[MrTall]

Mr_Pleasant, on 17 May 2025 - 08:21 AM, said:

Having had time to think about it, Walsall can't have played the same all season as they did against us in the play offs. They are the only team in the league to have scored more than us, and they let in the same number of goals. Last night, after the first 5 minutes they sat deeper than I can remember seeing a home team sit before.

And yet Boot had to make more saves than the cheat in their goal did.

[Osborne again]

To say we've had three seasons worth of injuries in one, players having to fill in and play in positions they were not naturally suited for, losing Markanday and then the off-field upheavals of both Ty Williams and Phil Kirk, I think the club have held it together rather well. I'm proud of every one of them. If Cookie wasn't thin on top already, I think, as this season ends, he would have been sporting the Bobby Charlton comb over after this return to the EFL.
I'm looking forward to next season already.

[hewittfan]

Johnnyspireite7, on 17 May 2025 - 10:43 AM, said:

As are Madden and Dunkley

If you read the original post, he had already talked about about those two, before referring to “ the others for me will probably be out the door”, which included Sheckleford.

This post has been edited by hewittfan: 17 May 2025 - 01:51 PM

[The Earl of Chesterfield]

Misnomer, on 17 May 2025 - 11:54 AM, said:

Why didn't you take this to the personal section or DM me, instead of just escalating it further on here? You know I'm going to respond and defend myself.

Try putting things into context before you post. Lad called everyone 'nobheads' for daring to criticise a performance which, they are completely entitled to do; so, I responded.

Far worse words have been said on here than 'pussy'; in fact, one of your mate, Josh's, favourites is to call people 'bitches'. I'll look forward to you publicly dressing him down and calling him a misogynist, when he next does it.

Catalogue of sanctions. What you mean is, Christopher, you grassed on me to your mate, who subsequently banned me, TWICE. Hardly a 'catalogue' but, we know you like your hyperbole.

'threatening to set his supposed spouse on folk instead of accepting offers to discuss posts in person.' I've genuinely no idea what you are talking about.

As for spitting spite; you ain't so bad yersen - I have those delightful emails you sent to me.

Let's leave it here, yeah. We've done pretty well avoiding each other on the personal section - I don't want it on here.

As for the the rest - it's just opinions, and everyone is entitled to them, without being called a 'nobhead' before they post something. Many people subsequently disagreed with his view on the performance.

Personally, I know we are in good hands, and I'm extremely grateful to the Kirks for that.

Why would I reply to a post on here anywhere else?

Or via PM?

Or be somehow afraid of you responding?

The "context" was you first accusing someone of smoking crack, then resorting to aggressive posturing and misogynistic tropes.

It's there, for all to see, before any mention of knobs and heads.

So did that make you feel tough? An internet hard case? The 'one hundred percent man' you once so revealingly and hilariously dubbed yourself?

Which I guess you'll also conveniently forget, just like saying you'd set your supposed spouse on me when offered the opportunity to discuss differences in person.

Then this playground standard blubbering about 'your mate said summat' or 'you grassed and got me banned' or 'you sent me e-mails'

From the character who dubs others 'pussies'.

Pathetic.

But I'm not gonna descend into your inadequate little world of what you want or don't want. We've seen how that ends in the 'Personal' section so embarrassingly handed a yellow card by the mod's not long ago. The reason I and most others now largely avoid that platform.

If you really do trust the Kirks then prove it by ceasing the snide criticisms of the manager in whom they, and pretty much every other Town fan, retain faith.

And consider this; next time you contribute something - whether about the Club or your political prejudices - would it be summat they'd be happy to have associated with the name above our forum....?

[dtp]

Mr_Pleasant, on 17 May 2025 - 08:21 AM, said:

Having had time to think about it, Walsall can't have played the same all season as they did against us in the play offs. They are the only team in the league to have scored more than us, and they let in the same number of goals. Last night, after the first 5 minutes they sat deeper than I can remember seeing a home team sit before. Fair play to them, once they were 2 up after a quarter of the tie, they did exactly what they needed to do, and it would have been difficult for us even if we had played with more tempo.

Whichever way you look at it they played on the break in both legs and based their game on allowing us possession. They scored four we scored just one. In the league games they scored five against our three. I believe we had the most possession in all four games. So, being solid in defence and taking chances on the break can result in goals scored.

Crystal Palace scored more goals than Manchester City today yet gave up 3/4s of the pitch to City. Wimbledon’s game is based on having a mean defence, they don’t score many, but beat Notts County in both legs of the play-offs.

So, possession does not always lead to success. Whichever way a team plays it has to find a way of putting enough balls in the onion bag to win a game. We have been relatively successful in this respect but have struggled to win games 1-0. In fact, we have been notorious slow starters in games has emphasised by our gifting Walsall a good goal scoring opportunity in the first minute of each play off game. Such early lapses can be very costly and needs addressing. We have had a lot of experienced heads in the team but these issues have remained with us.

[dim view]

dtp, on 17 May 2025 - 09:00 PM, said:

Whichever way you look at it they played on the break in both legs and based their game on allowing us possession. They scored four we scored just one. In the league games they scored five against our three. I believe we had the most possession in all four games. So, being solid in defence and taking chances on the break can result in goals scored.

Crystal Palace scored more goals than Manchester City today yet gave up 3/4s of the pitch to City. Wimbledon’s game is based on having a mean defence, they don’t score many, but beat Notts County in both legs of the play-offs.

So, possession does not always lead to success. Whichever way a team plays it has to find a way of putting enough balls in the onion bag to win a game. We have been relatively successful in this respect but have struggled to win games 1-0. In fact, we have been notorious slow starters in games has emphasised by our gifting Walsall a good goal scoring opportunity in the first minute of each play off game. Such early lapses can be very costly and needs addressing. We have had a lot of experienced heads in the team but these issues have remained with us.

Those are valid observations, but what do you propose?

Is it that you think we need to recruit for a much more frequent and effective plan B?

[Phil V 72]

dim view, on 18 May 2025 - 07:16 AM, said:

Those are valid observations, but what do you propose?

Is it that you think we need to recruit for a much more frequent and effective plan B?

When we had Berry we had a player capable of something a bit different, an explosion of pace or a shot/goal from distance. Though I think it was right to sell him we need to find that spark in the team to swing tight games.

[Lincs Spireite]

Phil V 72, on 18 May 2025 - 07:27 AM, said:

When we had Berry we had a player capable of something a bit different, an explosion of pace or a shot/goal from distance. Though I think it was right to sell him we need to find that spark in the team to swing tight games.

That's what we need to look for next season. Some players with electric pace to get bums off seats. A rock solid mobile defence . Also take a closer look at the injury history. We cannot allow another season with a similar injury record.

[dim view]

Phil V 72, on 18 May 2025 - 07:27 AM, said:

When we had Berry we had a player capable of something a bit different, an explosion of pace or a shot/goal from distance. Though I think it was right to sell him we need to find that spark in the team to swing tight games.

We do, but the very first initiative should be to stop giving away poor goals. On the days when we are lacking zest we have to keep a clean sheet.

[The Earl of Chesterfield]

dim view, on 18 May 2025 - 07:51 AM, said:

We do, but the very first initiative should be to stop giving away poor goals. On the days when we are lacking zest we have to keep a clean sheet.

These are virtually the same conversations witnessed following our NL failures.

Cook's tactics weren't good enough. They were too pedestrian and ponderous. Too ambitious. Too open to exploitation by deep defences and direct counter-attacks.

We needed a plan b and c and, well, whatever.

But the real issue was having the quality of player to employ plan 'A' effectively.

And the same applies now. This squad has performed way beyond expectations, however it must now evolve.

I hope; in fact no - I KNOW those leaving us this summer will attract deserved deals elsewhere. With our very best wishes attached.

Leaving PC huge scope, alongside the Kirks' generosity, to sign recruits capable of the brighter, higher tempo triangles needed to bypass well marshalled outfits...

This post has been edited by The Earl of Chesterfield: 18 May 2025 - 08:08 AM

[60s 70s Spireite]

dim view, on 18 May 2025 - 07:51 AM, said:

We do, but the very first initiative should be to stop giving away poor goals. On the days when we are lacking zest we have to keep a clean sheet.

But is that Cook’s philosophy? Last season we scored 106, but conceded 65- about the 13th worst in the league we won. To concede less should we be less adventurous?

[dim view]

60s 70s Spireite, on 18 May 2025 - 08:11 AM, said:

But is that Cook’s philosophy? Last season we scored 106, but conceded 65- about the 13th worst in the league we won. To concede less should we be less adventurous?

It was his first observation after the Walsall first leg, and at Cheltenham, and others. So yes, it's his philosophy.

[Misnomer]

The Earl of Chesterfield, on 17 May 2025 - 08:37 PM, said:

Why would I reply to a post on here anywhere else?

Or via PM?

Or be somehow afraid of you responding?

The "context" was you first accusing someone of smoking crack, then resorting to aggressive posturing and misogynistic tropes.

It's there, for all to see, before any mention of knobs and heads.

So did that make you feel tough? An internet hard case? The 'one hundred percent man' you once so revealingly and hilariously dubbed yourself?

Which I guess you'll also conveniently forget, just like saying you'd set your supposed spouse on me when offered the opportunity to discuss differences in person.

Then this playground standard blubbering about 'your mate said summat' or 'you grassed and got me banned' or 'you sent me e-mails'

From the character who dubs others 'pussies'.

Pathetic.

But I'm not gonna descend into your inadequate little world of what you want or don't want. We've seen how that ends in the 'Personal' section so embarrassingly handed a yellow card by the mod's not long ago. The reason I and most others now largely avoid that platform.

If you really do trust the Kirks then prove it by ceasing the snide criticisms of the manager in whom they, and pretty much every other Town fan, retain faith.

And consider this; next time you contribute something - whether about the Club or your political prejudices - would it be summat they'd be happy to have associated with the name above our forum....?

Deary me - I asked you to leave it.

Do you need to visit the doctor or summat? Testosterone dropped through the floor?
Kids dropped their pronouns?

I did ask to not continue it on here, but you have, so apologies to everyone.

All I did was respond to a post, in a very similar way many others have before me - things like, what are you smoking; I'll have whatever he's on, etc, etc. But, for some reason (I can't think what), you've decided to go balls deep on me; does that make you feel tough? Internet hard case?

Look at the ridiculous overreaction 😂 'misogyny', for saying pussy; Jesus, man; what's wrong with you. Everyone, Chris Snell says you can't say pussy, cuñt, fanny or minge. Please bear this in mind when posting. Not that this is a regular occurrence, but I've even seen several of you mild mannered folk drop the C bomb. I'll look forward to you chastising these people, Christopher. Just checking, though; you're okay with folk saying, bitch'? Is that misogynistic or not? Asking for a mate, who enjoys using it on here quite a bit.

Ohhhhhh I seeeee. There you go again with that made up stuff. Did I actually say, I'd set my other half on you? The answer to that (which is written on this forum) is no. I said no such thing. I actually said, she thinks you're a massive pussy, and would love to speak with you, and I might have to holder her back, because she read those vile emails you sent. Get it rate, pal.

Playground standard blubbering. Hmmmmm that's an interesting angle on factual events. YOU, twice went to your friend, and YOU, just TWICE, got me banned. Just YOU, nobody else. So, you seriously exaggerated the amount of bans I've had (bearing in mind, I've been on this board since it's inception), and then, you're the one saying I'm the one doing the blubbering....interesting. Just remind me, didn't you serve a ban? 😏

What's next? Oh yeah. Why you avoid that personal section of the platform hmmmmm. I reckon, it's because you severely embarrassed yourself with that egotistical, beyond a joke arrogant, 'my work is done here' 😂 remark, after Labour won the election. Or, maybe, that's just a coincidence.

Sorry? Snide criticism of the manager? You'll have to elaborate, Christopher. Snide? What did I say? I've never once slagged off Paul Cook. Stop lying. That's some warped view you have there, pal. He stuck with a formation, against a team, that didn't work on three previous occasions (and, again the fourth time he employed it) - I, like many others on here, suggested an alternative. What's 'snide' about that?

'And, consider this'. Listen to yourself. You can't even see your own hypocrisy. Unfortunately for you, the board isn't an autocracy; folk are free to air their opinions, no matter what they are. You're an identity politics nutjob, entrenched ideologue, but you have been allowed to freely peddle your biases and prejudices (mainly, just listening to James O'Brien and then posting it on here), for many many years. You don't call the shots, pal; neither do I. Didn't you once call Brexit voters, racists? Do think the club wants that association? You also approve of men, identifying as women, using women's changing rooms and toilets; do you think the club wants that association? Do yersen a favour and reign in that ego....

This post has been edited by Misnomer: 18 May 2025 - 09:33 AM

[The Earl of Chesterfield]

Misnomer, on 18 May 2025 - 09:20 AM, said:

Deary me - I asked you to leave it.

Do you need to visit the doctor or summat? Testosterone dropped through the floor?
Kids dropped their pronouns?

I did ask to not continue it on here, but you have, so apologies to everyone.

All I did was respond to a post, in a very similar way many others have before me - things like, what are you smoking; I'll have whatever he's on, etc, etc. But, for some reason (I can't think what), you've decided to go balls deep on me; does that make you feel tough? Internet hard case?

Look at the ridiculous overreaction 😂 'misogyny', for saying pussy; Jesus, man; what's wrong with you. Everyone, Chris Snell says you can't say pussy, cuñt, fanny or minge. Please bear this in mind when posting. Not that this is a regular occurrence, but I've even seen several of you mild mannered folk drop the C bomb. I'll look forward to you chastising these people, Christopher. Just checking, though; you're okay with folk saying, bitch'? Is that misogynistic or not? Asking for a mate, who enjoys using it on here quite a bit.

Ohhhhhh I seeeee. There you go again with that made up stuff. Did I actually say, I'd set my other half on you? The answer to that (which is written on this forum) is no. I said no such thing. I actually said, she thinks you're a massive pussy, and would love to speak with you, and I might have to holder her back, because she read those vile emails you sent. Get it rate, pal.

Playground standard blubbering. Hmmmmm that's an interesting angle on factual events. YOU, twice went to your friend, and YOU, just TWICE, got me banned. Just YOU, nobody else. So, you seriously exaggerated the amount of bans I've had (bearing in mind, I've been on this board since it's inception), and then, you're the one saying I'm the one doing the blubbering....interesting. Just remind me, didn't you serve a ban? 😏

What's next? Oh yeah. Why you avoid that personal section of the platform hmmmmm. I reckon, it's because you severely embarrassed yourself with that egotistical, beyond a joke arrogant, 'my work is done here' 😂 remark, after Labour won the election. Or, maybe, that's just a coincidence.

Sorry? Snide criticism of the manager? You'll have to elaborate, Christopher. Snide? What did I say? I've never once slagged off Paul Cook. Stop lying. That's some warped view you have there, pal. He stuck with a formation, against a team, that didn't work on three previous occasions (and, again the fourth time he employed it) - I, like many others on here, suggested an alternative. What's 'snide' about that?

'And, consider this'. Listen to yourself. You can't even see your own hypocrisy. Unfortunately for you, the board isn't an autocracy; folk are free to air their opinions, no matter what they are. You're an identity politics nutjob, entrenched ideologue, but you have been allowed to freely peddle your biases and prejudices (mainly, just listening to James O'Brien and then posting it on here), for many many years. You don't call the shots, pal; neither do I. Didn't you once call Brexit voters, racists? Do think the club wants that association? You also approve of men, identifying as women, using women's changing rooms and toilets; do you think the club wants that association? Do yersen a favour and reign in that ego....

Mate, seriously, you need help...

[SocraticCFC]

dim view, on 18 May 2025 - 07:51 AM, said:

We do, but the very first initiative should be to stop giving away poor goals. On the days when we are lacking zest we have to keep a clean sheet.

Seems to be a problem - does this come from midfield or the back four. I suspect both

[Osborne again]

SocraticCFC, on 18 May 2025 - 10:39 AM, said:

Seems to be a problem - does this come from midfield or the back four. I suspect both

Playing with a high back line and full backs bombing forward is the biggest problem, but we aren't going to find two centre backs with the acceleration of Linford Christie, and the defensive abilities of Bobby Moore and Alan Hansen, without breaking the bank several times over. So we either drop the defensive line or don't push both full backs up together at the same time,oh and find a new Mike Jones.
Cookie thought he'd found the answer to his dreams with Araujo, but injury and loss of form put paid to that.

[PontePete]

Waller is my hero, on 16 May 2025 - 10:30 PM, said:

🍾🥂 enjoy the summer my friend

Agent Waller signing out for the summer 👌

And you mate

[dtp]

dim view, on 18 May 2025 - 07:16 AM, said:

Those are valid observations, but what do you propose?

Is it that you think we need to recruit for a much more frequent and effective plan B?

Thank goodness I am not the manager but if I were I would be asking myself why does my team often only play for one of the 45 minutes. It’s a game of 2 halves but we are a team that rarely kills the opposition off in the first half but if we get to the second half level or slightly ahead you would back us to win. However, if we concede early against a team with good defensive tactics we struggle to turn the game round.

We are notoriously slow starters. Why is that? Are we too arrogant and think we are better than the opposition? Are we not fit enough to take the game by the scruff of the neck from the first minute to the last? Or, tactically do we think we will eventually wear the opposition out and all will come good in the end?

Personally, rather than being in cruise control from minute one I would prefer us to get well enough ahead before adopting a more containing game towards the end. A cheap goal given away when you are 3-0 up is not quite as bad as a cheap goal given away when you were drawing 0-0.

So, I would propose putting the opposition under more pressure from the kick off. Moving the ball faster within our possession based game. When the opposition have countered and thrown men forward to get the ball into their half with urgency rather than inviting pressure by passing it around at a stroll at the back to give them time to take up their defensive rolls again. Take throw-ins forward not backwards. Sam Alladice said the best defensive pass you can make is a forward pass because that way you remain between the ball and your goal whereas if you play it sideways or backwards you have taken yourself out of the game if the pass is intercepted. Was he wrong?

[Tha Knows...]

dtp, on 18 May 2025 - 02:02 PM, said:

Thank goodness I am not the manager but if I were I would be asking myself why does my team often only play for one of the 45 minutes. It’s a game of 2 halves but we are a team that rarely kills the opposition off in the first half but if we get to the second half level or slightly ahead you would back us to win. However, if we concede early against a team with good defensive tactics we struggle to turn the game round.

We are notoriously slow starters. Why is that? Are we too arrogant and think we are better than the opposition? Are we not fit enough to take the game by the scruff of the neck from the first minute to the last? Or, tactically do we think we will eventually wear the opposition out and all will come good in the end?

Personally, rather than being in cruise control from minute one I would prefer us to get well enough ahead before adopting a more containing game towards the end. A cheap goal given away when you are 3-0 up is not quite as bad as a cheap goal given away when you were drawing 0-0.

So, I would propose putting the opposition under more pressure from the kick off. Moving the ball faster within our possession based game. When the opposition have countered and thrown men forward to get the ball into their half with urgency rather than inviting pressure by passing it around at a stroll at the back to give them time to take up their defensive rolls again. Take throw-ins forward not backwards. Sam Alladice said the best defensive pass you can make is a forward pass because that way you remain between the ball and your goal whereas if you play it sideways or backwards you have taken yourself out of the game if the pass is intercepted. Was he wrong?

To move the ball faster and retain a possession game we need better players. Get some pace and muscle in the side, we have too many lightweights.