No doubt about it, yesterday wasn't good, not good at all but as SL says, we've been here oh so many times before and how quickly people forget it... Season 2008/09 - I remember a very similar feeling of despair when we took a miserable 9 points from 36 in a 2 month period between 25th October and Boxing Day. The atmosphere and mood amongst supporters was pretty similar to now as were the comments. No one could see where the next win was coming from but all of a sudden and for no apparent reason, the same rubbish players suddenly kicked into life and took 26 points from the next 36 and we ended the season with 61 points. Season 2009/10 - mid December we went on a 19 game stretch taking a miserable 16 points from a possible 57, same thing again. Gloom, doom and despondency yet the SAME PLAYERS then took 18 points from the final 27 finishing with 63 points. SAME AGAIN LAST YEAR The point is, we do this EVERY season and just when supporters are shouting for the managers head, things turn around. This has been our team, our Bristol City since GJ arrived as so called "ordinary" players cannot maintain playing above their ability for 9 months straight - even in the play-off season we had a horrible run when we couldn't buy a point but we picked up again, just in time. This is clearly not the best situation and I had hoped that the one thing that DM would bring to the club was more consistancy however it has to be remembered that we still have a significant portion of the squad that is prone to these sort of runs, i.e. players who don't react well to pressure and some who freeze like rabbits in the headlights when the going gets tough. I don't like talking about individuals too much as this is players livelyhoods we are discussing however the subject has been aired so many times on here that we all know who we are talking about.. And to those who say just go and buy a new defence and midfield, it simply can't be done in 12 months. As for the "cheap option" that One4 keeps banging on about, I think he couldn't be more wrong but let's look at it and take stock. Compensation to St Johnstone for DM and Doc Pay off the contracts of the internal staff released Transfer costs of buying new/better players Revamp the accademy from top to bottom including going for new status and signing 3/4 (can't remember) new younger players so far to develop for next season. So, cheap option my arse... We have to see the bigger picture, SL has invested what is undoubtedly a significant wedge in letting DM revamp the club and build for the future so he has to be given time to see this to fruition as to sack the manager and have a new one come in and throw everything out and start again would mean more major wedge so again, cheap option my arse... Yes, its not great at the moment but we WILL pick up and to those who are saying we are relegated in the middle of November, please try and take a break from the lemming like qualities of the instant gratification, must have it now society who are ready to throw things out if they don't work in 10 seconds and look just that little bit further than the end of your nose This club was broken, VERY broken when DM arrived and it is clearly going to take a bit longer to fix than we all thought. I wouldn't be surprised if SL probably had something to say to the squad yesterday...
I would disagree that we have been "here" before as here before has at least seen teams being organised. Northing to do with instant gratification it is to do with spending money on watching sides that can't even mark players properly and get competitive. He should have a few games left to turn it around.
We say about how the team is organised but the injuries have ripped the heart out of any sensible/consistent selection. More recently illness has been present as well - we don't know who maybe feeling the affects of that on any given day. The team probably needs 3 things IMO:- (a) a ball winning dominant centre half (b) a creative midfield player who can play in a "4" (i.e who can also tackle!!) (c) some leadership on the pitch (a good acquisition at CH could bring that) We also just need a bit of luck - not had much of that recently. A win or two will also see some confidence. Remember how our team has got out of this before - it's been with incredible support from the terraces - ITS TIME FOR US TO DO OUR STUFF AGAIN AND GET BEHIND THEM WHEN THEY NEED US MOST!!
Why does McCinnes still need all these players even to get competitive after a year in the job! After a year the team should now what it is about because that is what they do in training. When players are unfit replacements come in to fit into the way the manager expects City to play. That starts from the kids upwards.
Agree totally with smh - I know injuries can sound like an excuse sometimes, but having two players in the same position get injured in the same match, having loanies come in and get injured straight away, and having a bug go through the club is bound to disrupt consistancy. Even most top prem sides have that strength in depth to deal with that kind of luck. Once a few players return and the squad settles we'll be on the up (I hope!).
McCinnes has 32 players of which six are injured. His squad is easily big enough to do better. all teams get injuries too many excuses being made for games like the one v charlton. city got bossed again, charlton looked fitter more organised had drive and simply looked better at all parts of the game.
Not much that I agree with regarding this article prem, to be honest..(i'm sure you're not shocked!) Full of excuses. 1. A good manager would set up the spine of the team/squad. Solid CB, Creative midfielder and striker. Then base your team around it. 2. He hasn't got a clue, who his best 11 are, that's why he makes so many changes. 3. It was a cheap option, please don't tell me it would have cost a fortune to settle with the likes of St Johnstone. In fact most Scotish clubs are run on a shoe string at present. 4. IMO, he has created no confidence in the side. 5. Injuries.....All clubs have these....that's football. 6. As said somewhere else, we have NO leader on the pitch whatsoever. 7. We are back to long ball and hope football. 8. Pure panic in defence 9. Yes I agree we do have a few better players than last season, but their not playing as a team....Now who's fault is that? 10. If we don't gain any more points over the next 3 games.....will the same excuses be made? I rememer when Prem saying this time last year, once we get into the transfer market and Dels had pre-season etc, we will see the dramatic change. I must have missed it!
Re: Still don't understand fans suddenly moaning about him being the cheap option - the fans choice (at least the majority) was either him, Dave Jones, or Mark Robins (and look where Shef Wed and Coventry are?!)
Bet your Missus hates getting you a Christmas present with the cheap option all the time Just out of interest are you a season ticket holder if so where, just interested to see if you took the cheap option
DJ has a weak side at Sheffield weds,I have a customer who travels up as a ST holder,he thinks they will get relagated back to div 1.but they are not on DJ case as yet.
Funny you mention that, you're right, she hates buying me presents and I hate her buying them! She likes a bargin, I just like quality, I'd rather wait and save..! Block C Dolman Hope that answers your questions!
