I'm not one for sentiment; and I know it might not be a popular view here, but Nedum Onuoha is poor choice for captain. I've not seen him once call to team mates during the first three (home) matches. After each goal (scored or conceded) Joey Barton would go around almost every player to issue instructions, a pep talk or calm word of support or congratulation. Today was another instance, and I think it's down to his focus and concentration on his own game that doesn't allow him the time, distance or attention to marshal anyone else. The only other senior player who seems to try this is Charlie Austin and occasionally Karl Henry. Against Huddesfield young Michael Doughty seemed to assume control when he came on as a substitute. Sir Alf needs to work on this quickly. If Nedum cannot adapt to this new role, he's got to step aside and allow someone with the skill and desire to undertake this role.
Ale does that when he's on the pitch. By so far our most important player it's scary. Barton did it so brilliantly we got relegated in bottom place.
So something very evident, that I immrdiately took against, but am reconsidering rapidly.....was Toszer ...now there is a lippy shouty guy, right from the off He was chatting to everyone, had a good shout at Henry to move up.... a yell at Perch for being slow. Very early on...thought...that won't go down well.....but perhaps that is what we need....he faded towards the end, but thought he was OK Would like to see him play with Ale....who is much quieter, and actually more effective... Henry was poor today....and can see him now only as someone to see the match out For me at moment it is Toszer and Ale at home Toszer and Sandro away Toszer may be the answer...Barton without ALL of the attitude, and danger
Barton was ****. Your werid man crush makes you think that a man, clapping and fist pumping every now and then. Is going to help us win. Conveniently forgetting whenever he got the ball more often that not he gave it straight back to the other team You are also being disrepectful to Onouha. He is very verbal on the pitch. When Angella got digged today he was straight onto the ref and then let their striker know what he thought of him when ball back in play. He is a true professional on and off the pitch and a vital player. Barton was a scum bag who disrepected the club on many occasions What we actually need is some quality on the pitch. Take Henry out that team today and put Faurlin in who leads by example, cool head, wins tackles and quality distribution. Add to that we are at home and have the support of the fans and the management giving instructions. Your views are extremely old fashioned. What really matter is quality on the pitch
Tozser moaning at anyone about being slow is ridiculous. He is so slow he reminds me of Kranjcar. Not sure about him at all. Faurlin and Doughty both at home and away for me. Faurlin was missed badly, as ever.
He certainly got the substitution wrong after coco got sent off. Luongo should never have been taken off.
Luongo was the only one on international duty, coming back from Oz during the week..surely it was always the plan to sub him. As I am sure he will play a full part on Wednesday. I understand his sub...but expected JET or Toilet to come on when chasing the game....not Gladwin
I disagree. I don't think there's anything disrespectful about offering a balanced précis, based on my observations. Judgemental. Yes. Disrespectful. No.
I agree on your point regarding quality. We all want that. I cannot though see how my views are old fashioned; given that every successful team - past AND present - are evident by a strong leader (sometimes more than one) on the pitch dictating play. Perhaps my expectations are too high. All I want to see is leadership qualities cementing the team on the pitch; and I see an absence of that. That is all.
I missed the match yesterday evening, but it appears that the chickens are coming home to roost inter alia Nedum Onuoha. It's hard to draw positives and not be critical, but I think Chris Ramsey has got this judgement call wrong. I get the feeling that the players don't respect Nedum on an ability level first and foremost; thereafter he's shown zero leadership skills when I've been watching. Perhaps it's now time to bite the bullet (or the spanish archer as my old mucker Cerny would express it) and hand the arm band over to someone who really wants it. Someone who can inspire and lead. I'd fancy getting Kevin Nolan in and putting him straight in there to sort things out. All in favour say 'AYE!'.
I'm afraid last night's performance betrayed a lack of leadership on the pitch and also from the sideline. Ramsey and Onuoha both seem to be nice chaps, but maybe too nice. We miss Barton's leadership on the pitch and we need a manager who can motivate. I'm beginning to think that Ramsey might not have that in him.
Agree totally with you Stroller. Say what you will about Joey Barton he gave 100% every game and as captain insisted on that from those around him. Last year, in the final analysis, we just were not good enough. This year we're good enough, we just lack that leader. Let's not forget Joey repeated the trick of bounce back promotion twice. Once with us and once with Newcastle. A big call to release him. In my opinion, the wrong call, without having a replacement lined up.
Agree with your last paragraph. I think we really miss him - he was doing the job of at least 2 of our players most games last season, and letting him go without replacing him has left a huge hole in the team. Toszer wasn't the worst last night, but he's got a lot of work to do to replace a Barton properly.
Good post , ( unlike the bolloks Watford puts up ) There was a distinct lack of leadership and direction , no one wants to take responsibility and that's coming from the wrotten core of our club ( management ect) my opinion.
"Work the ball to the opposition goal, when you get there, ring or SMS Shaun Wright-Phillips for the next clue. If no line connection, kick it out and signal for a water bottle until contact is made..........." ( text taken from the Ramsey Code of Football Part 1 )
Last time in the Championship we had Dunne, Hill and Barton as the central spine of the team, all leaders, that's sorely missing now...
Didn't we have all of them last season too? Churchill would struggle leading these narcissistic twats.
