Pre-Season Friendlies

[ChicagoLion]

Soccer, a few things:

1) manager isn't Tim Sherwood who tactically was inept. Randy isn't owner. Fox isn't Chief Exec.
2) we're not in the PL
3) division in the squad isn't there as it was under Tim who was quick to blame others when it went wrong. That created a divide we never recovered from
4) we won't have the group of players this season and even if we do keep some they will be better suited to the lower standard

I'm sure there are loads of other reasons why it won't be the same as last season

All of the above may be true, the point is though, is what we have good enough to get out I've the Division. A lot of people rightly  think the squad is not capable  enough without major surgery.
There is still time but we need to be loosing quite a few soon.

[Toronto Villa]

The one thing our squad was completely devoid of was confidence in themselves. No leadership throughout the club, losing became a habit not just on the pitch. We need to start winning again and that will build confidence within the same set of players. They are not all bad. Yes we need to move some players on and some players simply either don't want to be with us or won't fit the system RDM is looking to employ. But the fact we have dropped a division will help in getting us back to being competitive again quickly and we can build from that. It's also important to note how all of this has affected us. We are all tired of losing also and we've naturally become cynical and skeptical of the intentions of the club. Winning changes that too. We could all do with some of that.

[ChicagoLion]

I am not pointing the finger at any one, as you say we have been in a very bad place for a long time.
I think it is impossible to over state  the turnaround that is needed here.

[Toronto Villa]

I agree, it shouldn't be underestimated. I was saying in a different thread that I expect us to start steady and then pick up momentum after a few games. There's going to be a settling in period. I think Newcastle are favourites and in the end we will go up second.

[paul_e]

Soccer, a few things:

1) manager isn't Tim Sherwood who tactically was inept. Randy isn't owner. Fox isn't Chief Exec.
2) we're not in the PL
3) division in the squad isn't there as it was under Tim who was quick to blame others when it went wrong. That created a divide we never recovered from
4) we won't have the group of players this season and even if we do keep some they will be better suited to the lower standard

I'm sure there are loads of other reasons why it won't be the same as last season

All of the above may be true, the point is though, is what we have good enough to get out I've the Division. A lot of people rightly think the squad is not capable  enough without major surgery.
There is still time but we need to be loosing quite a few soon.

The bit in bold is the same sort of arrogance you show on off topic all the time, there's no rightly about it, there hasn't been a single ball kicked in the league how can you possibly say that people 'rightly' think the squad is too weak?  That's an opinion, and a fairly common one, but you can't claim to be right about it with no evidence.

I personally believe that if we can keep fitness levels up and keep developing the defensive organisation that I've seen so far this squad would sneak enough wins to be in the mix, Ayew will score spectacular goals, we know that, Gestede will score if we get good crosses in and Bennett, Amavi, Grealish and Green can all cross (and Traore will put chances on a plate for people as well).  I don't think that's enough to score shit loads and dominate teams but I'd trust that if we can keep 20-25 clean sheets we have enough to sneak one at the other end and turn a big chunk of those into wins.

The good/bad thing is none of us will find out either way because this squad isn't the one well have for most of the season.  On top of that the complaints seem to have come because our 5th friendly saw us put out a team that was similar to last season and some seem to think everything else that we've done in pre-season is meaningless and this game is the only one that we should look at.  I think overall in the friendlies we've seen that he will give the kids a chance and that 2-3 of them look like they can add something to us.

[ChicagoLion]

Soccer, a few things:

1) manager isn't Tim Sherwood who tactically was inept. Randy isn't owner. Fox isn't Chief Exec.
2) we're not in the PL
3) division in the squad isn't there as it was under Tim who was quick to blame others when it went wrong. That created a divide we never recovered from
4) we won't have the group of players this season and even if we do keep some they will be better suited to the lower standard

I'm sure there are loads of other reasons why it won't be the same as last season

All of the above may be true, the point is though, is what we have good enough to get out I've the Division. A lot of people rightly think the squad is not capable  enough without major surgery.
There is still time but we need to be loosing quite a few soon.

The bit in bold is the same sort of arrogance you show on off topic all the time, there's no rightly about it, there hasn't been a single ball kicked in the league how can you possibly say that people 'rightly' think the squad is too weak?  That's an opinion, and a fairly common one, but you can't claim to be right about it with no evidence.

I personally believe that if we can keep fitness levels up and keep developing the defensive organisation that I've seen so far this squad would sneak enough wins to be in the mix, Ayew will score spectacular goals, we know that, Gestede will score if we get good crosses in and Bennett, Amavi, Grealish and Green can all cross (and Traore will put chances on a plate for people as well).  I don't think that's enough to score shit loads and dominate teams but I'd trust that if we can keep 20-25 clean sheets we have enough to sneak one at the other end and turn a big chunk of those into wins.

The good/bad thing is none of us will find out either way because this squad isn't the one well have for most of the season.  On top of that the complaints seem to have come because our 5th friendly saw us put out a team that was similar to last season and some seem to think everything else that we've done in pre-season is meaningless and this game is the only one that we should look at.  I think overall in the friendlies we've seen that he will give the kids a chance and that 2-3 of them look like they can add something to us.

what is your problem?

[aj2k77]

If we keep 20/25 clean sheets then I'll pay £50 to whatever charity you choose. More chance of Leicester retaining the title in my opinion.

[Clampy]

If we keep 20/25 clean sheets then I'll pay £50 to whatever charity you choose. More chance of Leicester retaining the title in my opinion.

Bearing in mind the way we played last season, you might win you bet.

[ChicagoLion]

I agree, it shouldn't be underestimated. I was saying in a different thread that I expect us to start steady and then pick up momentum after a few games. There's going to be a settling in period. I think Newcastle are favourites and in the end we will go up second.

TV lets hope you are right,it's more about attitude than ability.

[Clampy]

If we keep 20/25 clean sheets then I'll pay £50 to whatever charity you choose. More chance of Leicester retaining the title in my opinion.

Out of interest, how many clean sheets did the Championship winners and runners up keep last season?

[paul_e]

Soccer, a few things:

1) manager isn't Tim Sherwood who tactically was inept. Randy isn't owner. Fox isn't Chief Exec.
2) we're not in the PL
3) division in the squad isn't there as it was under Tim who was quick to blame others when it went wrong. That created a divide we never recovered from
4) we won't have the group of players this season and even if we do keep some they will be better suited to the lower standard

I'm sure there are loads of other reasons why it won't be the same as last season

All of the above may be true, the point is though, is what we have good enough to get out I've the Division. A lot of people rightly think the squad is not capable  enough without major surgery.
There is still time but we need to be loosing quite a few soon.

The bit in bold is the same sort of arrogance you show on off topic all the time, there's no rightly about it, there hasn't been a single ball kicked in the league how can you possibly say that people 'rightly' think the squad is too weak?  That's an opinion, and a fairly common one, but you can't claim to be right about it with no evidence.

I personally believe that if we can keep fitness levels up and keep developing the defensive organisation that I've seen so far this squad would sneak enough wins to be in the mix, Ayew will score spectacular goals, we know that, Gestede will score if we get good crosses in and Bennett, Amavi, Grealish and Green can all cross (and Traore will put chances on a plate for people as well).  I don't think that's enough to score shit loads and dominate teams but I'd trust that if we can keep 20-25 clean sheets we have enough to sneak one at the other end and turn a big chunk of those into wins.

The good/bad thing is none of us will find out either way because this squad isn't the one well have for most of the season.  On top of that the complaints seem to have come because our 5th friendly saw us put out a team that was similar to last season and some seem to think everything else that we've done in pre-season is meaningless and this game is the only one that we should look at.  I think overall in the friendlies we've seen that he will give the kids a chance and that 2-3 of them look like they can add something to us.

what is your problem?

Nothing at all, I just don't see how you can say that people 'rightly' think the squad isn't good enough as if it's a fact, you've made the same 'mistake' of thinking your own opinion is fact on a number of threads over the last month or so.

[ChicagoLion]

I think I have been responding to attacks that are becoming quite frequent by you and your ilk.
I think you will find I have voiced opinions without resorting to name calling which is something you are obviously incapable of.

[rougegorge]

If we keep 20/25 clean sheets then I'll pay £50 to whatever charity you choose. More chance of Leicester retaining the title in my opinion.

Out of interest, how many clean sheets did the Championship winners and runners up keep last season?

I reckon Burnley got 20 and Middlesbrough 22,  so 20-25 seems a good target to aim for. Hull also got to 20.

[Clampy]

If we keep 20/25 clean sheets then I'll pay £50 to whatever charity you choose. More chance of Leicester retaining the title in my opinion.

Out of interest, how many clean sheets did the Championship winners and runners up keep last season?

I reckon Burnley got 20 and Middlesbrough 22,  so 20-25 seems a good target to aim for.

Yes it does, and it can be done. It'll be tough though.

[dave.woodhall]

I think I have been responding to attacks that are becoming quite frequent by you and your ilk.
I think you will find I have voiced opinions without resorting to name calling which is something you are obviously incapable of.

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