I don't think there have been any MA detractors just people who were stating the facts of our recent dip in form, I can't remember anyone calling for him to be sacked simply asking that something be done before it's to late. Today we got a result partly by playing spoiling tactics, partly because Nelson saved us again, partly because Bradford's finishing was poor, all coupled with a large dose of luck. I never asked for his head after 3 months of poor performances at home but I have no intention of kissing his a*** after a win away. Sorry but unlike some I don't make it personal.
As a side note MA came over to thank all the fans after the game today, seperately from the players was a nice touch.
the doubters are because we are so bad at home currently but away the results have been fantastic. I for one have said i don't believe the away form can continue for the rest of the season and was worried that we were so bad at home since mid November. credit goes to Allen for picking the players up after Wycombe. Another fact is that no team has beaten the Gills by more than one goal which says we are very hard to beat even when we are not playing well.
I did not doubt us away from home, I doubt home form so even though today's win was good that does still not sort the problem of our home form hopefully we will win Tuesday and then go into the game next Saturday in good form and beat Dag & Red.
No-one is calling for MA to be sacked just realistic to the fact we have been very poor at home for the best part of 2-3 months now! I dont agree with some of the ins and outs at the club as well, but i havent been calling for him to be sacked. yes we are in a good position but have given away a great position. Our tactics are clearly best suited to away games but we need to find a formula to beat teams at home as we are not going to win every away game!
I think you are doing Allen a miss service, tactically he got it spot on... you may call it spoiling tactics but it is how we have won 10 games away from home this season. You are right to voice criticism when we don't play well but to dismiss any positive results seems unfair
there was so much said prior to the game about Allen's selections and tactics, I don't think you can fault him at all for this game. Very astute and clever to field a team who are all at peak fitness and prepared to chase the ball for large periods. Great to get another win and bounce back after Monday's dissapointment!
WINDYROG I have been fortunate to have seen all our away victories ( so far ) this season. We set up to basically play counter attacking football. Sometimes we soak up a lot of pressure or possession football by our hosts. We have been able to remain solid at the back - and been economical and efficient when the chances have come our way. In the main we play a more passing game - actually using the midfield more than we've done at home recently...... In the first half against Wycombe we were passing the ball quite well - unfortunately because we didn't score , we got more direct ( hoofball. ) and it didn't surprise me when this tactic failed. I may accept that this might have been down to player reaction to any mood signs from some of the crowd. But this is where MA needs to step in and give guidance from the sideline to ensure that the play follows pre-match team orders. Away from Priestfield, there is more patience from the fans - who appreciate any 'apparent' negative style of play. At home, this not tolerated due to the need for 'instant' gratification. It wouldn't surprise me that players like Kedwell may be affected by those expectations and his confidence may be low - probably impacting on his 'all round' play. Part of the job of Martin Allen is to man manage players when it doesn't go right. I hope for the sake of Kedwell and the Gills this gets sorted soon.
I get that Gills play a counter attacking play away from home but at home we are being outplayed and out passed on a regular basis. Most teams come to Gills with a plan not to conceed early, if they can get a goal before us we are stumped. Whilst the away results continue i can t complain too much.
Very good point from Always. I think the fans should take some of the blame for home form, support could be a bit more positive, and the moans and groans as soon as a single pass goes astray are not helpful. Away supporters support the team whatever the situation (and however we're playing), whereas the home support is more fickle. This coupled with low confidence at home has lead to this bizarre reversed trend of form.
