Thetownend.com

The Opponent: Crawley Town

I’m glad I didn’t get to Orient at the weekend. From the reports on here it sounds like we could be soon swapping our 8th position in League 1 for somewhere between 9th and the bottom of The Conference. It seems (shockingly) that Ryan Harley is no better than an average League 1 midfielder that doesn’t fancy a challenge, Massimo Luongo is suffering from something almost unheard of in football, a loss of form and Mark Cooper didn’t parade in front of the 750+ Town fans pointing to the sky promising that the only way is up with a red and white scarf aloft. Glad I missed it.

Crawley have a schedule between now and the end of the season which even the most experienced squad may struggle to cope with as tonight marks the start of a run of 20 games in 69 days for the club between now and May 3rd, and all available Tuesday night spots will be used to get games in following the spate of cancellations they have had over the last few months. Estimations from Gatwick suggest anything from 1 MPV load to a nearly full Long Wheel Based Transit packed with fans/followers/supporters (delete as applicable) could well make the long trip to Wiltshire this evening in what should make for a cracking atmosphere down at The County Ground.                                                                                  
 
Weather or not? – With the first game being called off due to the elements it seems that we won’t have any such problems on this occasion. That being said, it looks like raining on and off most of today with the worse passed over by the evening. Fairly mild at 7-8 degrees, moderate breeze.

Where the opposition gather -

They just don’t, we have more members on this forum than what they average at home. I believe they do have a forum but one that requires pre-registration and they ain’t getting nothing out of me. I believe we have a couple of TEF members that have access to their online villagers noticboard.

Last 6 – WLWDDW – Currently 19th. Its worth pointing out that they have only played 26 games so far in the league this season whereas most other teams have played 31-32 games.

They have served us both - Nicky Ajose, Gary Alexander, Phil Smith, Leon Clarke, Nathan Byrne, Luke Rooney, Kevin James, Jimmy Glass, Elliot Benyon, Rory Fallon

The Odds –  Swindon 6/4  Draw 12/5  Crawley 2/1  With Nile Ranger 11/2 to score the 1st goal the bookies are once again being very observant to all things STFC. Tubbs and Fallon are both around 7/1 to score the 1st goal.
  
The Son Says – I was expecting 3-0 to be his guess but he kept it simple for me with a confident 2-0 prediction in our favour.

The Prediction – We will win this before we go on the start of a 12 game unbeaten run. 2-0 will be the score with goals from Luongo and Foderingham in front of 7’343 with 69 making the journey  :car: :car: :car:

And Finally – Mark Lemon, The founding editor of Punch, lived on Crawley High Street.

COYR COYR COYR

0-2. Att: 6,654 (169 them)

I expect Fallon to score, but other than that we should win. 3-1 in front of 6792, 125 from Gatwick's most depressing runway.

 Who is Kevin James, the only one I can think of was a journeyman left arm swing bowler, for both Hampshire and Middlesex in  the 80's/90's....he'd get you a few runs as well.

 It's a little known fact that Kevin...was for some time in the early 90's the most popular Christian name for new born boys in France, accounting for 1 in 10 monikers....hence the likes of Kevin Gameiro, who plays for Sevilla.  Now it's more likely to be Dieudonne.

 Disappointed no mention of the World Marbles Championship at Tinsley Green.

despite the shit weve been dished up since Carlisle at home, I still managed to get disappointed against Orient.
I kept the faith during the King and Malpas years but now Ive had enough.
Not going tonight and wont listen on the radio. totally disinterested. This is going to save me a shit load of money for next season.

Ok thanks. Enjoy you WI membership

How is this worse than king and malpas, you clown

Kevin James was a loan signing from forest in the sturrock promotion season.

Fucking shit too

What if Cooper is still in charge next season and we are sat in a disappointing 8th position in League 1? Will you save it for the season after?

Congrats to Tans, he don't know much but has beaten Reg on this one!!

Translation:

"Wahhhh!!!"

Grow the fuck up.

I'm not feeling as downbeat as I&C, but I'm not bothering tonight as I can't be arsed. I've only missed a handful of home games in the past 24 years so it's an odd feeling for me. Must be getting old!

Yes Oldham was crap, yes Orient was crap but that's football, it happens.

I shall still be following the match with Sam on Twitter and on here hoping that we win.

That said, I don't think we will win tonight, I got my negative prediction correct on Saturday and whilst I hope that I am wrong tonight, I think we'll lose 1-0 (Fallon or Tubbs)

Am going but only cos ticket was bought for new years,
No doubt Fallon will score as exes always seem to, though with possibly N THOMPSON and JMAC back we may possibly get a rare clean sheet.
Expect a win despite Cooper getting his excuses in early doors re how Gregory has made then more aggressive ,
Depends which town shows up but going for 2.1

Online sales look decent but then guess a lot of those were bought for ny day so lucky dip on attendance, 7765 with 98 baggage handlers

Bit rich coming from a Bournemouth player, cheating fucking club spending ridiculous amounts of money and stealing our best player at a vital point of the season. Cunt.

http://www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/news/11033481.Town_are_in_a_false_position/?ref=la

Sounds like a 'please sign me' plea!

Did you just read the headline honks?   ;)

Yeah have to say I'm with you on this one..

Your username, incidentally, is very accurate description of our current manager.

I wish, I read the whole thing.

I'd like to say he was being complimentary, but I simply dislike Bournemouth.

I would usually say go and support Man U if you expect your team to win every week but I expect you would have given up on them by now too.

Yeah I'm not going again, until we build a time machine and bring Maradonna, Cruyff and Pele forward to play for us. And transport the Maracana to Wiltshire for good measure.

Right so he was one of the job lot that Sturrock got in the window, to see us over the line, I remember Ashley Grimes as being one of those and possibly Claude Gnapka...they mostly didn't play, did James ever get a game?

http://swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Person.asp?PersonID=JAMESKEV

Well there's a thing...good job we don't have a Brain of STFC any longer.

I assumed you couldn't find the page for Kevin James.

I prefer the old fashioned way....having stuff in your head.

You misspelt Kevan James' name though Reg.

The aforementioned Hampshire cricketer that is.

Pedantic? Me?

i can't rremember saying it was worse.
I really meant as a system its not a lot of fun seeing.ur team pass sideway,s backwards and at one laborious tempo.
Im not a football purest and prefer
My entertainment with a little more English steel in it.
Honest football, played by players with big hearts.
At orient there was a lot of fans cheering when the ball went forward and let there displeasure be known with the more patient (boring) build up at 2 0 down.
Im voting with my feet. I hope you guys that stick it out dont complain about attendences whem you are sitting in.amongst 4000 fellow fans

I got bored of watching Swindon after the Malpas debacle and only go a couple of times a season these days, if that.

It's great :toocool:

I had a niggling feeling that was the case, but having just got back from a pub after a decent session, I wasn'i feeling too pedantic.  It's only right and proper that you've pointed out the error.

Cheers Reg. I watched the guy a couple of times towards the end of his career and just remembered the somewhat strange spelling for some reason.

What are you voting for, exactly? What good will come of 3000 fans boycotting? Nothing. It will only hinder the team.

But hey at least you'll make a shitty point. Well done you!

in the merlin for 6pm :pint: then onto the CG, happy days COYR

not really out to make a point. The product is poor. Town have got my money for this season but not next year if they continue with slow
sideways passing.
In october the game was quicker and the midfield used to close the opposition down.
A little of that wouldnt go amiss now.
Im sure with mmceverly back there will be more passiom on the side.

I'll be in there for 430.

I win ;)

I won't be going to the Merlin at all. I win.

1-1, with Smith to score, then concede late on with a Fallon 89th minute equaliser. 6890 in attendance, they'll bring 210.

You seem to be overestimating the appeal to the average fan, and not the diehard.

Increased cost, inferior product.

I think you will find that a falling customer base is the normal result. In any industry.

I thought some just liked to go along for the moan.

Edit. There's a few 'Postman Plods' on here mind  ;)

Seems half our fan base turned into miserable cunts. Based on nothing other than hope we will win 3-0 and everyone can be happy clappers again as we aim for the play offs.

Im going in a bit...i win :)

I can't see us returning to 4000 attendances in the near future. I'm still a little confused why the word boycott has even been mentioned. Still, Champions League is on for those not wanting to cross the picket line.

I know he's not in the Fatty Evans league, but I've never liked Gregory much.

Swarthy looking fucker

Always thought he was vastly overrated.

Has Boycott been mentioned?
Don't confuse boredom with boycott.
4000 cold be a possability as the Dicanio factor starts to wear off

Last 3 home league games have been utter dross on a par with anything Malpas or Hart could dish up. Hopefully it was a blip due to bad weather and the true Town now turn up, ping the ball around and steamroller Crawley. In reailty, think it will be 1-0 either way and another snorefest but I live in hope.

What was the attendances before The Di Canio Factor?

TBH even the top exponents of the tippy tappy style, Barcelona, are fucking boring to watch.

To much fannying about for me.

More blood and thunder and reckless neck-high tackles

You are retarded, better off without people like you to be honest.

We're 8th, and people are going on like we are doomed to relegation. Each club has its fair share of retards but we definitely have more.

People are entitled to do what they want,  aren't they?  I've seen a mixture of dross and good football over the years. I missed a few games under MM,  and I had a season ticket. I got frustrated with the displays, so I saved a few days and nights from getting cold and wet and didn't have to spend money on fuel,  parking and food.
I'm sure it's not a case of people thinking 'well, we aren't winning so I won't bother going ', like me they can accept defeat or a draw if the team have given it a good go. I can't comment as to whether that is a problem at the moment (have only watched us on the box) but I am going by some of the posts.

Its pissing down, Call it off.

I've got a good feeling about this! 2-1 Swindon COYR

Swindon Town FC ‏@Official_STFC 16s

Town starting XI: Belford, Thompson N, Ward (C), McEveley, Barthram, Kasim, Thompson L, Harley, Byrne, N'Guessan, Smith #STFC


Utterly shocked that Harley is even in the squad.

edit - So where's Troy and Luongo?

Looks like Jmac is ay CB. Where's Archibald Henville then?

Big booty bitches ain't gonna look after themselves.

Ha, to be honest that side has a distinct second 11 look to it. Injuries are mounting up.

Surely Cox, a youth, somebody ....... Anybody deserves a chance ahead of Harley!

Troy's next appearance triggers the first £20k installment to Exeter. Every 15 appearances up to 60, he's made 14 appearances for us.

28/1 with Coral on a 3-0 win  ;)

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA 2m

Luongo and Archibald-Henville rested not injured. Luongo has played majority of seaosn unbroken. TAH has to keep eye on knee #stfc

Let's see if he plays at the weekend.

Unfortunately I wouldn't be surprised if you are right seeing as the official line is he's been 'rested'!

Is he worth the extra 20k considering he's out of contract in the summer?

To be fair he was slightly limping in the 1st half at orient after he blocked a shot.

Both rested according to Sam

Don't think we'll see Troy again then. Can understand the decision but resting is a odd phrasing, what else do we have to rest him for, the Wiltshire Premier Shield?

Resting his knee

Definitely a conspiracy not to play him. Pay Exeter another 20k and the club will go bust.

Probably managing his injury Ledley King style

Not suggesting the club will go bust at all, just don't see what the point of paying it would be- depends how the next few games go I guess but there's not a ton left to play for.

Cooper mentioned a while ago that they would have to manage Troy. I remember reading/hearing him say that it would be difficult for Troy to play Sat then Tues then Sat matches. Maybe its as simple as that?

I'm just taking the piss out of the usual conspiracy theorists, wasn't directed at you.  :)

Maybe, answer comes in whether he plays Saturday I guess. Wonder if we're intending to renew his famously fairly decent deal?

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA  19s
Pockets of home fans starting to get on Town's backs a bit

My Player's not working. Again. At all.

Anyone else?

Fine here.

Indeed, because so far it's been crap again.  Too slow to the ball, continually giving the ball away and passing backwards.  Belford looks dodgy as well.

No sound here. Next flight to Wales then.

I hope your 3000th post is "Goal!!!" Jo.

or the earlybird deal... "Town starting to get on backs of home fans pockets"

Wouldn't bother mate, it's pretty boring so far  :zzz:

The old player is working for me now.

You know shes waiting eagerly ;) it will be either "Get in" or "FFS!"

We always get great refs...

I'm guessing FFS  :)

I got sound! Reboot sorted it. Now how to reboot Town?

Seems ages since we scored a league goal, or is it just me?

Why, when did you last score a league goal?

I scored the winner against Bristol rovers a month ago.

People want entertainment too, all this 4-6-0 formation we've had for some games -  what's the point of that?  ???

Good man :thumb:

Yeah, Mark Cooper's had the same problem at times.


.. it's all right, the taxi's booked and on its way.

I know he can't control his bladder, let alone the one in the ball, but I assume that Smith is playing up front.

According to some on twitter the town end are jeering Belford, that's likely to help a young keeper!

Isn't it n'guessan and smith up front? Or is that folly.

Some games, not this one  ;) (that's in reference to my 4-6-0 comment,  not your quote)

From what I can hear on Player, they're jeering short passes and cheering a long lump up field, even if it goes to the oppo keeper.

Hipster football evidently has not reached the Town End.

Ha, Duncan from calne,  I saw him at the bus stop earlier.

SOME,  NOT THIS!  :(

Yep It's 3-5-2 but three central players are so deep we are playing triangles in front of our own back four.

The whole play needs to move 30 yards up the pitch

Sounds depressingly worrying at home to fucking Crawley!

Jo, can you come in with a 'FFS!' post, for me!?

Goal!

Og apparently.

There you go we moved the play up and wham players in the box and everything

GOAL

Sorry 4D

GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!

 :D

 :)  perfect timing!

From a brilliant Barthram cross apparently. Either an own goal or Byrne.

1-0 to the Byrne-imator!

I might trademark that  8)

The sheer amount of schaudenfreude I'm feeling after looking at the Man Utd score is marvellous. Nearly as much as I got from seeing Piers Morgan sacked yesterday. And we're ahead, lovely.

:D

Please don't do what we did in the JPT  ::)

We can't lose on penalties

Just think how much abuse Smith would be getting if he hadn't got 3 goals in first 2 games..

 :playball:

Reckord not on the bench-hope that's not due to injury!

Bloody hell, hadn't realised we were winning!

Bollocks

Fucker, got there before Player did.

Great! Now we aren't!

We have  >:(

fuckssake-from chance to conceding in 5 seconds!

FFS!!!!!!!

When's the last time N'Guessan scored? Must be at least 7/8 games without a goal for him.

30th Nov, Carlisle at home.

Not that he has played every game since then.

We're in better form than Man utd..

Att: 7,062. 102 crawley

Home form gone to pot, not even playing attractive football anymore, don't see us making playoffs, budget cuts in the summer. Not good.

Byrne MOM

The rest of this season is going to be a big struggle if we dont get a few players back asap.

Yes. 4D's bollocks appeared just as N'Guessan missed the chance.

This will be his 10th game without a goal but he's only started 2 of them, includes today.

Eh?  :D

So Reis comes on for last 3 mins?

Ah well, another point closer to safety.

Remind me, is he the official scapegoat still?

At least Fallon didn't score against us

"Murphy skips across the field"  :gay:

 ;D

The playoffs are looking less and less likely. There's still time left but we need get back on form very soon.

We are exactly where we should be

soapy tit wank

Drummer sounded good.
Perhaps we should get one ?

Sounded like they were hitting the wind thingy on the side of the arkells. Wouldn't like to be in the last coach in the car park,  they won't get back to Gatwick until the early hours.

We're just lulling the rest of League One into a false sense of security and so far they're falling right into our trap. It's all working perfectly.... <arches fingers>

For fuck's sake Davis, just let the enemy know what our plan is why don't ya you tool?

If we don't make the playoffs it's all your fault..... after Ardiles

Huh?!

Coops on.

It's you asking for playoff dates that did it.

Pah, double bluff, they'll never believe I'd be so stupid (unless they've met me)

Coops -

"Forwards need to hold ball up"
"You're only as good as your front men"
"Possession too slow"

Me -
I can't type quick enough,  so can someone else carry on?

Oh fuck.  I did that, didn't I.

 :nod:

Cooper's a bit odd about Reckord

"...He didn't make the 18"
"Has he been a disappointment?"
"....He didn't make the 18"

Turgid and dull.  Very poor attendance with even less coming back next time.  Cooper really has lost the plot, takes Smith off and replaces him with Murphy and then complains that strikers are not holding the ball up!!  There was no plan B, Barthram should have made way for Murphy and we could have gone for it, but no, a negative performance ensured with us sitting deeper and deeper.  Reis was poor when he came on for a cameo performance, we really are in trouble if that is what we have to rely on.

i don't understand a few things we've done:
we brought in a winger in Murphy then play him up front.
he have Dani N'guessen who was a striker who plays as a wide striker (who is bereft of confidence)

the midfield and wing-backs didn't work in the second half and the strikers were feeding off scraps all game. i feel cooper is a bit harsh in his comments regarding the strikers not holding the ball up.

well done to the crowd heckling the kid in goal...

barthram nearly did a great job in the first half. he was finding loads of space but managed to fail to give an angle to the man on the ball, and as a result we gave away possession

Barthram sounds like Beckham. Wish he played like him.

First game of 2014 for me, and last of the season. I can't sit through a complete lack of movement, constant cries of 'FORWARD' when there are no obvious options, the haranguing of our young goalie for no apparent reason (including ironic cheers), a squad ill-suited to any kind of formation and apparently the rigours of professional football, strikers who never look like scoring, and a complete lack of creativity and excitement.

oh and that cunt Tubbs should've been off.

the ref was dire, how he didn't give a penalty for Yassers many handballs in the same move was amazing

I'm glad I decided to go to the pub. This is the first time I've missed a game because I didn't want to go. Although it felt odd not going to the game, I'm pleased to report there is life after STFC.

Todays game wasn't great. The frustrations of the season fizzling out was evident on and off the field. Can understand the frustrations a bit, but can't really understand the Town End cabbages effectively heckling our own keeper.

Positives today, Harley had a better game and Byrne was worth his MoM.

Agree with Bennett re: a winger up front and a striker out wide being bollocks.

Disagree with Cooper's assessment that the front two not holding the ball up was the route of our problems. It didn't help, true. But the build up play was so slow an methodical "safe passing" that it was untrue. There was no pace or drive to our play whatsoever. Dull as fuck and we didn't go for it.

Who'd have thought a midweek game on a cold wet Tuesday night against Crawley could be so unspectacular.

I think Belford could be the new contender for this coveted position. The heckling of OUR goalkeeper was embarrasing this evening.

A-team not 18

The main points:
- Forwards didnt hold the ball up
- If N'Guessan had rolled the ball across the goal we had an open goal. Instead they broke and scored
- Reckord didn't make the A team (wouldn't say more)
- Troy can't play Sat-Tues-Sat because of his knees
- Luongo was physically and mentally drained after Saturday
- Frustrated by the ref but cant do anything about it or he'll get a £5k fine

I think tonight has somewhat answered the question I had earlier about whether Cooper has the tactical nous and technical skills to be a head coach. He deserves credit for steadying the ship but when the pressures on he just doesn't seem upto it, he sounds so defensive in interviews now it's bordering on paranoia. His comment about hold up play has left me a little perplexed as direct football isn't our 'style' or so he's told us before...

Yet another load of dogshit served up to the Town public. No fucking ideas, no leadership, no passion, no fucking clue. The first half in particular was a snorefest only livened up by the ref giving their player a yellow instead of a red and missing the most blatant penalty for them.
The second half was marginally better but stull fucking boring.
We really are a fucking stupid team. ward playing it back to Belford twice on to his wrong foot playing him into danger - nice from the captain on your home debut. I really felt sorry for Belford who was quite clearly under orders to not kick it out. No wonder he ,looked as shaky as fuck but played alright.
Yet again it was tippy tappy bollocks but instead of going sideways, we went backwards.
If its going to be like this next season they can go fuck themselves.
We really are a boring team to watch..

and their goal was as clinical as anything you will see anywhere.

2 shit teams playing out a meaningless game.

And once again shit officials, not often both sets of fans are singing about how shit the ref is - at the same time.

A decent team would have torn Crawley a new one, and if Crawley were decent we would have been torn one.

Am sooooo looking forward to franchise then Wolves up next at home  ::)

Fair comment.  Only about 5,500 in the ground - and it's only going to get worse!  There were eight eight season ticket holders who sit alongside us who didn't turn up tonight - felt a bit lonely and bored.  Getting on at Belford was a disgrace in my opinion.  Somebody shouted well done to a group in the DRS who were giving him some stick, saying he was only a 19 year old. He took some abuse for that!!

A fair result, but we really have served up some tedious shite in recent weeks.

I thought Smith was out of his depth and was surprised to see him emerge for the second half. He struggled big time with his hold up play which was fucking useless. With a big lad like him upfront we need to put balls in the box from wide areas for him to attack but surely expecting a striker to do the basics is not too much to ask.

I hope Pritchard is back soon as he is by far our most creative player.

What with our away form showing no signs of improving and some decent sides still to visit us, we could be in for a nervy end to the season.

I think it would be fair to say that nobody who started the game played badly, just the tactics are all wrong.  Byrne or Louis Thompson for mom for me - but where is the drive, the leadership and the passion.  Wolves must be shaking in their boots at the thought of coming here in a fortnight!

Can someone confirm who scored our goal, I thought it was Byrne but Cooper claimed it was an own goal?

I thought it was an OG as well. Not 100% sure though.

They went to Brentford and tore them a new hole at the weekend, what they will do to us at the moment is frightening.

Tonight was just plain boring and felt like I was being put through an ordeal. Slavetraders away is only thing we have left to play for.

Sam Morshead said it was an OG

Again, I come anyway thinking all our fans have no idea, either that or I have no clue at all.
Constant cries of "get it forward" when if we punt the ball, we lose possession. Booing a 19 year old goalkeeper playing his second league game who is attempting to play football, as he has done all of his life. End of the day, if we came away 1-0 people would have gone away thinking we played well, 1-1 it's a disaster and Cooper is shit... we must have the most fickle fans in the country?
As for the game, thought we were pretty dire first half - played the ball far too slow, kept it well and defended quite well.
Second half was much better, a bit more direct and I thought Nathan Byrne was outstanding; his best performance in a town shirt by far. N'Guessan simply has to score just before their equaliser 1 on 1 with the keeper (also noticed he only just got up after they had scored 20 seconds later).
Smith will run his bollocks off up top but his second touch is often a tackle. N'Guessan is hot and cold and has the concentration span of a 3 year old. Basically, we miss Ranger - someone to hold it up, uptop.
Really don't think Cooper should go, is a little concerning how we look a shadow of the side hammering Crewe 5-0 at the start of the season.
Finally, the ref was atrocious and how he hasn't sent off their player for the challenge on Thompson is an absolute farce. Gave poor decisions all round, including poor decisions for Crawley as well as Swindon.

Considering it wasn't exactly a full strength team, i don't think Swindon played too badly. However the shocking lack of creativity is worrying. It's like an Newton's Cradle, once they get as far forwards as they can they go all the way back again. Thought Byrne has a reasonable game and deserved MOM.
M.Smith needs to be looked at. I wouldn't back him to trap a bag of cement.
Would have liked to have seen Rory Fallon.

Boring uninspiring rubbish yet again. There really is little enjoyment watching us at the moment and the crowd were showing their displeasure within 15 mins.  I reckon I must have switched off completely at times, because I didn't notice the heckling at Belford?

I appreciate we have injuries, but there's too many average players in the squad who aren't able to step up when needed.  Cooper also needs to take some responsibility instead of blaming the forwards.  Maybe playing players in their correct positions might help.  The Murphy for Smith sub was a joke.

Our season is rapidly petering out and could well be over by the end of March.  Not ideal when it ties in with the first deadline for season ticket sales.

What the fuck is wrong with Belford that means that he warrants being booed by the middle of the Town End (behind the goal)? Did he do something at Orient that meant they got on him from his first kick?

He was obviously told not to just kick it out, so was constantly looking to try and find one of the shirking defender/midfielders who were all playing a game if hide and seek with him!

Byrne and N'Guessan the only players to actually show a bit of positivity and Bhrne the MOM by miles for me.

First half we were reasonably solid and the ref missed a blatant pen for them, as well as missing a load of fouls and letting their #10 stay on the pitch, but we had nothing going forward other than N'Guessan's weak poke straight at their keeper from 6 yards.

Second half was a bit better after the goal as Crawley came out a bit and allowed Byrne a bit of space in the left, but there was so little danger when we went forward that I was amazed that Cooper didn't tell one of the midfielders to get up and support the forwards a bit more.

Poor teams playing out a poor game with a poor ref in front of a poor crowd. Poor.

Poor.

Well thanks a bundle.

Tell me. were you better off with out me? (and the other stay away fans}

For the record. I never moaned at our players (except the occasional groan at another tedious sideways pass) but it sounds as if the real supporters who you have left are getting stuck into the goalie. Unbelievable.

First half the 3-5-2 looked totally woeful - wing-backs neither effective as wingers or full-backs, Ward looking totally isolated with Creepy strikers in acres of space either side of him. The Town End groans at the keeper were to an extent justified - he didn't learn from being indecisive with the ball, so should have played safe instead of adding extra pressure on the defence. I can't see any purpose in continuously passing the ball sideways along the defence when the opposition are sat back behind the ball, and especially when the lack of movement from midfield and forwards creates no space in which to exploit possession. One misplaced pass or lack of ball control and the three very spaced out defenders is going to lead to trouble.

Second half I was amazed we continued with the formation, but credit to the players, they seemed to improve and look more threatening. Still, I'd be happier to see 4-4-2 with overlapping full-backs (Jay and Byrne are pretty good at this). There was still too much lack of movement from players who just made a pass - they just stopped instead of getting beyond the player with the ball.

Overall, I'd say we've got a number of players who can put in a decent performance, but collectively we're no better than mid-table. This isn't a 'team' that is going to gel enough to adapt to whatever formation/s is/are decided upon and win three or four games in a row. The individuals are there, but the coherent 'team' seems miles off. Definitely no chance of the POs, but still in a much better position than I thought we would be at when the season started.

MID TABLE OUTFIT

Didn't enjoy That at all but no need for the booing and as for the jeering of our own keeper  :no: Playoffs? no chance.

Glad I didn't have to endure the idiots giving belford stick. A lot of humanity really just are not very bright, are they?

Yet you still feed the need to post about STFC ?????

Loyal supporters like you we do not need.

Enjoy your time out of STFC

Yes,where we expect and deserve to be.Play-off flirtation is a bonus this season.How many sides could cope with an unavailability list like ours in the last 2 games?

It seems we have more than our fair share. Not very often I feel sorry for a footballer but the jeering of our young keeper was cringeworthy.

To be honest the general 'booing' came a bit early yesterday. We weren't playing badly enough to justify it. I am not saying it wasn't largely tedious, pedestrian and "safe" football mind. But I've seen worse.

I think there is a frustration building in the fanbase, they want us to go for it rather than play 20 sidewards and backwards passes before an attacking pass. Once (we realise) the playoffs really are out of reach I think it'll start to improve off the pitch as we start to remember what it was like pre black/fitton/Wray/PDC (i.e.games like yesterday judged 'normal' performances rather than "poor'').

I don't think its going to be long before the crowd properly turn. There are a number of season ticket holders around me who haven't turned up recently and I guess given this may not renew. There is little or no positivity around the place, on or off the pitch.
I felt really sorry for Belford who was probably conflicted between doing what the boss wanted and clearing the thing. He did alright and hopefully his confidence wasn't knocked too much. He just carried the can that some of the other players should have got.

Football fans generally lack that kind of perspective unfortunately

He missed a game and went to the pub. Get a grip.

Isn't the general idea of football to put the ball in the net? The more chances we create the more chance of scoring. A slow tempo doesn't appear to be working. From what I've seen we should be playing like we did at the start of the second half v posh.

Its not pretty to watch at the moment, but as long as there is a long term plan (and allegedly there is) Then we need to be patient. It would be different If we were bottom, but we are 8th... Off the field everything is pretty stable, which is amazing after the near apocalypse that happened, and we will be getting a more balanced squad to budget ratio in a few months. We have a good young nucleus, and will add to it for next year. So yeah we aren't winning the league by 20 points as some people seem to think is our given right, But really, people need to stop with the now now now mantra. All of the success stories of recent times have been built a on foundation and an ethos, and then progressed with continuity. If it's still crap in a year, then people should worry Imo.

Can't argue with any of that.

Absolutely spot on, well said sutton.

That's all very well and good but seeing as we are poised to bin off the entire squad in the summer, it's not really a long term plan, is it?

Assuming the talk about a long-term plan isn't just BS, then getting rid off (more like) half the squad doesn't mean the plan's not long-term, it just means some of the players won't be featuring in it.

At least I got part of my prediction right (1-1), but the performance was yet again lacking in anything. Needs improvement and I think we'll finish around midtable - which is probably about right.

Neither can I when you put it like that.  Unfortunately from the rumblings in the crowd and the recent drop in attendances, I don't think alot will be prepared to give it a year.  The crowd was way down on the figures they read out and has been for the last few games, because as CS pointed out, more and more ST holders aren't bothering.

I hold my hands up for being one who has moaned about the performances, but I'm struggling to muster any enthusiasm to go at the moment, because it really is so dire to watch.  Don't get me wrong, I've sat through plenty of rubbish over the years, but I'm not convinced we're adding to the squad with the right players and on the basis a number will also leave, we'll be starting all over again next season. That leaves me feeling there won't be any real improvement and the same conversations about giving youngsters time to settle will be taking place.

And that's the equally reasonable flip-side. If after the first year of a long-term plan you find the personnel aren't suited, then it's not daft to replace them. Extremely risky, but not daft. But that does mean then that you either need to recruit much more carefully for the following wave or else be sure that your system can transform the players you do recruit more quickly, because you can't keep repeating that cycle. As you say, in a second year that won't wash

Let him enjoy his life outside STFC without you poking your nose into the thread.

Well I do apologise for missing a game because I was disillusioned with the way we've been playing, and for then having the audacity to post on here. Mods, please ban me and all others who didn't attend last night.

You may be a terrible fan but I think we can forgive you.

I'm too disillusioned with the way the forum is heading to do anything about it.

So, we'll be starting with a new plan in the summer? Change the bulk of the squad and we're back to square one.

The non-existent atmosphere is dampening as well! Then again I guess this stems from what we see happening on the pitch?! I know it's been said previous how much of a decline in noise we've had over the years in the Town End/CG as a whole but last night was one of the worst I've heard, or lack of if you will. As for away fans and drums...well that's another topic completely!

What happened to the loud and proud thing?

We probably haven't added the right players, due to half the budget playing elsewhere or not playing at all. Summer will hopefully sort that. And yes I was as frustrated as anyone on  Saturday, would I have spent the 100 quid I spent on something better? Yes without doubt in hindsight, Should I have booked my Carlisle train tickets the night before? Who knows yet. But I'll go and hope for better than I've seen recently, and keep some faith that Power knows what he's doing. For want of better words, you have to put some crap around roses to make them grow to their potential!

Its gone quiet and meek like the atmosphere at the CG.

Erm, you do realise this is a public forum not an exclusive thread for only you, Only Me?

Or were you looking for bites/being funny.

Very, very frustrating first half played at a pretty pedestrian pace. 2nd half was a bit better in terms of trying to make things happen but we lacked a bit of quality in the final third. Cooper's assessment was pretty much spot on. I like Smith's work rate but in the first half he was needing too many touches to get the ball under control, he improved in the 2nd half but nothing was sticking.
Not sure why Murphy was left on the bench as with Pritchard out he's really the most likely to offer a bit of invention in the final 3rd, he did well when he came on and should have been set up for the winner by DNG.

Monumentally poor bit of defending for the goal, we get caught light at the back and Ward just watch the ball pass by his feet.

True....when you're struggling it's important to at least avoid defeat, because we've done OK this season so far, we're in the happy position of being able to get up to 52, by drawing games.

ATM it seems like 3 entirely predictable things have happened: #1 elements of the crowd (and the TEF) have started to get on the backs of young and inexperienced players: #2 increasing elements of the crowd (and the TEF) have had enough of possession football and want a return to proper English hoofball: #3 crowds (and TEF) numbers are dropping, partly as a consequence of #1 and #2

It's a shame, because I believe that Power has got a lot right this year....and we need to support this project. Didn't think Cooper was going to be good enough to develop it at the outset, but he's done OK and given the nature of the job, has done nothing majorly wrong to warrant replacement at this stage.

Avoiding a relegation dog-fight, a decent shot at least one cup comp and bed in the nucleus of a squad for 2014/15, was always the base line for this season, with anything else very much a welcome bonus.

so many people are talking about results and league table positions. What about entertainment? August, September and October (at home} was fantastic. It's all about application. Players not motivated/managed correctly.
By the way I'm back for the next home game, so an improved atmos is guaranteed. Still not renewing season ticket tho.

Did you just not read what I posted before replying? Or are you just being deliberately obtuse?

I was going to ask the same question Paul, only I had a 'why bother?' moment.

My thoughts on last night-

Byrne deserved MoM.

Harley must have been the skilful twin of the player who appeared against Orient (from what I read on the Orient matchday thread).

We are shit at throw ins. It seems to me that more than 50% of our throw ins result in opposition teams gaining possession. No movement to make space and provide a target who hasn't got an opposition player right up their chuff.

Someone earlier mentioned Ward passing back to Belford and wrong footing him, putting him under pressure. Is this a symptom of Wes being a left hooker?

Ah our throw ins, that is my bug bear as well, we are so shit at them its as if nobody wants to be thrown the bloody thing!

I forgot we also were penalised for a foul throw at Orient, that was kind of the icing on a very shitty cake!

I spotted this on Saturday as well that we kept giving it to Belford's left. I think it must be because of the players playing with Wes so much.

Well, what the hell is the 'plan'? I know that there has to be a bit of trial and error to build a squad, but using loanees as part of a long term plan?  :sherlock:

Aw thanks  :)

The biggest issue we have at the moment is that the football on offer is as dull as anything Malaps and Hart dished up. It is boring and people are voting with their feet. We're not even giving it a go. Power and Cooper may well have a system but they may well have it to themselves unless something changes for the good.
Given the general dirge of the last 4 home league games, I am struggling to find much energy to go other than its what I do and have done for years and I hope things get better.
It is just so bloody dull and unfortunately just at the time of ST renewal.

Spot on Chalkie. The football we were playing in the Autumn was the best I've seen since the Hoddle era. Then Cooper experimented with the infamous 5-5-0 formation (yes I know it got a result at Colchester) and we haven't been the same since. Losing Ajose, rough pitches and all the injuries haven't helped I know, but we've become utterly clueless on how to play attacking football in the last couple of months, and it's not fun to watch.

Definition of madness

Doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results

Straightjacket for Cooper!!!!

<happyclappy>It obviously wasn't required under PdC but give it another month or so of this dross then there's a good chance there will be flags back up on the Bank and streamers on your seats before kick off</happyclappy>

Unless Reg's Quiet and Ashamed movement gets some traction of course  :badmood:

 :D

I feel I have to apologise to Jimmy Glass is an Alien who took up my offer of a free ticket last night.

Thank God for man flu

I never went last night.....a cold 80s theme hotel room on the IOW, showing United getting beat had to suffice.

However.....

We can still make the play offs and all you that went are clueless negative cunts and dont know what you are talking about.

Follower Flash x

 I have been missing games...saving for the USA,playing a bit of golf.....lost the enjoyment of watching the Town after many years.
I love the passion of our fans especially the younger ones,when you are young politics and the way we play isn't as important as the actual matchday experience is.
Sadly(for me anyway) as you get a little older it takes more to get your gander up....probabably why i liked Paolo so much.
I must admit though i don't like posting or commenting on a match or anything connected if i havn't been to watch it...just my take on it.
Sheff Utd away was a pivotal point for me....it was awfull and i havn't been the same since. :( :(

7000 on a cold Tuesday against Crawley is great support in my opinion...hope i will be joining them one day again soon.

I don't think we'll make the play offs but it's not mathematically impossible, likewise we are not mathematically safe. I have never called anyone on here a "clueless negative cunt" and accused anyone of not knowing what they are talking about.

I've tried to engage people in debate about it but have just been shouted down which is sadly becoming the norm on here.

Not just on here mate, sitting in the ground is just as bad these days hence why I have stopped going.We seem to have a new generation of fan who do nothing but get on peoples tits

but he is a clueless negative cunt!

Too many sensitive souls.

Too many total bellends to be fair

Well, there is that too  :)

Has it actually got worse, I mean could it?

I personally think so

There are a lot of bellends that go and watch us and a fair number are congregated up where I normally sit in the DRS.

That said, they pay their money like I do and so unless they shout racist abuse, should be allowed to shout whatever they want. Its generally a bit irritating but I find laughing inwardly at their imbecility tends to negate the irritation.

Cooper keeps asking for patience, but Swindon fans (probably all football fans) definitely do NOT have patience and the grumbles and moans will get louder and more vocal the more we serve up the standard of football we are playing, which appears to be on a more consistent basis.

I'm sure if you took in a game from a different team with a simular record to ours you would probably hear the same grumbling, I hear it in the DRS from people moaning, we have a couple behind us who do this constantly every game it does get annoying but I couldn't stop going, I'd be lost without football, but I would imagine it is easy to do once you find other things to do

Going to football is a habit. If that habit is no longer a pleasure there are plenty of other things to do instead.
After reading comments here I think a few of you don't enjoy it anymore.
I rarely go now and don't miss it at all. I prefer watching local non league games.

What was Ward doing for their goal by the way ?
Is it me or is he shit ?

He didnt seem to do bugger all except watch the ball roll past him,
Good quick incisive move for their goal though

From nearly 2 nil to one all in 10 seconds  ::)

I think he was trying to avoid scoring an oggy and was hoping Nath would have tracked his man better than he did. Poor goal to concede I agree.

I think the issue with Ward is that he is 32 / 33 and he has been a no nonsence centre half for his career, but now he is being asked to play the ball out from the back make short passes etc and that is not his game he is not blessed with pace.

Ward will be 36 in September

He's not allowed to make his own choices. I won't judge him until that happens, and it probably won't.

Totally agree.

I'm out of the country at the moment but have been to games when I've been in the UK, it's not out of choice.

For somebody out of the country, you are a bit of a know-it-all when it comes to recent performances, aren't you?

Good post.

My last game was Colchester at home, so yeah.

The problem is the Swindon experience is dull.
Went to Orient Saturday and spent most if the game slumped in my seat with no energy to sing or shout.
2-0 down and side to side with no desire to change and have a go.

Last night I dreaded the long journey home as I was tired.
Again I was bored. Better than Saturday but not exciting.

Yes spoilt by the Di Canio era and yes budgets, injuries etc all play a part and yes will renew my season ticket but I am currently bored of Swindon.
Still doing 3 games a season corporate and supporting the club but worried that crowds are dropping off, fringe players not good enough and could struggle next season.

Will it get better ?
Can't see it but hope we do as getting older and crave for success.

Interestingly when Cooper was asked after the JPT match if the club had any intention of getting another striker in to replace Ranger and could hold the ball up, he replied we have already got one in, Michael Smith!!  This week he is moaning about Smith not holding the ball up!!  Cannot have it both ways!

I don't he wss trying to have it both ways. Just making a point to Smith that on Tuesday he was poor at holding the ball up and needs to improve

If he does then we have the replavement, admitedly not as good, we need.

Simples