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Post by rideintothesun on Mar 16, 2024 17:26:14 GMT
Ageing defenders - all prone to long-term injuries... and all signed by JB Injuries to Connor Taylor & Grant Ward Aaron Collins sold Having said this - at the moment - this season is still better than last. The main problem is that our expectations were raised unreasonably by the previous regime. It sounds strange, but if you are going to lose 5-0 at any point in the season, now is the time to do it. The season is basically over and it will hopefully deliver a firm wake-up call for the manager, the players and our directors. Interesting you mention Collins, as I believe around half the transfer fee was then invested in Conteh. Under previous regimes, this was unheard of. For example, after selling Roberts and Cureton for around 2.25 million, Holloway was given around 350,000-450-000 to buy new players. Let's hope that the board continue this trend and that Taylor is given the backing he needs. There is also a lot of deadwood that needs to be offloaded, and I wouldn't register an interest in any of the loan players and would look to drastically reduce the number of loan players next season, and go back to only loaning players that could potentially turn into long-term signings. Two cardinal rules: no more ageing players with extensive injury histories to paper over cracks and no more embryonic loan goalkeepers from the PL. |
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phil74
Joined: October 2018
Posts: 354
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Post by phil74 on Mar 16, 2024 17:28:29 GMT
Ageing defenders - all prone to long-term injuries... and all signed by JB Injuries to Connor Taylor & Grant Ward Aaron Collins sold Having said this - at the moment - this season is still better than last. The main problem is that our expectations were raised unreasonably by the previous regime. It sounds strange, but if you are going to lose 5-0 at any point in the season, now is the time to do it. The season is basically over and it will hopefully deliver a firm wake-up call for the manager, the players and our directors. Interesting you mention Collins, as I believe around half the transfer fee was then invested in Conteh. Under previous regimes, this was unheard of. For example, after selling Roberts and Cureton for around 2.25 million, Holloway was given around 350,000-450-000 to buy new players. Let's hope that the board continue this trend and that Taylor is given the backing he needs. There is also a lot of deadwood that needs to be offloaded, and I wouldn't register an interest in any of the loan players and would look to drastically reduce the number of loan players next season, and go back to only loaning players that could potentially turn into long-term signings. Two cardinal rules: no more ageing players with extensive injury histories to paper over cracks and no more embryonic loan goalkeepers from the PL. Out of interest, who do you see as the "dead wood" in the squad? |
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Post by rideintothesun on Mar 16, 2024 17:45:34 GMT
It sounds strange, but if you are going to lose 5-0 at any point in the season, now is the time to do it. The season is basically over and it will hopefully deliver a firm wake-up call for the manager, the players and our directors. Interesting you mention Collins, as I believe around half the transfer fee was then invested in Conteh. Under previous regimes, this was unheard of. For example, after selling Roberts and Cureton for around 2.25 million, Holloway was given around 350,000-450-000 to buy new players. Let's hope that the board continue this trend and that Taylor is given the backing he needs. There is also a lot of deadwood that needs to be offloaded, and I wouldn't register an interest in any of the loan players and would look to drastically reduce the number of loan players next season, and go back to only loaning players that could potentially turn into long-term signings. Two cardinal rules: no more ageing players with extensive injury histories to paper over cracks and no more embryonic loan goalkeepers from the PL. Out of interest, who do you see as the "dead wood" in the squad? It might be easier to say who I think isn't! First, I should clarify that 'dead wood' doesn't mean they are terrible players, but more that I don't see them as making a major positive contribution going forward. The perennially injured Friend is the most obvious one, but I believe he is being moved upstairs. Wilson has not contributed in the way I hoped and expected. Hunt is injured far too often. Grant likewise and I think has struggled to make the step up. Marquis has disappointed with a poor goal return and appears to think he is much better than he actually is. Sinclair has done reasonably well but needs to be moved on. Finley I see as a relic of the Barton era. Rossiter cannot be retained because of his injury record. Grant Ward is a good player but cannot be relied upon and him coming in and out of the team is disruptive. Gibbons has been a big disappointment after Port Vale fans made him sound like Cafu. McCormick is a player I like, but has not reached the required level and has ongoing injury issues. Greenslade and Lawrence either need to be given a chance in the remaining games or be moved on. None of the loan players have done enough to consider registering a future interest - in fact, the returns from the loan players (in particular Ryan Woods) have been one of the main disappointments for me. Hoole and Gordon would largely be retained on the basis of potential, and would only receive one-year contracts. |
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phil74
Joined: October 2018
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Post by phil74 on Mar 16, 2024 18:07:37 GMT
Out of interest, who do you see as the "dead wood" in the squad? It might be easier to say who I think isn't! First, I should clarify that 'dead wood' doesn't mean they are terrible players, but more that I don't see them as making a major positive contribution going forward. The perennially injured Friend is the most obvious one, but I believe he is being moved upstairs. Wilson has not contributed in the way I hoped and expected. Hunt is injured far too often. Grant likewise and I think has struggled to make the step up. Marquis has disappointed with a poor goal return and appears to think he is much better than he actually is. Sinclair has done reasonably well but needs to be moved on. Finley I see as a relic of the B***** era. Rossiter cannot be retained because of his injury record. Grant Ward is a good player but cannot be relied upon and him coming in and out of the team is disruptive. Gibbons has been a big disappointment after Port Vale fans made him sound like Cafu. McCormick is a player I like, but has not reached the required level and has ongoing injury issues. Greenslade and Lawrence either need to be given a chance in the remaining games or be moved on. None of the loan players have done enough to consider registering a future interest - in fact, the returns from the loan players (in particular Ryan Woods) have been one of the main disappointments for me. Hoole and Gordon would largely be retained on the basis of potential, and would only receive one-year contracts. I agree with you in each case. Finley in particular. We're now starting to see the real legacy of recruitment under JB - we were sold one thing and got another (and the main protagonist is now long gone). Echoes of Boris Johnson in that regard. |
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Post by Colyton Gas. on Mar 16, 2024 18:18:31 GMT
Mediocrity both on and off the pitch.
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harrybuckle
Always look on the bright side
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 5,567 
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Post by harrybuckle on Mar 16, 2024 18:31:00 GMT
Finley in post match interview conceded lot going on with non activity on new contracts.
I'm sure most of them already know whose contracts expire won't be renewed so little point in them competing despite his assurance as captain that his professional pride won't allow him not to try.
The fact is the fast majority of Barton signings were talked up and have not delivered consistently. Taylor knows this and constantly hints at it.
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Post by o2o2bo2ba on Mar 16, 2024 18:33:03 GMT
Just got back..
From a near perfect iFollow..
Just one word:
Embarrassing.
Shame on you privileged few that exposed our near 400 that trekked to that display.
I find it disgusting.
You live a privileged life, doing what you love, and you can't be professional enough to put in an effort to run and jump when required.
Shower of sh!t.
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darloGas
Joined November 2014
Joined: August 2023
Posts: 199
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Post by darloGas on Mar 16, 2024 18:35:44 GMT
It might be easier to say who I think isn't! First, I should clarify that 'dead wood' doesn't mean they are terrible players, but more that I don't see them as making a major positive contribution going forward. The perennially injured Friend is the most obvious one, but I believe he is being moved upstairs. Wilson has not contributed in the way I hoped and expected. Hunt is injured far too often. Grant likewise and I think has struggled to make the step up. Marquis has disappointed with a poor goal return and appears to think he is much better than he actually is. Sinclair has done reasonably well but needs to be moved on. Finley I see as a relic of the B***** era. Rossiter cannot be retained because of his injury record. Grant Ward is a good player but cannot be relied upon and him coming in and out of the team is disruptive. Gibbons has been a big disappointment after Port Vale fans made him sound like Cafu. McCormick is a player I like, but has not reached the required level and has ongoing injury issues. Greenslade and Lawrence either need to be given a chance in the remaining games or be moved on. None of the loan players have done enough to consider registering a future interest - in fact, the returns from the loan players (in particular Ryan Woods) have been one of the main disappointments for me. Hoole and Gordon would largely be retained on the basis of potential, and would only receive one-year contracts. I agree with you in each case. Finley in particular. We're now starting to see the real legacy of recruitment under JB - we were sold one thing and got another (and the main protagonist is now long gone). Echoes of Boris Johnson in that regard. Puffed up and overpraised. |
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bluetornados
Predictions League
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 16, 2024 18:54:20 GMT
Match Stats: Lincoln 5 BRFC 0 - Possession: 40% - 60% - Shots: 18-16 - On Target: 7-6 - Corners: 8-4 - Referee: Scott Simpson - Attendance: 9,392 (387 away)
i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article9170674.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/0_GettyImages-2082108760.jpg
Lincoln City score against Bristol RoversFlying Lincoln continued their play-off push with a fine 5-0 victory over Bristol Rovers. The free-scoring Imps made it 16 goals in their last three games with captain Paudie O'Connor's first goal since August and Luton loanee Joe Taylor's maiden professional hat-trick. Anthony Evans missed a penalty on an afternoon to forget for Rovers and Reeco Hackett rounded off the scoring. The game was effectively over as a contest as the hosts raced 3-0 up inside the first 23 minutes. Defender O'Connor rose highest to head home Danny Mandroiu's delightful corner and Taylor scored for the third game running when he nodded home Lasse Sorensen's cross in the 19th minute. He doubled his tally four minutes later as he coolly slotted home Lincoln's third. Down the other end Lukas Jensen, who earlier denied Chris Martin at 1-0, produced a good save to keep out Jevani Brown with his legs. Taylor made it 20 for the season with a dink before Evans fired his penalty wide of the mark. Ethan Erhahon saw red for a second booking but Hackett added gloss late on, meaning Lincoln are two points off sixth place after stretching their unbeaten run to 13 games. Match report supplied by PA Media
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 16, 2024 18:55:46 GMT
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bluetornados
Predictions League
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 16, 2024 19:03:55 GMT
Matt Taylor on today's defeat..by Daniel Hargraves.i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article9156807.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_3569352.jpg"Started the game so poorly. Some diabolic moments defending, parts to play in the goals, 3-0 down after that short amount of time. We didn't seem ready for that in terms of the brightness and speed of the game. I think the script was set in terms of what to expect from the opposition but we just couldn't match it. In all honesty, it looked like some couldn't match it and some didn't quite have it in their minds to try to match it enough." "You only damage yourself by playing like that. You only damage your own futures. Clarity is all I need going forward and that's told me a little bit more about the personnel today." Matt Taylor on the second half"It's the same pattern. We started with a bit more brightness, got to the ball, and then the goals. People will watch the goals on the highlights tonight, I would always advise people to watch the 90 seconds or two minutes beforehand. It's incredible what we put ourselves into certain positions where, above goalkeepers and defenders to take on the instructions. and if it has to go into row Z then so be it rather than in the back of the net or a chance against. It's not just on them because there's other people to play in those moments. "It's so frustrating because I want us to be a certain type of team first before we even start to play the short, sharp, smart passes that we're renowned for. We're also renowned for getting beat and leaking too many goals."
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phil74
Joined: October 2018
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Post by phil74 on Mar 16, 2024 19:29:14 GMT
Finley in post match interview conceded lot going on with non activity on new contracts. I'm sure most of them already know whose contracts expire won't be renewed so little point in them competing despite his assurance as captain that his professional pride won't allow him not to try. The fact is the fast majority of B***** signings were talked up and have not delivered consistently. Taylor knows this and constantly hints at it. Yes, this is exactly what I think. |
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Post by Colyton Gas. on Mar 16, 2024 21:53:08 GMT
Some of that defending was virtually non league stuff.
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Post by chelt_gas on Mar 16, 2024 23:35:59 GMT
I would assume the players signed by Barton also signed for Barton (and his team) and for whatever Barton sold them. It's unlikley they signed for the club. As soon as Taylor changes the remit then some of the players have worked out they are no longer part of the club's future or have already decided the alternative is better.
That's just football but that's why having a good manager is priceless
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knobrot
Joined: December 2023
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Post by knobrot on Mar 17, 2024 10:35:22 GMT
Matt Taylor on today's defeat..by Daniel Hargraves.i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article9156807.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_3569352.jpg"Started the game so poorly. Some diabolic moments defending, parts to play in the goals, 3-0 down after that short amount of time. We didn't seem ready for that in terms of the brightness and speed of the game. I think the script was set in terms of what to expect from the opposition but we just couldn't match it. In all honesty, it looked like some couldn't match it and some didn't quite have it in their minds to try to match it enough." "You only damage yourself by playing like that. You only damage your own futures. Clarity is all I need going forward and that's told me a little bit more about the personnel today." Matt Taylor on the second half"It's the same pattern. We started with a bit more brightness, got to the ball, and then the goals. People will watch the goals on the highlights tonight, I would always advise people to watch the 90 seconds or two minutes beforehand. It's incredible what we put ourselves into certain positions where, above goalkeepers and defenders to take on the instructions. and if it has to go into row Z then so be it rather than in the back of the net or a chance against. It's not just on them because there's other people to play in those moments. "It's so frustrating because I want us to be a certain type of team first before we even start to play the short, sharp, smart passes that we're renowned for. We're also renowned for getting beat and leaking too many goals." The most destructive and divisive interview I’ve seen in many years. Dirty washing aired in public. Clearly contracts are being weaponised with the sword of Damocles hanging over every individual that is out of contract in July. Clearing out Barton’s signings could well result in a schism that will see players of the calibre of Anthony Evans seeking opportunities elsewhere before he gets scapegoated in the same manner. Matt Taylor has dug a pit for himself here that should ‘his team’ not perform to ‘his level’ with expectations beyond the current capabilities of the club not be in the top three by Christmas, he will find himself up to his neck in. |
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oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 7,531
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Post by oldie on Mar 17, 2024 11:11:41 GMT
Matt Taylor on today's defeat..by Daniel Hargraves.i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article9156807.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_3569352.jpg"Started the game so poorly. Some diabolic moments defending, parts to play in the goals, 3-0 down after that short amount of time. We didn't seem ready for that in terms of the brightness and speed of the game. I think the script was set in terms of what to expect from the opposition but we just couldn't match it. In all honesty, it looked like some couldn't match it and some didn't quite have it in their minds to try to match it enough." "You only damage yourself by playing like that. You only damage your own futures. Clarity is all I need going forward and that's told me a little bit more about the personnel today." Matt Taylor on the second half"It's the same pattern. We started with a bit more brightness, got to the ball, and then the goals. People will watch the goals on the highlights tonight, I would always advise people to watch the 90 seconds or two minutes beforehand. It's incredible what we put ourselves into certain positions where, above goalkeepers and defenders to take on the instructions. and if it has to go into row Z then so be it rather than in the back of the net or a chance against. It's not just on them because there's other people to play in those moments. "It's so frustrating because I want us to be a certain type of team first before we even start to play the short, sharp, smart passes that we're renowned for. We're also renowned for getting beat and leaking too many goals." The most destructive and divisive interview I’ve seen in many years. Dirty washing aired in public. Clearly contracts are being weaponised with the sword of Damocles hanging over every individual that is out of contract in July. Clearing out B*****’s signings could well result in a schism that will see players of the calibre of Anthony Evans seeking opportunities elsewhere before he gets scapegoated in the same manner. Matt Taylor has dug a pit for himself here that should ‘his team’ not perform to ‘his level’ with expectations beyond the current capabilities of the club not be in the top three by Christmas, he will find himself up to his neck in. Apart from the fact we just got spanked 5-0 |
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Cheshiregas
Global Moderator
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,979
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Post by Cheshiregas on Mar 17, 2024 14:12:26 GMT
The most destructive and divisive interview I’ve seen in many years. Dirty washing aired in public. Clearly contracts are being weaponised with the sword of Damocles hanging over every individual that is out of contract in July. Clearing out B*****’s signings could well result in a schism that will see players of the calibre of Anthony Evans seeking opportunities elsewhere before he gets scapegoated in the same manner. Matt Taylor has dug a pit for himself here that should ‘his team’ not perform to ‘his level’ with expectations beyond the current capabilities of the club not be in the top three by Christmas, he will find himself up to his neck in. Really?? Where has MT named a single player? Barton was calling out and naming & shaming [his] players; almost destroying Thomas mentally attacking other managers about their shape rather than their tactics; blaming refs, the pitch, the weather, individuals, everyone else but himself, etc etc. I think you must have missed the last few seasons kr! |
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Post by rideintothesun on Mar 17, 2024 14:32:04 GMT
Really?? Where has MT named a single player? B***** was calling out and naming & shaming [his] players; almost destroying Thomas mentally attacking other managers about their shape rather than their tactics; blaming refs, the pitch, the weather, individuals, everyone else but himself, etc etc. I think you must have missed the last few seasons kr! Indeed. At one point I thought Barton was taking bets on what he could get away with in interviews. Comparing a mistake by Nick Anderson to genocide, or making light of his prison terms by breezily commenting that he had been sent to prison for less than what a player got away with, or verbally abusing Luke Thomas in the most cowardly and underhand of ways...Barton was a sack of s*it that dragged our club into the gutter. |
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bluetornados
Predictions League
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Posts: 15,747
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 17, 2024 23:36:28 GMT
Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Lincoln City as Gas ship five to rampant Imps..By Daniel Hargraves.i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article9170689.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-2082109020.jpgJed Ward - 5 Some decent reading of the game and one stand out save but won't be happy with the goals conceded. Now will hopefully have an enjoyable first camp with England U20s. Tristan Crama (off for Luca Hoole 28') - 5 Came into the side but only lasted 28 minutes as Bristol Rovers conceded three early goals. Connor Taylor - 5 Has certainly had better afternoons. Won't want to watch back Lincoln's fifth goal. Elkan Baggott - 5 Same as above really. Can't really warrant anything higher after shipping five goals as a defender. Harvey Vale (off for John Marquis 62') - 5 A difficult afternoon for the left wing-back as was the case for his fellow defenders. A few decent deliveries into the box but they just didn't land. Kamil Conteh - 6 One of Rovers' better players but still nowhere what he's previously produced. Carried the ball up the pitch well. Sam Finley (off for Brandon Aguilera 62') - 5 Another who has played miles better this season. Came close to getting one back with an effort cleared off the line from close range. Jevani Brown (off for James Connolly 28') - 5 Like Crama, the forward came back into the side but didn't last long. Decent chance to score at 3-0 down. Antony Evans - 6 Always looked the most likely to create something of note for the Gas and his slip when taking a penalty at 4-0 down summarises the midfielder's side's afternoon. Scott Sinclair (off for Harry Vaughan 80') - 6 Won the penalty and looked a handful. One of Rovers' better players on a tough afternoon. Chris Martin - 6 You would have backed the striker to score at 1-0 when threaded through nine times out of ten but Lukas Jensen made his first save of an excellent afternoon. Substitutes:James Connolly (on 28') - 5 Rovers enjoyed a bit more stability for the remainder of the first half after the defender came on but Lincoln turned it up a gear once again in the second. Luca Hoole (on 28') - 5 Surprised to see the right-back benched after Tuesday, would assume it was for freshness. Hard to argue that the right-back made a considerable difference. Brandon Aguilera (on 62') - 6 A few bright spells on the ball and involved in the build-up to the penalty decision. The hope will be he doesn't pick up an injury while away with Costa Rica. John Marquis (on 62') - 5 Used his physicality as Rovers tried to get a goal back but that also saw a foul or two conceded. Harry Vaughan (on 80') - N/A Came on late with the game already done.
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bluetornados
Predictions League
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 17, 2024 23:47:54 GMT
Bristol Rovers verdict: Gas do themselves no favours as decisive post-season period nears closer..By Daniel Hargraves.i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article9171333.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-2082112605.jpgThere's a lot that can be said on the back of Bristol Rovers' heaviest defeat of the season but, frankly, most of it has been said far too often all season. Saturday's 5-0 loss at Lincoln City highlighted the issues on and off the pitch that the Gas currently face with the overriding factor being that everything just points towards the prospect of a hectic summer. Lincoln were excellent, that has to be said, and came into the game on absolutely rampant form. It was evident why they've had such success since the turn of the year under Michael Skubala with a packed home crowd making a racket and the players in red-and-white playing with a level of intensity that was at least one gear above anything Rovers have reached in 2024 so far. However, Matt Taylor and co. knew exactly what was coming which makes the performance and result particularly damning because, despite being well aware of what to expect, they still couldn't come close to containing the Imps. It does also have to be said that the Gas had chances and good ones at that with Chris Martin being denied by a decent Lukas Jensen save at 1-0 a real pivotal moment. If the ball had found its way into the net instead of stinging the palms of the Lincoln goalkeeper, who was impressive, then who knows what sort of discussion we would be having post-match. However, it is getting tedious now having to say the same thing, even more so for Taylor and his players. 'Constant theme' is a phrase that continuously gets thrown around by the Rovers manager and that theme remains to be in effect with Rovers still finding it impossible to string any sort of consistency together. Having sung the team's praises after a resilient effort to keep a clean sheet away at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night, just four days later a 5-0 defeat was being discussed which is a contrast of serious starkness. Yes the opposition can come into consideration but we've said all season that this League One crop isn't anything to loudly shout home about and really there's actually not a considerable gap between the vast majority of sides in the division. Probably the biggest positive of the defeat is the fact that Rovers are now out of action for 13 days which says everything that needs to be said about the situation they currently find themselves in. So, what can we take away from the latest and quite possibly the most damning instalment of a season that every supporter seems desperate to see the back of? i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article9171336.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_GettyImages-2082111764.jpgAntony Evans slips taking a penalty for Bristol Rovers Regardless of their leakiness at the back, this team have always been able to score goals. They went 23 consecutive games scoring at least one between September and January and so quality in the final third hasn't been an immediate issue that Taylor had to fix when coming in. The focus was, and always has been, mainly directed towards the back end of the unit. However, this is a very odd scenario where you can't suggest that attacking play is being sacrificed in a sense for more solidity at the back because Rovers had, at the very least, three excellent chances to score with Lincoln's xG only slightly superior at 1.86 to the Gas' 1.45. Additionally, the Pirates had 16 shots with six on target compared to the Imps' 18 with seven. That means Taylor's side have now gone 36 shots (15 on target) without scoring over the past three games and one goal in four certainly suggests a dry spell. What that failure to score comes down to is tough to put a finger on and it would be considerably more of a concern if the opportunities weren't being carved out. It's just a case of being less clinical and, again, who knows how the game might have played out had one of the earlier chances been converted. It depends who you ask and the situation itself but it generally seems that having a long period of time until the next game after a defeat is a frustration for players because the loss dwells on the mind for longer and they don't have an opportunity to swiftly bounce back. Annoyingly, the worst result of the season will leave a bitter taste in the mouth for longer than any loss previously this campaign but, on the face of it, the break comes at the perfect time. Not only does it give those currently on the side lines an opportunity to get themselves closer to a return but it will also hand players and staff a much-needed bit of time away from each other which Taylor admitted is needed. An extended period of time off can only benefit this group given where they currently find themselves, especially ahead of what is going to be an insanely congested period of eight games in 30 days to round off the campaign. You never want to wish away a season because ultimately when it gets to June everyone is itching for club football to return again but it's tough to get excited about the final eight matches. All that can be asked for is some memorable performances and a couple of decent results at the very least with players playing with pride before they put the flip flops on.
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