Bruce Sacked at last (now official)

[cheltenhamlion]

We always seem to be one game away from a crisis on here.

Ipswich and yesterday were two disappointing results against two very poor sides.

We've placed additional pressure to go and win at Sheffield United. Then you look at Blackburn and Rotherham and you'd think we'd be capable of taking 4 points; 16 from 8 would be bang on course. Nobody looks like disappearing over the hill at this stage.

El Ghazi and Bolasie should allow a 433 and getting closer to Kodjia, as he was very isolated.

It seems that Brentford had a similar time labouring away at Blackburn. Wednesday was a very entertaining game that took a lot out of both sides.

Quality of delivery must improve and we must get closer to Kodjia. Having two lads that are rapid will almost certainly add a dynamic we've not had for some time.

Yesterday was so bitterly frustrating. Such rank stupidity from Chester, of all people.

But the bit about putting pressure on ourselves for a win is what worries me. We seem to be forever playing catch up.

Even if we win in Sheffield, and the top two lose, we still won't overtake either of them. I wouldn't be too convinced of much at Blackburn either. They haven't lost at home on more than a year.

My concern is we have seen all this before and he doesn't help himself. Elphick is getting splinters in his arse on the bench but still he plays Jedinak out of position at centre half. We have De Laet who can also play there not making the squad. The same fella who was part of a team that got promoted from this league playing right back and yet we are playing a central defender we have brought in on loan there.

Our approach to squad building is crazy. Get gazumped on signing a left back so immediately forget about buying another one and loan in two wingers, at a stroke making developing Green redundant. The answer from him is always throw a few more quid at and sign any bugger he likes the look of. Not with any particular style of play in mind, but just because he thinks they are a decent player. It reminds me of the Fast Show sketch where the husband goes out with a shopping list from his wife each week and, upon returning home and being asked if he picked up the milk and bread, say "No, better than that, I got annual passes for Longleat, a signed photo of Cliff Richard and the gearbox for a Ford Cortina".

It is a mindset thing as well that he can't shift from managing small clubs on a tight budget. We have to win games to get out of this division obviously. But our size and playing budget doesn't mean we have to do it by keeping things tight and trying to grind out a win every week.

Just yesterday with Fulham is an example of what I mean. They have had a shit start in terms of points after going back up so surely nabbing anything would be great right? Nope. They were still attacking like buggery with 5 minutes left when they scored their fourth goal. If we were 3-2 up at half time we wouldn't leave our own half in the second period.

Leeds might fall apart but I heard the same about Wolves last year. How Cardiff couldn't hope to continue as they were. How Fulham's great was going to end imminently. But they didn't. You can't win the league in the first month or two of the season but you can fuck yourself for an automatic chance in that time.

And I would wager we will be 8 points away from the automatic places by the end of September.

If you are worse than the sum of your parts then the manager is getting it wrong. And he has been for a long time now.

They won't can him until the operational side is sorted but he is one lucky fucker to still be drawing a wage from us.

[mr underhill]

Dyche might fancy giving it a go - Burnley have peaked I think. New project and all that?.

[GarTomas]

We always seem to be one game away from a crisis on here.

Ipswich and yesterday were two disappointing results against two very poor sides.

We've placed additional pressure to go and win at Sheffield United. Then you look at Blackburn and Rotherham and you'd think we'd be capable of taking 4 points; 16 from 8 would be bang on course. Nobody looks like disappearing over the hill at this stage.

El Ghazi and Bolasie should allow a 433 and getting closer to Kodjia, as he was very isolated.

It seems that Brentford had a similar time labouring away at Blackburn. Wednesday was a very entertaining game that took a lot out of both sides.

Quality of delivery must improve and we must get closer to Kodjia. Having two lads that are rapid will almost certainly add a dynamic we've not had for some time.

Yesterday was so bitterly frustrating. Such rank stupidity from Chester, of all people.

But the bit about putting pressure on ourselves for a win is what worries me. We seem to be forever playing catch up.

Even if we win in Sheffield, and the top two lose, we still won't overtake either of them. I wouldn't be too convinced of much at Blackburn either. They haven't lost at home on more than a year.

My concern is we have seen all this before and he doesn't help himself. Elphick is getting splinters in his arse on the bench but still he plays Jedinak out of position at centre half. We have De Laet who can also play there not making the squad. The same fella who was part of a team that got promoted from this league playing right back and yet we are playing a central defender we have brought in on loan there.

Our approach to squad building is crazy. Get gazumped on signing a left back so immediately forget about buying another one and loan in two wingers, at a stroke making developing Green redundant. The answer from him is always throw a few more quid at and sign any bugger he likes the look of. Not with any particular style of play in mind, but just because he thinks they are a decent player. It reminds me of the Fast Show sketch where the husband goes out with a shopping list from his wife each week and, upon returning home and being asked if he picked up the milk and bread, say "No, better than that, I got annual passes for Longleat, a signed photo of Cliff Richard and the gearbox for a Ford Cortina".

It is a mindset thing as well that he can't shift from managing small clubs on a tight budget. We have to win games to get out of this division obviously. But our size and playing budget doesn't mean we have to do it by keeping things tight and trying to grind out a win every week.

Just yesterday with Fulham is an example of what I mean. They have had a shit start in terms of points after going back up so surely nabbing anything would be great right? Nope. They were still attacking like buggery with 5 minutes left when they scored their fourth goal. If we were 3-2 up at half time we wouldn't leave our own half in the second period.

Leeds might fall apart but I heard the same about Wolves last year. How Cardiff couldn't hope to continue as they were. How Fulham's great was going to end imminently. But they didn't. You can't win the league in the first month or two of the season but you can fuck yourself for an automatic chance in that time.

And I would wager we will be 8 points away from the automatic places by the end of September.

If you are worse than the sum of your parts then the manager is getting it wrong. And he has been for a long time now.

They won't can him until the operational side is sorted but he is one lucky fucker to still be drawing a wage from us.

In complete agreement with you Chelts.

I only hope that the off field stuff is sorted this year as I think after Christmas we maybe there or thereabouts and not have enough time for anyone to catch up.

[The Edge]

We always seem to be one game away from a crisis on here.

Ipswich and yesterday were two disappointing results against two very poor sides.

We've placed additional pressure to go and win at Sheffield United. Then you look at Blackburn and Rotherham and you'd think we'd be capable of taking 4 points; 16 from 8 would be bang on course. Nobody looks like disappearing over the hill at this stage.

El Ghazi and Bolasie should allow a 433 and getting closer to Kodjia, as he was very isolated.

It seems that Brentford had a similar time labouring away at Blackburn. Wednesday was a very entertaining game that took a lot out of both sides.

Quality of delivery must improve and we must get closer to Kodjia. Having two lads that are rapid will almost certainly add a dynamic we've not had for some time.

Yesterday was so bitterly frustrating. Such rank stupidity from Chester, of all people.

But the bit about putting pressure on ourselves for a win is what worries me. We seem to be forever playing catch up.

Even if we win in Sheffield, and the top two lose, we still won't overtake either of them. I wouldn't be too convinced of much at Blackburn either. They haven't lost at home on more than a year.

My concern is we have seen all this before and he doesn't help himself. Elphick is getting splinters in his arse on the bench but still he plays Jedinak out of position at centre half. We have De Laet who can also play there not making the squad. The same fella who was part of a team that got promoted from this league playing right back and yet we are playing a central defender we have brought in on loan there.

Our approach to squad building is crazy. Get gazumped on signing a left back so immediately forget about buying another one and loan in two wingers, at a stroke making developing Green redundant. The answer from him is always throw a few more quid at and sign any bugger he likes the look of. Not with any particular style of play in mind, but just because he thinks they are a decent player. It reminds me of the Fast Show sketch where the husband goes out with a shopping list from his wife each week and, upon returning home and being asked if he picked up the milk and bread, say "No, better than that, I got annual passes for Longleat, a signed photo of Cliff Richard and the gearbox for a Ford Cortina".

It is a mindset thing as well that he can't shift from managing small clubs on a tight budget. We have to win games to get out of this division obviously. But our size and playing budget doesn't mean we have to do it by keeping things tight and trying to grind out a win every week.

Just yesterday with Fulham is an example of what I mean. They have had a shit start in terms of points after going back up so surely nabbing anything would be great right? Nope. They were still attacking like buggery with 5 minutes left when they scored their fourth goal. If we were 3-2 up at half time we wouldn't leave our own half in the second period.

Leeds might fall apart but I heard the same about Wolves last year. How Cardiff couldn't hope to continue as they were. How Fulham's great was going to end imminently. But they didn't. You can't win the league in the first month or two of the season but you can fuck yourself for an automatic chance in that time.

And I would wager we will be 8 points away from the automatic places by the end of September.

If you are worse than the sum of your parts then the manager is getting it wrong. And he has been for a long time now.

They won't can him until the operational side is sorted but he is one lucky fucker to still be drawing a wage from us.

This sums things up perfectly. Spot on.

[cheltenhamlion]

Dyche might fancy giving it a go - Burnley have peaked I think. New project and all that?.

Dyche would have taken it pre Bruce but wanted 3 years of contract with no "non promotion" break clause. Bruce had one and Wyness didn't exercise that option.

Burnley need to get knocked out of Europe quickly. They haven't the squad to cope with it.

[ktvillan]

If you are worse than the sum of your parts then the manager is getting it wrong.

This is it in a nutshell Chelts.

[The_ads]

Ritchie De Laet - probably our best player pre season. Can’t now get a game. This is the Steve Bruce I generally despise. See also Glenn Whelans performance v Brentford only to be benched Saturday.

[frank]

If you are worse than the sum of your parts then the manager is getting it wrong. And he has been for a long time now.

Agree totally. I long for a manager like Howe, Wagner or Dyche who can produce a team that's greater than the sum of the parts. Ron Saunders did it.

Our new owners were at the game on Saturday. I wonder whether they're aware of the points you raised here, e.g. players playing out of position? Who advises them on football matters? Is it just Brian Little or does someone else have their ear?

[villa `cross the mersey]

Good piece that Cheltenham Lion.
I've a feeling the owners are looking to build a foundation on which to build - D OF and CEO first and then Head Coach
I'm not saying they are writing off this season already but maybe they are looking ahead to getting things sorted off field first

[Ads]

I disagree that we lack a means; we're about putting balls into the box, a lot of them and the quality hasn't been good enough from open play.

Two wingers addresses this and hopefully gives us more cutting edge on the counter away from home, where we were lacking last season.

Defensively we're having issues and have been disorganised, although increasingly it's individual moments of stupidity more than anything systemic.

We tried to sign Bryan permanently as we're limited in loan options, so I understand why attention is being drawn elsewhere.

I also don't feel getting better quality in than Green is a problem. He's lost a year of development and I'd send him out on loan.

We need to get 7 from the next 3 and if we have aspirations of being in the top two, then we need to have some confidence of going to either Sheffield United and/or Blackburn and winning.

[JUAN PABLO]

Ritchie De Laet - probably our best player pre season.

then loan another player to play in his position . I was convinced RDL would get some game time at RB and Axel would be CB.

[cheltenhamlion]

If you are worse than the sum of your parts then the manager is getting it wrong. And he has been for a long time now.

Agree totally. I long for a manager like Howe, Wagner or Dyche who can produce a team that's greater than the sum of the parts. Ron Saunders did it.

Our new owners were at the game on Saturday. I wonder whether they're aware of the points you raised here, e.g. players playing out of position? Who advises them on football matters? Is it just Brian Little or does someone else have their ear?

Not that I know of Frank but they are putting a lot of effort into getting the right CEO to make those calls. Like Man Citeh eventually did with Begiristain.

[Risso]

I disagree that we lack a means; we're about putting balls into the box, a lot of them and the quality hasn't been good enough from open play.

Two wingers addresses this and hopefully gives us more cutting edge on the counter away from home, where we were lacking last season.

Defensively we're having issues and have been disorganised, although increasingly it's individual moments of stupidity more than anything systemic.

We tried to sign Bryan permanently as we're limited in loan options, so I understand why attention is being drawn elsewhere.

I also don't feel getting better quality in than Green is a problem. He's lost a year of development and I'd send him out on loan.

We need to get 7 from the next 3 and if we have aspirations of being in the top two, then we need to have some confidence of going to either Sheffield United and/or Blackburn and winning.

Of course the problems in defence are systemic when you've got that many players not doing the job they are best at.  Jedinak has at least one major brain fart a game, and it took a world class save from Nyland to save his blushes against Reading after Jedinak had dangled his ageing leg in the vague direction of a ball into the box without getting anywhere near it.  It's systemic because none of the players trust each other as a complete unit, and too many of them aren't comfortable in that position.

Most clubs who go up have  defined way of playing and the personnel for it, be it attractive passing football like Wolves and Fulham played, or the more rudimentary long ball game like Cardiff.  Whatever way you want to play, buy the players for it, stick to it and be good at it.

Just everybody can see that in terms of style of football and picking players, Bruce is completely scatter gun.  Nothing will change while he's in charge.  Big holes in the squad to fill, so he loans another goalie and a right back. Genius.

[Ads]

Teams are going to created and every defence gives up a chance a game.

The goal against Hull was an individual error.
The first against Wigan was an individual error.
The goal against Ipswich was an individual error.
The first against Brentford was an individual error.
The second against Brentford was a midfielder out of position leaving an overlap and Chester not moving across in time.
The penalty on Saturday was an individual error.

We need more cohesion but I suspect Bruce thinks that will come with games. What is hard to fathom is when  players make fundamental errors.

How did Fulham and Wolves score their goals? How did they attack, how did they break sides down?

We're about putting crosses in. Lots of them. More than anybody else. That is a defined means of playing and something more specific than the ambiguous descriptions of the aforementioned.

[cheltenhamlion]

I disagree that we lack a means; we're about putting balls into the box, a lot of them and the quality hasn't been good enough from open play.

Two wingers addresses this and hopefully gives us more cutting edge on the counter away from home, where we were lacking last season.

Defensively we're having issues and have been disorganised, although increasingly it's individual moments of stupidity more than anything systemic.

We tried to sign Bryan permanently as we're limited in loan options, so I understand why attention is being drawn elsewhere.

I also don't feel getting better quality in than Green is a problem. He's lost a year of development and I'd send him out on loan.

We need to get 7 from the next 3 and if we have aspirations of being in the top two, then we need to have some confidence of going to either Sheffield United and/or Blackburn and winning.

Balls in the box to who though? Our midfield are midgets and we play one up front who isn't exactly dominant in the air. We played 3 at the back all pre season and haven't seen it since. And the same frailties we saw in his first season are back again.

I don't mind getting better than Green but if you are limited on what you can loan in then go for the weakest parts of the squad, not where we have kids that could be involved who might make it.

It is the same short term shit and we won't sort ourselves out until that is addressed. I quite like wine but I don't have it for breakfast because I won't get any work/kid looking aftering done if I did.

That is Bruce in a nutshell. Forever more "options" but without realising that if you start getting pissed before 9am then you won't be able to work at 3pm (Paul McGrath aside).