We said we missed Angel and Cameron badly. We managed less than an hour between the two today with one not even fit enough to make the squad. Our whole starting back 4 is out of contract at the end of the season. 3 more starters also and a couple on the bench. That’s 9 in the matchday squad. When we were doing well and around 8th spot at Christmas and a few points off the play offs, players have not been awarded new deals. Lynch went to Media and said he was hoping for a new deal and that can start to take effect if not awarded. Yes the players are professional or supposed to be but football is unique in that it works on a contract basis and a lack of security can creep in for individuals whether we fans can accept that as an excuse or not. Who behind the scenes is dictating renewals whether it’s McClaren (if it is and he wants different personnel next season then we have to trust that and get by this season having probably got the job done already with now insecure playing staff) If it’s higher up then there’s fault there at not renewing players early or earlier for the players themselves or manager.
The ball bouncing off Lumley twice today. This was a keeper who was third choice this time last year. No scope to sign a new number 1 all season and when you throw in an out of contract back 4 then that’s the whole back 5 we’re expecting to be a brick wall, it’s just not going to happen.
Did Hall and Lynch both start today to potentially justify their futures? All this squad uncertainty, it’s very important we don’t have manager uncertainty too and in 2-14 months this isn’t going to end very prettily if we don’t get some stability and direction into the club.
In terms of performances and results, we’ve had games where we’ve deserved to win or draw and then drawn or lost with late goals, bad refereeing decisions or unluckily timed injuries and the law of averages after that for what I would describe a mediocre team anyway is that we’re going to get some bad form/displays and then of course you lose anyway. I don’t think the clamouring for an FA cup run has helped the league situation. The Portsmouth replay made it a very tough February with a weakened squad and we are now firmally in the mire in different ways.
In short, I don’t think the manager McClaren (please show the guy some respect instead of abusive nicknames or even just spelling his name incorrectly) is not the centrepiece of this downturn in fortunes but as the manager of the football club attention naturally turns to him.
Lets focus on the remit which was to survive under FFP issues with an Embargo and a woeful start to the campaign amid an unsettled summer.
The ball bouncing off Lumley twice today. This was a keeper who was third choice this time last year. No scope to sign a new number 1 all season and when you throw in an out of contract back 4 then that’s the whole back 5 we’re expecting to be a brick wall, it’s just not going to happen.
Did Hall and Lynch both start today to potentially justify their futures? All this squad uncertainty, it’s very important we don’t have manager uncertainty too and in 2-14 months this isn’t going to end very prettily if we don’t get some stability and direction into the club.
In terms of performances and results, we’ve had games where we’ve deserved to win or draw and then drawn or lost with late goals, bad refereeing decisions or unluckily timed injuries and the law of averages after that for what I would describe a mediocre team anyway is that we’re going to get some bad form/displays and then of course you lose anyway. I don’t think the clamouring for an FA cup run has helped the league situation. The Portsmouth replay made it a very tough February with a weakened squad and we are now firmally in the mire in different ways.
In short, I don’t think the manager McClaren (please show the guy some respect instead of abusive nicknames or even just spelling his name incorrectly) is not the centrepiece of this downturn in fortunes but as the manager of the football club attention naturally turns to him.
Lets focus on the remit which was to survive under FFP issues with an Embargo and a woeful start to the campaign amid an unsettled summer.
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