Thetownend.com

The Opponent: Peterborough United

Ah well, here we go again. Like a bad case of herpes, I return, armed with my offerings for the opening day of the season. It has been a close season filled out with a royal baby, an effort of a heat wave and enough Changisms to fill up a farmers shit box. On a personal level the start of the season comes as a blessing as its my first day off work since the end of March, I can’t wait to hit the road and go through the same emotions that most of us do, the smell of sizzling shergar as you walk through the turnstiles, the hope that they sell beer in the away end, even if it does have the same sort of kick as a can of Top Deck, and the hopes for the season ahead. Optimist or pessimist, board lovers/haters, happy clappers, Crispies representatives, its time to unite and support the same cause. Regardless of who wears the shirt for us right now, Spurs loanees, Jed’s mates kid or Portuguese wonder kids, providing they fight for that shirt like some of the great players that have had the honour of pulling on a Town shirt before them, they will get my unequivocal support. Fingers crossed our current manager has a better success record with us than he did with his short spell in charge of Peterborough, where he achieved an 8.33% win ratio.

The Posh have become something of a yoyo team in recent years, enjoying and suffering a string of promotions and relegations, a little like us really. Since their relegation from The Championship, Peterborough have reportedly received £6million for striker Dwight Gayle, rising to £8million with add-ons! But they have spent £1.5million of the cash on the brilliantly named Britt Assombolonga, the Posh club shop must have absolutely coined it in with printed shirt costs.  Interestingly, Peterborough is a noticeably flat part of the UK owing to the fact that during the Ice Age much of the region was covered by ice sheets and this has influenced the topography and nature of the soils.] Much of Cambridgeshire is low-lying, in some places below present-day mean sea level.[The lowest point on land is supposedly just to the south of the city at Holme Fen, which is 2.75 metres (9 ft) below sea level.

The last time we met at – London Road. A simply incredible game of football, after half an hour we looked to be on to a hiding, I was so regretting making the long journey to Cambridgeshire but it was one that I wanted to tick off the 92 league grounds (now standing at 55). The fight back that followed was one of those times that no matter how disappointing it was to lose, the pride in the performance made the long journey home just that little bit easier.

If you are in the area – Peterborough Cathedral is both impressive on the inside and the outside, and if you feel necessary, perhaps say a quiet prayer for the lads before kick off. With Durham and Ely Cathedrals, it is one of the most important 12th-century buildings in England to have remained largely intact, despite extensions and restoration.

They’ve played for us both – Jimmy Quinn, Toumani Diagouraga, Bobby Barnes, Fola Onion Bhaji, Alex Pritchard, Bart Griemink, Terry Gibson, Lloyd Opara and not forgetting, Giuliano Grazioli.

Where the opposition gather - http://www.theposhforum.co.uk/

The Odds – Posh Evens    Draw 12/5   Swindon 11/4

The Son Says – Due to work we only managed to take in a couple of the pre season friendlies, the poor little lad is so confused with all of the comings and goings over the last few weeks, especially with what seems to be one favourite player after another leaving The County Ground. But as he is slowly learning, his heroes will come and go. Still, he remains as optimistic as ever, 3-1 to the youthful but mighty reds.

The Prediction – A hard earned 1-0 victory with a thunderous header in the last minute from
Darren Ward in front of 6’915, with 875 making the 2 hour and 38 minute journey from Wiltshire, amongst other places.

And Finally – Peterborough United are nicknamed "The Posh", a moniker coined in 1921, after the then manager of Fletton United was reported to say he was "Looking for posh players for a posh new team". When Fletton United looked to join the Southern League in 1923 they added Peterborough to their name to form Peterborough & Fletton United, in an attempt to gain the backing of businesses in Peterborough. Peterborough & Fletton United went bankrupt in Oct 1932 so the current club is the third to be known as The Posh.

COYR COYR COYR

For those coming up, don't forget your passport as you are visiting the new capital of Poland ;)

Enjoy your trip up

Posh 4 - 0 Totswinhot Town

(Wes to finally get sent off)

At last, Have enjoyed the summer break and like everyone else I have had my opinions on how things have gone and will go this season but now the important stuff begins and we all become one again in wanting the Town to win as much as possible. That's a great starter match day thread SR so thank you. I'm opting for a score draw which I'll be quite happy with. 2-2

Oh dear

Anyway, no idea what our team/new players are like (havent watched any friendlies, they are pointless). Have even less of a clue what Posh are like this season so I'll go with the bookies.

2-0 Posh

If we can take anything from the friendlies (questionable), I saw the 'game' at FGR and simply could not believe how inadequate we were from beginning to end.  I didn't see the Spurs game, which clearly demonstrated, so I hear, that we have got something.  I did go to the Birmingham game, which was no spectacle, and there was not a lot of physical contact, but despite what some have said elsewhere on TEF, there were definite signs of ball-playing ability.  The question marks have to be over our defensive strength and our ability to score goals.....so not a lot to worry about then.

However, since then the week in portugal must have improved things, but by how much?  I think the addition of Harley is very important.  I think Hall and Ward together make a good CB pairing.  I do believe Williams could come good this season.  So I am cautious but hopeful - but there could have been easier starts!!!

Really tough game to start with and think this will be a dicking. Anything other than a thrashing will be a positive.

Cannot wait for the start of the season and getting up early in the morning heading off around the country!

3-0 defeat.

COYR

Shaw Rosso's matchday threads are back, I had a cracking evening talking about the side with another random Town fan I met in the pub, properly feels like the start of the season now. Can't fucking wait.

3-0 thumping to us, Agombar to score a hat-trick. 952 town fans will make the trip.

COYR!

The seasons now back, love the threads Shaw, 19:23 over here at the moment, have to get up early to catch the game tomorrow on the twitter. As optimistic as i am, will have to be a 2-1 loss for me. Pritchard to score our goal in the 2nd minute and to do a run around the ground kissing the Swindon badge.

Glad the footballs back.

I would be happy with a draw.

Will be listening to commentary online from here in Singapore. Am hoping this season they will actually describe the football instead of chatting mindlessly. Still, better than a smack round the face with a wet kipper I suppose. Wish I was there.

An entertaining, spirited and encouraging 0-0 draw.

3-1 to Peterborough

Thank fuck the football is upon us at last. I hope this thread can be kept to the football and football only.

Unless there is Mrs F's stew to discuss?

I'm afraid not rosso, sorry.

A draw would be magnificent!

Think we'll lose 3-1.

As everyone else, I haven't got a clue what to expect.

I envisage Wes throwing the ball out to the FBs as there is no point in booting it upfield to Doc or Sleepy. We will play some eye catching keep-ball in spells but the inevitable mis-control in a dangerous area will do for us.

3-1

I don't think ever been so intrigued to see how a season pans out. Logic tells you that all the ingedients are there for the season to be something of a train wreck (ridiculously inexperienced squad, caretaker manager with a less than glittering track record, extremely light weight up front). But football is gloriously illogical so I'm just prepared for the worst and hoping for the best.

It's a tough start and I can envision a fairly heavy defeat - in the region of 3-0. Anything better than that will be a bonus.

Assuming brace position.

It'll be 1:1.

Swindon:Peterborough is always 1:1

They're at home with a settled side,we're very much a work in progress so avoiding a defeat would be a great result.1-1 with a debut goal from Prichard would do nicely

2-0 defeat.

3-1 loss, going to take time for our team to get into gear.

2 0 to Town. The mrs and I will be in attendance.

I'm always full of optimism at the start of the season even though I know it takes 10 games to get an idea of what's in store.

2-1 defeat.

I am genuinely excited about a new season and what it may bring but today I will be looking at the final score through squinted eyes from behind the sofa.

I can only see a defeat, how much of a defeat is the question.

2-0 town! Some bloke and whats-his-face the scorers..

You Reds!

0-4 ouch!

Took the family to Southend for a day trip a few weeks ago.
About 2/3rds of the visitors were Polish/Latvian/Lithuanian etc.
I was wondering why on Earth people would come from Eastern Europe to visit Southend.

Then it dawned on me.............they live here !

Is "Posh" short for Polish ?

3-0 loss but not because I think we're going to be shit, more that I fancy Posh to win the division. Next Saturday home to Stevenage will be a better game on which to base some very early judgement.

1-3 defeat I think, with Pritchard scoring against his former club. I'm optimistic and intrigued about the season ahead in general, but we really don't have a clue what lies in wait for this club, on the pitch or off. I'm not sure that we will find much out based on today's result, either. Highly excited though. I fucking love football

4.0 win

3-0 defeat with 6,745 fans of those 754 from Swindon.

4 zip loss i fear....Posh will be strong this year.

3-1 defeat, although like OST i really don't know what to expect this season so i'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised today.

Going corporate with my Dad and 5 of his friends who are P'boro supporters, so going to be surrounded by P'boro fans, so really hoping we don't get hammered. I do fancy P'boro to be going up this season though....

2-0 loss.

Have a good day Bedford.

3-0 to Peterborough.
Only Brentford can stop the three relegated sides walking away with it in my view.

Hopefully the Spurs lads have enough quality to spare us another relegation battle.

No idea what to expect today, a draw would do me as I suspect posh will be near the top come the end of the season.

We really need to get some pointage on the board in august where we have some easier looking games after posh.  September looks tough with games against wolves, MC dons, brizzle city and preston, 3 of which are away.

Just about to leave, I fancy a draw today, there is usually plenty of goals as well, 2-2.

I hope for a score draw .................. however posh win

Posh 1-2 Swindon.

And wot

YESSSS... football is back, what this season will produce is anyones guess, with everything that's been going on.But im very optimistic :".THE TOWN ARE GOING TO STORM THIS DIVISION",.i might revise my prediction at 6pm but until then "COME ON THE TOWN" ONWARDS AND UPWARDS.a 3-0 win will start us off nicely.great thread again rosso.oh yeh  my daughter works for dandy and TAX FREE wont be far away in the 2.05 at goodwood today.

3-0 Town. Cooper will lead us to the title.

There's a long way to go before we can all start pointing fingers of blame or singing "we are going up". The result of this game, and the next four or five, will not give a true indication of our league position at the end of the season.

Think Swindon and Tranmere from last season.

I predict chants of 4-4-2 by half time

Who cares about the result? It's Saturday 3rd August and Football is back FFS!!!!

What is important is the performance, and I just hope the new Town are able to give us something to enjoy. Sometimes.

As for predictions (my predictions are consistently incorrect):

Wes will give away a penalty, but will not be sent off this time.

The town will struggle in attack, but will score once.

Peterborough will huff and puff for 90 minutes

BUT I CAN confidently predict that we will not be at the bottom of Div I tonight, and that we will be at least 7 points clear of the bottom club. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23548760).

Roll on the kick off)!!!

I remember only a couple of seasons back the first game of the season when Norwich had just been relegated from the Championship and were favourites to go back up up (similar to Posh today) and they thought this league would be a walk in the park and got hammered at home 7-1

There are always surprises on the first day of the season, maybe it could be us today?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvxi4FDZYRs

They could do.

You couldn't write this stuff eh? His first game in charge against his old club.

"I'm looking forward to the day. I'm going to try and enjoy it and make sure we put on as good a performance as we can."
Mark Kooper

Anyone have a feeling for the starting XI? 4-4-2? 4-2-3-1? 4-3-3? It seemed against Cirencester to be a 4-2-3-1.

Either way, good luck this afternoon lads!

I've not seen any pre-season matches so hard to make any predictions...but feel less confident about a new season than for a long time. I'll be pleased with a draw.

Does the season start today?

Have no idea what to expect, but I don't think we'll gauge a massive amount from today's result anyway as to how the season will pan out.  Hope we don't get hammered.

On the basis of not having a bloody clue it will be 2 - 2

0-2 Town. 812 away fans. BRING IT ON!  :pint: Let's all have a disco, the football is back and the Townend brotherhood is in full swing mode. We're rocking chaps, let's smash this joint up. Heros, every last one of us! Even STFCinBournemouth will be on here today updating us of the Poole Town FC scores.

 :beers: There is an earthquake, we are back and stomping the ground in delight.

New season already? WTF?
I cannot see us doing well so I predict a 3-1 win to the Town. 9000 in attendance. :hmmm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvX_5ym_ajI

Let's all have a conga, Sonic please lead fron the front and i'll bring up the rear. The townend forum conga is undulating and swaying. Positivity breeds positivity, we can do this chaps, transmit your good feelings.

We do have lady members...and the place is all the better for them.

Not many though.  I'm sure we used to have more.

True...

Sorry Reg, we are an inclusive bunch, and like you say, we are a rich tapestry reflecting the wonderful diversity of these Islands. There is a woman who attends away games with big bouncing knockers. I always marvel at her effrontery. There'll be out today i'm sure giving the lads an eyeful. Such a bounty of joy. And they'll be swelling with pride when we do this mob.

She even whopped them out at the play offs against Charlton. Mighty sight to behold.

Our lineup looks decent

Lady members?  Don't you only see those in the dodgy areas of Bangkok?

TOWN v Posh: Foderingham; N Thompson, Hall, Ward, Smith; Luongo, Harley; Tijane, Mason, Pritchard; Williams. #stfcadver

I'm not sure why, but with all the hatred and negativity about, it seems to have made me believe again. I don't know what today's score's going to be, but I've chucked a few bets on us as champions and being promoted. :)

Town subs: Bedwell, Barthram, McEveley, Archibald-Henville, Kasim, L Thompson, Storey

But ... but ... but ... that's 4-2-3-1. Surely Cooper knows the only formation Town fans understand is 4-4-2 - pitchforks at the ready!

Like the look of that (on the basis of very little knowledge of most of them :) )

Is Byrne injured or summat?

Suspended. Sent off at Brentford.

Ah, of course

Another season, another game and STFC Player is playing up.

Oh my fucking God.

Some things never change :crash:


And the season doesn't even kick off for another 40 minutes and I've already had to use this ..... :crash:

Is Hall ours or on loan?

On loan

Agreed, normal service has been resumed and its not a good service.

Mason to score first.

Good line up, nice to see the 4-4-2 monotony at this level being broken up. Quite an attacking formation just looking at the teamsheet, but only time will tell.

Am off to work, but will be listening to Radio Wiltshire, much to the annoyance of the Yeokels. COME ON YOU REDS!

Yeovil will be playing in the Championship for at least the next 3 seasons.....autumn, winter and spring :D

Booo, I forgot we can't use Julie anymore.

Both Ferry and Devera start for Pompey against the Pox.

Come on pritch

cooooooome onnnnnn you reeeedss...........

Pritchard sounds lively

Urgh.

Arse. Undun by a hoof by the sounds of it.

Oh crap, sounds very much against the run of play

Route one undone.

1-0 from a hoof up field. A few sides will do this to us this season. Shame, we started really well by the sounds of it.

Boo.

Cuntflaps and shitsticks

Does anyone know if the commentary is available online.

Slavetraders 1-0 up

Poole Town 0-1 Burton Bradstock  :pint:

Barry Corr scores for Southend

Poor old Cov 2-0 down . .  .

Pompey 1-0 up against Pox

Cherries 1-0 up

 :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Ooooh...corner...

And another...

And another... ???

Hope one of our giants can get on the end of it

3 corners in a row - and....nothing

At least getting back into the game
All posh since they scored

Newport 2-0 up, welcome back to the football league  :D

I can see us coming back from this, anyone who has money should back it, unfortunately I don't.

According to the BBC website, we have two number 8's on the pitch...

Both Luongo and Mason are both playing as 8!

How are you going to buy a few litres of cheap cider tonight then?

Thompson off and running with the yellow cards  ::)

I've got 3 litres spare mate. That should see me through, and I've got a Star Trek boxset from The Red Cross charity shop for 6.99. It's going to be a good night! C'mon Town

Jutkievitz has just scored for 'boro

Bristol city 1-1

pox have equalised  >:(

Go vale.

Poxford scumbags. It'll be a rum showdown between them and Pompey around Southsea tonight.

Just noticed that ritchie is not in the Bmuff squad.....

Apparently it's a 18,000 sell-out at Pompey.

Bileys Mullet ‏@BileysMullet 1h
Fisticuffs on goldsmiths ave as oufc fans play slappsies. Two groups of them about 50 in total. All looked old enough ro know better.

Injured.  Been out of all pre season.

Cuthbert just scored for Orient

Record league 2 attendance, no surprise I guess when the 2 biggest supported teams meet at the biggest ground in the league.

Poor old Cov - just gets worse for them

POx 2-1 up

Sounds as though it is all us, albeit without enough creativity.

Could be the story of our season

Sounds like we have no cutting edge - plenty of the ball only long range shooting so far

It gets better, fans showing their disgruntlement, more power to them.

Oh feck, Oxford 2-1 up

Don't think I've heard Williams' name mentioned once

Some on Twitter saying that Cov fans are on the pitch so that the owners get fined.  Pre-planned.

Good on them, hope they rip the joint up

H/T trying a passing game with no end product...yet. Rise, Mason and Pritchard look decent. Goal looked offside to me so probably wasn't. Posh left back is a little diver.

Sounds like a pretty seamless transition from the end of last season: struggling with the ball over the top, lots of passing around midfield and defence, no cutting edge in attack.

We really need a bully up front to give this system a chance of working.

How much would Nelson Muntz cost?

We have enough people to point and laugh at us already.

Or we could give it more than 45 mins before deciding this system won't work

Bit radical, that!

Are we still playing?

Shitty 2-1 up

Doesn't appear to be any goals since half time anywhere!!

On a personal note, I could do with Millwall scoring

According to BBC it's still halftime everywhere?

Soccer feed has died.

pox 3.1 up and pompey down to 10 men

a point the commentators just made, was same at ciren too - he's not looked like being able to play the lone role yet. Not his fault, his strengths are elsewhere.

I know we want to play the right way and the passing game - but it sounds to me like we need a 'plan B' with 20 minutes left ?

Let's see how Storey copes with the role.

I'd bring on storey, take off a midfielder and give it a go

Picking up a few yellow cards today.

I think this does prove what we all know, that we need somebody who is experienced at playing the lone role up front, Williams has pace and control but is not a lone striker, he is more suited to play in Tijanes position

4 so far

Williams and Storey on the wings and no striker, Spain-esque

Luongo going close. Come on Town, pile it on for the last 10 minutes!

I don't think the system won't work, just the player at the heart of it (Williams) isn't best suited to it; based on the last 14 games I've seen of him in that or a variation of that role, rather than 45 minutes of the game currently occurring.

http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=51994.msg1212227#msg1212227 (http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=51994.msg1212227#msg1212227)

This ^^

Williams just doesnt offer anything for me

Mason hits the bar for town

hit the bar, we sound good

So close. Off the Bar

Mason hits the bar.

Getting closer...

Argh! Mason off the bar!

FFS.

Well if that's the case, we need to play a system that suits the players we have or bring in relevant players to suit the system.  Just hit the bar arrgh, not going to be our day is it?  :(

Definately deserve a point by the sounds of it

Posh commentators reckon we are looking good.

Brace for Parkin at Exeter.

Edit: although that's based on the videprinter at Sky which is inventing it's own scores again.

Sound very encouraging.

Promising but sounds like we are in dire need of a decent frontman

Why is Benson not playing?

Because he wasn't good enough for League Two last year.

Well, it hasn't been men against boys by the sounds of it. If we find the right player to play up top we might just hold our own this season.

Doesnt fit the new style of play according to Jeds interview the other day

Which is obviously complete nonsense as we're crying out for a decent striker, and and the very lest, Benson is decent.

I think you'll find that some of the players contracts are a) mind blowingly expensive for league one b) heavily bonused in the terms of appearences and wins c) have apperence bonuses (number of) in addition to match by match payments

So you only have to play their basic wage until you shift them.

so he gets the message he is surplus and should leave asap is my guess.

FT. So not a disgrace against a decent team. Fingers crossed we can get in one or two others players, one being a striker. Should be a season full of not too much sadness.

Oh well first game and first defeat
Didnt sound if town were overun or outclassed

Sounded like we lacked a decent target man - will reserve judgement till after tuesday and saturday when can see for myself

Certainly not the thumping ppl expected

Ironic given the stick Cooper got for being a hoof-ball merchant off those Peterborough fans.

I think its time to get in Billy Kee who I personally think would be perfect as a lone striker.

Looking at the stats on the BBC site, we had 59% possession, had 11 shots to 10, with shots on target we had 6 to 2.

Sounds fair stats. Encouraging overall. Luongo and Mason were good value in 2nd half. Worth a point.

I thought he was player at Burton who called another player a racist name. a couple of seasons back and Manky got involved when he was playing for burton

Just home.

We played some neat nice football but didn't have any cutting edge.

Williams didn't have a great game (in fact he was poor) however the role of lone striker really doesn't suit him.

A £1.5m striker was the only difference between the sides ( and a poor ref).

Either Posh are not as good as people think or we are going to be fine if we get a centre forward that can play up top on his own

Although we lost I'm happy we didn't get played off the park, nor were they able to kick lumps out of the kids. Think we can take more positives than negatives from this. The mind boggles on how much of an effect Ferry and Collins would've had ...

Don't let your mind boggle too much as it'll just give you a headache.

They've gone so give the what ifs a rest as it gets a bit dull

Well, all sounded reasonably positive. Just gonna end up repeating what's been said really. Need a lone striker yadda yadda. Looking forward to Torquay on Tuesday.

Sounds like we gave a good account of ourselfs.

Give Cooper the job and let us stop messing around.

Going to be an interesting season for sure.

Eerily quiet on here after a defeat..

Normally we like a good moan.  A rare defeat where we walk away relatively pleased.

Seems to be a few people disappointed that we didn't get stuffed and the TE goes into meltdown!

You do know we lost, right? What does that make his record now, as a league manager, 1 win in 14?
Quick, sign him up, before PSG come in for him

Yes have to say it would be good to take a considered approach to appointing a manager rather than just giving it to the bloke that is there just for the sake of appointing someone.

Depends on who else is available I suppose.

Glad to hear the lads didnt do badly. Expected defeat and my concerns remain. Obvious we need forwards of quality and quickly.  I also think our side will struggle with direct football and sides that press high.

I expect our rabble will be back soon with their own comments. In the meantime a Posh fans view, quite well written:

http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/222873-Posh-vs-Robins?s=6800e8cf1d802d54da5f7ab0272dcb4f

Just got back, and although disappointed with the result, I'm really encouraged by the performance.  Went to Charters pre-match and mingled with load of Posh fans who were critical of Cooper's route one tactics.  Ironic that thats exactly the way they scored & threatened first half.

Great finish for their goal though & as has probably already been mentioned that's the difference between a 1.5 mil striker & Williams, who I thought was poor & lazy.

I reckon we have a gem in Mason, he was class throughout & I thought he & Harley played well.  Reis also looks quality.

I feel a lot more upbeat after today, I wasn't sure what to expect & saw some really good stuff, we need a striker that can play the lone role though.  I'd give Cooper a run, I quite like him!

Came away today far from disappointed.  Like most I has no idea what to expect at the start, but on the basis of today reckon it won't turn out too bad.  Considering that many of the team have hardly played any competitive football, I can see them coming on and adapting better as the season progresses.
The blindingly obvious is that we need a striker. Williams just didn't get in the game and doesn't seem to suit the system.
After a dodgy start, being done by a well taken route 1 goal, I envisaged a tough afternoon ahead but by the end Peterborough were grateful for the game to draw to a close.
Was most impressed with Mason this afternoon and Luongo looked good as the game developed.
I was a bit disappointed with Pritchard; he's been billed as the class act but seemed to get muscled out far too much today.  Hopefully, a few games on he'll start to shine.
Tijane showed some lovely skills but not always the best distribution and I wondered at one stage if he'd last the match after a couple of very late challenges from him.
I thought Kasim looked solid when he came on, so hopefully a good acquisition.
I wasn't too sure about Smith; seemed a bit dodgy in the first half, maybe nerves, but contributed more as the game progressed.

Tijane has to be short of match fitness doesn't he, having spent most of pre-season waiting for international clearance.

Pretty much agree with all of that!

Also, I'd imagine the style and pace of league 1 is bit different to the Portuguese 2nd or 3rd division.  Can imagine it'll take a little while to adapt.

Poole Town didn't have a game today, they played Wimborne last night in a friendly  :hmmm:


All sounded very promising, but the lack of a striker that can play the lone role is something that needs addressing if the system is going to work. Certainly not concerned at the moment

Could someone who went to the game do player ratings from 1 to 10 please?

Regarding Benson, a natural striker he might be but is he capable of playing as a lone striker at his age for the entire season?

Totally agree and if I'm honest, why hasn't it been addressed during the summer if this is the system we were going to play?  We've brought enough players in for other positions, but not the key one?

Of course he's not, that doesn't mean to say he couldn't do a job

FFS It's money. Whether he can or cannot do a job is immaterial, we'll never find out. Same goes for Caddis & L, Rooney et al.

A decent goal scorer is going to cost especially one that will fit the system we want to play, or should we not set our sights that high?

I'm not sure it's a goal scorer we need.

A target man that we can play off is just what we need, if they can chip in with a few goals as well that would be a bonus.

I'd suggest that an experienced striker was probably in the plans, however getting benson, caddis and l.Rooney off the wage list may be hindering being able to pay for such a luxury.

Hello girls, bet you have had fun whining over the break ;)
Saw Sy ask  for ratings so:
Fods. 7 never had much do to, what he did have to he did well.
NT. 6. Dodgy 1st half, where their 23 I think ripped him. for some reason they swapped him over and Nathan did far batter 2nd half
Smith. 7. Started a bit shaky but grew into the game, I though he looked pretty good.
Hall. 6. Started like stevie wonder,  pity the lad though as it was chop him and red card, or let him fire over for the goal, unfortunately it went in, got better though and looked good 2nd half.
Ward. 7.5. Didn't know he could do that(pass) as well as defend, class act.
Luongo. 8. Star man, always knew what to do with the ball.
Mason. 7. very quiet 1st half, but grew into the game , and sooo unlucky with the crossbar effort.
Pritchard. 6.5. Anonymous 1st half, but looked very tricky and clever 2nd, He'll be  good no doubt on that.
Tijane. 7.5. Possible Portugese Pele in the making.
Harley. 6. Shockingly didn't recognise him until 2nd half, once I did he put some nice passes away, did ok.
Williams 6. Hard job for him and he struggled 1st half, as I doubt he's done lone striker before, 2nd half seemed to get the gist of it, and played better. Should have scored though Imo when his head seemed to go into his shoulders, with the goal gaping!.

In summary, we played some nice stuff, and were unlucky not to get at least a point, however, I thought at 3.10 after they scored, we wouldn't, and was proved right. That will come and we have many easier games on paper coming up, and I fully expect us to be top half on that showing.

Thanks SR. Interesting about Tijane and sounds like Mass will make us tick this year

Forgot, Storey came on with 25 left, and we looked more potent straight away, he worried them, did well. And I think the Iraqi guy came on? Played a shocker of a first pass, then looked pretty good after that, but I may be talking bollocks as I'm not sure it was him, whoever it was though, comment applies I suppose.

And yes I have been drinking. Lots...

Kasim did come on as a sub.

Really impressed with that today. Very rare you can make a 3 hour journey home after a defeat feeling positive.

I think there really is the makings of a decent team amongst our current crop, ok I may well be looking through red tinted specs but a few players really stood out for me today. Tijane (the boy wants his name on his new shirt already), considering he is not match fit, really could be a frightening proposition for League 1 defences this year. He has power, pace and skill in abundance, early days but has the potential to be a fantastic signing and he fully deserved the standing ovation he got when substituted. Mason and Luongo really could form a great partnership in the middle and some of the triangles of play moving forward were full of energy. Darren Ward looked fairly solid for me today, I'm kind of grateful he hung around really. Not to sure what to say about Andy Williams today. When he did have the ball he did nothing with it but I tend to feel a little sorry for him as some of the flack being shouted at him from behind me was unwarranted and embarrassing, although it does help identify the neanderthals amongst us.

Stewarding and policing seemed a bit OTT and the lack of beer was a shame. The little ponce in the snack bar took great pleasure in handing me a bottle of Coke with the name Kathryn on. Cunt.

All in all a good day out and far from disappointed with the effort put in today, if we play like that week in week out we will win more games than what we lose.

How many did we take?

Precisely.  No point in people keep saying that these players should be in the squad, we can't afford to put them in the squad because of the ludicrous wages and bonuses the previous manager/chairman handed out.

Apart from Caddis who wants out (as long as the club is right, is in the right division and is paying at least what he is on now) I can see the rest seeing out their contracts, none of them are going to get as much anywhere else.

Isn't it great that football is back  :)

It's a trendy thing having one man up front...big clubs shell out 30/40/50 million Euro for such a player and even then they struggle..PdC knew this and generally played 2 up front. So to find a player costing nothing or even on loan who can do the job is asking a lot....if Tisdale had been installed he'd have wanted to sign SSP, and presumably told he couldn't.

Just watched an interview with Harry at QPR where he said he has four players who don't want to be at Loftus Road, it is the same scenario at SN1, we have three players who - for whatever reasons - do not want to be there and if they don't want to be there why should they be considered for a starting place.  Caddis could have played at Donny yesterday for Blackpool but got too greedy!!

That's how I see it Reg, exactly like after Euro '96 when 3 at the back along with wing backs was the fashion de jour.

I think we are stuck with it, but I hope we see sense that in some games when we are chasing a goal we can always stick 2 up top and worry the opposition defence a bit more at the expense of losing a few % points on the all important optima stats.

Looking forward to seeing the team Tuesday. Definitely don't see Williams as a lone striker, although with the attacking support he has in midfield I think we'll do ok against most teams we'll face.

This.  Who wants to see Williams struggling up front game after game on his own?  It'll be crap for the player, the supporters will start to get pissed off and get on his back and surely it will affect our ability to get goals unless the midfield push forward more?

I think it'll work in some games, and from the commentary it sounded as though we were on top in the latter stages yesterday so can see why we may not have changed.

Its just that I've not seen us play anything else over pre-season. But maybe they were just trying to re-enforce the preferred starting line-up.

Only an utter imbecile would stick to one rigid formation that wasn't working, be it 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 4-1-2-2-1 or whatever other formation we pull out.

edit: thanks MR Trinder

http://www.footyformation.com/

:)

How did we line up exactly?

Or the alternative view is that you have players wanting to play for Swindon who are honouring the contract they and the club willingly went into but unable to do so. They keep themselves fit, are professional but can't ply their trade at the club they have a contract with..  

There's plenty of other threads to moan in other then the match day threads. I for one just want to hear about the actual football.

Formations and personnel discussions are part of the actual football. You want a match reports thread.

you've been around here long enough to know that rarely happens. So stop moaning about it.

As we're looking for a no.9, I wonder if they might be having a look at Gary Alexander? I know he played for Crawley yesterday but it was his first start since January apparently and then it was only because Billy Clarke was unavailable because his missus was on labour.

Could be the man to 'plough the lone furrow' up front perhaps?

Yes Chalkie they are honouring their contracts - who wouldn't on the sort of wages they are on - but they do not want to be at the club, so why play them?  Caddis priced himself out of a move to Blackpool and we haven't exactly been knocked over with takers for the other two, probably due to the massive contracts they were given by Wray and co.

I agree, if they wont give 100% then there is no point playing them.

Wouldn't you want out of a club if you'd been cast aside?
It's also not the players faults for the contracts they are on and there is no evidence to show that they wouldn't give 100%
if you believe Jed it is because they don't fit the style of play anyway.

So another alternative might be that they are offered new contracts that we can afford to replace their existing (allegedly) too expensive contracts. Then at least we'd have the option of playing them if it suited us.

PS. Listening on crappy break up player yesterday we sounded unlucky not to get a point. Match related comment to pre-empt complaints.

Tuesday, is an important game...it'll be good for the kids to get a bit of a feel for the CG, in a competitive match, without too much pressure...

That of course is a possibility but if they are unhappy anyway what is the point of upsetting a dressing room just to play a player who wants away.  Adam Rooney was offered a new contract - allegedly - but chose to ply his trade elsewhere, a decision that will eventually cost us another court case I fear!

http://standingontheglebe.co.uk/blog/a-winning-start-peterborough-united-1-0-swindon-town

A good and fair account.

Some of their fans are extremely confident that they will beat us it would appear.

http://torquayfans.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6095&sid=265989a2829a5b686dd75cf776c6345e

Shaw Rosso's Austrian distant cousin perhaps?

Sorry to get back on topic but can anyone tell me who played in what role? I didn't get to listen to the game.

I presume Thompson and Smith played RB and LB respectively but what about the midfield? How did they line up? Two deep, one advanced and two wingers? Pritchard on the left or right? Aren't Reis and Pritchard both left-footed? Luongo, Harley and Mason are all more attacking midfielders so did we even use a holding midfielder?

Not read that yet but they drew at home thanks to a last minute goal at home to afc Wimbledon who are cannon fodder in that league.

Torquay are mince and not being able to beat them would be a shock.

One deeper midfielder was Luongo, Harley and Mason slightly ahead of him. Reis is left footed and started on the right, Pritchard right footed and started on the left. They did swap during the game though.

When Kasim came on for Harley he sat deep and Mason and Luongo were ahead of him. It also seemed that Pritchard went central behind 2 strikers who were Williams and Reis until Storey replaced Reis.

Thanks.

I think I'll call it a 4-1-2-1 and a 1/2-1 and a 1/2.

Where have you read that Benson, Rooney or Navarro want out of the club. i'll give you Caddis but it looks to me as though you are making the same assumptions on possibly less evidence than those of the naysayers you like to point out the lack of evidence to.

^

Benson's agent told Jed in May that he wanted out.

not surprising seeing as he hasn't even been on the bench since last November

Of those out in the cold, Caddis is the only one I think would warrant a place.  For as good as Benson was for us in the 2011/12 run in, last season was probably evidence that he's probably coming to a point of needing to consider dropping down the levels or moving into another career.  Might be useful to have just in case if he can't find another club.

Would Caddis come into the side ahead of Thompson? I don't think he would be dropped.

With a 4-2-3-1 formation, that doesn't leave anywhere for Caddis.

I never mentioned Navarro!!

I know it's off topic but this is my favourite clip of Swindon v Torquay:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd8quF6epSM

I'm sure most would rather see Thompson in the team anyway.

Rooney is an interesting one as he was at least involved with the squad and made the odd appearance under KMac which suggested he may have had a future whereas Benson was frozen out way before the shit hit the fan last January.

In a straight question of 'which player is better' then the answer is Caddis. So I think it comes down to whether you think the best player or the most committed player should start. I'm not sure I can answer that.

Either way both could play as Caddis is miles better than Byrne, though McCevely may have more of a shout at left back.

I don't think Benson would be a contended to play every minute of every game either, but he offers something different and would be bloody useful to have on the bench. I think he'd work well with Williams or Storey up top whenever the need arose to chase the game.

Its all academic, wrongly or wrongly Caddis and the other three are out.

Thompson at right back. Caddis at right wing, easy.

Definately in a 4-4-2, in the current formation I'm not sure as I won't have see the new boys until and formation until Saturday.

How about would you rather continue to blood a promising youngster who has shown nothing but commitment to the club and has shown to be more than merely capable or would you rather get your monies worth out of a player who has made no secret of wishing to move on but hasn't let us down on the pitch?

It's not an easy one by any means but I'd rather continue to give Thompson a chance

Rooney has spent this week training with Crawley, but they have said they will not be making an offer at the moment.

Yes I think I agree, but if Caddis does want out I'd still have him and Benson in the squad at the very least.

It would be a lot easier to forget all this had Jed not given his complete bullshit "not suited to the style of play" remarks and said "can't afford to play them", assuming that is the case.

The fact Benson hasn't even appeared as a sub since November last year makes me think there's something other than finances involved unless making his 40th appearance triggers some kind of payment.

Even saying that he's surplus to requirements would be more believable than that excuse...

With only weak circumstantial evidence to hand I'd say initially he initially pissed off Di Canio over the Caddis situation and became part of the bomb squad.

But that's been and long since gone, I can only think its for financial reasons now.

I think this was the aspect that annoyed me most about the interview. We all know why they aren't being played, but McCrory had no issue at all lying about it - an insult to the intelligence of the fans and the ability of the players.

..

... _ _ _ ...

........fact

Quick thoughts as reading through this thread this morning it has been well summed up by others.

Unlucky not to earn a point. Each team hit the woodwork once and they took their single other chance. Other than that thought we had far the better of the play, with some really nice interplay considering how little time these players have had together.

Standout performances for me were Luongo and Reis. Was impressed with Massimo last season but seems to have stepped up again and revelled in the deeper role, bossed it and it will be him rather than the experienced Harley who makes us tick this season. Those pining for Ferry may find we have a better replacement already.

Reis I didn't know what to expect, and although he'll need a half dozen games to get fully match fit showed flashes of what he can do. Has that knack of finding space when seemingly boxed in, as one lovely move in the first half where he beat 2 defenders to get into the area showed.

Pritchard also demonstrated in patches why he's so well thought of, although got himself in trouble a few times by trying to do too much. Will work out what he can get away with soon enough no doubt.

Thought the stick Williams got was a bit unfair, didn't have a great game but hardly had an opportunity - not a position that plays to his strengths though unfortunately. If we had Posh's big CF I'd fancy our chances a lot more.

Very encouraging first showing, and abated some of my fears that we would struggle physically. The midfield boys more than held their own, and Ward and Hall coped well at set pieces.

Seems its not just us freezing out the high earners, Wolves are doing something similar.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23573774

Filled with remorse?

Enjoyed reading that. Good post.

Sounds like all we really need atm is a decent striker.

I never really rated him, but at times on Saturday we would have been far better served by A. Rooney as our lone striker. Shame about his wages.

Leon Clarke has been told he can leave Coventry on a free.........

(http://i.imgur.com/yHWzVGn.gif)

Scores goals wherever he goes though (apart from Swindon of course - not that he got much of a chance)

I wonder if we might be able to do some sort of player exchange deal with Crawley with L Rooney going there and Alexander coming to us.

I know its a bit with the tongue pressed firmly in cheek but he is exactly the type of player that we need in that lone striker role.

I didnt go Saturday or even listen to it....did we create chances? Would having a finisher like Benson on for the last 20 minutes made the difference.

Don't think even with age you lose that ability to be in the right place at the right time.

Doubt we'll find out if Benson could have an impact anyway....

Apparently Crawley have been offere Luke Rooney on a freebie and still said no due to his wages being so high at Swindon, that said he is still training with them this week so they must hae a solid interest in him.

To be honest, very few chances fell to Williams, but the ball also never stuck to him when it went up there - and the one chance I can remember, he appeared to duck rather than attack it after Luongo's effort was saved - that was a hard, instant reaction type scenario which a natural finisher may have taken (I was drunk and would need to see a replay though). His link up play was the most frustrating, and Benson or Rooney may have provided a better pivot for the midfield and wingers to work off.

Rumoured (in the Daily Mail) that he and a couple of others averaged 8K per week in costs. So no chance! As said, right type of player we need though.

Yeah he is the right type in style but not in wages and attitude.

A still feel Billy Kee of Burton would be perfect, or possibly back in for Gary Madine of Wednesday, but both would command a fair sized fee which we probably wont afford until we have offloaded the excess players from the squad.

Madine on loan would be ideal.

Judging by the highlights on STFCPlayer we had more chances and Peterborough got lucky with that punt up field. I think we'll see a few long range screamers from midfield this year as well.

Well, let's hope we don't become the Wigan of League 1

Play good football but get relegated

Fucking hell. One game into the new season.

good player

But we're never going to score a goal Paul.

Plenty of people predicted that before we even played a pre-season friendly.

My gut feeling is that we'll surprise a few teams, particularly in the first half of the season, combined with a decent little cup run. I'd settle for that given the clusterfuck that has engulfed every aspect of 2013 so far.

Everyone seems to be creaming themselves because we lost a game and didn't get slaughtered.

And I can't see where Jed is coming from saying we should expect a few 4-3s this season - unless he splashes the cash on a striker

Who? I think maybe some people are just having a sense of perspective and maybe waiting at least a few games before making judgement. Did you expect a 4-0 win then?

Congratulations on a fantastic ability to take a bunch of well thought out and reasonable posts massively out of context.

We played a good, passing game against a side favourites to be up there, on their own turf. Yeah we lost, but we didn't deserve to lose and considering all the shit that's gone on and the fact that everyone seems to think we'll be shit, it's quite exciting to see a team of youngsters perform so well.

The only thing we need to do now is maintain that level consistently.... And sign a new striker who will fit into the team.

Well said Tails

Not having been there I dont wish to make cast iron observations, but my take on the radio commentary seems to be on a par with your own views

I remember an opening day defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
Yeah, we lost but I think we all knew we were in for a good season that year.

Sounds like the performance was positive even if the result wasn't.

I have felt our preparation for the new season was worth a 10 point deduction in itself.

A manager walk out, an unexplained Tottenham link, a caretaker manager who didn't really show any positive interest in the vacant post himself, disaffected senior pros we cannot or will not play, a bunch of kids led by a skipper approaching 40 and a line up lacking anyone able to play the lone striker role.

I didn't go but it seems "Lee's Babes" have given us reason to be cheerful in that they have put in a good performance at a decent club at this level in their very first outing.  I kept my 0-4 prediction to myself so, yes, I am quite cheered.

Whether this promise is something that can be built on does of course remain to be seen and entails more Boardroom debate - or, in a little while, all will indeed become clearer.

Except for the bloke in the Town End who threw his season ticket on the pitch after Kuqi scored their third

Heh Heh heh... i remember that. I also think I remember Lloyd Owusu being a world-beater that day. Annoyingly.

He's only 34!

I sometimes worry that I made that up, glad someone else remembers it!

Our lineup that day combined the wonders of Parkin, Igoe, Mooney, Migs with the horrors of Griemink, Viveash, Hewlett, Duke and Robinson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cCJn99U1Nxk

Only thing worth commenting is that Ward is 34 so not exactly approaching 40! He's a similar age to me and I can certainly tell you that I don't think I'm approaching 40 yet thanks!

Those of us who stayed to witness the second half performance knew we were in for a good season.
10 fucking years ago now, right?

I remember the guy throwing his season ticket too. In my mind he was at the front of the DRS though (townend end) and I seem to remember him going and picking it up after we got a goal or two back as well. 

A superb over reaction.

I too was at that game. Wednesday were 3-0 up in 25 minutes.

Igoe and Miglioranzi made it 2-3 with half an hour left but to no avail. Wednesday brought thousands and it was roasting hot.

I noticed Parkin scored at the weekend. Even though his career trajectory has been the polar opposite of what we all expected I'd have him back here...

Was that the same guy who lobbed the water bottle at him?

Anyway it was only the season before last that showed exactly why an unsuccessful (or indeed successful in Tranmere's case last year) first month means not too much.

I do think we need a win or two early on though, as we don't want the kids under to much pressure too early.

But it sounded promising, now we need to get the white bag of air in the onion net. Which will happen tomorrow.

He got MoM at Exeter at the weekend too, they are hailing him as Curetons perfect replacement! if he stays fit he will be a good asset for them. I would have welcomed him back too but they do say you should never go back to an old club.

...and Migz too, even though he's retired now!!

Parkin and Mooney - exactly why you should always play 2 upfront! Deadly...

That Wednesday game 10 years ago was the day we heard Jimmy Davis had been killed i think?!

A strange atmosphere before the game that day.

RIP

It was. Although I heard nothing about it till afterwards.

Of course his mum gave a speech before our next home game against Notts County. Heart wrenching stuff...

Perhaps I should stop digging but you're not approaching 30 anymore, that's for sure. ;)

Strange old day that was. Started off really looking forward to the new season, against a big club, to realising that matters off the pitch were far more important.

Where's this belief that Benson would be our saviour come from? He struggled at the start of last season in League One and hardly pulled any trees up while on loan.

Benson hasn't got the legs or the physical presence to spearhead the attack anymore, anyone that saw him play for Cheltenham in the play offs could see that.

As an option off the bench with 10 minutes to go perhaps, but nothing else.

I saw someone else asked the question yesterday, but couldn't see a response - How many made it up from swindon? Didn't look loads on ssnews.

Which would make him a very expensive impact sub....

He's a natural finisher. He started off last season alright.
Never claimed he'd be our saviour but our striking options are limited and neither of the other 2 offer what Benson would do as a loan striker.

Do I think his inclusion in our squad would be a positive, even as a bit part player - yes.

About 700 I reckon

Edit damn it didn't quote, that was an estimate of away  fans

But you don't know how much it would cost us to put him in the squad. Is it still positive if playing him puts us in a transfer embargo for example?

I wish people would stop second guessing without all the facts. The simple truth is we don't know why Benson isn't playing, but he isn't and there is fuck all we can do about it.

I've said plenty of times that in my opinion he isn't playing due to goal bonus, apprence fee and potential fees to Charlton.

He won't play for us again.

Put all the financial guessing aside, purely on football is he worth including?

Someone earlier mentioned about Jimmy Davis, just spotted a piece in the Guardian that may be of interest -

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/05/jimmy-davis-danny-webber-united-watford

Unfortunately we can't put the financial stuff aside but I don't think he's the man to be relied upon for the entire season. Not at his age and not as a lone striker.

That will always live me.. especially the "Come on Swindon!" at the end. Seemed to give the crowd and players a lift.

I'm not convinced. He was shite for Cheltenham last year. That said I would at least give him a few games to show what he is still capable of, if money was no object.

I know they (Caddis, Benson and Rooney) are on a decent amount of money and the board are keen to get them off the wage bill, but whilst here we may as well use them, even more so if they are getting paid so much to do feck all.

The concern of course is if they have contracts that have large appearance fees/win bonuses that they are just too fucking expensive to play, especially for 10 minutes at the end of a match!!

Is 4 from 14 (6 from 21) shite? And he looked OK to me on the Sky playoff game. Not checked Cheltenham's forum to see what the fans thought though.

Williams is 11 from 34, not massively better. #


Its the only reason I can come up with that makes any sense to me.

I've been saying for months we will struggle with this side and while 90 minutes doesn't make a season, I was really impressed with the football we played.
A special mention for the referee, he was truly shocking and can the Town supporters cut Williams some slack. He's not the guy to play in That position, we know it, he knows it and management know it but play there he must. Please accept it.

He was dire, surprised it's not been mentioned before.

Not a lot to add on the game that hasn't been said really - encouraging signs and there are clearly at lot of very talanted young players in that side who are comfortable on the ball and creative going forward. We played some lovely football at times and always looked to get it down and play it, I can barely remember us putting the ball in the air the whole game (Wes aside - but even he looked to play it out to the full backs first).

Early days yet and whether they're up to [insert northern shit hole] on a Tuesday night in December remains to be seen, but we could well surprise a few people this year. It won't be boring anyway, that's for sure.

Also, and I'm not saying this is a bad thing necessarily, but I'd find it incredible if Spurs didn't have an influance over our style of play this season.

About 800 town fans i reckon

It must be like Nestor Lorenzo all over again.  Didn't we also do this with a player in the early 00's who got close t triggering a payment?  To be honest I was a little more gutted about Lorenzo, as much as I liked Benson during the promotion campaign.

Robin Hulbert "he was signed by First Division Swindon Town on the agreement that Swindon would pay the "Toffees" £25,000 for every 30 games " He played 29 games.

We did, it was Robin Hulbert, it was Robin wasn't it? We would have had to pay Everton about 50 grand I think if he played one more game.

Beaten to it. Oh well

The whole 'not playing Benson because it will trigger a payment' myth is annoying me now.

We signed him in a straight swap for Leon Clarke - no add ons involved. He hasn't been given a squad number because, rightly or wrongly, he has been deemed surplus to requirements and efforts are being made to get him out before the end of August.

Why not use him off the bench? Because if he isn't wanted, then why play him over someone who is going to be part of the squad for the season. Add to that the possibility of him picking up an injury that could scupper any deal then it's no surprise he isn't in the squad.

Hulbert got me a few away comps as he was my neighbours nephew.

He played in that port vale away game in the snow when Ndah notched.

Chang me old China, lets look at you post in more detail.

No-one gives a fuck if it's annoying you, I certainly don't. :)
We could have swapped Clarke for any cunt, that's not the point. The devil is in the actual contract between STFC and Benno. It is supposition by me and possibily others that his numeration is part of the problem. You may be right that he does not fit in with out "style of play" whatever that is going to be.
Using him off the bench could cost us more than we need to spend and fuck up out "style of play" as above. He's not wanted, end of and he won't be used over someone who is going to be an intrinsic part of our squad. You are right that playing him will scupper any possibility of sending him off with a ticker tape farewell if he's injured. All in all I don't think to many people are surprised he's not in the squad, a few yes but not the masses. 

NAH that's TAH...

It's ALL about the financials... Clubs put options to extend contracts, players put bonuses and wage increases based on performance, goals and appearances.  Remember some time back when we were 'rich' we triggered the clause in Caddis' contract for a 1 year extension? do you really believe a players agent would allow that without some incentive, pay increase or bonus element? Of course not.. And I'd imagine that there is some other clause that says if we trigger it and he ends up not playing In that additional season then bonuses and wage increases are not payable in full.

Furthermore, when you are trying to offload players who are clearly on good salaries above their ability why give them more incentive to sit on the bench and do nothing by giving them some window time and paying them even more - everyone has seen what these players can do over the last two seasons and if they were that good they'd have been snapped up by now and offered higher or equal salaries boy other clubs but they haven't. 

Even the player we thought was the best thing since sliced bread (Ferry) struggled to find another club.

I'll say it again, it's ALL about the financials and I don't blame the board one bit - they inherited this shit from the previous regime...

And I don't think that anyone with more than half a brain cell would blame them, that's clearly the reason Benson et al are not featuring. It's just Jed's line that Benson supposedly "Doesn't fit in with our football philosophy" that grates with me. We're not completely stupid Jed ::)

Exactly.

Spot on.

Wish I'd written that post, nailed it

But he doesn't fit with the new philosophy which is not to pay players vastly inflated wages.

It is interesting (and this is not aimed at the quoted post) that in many peoples eyes Benson seems to have become some sort of striking messiah who will solve all our problems on his own. He was great in Division 4 for us but even by the end of that season it was obvious that he couldn't last a full 90 minutes even at that level (anyone remember Morecambe) and Paolo recognised this and moved on which people kind of accepted.

Now however possibly as a stick to hit Cooper and Jedders with its disgraceful that we don't play him even though he is a year older than he was. As some have said it possibly is financial reasons or simply that they think he is not good enough or past it, interestingly much like Ferry there doesn't seem to be a stampede to take him off our hands.

Quality player in division 4 and good luck to the guy, but lets not get too carried away.

That is absolutely fair enough. That's not how Jed means it though. He would have us believe that Benson is not in the squad for football reasons. If he would come out and say something along the lines of what McFly said, people would say "Oooh, Jed's telling it like it is - and I agree - fair play!". Instead, he comes out with the "doesn't fit our football philosophy" bollocks and I think people see him as a bit of an idiot* who's trying to pull the wool over peoples' eyes.

*I don't think Jed's a an idiot, he just doesn't really know how to handle the media.

Never underestimate the long established football theory that a player out of the team is exponentially better than his counterpart in the team.

I'm encouraged that people are whinging about Jed's reason for players being frozen out. If that's all they can find to complain about then the phone in must have gone reasonably well.

For some reason Brick Top came into my head when I read this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXRuoSHI6eQ

 :D

Not whinging at all BR. Just making the point that if Jed would just come out with the actual reason why Benson is being frozen out (i.e. financial reasons) rather than a load of old twaddle (i.e. football reasons), then his standing with a fair few Town fans would probably rise somewhat.

Jed did allude to other legal ongoings during the phone-in last week so it's not beyond the realms of possibility that Benson is suing us as well, hence the bullshit reason.

"We can play Benson because we can't afford too."

I KNEW IT. THIS BOARD ARE BROKE. BUNCH OF FUCKING CHANCERS.

True (sadly).

By "can" I meant "can't" :-[

I heard a rumour last night that Rooney is suing for the balance of his contract, ie taking his wages at Oldham (approx £1,000 pw) out of what he would have earned at Swindon, also a former "consultant" is claiming he had a two year consultancy agreement which we have cancelled and wants to sue us for the balance.  Bullshit, possibly, but no smoke without fire!

You mean 'carn't' with the 'r' as in MacEverley.

If people think Benson is the answer to our perceived scoring woes we are, indeed, in deep shit.

The practice of 'freezing' players out is hardly a new one - Wolves and QPR are just 2 other clubs which are doing the exact same thing at the moment.

I'd be more worried about the rumour that there may be a deal featuring Caddis and Marlon King from Birmingham

Couldn't see that one happening, he must be on very decent money and the reason Brum want shot is the cost of his wages.

Haha! I was watching SSN this morning and saw that MK was close to agreeing a release and thought about the Caddis and MK potential for a swap deal but immediately dismissed it as a non starter.

Is this ACTUALLY a rumour now?

We'd be even more hated.

Sign him up

Apparently so.

He would destroy this league....

He's a truly disgusting excuse for a human being.

Whatever we are paying Caddis, a man we are desperate to shift to get costs down, would be dwarfed by what King would want, those lawyers don't come cheap.

I don't doubt that at all...

Apologies if it's already been mentioned? but isn't Marlon King now a free agent?! making any chance of a swap deal quite difficult.

Hes not going to be free much longer with the expected destination being HMP Dartmoor.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11688/8855746/birmingham-boss-lee-clark-expects-marlon-king-to-leave-this-week

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/swindontown/news/10593448.Town_closing_in_on_striker/

“We thought we were close to one of our targets on Sunday but that looks like it’s fallen away, and we’re trying to bring someone in to strengthen the frontline without affecting Miles and Willo.

Could he have been talking about King? I find it unlikely.

True. The blokes a twat anyway.