Thetownend.com

As no one else wants to hazard, even the slightest guess what’s going to happen tomorrow, I thought I’d have a go.

If the new signings gel and we can produce a performance like we have recently, I think we may have a chance.

I know the hope kills you, but you have to have something to look forward to each week

I’m therefore going for a 1 - 2 score with Pitman and Twine doing the business.

3-1 (DJ)

 I'd probably go with this, it is a close call between Palmer/J Smith and Hope/Pitman....

                           Travers
Freeman    Masterson  Conroy   Thompson

                          Lyden  Smith

J Smith                   Twine                           DJ
                   
                                Pitman

Sheridan will probably do something different...

EDIT: forgot about Caddis, could do a job ahead of Freeman?

I imagine if its up to Sheridan he will go with
     
                           Travers
            Curran    Curran  Curran  Curran 

                          Curran  Curran 

   Curran                     Curran         Curran 
                   
                                 Curran 

We'll lose, and that's ok. More interested in the performance. The approach was perfect at Ipswich and completely wrong against Donny. Instinct says tomorrow is more like the former than the latter, so room for some slight optimism.

I'd go with the same team as River Monster, but with Hope up front. He showed more in 30 mins last Saturday then Pitman did in an hour. Sick of seeing Pitman trot around like a retired show pony.

One nil away win. The new signings and team strategy will all click into place.

May as well forecast a win, our players with the new ones  could be good enough.

It’s invariably and perhaps understandably nearly always the case that a struggling / relegation bound team always attracts speculation that the manager has lost the dressing room (has the chairman ever been asked to look down the side of the sofa in these cases) and the ridicule that goes with the manager being fluent only in "Unwinese".
The only things missing are the reports from concerned (and not so concerned) fans of the players being spotted out on the piss.
A bit more difficult in these times, but no doubt those some fans can picture instead the disgruntled squad gathering to conspire in some dimly lit basement shebeen after training.

Anyway, the team is struggling so there will be talk, some of it informed some less so.
Twas ever thus.

To the game. Need to somehow overcome the two goal handicap system.
Would like to see Palmer or Matt Smith alongside Lyden, doesn’t matter which one, and start with Jonny Smith on the right.
Pointless bringing him on in the second half when we are normally chasing the game and there is little space.
Assuming that Freeman comes in for Caddis then that would be decent looking attacking combinations down both flanks.

Tenuous musical link.
Jools Holland was born in Greenwich but did on occasion play with this fine band.
Mark Perry started the fanzine Sniffin’ Glue in 1976.
Who knows, maybe passing the Loctite around the dressing room before the game might liven the defence up a bit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN0UdtunOFM

I am really not sure he can play left wing you know, other than that, makes sense.

On the 18th January 1994 Jan Age Fjortoft scored his first goal for Swindon after 23 goal less matches. He then went on to score 13 times in the remaining 17 games.

This is our first game since 18th January this year, so is Pitman (who already has 4 goals to his name) about to start a similar run of scoring like JAF?

Well you never know! :) ignoring the fact that we were relegated that season and conceded over 100 goals!

At the same point that season we had conceded 61 goals...this season its only 45 so far! althought we have only scored 1 more than we had at the same stage!

OK we are going down arent we?!

We won at Ipswich, we are able to win at Charlton.

I'd be surprised if we do though. Optimistic 2-2 draw.

More seriously, with what potentially is an almost new back line a lot will depoend on how well they click to play together.

Lack of attacking threat remains a concern though.

Would be delighted with a win, OK with a draw but expecting a defeat.

We have had some good results away at Charlton over the years but I would be happy with a draw.

In the last 15 meetings at the Valley we have won 4 (5 if you count a penalty win in the PO) and lost 6 times (including the PO which we won on pens).

Recent form is almost identical
Charlton - LLDWL
Swindon - LDLWL

2 sides not full of confidence to say the least.

We will win 2-1 after going 1 down at 4 mins in.

A very even 4 mins

We should be improving, so I'd expect a dominant 4 minutes before Charlton score on the Counter.

I predict Sheridan to make a lot of changes for tomorrow to try and perk things up a bit unlike last week when he made no changes. I have a feeling all predictions so far are quite wide of the mark of what we will play.

Sheridan likes to keep us guessing.

And FWIW I don't think Sheridan will start with Curran tomorrow.

I predict Curran will play some part,  another defeat will follow and this thread will be full of a blow by blow account of his performance.

3-1 to Charlton

I hope there is some coverage of how Curran’s dad is now dictating the tactics after paying Power an extra £7.23 for total control of the team

The TEF of old would already have started crowdfunding a campaign to get Ben onto the bench for the last game of the season.

That's a fucking great idea. I'll sling in a tenner. As long as he promises to turn up absolutely shitfaced

This could bring in a some significant increases on the Sponsor a Player rates.

I don't think you'll have much of a problem with that request.

Home/Away record

Charlton Home record - P9 W4 D3 L3 GS18 GC16 - 13th in League - home defeats against Doncaster, Accrington and Franchise.
Swindon Away record - P10 W2 D1 L7 GS15 GC25 - 23rd in League

Form for last 6 games

Charlton - W1 D2 L3 GS8 GC12 3 defeats against Hull, Accrington and Peterborough, Win against Bristol Rovers.
Swindon - W1 D1 L4 GS8 GC13 4 defeats against Doncaster  (x2), Franchise and Fleetwood. Win away at Ipswich

Recent form is fairly similar for both sides.

Transfers

Charlton
- Stockley - Striker - on loan from Preston
- Schwartz - Striker - top scorer in Danish top flight last season
- Liam Miller - Winger - on loan from Liverpool

Out - Alfie Doughty to Stoke

Swindon
- Masterson on loan from QPR
- Freeman on a free
- Thompson on loan from Brentford
- Travers on loan from B'muff


We definitely have a chance, would take a draw and cleansheet.

I don't really drink anymore.... Only messing, still a bit of a pisshead. I'm game.

I think we are going to get a drubbing! :-(

I've decided I can't take watching this one, having watched almost every game thus far. Therefore, I predict a great performance and win, luring me back for  Tuesday smashing by Plymouth.

2-1 to the town.

2-1 Swindon
Rogers & Eastoe and Derek Hales for Charlton with Jim Barron saving a 90th minute penalty :smugfu:

Friend is a Charlton fan. He describes the way they are playing is the same as we had been - Good for much of the game, putting teams under pressure then having a funny 5 mins and throwing it away.

Lets hope it continues tomorrow,  2-1 to the town.

Going to be a massive test tomorrow. Hoping that by replacing the entire back line we’ve upgraded our steel. Let’s be honest, it can’t be worse but if we can protect ourselves, it’s going to define the game. Let’s hope to all gods that Curran stays on the bench and gets bitchslapped for even going to keep warm

Is there a game on?

Hopefully although here in Somerset we are under a lot of heavy frost, hopefully it wont affect the pitch in London if they have had it bad too and the game actually be on.

Expect a couple of changes today, a couple one of which will definately surprise. ;)

Curran in goal?

PDC in the dugout?

Doughty on the bench?

If Curran starts, I’m out.

Maybe, no, probably not :)

Boy, I’m so excited for 2pm now!

Please don't be, its not a good surprise.

Too late, the adrenaline has been released!

How about no Twine as he’s being gift-wrapped in readiness for delivery to QPR/Preston/Port Vale in exchange for an Argos voucher and wedge of Cheddar?

If I was a conspiracy theorist, I’d think Power knows he’s lost his case with Clem/Standing/Barry/Whoever, knows the club will change hands before the season finishes, Sheridan knows he’s out on his arse come what may and between them they are determined to leave any new owners with a L2 club.

Clem may be funding the new players, Jewell may be sourcing them but Sheridan seems determined to fuck it all up with team selection/tactics.

JJ is in the know🤔

Maybe it's because there seem to be so many parties involved in the club at the minute, but the R rate of ITKers seems to be thoroughly on the rise!

But why?

What would they achieve from that? You might say spite, but why would Sheridan (or anybody) want it on their CV?

The TEF maintains its reputation for rational analysis

Source?

Why is Sheridan still in a job. He’s taking us into L2 at a rate of knots. Criticising players in the press, on the pitch and worse and then bigging up a player who is hardly non league standard. Any normal owner would have binned him weeks ago.

The club is toxic.

For reasons I can't explain, this has led to David Attenborough doing voice overs in my head.

"The conditions at the club at this time are the perfect environment for the ITKer, leading to a mass migration to SN1 to post something they inferred from twitter."

"Here we see the ITKer in his natural habitat, his mum's attic room."

I like Sheridan. He knows what he’s doing. He’s making us harder to beat. Keep the faith .

You’re nuttier than a Snickers!

Yep we're hard to beat at home 😁

Perhaps because the owner has lost interest and is doing a favour for a mate?

And the question remains unanswered. What would anybody achieve by deliberately taking the club down? It makes no sense.

Relegation would reduce the value of the shares Power does have, whether that’s 100%, 75% or 1%. So to actually want that would be madness and make absolutely no sense.

We are a striker away from a top half team. Sheridan saw the issues and has acted as soon as he could. We will start today with a new goalie and 3 new players in a back 4 that was fucking shot to pieces. If he gets a striker in before next weekend we will finish top 12. I don’t give a shit if he’s miserable. I dont give a shit if some players don’t like him. Those fucking players are currently in the relegation zone so fuck them

How long have you been stuck indoors for over there now mate? It’s getting to you!

Take out Caddis and curren and we will stop shipping goals. Think a little about who has made the errors. Let’s see if the new players make a difference today.

But if the sale goes through in a few weeks . . .

Maybe running a club with L2 salary cap is more profitable.

Is suggesting an owner or manager deliberately wants to relegate a club any more rational?

I've been saying for weeks that we have decent team - and that we just need a couple of players in the right places to hold it together.

I think with a good target man we will easily escape relegation, not sure about top half though as the players confidence is shot.

Its blatantly obvious that Pitman and Hope can't play as a lone striker (well not winning hoofs from the defence) and if thats the way that Sheridan now prefers to play then until we get a player of the calibre of a Nile Ranger it won't work.

As Mex says the defence has been at fault for almost every goal we have conceded so far, they have been loose and disjointed all season but we now have 4 out of the back 5 positions filled by new signings in the last 2 weeks, that bodes well. We do need a holding midfielder to protect them though, something Grant does well when fit, and there lies a problem this season.

I put money on the fact that if he has a solid back 4 he will put Palmer and Lyden in front of them and have twine DJ pitman and one other all playing very attacking football. With pitman as the holding player and 3 others running off him .

Don’t think Pitman is on his Xmas card list!

Oh , I was looking forward to a good surprise, maybe a new striker.

Now I’m worried, we’re end up with another Sheridan masterstroke probably end with new defenders and drop Conroy for Curran.

Travers
Freeman Conroy masterson thompson
Palmer Lyden
DJ twine j Smith
Pitman

Sorry to disappoint, no new players.

That's the team I'd pick too, but doesn't sound like we'll get it if there's a surprise change. Matt Smith needs a rest and Johnny Smith will come good.

FWIW I would pick that side too, but I am not and never will be the boss.

I think that’ll be close to the team, Hope for Pitman perhaps. find out in 9 mins time.

I hear that Curran has trained really well this week and has been very impressive. It may be difficult to leave him out this week

He hasn't, its not.Yep and 2 other changes.

yeah J. Grant for J. Smith

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Esa0BMDXUAc_qIR?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

Sure your missus would confirm that.

Joel Grant straight in ahead of Johnny Smith 🤔

Curran on the bench when Caddis is available.

No goalkeeper again.

Fuck off.

Spoiler alert: We will be toothless up front again. I’d be surprised if we score a goal.

No sign of Tyler Smith - probably on his way back to Sheffield Utd.

L2 strikeforce of Hope/Grant.

Of course! don't they all!

M Smith only on the bench

Completely confirms the Curran stuff IMO.

On paper, a good defence and a shocking offence. Of course, that's the opposite to how our season has gone so far...

Looking forward to seeing Freeman and Masterson.

I can't help thinking that given the choice between effort and talent, Sheridan would pick the effort every time. Hence Hope, Grant, Palmer ahead of M Smith, J Smith and Pitman. Jaiyesemi in the team perhaps undermines that thesis though!

Can understand that, really. The kid needs a break - he’s not been at his usual level lately.

Can’t see the logic of Grant instead of Jonny Smith - must have pissed in his cornflakes.

Nuff said about the immovable Curran. Stinks. No keeper so he can warm the bench?

Charlton fans overjoyed with their starting line-up ... expect an easy win.

Reckon we'll cause an upset. Johnny Smith to come on and get the winner. Kieran Freeman with a debut goal.

COYR

Wise words my old friend

No sub keeper again  is stupid.  Attack looks weak. Not looking forward to this, hope to be surprised.

Hope will score

Can see the logic of giving M Smith a rest, played a hell of a lot for a kid and was always going to have a quiet period. Rest up and let him loose again.

Totally forgot about J Grant existence, would rather see Jonny in but the lack of end product is finally biting him on the arse

Excited to see the new backline in action. Don't think Sheridan had a choice with Caddis's performance last week sadly. Will be interesting to see what happens upfront but agree with others it looks weak, but if given a chance, they can score! Should be interesting.

There's an Axis banner on the side stand at Charlton, has Clem got his eye on them too?

We are signing the stand for the updated County Ground.

Convincing defeat. 3-1.

Pack of Morreti on the table, farm fresh steak pie in the oven and a bar of whole nut... I'm ready with iFollow... :clap:

Sounds more enjoyable than what we are about to witness on the pitch!

I was helping my daughter clean out her guinea pigs earlier this morning and I got the news papers out of the box to line the hutch.
Nothing unusual in that, however the paper was the 20th December and I opened it up to spread across the hutch and it opened up on the league 1 page. There staring at me was our write up and Pitman scoring a last minute equaliser.
If that doesn't provide us with 3 points today nothing will.

Go on my son

My beer supplies are getting low so trying to juggle brewing 20 litres of beer and watching the game today. 

I'm embarrassed to say I had to look up what Morreti was!

I've just made a nice cup of coffee and plugged the laptop into the TV - Settling down now to be 'entertained'......(Groan!)

Mildly interesting factlet. Only one of today's 11 started our first league game. #reboot

Also interesting, only 2 of the starting 11 started the last game vs Charlton 4 weeks ago! Conroy and DJ.

Would have J Smith in for Grant and T Smith up top but other than that, not too bad.

They seem happy with their line up, Chuks Aneke has scored twice in 8 games against us. Both those goals were this season for Charlton in our previous two games.

2-0 defeat.

Right now I'd settle for a similar outcome!

As ever, the only constants are us chumps!

Charlton can afford to have Washington, Stockley and Shinnie as forward options on the bench, whilst we have Pitman!! Shows the difference in playing budget. Anything other than a defeat would be a great result in the circumstances. A backs to the wall 1-1 draw would be a morale boost, with hopefully more forward options coming in before the Plymouth game.

So with no Caddis on the bench, who's the nominated rush keeper this week?

they are confident, looks like they are coming onto the pitch after collecting a medal!

I know, I know, covid protocol

Even first minute

FFS that was nearly a goal.

post

Masterson fitting in well already.

Oh my god that was horrendous. Masterson plays the ball back to the keeper, Charlton player lurking hits the post. Somehow given offside despite being our ball.

Scary start. Honestly looked like he forgot which side he was on for a moment...

WTF  !!

DJ up front, J Grant on the right and Hope on the left by the looks of it

Jeez. Put anyone in that back line and they go to pieces.

Great first contribution from Masterson! I couldn't believe it as he was staring at the striker before passing! Did he think we were in red?

The curse of our centre backs (almost).

Town had a great first 30 seconds, not so good since then!

phew. post

Christ we're living dangerously.

1-0 Hope.

Fuck me were winning

Blimey. Up in 5 mins.

Goal

Bloody hell!
1+0 Town!

GOAL! Quality cut inside from Hallam Hope, Charlton keeper beaten at his near post.

Get in Hallam Hope

Praise the Lord, all is forgiven. JS is the second coming!!!

Hope hit that hard but some Kovar-esque goalkeeping

We have Hope!

I’ve only got home comms on iFollow. Same for everyone?

 :eek:

Proper Kovar goalkeeping from Charlton. More of that please.

Awful defending by Charlton, shoddy keeping letting the ball in at the near post, great dribble and run inside by Hope beating his man before hitting the target.

Yes, they're alright though.

I have always said Hope is a decent player

Its not home its Swindon comms just not the normal ones.

Yeah no away comms allowed.

Only 85 minutes to hang on.

soft one from keeper but great stuff.

good ball in from twine.

are you kovar... are you kovar... are you kovar in disguise

2 chances of a cross by Grant and neither time he has beat the first man.

Think I'd be plumping on over 2.5 goals here, both sides look shaky at the back

Thanks me

No BBC Wilts comms today.

Charlton defence playing a long way from each other.

Let's fucking do this!! Get in

Solid save by Travers from an Aneke header.

Jonny Williams is a good player at this level.

both teams looking vunerable at the back. unsurprisingly

One swallow does not make a summer but you were saying? 😁

Always has a good game against us, very good player.

Their comms are good tbf. Know a bit about our players and giving credit where it’s due.

It is actually better than ours normally is even if they don't fully know the players and their abilities etc.

Hope you put some money in that prediction hunch?

Charlton player tackles his own player in our box, we got away with that.

Don't call Adje a hunch :D

Some one change that to cunt then 😁

DJ and their 4 having quite the running battle. Nothing nasty but a lot of physical pressure, Jaiyesemi looks to be holding his own.

Quazimodo to you!

I couldn’t bring myself to spend £10 today. So not surprisingly we’re in front.

DJ certainly looks more solid this season than last season, more muscle.

They’re actually talking more about our defensive abilities than their own attacks! It’s very unsettling.

Conroy’s looked very firm so far.

Ref's a cunt again.

Lyden looked fouled there on the edge of their box, nice move by Town again.

They hit the bar.

settled down a bit at the back now.

good performance so far

lucky to get away with that

Decent free kick from Millar for Charlton there, he's been a threat in open play too.

Travers well beaten then. Charlton could have had a couple. Freeman off the pace.

yeah, Freeman looks well rusty. but early days for him

How's that a foul. Fucking hell.

Ref not giving us anything yet again, that was a foul on Palmer not the other way round.

Palmer gets to the ball first, Forster Caskey bounces off him and gets a free kick. Twine given a yellow for suggesting to the ref that he didn't get that one quite right.

Ref gives us a foul. :)

Does the TEF contain a post praising a referee's performance?

Yep, Freeman off the pace.

Yes, many, when they deserve it. HTH.

I don't readily recall seeing one

Town out of bottom 4 as Pox take lead against Rovers

Well off the pace against a good quick winger on loan from Liverpool today which isn't helping him at all. Grant also not looking as up to speed as he shoud.

My betting app says we’ve just scored again?

2-0 Palmer.

Nice

Goal

Get in! DJ has been excellent today.

Get the fuck in!!!

Jesus H Christ!

2-0 Town. Palmer deflection

20 yard heavily deflected, they all count.

The deflection took it over the keeper. But some great footwork in the build-up.

I predicted a one nil win so happy to be wrong so far

Wahey! This is more like it!!

Getting a bit of luck for a change. We'll overdue. COYFR!!

JS seems to have got it right so far

We only win away!

Its still early.

wow!

don't think the games over yet though, but it's been our day so far

Agreed

Stockley will come on 2nd half, hes scored in his last 2 games against Town.

Fairly balanced commentary, which is nice

Joel Grant putting in a shift.

2 mins added.

Who’s doing the commentary on ifollow?

He looked slow and off the pace early match but has really grown into the game.

DJ well done lad.

HT 2-0 very very happy with that so far.

Might be worth bringing on Curran to keep it tight in the second half

Well happy with that.  Up to the dizzy heights of eighteenth place.  A lot of space on the left flank. Hopefully Charlton won't be exploiting that in the second half.

Good half that. We've definitely had more of the luck but worth our lead too. DJ impressive through the middle as are Conroy and Masterson, opening minute passback aside.

13 points off the play offs as it stands.

Took our chances unbelievably clinically, defended well and have barely touched the ball all half.

Do we have to keep lumping it up to DJ?

Delighted be 2-0 up but can’t fathom the comms saying we have played ‘fantastically’. Bit over the top for a team camped in their own half

Makes such a difference watching games with a half decent back line. And keeper. No more Laurel & Hardy. Charlton are pressing, but we're absorbing it.

Swindon 2 shots, 2 on target, 2 goals!

Good stuff.

Keep it going in the second half and hopefully no fuck ups.

I guess that's the end of Hartley's run of 20 million consecutive Town games.
Start all over again next season with a bit of luck.

Where are Hartley and Peet?

Don't know, quite unbiased though,  possibly the name 'kingy' was mentioned earlier. Certainly not Wiltshire Sound commentary.

Gotta be happy with that.

Some half time ska

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWvRr8XxDhU

These must be iFollow specific comms for STFC fans rather than Charlton comms. They said "if you've just joined us, the good news is it's 2-0 to Town." Don't know why we're not getting BBC Wilts this week, as they're there for radio listeners.

good half. shakey defending from both teams early on, but we got better at it the longer the half went on.

Charlton could have had 2 themselves, so I'm not counting my chickens just yet. They are a bit like we have been in past games, questionable keeping and not taking their chances

Kirky he called him.

Decent first half let’s hope we actually manage the game second half and use subs when needed.

Ah. Maybe that was it - Still don't know who he is though  !!.

I think he has looked 'solid' and not easily knocked off the ball.

Lets hope we don't concede early or it could be a game of 2 very different halves, the longer we can keep them out the more frustrated they will be giving us chances to hit them on the counter.

All the other results helping us at the moment.  Let's not tuck this one up  PLEASE !!!!!

No Curran though :)

Good half. Bet Mex is feeling smug.

Yet !!!!.

Only team in the division at h/t with a non-binary score.

I assume that there will be no HT changes

And a game in hand.

It's not me!! But definitely very unbiased commentary, if anything being overly positive about us. Excellent 1st half. Everything has gone right for us, 2 shots 2 goals, them hitting the bar twice. This could easily turn round as very fine margins and they look a threat. Would expect Stockley to come on. We need not to concede early or God forbid get an injury to Travers! Fingers crossed.

Obviously, if he brings him on to protect a league Sheridan would literally be taking the piss out of us.

I like these commentators.

Johnny Williams off, thats good!

Not currently sure Freeman is an upgrade

Charlton 0000 - 0010 STFC

He hasn't played for 6 months, I think you need to give him more than 45mins to prove himself

Grant sitting much deeper so far this half.

But please play it out rather than just launching it to DJ.

I am going to give him some time before I judge him after so long out.

Yep, I did say currently

Great defending by Thompson saved a certain goal.

They've done their homework and they're a refreshing change.

Serious goalmouth scramble there we get away with. Luck smiling on us so far today.

The defender was climbing all over DJ but the ref doesn't give it.

Luck and a great block by Thompson.

I like our usual comms. Don’t know why people moan.

Twine pulled down easily but wins the foul.

Hopefully Sheridan actually uses the bench earlier today..

Smith, Smith, Akin - Grant, Twine, Freeman  after an hour would be what I would be looking at..

The fact that Freeman hasn't played a game in 6 months and was clearly going to take time to get upto full pace makes the decision not to have Caddis on the bench even more bizarre unless he's injured.

Great cross by DJ there.

Good defending by Masterson there.

Great chance for Town there, Freeman almost grabs a goal from distance.

Refreshing to see someone else’s keeper looking a bit dodgy.

Decent save by Travers to push the ball away.

qpr fan is monitoring the TEF I see. Presumably, keeping tabs on comments on the loan signing.

1-2 FFS

1-2 Aneke.

Disappointing

And he is another product of the Man Utd youth team.

Agh. Looked offside at first glance but not on the replay.

Don't let your heads drop Town.

Bollocks!

Freeman out of position. We need to play and not sit back.

I suppose a clean sheet was too much to ask! Need to use the bench soon.

I think Freeman might have been a bit at fault there.

Glad I put a fiver on Aneke scoring.

DJ being pulled around every time hes near the ball and the ref doesnt give anything.

ffs.

Freeman will be alrigh when fit I'm sure. but.

He wasn’t offside - very lucky.

Nervousness creeping in. We’re playing too deep and not passing the ball nearly as well.

Odimayo for Freeman please

Let’s get Matt Smith on, bit of energy in the middle

Give him a bit longer but get Odimayo on soon for a bit of extra pace at the back.

Ball watching for that. Travers possibly could have got across better and/or at least dived. Seemed to dance his way across. Yet again though a defence trying to play the offside trap, all stopped but couldn't see who it was that played on Aneke but it was definite statues there.

A(nother) weak goal to concede there.

Payne on for Grant, Smith on for Twine.

Come on Town. We can do this. Pleeeeease

Smith and Payne for Grant and Twine.

Persistent fouling by Charlton, nothing shown, our player says something, yellow card. Another poor refereeing performance.

Jeez

Jesus got away with that! Aneke hits the bar unmarked.

We've had a bit of luck.

We’re reeling now.

Anneke hits the bar!

We are all over the shop again

Honestly, Thompson got sold for a dummy twice in 5 seconds. Stand your ground lad.

It’s all become a bit of a mess, we need to hold on here.

3rd time they have hit the bar?

We are really under the cosh. Feeling like a point may be a good result here.

Shez screamed something that someone in the background laughed at

We do seem to crumble when we concede

Not a bad cross from Palmer to Hope but he doesn't jump high enough in the box.

Their chance definitely looked offside on that view.

Pearce is obviously their Curran based on the commentator :D

Yeah I thought that!

Odimayo for Freeman

Odi on for Freeman.

Odimayo on for Freeman.

Odimayo on for Freeman, definitely agree with that one.

Odimayo for Freeman

Obviously trained better this week...

Curran obviously hasn't trained so well this week.

Think we are all nervous!

Travers makes a save from close in.

Well it was very much the case with Burton Albion when they were in the Championship. Their owner publicly stated that they couldn't afford to sustain Championship football and that their strategy was better matched to a division below...

At least they were somewhat transparent about it, yet it only came about when people at the club had been telling fans for months that the owner would prefer if the club were relegated. Think about it, operating in the lower echelons of the Champ paying Champ level wages or operating mid-table in L1 paying L1 wages (especially if you're an unfashionable club, less TV ops too). It sounds madness on the surface but you can see some very viable cases for some club owners wanting their team in a division below...

Unsure if this is the case at Town but was providing a "rational" an real case example.

Bloody hell!

Another chance they should have scored from!

Aneke damages Odimayo!

Good hard cross by Payne but it doesnt fall for a Town striker.

Currently hanging on to 19th in the league.

Shit! Stockley! 😢

Here come the cavalry for Charlton!!

You can tell the strength in depth when you can bring on Washington and Stockley off the bench.

Stockley and Washington on. Embarrassingly strong bench for this level.

Good block by Odimayo after a slip up by Palmer put us in danger.

Hope not quick enough to get a shot in when put through, half a chance.

Grant for Palmer please, Palmer looks knackered.

Pitman coming on adding a bit of pace up front!

Hope took his goal so well in the first half but. Has failed to control the ball when he has been put through twice in the second!

Great defending by Town. Just kept blocking it.

Great defence

Who put us under pressure there?

You feel like it's coming....

Pitman to net the decider?

Pitman on for Hope.

I think this will be the first time we’ve used more than three subs isn’t it? Future trivia question.

Hope put in a shift today.

I thought JS doesn't do subs?

Hope has worked his nuts off and got a nice goal. Good lad

Ah well if you read that here it's obviously wrong.

we are so lucky to still be winning.

good, we need it

I believe you are correct.

DJ should have hit the target there

Pitman wins a header but DJ fires over the bar.

Oh, DJ!

Could have sealed it then

We need a strong bit of game management and shithousery now for the next 10 mins

DJ hits the post!

DJ hits the post

Wow

Oh! DJ ! Post!!!!!

that was like slow motion :D

DJ off the post

that should say DJ hits the post in ultra slow motion!

Great break by Town from Smith to set it up.

Come on boys, hold on, don't concede

As someone who only listens and doesn't watch, I have to say that this commentary has been a refreshing change from the usual. Pity we can't have them every week instead.

Fucking cock twats 2-2

2-2

FFS

FFs

Shit

FFS

Unbelievable!
2-2

That one did look offside to me even on the replay.

Crapski

6 mins added.

6 added mins

Feels like a defeat after all of that. Back to the relegation zone

Come on fucking win!

So we concede the regulation brace. At least...

2 goals against, doesn't matter who's playing. Fairly lucky it's not more tbh.

Carnage.

A point would be a good result. Even if it feels like a loss. However there are 6mins of added time.

Expect the most worse outcome. It doesn't hurt so much then.

We are completely incapable of managing the game both tactically and on the pitch, beyond frustrating!

another 2 conceded, the 94 is still on

still, a point editor be useful - not from 2-0 up though

Cunt  ;)

Before the game I would happily have taken a point but drawing from 2-0 up at HT feels like a defeat.

Fuck sake Lyden, wrong decision

Lyden wastes a chance to win it!

Always does.

It was inevitable that this would come back to haunt me

Lyden really should have scored there.

Lyden just smash it FFS

Oh my god

Poor miss by Charlton, should have scored.

FT 2-2

Christ!

FT 2-2

Phew

Good point

That feels like a defeat 😢

Good result but still frustrating - can't keep a clean sheet

Both sides better than when we played them earlier in the season. Gutted not to have won but its a valuable point against a decent team.

On any other day we’d have lost this so I’ll take the point but we’ve thrown points away yet again.

We were 18th at one point..

Entertaining match, scored two lucky goals and could've conceded 4 or 5 without complaint so well happy with a draw. Without a couple of decent players up front we're fooked.

On the balance of play, we were lucky to get a point. I'd have taken a point before the game.they hit the bar three times, should have scored a few others.

However, we got ourself into a two goal lead and we need to make the most of those situations.


Could easily have conceded 6 today.

We really need to be 3 or 4 up before we risk trying to defend a lead.

Sheridan out.

Set up team so negative and completely wrong in that second half.

This man is gonna take us down.

I'll take a lucky point away at Charlton

still feels like a loss though

'fraid Charlton could have won that a few times over and we let a two goal lead slip so not too chuffed defensively.

Charlton were strong if wasteful going forward so quite happy with the point.

Ref poor.

Phew. Typical Swindon, just can’t have two good consecutive halves. Charlton can deem themselves unlucky. It’s easy to say we needed to stick to the good passing game we played in the first half, but we did what nervous teams do, and gave away the initiative. A decent point in the end.

Gotta take it I guess.

You manage to be consistently wrong.

Good point, terrible to throw away a win, but would have been criminal to have won that game I think.

Overall, we were asking for it.  There is a complete and utter lack of shape and intent from this team.  We seem to be a good bunch of individuals who have been sent out in some basic formation and told to just figure it out.  You get some hints that we can be good, but it never really looks like we have any pattern of play.  You can't win games by trying to just have a better XI than the opposition, especially when they are not better man for man most of the time.  We have enough talent to compete, they just seem to be sent out and asked to do it themselves.

The new players combined with what we have look good enough, shame we don't have anyone managing the damned team right now.  That may be harsh, but I see nothing to suggest we will improve on that side of the game.  Relying entirely on the talent being found and the players turning it on.

Since 1st Dec.

P9 W1 D2 L6 F12 A21

5pts from 27

-9 GD

Crap

I would have taken a draw against Charlton before the game but to go 2-0 up and end up drawing at 2-2 is a bit of a kick in the teeth.

2nd half, didn't feel like the backline had any protection. Didn't have the steely edge to take control of it and make the counter-attacks work, just a little ropey.

Freeman was spent by half time, at fault for the 1st goal IMO. Switching off for a split second and that was it which is concerning.

Alas, 4 points from the last 3. Keep building that confidence, getting used to playing together and we'll be alright. COYR

I’m feeling far more optimistic about survival than I was at the end of 2020.

We’ve seen some decent recruitment at the back and if we can get a striker then I’d consider this a successful transfer window.

A win at Ipswich, narrow defeat to a promotion challenger and a point at Charlton - I’m struggling to understand some of the negativity to be honest!

One of those games that before the game you'd be delighted with a point but after the actual event 2-2 is two points dropped.

Definitely some positives to take from that game. Get Freeman properly match fit and some additional fire power and I think we are good enough to stay up.

Next 3 games are winnable.

Conceded 2 or more goals in 10 of Sheridans 14 league games and all of our last 6  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

As I said before the game, Sheridan is doing ok.
Freeman will improve and we will stay up.

After the MK game we had Ipswich Doncaster and Charlton. We got 4 points from that. So close to 6. Who would have thought that back then. Each week we improve slightly. We will beat Plymouth Tuesday.

Sheridan’s a useless cunt.

Agree if we can get 3 points on Tuesday. Getting wins against fellow strugglers or not will define our season. Hopefully theyll be battered and bruised after their trip to Sheffield.

Listen to yourself!!!

We just played Ipswich and Charlton away and promotion hopefuls Donny at home and got 4 points.

Stop being so fucking mental

Many predicted a heavy defeat and STFC get a point in the end. I fear that many supporters are losing the plot.

Let’s do it as a premier league version shall we?

We are west brom. We just played arsenal away. Tottenham at home and Leicester away and got 4 points.

That’s pretty much a spot on comparison

I'm guessing, and I may be wide of the mark because it's contraversial, but maybe just maybe being in the bottom 4 and conceding 2 every fucking game is causing some people to get a bit down.

I do think things are looking slightly better though, taking 4 points from 9 would possibly be enough form our next 23 games.

we were lucky with the point today. long may it continue

What do you mean losing?

Had to pop out near the end and missed the equaliser. Frustrating but would have snapped your hand off for a point beforehand. We're improving, still conceding two every game but that might be slightly false because of the tough run. Stylistically we've changed out of sight, don't love the new style but if it keeps us up then job done.

Every new player looks like an upgrade man for man. Bit concerned that M Smith is being wasted in this style but maybe that's unfortunate collateral damage.

I think it's harsh to put this all on Sheridan. So he gets no credit for the sharp first-half pressing and passing game, but all the blame for giving away the initiative in the second half? This was a typical nervous team with too little confidence to hold their nerve when they started losing their initiative. Sheridan's subs were all sensible, but we needed to try to hold and pass the ball better. I saw signs of improvement in that squad, and I'll take that.

Clearly feels like a loss after being 2-0 up but this team has only been put together.
Charlton have the budget to bring on subs like Washington and Stockley. Our season won’t be determined on the results like Charlton away.
Lesser teams we are more than likely to have got over the line with that.
Charlton decent coming forward but we gave them so much space and with Kovar in goal would have lost that. Freeman clearly not up to fitness however better options from the bench and another forward we have a chance.
Before game would have taken that, just feels a loss after the time we conceded.
KTF.
Charlton commentary very complimentary about the “Robins” and not biased in any way. Ref gave us nothing.

Exactly, feels like a kick in the balls after the first half but as been said at least a dozen times already we would have taken that result at three o'clock,  Back seems a lot tighter, just need a decent goalscorer now.  Looking forward to breaking our Tuesday night jinx and strolling on up the table.

And what about the shite in the previous 12/13 games. He should be out the door at any normal club.

Blaming Sheridan for everything is the easy out isn't it? I don't think he's been great by any stretch but you surely ha e to give him a window to mould his side. Their are glimpses of improvements, yes defensively we are weak, but we have been weak all season. We've got a solid keeper by the looks of things and hopefully Masterson and Conroy can forge a strong partnership.

I reckon Sheridan might lift us out of the relegation zone.

Sounds like Tyler Smith is going back

I think the point is that he's only just bringing in players that can change the situation.

Not overly confident in him myself

Possible striker before Plymouth then.

Sheridan:
- Angry and annoyed
- Pleased to come away with something
- We were 2-0 up and in control
- We cant keep doing it. Having to score 2 or 3 to win
- We could have lost it at the end
- We are short on making the right decisions
- Pleased with the point but disappointed at not winning
- Kept our shape and did the simple things
- Started game well. Hope took goal well
- Wanted to counter attack
- Two good goals on our part
- Should manage the game better.
- Getting fed up with shouting on the sidelines to tell people where they should be
- Shez gets a headache every week. His is the only voice you can hear
- Knew we would come under pressure.
- They have 4/5 good strikers
- Not upset with the performance but more with the result
- Freeman hasnt played much. He will get better with games
- Tough place to come. They are favourites to go up
- Joel Grant was very good when on the pitch. But got a bit tightness so came off
- Annoyed we have drawn. More annoyed we could have lost with the last kick of the game due to naivety
- Cant keep having to score so many goals
- Looked good and solid in the first half. Shape was very very good
- They changed their shaape in the second. Would have liked us to be stronger and players getting a grip of it without the manager having to shout at them
- Sorting out all the loans next week. Dont like messing them out
- Looking to bring a striker in by Tuesday
- Dont like leaving Smith and Caddis at home
- Striker will be a loan. So will have to make decisions about other loanees.
- Want to get a permanent striker, but we are going to have to go for a loan
- With only being able to put 5 loanees in then he doesnt like messing loanees around.

State of these comments, this is a great season to have the fans kept at a distance.

I only called JBZ a cunt...


Was a lucky point in the end - if we be honest with ourselves. Game of two halves innit?!

 A draw was probably a fair result, and would have taken that at 3pm. Being 2 up it feels a bit flat, especially conceding so late. We rode our luck at times, too, and got some really good blocks in.
Somehow we have to stop conceding two goals a game.
After the early mistake when the hit the post I thought it was going to be like last week. Watch the replay, as I think Travers touched that onto the post.
Two good moves for our goals, and some good breaks, but at times we didn’t keep the ball to take the pressure off.
Masterson looks a good signing - although in think he may have played their man onside for the equaliser.
Freeman needs time to get up to speed. Palmer / Lyden tired second half and didn’t protect the defence as much as in the first half. We also won fewer second balls.
Referee was shocking - some baffling decisions, and inconsistent use of the yellow card (how you can have a foul count of 19 by them, 12 by us and yet we get 3 yellows and they get zero I don’t understand). Also in 3 games this season Pratley has been allowed to foul with impunity.
Like others, I enjoyed the commentary today.

Sheridan - blah, blah, blah

We’re second bottom, still conceding 2 per game.

Agree with this. Survival might go down to the wire this season. Far too early for all the drama. Our movements in the transfer market show we're doing more than most to try and get ourselves in a better position. Still 69 points to play before and 1 point from safety.

Should never have sacked Kingy. Either time.

My mate is a Peterborough fan and he watched their game against Charlton midweek and said exactly the same about Parley, that he was allowed to get away with multiple fouls before seeing a yellow card.

90th minute equaliser is always more gutting. 4 points from the last 3 is half decent now we must take points off those around us..

Biggest surprise today was not seeing Jonny Smith get any game time at all...obviously, like Curran, he can't have trained very well this week  :hmmm:

Travers 7
So good to have someone dependable there.

Thompson 6
Did OK. But didn’t influence as much going forward as I would have liked

Masterson 7
After the worst mistake of the game putting their striker through 1 on 1 he handled Anneke really well

Conroy 7
Did really well in the heart of defence in the first half. Looked more shakey in the second.

Freeman 5
Needs to get up to speed. Looked to be running through treacle as the commentators said

Palmer 7
Worked well with Lyden. In total control in the first half. Tired in the second

Lyden 6
Marking him down for missing that chance at the end. Effortless in the first half.

Twine 7
Linked really well with DJ in the first.

Hope 7
Took his first goal really, really well. Another piece of super control before the second. Rubbish after that!

DJ 8.5
MOM. Was everywhere and cause them so many problems with troubling the scorers

Grant 6
Didn’t lose the ball. Didnt take too many chances. Didnt do much in the second half.

Subs:
Payne 6
Ran about a bit, but didn’t really influence

M Smith 6.5
Added a bit of bite and eventually brought Charlton under control until the last 5 mins or so

Pitman 6.5
Hustle and bustle. Put DJ through for a late chance that he should have scored. Best role for him at the moment is last 10-15 mins

Odimayo 8
Very solid at right back. They kept doubling him up and he still did well. Excellent performance from the bench and changed the game a bit. With Freeman still there, we would have definitely lost.

The issue I have is people keep saying we are improving and tightening up at the back but the stats don’t back that up as we are conceding more than at any other point this season.

I think if we're still leaking so many goals in a few weeks the criticism holds more weight. That back 5 had four new faces in it today.

While we dont have loads of time, we do have enough time to get a more settled back line and hopefully more stability.

Freeman
- Disappointed after the first half it seems like 2 points dropped
- Good team and set of players. Need belief and confidence in abilities to kick on
- Last game 10-11 months ago. Was out of breath after 10 mins
- Something that the team can build upon
- Thinks he can be a lot better. That will come with games and time
- The more the team plays together the more they will talk on the pitch
- Second goal looked offside to him
- Goals are winning games and staying up
- Talked about the 5-5 vs Sheff Utd.
- Major assets are experience, playing at this level, getting on the ball and going forward

The problem remains.  We concede at a rate of teams who get relegated.  If that doesn't change, we will get relegated.

First it was injuries - let’s wait until we have them back available

Now it’s - let’s wait for the new players to gel/get fit.

Stop making excuses. We’re second bottom because that’s where we deserve to be. If we end up 5th bottom - great. But until then Sheridan needs to show me he’s capable of achieving that. On all evidence so far, he’s a fucking disaster.

But we’ve changed our way of defending to an offside trap and we just repeatedly let players get in behind now. That’s clearly tactical and seemingly we aren’t remotely capable of playing it.

J Smith is one of those players who seems to get better and better in some fans’ eyes the less he plays....I think it’s clear Shezza isn’t a fan and I’d be surprised to see him stay beyond January.

I hope I am proven wrong of course!

Good point away, wished I#d got on that train of a sneaky playoff bet a few games ago.

I was surprised to see Sheridan pick Grant ahead of him. It would have been interesting to see him bombing down that right wing in the first half.

Grant did ok and was solid defensively. Maybe that was what Sheridan was looking for. May be he was saving Jonny in case we needed to chase the game.

Maybe, but I fear Sheridan isn't a fan of youth or flair.

How many points did you honestly expect over the last 3 games

Flip side how many points would you have expected from last 9 games? We have 5! 

In every single season we've been relegated there's always a few more games to get it sorted. Until there isn't.

Eleventy two

1 point from the first 6 of those games and 4 from the last 3 games suggests some upturn in fortune doesn't it?

When Aneke scored on 55 mins, Charlton were starting to get a real edge. They were unlucky not to score again sooner but we kept them out till nearly the 90. I think Shezza's subs were reasonable in the circumstances.  They did, to some degree, check the momentum Charlton had been building.  I think the criticism of his subs is harsh.

Of course a new striker remains desirable but it is our defence that is the problem.  We were fortunate not to concede a hatful today.  Tbf, Charlton had some very high quality options breaking forward with Millar, Williams and Morgan and some strikers we would bite their hands off for.  I think Lyden, Conroy and Travers are beginning to give us something of the spine that we lacked in the first half of the season.  

What is reasonable, on the evidence so far, is scepticism as to whether Shezza will be the man to mould our defence into a much meaner machine.  As has been said, there is at least some hope that the individual defenders recently signed (Thompson, Masterson and Freeman) along with some of the stronger back up (Odi played very well when he came on) will have the individual qualities to work with Shezza to strengthen our defence.

Otherwise, we know what to expect.

That’s not the point. The point is that over half a season we’re 2nd bottom, shipped a shed full of goals - and continue to do so - and haven’t won a home game for months.

Jam tomorrow is a dangerous game.

Wigan looked dead and buried until Sheridan left.

But that’s such a small sample that one result weights it. Sorry but 5 points from 27 is far more representative is beyond diabolical.

reckon Johnny will be sacrificed to bring in a striker. Hence the odd selection.

Tyler too.

aasuming the parent clubs will take them back without penalties adding more to keeping them without playing them

Quite. Thing is, the lad can't prove (or disprove) himself with no game time. I thought after the 30mins last week this was an ideal game for him to get at least another 30mins. If you look back to who was causing Charlton trouble down their left side earlier in the season...yep, it was Jonny Smith. He unfortunately had to come off in that game but they were frightened of him. Today may have been another chance to see him worry their left side.

We'll find out in due course but if T.Smith is gone and another loan comes in (appears that way), Town still have 6 on the books. If then there is choice to be made between M.Smith and J.Smith I think we know the outcome and will be harsh/poor to release either back to their parent club. On top of that, if Caddy goes before the end of the season, I think Town need another backup RB because Rob Hunt's future isn't here. I think Odimayo is a better CB than RB if it was being considered, although he did well when he came on (must've trained well) and it's still bizarre he didn't feature last week in favour of the "ego massager".

Town could well be in a position of needing a RB and an attacking Midfielder. I guess much of this will hinge on whether the decision to sell Twine in this window or not. I think Town will be just short on personnel and this will reflect the league position. There is enough here to stay up...are they being guided correctly though or will they also fall just short when the final league table is decided?

I don’t want Sheridan here like 90% of us, but hard to put that late equaliser on him today.

Childish immaturity but FIFY :teehee:

That is very true.

'tis the hope that kills you.

For now, I'm certainly at least taking some encouragement from the accommodating shitness of other teams.

This is not a vintage year.

90% ?

it's massively shit, as is conceeding  47 in 23 games.

There is a fair point though that this back 4 have played together once. And also that we are trying to bring in a striker (hopefully not the Coventry "donkey").

I guess it comes down to wherever you think Sheridan should have done better with what he has had, or whether you think he is addressing things adequately.

I don't particularly like him or have confidence in him, but I can see the counter argument regarding results to date

I don't  disagree.  5 from 27 is diabolical. All I am saying is that 4 of those coming in the last 3 games suggests an upturn in fortune.  Whether it is a genuine upturn or we maintain the 5 points every nine games remains to be seen.

Jonny, it's Jonny :D

I will say it again, STFC will not go down, despite the apparent belief held by some that LP/JS are in some way trying to scupper the season.

sorry spirit of Nev.

Who were you before bamboo 🤔

Where's Reg to give us the stats on seasons we've been second from bottom half way through and escaped. I bet it's never.

But the point I’m making is that he’s tried more than a dozen combinations since he’s been here and nothing he’s done has remotely worked. We are actually conceding more goals now than at any other point this season and the only common denominator is Sheridan so is he actually capable of setting up a solid team or even with the new personnel will it continue to follow the same trend?

I don't know whether he is.

I get your argument.
I get the argument to give new singings a chance too

It's probably just me but does anyone else feel surprise that we have only today completed half of our scheduled 46 games?

This season has felt like a nightmare on a loop.  With relegation an established inevitability.

I think the next 3 home games are crucial now for Sheridan. Our home form has been rotten for a while now and he'll be running out of excuses if we can't get at least 6 points from Plymouth, Shrewsbury and Wigan at home.

100% this. 3 crucial games coming up against sides that have looked poor so far.

Yep, this a big trio. Objectively, four points from this current run is a good effort and conceding two to promotion chasers isn't bad. That only holds up if we do better on both counts against teams closer to our level.

yup

Those 3 games look easily winnable

This will also likely come back to haunt you. Just a very early warning, in case I call you a cunt in May and no one knows why.

Ooh you are awful but I do like you, really  :soapy tit wank:


I leave that one to your curiosity. I am a parody after all. Wonder how "EddieB1966" is? Apparently no injury to "his lad" and back asap. Yet not even a sniff of the Broadbean anywhere.  Oh and everyone tells their "parents" everything obviously. Even their fake TEF profile Dads  :clap:

Ipswich's last 5 games have seen 2 wins and 3 defeats, those wins were both against Burton! Charlton's recent form has been 1 win in 8. We have new players on board and we still managed to concede 6 goals in those 3 matches.

Let's bear in mind that Shrewsbury and Plymouth have respectively taken 13 and 11 pts from their last 6 and even Wigan have taken 7.

But the time has certainly come to stop respecting either form or league position and to start taking our destiny into our own hands.

Beating the teams around you is always key, regardless of position. Shrews & Wigan...6pts, no less. Town seem to have been good at getting results against teams not around them. Specialists in being a right pain in the ass to teams in promotion/PO areas but Town need to pick up points (wins) from teams closer to them to make a real difference in staying up.

Go into Feb still in the bottom 4 with some sort of deficit and things will be desperate and Town should really accept that Sheridan is probably not the man. Big 3 or 4 games.

And therein lies the danger.

Dick Emery?

https://youtu.be/vawBiuGHq1c

As we saw when the Stealers came to the cG.

Live footage of JBZ and I being interviewed  :)

That's true but I have a feeling that those fixtures will yield a decent points haul.

It could be save that it's dark here at the moment

Going on your last results predictions I can't be trusted to back that statement. I wish I could...Prefer betting on handicaps for Town and BTTS. Have done all season. You'll be pleased to be informed that my "bank" in terms of betting is significantly up.

Think you need to have another read of what I said !!   :bookread:

How is your lad getting on?

Personally don't see the fuss about J Smith - think he's showed promise but never shown a final product since scoring against Charlton in the League cup on the opening day.

Decent 4 points in 3 games but need to start turning decent performances into wins, because we will play shit and be punished for it later this season. Big game Tuesday, let's hope we can break the Tuesday lost streak.

Without wishing to seem unkind, I wasn't that Impressed by J Smith either (of course, my opinion doesn't account for much).

What do you think the percentage is then? Shall we have a poll 🙄

Absolutely respect their form of course. Cotterill has really turned it around at the fake STFC and the pilgrims are on a good run of form and gave Sheffield United a good game today in the cup.

However we are halfway through the season now and we really have to be aiming to pick up points against these kind of teams. Sheridan has had enough time with the players, has been able to bring in some good signing so we really have to use these games as a springboard.

I do think managers aren't generally given a lot of time these days but if we don't start winning at home, it may be time for a change - perhaps Sol Campbell might eyeing up another relegation battle.

52.20% if I have to hazard a guess

I’d be amazed if we win all three. I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose all three.

The only thing that gives me some hope of staying up is that we’re not cut adrift yet.

THIS

but not so sure about Sol - but better than Sherwood  ;)

Still reckon Sam Ricketts would be better than Sheridan and enjoy a fresh challenge. As well as to be able to put right his errors at Shrews. He is only 39/40 too. A longer term project.

But I'll ripped into fucking shreds on here for even thinking of the idea of it. It would be a realistic type of appointment though.

Seen you posted his name a few times. Any reason? Is he your pal or something?  :D

What's the deal with Ricketts?

Can you encourage relatives of other players to join the TEF so that we can get an insight into what's really going on?

But we've also scored 6,  and that's without a recognised goalscoring striker.

Naturally, I know his Dad. Oh no sorry, that was Sid Nelson's Dad :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:


I can only try. Will put the word in  :wink:

 I haven't read back yet and I'm only going by what I saw on the ifollow match but I reckon there was more than a hint of offside for both of the Charlton goals. In fact I'd go so far as to say the equaliser WAS offside !

Any more considered/sober observations ?  :sherlock:

A decent point in the end.
Need to get results against the teams around us in the second half of the season.
Next 3 home games are crucial. But we never seem to win winnable games even when doing ok.

As it stands looks like 4 from the bottom 8 for the drop plus the possibility of a mid table team having a bad run.
So how many points will be needed over the next 23 games?
Another 27 might do it, 29 or 30 to be sure.
Looking at the history it's a very tall order but not impossible.

If we do survive then those that have been working their way through John Sheridan themed bog rolls might need a change of heart and get the patios redone with a mosaic of the great man.
Relegation struggles can be memorable, but only if successful.
The great escape of 2000-01 is right up there alongside some of the promotions in terms of joyous relief.
Don't think that the STFC rollercoaster has safety belts so hold on tight.

Last game of the season away to Wigan, winner stays up.

I’d take that now.

Both not offside and they scored a goal which was flagged, which looked perfectly legitimate to me

Yeah there is no way their second was offside.

TBF Charlton should have had us dead and buried, Aneke missed a couple and hit the bar unmarked from 10 yards out and the miss by Washington though it was a tight angle he should have done better.

With a weaker keeper and a bit more luck on their side it could easily have finished 5-2.

Travers was my MOM.  

No great saves but his positivity on one and ones was crucial.  After 3 mins he got the faintest of touches when Aneke was clean through and at the end his outstretched leg (with Thompson's covering run) just pressurised Washington into going wide.  He just stands up so much better than Kovar and also managed a good block from Stockley.

On the downside, he could have tried a risky dive forward to punch away the assist for Aneke's goal (it was curling away) but he may reasonably have thought Freeman had Aneke covered.

Had he joined us from the outset I think we'd have had a few more points on the board.

Charlton were indeed unlucky and I think they were as talented an attacking team as we have faced all season (along perhaps with Blackpool who also gave us a second half battering)

In reverse fairness though PV, if you look at our efforts that hit the woodwork and some misses that should have been put away then in some ways it evens itself out. Could easily have been 5-2, 2-5 or 5-5. In some respects 2-2 would've been snapped off by us before kick-off so reflects two poorly defensive (and to some degree attacking) sides.

It somewhat reflects Town's "start well, finish poorly" ethos atm and that could just be down to confidence but I still remain strongly that it is also down to technical strategy...or a lack of. That doesn't really include subs either; we can all do that and if that was the case, we'd all be employed as football managers (not virtual ones ;) ).

For any weirdos that are in to stats there is a great site called experimental361.com that do round ups of the expected goals (XG) probabilities for individual games and leagues. The numbers for Saturday suggest we were VERY lucky to get a draw.

The XG for the league so far suggests we should be 17th at the moment based on XG only

https://experimental361.com/2021/01/24/expected-goals-table-league-1-23-jan-2021/

Hopefully this gets used instead of PPG if the season gets curtailed.

I'd suggest given a fair run of games he might be able to show what he was capable off, but Sheridan does not like players with a bit of flair

This.

That was clear to the eye as well. How the commentator said we "played fantastically in the first half" I have no idea. We didn't touch the ball, mate!

Still, it was a good point and will be fascinating to see how we go against Plymouth tomorrow.

DJ isn't devoid of flair and Twine has had the odd moment.

MOM thread?

http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=58586.0