In the Group stage which is what we wanted. Only saw 20mins but Hughes terrific - surely Jol doesn't need to see any more to know who his CBs are. Assuming Bobby out, concern must where will the goals come from on Sunday. If he is so keen to experiment why not play Kasami up front - or of course he could do the obvious and play Dempsey. Not especially blaming AJ for yet another game with NO shots on target, but he's too lightweight for the Newcastle game. But for tonight we're truly back on the Euoropean trail. Well done lads, especially the oldies Hughes and Baird. PS hope Riise not too bad but we'll be fine with Briggs.
C58, I agree with your points. Although according to reports we had some pressure on the good old defense took the battle well. I think Jol needs to stop experimenting with the defense and unless we are playing in the carling cup or a RB arrives Hughes and Baird need to be in the back 4 line-up. As for AJ we always know the score. Some times our style of football does not help him but he is not a CF.
I watched the game online last night and can say I have no nails left! Glad we go through, that pitch was shocking, I wasn't surprised when someone got injured. Agree with you C58, who will score goals for us For the mean time lets anjoy the european tour, Would also like to say a big Well done to Birmingham and Stoke. 4 English teams in the europa league group stages in great
I listened to the game on the Fulham web site and it sounded like our defense was under pressure constantly. The description reminded me of one of those alien movies where the monsters are driven off by the lightly-armed humans, and just when things seem quiet, another 50 leap over the wall and the action continues worse than before. The commentors gave praise to Baird, Hughes and Briggs for staunching the assault. Sounds like Kasami missed a sitter, too, but he can be forgiven for that. I was certainly hoping for an easy night for the boys, allowing them to save some energy for Newcastle. No luck there. Too bad for Riise as well. So far Riise's been good for us - fortunately, Briggs has played very well for us. I guess the game's only positive note (beyond going through) is that Chris Baird was able to display his talent for the manager. I feel better when he's in the starting 11, though I still think we need a new RB. I'm not a Sendros fan, so I hope playing Hughes and Hangeland as the CBs will continue.
I listened to the report of last nights game and it appears that we put in a Wolves match type performance,heaven help us against Newcastle. Unless Jol is playing his cards close to his chest re: transfers we could be in deep trouble comes Christmas.
Mark Hughes anyone? Joking, think it is still too early. Hopefully the club will strengthen the team now that extra funds are coming in from Uefa!
And so it starts. I'm not claiming that last night wasn't worrying, or that we've started the season well, but it's too soon to be hitting the panic button. Here's our record in the first five matches for the last few years: 2010-11: 1W 0L 4D 7GF 6GA 7PTS 2009-10: 2W 3L 0D 3GF 7GA 6PTS 2008-09: 2W 3L 0D 5GF 6GA 6PTS 2007-08: 1W 3L 1D 8GF 10GA 4PTS 2006-07: 2W 1L 2D 5GF 7GA 8PTS Newsflash: we always start slowly. Jol's a good manager and we've got some quality players. It's yet another season of getting used to a new manager, but things will gell and we'll be fine. Relax and breathe.
Cap's right! Our squad is arguably stronger now than it was when we had our last euro tour. We were fine then, and I'm sure we'll be fine this season.
Yeah agree with captain, gera and bidley. Last year for example we were in the bottom three on boxing day and in 8th place and the europa league by the end of the season. The key to any new manager is patience and once jol's style is reflected in the performances and hopefully with the addition of a striker and right back we can still enjoy a positive season.
