Enough is enough

[Alan Riding]

It was never going to be easy! I think we all knew that.

I see many players trying but lacking consistent quality and guidance. We can all see our defensive frailties, dead balls and attacking our right back position. But today our first effort on goal was on half time and really there was only one other good chance in the second half. We need to create more from our midfield.

For me I do think Rory has brought some good players to the club and has been unlucky with injuries, but to not make any changes to a team that was going nowhere after an hour today is not good management in my opinion. A bit of spark was eventually seen with the subs but it was way too late then.

I'm sure he looks at the video after games and this time I hope he sees what we do.

See everyone on Tuesday

 

[James Wood]

Sorry, but enough is enough, absolutely awful today, terrible in game management, changes yet again far too late. We were on the ropes from the first minute, their first goal was inevitable with the amount of possession they had. We carried this into the second half, where is went from bad to worse. Every single one of us is calling for Niall to be moved back to right-back, he doesn't know his best team so rotates far too much. I like the lad, but he needs to go now.

The bit I agree with first.

Yes, as others have said Niall needs to be moved back to RB. As well as he played at Shifnal, Mike I is like a fish out of water at RB. He’s a central defender and as we’ve seen in recent games v Padiham, Congleton and Shifnal he’s too often been sucked in towards the middle leaving our left flank exposed. And teams who have had us watched are now targeting us down our RHS time and time again.

And this is meant as no criticism of the lad. In fact, when he’s played in his natural position he’s been very good. And he had an excellent game at Shifnal.

As for the other comments on this thread, frankly what solutions do the critics propose?

IMHO, given what Rory walked into (too many people with very short memories) and the restrictions he’s got budget-wise, he’s done very well to assemble a side that has been pretty competitive in many of our games thus far.

Yes, we weren’t great today and Linnets were very ordinary, and some of the goals we conceded were too easy - as they have been in too many games - but given that we’ve undoubtedly got the lowest budget in the league, what the hell do some of you expect?

One of you has quite rightly pointed out the problems we’ve had at LB, but losing two players - who both looked like class acts - from this key position in just a couple weeks was seriously unfortunate. And the suggestion that the lad we let go on loan to Vics could somehow have been better than Niall is frankly preposterous.

From having talked to Vicki, it’s not for the want of trying that Rory has been trying to bring several reinforcements into the squad in recent days.

But the financial demands of players from even Step 5 - never mind our own level - who have been targeted are utterly ridiculous.

And if Rory did leave the club, exactly whom might want to take the job given our position and available budget?

Remember when Bo and Goody departed and we appointed Damian Crossley?

That worked out well didn’t it?

I really do think that some fans need to start to temper their expectations in relation to what level we can realistically operate at given our current resources and playing budget.

IMHO it may be that we will be a bit of a yo-yo club for several years yet.

But returning to the topic of putting things into perspective, I well recall when we were interviewed by the FA in April 2013 at St George’s Park, the panel asked our much missed and loved Chairman Paul Stockton what the real mark of success would be for the club would be he answered “playing Witton Albion in a League fixture.”

In our first season they were playing at Step 3, 74 at Step 6.

This season will be the 4th season that ‘74 will have done this.

Like every ‘74 fan I don’t like watching us lose so many games. But also I try to maintain some sort of perspective.

 

[James Wood]

No game for us today. How did you get on?

We didn’t lose 7-0!!!

 

[Ben]

Time for a change. Just my opinion.

 

[James Wood]

Time for a change. Just my opinion.

Time for a change. Just my opinion.

As I’ve said in my earlier post. Easy to say. But would this solve / improve our position?

A new manager would have no more money than the current one and would no doubt want to bring in his own set of players - and you really should ask yourself if they could make a massive difference to our current squad, then 1) why aren’t they currently playing for a bigger / better club /side 2) how much £££ would they want and would this be affordable given our current wage limits

 

[JAS94]

The bit I agree with first.

Yes, as others have said Niall needs to be moved back to RB. As well as he played at Shifnal, Mike I is like a fish out of water at RB. He’s a central defender and as we’ve seen in recent games v Padiham, Congleton and Shifnal he’s too often been sucked in towards the middle leaving our left flank exposed. And teams who have had us watched are now targeting us down our RHS time and time again.

And this is meant as no criticism of the lad. In fact, when he’s played in his natural position he’s been very good. And he had an excellent game at Shifnal.

As for the other comments on this thread, frankly what solutions do the critics propose?

IMHO, given what Rory walked into (too many people with very short memories) and the restrictions he’s got budget-wise, he’s done very well to assemble a side that has been pretty competitive in many of our games thus far.

Yes, we weren’t great today and Linnets were very ordinary, and some of the goals we conceded were too easy - as they have been in too many games - but given that we’ve undoubtedly got the lowest budget in the league, what the hell do some of you expect?

One of you has quite rightly pointed out the problems we’ve had at LB, but losing two players - who both looked like class acts - from this key position in just a couple weeks was seriously unfortunate. And the suggestion that the lad we let go on loan to Vics could somehow have been better than Niall is frankly preposterous.

From having talked to Vicki, it’s not for the want of trying that Rory has been trying to bring several reinforcements into the squad in recent days.

But the financial demands of players from even Step 5 - never mind our own level - who have been targeted are utterly ridiculous.

And if Rory did leave the club, exactly whom might want to take the job given our position and available budget?

Remember when Bo and Goody departed and we appointed Damian Crossley?

That worked out well didn’t it?

I really do think that some fans need to start to temper their expectations in relation to what level we can realistically operate at given our current resources and playing budget.

IMHO it may be that we will be a bit of a yo-yo club for several years yet.

But returning to the topic of putting things into perspective, I well recall when we were interviewed by the FA in April 2013 at St George’s Park, the panel asked our much missed and loved Chairman Paul Stockton what the real mark of success would be for the club would be he answered “playing Witton Albion in a League fixture.”

In our first season they were playing at Step 3, 74 at Step 6.

This season will be the 4th season that ‘74 will have done this.

Like every ‘74 fan I don’t like watching us lose so many games. But also I try to maintain some sort of perspective.

Agree with a few of your points here, James.

However on the LB on dual-reg with Vics point, for me it’s not about him being or doing better than Niall at all, quite the contrary, as I’m sure is the case on all that have made comments on this situation. It’s simply about having an actual left back, playing at left back and in turn utilising Niall in his best position, which for me benefits the team the most. It’s honestly that simple. I can understand a makeshift backline for 1 or 2 games - but 10?!

To be clear, I also don’t wish for Rory to go - at this point. It’s been quite rightly pointed out he had a big job on his hands. He’s brought in some quality players who I really rate, and I really do hope he can turn it around, I really do. Who knows a win or 2 B2B and it looks completely different doesn’t it let’s be honest! But I also don’t think that the questions being posed of some of his decisions is unfair, as some of the lineups and decisions has been questionable at times, I’m sure we can all agree.

 

[richard webb]

After the Padiham home game I spoke to Sekouba and told him i was surprised he had gone to VM after the way he was treated by the manager here. He told me he hadn't really wanted to go but "I was on £80 here and they offered me £180 there". This coming from a club (VM) who complained continually about having a small budget. It may explain some of our problems.

 

[Ben]

The bit I agree with first.

Yes, as others have said Niall needs to be moved back to RB. As well as he played at Shifnal, Mike I is like a fish out of water at RB. He’s a central defender and as we’ve seen in recent games v Padiham, Congleton and Shifnal he’s too often been sucked in towards the middle leaving our left flank exposed. And teams who have had us watched are now targeting us down our RHS time and time again.

And this is meant as no criticism of the lad. In fact, when he’s played in his natural position he’s been very good. And he had an excellent game at Shifnal.

As for the other comments on this thread, frankly what solutions do the critics propose?

IMHO, given what Rory walked into (too many people with very short memories) and the restrictions he’s got budget-wise, he’s done very well to assemble a side that has been pretty competitive in many of our games thus far.

Yes, we weren’t great today and Linnets were very ordinary, and some of the goals we conceded were too easy - as they have been in too many games - but given that we’ve undoubtedly got the lowest budget in the league, what the hell do some of you expect?

One of you has quite rightly pointed out the problems we’ve had at LB, but losing two players - who both looked like class acts - from this key position in just a couple weeks was seriously unfortunate. And the suggestion that the lad we let go on loan to Vics could somehow have been better than Niall is frankly preposterous.

From having talked to Vicki, it’s not for the want of trying that Rory has been trying to bring several reinforcements into the squad in recent days.

But the financial demands of players from even Step 5 - never mind our own level - who have been targeted are utterly ridiculous.

And if Rory did leave the club, exactly whom might want to take the job given our position and available budget?

Remember when Bo and Goody departed and we appointed Damian Crossley?

That worked out well didn’t it?

I really do think that some fans need to start to temper their expectations in relation to what level we can realistically operate at given our current resources and playing budget.

IMHO it may be that we will be a bit of a yo-yo club for several years yet.

But returning to the topic of putting things into perspective, I well recall when we were interviewed by the FA in April 2013 at St George’s Park, the panel asked our much missed and loved Chairman Paul Stockton what the real mark of success would be for the club would be he answered “playing Witton Albion in a League fixture.”

In our first season they were playing at Step 3, 74 at Step 6.

This season will be the 4th season that ‘74 will have done this.

Like every ‘74 fan I don’t like watching us lose so many games. But also I try to maintain some sort of perspective.

I think blaming the budget is a bit of a cop out being honest. Yes of course it has an impact and we have our limitations but that’s no excuse for bad management. Not being able to defend set pieces, not making a sub until the last 20 minutes and playing players out of position when we are seemingly able to bring in reinforcements in other areas isn’t down to the budget.

I accept that with the resources we have it’s always going to be hard for us to compete at this level and Rory did have a very difficult task assembling a squad virtually from scratch in a very short space of time. However, we are 15 games in now and are already adrift at the bottom. It will soon be getting to the point where it’s too late if it isn’t already. Surely we should at least be trying to stay up rather than just accepting it?

 

[Nicki]

On the set-pieces… I’d be alarmed if Rory and the coaching team don’t see it as a problem so more likely it’s the collective not putting in place what’s played out in training.

Also it’s another one for the sports psychologist as I bet they now almost expect to concede at a corner.

We’re massively missing Jonah too. He’s a born leader.

 

[JAS94]

On the set-pieces… I’d be alarmed if Rory and the coaching team don’t see it as a problem so more likely it’s the collective not putting in place what’s played out in training.

Also it’s another one for the sports psychologist as I bet they now almost expect to concede at a corner.

We’re massively missing Jonah too. He’s a born leader.

Again some very valid points made, Nicki.

1000% missing Jonah and his leadership. But if we fail to organise ourselves through the remaining players, leadership is lacking where the other experienced heads on the pitch should be picking it up and taking charge to ensure this is stuck too, even in Jonah’s absence.

If we are training set pieces and how to defend them in training, it really doesn’t show when the lads enter the pitch. Who does the buck fall on to sort that, if there is a breakdown between what’s being expected and what’s then being followed through on? - I’d argue the blame lies between both the coaching & players jointly. I don’t hear anyone bellowing from the touchline that we’re not setting up how is expected from them and to sort it, nor do I see anyone taking charge of the box and their colleagues in it either.

 

[Andy]

Was fully expecting a tough start. So early in the season I was pretty confident seeing that despite promotion and a new squad we seemed not to be far off being a competitive team.

But, the reality now, is that we are 15 league games in and we seem to have gone backwards from where we were at the start of the season.

Big November and December coming up, hopefully we can start picking up points or the season will be over by new year.

 

[Nicki]

Again some very valid points made, Nicki.

1000% missing Jonah and his leadership. But if we fail to organise ourselves through the remaining players, leadership is lacking where the other experienced heads on the pitch should be picking it up and taking charge to ensure this is stuck too, even in Jonah’s absence.

If we are training set pieces and how to defend them in training, it really doesn’t show when the lads enter the pitch. Who does the buck fall on to sort that, if there is a breakdown between what’s being expected and what’s then being followed through on? - I’d argue the blame lies between both the coaching & players jointly. I don’t hear anyone bellowing from the touchline that we’re not setting up how is expected from them and to sort it, nor do I see anyone taking charge of the box and their colleagues in it either.

That’s certainly where senior members of the squad have to do their bit. Often you’d have a vocal keeper doing a lot of organising (they get to see everyone’s position) but Max is still inexperienced so someone else should be stepping in to sort it out. I fear the worst every time I see on the updates that the opposition has a corner. Last-minute corners are agony from afar!!

 

[richard webb]

That’s certainly where senior members of the squad have to do their bit. Often you’d have a vocal keeper doing a lot of organising (they get to see everyone’s position) but Max is still inexperienced so someone else should be stepping in to sort it out. I fear the worst every time I see on the updates that the opposition has a corner. Last-minute corners are agony from afar!!

Nikki, every corner is agony when you are at the game! It is not helped by the opposition almost always putting someone right on top of Max - and Joe Woolley was probably the worst offender! I am surprised in this day and age that refs allow players to get away with this, especially when they stop you going within half a mile of a goalie at any other time!

 

[josh89]

I don't have the answer unfortunately but one thing is certain, we need to find a way to seriously increase the playing budget otherwise we have no hope of competing at this level it's as simple as that

In terms of what we can do on the pitch to try and be a bit better at the back I would personally move Niall back to RB with Ibeto and Mitchell at CB, I would try someone like Farmer at LB because from what I've seen he doesn't really get high enough up the pitch as a winger anyway

 

[Jack Owen]

I don't have the answer unfortunately but one thing is certain, we need to find a way to seriously increase the playing budget otherwise we have no hope of competing at this level it's as simple as that

Our boost-the-budget is always open for donations.

As a fan owned club we can only use what we earn. Always welcome for suggestions on ways to improve our income.

 

[Ben]

I don't have the answer unfortunately but one thing is certain, we need to find a way to seriously increase the playing budget otherwise we have no hope of competing at this level it's as simple as that

In terms of what we can do on the pitch to try and be a bit better at the back I would personally move Niall back to RB with Ibeto and Mitchell at CB, I would try someone like Farmer at LB because from what I've seen he doesn't really get high enough up the pitch as a winger anyway

I keep hearing about the budget as an excuse for everything.

I agree it’s tough for us to compete at this level however we did manage to stay in this league for three years last time and in comfortable mid table in our first season. So it is possible if we get things right.

As others have said I don’t think the standard is as good as it was either.

 

[josh89]

I keep hearing about the budget as an excuse for everything.

I agree it’s tough for us to compete at this level however we did manage to stay in this league for three years last time and in comfortable mid table in our first season. So it is possible if we get things right.

As others have said I don’t think the standard is as good as it was either.

Clubs are spending more now than they did then, it's not an excuse it's just the way it is