Ravabeerbelly

I do hope the police actually make an example of those girls, if it really is true that they were trying to get 10k from him.
I said to the missus this morning, if that was a woman asleep and 2 blokes were taking pictures and waving their backside in their face and sharing it online their lives would be over.

Aluko had two excellent chances first half. But only once did he take his man on, but maybe that's lack of confidence.
Hutchinson looked lively too. 
Fozzy had 4 attempts at crosses but only put one in a dangerous position, for our goal.

Bugs me when the subject of coaching badges comes up, saying Nigel Clough/Wayne Rooney havnt got the required badges. Jeez, these guys have been involved with the greatest managers to have ever lived yet I had to work really hard to gain my B Badge, they can do it in their sleep, it is all they have ever known, routine after routine. Rooney could walk the A and Pro Licence without even trying, its just a tick in the box for him
 

I’m not sure where this lack of creativity idea comes from in the games so far…
I agree there’s a lack of goals….Neither CKR or Baldock have been prolific at any time in their careers so to suddenly expect in their twilight years is unrealistic and unfair. They offer what they offer and others will need to chip in with their fair share. 
Yesterday was what it was. A pretty season against a very difficult opponent who were very much more focused on a scalp and a result than you’d expect in a pre season game….which is good for us and why higher leagues clubs play lower league clubs pre season!
It showed how difficult league 2 can be and I know it was scoffed at when I compared it to being almost a different sport but they are. No time on the ball. Big physical uncompromising men. Direct football aiming at getting the ball into the box from far different areas than what we’d be used to dealing with. They had a 5 man press when we tried to play out and they had big lumps waiting to head it when we had to play over that rather than round it or through it. It was exactly what you need to face pre season when up until now it had consisted of training games, shape work, largely unopposed situations and a game against a like minded and mirror image Man U.
Im not too upset by it. We created lots of chances. 1st half Aluku should have had 2 both coming from good football. Morrison could’ve done better with his header. Carrol was unlucky with a curling effort. 
Second half Bird found Hutchinson (twice) and Sibley (ultimately for the goal) in identical positions as 10s on the half turn, from line breaking passes and all three times resulted in low crosses into the box from overlapping full backs, that could’ve been goal chances…even for the goal, forget it was an own goal…Hutchinson and Esobele were close and one of them would’ve scored even if the ball had been slightly misplaced (nos in the box). Add to that, McDonald played a lovely ball down the sides for Baldock who could’ve scored or I think he may have tried to play across goal where we had a player at the far post for a tap in….again midfield players in the box…then we have the gaping open goal from Baldock following more good interplay and movement around the box.
Realistically they only looked like scoring twice and the pen was soft at best, whereas we could’ve easily scored 5/6 or even 7. Had we come away with a 4-1 win we’d all be jumping up and down about how we could be ok…..let alone if we’d scored more!!!
Im not stupid, clearly we need players and clearly the end result was a loss and championship games will be a different kettle of fish but I feel we’re getting carried away and that’s not good whether it be over positive or over negative. 
Finally I think Aluko is a wasted registration. He doesn’t offer anymore than some of the youngsters we have who can play that role (Esobele / Sibley / Hutchinson - maybe in that order). Carroll offers much the same as Bird. Bird is ours and come through our academy why bin him off for a 1 season pay day like Carroll? I’d see Watson as this type too so I’d happily have him as Birds back up as opposed to Bird being Carrolls back up?
Personally I’d push for 3 of the 4 signings to be centre backs to build an experienced base from. The top end of the pitch and the top end of the midfield areas don’t concern me too much.

I’m not sure where this lack of creativity idea comes from in the games so far…
I agree there’s a lack of goals….Neither CKR or Baldock have been prolific at any time in their careers so to suddenly expect in their twilight years is unrealistic and unfair. They offer what they offer and others will need to chip in with their fair share. 
Yesterday was what it was. A pretty season against a very difficult opponent who were very much more focused on a scalp and a result than you’d expect in a pre season game….which is good for us and why higher leagues clubs play lower league clubs pre season!
It showed how difficult league 2 can be and I know it was scoffed at when I compared it to being almost a different sport but they are. No time on the ball. Big physical uncompromising men. Direct football aiming at getting the ball into the box from far different areas than what we’d be used to dealing with. They had a 5 man press when we tried to play out and they had big lumps waiting to head it when we had to play over that rather than round it or through it. It was exactly what you need to face pre season when up until now it had consisted of training games, shape work, largely unopposed situations and a game against a like minded and mirror image Man U.
Im not too upset by it. We created lots of chances. 1st half Aluku should have had 2 both coming from good football. Morrison could’ve done better with his header. Carrol was unlucky with a curling effort. 
Second half Bird found Hutchinson (twice) and Sibley (ultimately for the goal) in identical positions as 10s on the half turn, from line breaking passes and all three times resulted in low crosses into the box from overlapping full backs, that could’ve been goal chances…even for the goal, forget it was an own goal…Hutchinson and Esobele were close and one of them would’ve scored even if the ball had been slightly misplaced (nos in the box). Add to that, McDonald played a lovely ball down the sides for Baldock who could’ve scored or I think he may have tried to play across goal where we had a player at the far post for a tap in….again midfield players in the box…then we have the gaping open goal from Baldock following more good interplay and movement around the box.
Realistically they only looked like scoring twice and the pen was soft at best, whereas we could’ve easily scored 5/6 or even 7. Had we come away with a 4-1 win we’d all be jumping up and down about how we could be ok…..let alone if we’d scored more!!!
Im not stupid, clearly we need players and clearly the end result was a loss and championship games will be a different kettle of fish but I feel we’re getting carried away and that’s not good whether it be over positive or over negative. 
Finally I think Aluko is a wasted registration. He doesn’t offer anymore than some of the youngsters we have who can play that role (Esobele / Sibley / Hutchinson - maybe in that order). Carroll offers much the same as Bird. Bird is ours and come through our academy why bin him off for a 1 season pay day like Carroll? I’d see Watson as this type too so I’d happily have him as Birds back up as opposed to Bird being Carrolls back up?
Personally I’d push for 3 of the 4 signings to be centre backs to build an experienced base from. The top end of the pitch and the top end of the midfield areas don’t concern me too much.

I’m not sure where this lack of creativity idea comes from in the games so far…
I agree there’s a lack of goals….Neither CKR or Baldock have been prolific at any time in their careers so to suddenly expect in their twilight years is unrealistic and unfair. They offer what they offer and others will need to chip in with their fair share. 
Yesterday was what it was. A pretty season against a very difficult opponent who were very much more focused on a scalp and a result than you’d expect in a pre season game….which is good for us and why higher leagues clubs play lower league clubs pre season!
It showed how difficult league 2 can be and I know it was scoffed at when I compared it to being almost a different sport but they are. No time on the ball. Big physical uncompromising men. Direct football aiming at getting the ball into the box from far different areas than what we’d be used to dealing with. They had a 5 man press when we tried to play out and they had big lumps waiting to head it when we had to play over that rather than round it or through it. It was exactly what you need to face pre season when up until now it had consisted of training games, shape work, largely unopposed situations and a game against a like minded and mirror image Man U.
Im not too upset by it. We created lots of chances. 1st half Aluku should have had 2 both coming from good football. Morrison could’ve done better with his header. Carrol was unlucky with a curling effort. 
Second half Bird found Hutchinson (twice) and Sibley (ultimately for the goal) in identical positions as 10s on the half turn, from line breaking passes and all three times resulted in low crosses into the box from overlapping full backs, that could’ve been goal chances…even for the goal, forget it was an own goal…Hutchinson and Esobele were close and one of them would’ve scored even if the ball had been slightly misplaced (nos in the box). Add to that, McDonald played a lovely ball down the sides for Baldock who could’ve scored or I think he may have tried to play across goal where we had a player at the far post for a tap in….again midfield players in the box…then we have the gaping open goal from Baldock following more good interplay and movement around the box.
Realistically they only looked like scoring twice and the pen was soft at best, whereas we could’ve easily scored 5/6 or even 7. Had we come away with a 4-1 win we’d all be jumping up and down about how we could be ok…..let alone if we’d scored more!!!
Im not stupid, clearly we need players and clearly the end result was a loss and championship games will be a different kettle of fish but I feel we’re getting carried away and that’s not good whether it be over positive or over negative. 
Finally I think Aluko is a wasted registration. He doesn’t offer anymore than some of the youngsters we have who can play that role (Esobele / Sibley / Hutchinson - maybe in that order). Carroll offers much the same as Bird. Bird is ours and come through our academy why bin him off for a 1 season pay day like Carroll? I’d see Watson as this type too so I’d happily have him as Birds back up as opposed to Bird being Carrolls back up?
Personally I’d push for 3 of the 4 signings to be centre backs to build an experienced base from. The top end of the pitch and the top end of the midfield areas don’t concern me too much.

I’m not sure where this lack of creativity idea comes from in the games so far…
I agree there’s a lack of goals….Neither CKR or Baldock have been prolific at any time in their careers so to suddenly expect in their twilight years is unrealistic and unfair. They offer what they offer and others will need to chip in with their fair share. 
Yesterday was what it was. A pretty season against a very difficult opponent who were very much more focused on a scalp and a result than you’d expect in a pre season game….which is good for us and why higher leagues clubs play lower league clubs pre season!
It showed how difficult league 2 can be and I know it was scoffed at when I compared it to being almost a different sport but they are. No time on the ball. Big physical uncompromising men. Direct football aiming at getting the ball into the box from far different areas than what we’d be used to dealing with. They had a 5 man press when we tried to play out and they had big lumps waiting to head it when we had to play over that rather than round it or through it. It was exactly what you need to face pre season when up until now it had consisted of training games, shape work, largely unopposed situations and a game against a like minded and mirror image Man U.
Im not too upset by it. We created lots of chances. 1st half Aluku should have had 2 both coming from good football. Morrison could’ve done better with his header. Carrol was unlucky with a curling effort. 
Second half Bird found Hutchinson (twice) and Sibley (ultimately for the goal) in identical positions as 10s on the half turn, from line breaking passes and all three times resulted in low crosses into the box from overlapping full backs, that could’ve been goal chances…even for the goal, forget it was an own goal…Hutchinson and Esobele were close and one of them would’ve scored even if the ball had been slightly misplaced (nos in the box). Add to that, McDonald played a lovely ball down the sides for Baldock who could’ve scored or I think he may have tried to play across goal where we had a player at the far post for a tap in….again midfield players in the box…then we have the gaping open goal from Baldock following more good interplay and movement around the box.
Realistically they only looked like scoring twice and the pen was soft at best, whereas we could’ve easily scored 5/6 or even 7. Had we come away with a 4-1 win we’d all be jumping up and down about how we could be ok…..let alone if we’d scored more!!!
Im not stupid, clearly we need players and clearly the end result was a loss and championship games will be a different kettle of fish but I feel we’re getting carried away and that’s not good whether it be over positive or over negative. 
Finally I think Aluko is a wasted registration. He doesn’t offer anymore than some of the youngsters we have who can play that role (Esobele / Sibley / Hutchinson - maybe in that order). Carroll offers much the same as Bird. Bird is ours and come through our academy why bin him off for a 1 season pay day like Carroll? I’d see Watson as this type too so I’d happily have him as Birds back up as opposed to Bird being Carrolls back up?
Personally I’d push for 3 of the 4 signings to be centre backs to build an experienced base from. The top end of the pitch and the top end of the midfield areas don’t concern me too much.

I’m not sure where this lack of creativity idea comes from in the games so far…
I agree there’s a lack of goals….Neither CKR or Baldock have been prolific at any time in their careers so to suddenly expect in their twilight years is unrealistic and unfair. They offer what they offer and others will need to chip in with their fair share. 
Yesterday was what it was. A pretty season against a very difficult opponent who were very much more focused on a scalp and a result than you’d expect in a pre season game….which is good for us and why higher leagues clubs play lower league clubs pre season!
It showed how difficult league 2 can be and I know it was scoffed at when I compared it to being almost a different sport but they are. No time on the ball. Big physical uncompromising men. Direct football aiming at getting the ball into the box from far different areas than what we’d be used to dealing with. They had a 5 man press when we tried to play out and they had big lumps waiting to head it when we had to play over that rather than round it or through it. It was exactly what you need to face pre season when up until now it had consisted of training games, shape work, largely unopposed situations and a game against a like minded and mirror image Man U.
Im not too upset by it. We created lots of chances. 1st half Aluku should have had 2 both coming from good football. Morrison could’ve done better with his header. Carrol was unlucky with a curling effort. 
Second half Bird found Hutchinson (twice) and Sibley (ultimately for the goal) in identical positions as 10s on the half turn, from line breaking passes and all three times resulted in low crosses into the box from overlapping full backs, that could’ve been goal chances…even for the goal, forget it was an own goal…Hutchinson and Esobele were close and one of them would’ve scored even if the ball had been slightly misplaced (nos in the box). Add to that, McDonald played a lovely ball down the sides for Baldock who could’ve scored or I think he may have tried to play across goal where we had a player at the far post for a tap in….again midfield players in the box…then we have the gaping open goal from Baldock following more good interplay and movement around the box.
Realistically they only looked like scoring twice and the pen was soft at best, whereas we could’ve easily scored 5/6 or even 7. Had we come away with a 4-1 win we’d all be jumping up and down about how we could be ok…..let alone if we’d scored more!!!
Im not stupid, clearly we need players and clearly the end result was a loss and championship games will be a different kettle of fish but I feel we’re getting carried away and that’s not good whether it be over positive or over negative. 
Finally I think Aluko is a wasted registration. He doesn’t offer anymore than some of the youngsters we have who can play that role (Esobele / Sibley / Hutchinson - maybe in that order). Carroll offers much the same as Bird. Bird is ours and come through our academy why bin him off for a 1 season pay day like Carroll? I’d see Watson as this type too so I’d happily have him as Birds back up as opposed to Bird being Carrolls back up?
Personally I’d push for 3 of the 4 signings to be centre backs to build an experienced base from. The top end of the pitch and the top end of the midfield areas don’t concern me too much.

I’m not sure where this lack of creativity idea comes from in the games so far…
I agree there’s a lack of goals….Neither CKR or Baldock have been prolific at any time in their careers so to suddenly expect in their twilight years is unrealistic and unfair. They offer what they offer and others will need to chip in with their fair share. 
Yesterday was what it was. A pretty season against a very difficult opponent who were very much more focused on a scalp and a result than you’d expect in a pre season game….which is good for us and why higher leagues clubs play lower league clubs pre season!
It showed how difficult league 2 can be and I know it was scoffed at when I compared it to being almost a different sport but they are. No time on the ball. Big physical uncompromising men. Direct football aiming at getting the ball into the box from far different areas than what we’d be used to dealing with. They had a 5 man press when we tried to play out and they had big lumps waiting to head it when we had to play over that rather than round it or through it. It was exactly what you need to face pre season when up until now it had consisted of training games, shape work, largely unopposed situations and a game against a like minded and mirror image Man U.
Im not too upset by it. We created lots of chances. 1st half Aluku should have had 2 both coming from good football. Morrison could’ve done better with his header. Carrol was unlucky with a curling effort. 
Second half Bird found Hutchinson (twice) and Sibley (ultimately for the goal) in identical positions as 10s on the half turn, from line breaking passes and all three times resulted in low crosses into the box from overlapping full backs, that could’ve been goal chances…even for the goal, forget it was an own goal…Hutchinson and Esobele were close and one of them would’ve scored even if the ball had been slightly misplaced (nos in the box). Add to that, McDonald played a lovely ball down the sides for Baldock who could’ve scored or I think he may have tried to play across goal where we had a player at the far post for a tap in….again midfield players in the box…then we have the gaping open goal from Baldock following more good interplay and movement around the box.
Realistically they only looked like scoring twice and the pen was soft at best, whereas we could’ve easily scored 5/6 or even 7. Had we come away with a 4-1 win we’d all be jumping up and down about how we could be ok…..let alone if we’d scored more!!!
Im not stupid, clearly we need players and clearly the end result was a loss and championship games will be a different kettle of fish but I feel we’re getting carried away and that’s not good whether it be over positive or over negative. 
Finally I think Aluko is a wasted registration. He doesn’t offer anymore than some of the youngsters we have who can play that role (Esobele / Sibley / Hutchinson - maybe in that order). Carroll offers much the same as Bird. Bird is ours and come through our academy why bin him off for a 1 season pay day like Carroll? I’d see Watson as this type too so I’d happily have him as Birds back up as opposed to Bird being Carrolls back up?
Personally I’d push for 3 of the 4 signings to be centre backs to build an experienced base from. The top end of the pitch and the top end of the midfield areas don’t concern me too much.

I’m not sure where this lack of creativity idea comes from in the games so far…
I agree there’s a lack of goals….Neither CKR or Baldock have been prolific at any time in their careers so to suddenly expect in their twilight years is unrealistic and unfair. They offer what they offer and others will need to chip in with their fair share. 
Yesterday was what it was. A pretty season against a very difficult opponent who were very much more focused on a scalp and a result than you’d expect in a pre season game….which is good for us and why higher leagues clubs play lower league clubs pre season!
It showed how difficult league 2 can be and I know it was scoffed at when I compared it to being almost a different sport but they are. No time on the ball. Big physical uncompromising men. Direct football aiming at getting the ball into the box from far different areas than what we’d be used to dealing with. They had a 5 man press when we tried to play out and they had big lumps waiting to head it when we had to play over that rather than round it or through it. It was exactly what you need to face pre season when up until now it had consisted of training games, shape work, largely unopposed situations and a game against a like minded and mirror image Man U.
Im not too upset by it. We created lots of chances. 1st half Aluku should have had 2 both coming from good football. Morrison could’ve done better with his header. Carrol was unlucky with a curling effort. 
Second half Bird found Hutchinson (twice) and Sibley (ultimately for the goal) in identical positions as 10s on the half turn, from line breaking passes and all three times resulted in low crosses into the box from overlapping full backs, that could’ve been goal chances…even for the goal, forget it was an own goal…Hutchinson and Esobele were close and one of them would’ve scored even if the ball had been slightly misplaced (nos in the box). Add to that, McDonald played a lovely ball down the sides for Baldock who could’ve scored or I think he may have tried to play across goal where we had a player at the far post for a tap in….again midfield players in the box…then we have the gaping open goal from Baldock following more good interplay and movement around the box.
Realistically they only looked like scoring twice and the pen was soft at best, whereas we could’ve easily scored 5/6 or even 7. Had we come away with a 4-1 win we’d all be jumping up and down about how we could be ok…..let alone if we’d scored more!!!
Im not stupid, clearly we need players and clearly the end result was a loss and championship games will be a different kettle of fish but I feel we’re getting carried away and that’s not good whether it be over positive or over negative. 
Finally I think Aluko is a wasted registration. He doesn’t offer anymore than some of the youngsters we have who can play that role (Esobele / Sibley / Hutchinson - maybe in that order). Carroll offers much the same as Bird. Bird is ours and come through our academy why bin him off for a 1 season pay day like Carroll? I’d see Watson as this type too so I’d happily have him as Birds back up as opposed to Bird being Carrolls back up?
Personally I’d push for 3 of the 4 signings to be centre backs to build an experienced base from. The top end of the pitch and the top end of the midfield areas don’t concern me too much.

If we can’t sign these trialists - and it sounds like the length of contract and / or the wages are the problem that to me rules out Morrison and Carroll in particular and possibly Stearman and Aluku. 

Id get Wisdom and Davis onboard now, along with Jagielka (who surely isn’t expecting more than one year deals at his age?) That gives us experience to build from and cover for each of them who will undoubtedly need it in a position that requires know how.
Id be happier with Sibley playing over Aluku who has flattered to deceive and as well as Morrison played v Man U he was frustrating today and I’m not sure we are going to be the sort of side that can accommodate both him and Tom Lawrence (who was ominously quiet today when he needed to get the game by the scruff) anyway.
Baldock IMO isnt going to offer anymore than Stretton is and so id use the one other spot available to search for a suitable replacement / cover for CKR preferably in the same mould so it doesn’t change how we play too much when one or other is playing. Noticeable today that it was far harder for our midfield to link up with the forward once CKR had come off….we need that focal point. 

All I would say is I did mention how difficult league 1/2 is when discussing how difficult it can be for young players to drop into it on loan from Prem or Champ sides…..
In all it was a good pre season challenge. Physically demanding in terms of energy and combativeness. Not the result a fan would want but a game a manager probably appreciates as needed or useful. 
I wouldn’t read too much into it it worry too much about it.

All I would say is I did mention how difficult league 1/2 is when discussing how difficult it can be for young players to drop into it on loan from Prem or Champ sides…..
In all it was a good pre season challenge. Physically demanding in terms of energy and combativeness. Not the result a fan would want but a game a manager probably appreciates as needed or useful. 
I wouldn’t read too much into it it worry too much about it.

He wants to do well with this club. Why is that so hard to believe, we all love the club.

If we can’t sign these trialists - and it sounds like the length of contract and / or the wages are the problem that to me rules out Morrison and Carroll in particular and possibly Stearman and Aluku. 

Id get Wisdom and Davis onboard now, along with Jagielka (who surely isn’t expecting more than one year deals at his age?) That gives us experience to build from and cover for each of them who will undoubtedly need it in a position that requires know how.
Id be happier with Sibley playing over Aluku who has flattered to deceive and as well as Morrison played v Man U he was frustrating today and I’m not sure we are going to be the sort of side that can accommodate both him and Tom Lawrence (who was ominously quiet today when he needed to get the game by the scruff) anyway.
Baldock IMO isnt going to offer anymore than Stretton is and so id use the one other spot available to search for a suitable replacement / cover for CKR preferably in the same mould so it doesn’t change how we play too much when one or other is playing. Noticeable today that it was far harder for our midfield to link up with the forward once CKR had come off….we need that focal point. 

All I would say is I did mention how difficult league 1/2 is when discussing how difficult it can be for young players to drop into it on loan from Prem or Champ sides…..
In all it was a good pre season challenge. Physically demanding in terms of energy and combativeness. Not the result a fan would want but a game a manager probably appreciates as needed or useful. 
I wouldn’t read too much into it it worry too much about it.

First of all you can’t ‘get rid’ of anyone. Second of all you can’t just release players who are under contract. There is such a thing as a contract so unless the player agrees to a mutually agreeable pay off or another club actually wants them and they agree to leave they won’t be going anywhere.
I actually can’t believe that people think the solution is to ‘get rid’ of young players without considering the legalities of that let alone the logistics of it.

? to be honest I knew exactly what you meant by it, a back up CF is more important than a back up winger which I agree with

He played 40 times for Southend mainly in league 1 as a teenager…which is probably the main reason we bought him…so we can hardly claim that as harsh or unjust for him to be included in the ‘professional standing’ list. 

For me Aluko is a waste of a signing if it’s limited to 4. He looks to me as someone who will only operate as a right sided winger and he’ll only be behind Joz in the pecking order. 
If it’s 4 from 8 it can’t afford to be someone who’s not an automatic starter…..for me if Joz is injured we’d have Sibley in that role.
Curtis is nailed on as is Morrison so I’d expect it to be those two plus Baldock as a back up striker who can also play wide and Jagielka.

But what if we loan some players out won't that help?
 
 
 
?

????? FFS I feel like Bill Murray!!!!
 

As mentioned many times before, loaning out players does not free up a space to bring another player in

This thread goes round in circles ?
I'm sure some people don't bother reading other people's comments only their own.

First of all you can’t ‘get rid’ of anyone. Second of all you can’t just release players who are under contract. There is such a thing as a contract so unless the player agrees to a mutually agreeable pay off or another club actually wants them and they agree to leave they won’t be going anywhere.
I actually can’t believe that people think the solution is to ‘get rid’ of young players without considering the legalities of that let alone the logistics of it.