What I meant by my previous comment was that you don't seriously want Boothroyd to take charge, Percy.
I put the question to him who he'd rather see as manager and he said Boothroyd which makes his disapproval of Pearson seem even more odd and irrrational.
Because he's not good enough to get us anywhere near the play-offs and that's where we should be aiming? He's had a year to build "His team" now, and yet there's been no improvement whatsoever. Friday night showed no progression on last season. It's just the boringness of the games that gets me, even when we win I'm bored stiff. Because they're a bit thick and can't construct an argument without being abusive?
I like you Percival and your stance. You are right a lot on here change their opinions, Adebola being a case in point, i admire the fact you dont but to say nothing has changed is wrong. We were a lot better, a lot more positive. I watched the friendlys and you could see it has got better. I have my doubts about NP, but he has changed and is making his team more attacking. It will be interesting to see if he continues if we suffer a few defeats, will he lose his bottle and become negative Nigel again?
I don't get why everyone is slating Hobbs, he did no more wrong than Chester... Fryatt wasn't great but at least he got himself in some good opportunities, he'll take his shots next time. Simpson will find his accuracy, its harder than it looks to lift a ball over a keeper and have it drop into the goal from a close range and at that pace... probably the wrong decision from him but at least he had his shot... we don't need anymore strikers... We've got 4 already. Brady looked a little shaky for me and there's no way he was our best player on the pitch that night, put in a good shift though don't get me wrong! Looked classy and dangerous a few times but gave it away or crossed it out of play too many times to be our motm. Barmby was quality, played a part in about 90% of our 2nd half chances. I was happy with Adebola's input but I think Cairney and Rosenior were our best 2 players on there. Thought McKenna was alright despite some of the criticism he received. Everyone else put in a good shift for me but with the way some of the players have been slated on here I'm surprised that one person hasn't had been mentioned... Gulasci. He really scared me the other night... couldn't do anything about the goal but for a game which I think we were the better side (not by much albeit) Blackpool could have won by more with the number of times the keeper charged out only to miss the ball completely and leave an open net behind him. Needs to work on his judgement and timing a little. Not a bad performance in my eyes. Controlled much of the game, created chances, good team spirit, looked fit and full of energy, unlucky with their goal... a class finish. It was the first game, we hardly got annihilated and the chance that Blackpool took was much harder to score than about 8 of our decent attempts. Fryatt will take more of his chances after that and Simpson needs a little more game time. Chill out, we're looking alright.
I thought we played very well. Controlled the first 20 minutes and then Blackpool took over and looked better each side of half time. Couldn't understand why Adebola limped onto the pitch at beginning of half to be subbed three minutes later. And, agreeing with everyone else why Barmby and not Simpson. What made it worse was then the constant pumping of the ball up the middle for their centre-back to clear anything. Barmby couldn't do a thing with that sort of ball. So poor subb and poor tactics. Eventually by the time we started to get the ball behind the defense it was almost too late. Bringing Simpson on with only 8 minutes to go didn't really give him much chance so I don't blame him too much for missing the 'sitter'. Fryatt should have got one at least but he was being tugged back on one chance which was blatantly obvious to all of us but not the linesman (I wouldn't call him assistant ref) in front of us. A good game with decent football where we created a majority of chance but failed to score giving a very disappointing result. Still only the first game. Remember losing to Plymouth first game in our promotion season (Swansea lost here last season and still got promoted) so I am ever hopefull
Well, eight sheets to the wind and with a belly-full of the "Amber Nectar" (not the sh!t you are drinking in Hull) I have to say that we were disappointing against Blackpool and that's putting it mildly. (Christ, I have corrected 14 spelling mistakes in that one sentence). We were very unlucky. Could have taken at least 3 of the seven chances we had but we have nobody capable. No excuses folks, lets be honest. We need a striker. Matty is nowhere near this level and has to have it laid on. Simpson needs more than 'game time' he needs divine intervention at this level. Adebola is nothing more than a totem pole and does nothing. Brady is playing like a 'one man band' and has to control his ability and turn it into creative opportunities. Cairney needs a right foot. We will improve.
After a couple of days of reflection I would agree with most of what Benjo said. Keeper scared me to death and Basso looks a more solid experienced performer - maybe it was just first game nerves but his decsion making for bread and butter crosses needs to be addressed and quick. Had Matty Fyatt tucked at least one of the chances away then we would have gone onto win. Not a fan of Cairneys I have to say. Easily bullied no strength cant track back etc etc. Too much of a luxury although I can see why NP played him at home after a good close season. Hate first day defeats though particularly when you should have won the game. Opportunity againast Macc on Tues to try out something else.
It was hardly a boring game though, I too thought we'd become more attacking, NP is naturally cautious, he wouldn't let us attack unless he thinks we're solid at the back. Blackpool's goal was class, give them that and I've seen the replays, it's hard to slate Dudgeon as he had his body in the way but Taylor-Fletcher hit it perfectly. So you can't critisize Gulacsi either. Its Fryatt & Simpson who really have to take responsibility, we gave them the chances they didn't take them.
I thought it was a good game to watch I really enjoyed it, 0-1 loss oh well the only let down in the game was the timing of the subtitutions, whom came on the who and the utter shocking finishing. But take the positives there were plenty of chances created.
We did create chances, and it was only the 1st game of the season - but the frustrating thing for me is that the 2 glaring issues from last season remain. No player able to control/command centre midfield for us, and no killer instinct in front of goal. But I'll focus on the positives until Ipswich now.
Dave Jones watching West Ham v Cardiff, I'd suggest to Percy that he'd be a better replacement for Pearson than Boothroyd if Percies predictions of bottom three with Pearson were to come about. I'd think we'd have to be in a desperate spot to consider getting rid of the manager this season.
Simpson's chance at end was nothing like a sitter ! The lad got there just before the keeper. Half chance only.
