Bolton have a terrible away record and a couple of key players out injured. Thankfully our first few games of the season are not against any top teams.
If you think I'm reacting to the result, I'm disappointed in you Wubba. I've been saying the same stuff all summer and you've been slating me for it!!
Look at what's come into the squad over the break: Gabbidon - getting on a bit and was part of a team relegated last season Dyer - getting on a bit, injury prone and was part of a team relegated last season DJ - getting on a bit and was part of a team relegated last season Bothroyd - part of a team that failed to get promoted last season and there was hardly a clamour for his services Bruno - who? Murphy - not considered good enough for Ipswich, so why is he good enough for us? We failed to get Mackail-Smith, who scored the winner today. We couldn't agree terms with Routledge and, whilst I can't say I've ever warmed to the guy as either a player or person, I see him coming back to haunt us. Why on earth are we considering parting company with Gorkss, a player with international experience and hardly worse than what's left? We have to make 2-3 signings of real quality before the window closes, or its going to be a very tough autumn.
2-3 signings won't be enough, we need 3 defenders at least plus a quality midfielder who can get a grip on a game and another proven striker, without that we will be too far behind by time the January window opens...
Wheres Dave Thomas and his prediction that we'll finish 8th? As I've been saying all pre season, we're simply not good enough at the moment. The defence is shocking and the cover for those defenders is even worse. Orr is just about a championship player. Hill did us no favours getting sent off late on. I remember people pointing to our ''best defence'' award for last season and saying we'll be fine. Thought Gabbidon actually looked ok for most of the game and Bothroyd looked good. Derry/Smith also did fairly well.
I didn't think Orr looked that bad tbh, he's more skillful than people give him credit for- certainly no worse than the rest of the defence today(not saying much, particularly second half). We could really of done with Dyers pace in defence, just heard warnock saying the scan has come back showing no obvious break so fingers crossed. The whole defence lost shape after the own goal, there was a real contrast between Bolton's sturdy two rows of four and our random smattering of defenders. I can only hope this is because they haven't had time to develop a proper understanding yet..
It's one game! Yep we got thumped but we were not abysmal at all and we will tighten up after this. It'll prompt sone swift signings too I think. To be fair swords youve been the albatross of doom circling the ship all summer so at least you're being consistent. Football is a metaphor for life generally, you can't win 'em all
I hope to God you're right mate. Wigan lost 0-4 on the opening day last season and stayed up. The Owners are a total disgrace for not making money available and give us a fighting chance.
Ignore them Swords, let's just sleepwalk back to the Championship. Hopefully the optimists have had the rude awakening they deserve and there'll be more consensus here that we're nowhere near good enough without serious investment. Ffs we all care badly about our club and I don't want more days like today...
Reasons to be cheerful,1,2,3. 1) We showed good intent first half and were by no means outclassed by Bolton who are a solid unit, Cahill especially. 2) NW is no fool, he and the team will learn from this, plenty of time. 3) Us. Good backing today, appreciated by the players at the end even in adversity. Have faith.
It's a bad day at the office northy we all have them. I do suspect a degree of complacency cos it was Bolton. How many of us here predicted they would even win, me included ?
The best thing I saw today, if my eyes didn't deceive me from Ellierslie, was the Mittal family and friends there in force. They're still interested in the club and maybe they may start talking to the Goons again and then...who knows?
Today's result should knock 25% off the asking price, Mittal's original offer may have been too HIGH rather than 'insulting' by the end of August...
I've just sat open-mouthed for a few mins after reading that!! Orr was our best defender?!!!!!!!!!!! He was run ragged by Petrov time and time again!! I really wonder sometimes...I really do!
