Merthyr Imp
Vital Football Hero
We were weak, lifeless, gutless, clueless and bloody useless.
But otherwise OK?
(Gallows humour)
We were weak, lifeless, gutless, clueless and bloody useless.
Really?I'm amazed to read that some are calling for the managers head.
Someone mentioned it in an earlier post. Brendan Bradley also mentioned "fickle". I guess point 2 proves point 1.Really?
Here's some facts: under Michael Appleton, despite the lack of wins, we have conceded only 9 goals in 10 games. We conceded 8 in the previous 3 games under Jamie McCombe. That run includes SIX away games including Blackpool, Ipswich, Portsmouth and Peterborough; we have also played Sunderland at home in that time. We have also conceded just 4 in our last 6 games, which is far from catastrophic. In fact, that is promotion standard. Following major upheaval, that is genuinely impressive.
We have been missing some key players: Bostwick (our Player of the Season) hasn't kicked a ball since 14 September; Frecklington (our captain) has played 60 minutes; Pett (finished third in Player of the Season) has appeared in three games and is not fit; influential O'Connor is now injured; we keep losing Morrell and Lewis to international duty without being permitted to postpone a game. If those players had been available, Ellis Chapman would not be anywhere near the first team. He isn't good enough to play regularly in League One, not by a long way; that is not his fault - he is only 18.
Never underestimate how much Cowley's departure knocked us sideways. Personally, I think Appleton is doing a great job under the circumstances he has been handed: he said he would make us hard to beat in the first instance, and he has done that despite the lack of wins. We are not a bad team, the problem lies in the loss of key players and the (partly related) inability to score. Appleton has not said he can do anything about that at the moment, but I suspect we will score more goals - and possibly concede even fewer - once those key players return. We also have the January transfer window imminent, whatever that may offer, and we have money available for the right player(s). Appleton has already stated that he is 'crystal clear' about what is required in January, so give the poor guy a chance.
Not sure if it has been mentioned on here, but Appleton told the waiting press that it was ‘the worst performance of any team he has ever been in charge of”, he also mentioned the word ‘rubbish’ a few times and apologised to fans who had to witness a display like that. Strong words indeed.
Really?
Here's some facts: under Michael Appleton, despite the lack of wins, we have conceded only 9 goals in 10 games. We conceded 8 in the previous 3 games under Jamie McCombe. That run includes SIX away games including Blackpool, Ipswich, Portsmouth and Peterborough; we have also played Sunderland at home in that time. We have also conceded just 4 in our last 6 games, which is far from catastrophic. In fact, that is promotion standard. Following major upheaval, that is genuinely impressive.
We have been missing some key players: Bostwick (our Player of the Season) hasn't kicked a ball since 14 September; Frecklington (our captain) has played 60 minutes; Pett (finished third in Player of the Season) has appeared in three games and is not fit; influential O'Connor is now injured; we keep losing Morrell and Lewis to international duty without being permitted to postpone a game. If those players had been available, Ellis Chapman would not be anywhere near the first team. He isn't good enough to play regularly in League One, not by a long way; that is not his fault - he is only 18.
Never underestimate how much Cowley's departure knocked us sideways. Personally, I think Appleton is doing a great job under the circumstances he has been handed: he said he would make us hard to beat in the first instance, and he has done that despite the lack of wins. We are not a bad team, the problem lies in the loss of key players and the (partly related) inability to score. Appleton has not said he can do anything about that at the moment, but I suspect we will score more goals - and possibly concede even fewer - once those key players return. We also have the January transfer window imminent, whatever that may offer, and we have money available for the right player(s). Appleton has already stated that he is 'crystal clear' about what is required in January, so give the poor guy a chance.
Absolutely 100% spot on Scotimp. We just need to get behind him on Wed and future games to do what we can to help.
...moaning is all part of being an Imp !
For me ignoring the moaning is all part of being an Imp.
I disagree that MA has inherited an unbalanced squad. We have really good alatetrnatives in every position bar striker.
GK - Vickers, Smith
RB Eardley, Lewis
LB - Toffolo, Coker
CB - Shackell, Bolger, Connolly, Bostwick, Melbourne
Midfield - Morrell, O'Connor, Chapman, Pett, Frecklington
Wingers - Andrade, Anderson, Grant
2nd Striker - Payne, Hesketh
Striker - Walker, Akinde
Unlike past seasons, when the squad was filled out with loanees that were not up to scratch, every one of the above is a genuine first teamer. 23 players!
Yes, we need a goalscorer, but if we are to make several signings in January as many people are asking for - who of the above would you release and be confident new additions would be better?
I firmly believe there is a decent team amongst those 23, maybe with the addition of a goalscorer. If I'm right, I would have the same opinion of MA as I would if DC was still here - that is, the directors have given you a decent squad - the rest is down to your coaching ability.
Saturday worries me. I hope it was a one off, but it had signs of the players not wanting to play for the manager. I truly hope I am wrong.
Here he goes again. Unbalanced, blah blah blah. ZzzzzzzzzzzzzSpot on Scotimp - he has inherited an unbalance squad and that added to injuries and International call ups has left us very vulnerable - judge him after the January window when he will have some chance to adjust the squad. Also worth mentioning that we have played far more away games than home games from my calculation we have played 11 of the 17 games away from home.
Here he goes again. Unbalanced, blah blah blah. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz