Oldham (a) - League - 14th August 2004

[Andy]

By red until im dead (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 03:44 pm: Edit

2-0......Fryatt and D.Taylor how much is this kid going to be worth 3 games 3 goals

By gizawfc (81.154.139.86) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 03:51 pm: Edit

Half time 2-2 a 40 year old makes us look silly!!! Mckinney mistake for there first, then a deflection for the second.

Sounds like merson's plan this season is the try and score more than we conceed!!

Worrying thing is Red, that all the youngsters only have a one year contract. They could be snapped up quite easily if we are not careful.

By red until im dead (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 03:52 pm: Edit

2-2 half time

By red until im dead (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 03:53 pm: Edit

yes but a fee will have to be paid as they are under 24

By reading saddler (82.133.111.70) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 03:56 pm: Edit

right second half mission is score and dont concede this time

By gizawfc (81.154.139.86) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 03:57 pm: Edit

True, but it's hardly going to be much is it as they are first year pro's. I have heard already that a Portsmouth scout was surprised that Daryl Taylor was on a 1 year contract.

Time will tell though.

By gizawfc (81.154.139.86) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:10 pm: Edit

bloody hell man!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 - 3 another keepers error, shot from 25 yards, Mckinney was expected to save.

We need a new keeper desperatly!!!!

By SaddlerSteve (81.155.77.29) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:11 pm: Edit

Dodgy? McKinney is complete ••••!

By hullsaddler (212.50.181.107) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:12 pm: Edit

2-3!!!!!!
Well Paston must be pretty poor if he cant get into the side

By Surrey Saddler (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:13 pm: Edit

Put Paston on quick

By gizawfc (81.154.139.86) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:14 pm: Edit

So much for this attacking mentality it helped send us down last season. Now will it cost us this season??

2 - 4 Surely we have got to learn that we also need to defend too

By SaddlerSteve (81.155.77.29) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:16 pm: Edit

Theres no choice but to attack now.

COME ON!!!

By reading saddler (82.133.111.70) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:17 pm: Edit

jeez

By Angry Yves Saint Peron (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:21 pm: Edit

THIS IS A F****** DISGRACE. PLAY ATTACKING FOOTBALL AND ESTABLISH A LEAD. THEN SURE IT UP BEFORE SPOILING THE GAME AND PACKING THE TEAM FULL OF MIDFIELDERS.

By gizawfc (81.154.139.86) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:25 pm: Edit

We are struggling nwo by the sound of it. Although we have tried to change it a bit by bringing on Osborn for Bazeley. £ at the back now.


By LarryHaggler (81.133.194.125) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:26 pm: Edit

Keeper 3 mistakes !
Attack.

By gizawfc (81.154.139.86) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:36 pm: Edit

Come on Lads lets rescue this game!!!

Matty Fryatt 3 - 4.

By Surrey Saddler (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:37 pm: Edit

Good old Matty. There is still time!!!!!

By Shad (195.92.168.171) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:38 pm: Edit

I'd settle for 4-4 but want 5-4. Come on saddlers!

By Cymru Saddler (81.131.176.241) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:39 pm: Edit

Only went out for half an hour - 4 goals - will have to have a pacemaker fitted this year!

By McKinney McJoke (82.37.184.104) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:40 pm: Edit

Is Mick Kearns still registered as a player??

He couldn't do any worse even if he's an old 'un.

By Shad (195.92.168.171) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:47 pm: Edit

Just to rub it in we have a goal disallowed and wolves have a penalty

By gizawfc (81.154.139.86) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:48 pm: Edit

We are pushing now for a grandstand finish come lads. keep plugging away.

2 mins to go!!!!!!!!!
Disallowed goal too.

We are in in for an exciting season lads

By Shad (195.92.168.171) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:50 pm: Edit

5-3 . Thats that then

By hullsaddler (212.50.181.107) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:51 pm: Edit

5-3
Well that's it

By Whoops as daisy. (82.37.184.104) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:51 pm: Edit

5 Goals now............

Its going to be a disappointing season, remember where your heard it first.....

By Surrey Saddler (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:51 pm: Edit

All over! Where do we go now.

By SaddlerSteve (81.155.77.29) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:54 pm: Edit

B*LL*CKS!!

Wolves missed their pen though!

By Whoops as daisy (82.37.184.104) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 04:54 pm: Edit

Back to the transfer market to buy a keeper of proven quality, not some reject for Kearnsey to have to train. We can't afford to have a keeper learning on the job.

Just got to say 'bugger'

By Andrew Curl (82.37.163.96) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 05:01 pm: Edit

McKinney OUT! McKinney OUT!

By Geoff Whiting (81.79.100.198) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 05:04 pm: Edit

I am indescribably angry at this utterly pathetic result, and at the same time so glad that my workload stopped me from going to the match.

Two 2-0 leads away from home thrown away in two games, and a keeper that doesn't seem capable of holding on to the ball. Three of the five goals totally down to him today if the Saddlers World live commentary is accurate.

In pre-season McKinney looked to me to be the better of the two keepers, although pre-season was not enough to judge properly. Paston MUST be in and get his chance for the next game and replace this joker between the sticks, but if he's not better than McKinney, then God help us!

Gutted, disgusted, absolutely shocked by today's result. If this is what entertaining attacking football means, I'll take the other sort!



By 14th in Champ. 1 (82.37.184.104) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 05:13 pm: Edit

BBC has got us in 14th position, unless changes are done soon this is where we will ultimately finish.

By reading saddler (82.133.111.70) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 05:15 pm: Edit

disastrous


By SheffieldSaddler (172.191.205.226) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 05:23 pm: Edit

Mckinney, Bazeley (who according to reports was given the run around by an old man), Emblen and Roper (who has played in 2 of the matches) should be DISGUSTED in themselves for conceding 10 goals in 3 matches, against teams who will be lucky to finish in top 15. PATHETIC, the 4 of them should hold their heads in shame.
Where is the midfield? Kinsella seems was not good against Vale, a little better on Tuesday and apparently not so good again today. Thought this bloke was an international?
If anyone would have said we would concede 5 goals to Oldham who had lost both their matches this season I would have sent them to see the people in white coats.
Merson, you had better sort it out mate before me and many fans lose faith.
Oh, well done to Fryatt and Taylor. 3 goals in 3 games for both of them. They must wonder what the hell is going on behind them.

By Alan Allen (195.92.168.164) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 05:43 pm: Edit

Not an awful lot, clearly.

By cannock (62.31.216.77) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 07:29 pm: Edit

Well, i don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Highlights:

Goal 1. Excellent goal. A brilliant knock on from Daryl Taylor into the path of Fryatt who nips infront of the keeper and finishes excellently

Goal 2. Contender for goal of the season. Short corner from Merse to Taylor, a quick one - two and from a narrow angle Taylor simply lashes the ball into the top corner. Simply brilliant.

And thats about it folks.

We had a 15 minute spell where we looked immense with Taylor terrorizing Oldham. However Oldham hit back and got 2 before half time (deservedly as they controlled most of half without looking too dangerous)

Goal 1. Free kick from some way out that Mckinney somehow let squirm beneath him. May have been unsighted.

Goal 2. Counter attack from Oldham, over to Bazeley's flank (who was cack and totally out of position) and the ball was rocketed home with McKinney no chance.

The second half was dreadful with the midfield totally over run, Oldham used the acres of space afforded them on the flanks.

Goal 3. Total shambles. A harmless shot beats Mckinney at the near post and trickles into the net.

Goal 4. Again, Mckinney cant keep it out and it trickles in

At this stage we perked up and Fryatt converted a penalty. It looked as though we might have snatched an undeserved equaliser as he hit the bar and then had an effort disallowed for a shove on the keeper.

In the dying minutes Oldham then break and mckinney is beaten yet again.

All in all, we had a good 15 minute spell and then fell to pieces in the second half.

Mckinney's confidence is shot to pieces and it looks as though the team have no confidence in him.

As soon as the third goal went in, heads dropped and we were all over the place.

Roll on Barnsley. I need a stiff drink.

By cannock (62.31.216.77) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 07:31 pm: Edit

Sheff, Ropes and Emblen played well btw. It was a dodgy keeper and an inability to boss the midfield that cost us.

By WSOne (81.178.234.136) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 08:29 pm: Edit

Emblen and Roper were outstanding at the back but they have no confidence in McKinney for some reason...

By ShropshireSaddler (195.92.168.174) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 08:37 pm: Edit

They have lost all confidence in McKinney. Towards the end there were several occasions where the easy ball was back to the keeper to clear upfield and they wouldn't do it. Emblen almost played himself into trouble, so determined was he that he wasn't going to put it back to the keeper.
I was more than willing to give these keepers a chance and, to be fair, Mckinney made a couple of good saves today but he was clearly at fault for 2 goals with a question mark on one other. It's not good enough. I'm not going to get onto him, it's not his fault. It's the people who signed him, the people who keep playing him.

By Pete Wasterman (62.255.32.9) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 08:45 pm: Edit

Calm down....its only a commercial!!

By andy_vh (195.92.168.164) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 09:12 pm: Edit

sheff you can tell that you werent there as emblen and roper were class if not for emblen we could of have a real beating! he would rather struggle to turn the striker rather than pass back. thought kinsella was ok he does alot of the unsexy stuff. I hate getting on players backs but i know ive said give birch 5 games but after 3 you get a decent idea what you will get, and today im sorry but no when jorge came on he won the ball and played it where people wanted to recieve it! oh and the keeper!!!!!!!!! sorry but its patson or a loanee by next game please!!!!!!!! Taylor what a player! great goal simos osbourne was great when he came on fought for every thing drop wrack for him as hes not doing it for me at the mo

By Andrew Curl (82.37.163.96) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 09:32 pm: Edit

Lol, McKinney must be feeling awful right now. I wonder how Paston's feeling about the whole situation?

By Magic Man Fan (81.156.104.4) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 09:44 pm: Edit

Baze had a mare and I refuse to defend him but the others were fine. Its not the defences fault we keep conceding stupid goals. McKinney was at fault for two and cannock is completely right when he says we can't boss the midfield.

Why? Because 3 of our midfielders are attacking midfielders thats why and its not good enough, its doesn't work in away games. Merse or Wrack need to be replaced by Osborn so we can get hold of the ball. When we have possession we are a great team to watch but when we don't we haven't got a prayer because the way we are playing is almost 4-1-5 with Kinsella the only midifelder and he isn't quick enough to chase around closing people down. We keep letting players have acres of space and let them run at us and shoot from distance. Normally this wouldn't be a problem if Wacka was in goal. I clearly stated after the Kiddy game that we must close players down more or we'll have problems. We haven't and we are. Kiddy's goals were from outside the box and so were Oldhams.

McKinney would be great as back up to an experienced keeper while he still learning but his confidence and the defences' confidence in him will be shot. However the people who are calling for Paston obviously didn't see him in pre-season. If you think McKinney looks nervous, wait until you see him. McKinney has the makings of a good keeper, we saw that in the Villa game but we need someone with experience in as first choice. There were plenty of options around in pre season such as Neil Cutler who went from Stoke to Stockport or even Gavin Ward who was available again. You can't afford to have two in experienced keepers in the squad.

What I will say is, please try not to get on his back. Its not his fault he's been signed on the cheap and being picked. If we get on his back it will just make matters worse. The mistakes for the goals were woeful I admit and I could have even saved them but he will make more mistakes than Wacka remember that. We can't afford them at the rate of 2 a game though.

By WSOne (81.178.236.0) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 09:47 pm: Edit

Did anyone see Paston in the warm-up today? Very unconvincing! We need a reliable keeper between the sticks!

By Magic Man Fan (81.156.104.4) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 09:51 pm: Edit

Oh and another thing....quote from gizawfc

"So much for this attacking mentality it helped send us down last season. Now will it cost us this season??"

So attacking mentality sent us down last season did it? Don't make me laugh! It was the complete opposite that sent us down being too defensive.

The difficult trick is now finding the perfect balance.



By cannock (213.48.83.131) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 09:53 pm: Edit

Is Andy Petterson still available?

I'll get me coat?

By cheese bag (81.131.186.220) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 09:58 pm: Edit

Plus points today... Kids only £3, and err....

No honestly first 1/2 hour the fans were in wonderland, 2 up good singing then the utter feeling of deflation. Jack and Johnson upfront for Oldham ran our defence ragged, only a couple of good intercepts from Emblen stopped the score being more.

Fryatt had a goal disallowed that could have drew us level at 4-4 (reminiscent of the england v Portugal last minute disallowed goal where the ball came off the bar and the goalie was judged to be fouled.

Mckinney at fault for at least 2 goals but Paston in the warm up looked even less convincing, letting in soft shots from Kearns!!!!

Ah well, at this rate looks like we will both score over 100 and concede over 100 this season!


By karen jones (195.92.168.179) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 10:22 pm: Edit

I was at the game today and Julian Bennett was awful.He gives us no option on the left to go forward,His distribution is none existant.Kris Taylor should be playing.He gives us an outlet on the left that Julian just cant do and Wrack hasnt got a left foot.What has that lad got to do to get a regular start for Walsall.Julian is better in the centre as he openly admits himself.Kris is a natural left sided player.After all he played full back for England under 18s and Ray Wilkins raved about him.Get him in he can only go from strength to strength.

By Ludlow Dave (84.66.13.160) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 11:10 pm: Edit

Karen, are you his girlfriend or his agent?



By karen jones (195.92.168.179) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 11:19 pm: Edit

No neither, but I know a quality footballer when I see one.

By Magic Man Fan (81.156.104.4) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 11:42 pm: Edit

I'm not on my own in thinking that then Ludlow Dave!

As I've said elsewhere Karen I agree Taylor is an excellent player but you do seem a little biased.

By Leamore Saddler (83.151.199.112) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 12:37 am: Edit

In the WM interview, Merse was clearly very depressed and annoyed and said that "some players out there did not do the jobs they were supposed to". Obviously (and rightly) he did not name the players but he did say that there would be changes.

I have to admit that I have been a mite concerned about Merse's apparent tactical naivety but if he does take steps to shore up our leaking defence then I may be reassured! I think that the problem is not entirely in the defence itself (although McKinney may need to be taken out of the firing line) but rather in midfield (as MMF says above)where an aging Kinsella is the only natural defensive player. He cannot do it on his own and Daryl Taylor and Merse and even Wrack are not particularly good defenders. As I did not go to Boundary Park, I can't comment on Bazeley's reportedly poor performance but he had played well prior to then. I would imagine that Paston, Broad and Kris Taylor will come in for the next game and maybe Osborn and Aranalde (no, not Corica!).

One for the quiz buffs:- has any other team scored eight goals in their first three games and all eight been scored by teenagers?


By concrete hippo (217.42.253.139) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 09:06 am: Edit

Wonder if we could sign Jimmy on loan?

Team for the next game -

Paston

Bennett
Roper
Emblen
Wrack

D Taylor
Merson
Broad
Kinsella

Birch
Fryatt


By Neil Ravenscroft (82.37.185.68) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 09:08 am: Edit

Face facts, the team is completely unbalanced and the tactics are completely wrong. You can't play with 5 attacking players away from home!

By Walsall Supporter (82.37.192.189) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 09:29 am: Edit

Back from two weeks holiday in sunny Majorca, so I have missed the first few games, but kept an eye on the scores via the newspapers over there, can't beleive we are 14th in the Division, and to lose 5-3 to Oldham, oh dear.
Seems like we are going to struggle unless the defence sharpen up and either Goalies try to get past the Ghost of Walker. It must be hard to follow a hero.
My first match on Saturday, lets hope I bring some luck with me!


By Sam Miguel (205.188.116.212) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 10:56 am: Edit

On holiday in Marbella I was progressing the Walsall match on Sky Sports News with a group of friends. What a fiasco! I was embarrassed to be a WFC supporter. If we carry on like this we will be in the 3rd Division (Coca Cola Div 2) next season. We seem to have solved the scoring problem – well done Matty and Daryl. At least they can hold their heads high! We need to beg, borrow or steal a goalkeeper fast. Surely our partners Man United could loan us a keeper?

By PGtips (62.31.219.135) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 10:56 am: Edit

I think Bazely is one of the players Merson refered to in his interview. He was dreadful yesterday. It is suprising (and sad) to see how badly he has declined since his first season with us when he came 2nd in player of the season.

The keeper is obviously another of the players. He does need to be taken out of the firing line but if Paston is even worse then we have a really serious situation. The defence were not too bad although Daryl Taylor was shown up by being asked to play more as a wing back when Bazely went off. He did produce one wonder tackle inside the box but should have done better with the last goal. Emblem was superb and Ropes OK but it is clear they have no confidence in the keeper. Bennett will lose confidence quickly if this continues and should be replaced by Kris Taylor.

The last player Merse should look at is himself. He is a luxury player who does not deliver often enough. He cannot get back to cover when we lose possession in the final third and attempts too many ambitious passes with the side of his boot. Merson, Wrack and Taylor in midfield away from home is too much. One must go in favour of Osborn or possibly Broad.

Finally Merson should reconsider his entire team plan. Its fine to go all out to create a healthy lead away from home but to then throw a 2 goal lead away twice in a week is a scandal. At 2-0 we still kept pushing. The keeper bowling the ball out immediately, players rushing to take throw in ins, 5 men bombing forward all the time. Contrast that to Oldham who tried to kill the game at 4-2. They slowed the pace down, took ages over set pieces, held the ball. We have one game plan - all out attack. Whether the score is 0-0 or 5-3 that plan does not change. Merson has a lot of learning to do.

By Geordiesaddler (195.92.168.170) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 01:35 pm: Edit

Still can't believe it. Woke up this morning and hoped it had just been a nightmare. Reminded me of a certain day out at Halifax under Hibbitt. 41 years old?? forty bloody one!!! Darren Bazeley should retire.

Can't help but feel sorry for Mckinney and Birch but they are just not good enough. I watch a bit of non-league football, and they are barely unibond league standard. Birch is not a goalscorer, I don't care how hard he works, he has to score goals to justify his selection, just as McKinney has to prevent them. We should have 9 points in the bag courtesy of the talents of Taylor and Fryatt, even if our performaces generally didn't justify 3 wins. With Bazeley, Birch, and Mckinney in the team we will not be promoted.

As for the formation, you have to play that formation to accomodate Merson, I would just drop Wrack and play Ozzy. With Fryatt, Taylor, Merson, and hopefully Leitao we just don't need another attacking midfielder.

By SheffieldSaddler (172.189.225.202) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 01:55 pm: Edit

I would get rid of this 1 player behind the front 2 rubbish. I have never and will never agree to such a formation when you do not have the team to play to it. If you are a Arsenal or Man United or Chelsea, yes you might have the players to play the formation. But I am afraid that when you are a team called Walsall and have not the money to buy the quality to play this formation then just forget it.
Stick to either 3-5-2 or 4-4-2, where our midfielders have a chance of dominating a game. Merson needs to have a hard luck at himself. I do not believe we have a place for him in the team I am afraid.
Osborn needs to be drafted into the first 11 asap. Merson and Birch need to be dropped. and we need to have a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 formation. Christ we have enough midfielders to have whatever format we want in this department. Added to that it will also take pressure of the full backs.

By Jorge14 (195.93.34.9) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 02:32 pm: Edit

You been to Vinny's bar in Puero Banus Sam?

Give him the Walsall fan's love from the second division.

By David Potter (70.240.85.36) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 04:40 pm: Edit

I have deliberately refrained from commenting this season, for a reason.
It's hard to gauge a team's performance after one or two games, but a trend is begining to set in... an alarming one.

We have to somehow find a way to "shut up shop" we we have leads. The one bright spot is at least we're getting in front! We have a liability between the sticks, sorry, but we do. His backup is, from all accounts, worse. I wasn't inspired by their sigings, still not.
Sort it out, Paul. We have to have a decent keeper to have any hope of going up.

Speaking of Merson, I agree with those who have said it's time for him to take more of a back seat. I know he feels a resposibility to his team and wants to contribute as much as possible on the pitch, but I think he would be much more effective by managing the club and playing less.

Birch has asked us to judge him on his goals. Well, Gary, where are they? Sorry, but I can't agree with the Birch faithful that he's going to make it. He's had years to prove us wrong, how long does he need?

We're going to get better. We just have to work on the defensive/midfield problems.
One of the things I like about Merson is his ability to admit his and the team's mistakes, half way to solving them methinks!

By Stu (195.92.67.65) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 05:17 pm: Edit

The one thing that needs to be said in defence of Bazeley and some comments towards Bennett, are they fact that they've got no support or defence what so ever.

We play so narrow, that even a blind man could see that the key to beating us is to attack our fullbacks. Any team playing a 4-4-2 will quickly realise that they can have a 2 on 1 if they attack us down the flank.

Baze and Bennett will both be exposed on numerous occasions if we insist on playing a 4-3-1-2. We saw that against Bournemouth, Wade Elliott gave Kris Taylor a tough match and both goals cam from situtations where they got crosses in from the left back area because they seemed to have a spare man there.

Not good to see McKinney shot to pieces, after all, those in charge seem to think he is better than Paston. So what does that say for Paston...

By Magic Man Fan (81.156.104.4) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 05:39 pm: Edit

Great last sentance David. Merse isn't afraid to admit mistakes and says that things need changing, what a nice change instead of blaming the referee, the pitch, the lack of resources etc.

By Stu (195.92.67.65) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 06:06 pm: Edit

That's because (a) a Ref hasn't cost us a match yet, (b) the pitches are great and (c) he won't moan about Bonser's tight fisted ness just yet because he has only just got his feet under the table.

You wait till a lousy Ref decisions costs us a win, we come up on bogs of pitches in December and January and he is trying to put together a Division 1 team on a miserly budget.

Cynic? Maybe. Realistic, yes.

By redordead (213.122.150.152) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 08:12 pm: Edit

it looks like we are using sj's restorative justice-shaming method of defence. conceed a goal then sit around and talk about what went on while we ship another 4.

By Derek Godwin (195.92.67.209) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 08:14 pm: Edit

It would appear that Merse is a poor judge of a player.He has signed two goalkeepers neither of whom it would appear are up to it.Now some of you are suggesting that he sign another.Great let`s spend all our money on goalkeepers.I remember Merse raving about Paston saying how well he commanded his area now it appears that he`s useless even in the kick-in.Merse also signed Standing,a player who couldn`t get in the Bradford City side and we may well have seen the last of him after one game.What makes this worse is that we had a good keeper in Kerr and I still don`t know why he was released.

By Derek Godwin (195.92.67.209) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 08:36 pm: Edit

It would appear that Merse is a poor judge of a player.He has signed two goalkeepers neither of whom it would appear are up to it.Now some of you are suggesting that he sign another.Great let`s spend all our money on goalkeepers.I remember Merse raving about Paston saying how well he commanded his area now it appears that he`s useless even in the kick-in.Merse also signed Standing,a player who couldn`t get in the Bradford City side and we may well have seen the last of him after one game.What makes this worse is that we had a good keeper in Kerr and I still don`t know why he was released.

By Stu (195.92.67.75) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 09:26 pm: Edit

We know why Kerr was released, if he was having 'relations' with CL's daughter, then I guess its a case of 'clearing the old guard' so to speak. Cutting off your nose to spite your face is another way of putting it. Saying that, McKinney looked great against Villa and now looks hesitant and poor. So who is to say Kerr would have been any better.

By near post header (80.47.219.76) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 10:24 pm: Edit

Standing couldnt get in the Bradford side, true but when will people realise that doesnt make him a substandard player???? Its horses for courses, lots of players move clubs because of lack of first team oppertunities. Is Nicky Butt crap for moveing from Utd? Should Blues just not have bothered with England international Emile Heskey. I could go on.

By SheffieldSaddler (172.189.167.124) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 11:09 pm: Edit

NPH - That is a ridiclous comparison to make. To compare the Nicky Butt or Heskey situation to Standing is not right at all.
I feel there is slightly more competition for places at Man United and Liverpool then at Bradford City.
Standing did not look good in pre season according to reports and he made that much of an impression against Vale, he has not started since.
Are people not worried that 3 or the 4 players that PM has signed over the summer have looked like complete donkeys?

By Magic Man Fan (81.156.104.4) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 11:16 pm: Edit

I doubt he even saw McKinney or Paston play so he was probably going off a recommendation which is never a good thing. He knows Standing well and we haven't seen enough of him to make a judgement. He's looked good at times but lacking at others. Joe Broad has looked good in all the games I've seen him and I'm sure if he'd come onto the pitch to steady things up at Bournemouth and yesterday we wouldn't have been letting both teams get so many shots in.

By coxanddrummie (195.93.34.9) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 11:56 pm: Edit

Yes but it's all relative isn't it Sheff. I mean we don't have Keane, Giggs or Gerrard in midfield do we, therefore the comparison can be made by nearpost.

Unless of course we had Carlos Andre in the team. We would have no right to chance it with Standing then as Andre is world class in your eyes.

Did you ever get to see Andre play in the end mate?

By Stu (195.92.67.78) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 12:00 am: Edit

MMF, if we didn't get them in for a trial then the question has to be asked "What the bleedin hell were we doing pre-season?". If pre-season wasn't for trials, then god knows what we were doing. But it has to be said, that by the admission of many, McKinney was better than Paston and McKinney looks bloody dodgy. Standing hasn't even broken into the 16 after the Vale match, again, he can hardly be impressing Merson if that's the case. Broad is probably unlucky that Taylor has emerged to grab the slot he'd have probably had.

By Magic Man Fan (81.156.104.4) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 10:19 am: Edit

I agree Stu, I think he went for the easy options to be honest. He knew Standing and knew he could get him free as Bradford were clearing out. He probably asked Standing, whats the keeper like up there? Standing - Yeah he's ok. Merse - Right we'll have him if he's cheap.

By cheese bag (195.92.168.165) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 12:55 pm: Edit

Ok, Joint manager scenario.... Merson manages first half to get us 2 or 3 up, then to avoid paying compensation bring back Colin Lee for the second half to sit 11 behind the ball and hold on to the lead....

Tongue firmly in cheek.

By Jool WFC (217.205.45.18) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 12:57 pm: Edit

I could not believe the shambolic goalkeeping that I saw on Saturday, the guy cannot even catch a simple ball. Merse has to take him out of the firing line or else he will lose any confidence that he had. I think we should invest in a proven goalkeeper or else mid-table is the best we can hope for.

I also worry about the team that Merse is picking, for example how can Gary Birch be picked ahead of Jorge, in 20 mins on Sat Jorge did more than Birch has for the entire three games. Also Wracky seems to have lost faith in his own ability, he now rarely takes anyone on and is forever looking to pas the ball when he receives it.

When on hoilday this summer I met a Bradford fan and he stated that Standing and Paston were both 'donkeys'. I informed him that they would come good at Walsall but my misplaced loyality seems to have struck again!!!
Come on you Saddlers- We can do it!!!!

By Frazy (195.92.168.167) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 01:02 pm: Edit

Ahhhh! Walsall don't have a good goalkeeper.The simple thing is that if we don't get a good keeper we will not go up.

By Magic Man Fan (81.156.104.4) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 01:43 pm: Edit

Jool - You're right about Wrack thats why I think he'd be excellent at right back to replace Bazeley.

By Andy Newton (195.93.34.9) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 02:39 pm: Edit

Shock horror. Wracky is forever looking to 'pass the ball when he receives it'. Whatever next?

Bloody hell. How much pessimism?