We expected to get a right gubbing at Fulham. We got it. It might even have been better all round if more had gone in - as they should have - so Poya could see how hard his work is going to be. That performance sums us up to a tee though. Defensive lapses, weak as wet toilet roll in midfield, slow and ineffective up front. Apart from that we’re ok. Which basically means the goalkeeper. Who will very likely be sold in January; yes it’s rumour but the word is Sam Johnstone has already agreed a deal to sign for Southampton, choosing them over Spurs and West Ham as he thinks he’ll play. Even if West Brom sack Ismael before then, they’d still likely look at Collins. So all in all, thinks look rosy… That said, I might be on my own, but I still think a Gary Gardner type loan in January would improve us immeasurably. Someone who’s played a bit, wouldn’t panic and just do the dirty bits and basics right, maybe in a 3-5-2 with two of the others in the middle with him. I thought Gardner was pap - him and Joe Williams made for turgid watching - but we weren’t overran in the middle every week like we are now.
An experienced midfielder in January is a must, unless we’re already too far adrift by then, which is a distinct possibility. Whether it’s a loan like Gardner / James, or if Poya has somebody in mind that he’s worked with, similar to Struber and Solbauer. Question is, would you sell Collins to fund a move for an experienced midfielder?
Yes. Collins is our best player at the moment. And keeping the score down well. We still lose though. 4-1 rather than 7 or 8 yesterday. We need to strengthen the soft belly. Jack Walton isn’t as good, but I’d worry less with him in the side than a midfield of Benson and Palmer or any of the others. They’re all good footballers, but a little bit powderpuff. Not an ounce of grit or a tackle between them. They need help.
We aren't in a position where we can just chalk off games as never going to win and it's disrespectful to the fans who went to watch us play. There was no excuse yesterday for the lack of effort. Too many with the heart of Melis and Shea. Benson is a poor mans McCourt who's too often a passenger. Helik is playing at a fraction of what he played at when fans couldn't go. The players should have done far more for these
Agreed. Leaving ourselves with Palmer as our most experienced central midfielder was a foolish gamble, which is working to the detriment of the club as well as Palmer, Styles, Benson, Hondermarck and Kane. If the club cannot realise that having experienced players to learn from will do more to increase players’ values than any playing style then there’s really no hope.
No. If we hang on to Collins his worth will only improve. Remember too we've lost our goalkeeping coach. Midfielder is one of the easier categories to fill,
Sadly I think you’re right. Damage was done before Schopp even joined the club, let alone when he left. The way the board allowed the club to be completely stripped of its staff during the summer was shameful. I’m not sure an experienced midfielder that can help our young players along is a particularly easy category to fill though.
Exactly. We can't just say we never expected to win so fook it. We didnt expect to beat Fulham 3-0 under Struber. We didnt expect to get our arses handed to us by Hull. We didnt expect to have such a dismal season this season after the best season in 20 years. Simply not good enough, don't understand this passive mentality.
