Reflections

This topic contains 4 replies, has 5 voices, and was last updated by  geirwba 2 years, 10 months ago.

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #1957032

    DH54WBA
    Participant
    • :

    If not quite in the manner anticipated the season ended in line with most expectations and yet somehow still seemed disappointing. The change of manager and addition of loanees did little to affect the outcome and the 0.79 points per game amassed by BFS over his 24 matches would be relegation form in any season. 26 points equals our worst ever EPL performance in 2002/03 and our goal difference was even worse than that campaign.
    The highlights? The win at Wolves and the demolition of Chelsea but for the most part our football was little more than third division standard and those who might consider this an exaggeration should take in a few more lower level matches. The defence? The record speaks for itself. 3/5 at the back has never worked when used and we have no one who would command a place in any other Prem side including Johnstone. Plenty of effort and commitment and I never thought to write this but Bartley the best performer and a decent captain. Ajayi the new ‘disaster waiting to happen’and the full backs both promising going forward but less so defensively. I thought OShea deserved more game time. Midfield? Pereira showed his class when finally played in the right position but usually AWOL when the going got tough. Phillips offered his usual 50% but Diangana was the greatest disappointment of all and for the rest we relied on the loanees. Hardly worth mentioning the strike force because yet again we didn’t have one.
    The loanees made a difference but not a telling one. Yokuslu was certainly Okay but finally succumbed to the penaltyitis which affected us throughout the season: Gallagher displayed energy galore but will never have the ability to play in the first team at Chelsea (way below Mount and Gilmore), Diagne proved less effective than a restored HRK and aside from one massive game Maitland-Niles was also pretty ineffective with zero goals and zero assists that I can recall. I’d be happy to see Okay and Gallagher in the shirt again but the chances are slim.
    Delighted that BFS is out but the replacement is a worry with Wilder said to be the club’s preferred choice. From this point the future does not look too bright but not to worry as Dowling is still around and will no doubt surprise us all with an array of new signings plucked from non league football for next to nothing. Seems certain to be a farewell to Pereira and Johnstone and at least the cash should give us an edge next season if used well. Some chance! In any event it will be an interesting summer and good to see this site back in use by the faithful few.

    #1957183

    sarky parky
    Participant
    • :

    Yes, good to see most regulars back apart from Ciaran who I suppose could be a guest of her majesty again.
    As far as the next manager is concerned, Wilder has the inestimable advantage of being unemployed so yet again no compensation will have to be paid. But he wouldn’t be such a bad choice. With little money and a team that included many Division 1 players, he achieved a double promotion with Sheffield United and an unlikely top half finish last year. And in all fairness, this year overall they played better football than Albion and lost many games rather unfairly and by the odd goal. I think wishing for Howe or Lampard – also free agents – is a pipe dream. Lampard has now got a sacking on his CV but last year and able to spend no money he got Chelsea to third and reached the cup final. But will he feel the need to reset in the Championship? It’s doubtful.
    For many years Howe was the hottest property in English soccer management
    and Bournemouth’s relegation hasn’t really diminished the lustre. He’s worth a try but I think he’ll be aiming a bit higher. Maresco SHOULD be approached
    as he would certainly fit the bill of a young ambitious manager with all the right background and connections. I don’t think Guardiola would have okayed his taking control of the City academy without a lot of faith in him. And we might get a couple of good loanees with the deal.
    But this time we must build a team that stands a reasonable chance of competing in the Premiership. It’s better to have a project that lasts for two or three seasons rather than struggle up as we did last year only to be inadequate to the point of humiliation on too many occasions.
    There were some bright spots, none more so than our trouncing of Chelsea and getting four points off the Wolves so that we can make some claim to Black Country bragging rights. But too often, even when we were playing well, we gave away goals in the 45th or 90th plus minutes and frequently looked like innocents abroad.
    Whatever, we can all have something of a break now, and sleep easily in our beds knowing that our future is in the competent hands of Luke Dowling and his acolytes. They’ll do the right thing!

    #1957271

    fingerwba
    Participant
    • :

    I’m not sure Wilder would be the best choice for us, but obviously not the worst choice either. Lampard has a point to prove and might attract better players, but is no guarantee of success. I expect Howe will be at Celtic. Maresca is an unknown really. Was a good player though.
    It’s a shame Ajayi can’t keep his concentration levels as he certainly has the talent. I would keep him as we’ve all seen how other error prone defenders can up their game (eg John Stones).
    I would agree that Gallagher won’t get any game time at Chelsea, but could become a huge player in the Championship next season, if we could somehow keep hold of him. I would also like to keep Yokuslu, but I guess that won’t happen. Diagne would be a handful in the Championship, but can’t see that happening either and AMN will probably leave Arsenal for another premiership club.

    #1957370

    Northwich Baggie
    Participant
    • :

    Maresca is off to Parma but Lampard is being interviewed along with Wilder. I won’t be holding my breath waiting for something to happen because this is WBAFC! Wilder would be a step back along the Pulis road!

    #1958052

    geirwba
    Participant
    • :

    I would go for Lampard,maybe he is the man who can bring us back to prem.He has a lot of contacts at Chelsea and maybe he can get us some good loan players in eksample Gallager.Norway baggie

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

You must be logged in to reply this topic.