tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53783289569767135942024-03-18T21:35:26.621-07:00Mike's (Valley) MeanderingsNever 10 years ahead of my time, this represents a late start to 'Bloggers' Paradise.
However, I will boldly go where thousands have dropped their toe in the ocean before.
Themes at creation were intended to be personal reminiscences about life to date (taking in South London, later college days, old time buddies, family, our holiday travels and my beloved Charlton).
However, time is generally too tight to cover all that so the focus is steadfastly on the Addicks!Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-35979615238763896652012-11-17T10:53:00.000-08:002012-11-18T02:06:31.801-08:003 Well Earned Points May Herald a Change of FortuneA good win in the bleak surroundings of Turf Moor may preface a change of fortune.<br />
I had my doubts when Jackson missed a penalty and we found ourselves playing 10 men, which can always backfire unexpectedly.However, the side stuck at it and were rewarded with what looks like a reasonable cushion emerging between us and the relegation zone and, amazingly, now within striking distance of the play-offs.<br />
On the negative side, Stephens who has seen an upsurge in form is reportedly down with a sickness and Hollands, who I believe is still capable of doing a job for us, is off on loan with a permanent move a possibility.<br />
However, we have drafted in a new experienced midfielder in Jonson; a young player, Ashton, looking to build a career and there are rumours of a loan spell or more for Gunner Frimpong who could be quite a catch (subject to fitness). With Devite putting in some good performances and able to provide cover for midfield and the back four CP may soon have an embarrassment of choice.<br />
Upfront, Hulse is proving a solid old fashioned target man who is prepared to graft and I am pleased to see that Haynes has been given the opportunity to shine. He has continued his impressive run. At last we have someone who can take on a defender and beat him and show a real turn of speed and even put it into the back of the net!<br />
With Kermorant on the way back to fitness (and Wiggins too) then CP will have some interesting selection choices to make.<br />
If we could manage 4 or 6 points from our next two home games then things could begin to get quite interesting. It would also make me feel less morose about the impending Dec 1st fixture away to local rivals Millwall. For those who go back as far as the bad old days of the Kent County Challenge Cup at the Old Den there is always a foreboding about this fixture. We rarely seemed to get much out of it though good old Kim Grant's winner some years ago broke the trend if I recall. To go into this fixture on a good run of results might just drain some of the confidence of the Lions/ spanners.Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-56460273866304692912012-11-07T04:39:00.001-08:002012-11-07T04:44:59.463-08:00Welcome Win (and Relief for all)<div style="background-color: black; color: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Rampant depression set in early at the Valley when we gifted two early goals to Cardiff and played without any conviction for most of the first half.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Cardiff looked another very neat one-touch team like several others who have caused us grief at the Valley this season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">To combat the problematic left back position CP reverted to playing Morrison there (the first time since this failed at Stevenage last season). That enabled Solly to try his hand again at left back after Kerkar’s previous appearance there looked doomed to failure. Devite took over at centre back, though his first half performance in the air was unconvincing. The situation was crying out for Morrison to marshal the centre of defence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">But what a transformation we were to witness. Jackson took advantage of the keeper losing an aerial duel with Huilse (in my opinion there was nothing wrong with Hulse’s challenge: about time the 200% protection of keepers came to an end anyway). Jackson followed this up with a piercing header from close range that the Cardiff defence somehow let come through. Jackson had the cool head to score these goals but still did not do enough to merit his place in my book. Though the general feeling seems to be that Hollands lacks the required pace (perhaps influenced by his close season surgery) he would contribute more in overall terms to the side than Jackson right now.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Cardiff were stunned in the second half by the home side’s transformation, showing a willingness to chase everything (personified by Pritchard’s, Stevens and Hulse’s unselfish running and tackling). Devite’s performance in the second half improved as he seemed to win more and more in the air and with some strong tackling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Stephen’s powerful free kick goal from 40 yards was a peach, it looked like a bit of a fluke, though he came near to scoring in a similar way in a previous home game. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huilse scored a great header from a great cross.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">However, the goal for me was Haynes acrobatic leap after Pritchard had crossed after winning the ball from a seemingly hopeless position. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Haynes was my main proposed change in the side. I have always felt that he has the speed and ability to stamp his mark on the team. Unfortunately, he is also injury prone and I hope his departure was due to a painful knock rather than resulting in another injury enforced long period on the sidelines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The hard earned lead was nearly thrown away at the and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when our overall fragility was once again exposed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I’m not sure whether we were just plan knackered or whether we had paid the penalty yet again of falling back and inviting the other side to go at us, on this occasion trying to hold on to a safe lead. <span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">A point at Bristol would ease tings on all fronts a little.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Pity a fine result was marred by good results from Millwall and Palace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">(<span g-spell-original="Postcript">Postscript</span>: though it was good to see a number of <span g-spell-original="inexpereinced">inexperienced</span> youngsters on the <span g-spell-original="benchm">bench</span>, I couldn't quite see the logic of this with Cook presumably anticipating another <span g-spell-original="opportuni">opportunity </span>to impress).</span></div>
Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-42902162106600813032012-09-12T07:18:00.004-07:002012-09-13T08:43:20.285-07:00Pity Jon Cannot be ThereI wish Jon Fortune all the best at Barnet.<br />
However, his move rules out the possibility of participation in our pre-match warm up and heading firmly into the goal. <br />
I was day dreaming the other day and pictured that possibility and the volume of home crowd cheering he would receive. <br />
However, the mere thought is perhaps scurrilous given the probable atmosphere on the evening, (or is it?)Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-16162066513863600022012-06-06T02:48:00.003-07:002012-06-06T02:52:22.469-07:00The Red Devil Round things up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLaU8bwwW8MnU1UtoJjY6PrH2uXCeBTvvRJ4dlMKDx5W_cQl9tpn9vZopXAKVIfb5IhoG9Cb5hMTPxuoYNcCy_xcIY2P8EQUWWmYK4SLGFktSM1xQb1iu74w35wRgHh67EYGaFp5B2bc/s1600/DSCF2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLaU8bwwW8MnU1UtoJjY6PrH2uXCeBTvvRJ4dlMKDx5W_cQl9tpn9vZopXAKVIfb5IhoG9Cb5hMTPxuoYNcCy_xcIY2P8EQUWWmYK4SLGFktSM1xQb1iu74w35wRgHh67EYGaFp5B2bc/s320/DSCF2217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Red Devils and the crews of the Spitfires and other veteran WWII aircraft provided a great spectacle yesterday to wind up the Diamond Jubilee, and a fitting encore to the show we had at the Valley against Hartlepool.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We set off yesterday to London with great hopes to savour as much as posssible and absorb the celebaratory atmosphere. However, the record-breaking crowds (and slightly over the top closures of roads) all but overwhelmed central London.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St James and Green Parks were closed at various times and we could get nowhere near the Mall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The spirit of the occassion cannot be denied and everybody seemed to be in good spirits despite the typical Bank Holiday weather. There was little evidence of over-indulgence in the pubs (at least during the day) as everyone seemed to grasp the occassion without the need to become legless.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The event and the fly-through at the end brought a bit of a lump in the throat and the 'Proud to be British' feeling back, to top up the already 'Proud to be CAFC' euphoria.It was all a good brief interlude before we get back to sorting out the financial problems of the nation and the woes elsewhere else in the world (which I trust we will not directly aim to interfere with).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Us die hard 'addicted' have not had too much to talk about with little solid transfer speculation and the club seemingly keeping everything close to their chest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I note that the CAFCPICKS site is giving pundits the opportunity to identify various rumours; at last count there were over 20 'Ins and Outs' identified.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not that familar with most of the players identified apart from their pen pictures, though a couple have put ion good performances against us this season.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems that we are not interested in signing </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dany
N'Guessan, whom I assume we have decided may not be up to the Championship, even though he put in some good performances for us. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Martin Waghorn is on the list: I was impressed with his attitude when he was on loan. At the time he was a bit fragile but has probably matured physically since then and also gained</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">valuable experience so perhaps he could be a serious option now. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another loanee, Greg Halford, is on the list. He was not that popular with us but showed that he was a good attacking full back so he could provide, at least, cover for Chris Solly (and even permit us to experiment with Solly in midfield). However, if the option existed the return of Richardson from Southampton would be ideal.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The club's apparent strong interest in bolstering midfield is in line with most of my immediate fellow fans who pinpointed the lack of an incisive attacking midfielder as a weakness. Whether Stephens can fulfill that role, if he can now stay clear of injury, is anyone's guess. However, on the basis that club will probably wish to balance the books it seems likely that if they get one or more of the midfielders they are rumoured to be interested in then some existing players may be on the brink of leaving. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At most risk would seem to be Wagstaffe and Green, and it has even been speculated that Stephens may not figure though I think he could come into his own in the Championship. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of greater concern to me is that Hollands is rewarded and retained for his 100% effort and grit. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up front, I hope that Haynes and Kermit get the opportunity to forge a striking partnership with BWP in there fighting for a place. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I imagine things will start hotting up as we approach July. The quality of players that we move for will indicate the ambition, bravery and realism of the management who have served us well so far.</span></span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-24325344969136933442012-04-02T03:20:00.001-07:002012-04-04T05:32:19.057-07:00Our Charlton PeerI noticed an obituary On Monday on <span style="color: red;">Lord Wedderburn of Charlton</span> who passed away age 84 on March 9th and thought it worthy of some investigation. <br />
He was born in Deptford, where I and a number of other fellow season ticket holders were school chums and, like us, chose to support CAFC and not the equidistant Millwall.<br />
When it comes to politics, we are all entitled to different views and unless you are 100% left wing it’s unlikely that you would agree with many of his views and the principles that he consistently stood up for (including opposing draft legislation on union strike ballots). <br />
Politics aside, he was a lawyer with recognised expertise in industrial and union legislation, had a conviction dating back many years that EC membership weakened Britain’s sovereignty, was a visiting professor at UCLA and Harvard in the ‘60’s (no mean feat alone) and a professor at the LSE (to crown his left wing credentials).<br />
His list of achievements is many and diverse. <br />
When made a Lord in 1977 he opted for a title that reflected his lifelong support of our club, so he stole the thunder from all you budding Lords of the realm with CAFC affiliations.<br />
It’s a pity that he will not be here to see the run-in but let’s hope we can reward his lifelong support with some end of season glory. <br />
It’s gong to be a potential cliff hanger but if we can keep on collecting the points, despite indifferent form, then it augurs well. <br />
A toast to the old chap on getting there will seem in order.Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-66462531161709797512012-03-10T13:09:00.000-08:002012-03-10T13:09:38.072-08:00THE THIN ICE CRACKS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most objective CAFC fans accept that our form has been poor of late (i.e. the last 2-3 months). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would all liked to have seen the side demonstrate the quality and style that a top of the table team normally does but while the points have kept comin' in we have been happy to take them and laud the side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, during this lean patch of form it's been obvious that we have been skating on thin ice. Indeed, some opposition sides have termed us a lucky side which has been fortunate to amass the points we have so far. Certainly the ice has cracked in the last two home games and should have done at Bournemouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is also truth in the old saying that a team that keeps playing badly yet still wins has the hallmark of a champion side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I don't go along with either view. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, we have done well to collect the points we have when we have been playing so poorly and inconsistently over the last few months. The side has shown true grit in coming away from games, e.g. Bournemouth, Sheffield United and MK DONs away, when we have been outplayed for large chunks of the game. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, there has some luck in quite a few games where we have come away with the points.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even wins against lowly sides, have rarely exuded any real style and panache and there has been a reliance on set piece goals too often.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cracks on the ice have slowly been coming over the last couple of months. The midfield has been hard working, personified by Hollands, yet has shown little creativeness and, other than Hollands, little enthusiasm to go in for crunching 50/50 tackles, all to obvious at Bournemouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green was left out this week; I have no idea whether he was injured but he deserved to be dropped if only to give Haynes a decent chance. Yet, when Haynes gets his chance we lose him in the first 10 minutes when he has hardly, if at all, kicked the ball. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our only other option was Wagstaffe and I'm afraid his performance today showed why CP has been overlooking him. Stephens has promised so much, as commented upon in the last post, but like Green is failing to deliver. Whether both are just going through a bad patch or just do not have what It takes I am not sure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apart from his hat trick up at Chesterfield, BWP continues to be off colour and, as I have said before, if he is not scoring goals he, like a Green also in bad form, almost become passengers we can ill afford to carry. God knows what the problem is with Haynes; let's hope it is short term. I would have been tempted to play him in the middle instead of BWP as he looks more dangerous there than on the wing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not jumping on the bandwagon to call for Hamer's head. Maybe he could have got nearer the shot to his right hand corner and I am not sure whether he should have got out to cut out the cross for their headed goal. However, the other two were poor defencive errors and Taylor must bare some blame. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for Taylor coming up for corners, he has yet to win a ball decisively in the air and I wish he would stay back in defence and let our forwards and Morrison fight for the ball. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morrison has been magnificent and is surely a future skipper, if we can hold onto him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That leaves us with a tricky game at Scunthorpe ( we need a point at least) and a must win home game against Yeovil. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we fail to get points out of this game confidence will ebb further and we could be on the beginning of a bad run which could threaten all that has gone before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suspect that CP may field the same side next week but if no points are forthcoming he should then seriously consider some changes. Perhaps Haynes will be fit again, so could be given another chance. Maybe Pritchard might add some sparkle to midfield which is so badly needed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we must do is stop this skating on thin ice and put together a side that has confidence, style and the ability to impose itself convincingly over other sides, especially those near the bottom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next 2 fixtures fit into that category so I hope we can pull it off.</span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-62137970061537294852012-03-07T05:05:00.000-08:002012-03-07T05:05:11.723-08:00Tarnished by Freak Goal and Predictable Error<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a better performance than at Bournemouth game when we came away with 3 largely undeserved points.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The writing was on the wall within the first 7 minutes when a cracking long range shot was fired in by Colchester. The power of the shot and the movement on the ball were freakish to an extent and although it was reported as "giving Hamer no chance" you still felt he might have got a bit nearer it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A fair number of chance were made which were not taken, BWP again pushed 3 half chances wide and Jackson finished off the best move of the game with a powerful shot that was rising all the way just over the bar. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I am old fashioned but since FIFA landed the game with a ball that more resembles a beach ball than a football in order to "make the game more exciting" we have been 'treated' to excessive bending of shots and balls blasting wide and over the bar that previously would have gone straight into the net. The supposed skills of the modern player to bend shots and free kicks are certainly present but bare no comparison to the likes of Puskas and the Brazilian stars of the past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game was killed off when Hamer unnecessarily hesitated clearing the ball, trying to do too much on the ball; and it rebounded off an attackedr into the goal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It would be too generous to say that this was a once-off as it nearly happened earler on and I can recall at least 3 other occasions earlier in the season when he cut it far too fine in similar circumstances. One can only hope he learns from this debacle and/or a real drubbiing from the coaching staff. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to the game: even though the performance was an improvement on B'mouth, there are still chinks in the armoury that need to be addressed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BWP is still off colour and in shoulder shrugging mood; if he is not scoring, his overall contribution is questionable: he is still not getting as close to Kormorant as he needs to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green is still turning in a string of mediocre performances and is in a rut. A few good crosses and the odd spectacular effort is not good enough alone to justify his place. Giving Haynes the odd ten minutes does little for him or the side: he deserves to be given a better chance to see what he can do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wagstaff could also challenge especially as he provides better support from Solly; if he could cross the ball regularly than he would really be challenging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, we are still lacking creativity in midfield. Hollands does a great job but that is not his primary role. Stephens is no doubt a talented player but cannot tackle, gets caught with the ball far too often and goes sideways rather then forward with the least provocation, though sometimes due to lack of running off the ball by the strikers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was sad to watch a small group of young fans chanting the usual rubbish after the game on the way up Floyd Road and adding "Charlton's support is a load of s**t" to their impressive repertoire. We can do without their "support".</span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-67885945842149149652012-02-28T13:52:00.000-08:002012-02-28T13:52:46.629-08:00CHUBBY CHECKER SAID IT: "LET'S TWIST AGAIN!"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>What a great evening night alongsiode the twisted spire: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>BWP back with a bang (3 goals) and 3 points , and Jackson back on the sheet.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AND: After being 0-2 down,<strong> a magnificent fight back by Stevenage</strong> to 2-2 to strip Huddersfield of 2 important points in their chase. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Heads up for Bournemouth.</strong></span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-60625742476918993792012-02-28T03:50:00.002-08:002012-02-28T03:52:41.386-08:00NEED TO AVOID ANY TWISTS TO THE PLOT<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The town with the crooked spire (and some good beer) has a pleasant centre and supports a team that have had a poor season but are threatening a comeback. Tonight's objective is to quell that comeback, ideally with a win but a point might just do. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This game and Saturday's at Bournemouith both poses potential banana skins. Both sides are in reasonably good form, especially Bournemouth who have done creditably well with a play -off challenge after losing many of their best players (inc. Roy Wiggins). Francis has gone in the opposite direction and appears to be doing well, so we must avoid the "old player scores against his former club" tradition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chesterfield have a new ground (I have not been there, but passed it on the way to Sheff United earlier in the season). My guess is that it will be more spacious and less challenging than the more closed in, close to the pitch pressure boiler of thew previous stadium; hope so.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We go into the game after a great performance against a Stevenage side on a very good run. However, whilst we could have scored 6 or more if BWP had been at his best, let's not forget that Stevenage had around 3 good chances (and a shout for a penalty in the opening minutes). Even though we are in such great form, we still give the other side openings that sooner or later they will take to good effect. So it would be good to really close down Chesterfields tonight (especially early on).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A goal or two from BWP would be an excellent outcome. Like another blog has said the CAFC crowd have been very patient during this barren period, and we all hope his last goal will signal a change of fortune. In fairness, the Stevenage goalkeeper had a good game, buit he should still have bagged at least 2 more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If his form does not improve, we at least have the promising Frances in the wings; and I reckon his best position is probably in the middle and not on the wing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday was a good performance from all of the side, but even though Green was returned to the right wing for most of the game, he still had little impact apart form a couple of good crosses (counterbalance by several ineffectual ones). I'm afraid to say I (and most of the East Stand) also bemoaned apparent 'chickn outs' of two tackles down the wing during break aways that could have been decisive had he gone in and one the ball. Again, if he cannot string a sequence of good performance then Frances could also be employed on the wing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">All credit to Morrison for a great goal and yet again a very solid performance.</span> <span style="color: red;">If he goes on like this, we may have to be prepared to do whatever it takes to keep other predators from trying to sign him for next season.</span></span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-38185791947633074612012-01-22T07:13:00.000-08:002012-01-22T07:14:14.339-08:00BACK FROM THE VOID<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Been a bit lazy of late and I've been happy to read the enlightening comments on other Blogs, but I thought I would post my own brief update supplement them.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">It's been a momentous time with the two Sheffield games standing out and the United home fixture being momentous. My thoughts going into the Walsall away game was that the forthcoming sequence of games though not quite as important to the future well being of the club, they were beginning to look as important as that Leeds play-off game. </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Well, few would have predicted the tremendous run of results that we have achieved (especially the two Sheffield games (the latter breaking a tremendous SU winning streak); all credit to the side and Chris Powell for holding their nerve. A draw at Exeter and 3 points against Walsall would set up us nicely. As a fellow season ticket holder said, a win in each of our remaining home games would probably see us on our way into the Championship.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Apart from the recent glory, and the right for us all to bask in it, it seems to me that a number of things seem to have emerged.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Wright Phillips looks like he badly needs a break of a couple of game at least; the edge has gone off his game and his head seems to be down. However, Hayes is no longer seen as a back-up and may possibly be on his way, and it seems that Haynes is being earmarked to fill in (and possibly challenge him for a place). However, it's early days for Haynes and he looks more like a winger to me; so that it looks like we are short of another striker, as Clark may not be ready.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">We could play with just Kermit up front (he has been magnificent) but that might imply that we revert to a having a couple of fast wingers proving a constant stream of crosses. At the moment we do not have that supply (Green has been disappointing) and the left side would be dependent upon Wiggins. Maybe Haynes could provide this supply, but if we relied on this approach the style would have to change and we might become one dimensional and predictable.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Wiggins has continued to be a class act and Solly's efforts are bringing about continuous improvement to his game.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Morrison has been a rock, but I am still not certain about Taylor, and maybe because he is not fully fit I am not that confident about Cort. Doherty is likely to be on his way, but I reckon it is slightly premature as he could provide a good backup option.</div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">Hamer has had a number of good games under his belt but has looked a bit shakey of late and Sullivan looked very nervous at Fulham. I hope thet Hamer's lapses have been molmentary as otherewise thois may be an area that may need early attention. </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">The midfield has been covering a lot of ground and putting in a 100 % effort. Hollands is playing well but though he has an all round game he is more of a stopper; Pritchard looks a real find from the lower ranks (and could earn us a lot of money in the future after a good CAFC career). Russell has been a good acquisition for cover but once again creativity is not his strong point (and by the way I think he was very unlucky to be sent off). </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">However, it still lacks that incisive creativity that it looked like Stephens could provide in his early games, and may yet do (let's hope so).</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">That leaves question marks on Wagstaffe ( a good sub to bring on if the game is running away from us or Solly needs the kind of support that Green does not provide; but will he want to perform that role add infinitely: I suspect not, and CP will give him a chance to make it elsewhere. Though a good runner and tackler he does not have the crossing capability for a winger and I suspect he would be better employed in the centre of the pitch as a foil to a striker.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Hughes is incredibly keen and has covered well in midfield but is prone to the odd near catastrophic mistake, and does not seem to have the requisite attributes to cover us for right back (which I was I thought he was acquired for), so he may also move though Russell's absence will make it a difficult time for that to happen.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Cannot comment on Alonso, I have yet to see him and he must join the ranks of other players in the past who failed to make any impact after much hype. I'm not clear as to what is happening to Bovvo; he looked to have talent but requires time and I am not sure if the club will give him that; same applies to Mambo who I have got a lot of time for (is he just out on loan or has he disappeared??).</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Another encouraging thing is that we used to loose games like SW and SU and at the moment CP and the boys are not letting that happen, even if as against SU we seemed to lack some of the overall quality that we have come to expect from a table topping side. That has been a great change and long may it endure!</div>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-49944233818012885572011-12-17T12:34:00.000-08:002011-12-17T12:34:48.324-08:00OPPORTUNITY LOST: And a few cracks.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oldham put on a decent performance to ultimately frustrate the Addicks from getting what would have prob. been a justifiable 3 points. However, for all their effective hard work and late efforts, Oldham (who also played well last season) took the shine off their performance with some very boring time wasting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The home side suffered from Kermit's head injury which meant he had to go off to get it bandaged up to (apparently) stop it bleeding. The initial gargantuan bandage did not do the trick for long so he was sidelined a second time for another layer; much more and he would have begun to look like the invisible man (and there were a few comments going around about him being mummified!). It's reasonable to attribute his somewhat lack lustre display to these problems. Certainly, the side missed his overall effectiveness badly though he cannot be faulted for 200% effort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately it coincided with another off day for BWP. He was off colour last week at Walsall and it was the same story today plus a couple of missed opportunities, though one of them was not as bad as it looked, the goalkeeper doing well to just get a hand to the ball and it rebound it off his legs for a goal kick. He looks like he could do with a spell off, but we have got no other strong option.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elsewhere, Wiggins had another skillful pulsating game, Hollands toiled away reliably again in midfield and apart from his goal Russell had a fair game. However, the midfield badly lacks the calming influence of Jackson and the creativeness of Stephen (when he was at his best). Hogan Ephraim had a reasonable game but does nor exactly set the place alight (maybe he is not yet fully fit).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green continues to flatter to deceive and make the loyal pull their hair out. He is supposed to be in there to create chances and provide a regular supply of good crosses. He is not doing this at all at the moment. And he's too casual when in spitting distance of the opposition when they attack. This casualness and apparent laziness plus Solly's positioning played a major part on Oldhams goal when our right side was taken apart with some neat passing. On that occasion, the ball was fired away for the equaliser with confidence; had that confidence been shown a little earlier in a similar position we could have been embarrassed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find it difficult to see how Green is keeping his place, surely it is not just on the basis of the possibility he might eventually fire in a good shot, or because he can throw the ball some distance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mpost could see that problems were emerging from down their left wing midway through the second half, and it's disappointing that CP did not make one substitution to try to address this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With only Jason Euell on the bench other than Wagstaffe, we had no real attacking options and certainly would have been in more trouble had Kermit retired early. However, a Hughes or even a Pritchard on with about 25 minutes to go might have plugged some of the holes down the right hand side. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other than that, Hamer did not really have a shot to save and Morrison and Taylor performed well in defence but their distribution was not great today, far too many hoofed clearances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If Hayes and Hughes seem to be out of favour then some constructive surgery needs to be done in January.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a worrying sequence of fixtures coming up, including the two Sheffields and Brentofrd, and Orient will be no stroll. Some bad results in thse games will provide a New Year's present of unneeded pressure. </span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-75786015597088833262011-11-19T12:32:00.000-08:002011-11-19T12:32:25.643-08:00JOB DONE: But Little PanacheThis was always likely to be tough, and the 3 points represent mission accomplished, especially as all the other contenders came up trumps.<br />
However, it was not convincing against a hard working, physical but mid table side. I overheard someone say that 'you won't get them tougher then thatg': well I reckon we probably will, at the end of the day they were a hard side but only really mid table.<br />
We were well let off in the first half when our defence was split wide open only for a well placed shot to rebound out off a post. Then towards the end of the first half Brentford missed a sitter of a header that should have gone in but skirted around the left hand post. <br />
In the end BWP came to the rescue with a typical poacher's goal, latching on to a good cross along the ground from Green faster than any of the defenders. <br />
You cannot take anything away from the effort of the side today in securing the points. However, there was little craft on show and,. like against Wycombe and Sheffield United we could easily have come out with nothing are being broadly played off the park in the first half of each game.<br />
As my fellow season ticket holder said, it was unconvincing for a side in our lofty position but they must be doing something right to continue getting the results. I agree, though in those three games alone we have also been happy to take the luck (or the "run of the ball") whichever way you look at it.<br />
Don't get me wrong, I'll gladly accept and congratulate the side if they get another 3 points (or even 1) against Huddersfield. However, having said that it really would be great and be more satisfying to come away from a game having comprehensively outplayed the opposition with a bit of style.<br />
At the end of this game, it seemed to me that only Hamer, Morrision and to an extent BWP came out with flying colours or ven stood out above the crowd. The latter should have picked up another goal which went wide but generally persevered well throughout the game, with little support.<br />
Jan C had another game like Wycombe where astonishingly he won few balls in the air (was that because he was playing good back four players? or did he just have a slightly off game). Irrespective of that, he gave 100% and more and was on the end of some pretty rough treatment throughout the game. <br />
Whether our performance was badly impacted by the pitch was not good. It seemed to me to have been watered heavily and suggest that we do not like such a surface, so let's hope it's not repeated too many times.<br />
Our first half performances in all three of these great victories suggests to me that if we play a really good side (if there is one) we may be taken apart. Let's hope that is not Huddersfield.<br />
If ever there was an incentive to get out of this division it is Brentford and Stevenage. They seem like nice little friendly clubs (Brentford not the force thet were 40-50 years ago) but the grounds are depressingly small, scruffy and bordering on the unsafe in the case of Brentford (I wonder if Health and Safety get around there much?)Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-43093322971868466092011-11-12T03:04:00.000-08:002011-11-12T03:08:19.037-08:00Caution Yes: But Let's Not Go Over The Top!I trust that CP will think long and hard before picking too weak a side.I'm in favour of resting key players, though not to the extent that we risk an embarrassing defeat in front of the TV audiences. <br />
You can bet your life that Halifax are up for it, and that there will be small, if any, reference in the commentary to our weakened side if Halifax take the game by the scruff of the neck. An embarrassing defeat would certainly set the cause back, plus any prospect of progressing further to a mouth watering 3rd round tie that could be good for morale and the bank balance. <br />
That having been said, the game provides the opportunity to test Alonso: is he eventually going to be a serious contender for a place; if not then why did we sign him?<br />
I would also give Evine a chance, but perhaps not at left back, he appears to have more attacking than defending skills.<br />
I am not too sure that a pairing of Benson and Hayes will bother a side even at this level.<br />
If we are taking along Jan C for part of a game I would favour starting with our strongest line up available on the day and making substitutions when, hopefully, we have built up a lead and some breathing space. <br />
I can never understand adopting the opposite strategy and having to stage a desperate last 20 minutes to comeback from a potential defeat having given the other side the momentum due to a weakened selection. Jan C put the fear up most defences with his strength and Ariel power; let's have it for the first 60 minutes and give a substitute forward at least a half hour in the second half run-in. At that point, we could also give Bover some rein to test him out in the most suitable position.Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-28658367654608675332011-10-26T11:20:00.000-07:002011-10-26T11:20:31.161-07:00ANOTHER TEST PASSED: But 'Continuous Improvement' still required<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A good professional performance in front of, once again, a really impressive away set of fans (and it was good to bump into Ketts yet again!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those who went by car, it must have mitigated the frustration of getting out of the home side’s car park. I managed to get a local street spot but they were limited and only possible due to my very early arrival, which made it a long day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After failing the test against little Stevenage, (with a few more to come) the side put on an impressive display to get the three points (though not without some late, all too typical, jitters). I cannot work out what the answer is to this problem, can it bee that the side are either not fit enough, or over trained and just plain knackered in the last 20 minutes? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's should also be pointed out that the total number of shots on target at the end of the game bore no resemblance to the early domination. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The two front men are displaying potency in front of goal and are getting better at reading each other’s game. Unlike the last few games where Jan K won, unbelievably, almost every ball in the air, he surprisingly scored pretty lowly in this respect this time around. I guess that he played a really excellent man marker on this occasion. However, that did not mar another pretty good display. For a big man (he may not be that tall but he is certainly solid, which is what we need) he is pretty mobile. Staying on for 90 minutes will do his fitness no harm. A great overhead effort hat hit the bar was tidied up neatly by BWP slotting it home. He then added a superbly taken goal from an exquisite through ball from Hollands, who otherwise had a solid but forgettable game. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there is one failing with the current side, as noted by one of the comments on CAFCPICKS, we do not seem to have anyone other than Wiggins who can genuinely round a defender with a burst of speed or trickery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green does not seem to be able to do this and all too often tries the spectacular instead of the obvious. Wagstaffes' less complicated approach seems more effective when he gets the opportunity, though he too can often not beat a defender and when he does his final ball / cross cannot be relied upon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe Stephens can return to form when he is next selected. He seemed capable of beating a man in his initial games but lost it just prior to his recent absence: perhaps the stress of his partner imminently giving birth was too much for him: let’s hope that was the reason. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hughes was fairly steady, running around like a fitness freak, picking up the stray balls and breaking down the oppositions moves. However, he is prone to a serious lapse of concentration and often takes the easy option to clear a ball up field or to the wings instead of thinking and playing a more constructive pass. However, he has picked up since his calamitous Paint Trophy game and has begun to justify some of CP’s faith, if only as a utility squad man.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The back fours had a good game: and if one wanted to nit pick, Morrison and especially Taylor do not seem to clear the ball well enough but they are gradually becoming a strong partnership. Morrison performed one amazing goal line tackle the like I have not seen before, and which is impossible to describe unless you were there. The nearest I can recall for its uniqueness was when Paul Went many years ago trapped the ball intentionally with his arse, and on another occasion took Derek Possee 5 yards off the pitch with a perfectly fair but highly robust challenge that would probably have gotten a booking in the modern game.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Solly was Solly, pretty dependable in his defensive role but still needs to improve his distribution. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wiggins continues to impress and looks like one of our best acquisitions after a slow start in the initial games.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>BWP </strong></span><span style="color: red;">is on a great run which will continue to attract attention around the game</span>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I gather his contract is up next summer (2012). One of the reasons we managed to secure him was that we were prepared to take a risk on his apparently suspect leg injuries/ weaknesses. Our backroom staff seem to be doing an excellent job on this to to keep him in optimum fitness and form. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come January and thereafter, we may be victim to an increasing circle of vultures in the shape of other higher clubs looking for a proven goal scorer. Having the name WP adds to any publicity surrounding his goalscoring exploits. The club’s resolve to keep him may be tested at some stage in the New Year, and maybe even as early as January?). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It could be ironic that the very same fitness concerns that we took a calculated gamble on, may be a factor that helps us to keep him, but certainly the offer of a good new contract and a personal genuine commitment from the player to the club would not hurt either (though I am not sure whether the latter is a charactersitic of today's game). </span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-88205209163874262472011-10-15T11:31:00.000-07:002011-10-15T11:40:47.409-07:00Had to Happen: But it was the Manner of defeat<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got out of jail from two very poor first halves at MKDONS and Sheffield United and were nearly found out at home against Tranmere. Added to that the Paint Trophy debacle against Brentford, and we are not exactly in a rich vein of form. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In view of that, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feared the worse for this banana skin of a game as per my last post, and though we lost to an unlucky deflected shot, the manner in which we played and surrendered the ball and the midfield was the worse thing about the defeat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The signs have been there to see, the midfield misfiring with Stephens and Hollands not dominating as they had in earlier games, and the opposition sussing out our style of play and closing us down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s all very well playing it on the ground, as many fans demand, but you have got to have players who can command the game doing that naturally; <u>and</u> can beat a man. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, we had few examples of anyone (inc. down both flanks) taking the ball around a man. Passing persistently square and finishing off with a hopeful punt is predictable now to most opposing sides, who have clearly being doing their homework before the games.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stevenage did not dominate as physically as I had anticipated, but they probably had the upper hand for most of the game other than the usual last 10-15 minutes pressure that kicks in regularly out of desperation when we have gone behind on occasions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stevenage scored a freakish deflected goal but on balance probably deserved it, though our ineptitude on the day made them look better than they are.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Added to our lack lustre performance was the eccentric selection at the back with Solly dropped, Cort in the middle and Morrison switching to right full back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hughes did a lot of timed running in the pre-game warm up. My nephew speculated that it may have been a fitness test and when he failed it they selected Morrison at full back. Not sure about that, but it 's one explanation. I had speculated that Cort was in to defend in the air against their big forwards, and Solly was out because of a poorish game in the last home match and because CP was concerned he would be up against some classy, or big, opposing player. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the event, Stevenage did not seem to have much talent going down the left and Morrison was not tested that much. Most of their attacking flair came from a deep right sided midfielder. Probably just as well, as many would have been criticising Powell for playing a centre half at right back (as he did with Mambo when Francis went off at home). The fact that our right back options are Francis (currently out of favour) and Hughes (who does not give great confidence and had a poor last home game) puts onto doubt the strength of the squad ion key positions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CP took too long to try and change things around in the second half, taking off Green (another poor game) and bringing on Wagstaffe very late in the second half. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Others criticised bringing on Evina late on, as he is considered to be a left full back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was more in sympathy, as he has speed and can beat a man, and could have been usefully deployed down the left flank instead of Stephens, largely anonymous, or even Jackson who was once again out of the game for too much of the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s easy to be critical of Yann Kermorgant and BWP. The former won many balls in the air again, but others do not seem to read that so they are largely wasted. BWP came close a couple of times near the end (but did not do a much else). However, the patchy midfield performance and Green’s duff game did not provide either of them with a decent ball at their feet for long periods.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This poor performance was against a side who won the Conference a few seasons back with virtually the same team fielded today, bar two useful additional signings the club has made. That kind of puts this lacklustre performance into context.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other results today went broadly for us, and I guess a draw between the two Sheffields tomorrow would be just about right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We need to sort out the defence and get some creative attacking imagination back into the side ASAP, in order to avoid a gradual decline, as has been commonplace in previous seasons after such a good start, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>(This disappointing display was once again soured for many by the selfish standing of a small minority. One half of the stand was seated for most of the game and made a hell of a lot of noise. The small minority made others stand after they had spent their hard earnt cash on a seat that they wanted. Sorry, but there are many loyal fans who have no need to 'stand up if you love CAFC'. They have demonstrated that over good and bad seasons over many seasons.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>There was no such problem at Sheffield United, from a crowd really up for it, and without the need for a repetitive drum roll!). </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-8060155944404300322011-10-12T12:19:00.000-07:002011-10-12T12:21:10.926-07:00A DIFFERENT (Threatening) TEST ON THE HORIZON<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week sees an away game just 7 miles from where I have lived for the last 20 + years, a game I always saw as a potential banbana skin. It's now my closest league game. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stevenage's march up the tables has propelled them above Luton and Barnet (and who knows, maybe one day above Watford).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have only been to the ground a couple of times, one was a best forgotten frozen, brass monkeys New Year's game seated in their tiny draft stand. The ground has seen some considerable improvement since then and some expansion. However, it will be a new type of test with an atmosphere more in common with Welling than Sheffield United. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The crowd will be within breathing distance of the players with no doubt a rich mixture of barracking and abuse straight into their ears. However, there is a real possibility that CAFC fans will mitigate this as they may outnumber the home side's fans if there are available tickets on the day: but I’m not encouraging that, just stating the obvious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m told there is a local fair in Stevenage this week and the field used for football parking opposite the ground may either be unavailable or pretty packed. The station is a 15-20 minute walk and may be the best bet, as it’s only about a half hour up from Kings Cross.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stevenage have had a good start, not least their thrashing of Samedo's Sheffield Wednesday (to add to Newcastle's scalp in a previous cup game a few seasons back). A mid table position looks a possibility (a few weeks back, a real challenge for the play offs looked on).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their style is said to be non-compromising and I fully expect them to have been briefed that "the posers from London don't like it 'up 'em". Nobody does: but I hope they come with the right attitude to overcome it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suspect they will throw everything at us, rather like at MKDons and Sheffield United in the first half, but in a more physical and bruising way. We withstood (just!!) the onslaught in those 2 games but this may be a sterner test.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We need to keep calm and not be provoked, we do not want any unnecessary bookings or red cards. Hollands is a “100 per center” but needs to stand back if got at, and Wagstaffe’s petulance needs to be reigned in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The real test will be for our two central defenders who must withstand any storm and be sure to really clear the box with powerful headers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was dismayed to hear that we were considering loaning Doherty out to Luton. He was not my favourite player last season but has played well both pre season and ion the games I have seen him appear in (though I gather he had a bit of a stinker ion the cup). Nevertheless, much as Mambo has real prospects, it would leave leaves us pretty thin if it were only him and Cort (whose heading was abysmal when he came on as a sub’ when I saw him).</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It could be a really tough game. I would settle for a draw to keep our unbeaten record. Given my mediocre performance in CAFCPICKS this season maybe we’ll just breeze it 3-1! (hope so).</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br />
</span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-51284500529361901852011-10-02T03:09:00.000-07:002011-10-02T03:13:28.746-07:00Sheffield United : Resilence: and a Touch of ClassWell, this game demonstrated some of the weaknesses and, ultimately, the strengths of this new CAFC side.<br />
For those who had laboured up a congested and "incident" afflicted M1 the game and the sunshine eventually provided a real reward, not the least 3 points. The Blades ground has also come on a lot and ranks alongside the Valley as one of the better venues. <br />
The lengthy drive and jams on the M1 must have raised a few doubts for our Canadian (<u><em>please note not American!)</em></u> fan <em>Bob Miller and his wife Rosemary</em> as they sat in slow crawling traffic up the M1 after a 7am start in Blackheath. A pint of Marstons and a Stake and Ale pie cholesterol blockbuster in the peaks may have restored spirits before the game but this was tempered by an anti climax of a first half.<br />
The first half seemed like a bit of a rerun of MKDONS, with the home side putting together all the good moves and football and coming really close on two occasions to opening the breach, but for some desperate goal line clearances. <br />
We seemed overwhelmed by the pressure and could not really put together a decent move for long periods, though Morrison had a good chance to score but hit wide. The midfield did not get going and was largely anonymous. Hayes was putting in an effort but getting little up front, Wagsaffe was trying hard but being as frustrating as he can be at times. <br />
On the really bright side, <em>Hamer </em>had an excellent game making some great saves, coming out when required and generally showing us that this young keeper is grabbing the great opportunity we have given him with both hands. <br />
At the back, I thought that <em>Wiggins</em> had his most impressive game to date (and removed much of the doubt many have had about him). <em>Solly </em>was poor in the first half in his distribution but he gave more than most in terms of telling tackle as and timely interceptions and stuck to his task admirably.<br />
I said to Bob, honestly and not just as a 'cheer him up' throw away comment that our best was probably to come, especially if we brought on <em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kermorgant </span></em>sooner than later.<br />
After my enthusiasm for him in my last post, he did not let me down. On he ran as an inspired (but obvious) substitution) to nod bravely and firmly into the net from a corner with his first touch (much in the same style as at MKDONS). He then went on to exhibit the same control, laying off and grit in 50/50 tackles that he did in the first game. They say that he is not fit yet and that is why he is not in the initial eleven. I go along with the strategy for away games, but I would like to see him on from KO at home games and let him run himself out to be replaced by Hayes later on if necessary. That's certainly a way to help him get match fit and to maybe insure we go ahead in games rather than run the risk of falling behind. <br />
A great result which rewarded the real core of Valley faithfuls at the game (Dr Kish et all). They were great in numbers and voice and the fact that they did not need constant repetitive drumming to demonstrate that said it all for me.<br />
Many were monitoring Preston's surprising demise at Orient which made it all the better (but perhaps overlooking perhaps MKDONS' and Sheffield Wednesday's continuing march).<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">So, the challenge now is to keep it up to Xmas and not waste it in the New Year, as we have been apt to do in the past.</span><br />
<em>After such a performance, it was interesting to see CP get the players together for 3-4 minutes animated talk in the centre of the pitch at full time; oh to have been a fly on the wall during that!</em>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-33891926966008376642011-09-28T04:42:00.000-07:002011-09-28T04:42:35.457-07:00Could be THE telling signingA great performance, though limited to a late substitution, from our new French striker.<br />
He looked class as soon as he came on. Not only did the Frenchman hold the ball up well, he got two great headers in straight away, threaded a sublime through ball and even showed some real old fashioned muscle and shoulder; like a centre forward of old.<br />
He looks like being a real snip and will become a favourite with the fans if he keeps it up. One is tempted to say; "what's the catch'? how come we have managed to secure him? For the time being, I'll credit CP with the coup.<br />
Otherwise, the again was of two halves; MKD dominated the first half when were really poor, like many performance last season. They could have been 3 or 4 goals up by the interval with Hollands showing all the signs of sleepless nights on the domestic front, Stephens reverting to his anonymous role and Wagsatffe succeeding again in not being able to cross the ball. <br />
We sharpened up in the second half and harried their midfield to greater effect. We had a couple of concerted pressure period, during which our new striker scored a great goal and came close with two other efforts.However, even then we did not look the class act of recent games, probably due to the fact that MKD looked like a side who will stay the course and be there amongst us at the end of the season.<br />
With the skills of Green to provide pin point crosses, the new striker can yet be the hero of the season. However, there is a need to work out how to cover Solly when he is providing an attacking force, as that is not a quality that Green seems to possess, other than giving unnecessary free kicks away in dangerous positions.<br />
Once again. some of our headed clearances were not deep enough in the first half but the back four otherwise held up reasonably well though Solly had a shaky first half.<br />
<br />
Our new goalkeeper made a number of good saves, in particular one in the second half from a long range shot that he saw very late . He seems to be proving himself as a sound replacement and shot stopper, and a probable improvement on Elliot and with his height he also provides a real force in cutting out crosses. <br />
Pity that Preston are hitting form as a draw was a good result (with us even let off the hook to an extent)which would have meant that a draw at Sheff United would see us retain top spot. However, Preston are at home so things may be different.<br />
We are hoping that our Canadian visitors (Bob Miller and his wife) a regular CAFCPICKS contributor, will bring us some Maple Leaf luck at UnitedMike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-61878735563616632802011-09-06T12:15:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:15:42.857-07:00Just TestingIn haste, I left out some player comments in my last post that should be resolved (did you spot the dliberate errors!!!??). <br />
As per my pre-season Aldershot post I was really impressed with <span style="color: red;">Ruben Bover</span> Isquierdo. I had omitted him as he had only figured in the Reading game and whilst he had a fair game he did not stand oput as much as he did at Aldershot. However, I still see him as a great find and his less impressive appearance against Reading seemed to me to be because he was playing wide on the left and I saw him as a central midfielder. I may be right, but have not seen enough of him yet. However, this real find must certainly figure in our team building plans but I'm not surfer whether he will break through this season or not: it would be good if he does <span style="color: red;">Davisson</span> at Woking. He again must be one for the future but he may not have enough to make his mark this seaosn but I hope he continues to develop. <br />
I omitted<span style="color: red;"> Jackson</span>, (how could I doi that) probably because for him he had a relatively anonymous game against Sheff' Wed. However, he is a more experienced pro than most and I'm sure he will continue to be a force in midfield. If there is a problem it's positioning as he plays well down the left but we cannot expect him to be a flying winger as he does not have the speed (the same applies to left back where a fast winger will catch him out). Perhaps a more central role would be more effective, but it's a getting a little crowded in midfield with all this talent, but a few yellow cards and (hopefully not) can a least be covered by what seems to be a promising band of players. Whether they will be permitted to play the passing game that CP and the crowd seem to want now that opposing teams have cottoned on to how we ant to play remains to be seen. <br />
And what happened to <span style="color: red;">Honore</span> who impressed briefly at Woking. I thought he looked useful but I do not know whether we have given him a chance to hang around to further assess or not?<br />
Yet to see <span style="color: red;">Leon Cort</span> but just seeing him in a warm up before the game last night was impressive enough in respect of his physical attributes. Looked like solid muscle to me, in the same style as Mambo. Perhaps with his experience at higher levels, he is the man who may remove any doubts I have about our central back four pairing?Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-67762580367031936922011-09-06T07:43:00.000-07:002011-09-06T07:43:54.059-07:00Time to PonderI have stood back from posting of late as others have provided excellent asessments and time has been tight (and it was good to have the opportunity to assess these new players over a longer sequence of games). Here are a few views to date:<br />
<br />
<em>Defence:</em><br />
<span style="color: red;">Hamer</span>: not sure as yet: not doing too bad a job. Sullivan should not be forgotten and should challenge for a spot. (Pity Randolph is not still around);<br />
<span style="color: red;">Solly:</span> still a reasonably solid player and developing; but others’ fears about sides identifying him as a weak link in the air seem to be materialising. <br />
<span style="color: red;">Hughes:</span> not the answer to challenge for full back; lacks speed. Seems to be a general purpose utility man cover. <span style="color: red;">Francis </span>should be challenging. I assume that we want to move him on (transfer or loan) because he is too expensive (rather than any falling out with the management??). Pity, he could add something to the side based on recent form;<br />
<span style="color: red;">Wiggins</span>: skilful player / footballer but distribution patchy, and too lightweight. Will be found out once the pitches get heavier, and against better sides than we have played to date. <br />
<span style="color: red;">Evina;</span> good acquisition but prob. has more attacking virtues than defensive capabilities (like Wiggins), one for the future.<br />
Middle of Back Four: Still not sure about current pairing; <span style="color: red;">Taylor and Morrison</span> don’t clear the ball properly or are dominant in the air. Who is the better of the two?; any slips to date seem to have come from <span style="color: red;">Morrison.</span> <br />
We are wrong to set aside <span style="color: red;">Mambo</span> for the future <em>alone;</em> he could be bloodied sooner than later. <br />
<span style="color: red;">Doherty:</span> though statuesque on the ground, is certainly more dominant in the air (both in defence and at corners, where our new pairing have not threatened). <br />
<br />
<em>Midfield: </em><br />
<span style="color: red;">Hollands:</span> key player; aggressive / combative but also has vision. Will turn in the more consistent performances in terms of breaking up attacks and creative play;<br />
<span style="color: red;">Stephens:</span> highly talented creative player, but on the evidence of the Sheff Wed game may be bludgeoned out of games by hard tackling midfielders who have been briefed to snub him out as a major threat. Remains a key player but do not expect continuous runs of good form; <br />
<span style="color: red;">Green:</span> should be a key player leaving Wagstaff, who still cannot deliver consistently a final ball or cross, to fulfil a “super sub” role of some sort;<br />
<span style="color: red;">Pritchard:</span> could be a real find, a Keith Jones look-alike in appearance and style.<br />
<span style="color: red;">Alonso</span>: have not seen; cannot comment; <span style="color: red;">Harriott;</span> an interesting one for the future, but may not make it this year?<br />
<br />
<em>Upfront:</em><br />
<span style="color: red;">Is Benson staying</span>? odds seem on him moving, though if <span style="color: red;">Green</span> delivers he could yet surprise a few if he stays with just what he can do. Assuming he does go out on loan:<br />
<span style="color: red;">Hayes:</span> I was lukewarm pre-season but came around to him over recent games but was ineffective last night. Most frustratingly of all, fits into the mould of strikers we have had over the years who, even if they have height, cannot get their feet off the ground to win headers or at least challenge for the ball (even though he did score the other week from a close range header). Apart from good runs at Scunthorpe has never been a prolific goal scorer. <br />
<span style="color: red;">Euell:</span> another who makes limited effort to get off the ground (albeit he also scored from a close range header) and spends too much time backing into the opposition (as he did when he last played for us). I have a feeling he could fulfil a role slightly behind the front two, but others doubt whether he has the legs for it. Should not be relied upon as an alternative target man.<br />
<span style="color: red;">BWP;</span> an undoubted scorer, if we can keep him fit. I have questioned to what extent he can contribute if the rest of the team is not playing well and he is not scoring (maybe that needs yet to be fully tested). However, I have revised my view as he has improved in his running, distribution and laying off. A vital payer, but dangerous to pin all hopes on him alone. <br />
<span style="color: red;">Conclusions:</span> <em>We have not yet been that tested, more difficult fixtures are in the pipeline (Sheff’ United, Hartlepool, Rochdale and Stevenage away in the short term) when the credentials of our defence and forward line in particular will be tested.</em><br />
<em>We need a good quality striker in on loan (can one be found?),;Francis restored and another full back, perhaps a more conventional tough tackling variety (in the mode of Young, Bonds, Warman, Brown of old or CP himslef). </em><br />
<em>Of course anything else the management can come up with without rocking the boat and team morale would be gladly accepted. </em>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-28466421168322383162011-08-06T13:01:00.000-07:002011-09-03T10:31:58.340-07:00Satisfactory Start / Decent FoundationIt was just that. A generally competent start to the season with some reasonable football at times and considerable effort by all in the side.<br />
Punctuated by an excellent goal from Stephens following a good sequence of passing with Chris Solly on a good overlap and a cool cross,<br />
Stephens was the surprise package. He had sprayed the ball around in the pre-season games I watched but was guilty of wasting the ball at times. On this occasion he did not really set a foot wrong, apart from a stupendous shot across goal trying to crown his imperious performance with glory with a ’goal of the season’ screamer volley, when something simpler was the order of the day. However, he can be forgiven (on this occasion) as he brought a breath of fresh air to the midfield and was easily the best player on the pitch. He still reminds me of Curbs in his appearance and movement, though potentially a better player.<br />
I have voiced criticism of Waggy in the past but he was much more effective today. A few misplaced passes when he momentarily lost the plot as usual but, in general, a hard working effective performance, including some good defensive covering and an excellent volley after being set up by Stephens. <br />
Wiggins’ game picked up after a nervous start that seemed to be the result of constant barracking from the Bournemouth contingent. Solly was caught out a few times in the air but otherwise snapped away at the opposition throughout the game in a way that must really irritate them but was good for us. However, it was obvious that they were playing ball out to his wing constantly to test his height shortcomings and after Francis good form in the pre-season games it’s difficult to see who has the strongest claim for right back (discounting all the uncertainty about Francis’ position at the club)..<br />
Morrison and Taylor performed generally well, but I still have doubts about total reliance on them in the months ahead. Especially on the ground against fast ball-playing forward. We had that problem with Lierra and Doherty but on balance I think we will need Doherty (now that Daily has gone) to bring some solidity and experience, even though he is also suspect on the ground. I have yet to make my mind up who is the better of the two.<br />
Apart from Stephens and Wagstaffe, Hollands had a steady reliable game. However, my initial thoughts that he is a little too one paced seemed to be borne out, though I am still hoping he will add a cutting edge over 10 yards to his game as he gets fitter. To an extent I had envisaged that he and Bover were going to be the starlets in midfield so Stephens’ emergence and Hollands’ slowish non-dominant start was a bit of a surprise. But, if Stephens can turn the same heat on regularly then, as my mate Keith said, Holland can perform a role as an effective foil.<br />
Jackson did not stand out but had a steady game and did not really put a foot wrong, and I’m sure he will go open to have better games as the weeks pass.<br />
BWP tried hard to get into the game but only really managed to have an impact towards the end with a rasping 25 yard shot that was just wide, and a determined run towards goal out of nothing that won us the penalty. Without those two contributions he was relatively anonymous but that is his game and if he can score or win us a goal a game then he will continue to be a valuable match winner for us.<br />
I had been disappointed with Hayes’ input to the pre-season games that I saw, but I saw an improvement today. Not a stunning game, but he showed he had a decent touch at times and a couple of neat passing movements nearly came off. However, he has got to get stuck in a bit more in the air on the long clearances and hold the ball up more consistently. The feeling is that we still need another option in the same moulld which we do not seem to have at the moment, though I liked the look of our French centre forward at Woking, but probably too early for him yet. <br />
So, a satisfactory start but no reason to sit on our laurels. There will be better teams with faster and bigger forwards to play over the coming months and though the scoreline was impressive, any watching opposition rep's would not have been scared out of their skins from this performance. <br />
<span style="color: red;">However, it's a good foundation for the team and CP which will be tested at the “top of the table clash” next week at Notts County. </span><br />
Pritchard, Benson and Doherty had short cameo appearances, and the former showed a few nice touches (and was a dead ringer for Keith Jones).<br />
Will be interesting to see how CP juggles the selection with Green and Waggy no doubt feeling they deserve a chance. I would go for Green with the option of deploying Waggy for 20 minutes at the end anywhere in midfield if desperate measures are called upon to score, or hold on!<br />
One word for Bournemouth. Given what a small club they are and their known financial constraints you have to give it to them for doing so well last season. Also, given the outflow of their players (including our own raids) they still played some good footba and looked a fair side, albeit with no punch upfront. There was certainly nothing to suggest that their star forward whom we are supposed to be trailing was worth anything near the rumoured £1M asking price. However, I wish this game little club the best, though I think they will struggle this season. <br />
Hartlepool might emulate Bournemouth this season as the little club who ‘done well’! <br />
<em>( I see that Racon could only manage the sibs bench for Millwall today)</em>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-43995203316408057262011-08-04T05:57:00.000-07:002011-08-04T06:03:28.737-07:00“Start Me Up”: not “The Last Time”<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2DzyGnsbOGGE-T7UmocnO850FLGfbOGvHhaolu9h84XBeTyDiXaNJ4IxFfCvcmsIs2e7KEJSOF65s2gKfpSNGz6plDYTZK24IsoCKlp0e53zQfyUctF4QP_kGiz93u43GByn3AH-Ato/s1600/Division+1+Champs013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="height: 238px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 476px;"><img border="0" height="230px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2DzyGnsbOGGE-T7UmocnO850FLGfbOGvHhaolu9h84XBeTyDiXaNJ4IxFfCvcmsIs2e7KEJSOF65s2gKfpSNGz6plDYTZK24IsoCKlp0e53zQfyUctF4QP_kGiz93u43GByn3AH-Ato/s320/Division+1+Champs013.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We all hope that the right Rolling Stones number for this season will be <strong>“Start Me Up”:</strong> <u>we don’t want it to be<em> “The Last Time”</em> for Chris Powell’s promotion experiences.</u><br />
<br />
Chris Powell had his share of the promotion glory in the Year 2000, as shown in this picture of our heroes of the 1999/2000 season. 91 points, 12 consecutive league wins after Boxing Day and a centre forward (<em>Andy Hunt</em>) who netted 3 hat tricks and 24 league goals. The picture also shows solid stalwarts with a physical presence like <em>Steve Brown</em> goal scoring opportunists like <em>Clive Mendonca</em> and <em>Shaun Newton</em>.<br />
Optimism is the name of the game at the moment amongst the CAFC faithful; just look at CAFCPICKS for what is being predicted. (Of course, only ‘The Funder” has gone not only for an undefeated season but all wins!! (Courtesy of poetic licence on the part of the Editor!).<br />
I fancy a successful outcome, though the magnitude of achieving should not underestimated. However, I would not be totally surprised to see a slow start whilst out new set of players synchronise. We may need a comparable Boxing Day + run this season and the hope is that the first part of the season is reasonable enough to avoid untold pressure on CP’s shoulders.<br />
The strength of the side seems to be in midfield where, unlike last season, we have a vast array of choice. The players available include the quality of Hollands, Stephens, Green & Jackson and, possibly Alonso, for starters. I hope that the opportunity arises for Ruben Bover to impress, as he looks like one of the most exciting midfield talents we have had for a few years.<br />
Upfront, BWP should have the instincts if fit, to emulate Andy Hunt. However, whether or not we have the right supporting act in Hayes, Benson remains to be seen and the general feeling is we need another experienced foil, who can also score goals himself. There is a hint that we may be recruiting another Pole, Rasiak, (hopefully a little more effective than Abbot, though he may have been underrated). The most likely addition may be Jason Euell. I was not that great a fan first time around but my feeling having seen him briefly at Woking is that he is still fit and up for it, and he could be a surprise package, not least to opposing defences. <br />
I am still uneasy to rely on Morrison and Taylor alongside each other at the back and unless we have a suitable addition (Hughes??) my feeling is that we are going to see Doherty (or even Dailly??) play an important role. <br />
It's good to see Mambo hanging on in there and surely he will come through in the medium term, and can a fellow CAFCPICKER be right when he said another youth back four player was alongside him at Carshalton and was even bigger!<br />
Difficult to predict what is going on in respect of a goalkeeper, though all the signs are that Elliot may move on. If that happens, we have seen too little of Hamer to say he should get the nod, but Sullivan to me seems a reasonable replacement. However, as a colleague said, he needs to play a good game as well as talk one. <br />
At the end of the day, a solid goalkeeper who can not only save but come out for crosses and instil confidence in our new defence is critical: let’s hope the club get it right. We didn’t when we let Elliots competitor go to Scotland, who is apparently now being courted by other leading clubs. <br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Oh for a “Successful Dawn of Honest Endeavour” with greater emphasis on commitment, skill and courage</strong> <strong>than coloured designer plastic</strong> <strong>boots:</strong> <em>would be nice to think austerity may rule those out.</em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>It's almost time: "Onwards We Go, Boldly Going, (we hope), into the Unknown, or where our Year 2000 team went before us". </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><em>Lest hope the start is better than I expect, so the CAFCPICKS can cross the Atlantic in September with untold optimism and expectation and leave his lumberjacking behind him.</em></span><br />
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</span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-30669257638218492472011-07-24T03:20:00.000-07:002011-07-24T06:11:07.189-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrqfpEUlWXxsRSCxxga3k1pHy8yI3IFMdGcRAJWY34V0rP75ioxkfiHn1Toz5mNXYPvo1GNlD0KYBDysVXrAHqfAsM0y5gy1C4vtgSN-OK1pJsTiBqYONeyUBuFGT0alvhjfHzbVz_7g/s1600/img002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrqfpEUlWXxsRSCxxga3k1pHy8yI3IFMdGcRAJWY34V0rP75ioxkfiHn1Toz5mNXYPvo1GNlD0KYBDysVXrAHqfAsM0y5gy1C4vtgSN-OK1pJsTiBqYONeyUBuFGT0alvhjfHzbVz_7g/s320/img002.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
Well, these away friendly games are becoming a nice sojourn.<br />
No generous bacon rolls at Woking, but a pleasant walk through the park, a civilised bar, no queuing and a decent pint, fair priced 'London Pride' to boot.<br />
These games are also provide an interesting glimpse of some of the new acquired players and the up and coming youngsters.<br />
I’ll spare you from the detailed Aldershot analysis and focus on some of the lasting highlights /impressions:<br />
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<em><span style="color: red;">Francis</span></em>: Had a good solid game, few errors, good in the air and actually got in the majority of any decent crosses that were going around. <em>A renaissance?-</em> Prob. Not if you read the various rumours about his imminent departure. However, with seemingly just Solly ensconced in the right back slot, a return to form would provide a good backup option (or on this form, genuine competition); <br />
<span style="color: red;"><em>Mambo:</em></span> Not startling, but good, solid performance against a useful forward with no panics. Coming on well, the club should continue to nurture his talent with good coaching and management;<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Stephens:</span></em> Busy midfielder, sprayed the ball around well, reminded me very much in his general gait and style of a playing Curbs. Not sure whether he will be the initial first choice (with Jackson and Hollands competing) but he will be knocking on the door;<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Davisson:</span></em> Do not know much about this lad, but in the first half he was busy, prepared to take on players and used the ball well with some excellent passing. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see him.<br />
Once again, reminded me of one of our early stalwarts who I saw in my early days for a couple of seasons; <em>Fred Lucas.</em> I was pretty ecstatic about our young Spanish player Ruben Bover Isquierdo at Woking; <em>I reckon this kid could also be an excellent find for now or the future;</em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Honore:</span></em> Another youngster: do not know much about him either, but he looked sharp, keen, prepared to take on players and get stuck in. Like the look of him, but he was on for a very short time: deserves a longer spell to see if he shines;<br />
<span style="color: red;"><em>Euell:</em></span> Too little time to make his mark. I was not his greatest fan in his previous spell, however he may have the guile, pro skills and the need (given his reported probnlems off the field|) to make him a major contributor, If he hit form, he could vie for a first team selection rather than just a last sub’ option; <br />
For me, a a disappointment was <em><span style="color: red;">Hayes </span></em>who seemed very much in the vein of a Benson look-alike, but slower. He played a little bit like he did not feel comfortable playing for what appeared to be a ‘second 11’.<br />
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Cannot make Tuesday night so will be interested in any comments on my own remarks on this and Aldershot, and keen to hear appraisals of Tuesday night.Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-31467530641587327422011-07-21T03:24:00.000-07:002011-07-21T03:24:20.753-07:00A First GlimpseI finally caught up with taking a look at the new signings last night at Aldershot.<br />
As my CAFCPICKS mate Barry predicted, Aldershot turned out to be a welcoming club with modest, but more than adequate facilities (apart from no light in the gents loo). However, this was partially offset by the cafe’s predicted ability to serve the best bacon roles around, as confirmed by an Old Boys football club mate, Henry Stock, which made his trip worthwhile in itself. <br />
Since moving out to the sticks and spending time regularly down in the south of France, Henry’s visits to see the side have been curtailed. He has a strong pedigree being brought up in the area and his late father being been a fan since the 1930’s, having attended the winning cup final but had little knowledge of the current side. <br />
However, for this game the three of us watched pretty much on the same basis, as I had seen none of the new signings before, and Barry had only sampled them at Welling.<br />
I had had the good fortune to watch the brief snapshot film on Youtube of the Welling game. I picked out a few players from that and had already formed a view that the two Danny’s were ones to watch. <br />
I expected to see two sides in each half but instead of this we had one selected side with a few substitutions in the second half. I gather that some players, such as Alonso, may be being rested after a late finish to their season, though beyond that the selection had the feel of a CP first choice 11 about it. <br />
Armed with a CAFCPICKS Squad status sheet, the immediate task was to recognise and name the players, as a late arrival in our seats meant we missed the PA system and no propgrammes were available. <br />
We expected Aldershot to be a reasonable test of the new squad as they have just one promotion and were keen to impress. They seemed to have an abundance of players, making lost of substitutions during the game and playing a neat passing game, but with little punch up front (though this was mirrored by the visitors). <br />
Anyhow, this is my initial take on the new ensemble, to be possibly further refined at Woking on Saturday.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Defence: </span><br />
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<em>Elliot</em> performed reasonably satisfactorily. Their goal was well struck but there were some who felt that he could have got close to it. <br />
<em>Solly </em>had his usual sound, workmanlike performance. I was impressed with Wiggins who seemed solid in all respects (which was good as I felt that, budget permitting, Bessoine performed well last season and would have been a good signing).<br />
The two central defenders (<em>Taylor and Morrison</em>) were fairly sound but were not really threatened to any extent, though on the occasions they were, there seemed a degree of panic clearances. It was good to see that they were both big lads and good in the air. I was a little surprised to find that they seemed to be football playing centre backs, prepared to take the ball out of defence and pass it (which may be good or bad!).<br />
I came away with a strong feeling that the defence would look more solid with either a <em>Doherty</em> or a <em>Dailly </em>alongside one of them to hold the fort when the better sides take us by the throat. Without that I fear that the back four middle will not be as strong as that I had anticipated which is a slight disappointment. <br />
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<span style="color: red;">Midfield </span><br />
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I came expecting to see <em>Hollands</em> impress and dominate. By his standards he probably had a quiet game but he does look like one who will be a key player in both his tackling and distribution and enthusiasm. He laid on a great through ball for BWP in the second half. He looked slightly one pace, and that may be his limitations but I think he will get away with that, and may in fact look sharper as the season proceeds. <br />
<em>Jackson </em>had a fair game and looks more of a seasoned, experienced pro than many of the other new fledglings, a quality that will be good to have around. There does seem a bit of a problem of just where he is best suited, whether it is as a wide midfielder or positioned more upfront as a more outright winger, though whilst he does a good job there he might lack the speed to be permanently positioned out there.. <br />
<em>Green </em>had a couple of sizzling shots which did not take me by surprise based on previous reports, it was just a case of waiting for them. He looked a sound player (a bit of the Colin Powell’s about him, and going back further, a shot in the Mike Kenning mould. It looks like he has a degree of trying to do too much at times with his head down (a touch of the Kyel Reid’s, but only a touch which I think that time, and coaching will resolve). All in all a very promising addition, though I was slightly disappointed by his crossing of the ball. <br />
To me the revelation was <em>Ruben Bover Isquierdo</em> (who I hope was out number 18 player on show). I had not seen him before but he looked young, desperate to run his socks off and impress, not afraid to go into a tackle and a good passer of the ball. He also had a blistering shot well blocked in the second half. He was substituted late in the second half, and I feel that was really a recognition of the fact that he never stopped running and was pretty exhausted as a result. He looks to be potentially out best signing if he is coached well and nurtured by CP and colleagues over the coming months. A kind of improvbed, more effective Racon. A real find.<br />
<em>Freddie Warner</em> came on and performed well but had too short a time to impress. <em>Wagstaff</em> came on for the final minutes, looked very fit and showed a lot of energy but not much else in the time available. <br />
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<span style="color: red;">Forwards</span><br />
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<em>BPW</em> had a hard working game to little avail. He was presented with few opportunities though did look sharp on the rare occasion they materialised. Of course that his is game, and we can only hope that out midfield can set him up with the requisite number of chances this season. When the side is playing well he will make a major contribution but if we go through a bad patch he will be become anonymous.<br />
<em>Benson</em> toiled for the whole game (as did all the side who seemed to sweat as much as you had heard they had in the heat of Spain, there was no lack of effort). He took a well taken headed goal that may add to this confidence. However, on this evidence this pairing is not going to set the world alight and it’s plain that we could also do with a powerful, physically strong (dare I say bruiser ) up front with the ability to take on players, wield a shot and lay the ball off. Trouble is that every club wants one of those. From reports, I gather that our other forward signings don’t’ match up to that requirement and there is little time to resolve that even if there is a will to do so. <br />
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<span style="color: red;"><em>Finale</em></span><br />
So, in the end it was to an extent a reassuring experience to watch a side with a fair degree of talent on show, bags of enthusiasm but potentially a little short at the back and worryingly ineffective upfront. We manmaged few shots on goal, and of course with that missed penaly, should have come away in defeat.<br />
It would be good to retrun after the Woking game with increased expectations.<br />
At the moment it ooks like a play off challenge unless we have an inspired signing up front.Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5378328956976713594.post-85972059802791644232011-07-12T12:07:00.000-07:002011-07-13T02:17:54.054-07:00Crowborough on the Button (Revealed!)<span style="font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial;">FRIENDLY ADVICE FROM THE CAFCPICKS EDITOR INFORMED ME MY LAST POST WAS REAL CLOAK AND DAGGER STUFF: I.E. Black font revealed nothing to the casual onloooker.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana;">Text now revealed for all to see!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial;">On 'CAFCPICKS', Crowborough Addick (a regular inputter of astute stuff) refined the title of my last post, " New Dawn". </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3;">His hope is that that this season's changes to our resources and less mercenary empahasis within the squad will preface a season that is a <span style="color: red;">" A Dawn of Honest Endeavour". </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial;">Nice thought, Crow', perhaps that should be this season's motto?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,tahoma,helvetica,arial; font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span>Mike BARRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14410777324208010076noreply@blogger.com1