Blackpool v Shrewsbury Town Official Matchday Thread 24.04.21

Insider said:
I'm surprised nobody has identified the 3 problems:
1. Obviously Colin Calderwood because we have conceded 2 goals in the last 2 games. Clearly he needs to collect his P45 tomorrow.
2. Jerry for putting to much effort in early season scoring those 20 goals.
3. Gary Madine for???? being Gary Madine.
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Dont forget..... Everyone whos been injured should transfered at the end if the season for not pulling thier weight and we need a new chairman well just because
 
Everyone's getting ratty with everyone. We know why. Now, Neil Critchley is not an experienced manager. He's new to this and he knows it. I reckon that some of the reasons for our current malaise do lie at his door. He will be feeling that too.
We're not out of it and we have the players( if not the system) to sort it. I'm less positive than I was but I' m still positive.
 
1966_and_all_that said:
Everyone's getting ratty with everyone. We know why. Now, Neil Critchley is not an experienced manager. He's new to this and he knows it. I reckon that some of the reasons for our current malaise do lie at his door. He will be feeling that too.
We're not out of it and we have the players( if not the system) to sort it. I'm less positive than I was but I' m still positive.
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1966.
You are far too negative for me but I nearly agree with your opinion on this occasion.
The problem I would have if I was Critch is knowing quite what to do about it with the resources available.
I do expect a completely different performance on Tuesday evening and I'm far more confident about getting something from that game than I was from today.
And at least Special Agent Embleton isn't available.
 
Insider said:
1966.
You are far too negative for me but I nearly agree with your opinion on this occasion.
The problem I would have if I was Critch is knowing quite what to do about it with the resources available.
I do expect a completely different performance on Tuesday evening and I'm far more confident about getting something from that game than I was from today.
And at least Special Agent Embleton isn't available.
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Insider, I value your opinion about Blackpool FC. For some reason you've thought I was on a downer. Nothing of the sort. But, these last few games have tested me, no doubt. My view is that if we can make the play-offs our team have the balls to do it. At the moment I do have my doubts.
 
1966_and_all_that said:
Insider, I value your opinion about Blackpool FC. For some reason you've thought I was on a downer. Nothing of the sort. But, these last few games have tested me, no doubt. My view is that if we can make the play-offs our team have the balls to do it. At the moment I do have my doubts
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Having different opinions is what the message board is about.
Comments like "Fuck off you brain dead **" offer very little to the debate.
 
Lala said:
It’s the inconsistency I can’t work out.
Some games we’ve been vibrant, pressing, technically superb and confident.
Others we’ve been lacklustre and defeatist.
Which are we really ?
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I really think we have run out of energy.
Despite what Critch says the (very) hard press, specifically closing down the opposition in their own third of the pitch, isn't there anymore.
 
It's simply a case of when we're bullied by the opposing defence, and when they don't give us space, we need to have a different option to mix things up. We simply don't have that. There's is absolutely nothing on the bench that can change a game, and it's been that way for weeks and weeks. In the summer we need more attacking options, as we effectively only have two permanent strikers at the club, and one has been injured for months.
 
It was clear in midweek that some of the players were jaded and nothing has changed. I have said all along that NC is learning his trade and will make mistakes, but sadly he didn't learn from the Rochdale game. We are still in a good position and with the games we have left should still make the play-offs, but there have to be team changes. Options up front are limited and unfortunately Yates is one of those players who needs a rest. However there are a number of options elsewhere with Garbutt, Dougall, Ward, Kaikai and possibly Ballard in need of a break. Needs to happen against Sunderland - no change is not the answer.
 
That was not great. I was hopeful we would come back strong today but ... Not. Gabriel today was having a bit of a mare couldn't get a cross in all game and Turton can reliably cross the ball. Thought Simms as well had a poor game. He had the one opportunity and one time he chased down and got a cross in from which we nearly scored. Embleton did very little. Probs should have gone at HT. Yates is cutting a frustrated figure. Needs a goal but just not getting any service.

Kaikai looked dangerous today. I think we are missing a player like virtue who is prepared to pick up the ball and run at the defence drawing them out. Mitchell I think could do it, Robson might be able to do that as well. I've noticed the last few games that Ballard is often the one bringing the ball out of defence, when it should be ward or dougall. Ward seems to have retreated into his shell a bit and he's reverted to slowing down the play rather than pushing forward.

Saying all that. All is not lost. 12 points to play for. Keep the faith
 
Insider said:
I really think we have run out of energy.
Despite what Critch says the (very) hard press, specifically closing down the opposition in their own third of the pitch, isn't there anymore.
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I think we need to move on from the press. Make the opposition worry about what we might do. Kaikai & Garbutt down the left. Ward and Gabriel down the right. Simms and Yates in the middle. Instead of trying to outthink them in a passing game, let's swamp them with shots.
 
Needs change for the Sunderland match. For me:
Maxwell
Gabriel, Ekpiteta, Thorniley, Husband
Turton, Robson,
Mitchell, Ward, Garbutt (or Kaikai),
Simms

Might not be strong enough to get a win but looks solid for a point maybe. Crucially gives key players a rest for next Saturday.
 
1966_and_all_that said:
I think we need to move on from the press. Make the opposition worry about what we might do. Kaikai & Garbutt down the left. Ward and Gabriel down the right. Simms and Yates in the middle. Instead of trying to outthink them in a passing game, let's swamp them with shots.
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But I thought the energetic press in the MK Don's game by Ward, Embleton, Kaikai and Yates was when we were at our best, despite Don's dominating possession. Obviously on Tues Mitchell would have to replace Embleton and Robson replace Virtue in the holding pair.
I much prefer Ward playing further forward. I thought he was poor today BTW.
 
It was bad today, it was bad against Rochdale and whether it will continue to be bad I don't know.

However, some of the reaction on here is more than distasteful. A bit more respect should be afforded to a side and manager that has just gone on the best run in my lifetime of 17 games unbeaten with one of the of worst injury crisis' in my lifetime simultaneously. It is more than likely that is is catching up with us, we've been down to the bare bones for months. Today was woeful and so was Rochdale but lets not start melting down after 2 defeats that were prefaced with 17 games without a loss - maybe we'd all forgotten what this felt like 😂
 
Lala said:
It’s the inconsistency I can’t work out.
Some games we’ve been vibrant, pressing, technically superb and confident.
Others we’ve been lacklustre and defeatist.
Which are we really ?
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I think when teams deny us space we seem to struggle. When the games more open and hence more space, we excel. I think Tuesday there will be more space for us to exploit, although it’ll be a bloody tough game!
 
madatta said:
I think one problem we have is maxwell as captain there's nobody in the middle to shake the team up when the going gets tough and need to step up a gear.
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Agree.

Maxwell is a good captain but we do lack a bit of authority in the middle and upfront

At the moment it's left to Critch on the side lines but he can only do so much.Madine was filling that gap til he got injured
 
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TangerinePeel said:
It was bad today, it was bad against Rochdale and whether it will continue to be bad I don't know.

However, some of the reaction on here is more than distasteful. A bit more respect should be afforded to a side and manager that has just gone onbest run in my lifetime of 17 games unbeaten with one of the of worst injury crisis' in my lifetime simultaneously. It is more than likely that is is catching up with us, we've been down to the bare bones for months. Today was woeful and so was Rochdale but lets not start melting down after 2 defeats that were prefaced with 17 games without a loss - maybe we'd all forgotten what this felt like 😂
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That is very well put and sums up very well how I feel about some of the reactions to today. After all the club has been through in the last few years, I didn’t think so many would respond so out of perspective.
Who the hell do you think you are - Arsenal fans?
 
I haven't posted for quite some time, the reason being you make a comment on here these days and its like the female praying mantis comes to try and bite yer head off. Shouldn't be like this fellow Tangerines, there are still a few old school Ramsden Vaults lads use this site and the majority of you wouldn't cut mustard on a pre match Saturday session back in the late seventies / eighties, How about cutting out the keyboard warrior crap and respect others opinions, the Massive Mackems lost 3 on the trot and just salvaged a draw today against Accy. Injuries are kicking in with every team, give the Squad some slack, have some flfing faith. (rant over )
 
One thing's for sure, we cannot start the same 11 on Tuesday. It isn't working and won't work. There aren't many options admittedly, but we must try something different if we want a different outcome, because in terms of goal-scoring we've suddenly gone right back to square one.
I would bring Robson in, push Ward much further forward, and possibly start with Mitchell. I'd also bring in Husband for Garbutt who just hasn't been playing well at all tbh. We need to find a way of getting goals from midfield, and getting midfielders running beyond the defence. All of our problems stem from our midfield being far too cautious and defence minded, resulting in endless sideways passes that just doesn't force the opposition to defend anything. Getting 0-0 draws at this stage, in this position, just won't cut it i'm afraid. We need to score goals, and therefore we need to adopt a 'let's just go for it' attitude, and quickly.
 
We seem to be persisting on a formation that only worked when Madine was fit. He isn’t. So stop it.

Echoes of early season - lots of possession, some wayward shots, tippy tappy slow build up, wasteful in front of goal, narrow undeserved defeat.

Should concentrate on shooting practice in training this week. Then pick the 4-2-3-1 formation that served us well recently
 
Murciaseasider said:
Needs change for the Sunderland match. For me:
Maxwell
Gabriel, Ekpiteta, Thorniley, Husband
Turton, Robson,
Mitchell, Ward, Garbutt (or Kaikai),
Simms

Might not be strong enough to get a win but looks solid for a point maybe. Crucially gives key players a rest for next Saturday.
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If we can get to HT with those proposed changes, we can mix it up with some subs, what's to lose
 
I wouldn't be surprised if we beat Sunderland next, because we may be forced into playing a different way to what we played the last two.
 
BFC_53 said:
One thing's for sure, we cannot start the same 11 on Tuesday. It isn't working and won't work. There aren't many options admittedly, but we must try something different if we want a different outcome, because in terms of goal-scoring we've suddenly gone right back to square one.
I would bring Robson in, push Ward much further forward, and possibly start with Mitchell. I'd also bring in Husband for Garbutt who just hasn't been playing well at all tbh. We need to find a way of getting goals from midfield, and getting midfielders running beyond the defence. All of our problems stem from our midfield being far too cautious and defence minded, resulting in endless sideways passes that just doesn't force the opposition to defend anything. Getting 0-0 draws at this stage, in this position, just won't cut it i'm afraid. We need to score goals, and therefore we need to adopt a 'let's just go for it' attitude, and quickly.
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I'll be surprised if Critchley has the brains to see it. A coach of individuals he may be but the manager of a team he most definitely isn't.
 
Insider said:
But I thought the energetic press in the MK Don's game by Ward, Embleton, Kaikai and Yates was when we were at our best, despite Don's dominating possession. Obviously on Tues Mitchell would have to replace Embleton and Robson replace Virtue in the holding pair.
I much prefer Ward playing further forward. I thought he was poor today BTW.
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Yes, I agree that Ward should play closer to the forwards.
 
Pressure on Sunderland too for Tuesday, by the looks of things they are going thriugh exactly the same phase as us - started earlier of course - but auto now out of their reach. Being better placed than us I think they will play the squad game here and give their regulars a rest and build for a mini season with the play-offs.

Its a game they can afford to draw or even lose without too much damage, I think we might take the same approach but a game we would like to win but can afford to draw and it might be a chance to offer some respite by using all the subs strategically, I’d take a point now, if we do make the play-offs then some energy will be generated by that, but tired players tend to get injured easily and some need wrapping in cotton wool for the battles ahead.
 
Well us nobbers are safe for another season, so come on you lot and get your act together. I desperately want our derby back. Think of your last 2 games as minor blips and get back on track. All the best to you lads, and hopefully you get promoted and then we have the most important game to look forward to.
 
Murciaseasider said:
Needs change for the Sunderland match. For me:
Maxwell
Gabriel, Ekpiteta, Thorniley, Husband
Turton, Robson,
Mitchell, Ward, Garbutt (or Kaikai),
Simms

Might not be strong enough to get a win but looks solid for a point maybe. Crucially gives key players a rest for next Saturday.
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Blimey and we all thought Critchley was clueless 😀
 
Very depressed by yesterday’s result but when I just watched the highlights it was a little better than I hoped but there does seem to be a loss of confidence, loss of ability to shoot on target and too much dithering back and side passing. We need to go for it in next 4 games and if we fail it shows getting to the playoffs would be a waste of time.
 
Screenshot_20210425-103714_Scores.jpg
Unfortunately I wasn't able to watch the match yesterday. I was glued to my phone in anticipation waiting for Pool to open the scoring. The longer it went on the more apprehensive I became.
Alsa a Shrewsbury goal puts a dent in the playoff dream.

However, after looking at the stats (above) and I know that stats shouldn't always be adhered to, it seems to me it was a bit of a smash and grab.
1 shot on target, goal🤦‍♂️

Although we seem to have hit the buffers, the other teams around us will not win every game they've got left.
Oxford, who look to be flying at the moment could well miss out.
Portsmouth, who couldn't buy a win until yesterday will now fancy their chances.

Just heard a question on EFL on quest.
Would you rather have points on the board or games in hand?
The answer? Points on the board.

Fortunately for us, we have both👍🏻
Keep the faith
 
Seeing a lot of criticism for Critchley this morning (and he's not blameless), but not as much for the players which I find baffling. One of our attempted crosses didn't even find the penalty area it was that bad. Some of our play was laughable, first touch atrocious, under or overhit passes constantly. You can play whatever formation you like but with individual performances like that we'd still lose. And we know they're capable of far better. Ward for example - what the hell happened to him yesterday? There have been times this season when i've thought he's absolutely championship quality, but yesterday he was awful. Lost the ball at the beginning where they hit the woodwork and didn't improve after that. Sorry but that ain't tactics or formation.
I agree with some of the criticism of Critchley, but for me the players have let themselves down badly the last couple of games, and they're capable of so much better. There's still time to get back on track, but big improvement needed on Tuesday.
 
bfcpete said:
Very poor qualty of play from us. Clueless team in possession and management seemed outmanoeuvred by the oppostion in terms of tactics. When we were winning games we pressed the oppostion high up for the whole match. That both hurried the oppostion and also gave us movement going forward. That tactic seems to have disappeared the last few matches
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Outmanoeuvred by a stand in coach
 
TimperleyTangerine said:
I feel Mitchell and Gabriel are a huge threat on the right. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m not sure what Embleton has invested in our future.
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He does seem to have gone off the boil. I hope this is just a glitch rather than a case of Embola or cravings for Stottie cake. Rest him next game (obviously) and then he can come back all guns blazing in the final run in (or drop out, as the case may be.)
 
Terminallytangerine said:
He does seem to have gone off the boil. I hope this is just a glitch rather than a case of Embola or cravings for Stottie cake. Rest him next game (obviously) and then he can come back all guns blazing in the final run in (or drop out, as the case may be.)
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All guns misfiring more like.He has been particularly poor of late,Sunderland fans who know him better than us don`t rate him at all,he won`t be here next season.We need to look elsewhere if we are to get into the playoffs.
 
Costero Poderoso said:
That was not great. I was hopeful we would come back strong today but ... Not. Gabriel today was having a bit of a mare couldn't get a cross in all game and Turton can reliably cross the ball. Thought Simms as well had a poor game. He had the one opportunity and one time he chased down and got a cross in from which we nearly scored. Embleton did very little. Probs should have gone at HT. Yates is cutting a frustrated figure. Needs a goal but just not getting any service.

Kaikai looked dangerous today. I think we are missing a player like virtue who is prepared to pick up the ball and run at the defence drawing them out. Mitchell I think could do it, Robson might be able to do that as well. I've noticed the last few games that Ballard is often the one bringing the ball out of defence, when it should be ward or dougall. Ward seems to have retreated into his shell a bit and he's reverted to slowing down the play rather than pushing forward.

Saying all that. All is not lost. 12 points to play for. Keep the faith
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How many goals have we scored from a Turton cross? Not many, not one I don't think. Not directly.
 
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