Away Match Day Thread 05/04/22 L1: Morecambe v OUFC

[Corbo]

Personally I don’t think you could fault our effort last night, nothing was running for us. We set ourselves up to fail with conceding the two goals and after getting the early goal we could have sat back and picked them off on the break. We need to be more defensive and grind results out like the teams above us do, as boring as it can be.

 

[Teddydee1980]

Horrible weather, horrible result, carelessness and stupidity all over the pitch.

Looking at the table now, it's going to require us to do things we haven't yet done this season to get there, and starting against a team we rarely do more than draw against.

Fine margins at the end of the season and, yes, scraping into the playoffs is still possible, but there are genuine issues here which don't fill me with great confidence against any of the teams we could face if we do get there. Teams have points and games in hand on us and we need to look better than the teams we come up against, and we just don't.

To bang on the "Defensive issues" drum a bit more, the GD difference between us and the top 3 says it all. We make all the noise about being top scorers and then entirely undermine that impressive stat by having a worse Goals against than every team above us. Just not good enough.

 

[m]

If we win sat and Wycombe lose away at Gillingham or Sheff Weds do likewise away at Bolton then we go back into the play offs.
Gutting and disappointing as the last two results have been its not over yet

It's not over.

But, speaking (I hope) as a poster who is not prone to negativity, it's difficult to have faith that things would end well should we reach the pay offs.

 

[IsleofWightYellow]

I do wonder what game Robinsons watching sometimes first 10minutes we started well after that we were poor across the pitch. Too many lazy performances from players who looked as though they didn't care either way. Sykes terrible again, McGuane useless does nothing, Williams was poor last night, Whyte couldnt hit a barn door.

I don’t want to come across all @Scotchegg but… really?! I can’t think of one player who looked like they didn’t care, players were constantly bombing forwards and making runs etc. If anything they were rushing things at times and lost patience, calmness and accuracy, but I didn’t see any lack of effort?

Kane was poor and Taylor went missing after his goal but apart from that most players performed well, I’d say Sykes and McGuane were both excellent, full of effort and invention. Whyte you have a point with, his finishing was poor.

I’m as critical as anyone when we lose but I don’t think you can say the players didn’t care.

 

[m]

I don’t want to come across all @Scotchegg but… really?! I can’t think of one player who looked like they didn’t care, players were constantly bombing forwards and making runs etc. If anything they were rushing things at times and lost patience, calmness and accuracy, but I didn’t see any lack of effort?

Kane was poor and Taylor went missing after his goal but apart from that most players performed well, I’d say Sykes and McGuane were both excellent, full of effort and invention. Whyte you have a point with, his finishing was poor.

I’m as critical as anyone when we lose but I don’t think you can say the players didn’t care.

Agreed. Effort and desire were certainly not the problems.

 

[Mellowyellow]

Because he has got us in the play offs for the last 2 seasons, could still do it this year but probably won’t and all this when they have given him the target of getting promotion next season.
If we were miles off it then I’d understand why they might get rid but we aren’t.

So whats likely to.change next season that haven't seen for the last 3?
You know it will be the same:
Self promotiom
Wrong/injured players brought in
Wingers at the expense of more important areas needing adressing
Come the start of May how he wants to get his recruitment done early and there are targets already established
In comes the next Hanson, Winall, Agyei etc, etc.
Inappropriate substitutions
Failure to beat top 6 teams
Oh, and some fans quite happy ro celebrate Groundhog Day next April

 

[horseman]

A total rebuild look’s likely, the problem with that is that it could take 3-4 seasons to have a telling in us being a promotion chasing side. He has until the end of next season if we’re not promoted then sorry Karl for all your good work you do in the community and with the fan base you have to go, sorry but there isn’t any sentiment in football.

You've entered the negative box for me now as it seems you React to 1 result with the same thought process.

What i find odd about your posts are that You've indicated you perhaps feel Karl is not ever going to get us promoted, you then mention an overhaul of the squad but then strangely don't suggest a new manager to oversee this new squad.(i don't mean name of)

 

[headingtonoldboy]

Regarding Mark Sykes. It has been mentioned that he doesn't want to be here anymore. If that's the case, then he shouldn't be in the team. We only want players who are fully committed and motivated to the cause, especially at this stage of the season. We cannot afford to carry anyone. If Sykes doesn't meet these criteria, then leave him out.

 

[horseman]

Regarding Mark Sykes. It has been mentioned that he doesn't want to be here anymore. If that's the case, then he shouldn't be in the team. We only want players who are fully committed and motivated to the cause, especially at this stage of the season. We cannot afford to carry anyone. If Sykes doesn't meet these criteria, then leave him out.

i don't for 1 minute see how anyone can has or would doubt his commitment, he has performed to a high standard throughout the season.

 

[horseman]

So whats likely to.change next season that haven't seen for the last 3?
You know it will be the same:
Self promotiom
Wrong/injured players brought in
Wingers at the expense of more important areas needing adressing
Come the start of May how he wants to get his recruitment done early and there are targets already established
In comes the next Hanson, Winall, Agyei etc, etc.
Inappropriate substitutions
Failure to beat top 6 teams
Oh, and some fans quite happy ro celebrate Groundhog Day next April

Who will get this squad over the line and why?

 

[Sheik djibouti]

Regarding Mark Sykes. It has been mentioned that he doesn't want to be here anymore. If that's the case, then he shouldn't be in the team. We only want players who are fully committed and motivated to the cause, especially at this stage of the season. We cannot afford to carry anyone. If Sykes doesn't meet these criteria, then leave him out.

Who said he doesn't want to be here any more?

That's a very different issue to an ambitious player wanting to be the best he can and play at the highest level possible. I have not seen Sykes lack effort or application....pretty much ever (decision making and occasionally naive due to inexperience...maybe). Any ambitious player worth their salt will give it their all no matter what level they are at, because their attitude towards the game (as well as their ability) is an attribute that sets players apart and makes managers at clubs higher up the ladder really sit up and take note.

A poor "billy big B*****s" attitude will seriously limit his options and frankly I think that is pretty wide of the mark where Sykes is concerned. Ambitious yes, poor attitude - doubt it. Not to mention that I don't think KR would stand for it in his team!

 

[bazzer9461]

You've entered the negative box for me now as it seems you React to 1 result with the same thought process.

What i find odd about your posts are that You've indicated you perhaps feel Karl is not ever going to get us promoted, you then mention an overhaul of the squad but then strangely don't suggest a new manager to oversee this new squad.(i don't mean name of)

Yes Karl has until the end of next season. After 3 seasons at nearly but not quite I think we could suffer in the close season with the loss of Cam and McNally. Regarding overhaul of the team as I’ve mentioned the two players already you possibly might add Stevens to that, then there is Sykes who will be gone and the loan players and out of contract players who may not be offered new deals or may not sign new deals, so yes an overhaul.
Manager wise the end of next season if he hasn’t done what Bakri wants he will be gone.
As regards KR not getting us promoted I’m not alone with that view.

 

[Sheik djibouti]

We have all identified the frailties in the squad (defensive cover!) and in some respects, our worst nightmares have been compounded by injuries, which is all part and parcel of the game.

But to loose Elliott Moore when we did and for as long as we have, along with Cameron Brannagan and Sam Baldock at a really crucial point have been pretty catastrophic. To lose the 1st team captain, possibly the best goal scoring central midfielder in the division AND a really intelligent goal scoring striker who, was forming and absolutely fantastic partnership with one of the best strikers in the division in Taylor, has really hit us hard.

It is no wonder our goal scoring record has fallen off a cliff in the last month. Just contrast our free flowing, free scoring wins at places like Burton (who have shipped 63 league goals this season) with our real struggle at Morecambe last night (who have shipped a massive 80 goals this season). If we had been able to play the starting 11 (the only differences being Brannagan and Baldock) I dare say we would seen a similar end result. Yes, I appreciate Baldock was only here from January, but his impact was almost immediate and he really gave our attack that addded dimension that can make such a big difference in the run in, especially when other teams around you have strengthened at the same time.

That said, our defensive frailties have been there for all to see all season - how many clean sheets have we managed? Even so, Elliott Moore added experience organisation and composure at the centre of defence and often steadied a nervous looking ship... and we are crying out for that right now. In addition, Moore and Brannagan take the pressure of Kane somewhat and it is no coincidence that he has not been the same player lately without both of them there. I will however put this out there - Ciaron Brown is proving to be a better player than Jordan Thorniley - there, I've said it!!

So the removal of Moore, CamBran and Baldock from our squad has hit us really hard. In fact I would challenge any team in the division to sustain a promotion/play off challenge when losing three such important players at such a crucial stage.

 

[horseman]

Yes Karl has until the end of next season. After 3 seasons at nearly but not quite I think we could suffer in the close season with the loss of Cam and McNally. Regarding overhaul of the team as I’ve mentioned the two players already you possibly might add Stevens to that, then there is Sykes who will be gone and the loan players and out of contract players who may not be offered new deals or may not sign new deals, so yes an overhaul.
Manager wise the end of next season if he hasn’t done what Bakri wants he will be gone.
As regards KR not getting us promoted I’m not alone with that view.

My point @bazzer9461 about your post is with your thought process on Karl why do want him to have another season.

The points you raise about the players is always hanging over us regardless of what League we are in or indeed whoever is our Manager.

The turnover of players each summer is something we generally tend to see but that's another subject but i do find it odd that fans in general think that our targets will just walk through the door when actually getting players in the building is much harder than folk seem to realise. We all know Agents play games punt their clients here there and everywhere and then yo yo between clubs informing club a has now offered x etc etc.

People always assume that when an injury crops up, that within the financial constraints that we never bothered seeking a replacement.

 

[headingtonoldboy]

Who said he doesn't want to be here any more?

That's a very different issue to an ambitious player wanting to be the best he can and play at the highest level possible. I have not seen Sykes lack effort or application....pretty much ever (decision making and occasionally naive due to inexperience...maybe). Any ambitious player worth their salt will give it their all no matter what level they are at, because their attitude towards the game (as well as their ability) is an attribute that sets players apart and makes managers at clubs higher up the ladder really sit up and take note.

A poor "billy big B*****s" attitude will seriously limit his options and frankly I think that is pretty wide of the mark where Sykes is concerned. Ambitious yes, poor attitude - doubt it. Not to mention that I don't think KR would stand for it in his team!

Point taken.

 

[horseman]

We have all identified the frailties in the squad (defensive cover!) and in some respects, our worst nightmares have been compounded by injuries, which is all part and parcel of the game.

But to loose Elliott Moore when we did and for as long as we have, along with Cameron Brannagan and Sam Baldock at a really crucial point have been pretty catastrophic. To lose the 1st team captain, possibly the best goal scoring central midfielder in the division AND a really intelligent goal scoring striker who, was forming and absolutely fantastic partnership with one of the best strikers in the division in Taylor, has really hit us hard.

It is no wonder our goal scoring record has fallen off a cliff in the last month. Just contrast our free flowing, free scoring wins at places like Burton (who have shipped 63 league goals this season) with our real struggle at Morecambe last night (who have shipped a massive 80 goals this season). If we had been able to play the starting 11 (the only differences being Brannagan and Baldock) I dare say we would seen a similar end result. Yes, I appreciate Baldock was only here from January, but his impact was almost immediate and he really gave our attack that addded dimension that can make such a big difference in the run in, especially when other teams around you have strengthened at the same time.

That said, our defensive frailties have been there for all to see all season - how many clean sheets have we managed? Even so, Elliott Moore added experience organisation and composure at the centre of defence and often steadied a nervous looking ship... and we are crying out for that right now. In addition, Moore and Brannagan take the pressure of Kane somewhat and it is no coincidence that he has not been the same player lately without both of them there. I will however put this out there - Ciaron Brown is proving to be a better player than Jordan Thorniley - there, I've said it!!

So the removal of Moore, CamBran and Baldock from our squad has hit us really hard. In fact I would challenge any team in the division to sustain a promotion/play off challenge when losing three such important players at such a crucial stage.

stop making sensible posts it's un yellows forum like

 

[WuTang]

I don't have any issue with player effort, I think they've shown passion, commitment, desire all season long. Even those who probably know they can leave if we don't go up e.g. Brannagan, Sykes, McNally, all look committed to the cause.

In January, every side towards the top assessed what they were lacking and signed players they needed for this season. We signed players for the long-term future and didn't really plug the gaps that were opening up in defensive midfield and defence.

Square pegs in round holes, another Robinson habit. Last night we started with a natural centre back at left back, a natural right back at centre back, and a right winger at right back, whilst having a natural left back on the bench. I wonder how many other sides in the top 8 started with that many players out of their favoured positions over Saturday and Tuesday?

 

[Canterburyexile]

We’ve been extremely unlucky with injuries to key players this season, that’s for sure. However, the whole point of having a squad is to ensure that you have adequate cover where it’s likely to be needed. Not getting cover for Gorrin was foolish. Similarly, not getting sufficient cover for the back four and for the duo up front was foolish. What we are seeing now is the revenge of reality.

Although something tells me that our owners might just be breathing a short term sigh of relief. We might still get into the playoffs I guess and we might still get promoted, although I wouldn’t put any money on it. I’m starting to think that would present a dilemma for Bakrie et al as things stand. They’d be compelled I reckon to invest a substantial amount into the first team if that happened this year. It seems clear to me that the overt ownership issue will only be resolved when/if they get the go ahead for Stratford Brake. I wonder if they’d be happier for us to remain in league one until that’s resolved one way or another.

 

[OX14]

They’d be compelled I reckon to invest a substantial amount into the first team if that happened this year. It seems clear to me that the overt ownership issue will only be resolved when/if they get the go ahead for Stratford Brake. I wonder if they’d be happier for us to remain in league one until that’s resolved one way or another.

You're probably right to be honest, when/If the stadium is approved they wouldn't have any worries about pumping money in at the next level for 3 ish years with the fact they know they will make a return on the stadium complex. At the moment there is no certainty and that's why the takeover hasn't completed. They are probably happy the fact we've had 6 crowds of over 10k and the highest average since 1989 but will remain in league one for another season.

 

[horseman]

I don't have any issue with player effort, I think they've shown passion, commitment, desire all season long. Even those who probably know they can leave if we don't go up e.g. Brannagan, Sykes, McNally, all look committed to the cause.

In January, every side towards the top assessed what they were lacking and signed players they needed for this season. We signed players for the long-term future and didn't really plug the gaps that were opening up in defensive midfield and defence.

Square pegs in round holes, another Robinson habit. Last night we started with a natural centre back at left back, a natural right back at centre back, and a right winger at right back, whilst having a natural left back on the bench. I wonder how many other sides in the top 8 started with that many players out of their favoured positions over Saturday and Tuesday?

Hang on the forum in general have him down as been poor, if he plays and we lost the outcome on here would still be the same and likely worse