That's what we're suffering from currently. I'm right behind Bruce and have not criticised him once to date, but right now he's setting up the team all wrong. We're not playing close to our potential. We're neutralised by Bruce's poor tactics. I'd just like to say Bruce is absolutely the right man for the job, but that doesn't mean he can not be criticised.
Agree he can't be free from critiscism, i think his sub's let him down alot as well. Why bring on Colback V Chelsea when Steed was our MOTM along with Bardsley, i know Steed run's out of steam but it was only 10 mins to go and Colback ghost's through game's. He might well end up a good player but don't throw him on with ten minute's to go because its hard enought to get in a game coming on sub, never mind coming on sub V Chelsea. As well we need to sort our set piece's out.
No way is Bruce free from critisicim but I like the new formation I just think it needs time. Our last two games it was the defence that let us down.
I think that when all fit our starting 11 are sound. Plus, the bench will be stronger then too. Don't forget our new signings are still settling in, plus there will have been a bad reaction to the Bent problem. We have played some lovely football in the last 3 games, My opinion; Turner back for Bramble, Catts to give Henderson some r & r. "Wellbeck or Campbell to support Gyan. The next 4 matches are hard, but after that - hopefully with the changes above AND with our run-in, I reckon we,re still on for 55 points. Cant really blame Bruce, I think,
You can't critisise any manager for subbing a player with 10 minutes to go, you don't know all the facts for starters. Steed may have been nursing an injury or simply tired after 80 minutes, do you leave him on and allow mistakes to creep in? Before you start, i'm not defending anyone here, no one is above critisism, not even Sir Niall. All i'm saying is don't judge on what you think you know, judge the facts. That said i think he should be sacked.
With just one available striker, what formation would you use? Steed looked pretty used up towards the end of the Chelsea game. Brucie's bench was woefully thin due to injuries, Colback was really the only option if I remember correctly.
BRUCE OUT!! Seriously though, the basis of the article is fair, despite the great success of Bruce, there is a bit of a hesitancy to change things, and yeah, maybe sometimes he leaves it too late to have an impact. No one at the club is beyond reproach. One thing i will say, is he's a hell of a lot better than when he started, when i for one questioned him tactically, and was unhappy with thr 'rigidness' of out style of play. Now he has a better calibre and quantity of players than he has ever had, he'll be working hard on a system to get the best out of them, and the performances has been good, just not the results. The last 2 games were tough games, we should have came out of them with 6 points. When Catts and Turner return, we'll start motoring again, not to mention Welbeck and Campbell. I agree 55 points, maybe even more, is achievable, we'll finish 7th, let's hope that gets us into Europe, that means Arsenal for the league cup (stonewall, surely?), and any one of the top 4 for the FA Cup, or an English side to win either Euro competition. All ofthis is probable, more than possible.
The main worry I have is that we get nothing from these next 4 games. I know our run in is good, but if heads are down and fans baying for blood, how will the team react? Its a tough 4 games. Cool heads are needed.
Everton look shot to me, i think we'll get something there, i fancy us to beat Liverpool as well, the Dalglish effect is masking a very average side imo.
Good points BB. Thank you for that steadying influence! Although Everton are our bogey team. I just want those 3 points that give us 40 - know what I mean?
Aye, we'll get there shortly mate. I said pre Blackpool that 7 points from next 7 games would be enough to help us along, i stand by that, and think we'll get them. We usually do alright at the Emirates as well, we should go there without fear, Squillachi is woeful, we can get at them. Nasri, Fabregas and Van Persie aren't woeful though...
See, positivity my friend! Gone are the days when we look at games as a definite 0 points. We can compete with anyone now, we just need to get back to defending well, and we will get back to winning ways.
We just need to play the next few games as we played the Chelski game; attack, attack and defend well! We generally do better against the top teams (or at least we have done this season) but we are sorely missing Turner, Catts and Welbeck. Bardinhio hattrick against Everton!
BB read my messages elsewhere, The more I write the more I think its Bramble at fault. The knock on effect is Gordon has no confidence. Mensah yes but not tall enough or consistently fit enough. We need Turner (but to be frank I don't think he is the answer either). Can I be manager please?
Jersey for spells in the last few games we have played better in my opinion than we did at Chelski. There have been some wonderful passing movements in our play - devastating at times! The team needs to gel. The defense needs to do its job. Why cant they (and I'm being kind in saying they) concentrate for 90 minutes a week?! Isn't that why they are "professional"?
Turners the man mate, make no mistake. He goes for a ball he wins it, and he's superb in the air, Turner and whoever for me, and we'll be back on track.
