check on fitness and strengthen the area we have been lacking in allowing him to play 2 upfront.
Hello ladies and gentlemen. I got back to my hotel room just in time to put on final score on Saturday. Saw 2 - 0 and thought hey-ho here we go again. Then watched the vidiprinter churn up 3 Argyle goals and was, lets say, slightly ecstatic. In answer to the question I never ever thought we would do better than mid table this season and would happily settle for that right now. However, I have watched them in all but one home match due to my own injury. What I've seen has not been good. The defence has been as bad at times as they were at the start of last season. The firepower up front has been sadly lacking. We have just about managed to play one half of football in each game which at home is not good enough. It is not the loss of points but the manor of the loss that is my gripe. Fletcher, as Gat has said, doesn't seem able to either go for it from the outset or change tactics when we are behind. Not a bad man as I've said elsewhere but not experienced or more to the point confident enough. What I did not expect nor wanted was a struggle for yet another season. All the signs were that it was going to be just that. The result this Saturday was a welcome one but I hope it does not disguise for now what may happen as the season goes on. I, as a supporter and one who pays to watch them, need some respite. I said elsewhere that if the points at that point were replecated for the rest of the season then we would not only struggle but would probably be relegated. That isn't doom and gloom that was fact. Fletcher's points per game were less than would have been the case last season had he maintained the form and had all of the season. It isn't being gloomy or pesimistic it is being a realist. I don't want to fear the worst but I cannot ignore what I'd witnessed up to that point. If Fletcher continues being more proactive with his tactics and the results improve, especially at home, then as I also said elsewhere, I will hold my hands up as being wrong. I hope I have to eat humble pie because it will mean I've witnessed a much better season that seemed to be the case a week ago.
Although I take on board all of the above and agree with a lot of it I can't help but wonder if it is just our nature to accept mediocrity. Any other club the size of ours and the fans would be spitting feathers (sorry Beau) and baying for Fletcher's blood - even taking into account our recent financial difficulties. Why are we so laid back about our football down in this part of the country or is it just that we have been beaten down over the years due to several abysmal seasons in a row? Imagine a prem or championship club getting into financial doggy doo doo and the following season the fans hoping for a slight improvement....wouldn't happen would it!
What can the supporters do about it Lala? we can't do sod all to be honest. Got to live with it i am afraid. we are use to it anyway by now
A great end result a win.......but a good dig from distance and two penalties cannot come into the category of any managers tactical ability to control the outcome of a match. Playing a total stranger in Jenkins was definately a risk for Fletcher....who isn't normally a risk taker.....Jenkins of course has played his 80/90 games at Championship level so maybe that took some of the risk away. Playing one up front has been the fans big gripe against Fletchers approach to playing games.....and maybe he played two up because of Jenkins presence in mid-field....who knows. A move forward in Fletchers education ?.....again who knows, lets hope so.... because... if it returns to his usual approach to matches and decision making and poor results...then the anti-Fletcher brigade will continue to tell Brent what he needs to do.
Plymborn I hate to point out the bleedin' obvious yet again but Alf Ramsey is no longer England manager and dear old Alan Ball is no longer with us. You may be surprised to learn that some of the best teams on the world play with only one striker and do very well at it thank you very much. You & Sensible may also find it shocking but some of the best teams from good old Blighty go off and play, yes I'm afraid so, foreigners, although we try not to be too superior by even permitting Johnny Foreigner to win now and then.
Yes that's true notDistant........but we try and do it with Feeney and it aint his strength....and with Chadwick who thankfully is injured.
Ah well that's a different story but 2 strikers aren't necessarily the answer to a maiden's prayer in every case....
notDistant.......the good thing about this website is that we can state our own opinions without worrying about heavy handed moderaters pulling people into line or even banning them........banning them personally means you've already lost the argument or discussion......throwing the toys out of the pram comes to mind or taking your football back cos ya don't play the game by our rules. We know how most people will react on this site.....and there is some security in knowing that.....some would disagree......and you can always use the ignore button now and again.......but still have a sneaky little look to see what the trolls who visit now and again say.
I think I understand now when we lose it is Fletchers fault and when we win it has nothing to do with him. Good signings are down to anyone other than Fletcher and bad signings all his fault. When it works he is a lucky chancer and when it doesn´t he is an incompetant. All goals scored by Argyle are lucky and against due to the manager.
@ Not Distant and Mexi, Plym and sensible are entitled to their opinions, they may differ from yours but they are just as valid. I happen to think he is far from a lone voice regarding Fletcher, a large section of the fans agree that he is not what we need right now, tactical inexperience loses matches. Not Distant, why do you find it necessary to be sarcastic when replying to Plym's posts. It is possible to answer a post without the added sarcasm.
Of course you are entitled to your opinions mexi, I just feel things are getting sarcastic, it's more distant than yourself, it seems every time Plym makes a post Distant takes little swipes at him, it's beginning to piss me off tbh. Can we just keep it polite please?
