Signing off
5 years ago
Thursday 31 January 2008
Roy the Wheeler Dealer
Just a few hours to go now until the end of the transfer window and it looks like our Roy's done quite a good bit of business. We've already seen Brede Hangeland and Leon Andreasen on the pitch - and both look very useful - while Eddie Johnson and fellow striker Erik Nevland should be in the squad soon. In addition, we've today got confirmation that the hugely experienced Jari Litmanen is here to the end of the season, as well as the signing of defender Toni Kallio from the curiously named Swiss side BSC Young Boys. In addition, Fifa still hasn't made up its mind yet about whether we're allowed to have Daniel Cousin due to this quite frankly bizarre, non-sensical rule about not being able to play for three games in a season. Why a decision is taking so long is totally beyond me. Bureaucratic nonsense.
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Sanchez: more neck than a giraffe
Fresh from destroying the backbone of our team and dumping us into the relegation zone, the wonderfully over-rated Lawrie Sanchez is now back in the jobs market (click here) It really does beggar belief. After being such a colossal failure you would at least think he'd have the good grace to lie low for a bit wouldn't you? Skin thicker than a rhino's backside.
A point in the bag
Not sure whether to be happy or disappointed with last night's result. The positives were our first point since Birmingham away on December 29th; our first clean sheet since the home match against Derby back in October; and two good debuts for new signings Leon Andreasen and Brede Hangeland. However, a point still leaves us four adrift of safety so it seems to be absurd to celebrate too much. There is a lot of work still to do but at least we're heading in the right direction.
Tuesday 29 January 2008
Crunch match at the Reebok
So then, fingers crossed for three points tonight. It won't be enough to enable us to climb out of the relegation zone but it will give us some hope for the coming months. Roy Hodgson has confirmed that our new Norwegian giant Brede Hangleand will be in the starting 11 - and the rumour is that Bully may also get a full 90 minutes under his belt.
Good luck lads we really need this.
Good luck lads we really need this.
Monday 28 January 2008
Super Bazza
Just been watching the Leicester v Crystal Palace match and delighted to see one of our old boys Barry Hayles get the winner...Also amused to read this description of his goal on the BBC website: "In a tight contest Hayles bundled home from close range with a minute to go."
How many times have we seen that eh? My abiding memory of Bazza was his continual hustling, backing into players and generally causing trouble; fantastic stuff.
However, it also got me thinking. When he first came (as our first ever £2m player if i recall correctly) there were plenty of us that thought Kevin Keegan had bought a duff player as he seemed to take an eternity to settle down...sound like anyone we know...Joe Kamara?
When Bazza got into his stride, however, he was a joy. My best ever memory: His last gasp goal in the FA Cup replay match against Southampton in a evening game at the Cottage which set us up for a trip to Old Trafford. Great memories. Good on ya Barry.
How many times have we seen that eh? My abiding memory of Bazza was his continual hustling, backing into players and generally causing trouble; fantastic stuff.
However, it also got me thinking. When he first came (as our first ever £2m player if i recall correctly) there were plenty of us that thought Kevin Keegan had bought a duff player as he seemed to take an eternity to settle down...sound like anyone we know...Joe Kamara?
When Bazza got into his stride, however, he was a joy. My best ever memory: His last gasp goal in the FA Cup replay match against Southampton in a evening game at the Cottage which set us up for a trip to Old Trafford. Great memories. Good on ya Barry.
Wednesday 23 January 2008
Slaven Bilic
Picking up on a line from Rich at CCN, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic was apparently at Bristol Rovers last night...just days after being spotted in the directors' box at the Cottage. Intriguing stuff eh? See here for a Times piece on it.
Oh dear
Does it get any worse than this? Being dumped out of the cup by a League One side...yes folks, that's the THIRD division of English football. By all accounts Jimmy Bullard was outstanding, yet cruelly it was his penalty miss that proved decisive.
For any other Premier League team the draws we've had in this year's competition would have been a dream come true. Bristol Rovers followed by Barnet. We should be dreaming of Wembley this morning not licking our wounds after yet another defeat.
A clutch of new signings have either been made or are about to be made, according to press reports, so hopefully we'll hear some confirmations later today to lift our spirits.
For any other Premier League team the draws we've had in this year's competition would have been a dream come true. Bristol Rovers followed by Barnet. We should be dreaming of Wembley this morning not licking our wounds after yet another defeat.
A clutch of new signings have either been made or are about to be made, according to press reports, so hopefully we'll hear some confirmations later today to lift our spirits.
Sunday 20 January 2008
Fulham v Arsenal: Player rankings
Here's how I scored the lads against Arsenal.
Niemi - 6/10
Couldn't really be blamed for any of the goals as the lack of defence made saving them mission impossible. Nothing much to do apart from picking the ball out of the net.
Volz - 7/10
Has to share the blame for the defensive frailties as a member of the back four but made some nice runs and a few decent tackles.
Hughes - 5/10
Not a triumph for our centrebacks who allowed Adebayor to rise effectively unchallenged and left a gap as wide as the Dartford Tunnell for Rosicky to steal in for the third.
Stefanovich - 5/10
See the comments for Hughes...the same applies.
Bocanegra - 6/10
Had a decent game standing in for the suspended Konchesky although, once again, shipping three goals doesn't look good on the record of any of the back four.
Simon Davies - 5/10
Not one of his better games. Virtually anonymous for large parts of the game.
Steven Davis - 5/10
Thought he was unlucky to be subbed. A few good darting runs...despite the embarrassing spinning round with the ball (which ended up in Arsenal's possession and will no doubt feature on Soccer AM next Saturday)
Ki-Hyeon - 3/10
Showed a bit more effort than usual (although, of course, this wasn't hard) but when he stumbled and lost the ball after being put through by Murphy in the opening minutes you knew the writing was on the wall. The fact Hodgson pushed him up as a lone striker at one point was unbelievable.
Murphy - 7/10
Appeared to have put his shooting boots on the wrong feet but apart from that came closest to scoring and put some decent passes about. One of the only ones to emerge with much credit.
Smertin - 6/10
Pretty average performance. A few nice touches but 'out-muscled' much of the time as Big Ron would say. Good to see him back all the same.
Dempsey - 8/10
For sheer endeavour and fight you have to give him full marks again. Had a thankless task as the lone man up front but battled continuously...even with his bizarre tangerine boots! Also got the ball in the back of the net - even though it was ruled offside.
Substitutes:
Bullard - 7/10
Obviously lacked match fitness but was full of running and passion. Fantastic to have him back in the side.
Healy - 7/10
Should have been on from the start. Things start to open up when this lad is playing.
Kuqi - 6/10
His physical presence unsettled the Arsenal defence when he came on. If he'd been given longer he might have given us a bit of hope.
Man of the match: Clint Dempsey. For sheer grit and determination you can't fault this guy. Murphy and Volz were contenders.
Niemi - 6/10
Couldn't really be blamed for any of the goals as the lack of defence made saving them mission impossible. Nothing much to do apart from picking the ball out of the net.
Volz - 7/10
Has to share the blame for the defensive frailties as a member of the back four but made some nice runs and a few decent tackles.
Hughes - 5/10
Not a triumph for our centrebacks who allowed Adebayor to rise effectively unchallenged and left a gap as wide as the Dartford Tunnell for Rosicky to steal in for the third.
Stefanovich - 5/10
See the comments for Hughes...the same applies.
Bocanegra - 6/10
Had a decent game standing in for the suspended Konchesky although, once again, shipping three goals doesn't look good on the record of any of the back four.
Simon Davies - 5/10
Not one of his better games. Virtually anonymous for large parts of the game.
Steven Davis - 5/10
Thought he was unlucky to be subbed. A few good darting runs...despite the embarrassing spinning round with the ball (which ended up in Arsenal's possession and will no doubt feature on Soccer AM next Saturday)
Ki-Hyeon - 3/10
Showed a bit more effort than usual (although, of course, this wasn't hard) but when he stumbled and lost the ball after being put through by Murphy in the opening minutes you knew the writing was on the wall. The fact Hodgson pushed him up as a lone striker at one point was unbelievable.
Murphy - 7/10
Appeared to have put his shooting boots on the wrong feet but apart from that came closest to scoring and put some decent passes about. One of the only ones to emerge with much credit.
Smertin - 6/10
Pretty average performance. A few nice touches but 'out-muscled' much of the time as Big Ron would say. Good to see him back all the same.
Dempsey - 8/10
For sheer endeavour and fight you have to give him full marks again. Had a thankless task as the lone man up front but battled continuously...even with his bizarre tangerine boots! Also got the ball in the back of the net - even though it was ruled offside.
Substitutes:
Bullard - 7/10
Obviously lacked match fitness but was full of running and passion. Fantastic to have him back in the side.
Healy - 7/10
Should have been on from the start. Things start to open up when this lad is playing.
Kuqi - 6/10
His physical presence unsettled the Arsenal defence when he came on. If he'd been given longer he might have given us a bit of hope.
Man of the match: Clint Dempsey. For sheer grit and determination you can't fault this guy. Murphy and Volz were contenders.
Truly woeful
We got exactly what we deserved: nothing. Roy's team selection was - to put it bluntly - absolutely bizarre. The idea, it seems, was to pack the midfield and nullify Arsenal's flowing passing game and leave poor old Clint Dempsey on his own up front. This bloke must be biting his fists in frustration at being played out of position every game.
Needless to say this didn't work. Arsenal knocked the ball around with consumate ease. At times our players were just left watching them. It wasn't that they weren't prepared to put in the effort - they just had no idea what to do. And the ease with which Adebayor rose to head in his goals (unchallenged) was just totally embarrassing.
Instead of getting in their faces and going for the win (as ludicrous as that might sound) like Birmingham did so successfully last weekend, we played for a draw and got absolutely annihilated. The watching Hangeland must be wondering what the hell he has let himself in for by signing up although at the very least I guess he is assured of a starting position each week.
I will be back on later with some comments from Arsenal fans, my player rankings and a few comments about the odious Adebayor and his incitment of fans in the Hammy End.
Needless to say this didn't work. Arsenal knocked the ball around with consumate ease. At times our players were just left watching them. It wasn't that they weren't prepared to put in the effort - they just had no idea what to do. And the ease with which Adebayor rose to head in his goals (unchallenged) was just totally embarrassing.
Instead of getting in their faces and going for the win (as ludicrous as that might sound) like Birmingham did so successfully last weekend, we played for a draw and got absolutely annihilated. The watching Hangeland must be wondering what the hell he has let himself in for by signing up although at the very least I guess he is assured of a starting position each week.
I will be back on later with some comments from Arsenal fans, my player rankings and a few comments about the odious Adebayor and his incitment of fans in the Hammy End.
Friday 18 January 2008
Interview with Arsenal fans
We caught up with the lads from the Inside Arsenal blog to ask their thoughts ahead of our match with the Gunners. Our thanks to them for their help.
1. How do you feel your season is going so far?
Many pundits wrote us off and it did seem that it would be a tough season ahead after the departure of Thierry Henry. It was really dependent on how the team would cope without him. They have been freed and to be joint top in January is brilliant and higher than many Gooners expected.
2. What silverware do you expect to collect this year?
I would hope we can win at least one cup. The Premiership will still be a tough challenge. With so many big teams out of the FA Cup I would hope Wenger's success here could continue. If we beat Tottenham on Tuesday, I fancy us in the Carling Cup.
3. Who have been your star performers and why?
Bakary Sagna - He came in any many wondered why Wenger bought a new right back. He has made our defence more solid and is good going forward. Always gives 100%.
Cesc Fabregas - faded a little lately but at the start was amazing. The new leader after Henry left and has been the fulcrum for the team.
Kolo Toure & William Gallas - together they have formed an awesome partnership and been one reason we are where we are.
Emmanuel Adebayor - Flourished since Henry left and has worked hard alll season, even when alone up front.
4. Has anything disappointed you this year?
The form of Gilberto and Walcott - Gilberto has dipped so much lately. Last season he was awesome, now he gives the ball away and adds no fight to the midfield. Theo has not come along as fans would have hoped. He still has much to learn.
5. Who do you see as your main rivals now?
Manchester United and Chelsea right now but surely Liverpool will click into gear soon?
6. What’s your view of Fulham?
Under Roy Hodgson they might be rejuvenated and against Chelsea they were unlucky. Whether they can keep working that hard and score more goals than they concede, we will see.
7. Are you concerned about any of our players?
Marlon King will add potency to the attack and on his debut could cause problems. Niemi has hade many a good game against us in the past.
8. Who do you think will be relegated this year?
Derby, Sunderland, Boro
9. What’s your score prediction for this weekend?
Fulham 1-3 Arsenal
1. How do you feel your season is going so far?
Many pundits wrote us off and it did seem that it would be a tough season ahead after the departure of Thierry Henry. It was really dependent on how the team would cope without him. They have been freed and to be joint top in January is brilliant and higher than many Gooners expected.
2. What silverware do you expect to collect this year?
I would hope we can win at least one cup. The Premiership will still be a tough challenge. With so many big teams out of the FA Cup I would hope Wenger's success here could continue. If we beat Tottenham on Tuesday, I fancy us in the Carling Cup.
3. Who have been your star performers and why?
Bakary Sagna - He came in any many wondered why Wenger bought a new right back. He has made our defence more solid and is good going forward. Always gives 100%.
Cesc Fabregas - faded a little lately but at the start was amazing. The new leader after Henry left and has been the fulcrum for the team.
Kolo Toure & William Gallas - together they have formed an awesome partnership and been one reason we are where we are.
Emmanuel Adebayor - Flourished since Henry left and has worked hard alll season, even when alone up front.
4. Has anything disappointed you this year?
The form of Gilberto and Walcott - Gilberto has dipped so much lately. Last season he was awesome, now he gives the ball away and adds no fight to the midfield. Theo has not come along as fans would have hoped. He still has much to learn.
5. Who do you see as your main rivals now?
Manchester United and Chelsea right now but surely Liverpool will click into gear soon?
6. What’s your view of Fulham?
Under Roy Hodgson they might be rejuvenated and against Chelsea they were unlucky. Whether they can keep working that hard and score more goals than they concede, we will see.
7. Are you concerned about any of our players?
Marlon King will add potency to the attack and on his debut could cause problems. Niemi has hade many a good game against us in the past.
8. Who do you think will be relegated this year?
Derby, Sunderland, Boro
9. What’s your score prediction for this weekend?
Fulham 1-3 Arsenal
Match of the Day
You never know we may get an earlier billing than the usual five to midnight this weekend considering we're playing the Arse. Quite frankly unless we're playing one of the top four it's completely pointless any Fulham fan watching this outdated programme. Most weeks they don't even give us the courtesy of discussing our game...or the two and a half minutes shown.
The only time we've had coverage is on Match of the Day 2 (does anyone apart from me watch this?) with Adrian Chiles...and then it was a story about our poor support...yawn.
The only time we've had coverage is on Match of the Day 2 (does anyone apart from me watch this?) with Adrian Chiles...and then it was a story about our poor support...yawn.
Things are looking up
Forget what's happening up in Tyneside (heck, I love Keegan and am pleased his back but the round-the-clock coverage on SSN is surely overkill?) things are finally starting to happen at Fulham with the signing of Brede Hangeland - a tough looking Norwegian centre-back - and the soon-to-be-confirmed arrival of Marlon King from Watford.
I haven't seen Brede play - although Roy used to be his manager so he's not a blind purchase - but he looks like he fits the bill very nicely and should come straight into the team. Who is best paired with him? Both Hughes and Stefanovich have been okay this season so I guess it will be down to which pair form the best partnership.
King has a good strike record although he is pretty much untested in the Premiership. The goals montage on CCN made for good viewing and if he bags a goal on his debut which could feasibly be tomorrow against the Gunners it could see the start of a very happy relationship. A bit sad to see Collins John leaving (albeit on loan initially) but he's failed to make the grade despite being given plenty of chances. Maybe a spell in the Championship will relight his fire so to speak.
Am trying to get an interview with a Gooner and if i do it will be posted up later....
I haven't seen Brede play - although Roy used to be his manager so he's not a blind purchase - but he looks like he fits the bill very nicely and should come straight into the team. Who is best paired with him? Both Hughes and Stefanovich have been okay this season so I guess it will be down to which pair form the best partnership.
King has a good strike record although he is pretty much untested in the Premiership. The goals montage on CCN made for good viewing and if he bags a goal on his debut which could feasibly be tomorrow against the Gunners it could see the start of a very happy relationship. A bit sad to see Collins John leaving (albeit on loan initially) but he's failed to make the grade despite being given plenty of chances. Maybe a spell in the Championship will relight his fire so to speak.
Am trying to get an interview with a Gooner and if i do it will be posted up later....
Thursday 17 January 2008
Look who's back
Well I never....Philippe Christanval is back in training according to the official site. To be honest i'd completely forgotten he was still on the books. No news yet on Simon Elliot (remember him?) who is still at the club as far as i'm aware, although he hasn't been allocated a squad number. It really is quite bizarre. Coma victims have made speedier recoveries.
King Kevin returns
Well, our own Kevin Keegan has returned to Newcastle United and I, for one, want to wish him the very best of luck. I loved having him as our manager and although the nature of his departure left a bit of a sour taste in the mouth at the end of our promotion season, he did us proud.
I just hope it works out for him. Keegan is a passionate chap and I can see how he has accepted this job on a wave of Geordie euphoria but he is clearly someone who thinks with his heart first which explains his sudden departures in the past.
Either way it's good to have him back in the game. Newcastle are always a team that I've got a soft spot for and i would certainly like to see them back challenging the boring four.
In other news we're still waiting for confirmation about Eddie Johnson. It amazes me that the messageboard posters are already slagging him off before his plane has even landed at Heathrow. We need to have faith in Hodgson - as we did with Sanchez - and if he thinks he's worth a go then I'm prepared to go along with the decision.
Elsewhere, Chopper at the Hammy End Chronicle reports on the departure of Chris Coleman from Real Sociedad here.
I just hope it works out for him. Keegan is a passionate chap and I can see how he has accepted this job on a wave of Geordie euphoria but he is clearly someone who thinks with his heart first which explains his sudden departures in the past.
Either way it's good to have him back in the game. Newcastle are always a team that I've got a soft spot for and i would certainly like to see them back challenging the boring four.
In other news we're still waiting for confirmation about Eddie Johnson. It amazes me that the messageboard posters are already slagging him off before his plane has even landed at Heathrow. We need to have faith in Hodgson - as we did with Sanchez - and if he thinks he's worth a go then I'm prepared to go along with the decision.
Elsewhere, Chopper at the Hammy End Chronicle reports on the departure of Chris Coleman from Real Sociedad here.
Tuesday 15 January 2008
Bristol...in the rain
If you live in England then the chances are that you will have woken up to howling wind and driving rain - great weather for football eh?!
Ironically, the last time we played Bristol Rovers away conditions were similar and I remember it very well. In fact, I dug out the programme and it was in a dreadful condition due to the utter drenching that it (and I) received on that Friday night.
The match was during our 1998/99 promotion season from what is now classed as League One (or the old third division as it was known in the good ol' days), there was no roof over most of the away section, it was so foggy you could barely see the players and the pitch was a mud bath.
There was also a lady running the line - still a rare sight even today - who received a fair bit of stick poor thing as I remember. We actually ran out winners although the conditions were so bad I don't actually remember seeing any of the goals!
Happy days though seeing Fulham win away eh?
Ironically, the last time we played Bristol Rovers away conditions were similar and I remember it very well. In fact, I dug out the programme and it was in a dreadful condition due to the utter drenching that it (and I) received on that Friday night.
The match was during our 1998/99 promotion season from what is now classed as League One (or the old third division as it was known in the good ol' days), there was no roof over most of the away section, it was so foggy you could barely see the players and the pitch was a mud bath.
There was also a lady running the line - still a rare sight even today - who received a fair bit of stick poor thing as I remember. We actually ran out winners although the conditions were so bad I don't actually remember seeing any of the goals!
Happy days though seeing Fulham win away eh?
Monday 14 January 2008
Doomed
Any hope still lingering that we can avoid the drop has been dashed - certainly as far as my household is concerned. I'm not being defeatist...I would love us to turn things around...but I simply can't see how we are going to do it.
We are now five points behind the team in the last relegation spot and in very real danger of being cast adrift with Derby. Soon the pundits won't even be talking about us facing relegation, it will be which of Sunderland, Wigan, Bolton will be going down with us.
I really can't believe we are in this position. In the first couple of games the new squad looked young, fit and exciting. In fact I was more enthusiastic about our prospects than I had been for the past couple of seasons. How wrong was I?
There are a few reasons for our plight. Firstly, under-investment in the club over the past five years (prior to last summer); getting rid of Chris Coleman when we weren't anywhere near the relegation zone rather than giving him money to spend; and Lawrie Sanchez.
I know he didn't mean to screw us up - but the fact is that he completely dismantled a team, replaced them with, in retrospect, a pretty average bunch of players and took us to the brink of relegation. Absolutely disastrous.
Of course not all the signings have been poor. Paul Konchesky has been one of the bright sparks of the season, Bouazza has been exciting when fit and Healy has shown he can score goals...when he is given the chance to play. Others - such as Davis and Hughes - have been okay at best.
Then we look at players like Kamara...This is where the big money has been spent but apart from a fantastic bicycle kick against Spurs he has been excrutiatingly awful; while the fact that we swapped Rosenior for the lumbering Seol still keeps me awake at night.
The man I feel sorry for is Roy Hodgson. He has an impossible task - which I think he realises, judging from what he says in interviews. Like Paul Jewell, I imagine he knows we'll be a Championship side next season and is planning for then.
We are now five points behind the team in the last relegation spot and in very real danger of being cast adrift with Derby. Soon the pundits won't even be talking about us facing relegation, it will be which of Sunderland, Wigan, Bolton will be going down with us.
I really can't believe we are in this position. In the first couple of games the new squad looked young, fit and exciting. In fact I was more enthusiastic about our prospects than I had been for the past couple of seasons. How wrong was I?
There are a few reasons for our plight. Firstly, under-investment in the club over the past five years (prior to last summer); getting rid of Chris Coleman when we weren't anywhere near the relegation zone rather than giving him money to spend; and Lawrie Sanchez.
I know he didn't mean to screw us up - but the fact is that he completely dismantled a team, replaced them with, in retrospect, a pretty average bunch of players and took us to the brink of relegation. Absolutely disastrous.
Of course not all the signings have been poor. Paul Konchesky has been one of the bright sparks of the season, Bouazza has been exciting when fit and Healy has shown he can score goals...when he is given the chance to play. Others - such as Davis and Hughes - have been okay at best.
Then we look at players like Kamara...This is where the big money has been spent but apart from a fantastic bicycle kick against Spurs he has been excrutiatingly awful; while the fact that we swapped Rosenior for the lumbering Seol still keeps me awake at night.
The man I feel sorry for is Roy Hodgson. He has an impossible task - which I think he realises, judging from what he says in interviews. Like Paul Jewell, I imagine he knows we'll be a Championship side next season and is planning for then.
Thursday 10 January 2008
Congrats to CCN
Just going back through the posts to catch up on Fulham stuff from recent weeks and I noticed that Rich over at Craven Cottage Newsround has been given a bottle of champers for his excellent work in The Times. Very much deserved I say. His columns are a great read so well done to him.
Wednesday 9 January 2008
Manager merry-go-round
Well, well, well, big Sam has left by "mutual agreement" from Newcastle. That phrase always makes me laugh. I imagine the conversation went something like this:
Newcastle board: time you went Sam. Clear your desk eh son?
Sam: er, okay.
I have to say it seems rather farcical to sack a manager when your side is on the brink of the top 10 but expectations are high on Tyneside.
It now means that of the 10 bottom sides in the Premier League only three have the same manager today as they had at the start of the season: Reading (13th), Middlesbrough (15th) and Sunderland (18th)...Spurs, Bolton, Birmingham, Wigan, Derby, us and now Newcastle have all made changes.
Time will tell if this proves to be the filip they're looking for but it's a mad world in which we live isn't it?
Newcastle board: time you went Sam. Clear your desk eh son?
Sam: er, okay.
I have to say it seems rather farcical to sack a manager when your side is on the brink of the top 10 but expectations are high on Tyneside.
It now means that of the 10 bottom sides in the Premier League only three have the same manager today as they had at the start of the season: Reading (13th), Middlesbrough (15th) and Sunderland (18th)...Spurs, Bolton, Birmingham, Wigan, Derby, us and now Newcastle have all made changes.
Time will tell if this proves to be the filip they're looking for but it's a mad world in which we live isn't it?
Tuesday 8 January 2008
The worst possible result
Due to late family problems I was unable to attend our match against Bristol Rovers on Sunday afternoon and never feel it's right to comment on the performance/commitment of a team if I haven't actually been in the ground myself....
...However, I do believe the result is the worst possible outcome for us. I would have rather us be knocked out of the cup then have to play an annoying replay when all we really want to do is concentrate on the league.
That said, if we do manage to win away (although even against lower league opposition this will be a tall order) there is the prospect of Swindon or Barnet away so a little run in the cup is not beyond our reach.
...However, I do believe the result is the worst possible outcome for us. I would have rather us be knocked out of the cup then have to play an annoying replay when all we really want to do is concentrate on the league.
That said, if we do manage to win away (although even against lower league opposition this will be a tall order) there is the prospect of Swindon or Barnet away so a little run in the cup is not beyond our reach.
Friday 4 January 2008
Up for the cup
I used to love the FA Cup weekends - particularly during our ride up the football league when this competition gave us the chance to test ourselves against the Premiership giants. The games that stick in the mind are our victory over Aston Villa when they were top of the league (just about the most enjoyable match i've ever attended); a last gasp Barry Hayles goal at the Cottage to knock out Southampton after we'd drawn at the old Dell; and the fantastic trip to Old Trafford when 9,000 Fulham fans made the trip north. Fantastic times....which brings me on to this weekend and the current debate raging in our household as to whether we'll actually go.
The anticipation - or 'magic' - of the cup only exists for teams in the lower leagues. For the likes of us it's just another potential banana skin at best. For Bristol Rovers it is their cup final which is why over 7,000 have already bought tickets. I'm envious of them. It will be a great occasion for them and, let's face it, they've got a great chance of beating us at the moment and getting through to the next round.
However, while I really don't care about us progressing in this competition, I do think it's important the players taste victory...something which has only happened twice all season after all. They've not just forgotten how to win - some have never ever been on the winning side in a white shirt which is why we're languishing in the league's basement.
I know Roy Hodgson has stated survival is the priority (which I wholeheartedly support) but this weekend is the perfect opportunity to try out different players and formations to see what is likely to work best against the Hammers next weekend. A resounding victory over Rovers would lift the mood and confidence and (hopefully) kick start 2008 in the best possible way.
The anticipation - or 'magic' - of the cup only exists for teams in the lower leagues. For the likes of us it's just another potential banana skin at best. For Bristol Rovers it is their cup final which is why over 7,000 have already bought tickets. I'm envious of them. It will be a great occasion for them and, let's face it, they've got a great chance of beating us at the moment and getting through to the next round.
However, while I really don't care about us progressing in this competition, I do think it's important the players taste victory...something which has only happened twice all season after all. They've not just forgotten how to win - some have never ever been on the winning side in a white shirt which is why we're languishing in the league's basement.
I know Roy Hodgson has stated survival is the priority (which I wholeheartedly support) but this weekend is the perfect opportunity to try out different players and formations to see what is likely to work best against the Hammers next weekend. A resounding victory over Rovers would lift the mood and confidence and (hopefully) kick start 2008 in the best possible way.
Thursday 3 January 2008
A new year and a fresh start
Happy New Year everyone! Apologies for the lack of action from this blog over Christmas - a combination of family and work duties having prevented me from getting to the keyboard.
A break to EuroDisney also meant I couldn't take my seat for the match against our friends from up the road which, sadly, ended in failure once again.
I would also like to welcome Roy Hodgson to the manager's hot seat. Not my first choice, to be honest, but FtF will be giving him our full support in the hope that he can turn things around.
Let's hope we can climb out of the relegation zone so we're not scrapping for our lives come May.
A break to EuroDisney also meant I couldn't take my seat for the match against our friends from up the road which, sadly, ended in failure once again.
I would also like to welcome Roy Hodgson to the manager's hot seat. Not my first choice, to be honest, but FtF will be giving him our full support in the hope that he can turn things around.
Let's hope we can climb out of the relegation zone so we're not scrapping for our lives come May.
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