Robinson is deluded when he says Saturday's performance was “one for the fans”. As fans we demand attacking football to quicken the pulse and stir the blood, but instead witnessed a backs-to-the-wall defensive siege for 80 minutes, caused partly by his abandonment of a striker altogether in a bizarre 4-5-0 formation.
Let's face it: we were shite. Our midfield players are so vulnerable that at the slightest hint of pressure they retreat to cower alongside the fragile defence. There was simply no outlet for clearances, which merely invited Bristol Rovers to mount attack after attack. With better finishing they could have won 1-3, which would have been a fair result.
We are going to come up against far stronger opposition than The Pirates this season. Two strikers would give opposing defences something to worry about. I welcome the appointment of Lee Bowyer if he instils some urgently-needed bottle and fight. Pun intended. We have got to dispel our deserved reputation as a soft touch, a bunch of powder-puffs.
This is the biggest pile of shite since your last tome. How were we a soft touch? We battled for the whole game with TEN men. The players dug in and gave a gritty performance. How were we powder puff? How could we put two upfront with one player sent off? It would be suicide. You seem to know nothing about Football. I am just disappointed with myself for rising to the bait.
Robinson is deluded when he says Saturday's performance was “one for the fans”. As fans we demand attacking football to quicken the pulse and stir the blood, but instead witnessed a backs-to-the-wall defensive siege for 80 minutes, caused partly by his abandonment of a striker altogether in a bizarre 4-5-0 formation.
Let's face it: we were shite. Our midfield players are so vulnerable that at the slightest hint of pressure they retreat to cower alongside the fragile defence. There was simply no outlet for clearances, which merely invited Bristol Rovers to mount attack after attack. With better finishing they could have won 1-3, which would have been a fair result.
We are going to come up against far stronger opposition than The Pirates this season. Two strikers would give opposing defences something to worry about. I welcome the appointment of Lee Bowyer if he instils some urgently-needed bottle and fight. Pun intended. We have got to dispel our deserved reputation as a soft touch, a bunch of powder-puffs.
Spot on, can't believe it's only you and I that can see it.
Robinson is deluded when he says Saturday's performance was “one for the fans”. As fans we demand attacking football to quicken the pulse and stir the blood, but instead witnessed a backs-to-the-wall defensive siege for 80 minutes, caused partly by his abandonment of a striker altogether in a bizarre 4-5-0 formation.
Let's face it: we were shite. Our midfield players are so vulnerable that at the slightest hint of pressure they retreat to cower alongside the fragile defence. There was simply no outlet for clearances, which merely invited Bristol Rovers to mount attack after attack. With better finishing they could have won 1-3, which would have been a fair result.
We are going to come up against far stronger opposition than The Pirates this season. Two strikers would give opposing defences something to worry about. I welcome the appointment of Lee Bowyer if he instils some urgently-needed bottle and fight. Pun intended. We have got to dispel our deserved reputation as a soft touch, a bunch of powder-puffs.
Robinson is deluded when he says Saturday's performance was “one for the fans”. As fans we demand attacking football to quicken the pulse and stir the blood, but instead witnessed a backs-to-the-wall defensive siege for 80 minutes, caused partly by his abandonment of a striker altogether in a bizarre 4-5-0 formation.
Let's face it: we were shite. Our midfield players are so vulnerable that at the slightest hint of pressure they retreat to cower alongside the fragile defence. There was simply no outlet for clearances, which merely invited Bristol Rovers to mount attack after attack. With better finishing they could have won 1-3, which would have been a fair result.
We are going to come up against far stronger opposition than The Pirates this season. Two strikers would give opposing defences something to worry about. I welcome the appointment of Lee Bowyer if he instils some urgently-needed bottle and fight. Pun intended. We have got to dispel our deserved reputation as a soft touch, a bunch of powder-puffs.
Oh wind it in will you already, it's boring.
We were down to 10 men for essentially the whole game, with the striker being sent off, it's a bit hard to have a serious outlet when our other target man striker is unavailable being injured.
If we carried on with the original game plan whilst down to 10 men and went as attacking as you would have liked, we most likely would've left so much space for Bristol Rovers to exploit and probably would've lost. I can't imagine what your reaction would've been if that happened.
We restricted them to very little throughout the game. I don't think anyone in the ground would have thought we would still win when Novak got himself sent off.
Your posts are not funny and in the whole, full of nonsense. Even to the point in basically suggesting that we have no fight or bottle. Well if yesterday didn't show character and togetherness to fight for one another, you must be blind.
Unfortunately we don't fit the criteria for Sky games, we aren't called Leeds or Manchester United. Feckers.
FCK being a live game. Saturday at 3pm so fans can get to and from the game is what football is all about and in this league the fee is fck all anyway.
And with the help of a VPN and about a fiver we can all watch any of our games without them needing to be shuffled off to unsociable times.
How can we watch them? Isn't valley pass commentary only for league games?
Yes but there was another thread where it was mentioned that you can buy a one game pass for the opposition!
Robinson is deluded when he says Saturday's performance was “one for the fans”. As fans we demand attacking football to quicken the pulse and stir the blood, but instead witnessed a backs-to-the-wall defensive siege for 80 minutes, caused partly by his abandonment of a striker altogether in a bizarre 4-5-0 formation.
Let's face it: we were shite. Our midfield players are so vulnerable that at the slightest hint of pressure they retreat to cower alongside the fragile defence. There was simply no outlet for clearances, which merely invited Bristol Rovers to mount attack after attack. With better finishing they could have won 1-3, which would have been a fair result.
We are going to come up against far stronger opposition than The Pirates this season. Two strikers would give opposing defences something to worry about. I welcome the appointment of Lee Bowyer if he instils some urgently-needed bottle and fight. Pun intended. We have got to dispel our deserved reputation as a soft touch, a bunch of powder-puffs.
Spot on, can't believe it's only you and I that can see it.
Robinson is deluded when he says Saturday's performance was “one for the fans”. As fans we demand attacking football to quicken the pulse and stir the blood, but instead witnessed a backs-to-the-wall defensive siege for 80 minutes, caused partly by his abandonment of a striker altogether in a bizarre 4-5-0 formation.
Let's face it: we were shite. Our midfield players are so vulnerable that at the slightest hint of pressure they retreat to cower alongside the fragile defence. There was simply no outlet for clearances, which merely invited Bristol Rovers to mount attack after attack. With better finishing they could have won 1-3, which would have been a fair result.
We are going to come up against far stronger opposition than The Pirates this season. Two strikers would give opposing defences something to worry about. I welcome the appointment of Lee Bowyer if he instils some urgently-needed bottle and fight. Pun intended. We have got to dispel our deserved reputation as a soft touch, a bunch of powder-puffs.
Glad to see last night's session has rolled all the way into Sunday evening
Robinson is deluded when he says Saturday's performance was “one for the fans”. As fans we demand attacking football to quicken the pulse and stir the blood, but instead witnessed a backs-to-the-wall defensive siege for 80 minutes, caused partly by his abandonment of a striker altogether in a bizarre 4-5-0 formation.
Let's face it: we were shite. Our midfield players are so vulnerable that at the slightest hint of pressure they retreat to cower alongside the fragile defence. There was simply no outlet for clearances, which merely invited Bristol Rovers to mount attack after attack. With better finishing they could have won 1-3, which would have been a fair result.
We are going to come up against far stronger opposition than The Pirates this season. Two strikers would give opposing defences something to worry about. I welcome the appointment of Lee Bowyer if he instils some urgently-needed bottle and fight. Pun intended. We have got to dispel our deserved reputation as a soft touch, a bunch of powder-puffs.
These joyless words are not those of a Charlton fan. If you couldn't enjoy yesterday's performance it might be best to move on. Lifes's too short @viewfinder.
Robinson is deluded when he says Saturday's performance was “one for the fans”. As fans we demand attacking football to quicken the pulse and stir the blood, but instead witnessed a backs-to-the-wall defensive siege for 80 minutes, caused partly by his abandonment of a striker altogether in a bizarre 4-5-0 formation.
Let's face it: we were shite. Our midfield players are so vulnerable that at the slightest hint of pressure they retreat to cower alongside the fragile defence. There was simply no outlet for clearances, which merely invited Bristol Rovers to mount attack after attack. With better finishing they could have won 1-3, which would have been a fair result.
We are going to come up against far stronger opposition than The Pirates this season. Two strikers would give opposing defences something to worry about. I welcome the appointment of Lee Bowyer if he instils some urgently-needed bottle and fight. Pun intended. We have got to dispel our deserved reputation as a soft touch, a bunch of powder-puffs.
If this is a troll account then happy trolling but if not, lay off the crack.
I had the same view as the ref and the challenge from Novak still looks stupid even if it wasn't as bad as I initially thought. You just don't make those sort of tackles anymore. 10/10 for game management by KR and for getting the players together at the end. Yes it's just one game but I was hugely impressed by the mentality of the players to do a job which meant neutralizing our attacking options.
Agreed and an inspiring team effort.
From the East Stand halfway line Novak's challenge looked two footed and a Red card all day long, although it looked on the tele like studs were down.
It was, as you say, an insane challenge from a player who should instinctively avoid such things with his level of experience.
I have to admit that I was surprised and rather disappointed the way many CAFC fans cheered and applauded Novak when he walked as his actions were tantamount to commiting team suicide - he had no reason to make the challenge whatsoever.
Same here regarding the jeering of the ref when he gave the decision. I'd have been shocked had he not brandished a red card.
Robinson is deluded when he says Saturday's performance was “one for the fans”. As fans we demand attacking football to quicken the pulse and stir the blood, but instead witnessed a backs-to-the-wall defensive siege for 80 minutes, caused partly by his abandonment of a striker altogether in a bizarre 4-5-0 formation.
Let's face it: we were shite. Our midfield players are so vulnerable that at the slightest hint of pressure they retreat to cower alongside the fragile defence. There was simply no outlet for clearances, which merely invited Bristol Rovers to mount attack after attack. With better finishing they could have won 1-3, which would have been a fair result.
We are going to come up against far stronger opposition than The Pirates this season. Two strikers would give opposing defences something to worry about. I welcome the appointment of Lee Bowyer if he instils some urgently-needed bottle and fight. Pun intended. We have got to dispel our deserved reputation as a soft touch, a bunch of powder-puffs.
Bottle and fight were just what we got on Saturday. Those 10 players worked their nuts off and nullified a fairly toothless Rovers side.
We started by trying to slowly build up play across the back four, looking for spaces rather than passing players into trouble which happened a lot at games I saw last season.
7 minutes on the clock and it was all change, Novak dived in recklessly, with both feet, when there was no danger whatsoever. I thought the worst at this moment after feeling positive for the start of the new season. I was amazed with how the team responded and they really were a team yesterday, which is not something that could be said for a lot of the last few years.
They didn't panic when they went down to ten men, there was no panic passing or players running out of position. They just seemed to carry on with the same game plan and Rovers just couldn't break them down. At no point did I looked at them and think that we were likely to concede (except maybe after some Amos flaps, especially when he provided the perfect assist only for it to be blasted wide).
I had forgotten what a joy to watch Kashi is. Well above league one level, so relaxed on the ball and always seemed to pick the right pass. He was superb at mopping up the ball in front of the back four and finding a positive pass.
Fosu looks like he could be a fantastic little player this season with some excellent runs and he seems like one of those players where the ball just sticks to his feet and he finds his way out of difficult situations (a bit like Lookman).
Holmes looked his usual self, running his socks off and looking threatening.
The back four looked solid, Bauer and Pearce good in the air and Solly and Da Silva both providing width and covering well at the back.
Amos made one good (maybe two?) saves during the match but Rovers didn't get many chances to put him under pressure. I was nervous when the ball was put into the box a few times as he chose to punch when catching it seemed the better option or came to claim it and not getting near it. It was his first match and i'm hoping he'll be a good number one.
Clarke worked hard, not a lone striker but played his role well.
Watt - KR and Bowyer were telling him not to chase balls, keeping him back at the half way line but there were numerous times when they were berating him and did not look particularly impressed with his efforts imho. That pass to KAG was shocking. He did do well at winning fouls and time wasting, which is what he was seemingly sent on to do. He is a talented player and I want him to do well, let's hope we get to see the Tony Watt of a couple of seasons ago some time soon.
Last but not least, the goal, I was sat at the other end of the pitch in the West Stand and it was over the line clear as day. Don't know what the people behind the goal, who were much closer than I, were complaining about.
Cross-bar challenge was brilliant too, well done that man, it had become a bit of a joke with all the poor attempts so far so it was great to see someone claim it (can't believe I enjoyed it that much that I am reviewing it here...).
Let's not get too carried away, as the season's only one match old.
But...
From last season's opening match line-up we only fielded Solly, Pearce, Holmes & Novak.
Rudd, Johnson, Fox, Crofts, Foley, Jackson, Ajose have either moved on, or moved to a new role - or the subs bench. You should really include Novak, because he's no first choice striker (at the moment). For me only Rudd was better than this year's model.
I was glad when Slade was given the heave-ho (sorry Russ), and liked Robinson's energy from day one - although he overdid it on the chat front perhaps. While I got the 'just win games' mantra, I could also see an attempt to play in a more 'modern' style, albeit without the players to make it happen. And fortunately it looks like we might have them now.
How the hell did that happen!? Well, unlike some on Twitter, I'd say it happened because of the protests (not despite them), and because of the fact that the fans were drifting away. As a business model, we sucked. As a team we sucked. Whether Robinson will get the backing to continue the development of the squad will be the acid test. If players like Kashi and Konsa are sold then pigs might fly again. Unless they're sold for crazy money I guess.
I'd never seen Kashi before, but he was sublime. His positional play and all-round game was different class. He looks out of place in Div One.
I'd been tipped off about Fosu by a Reading supporting fellow cameraman, and he was right. What a player. Despite having loys of time on the ball I can't remember him losing posession once. I'm looking forward to him receiving the ball higher up the pitch and causing mahem.
JFC also played the pass of the match, from one side of the pitch to the other (to Dasilva was it?), as straight as a dye, with the left foot, just out of reach of a Bristol midfielder. I thought it was Kashi at first.
Other things: 1. This forum is way more illuminating than the Rovers' 'Gas Chat' forum. Although they might be excused for having an off day. 2. I unexpectedly had to queue for 30 mins to buy a ticket. Might get a season ticket again now as the ticket was expensive. (I wondered what JS would think if he saw me there in the queue. The geordie chuckle might have been employed I suspect). 3. It was a goal. The goalie scooped it out. We could see that clearly from where we were in West lower, (towards the JS stand). Also, someone posted a pic on Twitter confirming that. 3a. It was a red card with The Beard's reaction. But a yellow card if he hadn't writhed around like someone had chopped his leg off at the knee. 4. Amos was wobbly. Might have been nerves? Think we need to buy an experienced stopper. 5. @viewfinder is a WUM, or a Millwall fan. Or the ghost of Tony Hancock. 6. Need another striker. IMHO Magennis is only good when fully charged up, and firing on all cyclinders. I think he only had four or five really good games last season. Novak arguably hasn't had a decent run in the side, but to me probably isn't what we need. Even a loanee from the Prem should be a possiblity? Would get plenty of goalscoring opportunities with this midfield, you'd hope. 7. I agree with everything @Henry Irving said in his review, except that I thought Solly struggled a bit a first. But he never stopped battling, and got better and better as the game went on.
Was thinking of getting season tickets near the tunnel... but a couple of questions ... On the cafc website, when you select your seats, are the seats in the top or the bottom of the diagram facing the pitch? (I can't remember as far back as last year!) Also, I don't suppose 'under 11' actually means '11 and under' does it?
This thread has got me feeling pretty good about Charlton. I'm still gonna play cricket until September, though, despite our woeful reduction to 29-8 yesterday (Leuth, myself and [oh dear] a Palace fan wagging the tail though) - as a matter of principle.
Everyone* seems to be saying the same things, right? Kashi = god; Fosu = exciting; rest of team = generally pretty good (bar Watt and maybe Amos); we need another striker.
While I would enjoy something resembling a promotion campaign, I am still of the view that this leaves M. Duchatelet on still slightly worse than neutral ground: we'll be back where we were when he took over, but also in a load of debt. Wins and points are the metrics on which I am judging now.
However, a great start it seems. Onwards and upwards.
*PSA: Everyone does NOT include Viewfinder, and I'd like to encourage everyone - DO NOT FEED THE TROLL.
I thought the sending off changed the game, so we were defending most of the time and looking to counter attack. The welcome return of Kashi and the arrival of Fosu made this a lot more interesting than previously as we now appear to have a midfield. And a defence. Not convinced by Amos but it is only one game. Just need to make sure we have a striker other than Magennis to play KRs system. Not sure I can say I enjoyed the game - it was tense at times but a lot of the football on offer from both sides wasn't particularly attractive. Looking forward to Plymouth next week now
One thing that REALLY helps is that we do have some stability in our team, especially in defence, when so often each summer the heart has been ripped out of it. Effectively KR has been allowed to continue the changes he made last season, so that the better end to last season has been built on.
Looking at the team that beat Swindon in April, the back 4 is identical, while Holmes and JFC make 6, and Magennis would have made it 7 if fit. Indeed of the 18 who were in the matchday squad that day, only the 4 loanees Rudd, Byrne, Ulvestad and Botaka have left the club.
Watched the live feed online. All I'll say is, what a joy to at last have a midfield worth the name. Holmes, Fosu and co will likely steal a lot of the headlines this season, but for me the big difference for us this season could be the Jake Forster-Kashi partnership (which I'm going to shorten to JFK, cuz I like it).
Thought both were excellent yesterday, terrific defensively, hard working, always available for a pass and comfortable on the ball even under pressure and then were sensible and at times creative with their passing. We've got real energy and a fair bit of ability in the centre of midfield now. Something we've not come close to since the Cousins/Buyens pairs my was broken up and they were far from perfect, even then.
Looking forward to seeing them play in the flesh in a few weeks time.
The fact is - in the professional game - If you go down to 10 men so early against a team at the same level as you, you are generally stuffed. What fans got was not the game they were expecting, but usefully an indication of the character within the side. You would rather not find it out in this way, but it gives as much cause for optimism as a 4-0 win IMO. And it is credit to Robinson.
Some honest Bristol Rovers fans said the ball went over the line before their keeper clawed it out - I reckon we can be pretty confident it did - disapointed Robinson said it didn't as refs get enough deserved stick (from me included) that it seems a bit unjust when they get unfair criticism for actually doing their job well. I think the passion of the protests from Rovers, or lack of them, suggested they knew it went in too.
As for the Novak sending off. If we appealed it, we would be a laughing stock, which suggests that we can't moan too much about that one.
Considering we played virtually the entire game with 10 men you have to be encouraged by the win.
Plus points - Great to see Kashi back. He looked very assured and could be a key player this season. Excellent debut by Fosu, he was a real handful and looks a quality acquisition.Da Silva also looks good. Defence looks very solid, Solly still a good player at this level and Bauer outstanding on Saturday.
Issues? - Can't say I was over impressed with Amos, let's give him some time but Phillips looks the better option at present. The obvious problem is up front. We look very light without Magennis. Even forgiving his indiscretion on Saturday Novak has done little since his time with us and as for Tony Watt's cameo "performance" the less said the better. If we can sort that out by hopefully bringing in someone new. there's no reason why we can't have a decent season.
Bit late to this. Busy weekend. Most of what I thought has been said but on the whole that was the most enjoyable trip to the valley in two years. To be able to genuinely root for the team and put my reservations about the ownership to one side for a couple of hours was a pleasure. I really like the look of our midfield and whoever discovers Fosu deserves a serious bonus.
From my seat and subsequent views on tv I thought the goal was dubious at best but I'm not complaining. As for Novak, what an arse. Gave the ref every opportunity to send him off which after 7 minutes was an utter disgrace. The guy has offered diddley squat since he's been here. We badly need a new striker. Rumours this morning that we are after Will Grigg. Will believe it when I see it. Otherwise, I enjoyed Robinson. Every slimey tactic in the book of slimey tactics, really geeing up the crowd, laughing with the ball boys. He's and irritating wotsit but for the moment he is our irritating wotsit so let's lap it up (still can't listen to him mind!).
And then there dear old twatt with the superfluous T. I don't care what instructions he had. I've been this guys biggest fan but he exudes misfit from every pore. That was a highly disciplined performance from ten guys and the difference when he came on was palpable. We need to get rid and replace.
As for Brissle, a big disappointment (thankfully in one sense) and further evidence to my belief that this will be a piss poor league.
In a nutshell we played better with 10 men on Saturday then we did for large parts of last season with 11. Gillingham away last season springs to mind!
good result and 3 points, but it was one of the weaker sides in this league on paper, so wont get too carried away, in my head i would be happy with 9/10 points from our opening 4 league games.
the team seems stable - all views are from clips watched and reports read.
good result and 3 points, but it was one of the weaker sides in this league on paper, so wont get too carried away, in my head i would be happy with 9/10 points from our opening 4 league games.
the team seems stable - all views are from clips watched and reports read.
roll on Plymouth Saturday.
Rovers did finish 6 points above us last season (even if we hammered them twice) so they're unlikely to be strugglers near the bottom
Comments
You seem to know nothing about Football. I am just disappointed with myself for rising to the bait.
BTW WE WON. Job done.
We were down to 10 men for essentially the whole game, with the striker being sent off, it's a bit hard to have a serious outlet when our other target man striker is unavailable being injured.
If we carried on with the original game plan whilst down to 10 men and went as attacking as you would have liked, we most likely would've left so much space for Bristol Rovers to exploit and probably would've lost. I can't imagine what your reaction would've been if that happened.
We restricted them to very little throughout the game. I don't think anyone in the ground would have thought we would still win when Novak got himself sent off.
Your posts are not funny and in the whole, full of nonsense. Even to the point in basically suggesting that we have no fight or bottle. Well if yesterday didn't show character and togetherness to fight for one another, you must be blind.
If you couldn't enjoy yesterday's performance it might be best to move on.
Lifes's too short @viewfinder.
We started by trying to slowly build up play across the back four, looking for spaces rather than passing players into trouble which happened a lot at games I saw last season.
7 minutes on the clock and it was all change, Novak dived in recklessly, with both feet, when there was no danger whatsoever. I thought the worst at this moment after feeling positive for the start of the new season. I was amazed with how the team responded and they really were a team yesterday, which is not something that could be said for a lot of the last few years.
They didn't panic when they went down to ten men, there was no panic passing or players running out of position. They just seemed to carry on with the same game plan and Rovers just couldn't break them down. At no point did I looked at them and think that we were likely to concede (except maybe after some Amos flaps, especially when he provided the perfect assist only for it to be blasted wide).
I had forgotten what a joy to watch Kashi is. Well above league one level, so relaxed on the ball and always seemed to pick the right pass. He was superb at mopping up the ball in front of the back four and finding a positive pass.
Fosu looks like he could be a fantastic little player this season with some excellent runs and he seems like one of those players where the ball just sticks to his feet and he finds his way out of difficult situations (a bit like Lookman).
Holmes looked his usual self, running his socks off and looking threatening.
The back four looked solid, Bauer and Pearce good in the air and Solly and Da Silva both providing width and covering well at the back.
Amos made one good (maybe two?) saves during the match but Rovers didn't get many chances to put him under pressure. I was nervous when the ball was put into the box a few times as he chose to punch when catching it seemed the better option or came to claim it and not getting near it. It was his first match and i'm hoping he'll be a good number one.
Clarke worked hard, not a lone striker but played his role well.
Watt - KR and Bowyer were telling him not to chase balls, keeping him back at the half way line but there were numerous times when they were berating him and did not look particularly impressed with his efforts imho. That pass to KAG was shocking. He did do well at winning fouls and time wasting, which is what he was seemingly sent on to do. He is a talented player and I want him to do well, let's hope we get to see the Tony Watt of a couple of seasons ago some time soon.
Last but not least, the goal, I was sat at the other end of the pitch in the West Stand and it was over the line clear as day. Don't know what the people behind the goal, who were much closer than I, were complaining about.
Cross-bar challenge was brilliant too, well done that man, it had become a bit of a joke with all the poor attempts so far so it was great to see someone claim it (can't believe I enjoyed it that much that I am reviewing it here...).
But...
From last season's opening match line-up we only fielded Solly, Pearce, Holmes & Novak.
Rudd, Johnson, Fox, Crofts, Foley, Jackson, Ajose have either moved on, or moved to a new role - or the subs bench. You should really include Novak, because he's no first choice striker (at the moment). For me only Rudd was better than this year's model.
I was glad when Slade was given the heave-ho (sorry Russ), and liked Robinson's energy from day one - although he overdid it on the chat front perhaps. While I got the 'just win games' mantra, I could also see an attempt to play in a more 'modern' style, albeit without the players to make it happen.
And fortunately it looks like we might have them now.
How the hell did that happen!? Well, unlike some on Twitter, I'd say it happened because of the protests (not despite them), and because of the fact that the fans were drifting away.
As a business model, we sucked. As a team we sucked.
Whether Robinson will get the backing to continue the development of the squad will be the acid test. If players like Kashi and Konsa are sold then pigs might fly again. Unless they're sold for crazy money I guess.
I'd never seen Kashi before, but he was sublime. His positional play and all-round game was different class. He looks out of place in Div One.
I'd been tipped off about Fosu by a Reading supporting fellow cameraman, and he was right. What a player. Despite having loys of time on the ball I can't remember him losing posession once. I'm looking forward to him receiving the ball higher up the pitch and causing mahem.
JFC also played the pass of the match, from one side of the pitch to the other (to Dasilva was it?), as straight as a dye, with the left foot, just out of reach of a Bristol midfielder. I thought it was Kashi at first.
Other things:
1. This forum is way more illuminating than the Rovers' 'Gas Chat' forum. Although they might be excused for having an off day.
2. I unexpectedly had to queue for 30 mins to buy a ticket. Might get a season ticket again now as the ticket was expensive. (I wondered what JS would think if he saw me there in the queue. The geordie chuckle might have been employed I suspect).
3. It was a goal. The goalie scooped it out. We could see that clearly from where we were in West lower, (towards the JS stand). Also, someone posted a pic on Twitter confirming that.
3a. It was a red card with The Beard's reaction. But a yellow card if he hadn't writhed around like someone had chopped his leg off at the knee.
4. Amos was wobbly. Might have been nerves? Think we need to buy an experienced stopper.
5. @viewfinder is a WUM, or a Millwall fan. Or the ghost of Tony Hancock.
6. Need another striker. IMHO Magennis is only good when fully charged up, and firing on all cyclinders. I think he only had four or five really good games last season. Novak arguably hasn't had a decent run in the side, but to me probably isn't what we need. Even a loanee from the Prem should be a possiblity? Would get plenty of goalscoring opportunities with this midfield, you'd hope.
7. I agree with everything @Henry Irving said in his review, except that I thought Solly struggled a bit a first. But he never stopped battling, and got better and better as the game went on.
Was thinking of getting season tickets near the tunnel... but a couple of questions ...
On the cafc website, when you select your seats, are the seats in the top or the bottom of the diagram facing the pitch? (I can't remember as far back as last year!)
Also, I don't suppose 'under 11' actually means '11 and under' does it?
Everyone* seems to be saying the same things, right? Kashi = god; Fosu = exciting; rest of team = generally pretty good (bar Watt and maybe Amos); we need another striker.
While I would enjoy something resembling a promotion campaign, I am still of the view that this leaves M. Duchatelet on still slightly worse than neutral ground: we'll be back where we were when he took over, but also in a load of debt. Wins and points are the metrics on which I am judging now.
However, a great start it seems. Onwards and upwards.
*PSA: Everyone does NOT include Viewfinder, and I'd like to encourage everyone - DO NOT FEED THE TROLL.
Not sure I can say I enjoyed the game - it was tense at times but a lot of the football on offer from both sides wasn't particularly attractive. Looking forward to Plymouth next week now
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39682848
Looking at the team that beat Swindon in April, the back 4 is identical, while Holmes and JFC make 6, and Magennis would have made it 7 if fit. Indeed of the 18 who were in the matchday squad that day, only the 4 loanees Rudd, Byrne, Ulvestad and Botaka have left the club.
Thought both were excellent yesterday, terrific defensively, hard working, always available for a pass and comfortable on the ball even under pressure and then were sensible and at times creative with their passing. We've got real energy and a fair bit of ability in the centre of midfield now. Something we've not come close to since the Cousins/Buyens pairs my was broken up and they were far from perfect, even then.
Looking forward to seeing them play in the flesh in a few weeks time.
Some honest Bristol Rovers fans said the ball went over the line before their keeper clawed it out - I reckon we can be pretty confident it did - disapointed Robinson said it didn't as refs get enough deserved stick (from me included) that it seems a bit unjust when they get unfair criticism for actually doing their job well. I think the passion of the protests from Rovers, or lack of them, suggested they knew it went in too.
As for the Novak sending off. If we appealed it, we would be a laughing stock, which suggests that we can't moan too much about that one.
Plus points - Great to see Kashi back. He looked very assured and could be a key player this season. Excellent debut by Fosu, he was a real handful and looks a quality acquisition.Da Silva also looks good. Defence looks very solid, Solly still a good player at this level and Bauer outstanding on Saturday.
Issues? - Can't say I was over impressed with Amos, let's give him some time but Phillips looks the better option at present. The obvious problem is up front. We look very light without Magennis. Even forgiving his indiscretion on Saturday Novak has done little since his time with us and as for Tony Watt's cameo "performance" the less said the better. If we can sort that out by hopefully bringing in someone new. there's no reason why we can't have a decent season.
From my seat and subsequent views on tv I thought the goal was dubious at best but I'm not complaining. As for Novak, what an arse. Gave the ref every opportunity to send him off which after 7 minutes was an utter disgrace. The guy has offered diddley squat since he's been here. We badly need a new striker. Rumours this morning that we are after Will Grigg. Will believe it when I see it. Otherwise, I enjoyed Robinson. Every slimey tactic in the book of slimey tactics, really geeing up the crowd, laughing with the ball boys. He's and irritating wotsit but for the moment he is our irritating wotsit so let's lap it up (still can't listen to him mind!).
And then there dear old twatt with the superfluous T. I don't care what instructions he had. I've been this guys biggest fan but he exudes misfit from every pore. That was a highly disciplined performance from ten guys and the difference when he came on was palpable. We need to get rid and replace.
As for Brissle, a big disappointment (thankfully in one sense) and further evidence to my belief that this will be a piss poor league.
We might just be on to something this season.
the team seems stable - all views are from clips watched and reports read.
roll on Plymouth Saturday.