None of us can really expect any miracles to be visible down at Ashton Gate today but maybe we might just get a glimpse of what may happen. Given that SC has now had a full week to see the kind of players he has at his disposal I just wonder what individual guys might be thinking about their future, or lack thereof, with the club. The transfer window will soon be upon us and based on the results and individual performances over the next 3 or 4 games do you think we will participate during the window or will we sit back and base our future on allthe current playing staff. As usual a lot of you have strong opinions regarding certain players and whether they should stick around or be moved on and I will start with the 2 goalkeepers none of which seems to inspire many of you very much. Parrish appears to be ahead in the supporters poll whereas Fielding doesn't seem to get much positive press. Based on the season so far, which has not exactly been stellar in any way shape of form, what positions would you like to see modified by a new player and that leads to the obvious question as to who would be a beneficial replacement and if indeed such players are available. It seems to me that the pickings during the window are usually few and far between and generally there is a reason why they are available. Do you think we could go down the loan market road or will we go for the throat and sign new players given the clear signs from the top that money will continue to be an issue. By the time I wake up tomorrow the game will be in it's final throes and I just hope that we can get a rare win in the league. Night night all.
I am comfortable with Parrish in goal. I think Derrick Williams is the player of the season so far - for a youngster who had never played a league game before, he has been a revelation. JET should be used as the attacking midfielder. His performance at Tamworth showed how good he is when constantly involved. I would like to see Wes Burns used as a wide right - quick and strong. Where we are lacking is at striker; Tall enough to be able to compete in the air but not a lampost. Quick enough to create openings. A better shot/goal ratio than anyone on the books. Definitely a top priority but I understand how difficult to find one that is available and affordable.
I'm in two minds with the extra striker, because we never see Taylor on a proper run. I don't know the full facts so could be talking out my arse, on this. With Taylor in the team I think we have a better point statistic than when he's not in the team. You could argue because he don't play much, but he does tend to defend from the front. Parrish I think could do with a bit more confidence on coming for crosses, but that has been an issue with us for a long time now. Fielding could become good, I just felt that early mistake put him under the microscope on a lot of goals against us. My criticism of Fielding was probably SoD's doing with Fielding time wasting when we was not even winning. The amount of times he held onto the ball in the dying minutes was crazy. Midfield I think we are there once Kelly returns, with Bryan and Reid alongside him and JET slightly in front. Defence we could do with retaining Osbourne as I prefer him to Flint, who is a monster in the air. So we are almost there, Pack is a suitable replacement to Kelly. We just need the puppet master to pull the strings and hopefully Cotterell could be that person. The previous numpty was too negative, with a bit of positivity we could get going.
A neutral observer said to me this week that he watched the Tamworth game and 3 players stood out- JET, Baldock and Flint. He said that Baldocks goal was taken with premiership quality but did note that he did need several chances, which you don't get in the premier league. Flint, for me is great in the air, but a bit of a liability when the ball is at his feet. Williams has turned out to be a good buy for me too. Fielding, I did expect more. This was a guy who was a 3rd choice England keeper only 3 years ago. Parish is a decent enough stop gap, but no sure if he should be a regular. Wagstaff, for me has been documented before-He brings precious little. We now have a new manager, a loan window approaching. Loan players that can return,( ie- Shorey and Gillet, though I would be happy with Osborne),so should build a side around the decent players that we do have. There are good youngsters in the shape of Reid and Bryan and hopefully, Kelly to return, who I understand is back training. This season has gone now and our aim should be to keep our place in League 1 and push on from there. There remains over half a season for Cotterill to build it his way, this time, hopefully,- Successfully.
I think it is unlikely as this type of injury has a recovery of six to nine months. Coming back too soon could be "disastrous darling"!
I want to see a display full of heart, courage, self belief and 100% commitment today irrespective of the final score.
