Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill backs Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to end his goal drought soon. please log in to view this image BRISTOL City manager Steve Cotterill is backing Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to rediscover his touch in front of goal sooner rather than later. Since arriving from Ipswich Town last summer, the 23-year-old Londoner has contributed 18 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, establishing himself as a key figure in City's fight against relegation. But the former Arsenal man has not scored in any of his last ten appearances and is experiencing his first barren spell since arriving at Ashton Gate six months ago. Having netted 14 times in 24 games under previous head coach Sean O'Driscoll, City's top-scorer has not hit the target since he grabbed a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Watford in the third round of the FA Cup on January 4. His previous longest run of games without a goal was six games between September 24 and October 26, a drought that was ended in spectacular fashion when he scored a superb hat-trick in a 4-2 win at Carlisle United. Left out of the starting line-up for recent games at Brentford and Oldham, Emmanuel-Thomas still appeared jaded in Saturday's 2-2 home draw against Tranmere Rovers and was one of several players who struggled to make an impact. But manager Cotterill has jumped to the defence of the ex-Arsenal prodigy, whose performances are increasingly dividing opinion among City supporters. "We have to be supportive of Jay," said Cotterill. "We have to be supportive of all of the players when these situations arise. "This happens to strikers and I think I said when I first came through the door that he was not going to score goals all season. That simply doesn't happen. "If he had carried on as he was going, he would have had 30 goals already. "If he gets 30 goals, then he won't be playing in League One. "Not scoring is going to happen and I think it does affect strikers a little bit. But he will start scoring again, they always do." Fellow City forward Sam Baldock experienced a similar goal drought earlier this season, netting just once in 15 games between August 27 and November 16. But previous boss O'Driscoll kept faith in the former MK Dons and West Ham marksman, whose goal at Tranmere in mid-November sparked a productive return of 11 in his next 20 appearances. Cotterill believes Emmanuel-Thomas has the ability to engineer an identical upturn in fortunes between now and the end of the season. He said: "One goal always sets them off again. There was a period when Jay was scoring all the time and Sam was not. "Then, all of a sudden, Sam has gone on a purple patch. That is what happens to strikers and you have to encourage them. "They are all good, honest, hard-working lads and, sometimes, they perform well, and sometimes they don't." Cotterill has spoken privately with Emmanuel-Thomas regarding his role in the team, but is refusing to reveal what was said to the wider public. He said: "Players will know my true feelings in the dressing room. With all due respect, I wouldn't come out and speak to the media about the things I tell the players in the dressing room." Afforded a free role by O'Driscoll, Emmanuel-Thomas had license to roam during the opening 18 League One games of the campaign. Although the striker averaged more than a goal every two games during that period, City conceded 31 times and took just 15 points. Cotterill's handling of Emmanuel-Thomas has been different and he has made it clear there are no free roles within his team. A free spirit, the Londoner has been ordered to adopt a more central role, since when the goals have dried up. But City have conceded fewer goals under Cotterill â 20 in 13 league outings â and gained a tally of 17 points to move out of the relegation zone. Read more: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristo...tory-20663243-detail/story.html#ixzz2tqyDHzrC
I believe the supporters of every club he has been at have said he will only play when he wants to play and the rest of the time he is just downright lazy and disinterested. We can no longer afford the supposed luxury of having him at Ashton Gate waiting for his next goal to save us from doom. How many players of this type need to arrive in our back yard purporting to be just waiting for the chance to prove themselves again before our leader come to the conclusion that they are generally not worth the effort. If Jet's goals this season save us based on our superior goal difference then so be it, other than that I think he should go.
To be honest, a player of JET's ability would probably be better suited towards a central role. If I were SC I'd probably push JET towards being a central midfielder and being the guy that controls the game. It'll suit his lazy game, allow him to hold the ball and the game up, and instead of him scoring the goals we'll see him setting up Baldock and co. JET seems to me like a striker that's lost his identity. He's a poacher that wants to roam, but I reckon that even though he's got a mean shot on him he could develop his game towards being the guy that dominates the midfield and takes the ball from the back four towards a successful attack.
18 goals. Were people saying he was "lazy" at the start of the season? Some players have a languid style - some drift in and out of games (especially when out of form) - does not make them lazy
His demeanour makes him look lazy. Whether he is or not remains to be seen.... I dont think a central midfield role is right for him either. He's not a great passer or an effective tackler
Mr Cotterill has made Emmanuelle Thomas easy to mark and nullify. Allow him to play as he sees fit. If Mr Cotterill cannot allow one player freedom and cannot balance a team to cohesively defend with the other NINE outfield players he should question his own ability as a coach. This season at times Emmanuelle Thomas in a free role has been great, a word rarely associated with BCFC. Great = goals and assists.
The likes of Barnett,Gillett,W Elliot and Wagstaff are village. Thereâs hope for Bryan,Burns and Reid - they need motivation but theyâre light years better than the clowns mentioned above. Flint, Osbourne and Williams are OK. Not brilliant but OK. The outfield players who must start every game are Baldock,Cunningham,Pack and JET. Yes, JET is a must, alleged lazy bu**er or not, heâs a player you âhave to live withâ.
It's great having Sir Alex on our forum telling us where we are going wrong JET is a liability at the moment, we want players to fight for out survival not pick up daisy's, for 85 minutes a game. Wagstaff you are in the minority on your opinion of him.
Keeeee rist if it was not for JET BCFC would be relagated long ago Yes he looks lazy and not interested,but this is the only guy at the club that can change it with the flick of a switch.
Very interesting Lan - Wagstaff or Bryan I think it would be close (maybe Wagstaff edges it), but Bryan is the one with huge potential
Jet should be played in front of Baldock and Barnett as an attackive midfielder to pass to the strikers, wingers or midfield. Or he could shoot if need be
Really? Personally I don't think it's close at all, wagstaff has chipped in with a few goals this season, bombs up and down the wing, ok is ability is not the greatest but you know what you'll get with him Bryan on the other hand seems a bit lost when he plays, he doesn't exactly run at players, but like you said he's young, he can improve, but it wouldn't surprise me if he wasn't a starter for the team in a few years time. hope i'm wrong But he did score against the gas, then again so could stevie wonder
'It's great having Sir Alex on our forum telling us where we are going wrong' RODney, if you weren't my mate I wouldn't bother . 'Wagstaff you are in the minority on your opinion of him' Happy with that RODney, none of these children on here have ever played. They will catch on eventually, just like they did with the utterly useless Gillett. ps - Barnett's next, Cotterill keeps saying he's unfit but I have serious doubts. I'll only let you know RODney, we must keep our secrets.
I never liked gillet thought he was poor from start Wagstaff ive liked disliked and then liked again . I agree with Barnett he should be fit by now
I'm not impressed with Barnett came here with a bit of a reputation and has not lived up to it. Me personally would of kept Taylor (if he stayed fit)
