If you are blaming Appleton then you are an idiot

[585 = never give up]

We're not Man City, we won't always have all players available. Sure, the injuries haven't helped but that shouldn't stop Appleton from coaching, organising and getting the players up for games. If he can't work with the bulk of the players we have, then it adds even more weight to my argument, that he is the wrong man to take us forward.

MA knew the players that he had when he accepted the job. He must also have known the budget that he had to work with - unless he was misled, which we'll never know.
His negative, blame the players, recent post match interviews, suggests to me that he can't see the wood from the trees & the thought of him bringing in his mate Bridcutt, doesn't fill me with confidence. Neither does rewarding the poorly performing team with a weeks holiday after just 10 games (if that's the case).
As MA's going nowhere for 4 years, I do back him as our manager.

 

[Lost Seasider]

As MA's going nowhere for 4 years, I do back him as our manager.

That "4 year contract" is going to include termination clauses if the club decide to get rid of him, the club isn't committed to paying him out for the next 4 years.

 

[Bamber]

Potentially amongst the fanbase, but the board gave him a 4 year contract so I’m guessing they’ll not be rushing anything.

Such a mad one that, an appointment they knew wouldn’t go down well at all on a 4 year deal

I can see the reasoning as it insulates the manager from the emotional rollercoaster of the fanbase and gives him time to build his own squad over multiple transfer windows. It also tells the players that the manager is being backed by the board and they need to perform or they will be shipped our rather than the manager if results aren't great.

 

[FlytoKavala]

Potentially amongst the fanbase, but the board gave him a 4 year contract so I’m guessing they’ll not be rushing anything.

Such a mad one that, an appointment they knew wouldn’t go down well at all on a 4 year deal

Make that 12/14.

 

[585 = never give up]

That "4 year contract" is going to include termination clauses if the club decide to get rid of him, the club isn't committed to paying him out for the next 4 years.

Good news that. I have to back him at this stage, but the next 6 games are important to his future at the club.
Cardiff had a very good manager, and although they're on the same points as us & one place above, they didn't hang about in sacking him, as they want to finish at the top end.

 

[straightatthewall]

You are spot on re Connolly but it was even worse than that in my opinion, he picked him as a wing back! It is pretty clear that Connolly is no prima donna and will do whatever is asked of him, but wing back is a bridge to far and everyone knows it.

Spot on Mark. And when the gaffer does that sort of thing, it shouldn't be surprising that his judgment gets questioned, because the world and his wife can see that CC for JG at RB is daft, but CC for JG at RWB is just plain ridiculous.

 

[FessParker]

Good news that. I have to back him at this stage, but the next 6 games are important to his future at the club.
Cardiff had a very good manager, and although they're on the same points as us & one place above, they didn't hang about in sacking him, as they want to finish at the top end.

How do you justify the statement that Cardiff had a very good Manager?

 

[Philbfctrois]

Spot on Mark. And when the gaffer does that sort of thing, it shouldn't be surprising that his judgment gets questioned, because the world and his wife can see that CC for JG at RB is daft, but CC for JG at RWB is just plain ridiculous.

I believe JG was carrying a knock so who else would you have wanted to play there given we only have 1 proper specialist right back at the club

 

[straightatthewall]

I believe JG was carrying a knock so who else would you have wanted to play there given we only have 1 proper specialist right back at the club

Then he should have been rested, rather than brought on with 20-odd mins to go. On a one-off situation, you can rest the player and put Jack Moore on the bench to use as a right back IF needed.

 

[585 = never give up]

How do you justify the statement that Cardiff had a very good Manager?

I don't have to 'justify' anything as it's just my opinion! If you disagree then fine, as that's your opinion. I trust that's answered your question!

 

[Thatseasider]

Potentially amongst the fanbase, but the board gave him a 4 year contract so I’m guessing they’ll not be rushing anything.

Such a mad one that, an appointment they knew wouldn’t go down well at all on a 4 year deal

I think he's actually fairly disposable to the board at this point, I'm starting to think he wasn't able to get a lot of HIS signings in, and the players we have brought it were club options i.e someone new wouldn't have to rip the squad up and re stock in January.

Lots of, on paper, quality loan signings that should in theory add value to the squad, again, not his squad set in stone really is it.

The board are starting to get some heat now, largely for the first time and he his dismissal could be used as a very useful escape route.

Don't forget contracts are, in football, fairly disposable. I think people are right when they say they'll likely be clauses and breaks regarding dismissal.

If we really bomb after the int break, a bad result against the Nobbers I could feasibly see being his last with us.

On Appleton's part - I think he really needs to strip it back, go simple, 4-4-2 stuff don't get beat in these next four games, pick some points up and go for it against PNE, on the flip side a decent win there could propel him and the board.

I'd say the next 6 weeks are pivotal for the club in the short term (1-2 year time frame)

 

[B_Side_The_C_Side]

I remember a Saturday night hissy fit when we lost a home game last season and some 'lone voice' called for the manager to be sacked.

They said....
"The loss had nothing to do with how the players, played on the pitch......it was all down to the manager.....it was his responsibility for the game, its tactics etc. and he obviously didn't know what he was doing and should be potted......but by the way.....I am supporting him....."

7 games in and it was the loss to Huddersfield 0 - 3 and it was the normal Saturday night..."Everything's s##it, the worlds falling to pieces, WTF is going on" threads..

That season we had 6 points after 7 games.....in a very similar position to this one......and there were people calling for the manager to be sacked......

2022 and 10 games in....we have 11 points......and suddenly you're an idiot, if you're saying what was being said last season by the same person
How does that work?
Funny...but last season, we were on 12 points from 10 games...and we went on to take another 10 points from the next 4 games (22 from 14 games)
Including a Big Boo for PNE

I just don't see any real logic to this........Critch f##ked up big style in leaving and no matter what we say about him....he's a massive t##t

But If someone wasn't good enough then.....and they had a better set of results......you cant then defend this one...when you slagged off the other.....?

 

[Philbfctrois]

Then he should have been rested, rather than brought on with 20-odd mins to go. On a one-off situation, you can rest the player and put Jack Moore on the bench to use as a right back IF needed.

So you are suggesting Jack Moore would be a better option than Connolly?

I think playing Connolly at right back or right wing back just highlights the point that we are very weak in certain positions

 

[Thatseasider]

I remember a Saturday night hissy fit when we lost a home game last season and some 'lone voice' called for the manager to be sacked.

They said....
"The loss had nothing to do with how the players, played on the pitch......it was all down to the manager.....it was his responsibility for the game, its tactics etc. and he obviously didn't know what he was doing and should be potted......but by the way.....I am supporting him....."

7 games in and it was the loss to Huddersfield 0 - 3 and it was the normal Saturday night..."Everything's s##it, the worlds falling to pieces, WTF is going on" threads..

That season we had 6 points after 7 games.....in a very similar position to this one......and there were people calling for the manager to be sacked......

2022 and 10 games in....we have 11 points......and suddenly you're an idiot, if you're saying what was being said last season by the same person
How does that work?
Funny...but last season, we were on 12 points from 10 games...and we went on to take another 10 points from the next 4 games (22 from 14 games)
Including a Big Boo for PNE

I just don't see any real logic to this........Critch f##ked up big style in leaving and no matter what we say about him....he's a massive t##t

But If someone wasn't good enough then.....and they had a better set of results......you cant then defend this one...when you slagged off the other.....?

Tbf, if some donk turns the goal line machine on at Huddersfield we are in the relegation zone currently.

That performance at Rotherham was something else, as much as Critch frustrated me, you knew that was a plan, his style - it made the total more than the sum of its parts. The performances this season are very very worrying for me.
Weirdly, we were well in that game against Huddersfield last season, who ultimately got to the P/O final.

That shambles against Rotherham, and to a lesser extent the performance against Millwall were against a newly promoted side, who pound for pound did not have better players than us and a team bang out of form that struggle to score.

I could, of course be very wrong, but I'm worried for the season having seen every game so far. Even when it drove you insane with NC I was never worried we'd get relegated.

 

[Philbfctrois]

I remember a Saturday night hissy fit when we lost a home game last season and some 'lone voice' called for the manager to be sacked.

They said....
"The loss had nothing to do with how the players, played on the pitch......it was all down to the manager.....it was his responsibility for the game, its tactics etc. and he obviously didn't know what he was doing and should be potted......but by the way.....I am supporting him....."

7 games in and it was the loss to Huddersfield 0 - 3 and it was the normal Saturday night..."Everything's s##it, the worlds falling to pieces, WTF is going on" threads..

That season we had 6 points after 7 games.....in a very similar position to this one......and there were people calling for the manager to be sacked......

2022 and 10 games in....we have 11 points......and suddenly you're an idiot, if you're saying what was being said last season by the same person
How does that work?
Funny...but last season, we were on 12 points from 10 games...and we went on to take another 10 points from the next 4 games (22 from 14 games)
Including a Big Boo for PNE

I just don't see any real logic to this........Critch f##ked up big style in leaving and no matter what we say about him....he's a massive t##t

But If someone wasn't good enough then.....and they had a better set of results......you cant then defend this one...when you slagged off the other.....?

Well your memory is shite then as it was during the league one season that i first called for him to go

I also recall the Huddersfield game being on a widweek night

Anyway it doesn't matter a jot as Critchley reverted to type and its now just coaching

The biggest problem we have now is replacing the creativity that Bowler provided, selling Bowler certainly isn't Appleton's fault

 

[WIZARD OF TANGERINE]

Ekipeteta hasn't even got close to the levels of last season.

Gabriel has been very poor.

Yes Yates and Lavery are running their socks off but they are hardly pulling up trees creating or scoring. Headless chickens with very little meaningful service probably sums it up best.

Everyone just wants to blame Williams but the truth is most players have been poor. Now that can't all be down to Appleton but the defensive formations are, the lack of organisation is and during the last 2 games he's been woeful at spotting games drifting away from us.

I fully accept the board will give him time to shape the team but that doesn't mean to say we all have to agree with it. Tactically we are way below the levels of last season and getting worse, a good coach can make a difference, we don't have one of those though.

His 2 main signings have been injured , both midfielders , which may explain the poor service to two similar type players where our only heavy weight has been suspended for 3 games . I suppose we should blame him for that as well.

 

[straightatthewall]

So you are suggesting Jack Moore would be a better option than Connolly?

I think playing Connolly at right back or right wing back just highlights the point that we are very weak in certain positions

Yes. I suggested playing Moore over Connolly by starting Moore on the bench. It's similar to Critchley's inverted wingers, but I call it inverted players.

 

[NewburyOne]

His 2 main signings have been injured , both midfielders , which may explain the poor service to two similar type players where our only heavy weight has been suspended for 3 games . I suppose we should blame him for that as well.

I'm not blaming him for injuries or suspensions, they are all part of football. A good coach can handle that and still get his team to perform, pick up results, unfortunately we don't have a good coach but more worryingly we actually have a bad manager. To already be absolving himself of blame and passing that on to the players lack of ability, mental state, is pathetic. I'd be very surprised if there weren't some concerns from our board, Appleton's demeanor is dour, a bit like the football played under him.

 

[Philbfctrois]

I'm not blaming him for injuries or suspensions, they are all part of football. A good coach can handle that and still get his team to perform, pick up results, unfortunately we don't have a good coach but more worryingly we actually have a bad manager. To already be absolving himself of blame and passing that on to the players lack of ability, mental state, is pathetic. I'd be very surprised if there weren't some concerns from our board, Appleton's demeanor is dour, a bit like the football played under him.

So you think Appleton is a poor coach and bad manager?

Why because his injury hit side have lost 2 away games

 

[FessParker]

I don't have to 'justify' anything as it's just my opinion! If you disagree then fine, as that's your opinion. I trust that's answered your question!

Not really but that's your perogative.

 

[NewburyOne]

So you think Appleton is a poor coach and bad manager?

Why because his injury hit side have lost 2 away games

No, based on more than that. 10 games, 11 if you include Barrow, as we have struggled to perform for more than 30mins in any game, throw in the tripe he served up for Lincoln last season as well if you like. He hasn't got the players fully prepared, we look disorganised and at times lost due to the changes in players and formation. So whatever he's been doing on the training ground isn't working (yet). A bad manager blames his players, the fact he seems to think he was better than them speaks volumes, he was never anything more than these players himself. So I'll stand behind that comment, I haven't seen enough to suggest he's a good coach but have heard enough to say he's a poor manager.

 

[fcblackpool]

That "4 year contract" is going to include termination clauses if the club decide to get rid of him, the club isn't committed to paying him out for the next 4 years.

The clauses will be based on a 4 year contract, which is a commitment. So say, sack before Christmas, maybe 20% of his year 4 will be payable, 40% year 3 etc etc. However it's structured it will be a hell of a lot of money.

It all won't be loaded in the Club's favour either.

 

[Lost Seasider]

The clauses will be based on a 4 year contract, which is a commitment. So say, sack before Christmas, maybe 20% of his year 4 will be payable, 40% year 3 etc etc. However it's structured it will be a hell of a lot of money.

It all won't be loaded in the Club's favour either.

Why do you think the club would agree to such a complicated and unfavourable contract? I would've expected something much more straightforward, probably something like six months salary would be my guess.

 

[fcblackpool]

Why do you think the club would agree to such a complicated and unfavourable contract? I would've expected something much more straightforward, probably something like six months salary would be my guess.

Why would MA agree to a 4 year deal on those terms? I assume he has ambition and wont want to be tied unless for reward.

The pay off will be time related- it has to be.

 

[Philbfctrois]

No, based on more than that. 10 games, 11 if you include Barrow, as we have struggled to perform for more than 30mins in any game, throw in the tripe he served up for Lincoln last season as well if you like. He hasn't got the players fully prepared, we look disorganised and at times lost due to the changes in players and formation. So whatever he's been doing on the training ground isn't working (yet). A bad manager blames his players, the fact he seems to think he was better than them speaks volumes, he was never anything more than these players himself. So I'll stand behind that comment, I haven't seen enough to suggest he's a good coach but have heard enough to say he's a poor manager.

He's got around a 40% win ratio over 400 games so he can't be that bad

That also includes his time with the Oystons and Venky's

Just be honest and say you don't like him because he once played for Preston or something

 

[Thatseasider]

He does need time, under NC I think it was after the Wimbledon away game, I was a couple of games away from calling for his head.

I think that was roughly ten games in, we looked devoid of anything then too, NC then got a lucky break, Burton and Wigan (?) who were both struggling at the time, he changed tact somewhat, we went back to basics and built from there.

MA could improve us significant, I worry because NC had a Lg 1 squad that was up there with the best personnel in the league and had no crowds to contend with. MA now has 4 of the hardest games you could imagine followed by our Derby game.

I think there are worse teams than us in this division still and I suspect the board know that too, this is why I can see him getting the chop rightly or wrongly in the next month if we're right in the relegation zone.

HOw much time do you give him at that point? I've no idea

 

[NewburyOne]

He's got around a 40% win ratio over 400 games so he can't be that bad

Just be honest and say you don't like him because he once played for Preston or something

What % in the Championship? The fact he bailed under the Oystons or once played for Preston has naff all to do with anything. His performance to date has been poor, in respect of coaching, setting up the team and more worryingly his last few interviews. Digging out players and failing to see that he has been one of the reasons we've struggled.

Just admit you're so blinkered into not being proven wrong, as you were with Critchley, that you don't want to see what is obvious, he's doing poorly.

 

[Lost Seasider]

Why would MA agree to a 4 year deal on those terms? I assume he has ambition and wont want to be tied unless for reward.

Because I imagine we're paying him considerably more than he was earning at Lincoln, and I imagine this kind of clauses are fairly standard in the industry.

The pay off will be time related- it has to be.

Why does it have to be?

 

[NewburyOne]

Because I imagine we're paying him considerably more than he was earning at Lincoln, and I imagine this kind of clauses are fairly standard in the industry.




Why does it have to be?

We are paying him a whole lot more than Lincoln were prepared to, they released him. A league 1 club didn't think he was good enough.

 

[OldTimer]

Well your memory is shite then as it was during the league one season that i first called for him to go

I also recall the Huddersfield game being on a widweek night

Anyway it doesn't matter a jot as Critchley reverted to type and its now just coaching

The biggest problem we have now is replacing the creativity that Bowler provided, selling Bowler certainly isn't Appleton's fault

Thanks for reminding us all that you wanted to sack a manager that got us promoted. I think that you were making that point in the February, three months before the play-offs. He then kept us up comfortably. That constitutes success. Regardless of what has happened since, perhaps it's about time that you let it go and admit that you were wrong.
On your original point, I think that Michael Appleton needs time and he has been unlucky with injuries. We started ok but struggled to find a rhythm in recent games. It's not a question of placing blame on anyone. He is trying different things with the players he has. Everyone has an opinion and personally I would never play 'three' at the back as it usually results in a back five and a lack of support further up the pitch. It's also a while since I have seen a midfield player consistently run beyond the strikers. Talk of sacking him so soon though is madness. It's a tough league and there are plenty of games left to put a run together.

 

[Philbfctrois]

What % in the Championship? The fact he bailed under the Oystons or once played for Preston has naff all to do with anything. His performance to date has been poor, in respect of coaching, setting up the team and more worryingly his last few interviews. Digging out players and failing to see that he has been one of the reasons we've struggled.

Just admit you're so blinkered into not being proven wrong, as you were with Critchley, that you don't want to see what is obvious, he's doing poorly.

Its 2 games ffs ....

Before then we were a couple of points off the top 6

 

[Philbfctrois]

Thanks for reminding us all that you wanted to sack a manager that got us promoted. I think that you were making that point in the February, three months before the play-offs. He then kept us up comfortably. That constitutes success. Regardless of what has happened since, perhaps it's about time that you let it go and admit that you were wrong.
On your original point, I think that Michael Appleton needs time and he has been unlucky with injuries. We started ok but struggled to find a rhythm in recent games. It's not a question of placing blame on anyone. He is trying different things with the players he has. Everyone has an opinion and personally I would never play 'three' at the back as it usually results in a back five and a lack of support further up the pitch. It's also a while since I have seen a midfield player consistently run beyond the strikers. Talk of sacking him so soon though is madness. It's a tough league and there are plenty of games left to put a run together.

Nope I've been proved right on Critchley

I didn't want his as he had no experience and was just a coach, the board went all in on him and backed him to the hilt

He left us for a coaching job as its what he feels more comfortable doing

All the talk about a system and distinct transfer policy with the club building for the future was all bollux and left in tatters when Critchley left

Appleton is now trying to re build

Currently the board aren't giving Appleton the same amount of backing as was afforded to Critchley imo

 

[fcblackpool]

Because I imagine we're paying him considerably more than he was earning at Lincoln, and I imagine this kind of clauses are fairly standard in the industry.




Why does it have to be?

I'd imagine it's very unusual. A 4 year deal that works only in the Clubs favour? MA will have seen BFC as a springboard- do well and a bigger job will come along, just like the rest of football sees moves. The contract will have protected him too.

Anyway all academic, because he's not going anywhere anytime soon. So if he isn't, then why hasn't his targets been landed? He's targeted a striker and midfielders meaning he knows where he needs to improve the team.

Criminal to get a manager in on a lt deal and not really back him.

 

[Philbfctrois]

I'd imagine it's very unusual. A 4 year deal that works only in the Clubs favour? MA will have seen BFC as a springboard- do well and a bigger job will come along, just like the rest of football sees moves. The contract will have protected him too.

Anyway all academic, because he's not going anywhere anytime soon. So if he isn't, then why hasn't his targets been landed? He's targeted a striker and midfielders meaning he knows where he needs to improve the team.

Criminal to get a manager in on a lt deal and not really back him.

Yep thats the point that so many are missing

He hasn't been able to land his top targets so is making do with loans and Critchley signings

 

[fcblackpool]

Yep thats the point that so many are missing

He hasn't been able to land his top targets so is making do with loans and Critchley signings

You have to ask why.

I think mainly because we're Wage Budgeted out with crap signings that we can't offload on perm deals so we're still paying them. The Recruitment Team want potting and starting again, inc BBM.

 

[NewburyOne]

Its 2 games ffs ....

Before then we were a couple of points off the top 6

Yet we are 1pt off the relegation places and haven't put 1 decent performance in for a full match. I'd go further than that and say we've been poor for the majority, that isn't 2 games. I'm not seeing signs of improvement, quite the opposite. If we could see signs of things improving, the coaching and style of play looking like bearing fruit, I'd say so, I'd be quite content. He's had a full pre-season to come up with a plan, yet he hasn't, the same things Lincoln decided to part with him are on display with us.

 

[Philbfctrois]

Yet we are 1pt off the relegation places and haven't put 1 decent performance in for a full match. I'd go further than that and say we've been poor for the majority, that isn't 2 games. I'm not seeing signs of improvement, quite the opposite. If we could see signs of things improving, the coaching and style of play looking like bearing fruit, I'd say so, I'd be quite content. He's had a full pre-season to come up with a plan, yet he hasn't, the same things Lincoln decided to part with him are on display with us.

So you honestly don't think the football is better than under Critchley when the only tactics we had were lump it up to Madine in a 442 or give it Bowler

We have had neither of those proven methods recently

 

[NewburyOne]

So you honestly don't think the football is better than under Critchley when the only tactics we had were lump it up to Madine in a 442 or give it Bowler

We have had neither of those proven methods recently

Defensively we were miles better under Critchley. In possession, considerably better. Tactically on a different level. Our players were happy, well coached and knew what was being asked of them. I've not seen that for more than 30mins in any game under Appleton. So yes, the football under Critchley was better. Tell me this, are you happy with the "aggressive, attacking football" against Stoke, Swansea, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Rotherham and Millwall? Because if you are, you know less about football than I'd given you credit for.

 

[Philbfctrois]

Defensively we were miles better under Critchley. In possession, considerably better. Tactically on a different level. Our players were happy, well coached and knew what was being asked of them. I've not seen that for more than 30mins in any game under Appleton. So yes, the football under Critchley was better. Tell me this, are you happy with the "aggressive, attacking football" against Stoke, Swansea, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Rotherham and Millwall? Because if you are, you know less about football than I'd given you credit for.

Wow just wow

You must have a very short memory given how poor we were from Preston away onwards (with the exception of Birmingham at home obviously)

 

[Adams Kebab]

Defensively we were miles better under Critchley. In possession, considerably better. Tactically on a different level. Our players were happy, well coached and knew what was being asked of them. I've not seen that for more than 30mins in any game under Appleton. So yes, the football under Critchley was better. Tell me this, are you happy with the "aggressive, attacking football" against Stoke, Swansea, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Rotherham and Millwall? Because if you are, you know less about football than I'd given you credit for.

I’m not disagreeing with you but for some perspective do you remember how we started last season?

Cardiff and Coventry at home were terrible.

 

[NewburyOne]

Wow just wow

You must have a very short memory given how poor we were from Preston away onwards (with the exception of Birmingham at home obviously)

Critchley was tinkering, I don't dispute that nor did I agree with it. But to suggest the football is better under Appleton, having been served up dross for the most part is laughable, you're embarrassing yourself. What is it, great football or giving Appleton a free pass because of the poor recruitment/injuries?

 

[NewburyOne]

I’m not disagreeing with you but for some perspective do you remember how we started last season?

Cardiff and Coventry at home were terrible.

Very little in it in terms of points; 11 under Appleton, 12 under Critchley. And yes, there were some poor performances but if you took the total 900 minutes of those 10 games, we were more settled and produced better performances. The players certainly looked happier, more committed and better prepared in all facets of the game. Look at the squad available to Critchley for those under Appleton, you could argue he had a weaker hand given we suffered some bad injuries last season also.

 

[Adams Kebab]

Very little in it in terms of points; 11 under Appleton, 12 under Critchley. And yes, there were some poor performances but if you took the total 900 minutes of those 10 games, we were more settled and produced better performances. The players certainly looked happier, more committed and better prepared in all facets of the game. Look at the squad available to Critchley for those under Appleton, you could argue he had a weaker hand given we suffered some bad injuries last season also.

Again I get that, but in fairness to Appleton, his team now aren’t going to have been as settled as Critchley’s who’d already had them for 12 months. It’s going to take MA time to get the same ‘buy-in’ off the players to make them as happy as they were under a previous Manager who’d got them promoted. You have to cut MA more slack as he’s coming into to a totally different vibe and is a new face. He’s had to clear out some dead wood to be fair and he’s going to be learning about players as he goes… Virtue, Carey are two examples.

Just as a point of reference, under both Managers, we’ve started the season under prepared in key positions. Central midfield and right back under NC and Central midfield, Striker and possibly right back again (Simon Sadler might argue that as he told us he scored 1st game) under MA.

The blame for both of those is firmly at the recruitment teams door, it’s not a coincidence.

 

[NewburyOne]

Again I get that, but in fairness to Appleton, his team now aren’t going to have been as settled as Critchley’s who’d already had them for 12 months. It’s going to take MA time to get the same ‘buy-in’ off the players to make them as happy as they were under a previous Manager who’d got them promoted. You have to cut MA more slack as he’s coming into to a totally different vibe and is a new face. He’s had to clear out some dead wood to be fair and he’s going to be learning about players as he goes… Virtue, Carey are two examples.

Just as a point of reference, under both Managers, we’ve started the season under prepared in key positions. Central midfield and right back under NC and Central midfield, Striker and possibly right back again (Simon Sadler might argue that as he told us he scored 1st game) under MA.

The blame for both of those is firmly at the recruitment teams door, it’s not a coincidence.

I'm not disputing the fact our recruitment was poor, the point I'm making is that doesn't just absolve Appleton of all blame. He's had plenty of time to get to know the players, yet performances are getting worse. I left Turf Moor thinking we had a chance, when we play on the front foot. Since then it's been pretty much downhill. As for the players, I can tell you for nothing they wouldn't have appreciated some of his comments of late. For your reference, he wasn't particularly liked by the Lincoln players or fans, he has a record of throwing them under the bus and making out he was prime Pirlo in his playing days. He will get more time but that does not make my opinion less valid or incorrect, unfortunately I suspect things will get worse. Out of interest how many games does he need to be given? How many more performances like the majority this season? At some point some will need to start realising he's just not all that and there is a reason he failed to achieve much at Lincoln and Oxford, or any of his previous jobs. There is a trend..

 

[Adams Kebab]

I'm not disputing the fact our recruitment was poor, the point I'm making is that doesn't just absolve Appleton of all blame. He's had plenty of time to get to know the players, yet performances are getting worse. I left Turf Moor thinking we had a chance, when we play on the front foot. Since then it's been pretty much downhill. As for the players, I can tell you for nothing they wouldn't have appreciated some of his comments of late. For your reference, he wasn't particularly liked by the Lincoln players or fans, he has a record of throwing them under the bus and making out he was prime Pirlo in his playing days. He will get more time but that does not make my opinion less valid or incorrect, unfortunately I suspect things will get worse. Out of interest how many games does he need to be given? How many more performances like the majority this season? At some point some will need to start realising he's just not all that and there is a reason he failed to achieve much at Lincoln and Oxford, or any of his previous jobs. There is a trend..

So did you think Critchley should have been potted in League 1?

I’m not on the Appleton train btw, but the cards he’s been dealt haven’t been great so far, so think he deserves time & they’ll definitely give him it. 20 games in we’ll have a clear picture.

Jeez, they’ll be having hot sweats just thinking about another managerial search after the previous two circuses.

 

[NewburyOne]

So did you think Critchley should have been potted in League 1?

I’m not on the Appleton train btw, but the cards he’s been dealt haven’t been great so far, so think he deserves time & they’ll definitely give him it. 20 games in we’ll have a clear picture.

Jeez, they’ll be having hot sweats just thinking about another managerial search after the previous two circuses.

Ha, yes, the only difference is they'd at least be in control of this one.

I had my doubts about Critchley, yes. I was concerned that being a coach doesn't make you a head coach. In his case, he had more than just a change of club to learn, it was a new role. Appleton has experience to fall back on, maybe that's why I'm not cutting him much/any slack. He must have managed other clubs when they had injuries? The fact remains he talked about aggressive, attacking football, something we have seen very little of. I'm not asking for the impossible, I want to see a team sent out to win and if they are to lose, do so going down fighting.

 

[Adams Kebab]

Ha, yes, the only difference is they'd at least be in control of this one.

I had my doubts about Critchley, yes. I was concerned that being a coach doesn't make you a head coach. In his case, he had more than just a change of club to learn, it was a new role. Appleton has experience to fall back on, maybe that's why I'm not cutting him much/any slack. He must have managed other clubs when they had injuries? The fact remains he talked about aggressive, attacking football, something we have seen very little of. I'm not asking for the impossible, I want to see a team sent out to win and if they are to lose, do so going down fighting.

I don’t disagree and he’s said very similar regarding how we go out and if we lose etc.

I think he’s had his hands tied with the injuries in central midfield and then suspensions but i do think we’ll return to that in the next few games the best we can.

He overachieved massively at Lincoln to get them to the play-off final, then had his own health issues, loans went back and and 2nd season syndrome.

It’s going to be an interesting few games, I’ve got very low expectations points wise as we play the better teams in the League. Let’s see what we and ultimately he can do

 

[NewburyOne]

I don’t disagree and he’s said very similar regarding how we go out and if we lose etc.

I think he’s had his hands tied with the injuries in central midfield and then suspensions but i do think we’ll return to that in the next few games the best we can.

He overachieved massively at Lincoln to get them to the play-off final, then had his own health issues, loans went back and and 2nd season syndrome.

It’s going to be an interesting few games, I’ve got very low expectations points wise as we play the better teams in the League. Let’s see what we and ultimately he can do

I'm realistic about how many points we will pick up over the next few games, what I won't accept is dour, negative tactics, then digging the players out when we lose. We've come so far in the last 2 and a bit seasons, I don't want us to just drift back to League 1 blaming injuries, suspensions and on a single transfer window.

 

[Philbfctrois]

I'm realistic about how many points we will pick up over the next few games, what I won't accept is dour, negative tactics, then digging the players out when we lose. We've come so far in the last 2 and a bit seasons, I don't want us to just drift back to League 1 blaming injuries, suspensions and on a single transfer window.

I'm blaming recruitment

Its quite simple really, the squad has been shown up for what it is because of the injuries

Having to play Connolly at right back, playing Theo and Bowler as a 10, changing to a back 3, Lavery as a winger etc etc etc

Appleton wants to play 433 but hasn't been able to recently due to squad limitations

 

[NewburyOne]

I'm blaming recruitment

Its quite simple really, the squad has been shown up for what it is because of the injuries

Having to play Connolly at right back, playing Theo and Bowler as a 10, changing to a back 3, Lavery as a winger etc etc etc

Well done, let's see how many excuses you can come up with to defend Appleton as the season goes.