Don’t get me wrong, I’m not getting on his case and I know that he went for ages at Cheltenham without winning and then came good. We’ve now gone five league games with only one goal, so it’s a fair question to ask. If it’s part of some master plan that involves getting the players to play a certain way, then OK, but I’m not seeing it. In fact it looks like the opposition have got us sussed. Defend in depth against our powder puff attack and take a chance if it comes. If they get that chance, just pass the time and take three points. It’s horrible to watch and it’s going to leave us in trouble if it doesn’t change. So I’m asking, is there a plan?
Duff has my full backing, still. Sadly, he has to manage a bunch of heartless young boys who can’t do any of the fundamental basics of football - pass, tackle or shoot.
I'm sure Duff will prove to be a good coach. Unfortunately we have a midfield where 3 players are much of a muchness and a powder puff strike force. Not enough quality...I'm sure we will come out of this but for now we need to tough it our and just hope we can nick a goal from somewhere.
The build up is much too laboured, with passes sideways and then back - giving the opposition time to pull men back and defend in numbers. Then we resort to punting aimless balls down the middle which are easily defended in a packed penalty area. And bringing on two subs in extra time, with just three minutes left?
Maybe Duff should manage these heartless young boys effectively. Maybe fans should judge such young players on the management they're receiving. Where I work, there's absolutely no way I'd allow criticism of our young employees, because the responsibility is mine.
I’m sure Duff will take the full responsibility for that performance but Jesus Christ is it much to ask the players to pass the ball to each other and do the basics once they cross that white line.
How many fans have we heard say " he hasn't got a decent squad to pick from"? and maybe he hasn't but i'm sure they're a better squad than Morcambe and Lincoln (with respect)' they just aren't performing for whatever reason' i just hope its solely down to the players and we don't have another schopp situation developing..
That first half bored the living daylights out of me….the way we play it borderline time wasting…time for plan B duff lad
No he bleeding hasn’t.. threw his arms in the air constantly tonight. Some fans in the west stand lap it up likes he’s showing passion.. he’s useless tactically inept long straight balls in to the channels or knock it about between back 3 two of em I can’t believe made it this level bloody cundy is thick as pig *****. Martin not good enough at all did jack all game he fired a cross in, in the 90th minute blazed it out. A guy in the west stand questioned duff as to why he’d kept him on all game and his response was shrug of the shoulder and could he do any better! Fantastic duff
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Duff has lost Thomas and Williams - they and Kitching (oddly) are the ones who get it and attack with some purpose. And provide variety. The recruitment has been chronic this summer - none of them would make it in the Championship and most are struggling in this league. We've lost our pass and move game. And nobody now can drive forward from midfield. Not good enough. The forwards are simply poor. Not good enough. People are going to simply stop going, rather than watch games like tonight. It's not good entertainment. And it's so inferior to the product on TV. I will still go. Sad man that I am. Can't see much that might make Duff the best manager since Danny Wilson. But he hasn't got a decent squad to work with.
Think he’ll come good , the main thing I’d question today was bringing a young lad , Jalo, with 2 minutes to go ( 7 with extra time) , that does nothing for his development , 20-25 minutes is another matter , giving him time to get into the game not chucked into a frenetic chaotic situation when more senior players are panicking because we’re behind
As good a prospect he is, personally think Jalo is so far from the physical side of the game it won't help. He isn't ready to face rough and tumble kick ya ass in the air football in this league. And tbh, if we are pinning our hopes on a 16 year old, then we've sunk further than I thought.
Last season’s relegation and everything that went with it put us back 5 years and we are now just a middle of the league club who are going nowhere .
My personal opinion, and that doesn't necessarily make it right (it definitely doesn't make it right), we bring a 16 year old on when we're winning, and coasting, to get him used to it. And there's every chance in such games that we get a break away and his pace and skill will get us a goal. And it's all sweetness and light. What we don't do is chuck a 16 year old on in expectation, particularly with 2 minutes to go. I'd be having a word if I'd employed a manager and he did that. It's clearly wrong.