Was more a reaction to what I've seen on Facebook and Insta etc. People losing their sh*t over him like he scored three own goals and mooned the fans. He wasn't spectacular I'll admit, but apart from JWP, Romeu, and maybe Beddie, everyone was sh*t in the second half.
Not taking our chances is a big problem for us, but at least we're making them. We're close to being a really good side. Armstrong and Redders missing didn't help either. However IMO, we shouldn't be giving McCarthy a new deal.....not as first choice keeper anyway.
That didn't go to plan did it? Have to admit I'm baffled at Walcott being preferred to Tella, the language was at industry levels in our house, the voice operated remote off.
Best to take the FB Insta posts as a joke, anyone with a positive attitude is called a happy clapper by one of the rabid Ralph haters.
Tella is certainly an odd one. Looks to have so much promise but just isn’t being played at all. He’s not exactly really young for a footballer at 22 so I find it odd he’s not getting more minutes. It’s not like the other options have been setting the world on fire. I didn’t see the first half yesterday so can’t really comment on how great we were, saw the first goal and Salisu and McCarthy share the blame for me, more Salisu if I had to pick a scapegoat. You can’t be that flat footed in the box and just wait for the ball to come to you, have to attack it. Second goal though that was utterly tragic by McCarthy, you could even see the reaction of the players when it went in. He’s been good overall this year but I said in the summer I’d like a new keeper and it would be one of my main priorities this summer. Ideally I’d let both him and Fraser go and bring in 2 but appreciate that is probably a no go. At the very least we need to be bringing in one with the intention for him to be the new number 1
Agreed. He would be excellent back up but his wages would be much higher than we could/should pay for a back up keeper. New no.1 and an attacking midfielder have to be our priorities for the next 2 transfer windows. The wage bill will be freed up big time too with Forster, Macca, Long & Walcott all out of contract - that has to be £250k/week?
Not sure, but it'd be serious savings. We prove there's bargains out there time and again....but we're well capable of throwing money away on dross too.
On reflection, I think the first 12 games have proven that we can compete with any team. There are clear strengths and weaknesses, but certainly more strengths than at the end of last season. As a work in progress, things seem really to be moving in the right direction. After last season, we were never going to turn things around easily. So there's no point getting too angry when we lose, because there'll be more bumps and bruises over the next few months. I just want a 45+ points haul and a cup run. Anything more is a bonus. If we can keep this team together for next season plus steal a few more youngsters from Chelsea, we'll be a decent top half team again. Hopefully Wreck-it and the boys can use this disappointment to spur them on against Liverpool.
Ah crap, i forgot he joined on loan initially then signed the 2 year deal. Not quite as bad as handing Long a 2 year deal but still bad business
It wasn`t just yesterday`s contribution, or lack of it - it`s the same every opportunity he is given. I`m trying to remember the last time I saw him play, and could say he was worth his place. For a 40-odd cap player, albeit an older one, I`d expect some kind of impact or influence on the game. Easy for the opposition to play against. No threat, no nothing.
To add, (sadly), when a player of his experience gets a clear opportunity to bury it into the net, the shot or header should, at the very least, be hitting the target. He failed that yesterday and also against Wolves. If he is on the pitch for his experience and composure, he's bringing nothing if he cannot do that. Note, not saying he should be scoring, but guilt-edged chances should be making their goalkeeper earn his salary.
I am not so worried about Ralph but I am concerned about our coaching team who should be working with and advising Ralph during games.
quite confident in feeling that these deals were about building a culture and creating a dressing room and training ground team. That may be working but that is likely where it needs to stay unless we get into an injury run like 2020.
Yeah, I do think the club see's value in having experienced players who are popular members of the squad. They aren't being paid to win games, that much is for sure. I'm certainly not saying that I think its good business but there were fans that thought Long deserved a new deal and Walcott did enough on loan.
Nice of you to ask. We are double vaxed, boosted and flu jabbed and doing just fine. I trust all is well with you. I assume you are living in Berlin. A city I very much enjoyed visiting about ten years ago.