Honest Answers: Critchley

[Adams Kebab]

He wasn't LWB- I'm not amending my stats - I've got it down as LB in a 4

Ok so who was left mid

We went 5-3-2

Midfield 3 was flat again, Morgan, Dougall, Carey…

Lavery and Dembele upfront.

We wouldn’t have chose the last 10 mins to change to a back 4 would we

Get them stats amended

 

[Shiggy]

I must be deluded then mate, we’re more than good enough with the squad Simon has pumped money into to be walking this league with a more positive manager

“Pumped money” where exactly?? Norburn?

 

[Oddball]

To be pushing for a playoff spot and the manager not getting it right all of the time speaks volumes for the character of the team. Fleetwood were there for the taking last night as were other teams this season, I wish he would have confidence in the players to get the result and outplay the opposition, because we are more than capable of doing that when allowed to do so. Fingers crossed he lets the shackles off #COTP

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

Ok so who was left mid

We went 5-3-2

Midfield 3 was flat again, Morgan, Dougall, Carey…

Lavery and Dembele upfront.

We wouldn’t have chose the last 10 mins to change to a back 4 would we

Get them stats amended

Let me check and come back to you

 

[1966_and_all_that]

You think he shouldn't favour and persist with fantastic young players like Carey?

I notice on here he's still getting knocked and accused of games 'Passing Him By'

No I don't.

 

[Adams Kebab]

Let me check and come back to you

You don’t need to unless the Ghost had come out of retirement the only left side option was CC

The other thing is, has bringing on CC to close the game out ever actually worked??

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

You don’t need to unless the Ghost had come out of retirement the only left side option was CC

The other thing is, has bringing on CC to close the game out ever actually worked??

The change wasn't the reason they scored though, so is it really reasonable to pin the blame on CC?

And we can't just dismiss the idea of making what amounts to a pretty elementary type of substitution in the closing stages of a game. I mean it's just plain ridiculous to suggest that the Manager shouldn't be making that type of change at that stage, because literally every other manager would be thinking along the same lines.

To my mind it's a classic case of pinning the wrong cause to the effect.

For me the only questions over the situation that gave rise to their goal is whether Morgan should be pushing on as he did or should instead be sitting in alongside Dougall and whether the CH's and Grimshaw could have done better.

Where does the CC substitution come into it?

 

[Wizaard]

But he didn't revert to 'Backs against the wall stuff'..

Their goal actually came from us trying to attack. In fact, it was as a result of Carey trying to play Dembele in with a sliderule pass forward. Had it come off, we'd have been 4-2 up most likely. If anything there's an argument to say that we possibly should have just been playing keep ball at that stage, but realistically it was lost possession and the CH's and the keeper probably could and should have done better.

There's not a sniff that you can blame Critchley or the substitutions for that goal...

Exactly. It wasn't backs to the wall at all. We had more than one opportunity to score after the subs, and how we didn't get a penalty for handball I'll never know.

 

[Tango1953]

He's a coach first and foremost and I think that suits us. Because he's a coach, it takes time for players to learn and the patterns of play to develop. That's why he's a "slow starter", as shown in his previous 2 full seasons of management.

We are ahead of where we were in the last promotion season, and we have some real quality to come back into the squad.

I fully believe he'll come good and we'll finish playoffs or top 2 this season.

 

[Wizaard]

You think he shouldn't favour and persist with fantastic young players like Carey?

I notice on here he's still getting knocked and accused of games 'Passing Him By'

To be fair, the first half did pass him by. He was lucky not to be subbed alongside TOB.

He then stepped up to the plate although his misplaced pass cost us a goal.

 

[Adams Kebab]

The change wasn't the reason they scored though, so is it really reasonable to pin the blame on CC?

And we can't just dismiss the idea of making what amounts to a pretty elementary type of substitution in the closing stages of a game. I mean it's just plain ridiculous to suggest that the Manager shouldn't be making that type of change at that stage, because literally every other manager would be thinking along the same lines.

To my mind it's a classic case of pinning the wrong cause to the effect.

For me the only questions over the situation that gave rise to their goal is whether Morgan should be pushing on as he did or should instead be sitting in alongside Dougall and whether the CH's and Grimshaw could have done better.

Where does the CC substitution come into it?

It’s a negative change as we then completely limit our left side offensively. I was watching the options to the left side closely and it’s completely different to when Dale was on.

It wasn’t CC’s fault at all for their equaliser, it came from Carey’s poor pass to Dembele who would’ve been in, but the change doesn’t assist us in seeing the game out, it actually weakens us as limits our options on the left.

My point is, he’s done this change before and it didn’t work. It didn’t work last night either. It might just be a coincidence eh, or it might just not work.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

To be fair, the first half did pass him by. He was lucky not to be subbed alongside TOB.

He then stepped up to the plate although his misplaced pass cost us a goal.

I think that has more to do with the role than anything and when I've rerun a lot of the recent games his work rate has been excellent and a lot goes unnoticed because he quietly goes about his job... Unfair criticism in my opinion.

What do you think about that 'misplaced pass'? he can't be criticised for trying to make the pass can he? Dembele is clean through if he makes it and it's not a high risk situation is it?

For me it's just one of those things ...

 

[Martonmosser]

“Pumped money” where exactly?? Norburn?

Contracts and the championship standard players that we have held onto from last season

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

It’s a negative change as we then completely limit our left side offensively. I was watching the options to the left side closely and it’s completely different to when Dale was on.

It wasn’t CC’s fault at all for their equaliser, it came from Carey’s poor pass to Dembele who would’ve been in, but the change doesn’t assist us in seeing the game out, it actually weakens us as limits our options on the left.

My point is, he’s done this change before and it didn’t work. It didn’t work last night either. It might just be a coincidence eh, or it might just not work.

But it didn't limit us offensively though... not at all.. When Carey misplaced his pass... We had CJ Wide Right, Lavery Wide Left and Dembele Central..(effectively a sort of 433). What's the issue? I mean it's not like we were playing at Wembley in any case.. In any case at that point in the game 'compromising our offensive capabilty' to try and shore us up is the whole point in any case.

To my mind it's criticism for criticisms sake TBH. It's like we've decided what to blame and then we're just shoehorning in the reasons to fit that narrative.. The game was won and lost with a poor start

 

[Wizaard]

I think that has more to do with the role than anything and when I've rerun a lot of the recent games his work rate has been excellent and a lot goes unnoticed because he quietly goes about his job... Unfair criticism in my opinion.

What do you think about that 'misplaced pass'? he can't be criticised for trying to make the pass can he? Dembele is clean through if he makes it and it's not a high risk situation is it?

For me it's just one of those things ...

It was a pass that should have been made, but badly executed. Tired, some might say. If it had been the other way round, then I suggest it wouldn't have been intercepted.

 

[Adams Kebab]

But it didn't limit us offensively though... not at all.. When Carey misplaced his pass... We had CJ Wide Right, Lavery Wide Left and Dembele Central..(effectively a sort of 433). What's the issue? I mean it's not like we were playing at Wembley in any case.. In any case at that point in the game 'compromising our offensive capabilty' to try and sure us up is the whole point in any case.

To my mind it's criticism for criticisms sake TBH. It's like we've decided what to blame and then we're just shoehorning in the reasons to fit that narrative.. The game was won and lost with a poor start

That’s your mind though.

I had a feeling we’d do that change as soon as we went in front and it invite pressure like at Charlton.

It’s not even shoring us up is it? You love a stat? We’ve lost two winning leads when he’s come in, check out how many times we’ve kept a lead. Reading doesn’t count as it was game over.

In my mind he should be nowhere near left back or left wing back ever. He’s a defensive central midfielder, a centre-half or a right back at a push.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

That’s your mind though.

I had a feeling we’d do that change as soon as we went in front and it invite pressure like at Charlton.

It’s not even shoring us up is it? You love a stat? We’ve lost two winning leads when he’s come in, check out how many times we’ve kept a lead. Reading doesn’t count as it was game over.

In my mind he should be nowhere near left back or left wing back ever. He’s a defensive central midfielder, a centre-half or a right back at a push.

But we didn't invite pressure either..

So again you're just making stuff up to fit what you've already decided.... We were putting them under pressure.


You could just as easily blame it on the wind or the fact that someone in the crowd lobbed a smoke bomb on the pitch. There's literally no justifiable reason to pin the Fleetwood Goal on that substitution. The two things are completely unrelated. Morgan came on and was lively and putting himself about and Callum went about his job no problem.

If we were facing a barrage of pressure for 10 minutes, I'd say fair enough, but that isn't what happened... Likewise if the goal had come from a play down our left hand side perhaps, but it didn't, it was right down the throat.

 

[Adams Kebab]

But we didn't invite pressure either..

So again you're just making stuff up to fit what you've already decided.... We were putting them under pressure.


You could just as easily blame it on the wind or the fact that someone in the crowd lobbed a smoke bomb on the pitch. There's literally no justifiable reason to pin the Fleetwood Goal on that substitution. The two things are completely unrelated. Morgan came on and was lively and putting himself about and Callum went about his job no problem.

If we were facing a barrage of pressure for 10 minutes, I'd say fair enough, but that isn't what happened... Likewise if the goal had come from a play down our left hand side perhaps, but it didn't, it was right down the throat.

Making it up

Like you saying he was left back

It’s just a myth cos you said so eh

 

[hertfordseasider]

Good O/P this and I was thinking about this last night and today.

I was happy when he was initially taken on the first time and we were probably the best team in league 1 by the end of the season and fully deserved promotion. We had some decent signings that summer and we had a decent season in the Championship, but for me it started to go wrong during the transfer window when 2 or 3 decent signings would have meant we could actually have an attack on the top 6 but for some reason we didn't strengthen and that has to lie at Sadlers feet, not Critchley and although we had a few decent results we tailed off and by the end of the season we were getting worse not better.

We then had the shock of Critchley leaving but I remember thinking maybe it was a blessing as I think he had peaked and if he knew he wasn't going to get the players he wanted he would have been stupid not to have gone. From there the rest is down in history as one of our worst seasons for so many reasons.

We ended last season with some attacking flair and a caretaker manager who was loved by the supporters, but we know Sadler likes to be safe and it was no surprise he went back to his favourite, but this time I thought it was a mistake after how he was with us at the end of his last season and how he did in his next 2 jobs. I thought that he would be okay if they made him have an experienced coach alongside him, a Bowyer or similar but he wanted the 2 clowns he likes to keep by is side. So I wasn't a supporter of the appointment because I anticipated that we would get what we have, managing by stats, AI, spreadsheets and algorithms and would lack heart and instinct.

We have a decent League 1 side, top 6 without doubt, possibly top 2 but if we did get promoted it is far from a Championship team and from what happened previously I don't think Sadler has the funds or the desire to spend the funds to give us a Championship standard team.

We have been hit and miss this season, too much tinkering, too much over thinking and a fear of letting in a goal, so defence and caution is the priority, but as we know, this doesn't work and we look a good team when we really go for it but he is too afraid to go that way with his team selections, it is frustrating to watch and the supporters have been pretty patient but feelings are changing which is a worry.

I still think he needs a good assistant, he needs to be able to see outside his super tight blinkers and the 2 he has are yes men by the looks of it and there is no football playing experience and that needs addressing so there is a mix.

So, unless we suddenly spiral downwards, which I can't see, we have to let Critchley have this season and hope he changes it so we play to our strengths and let teams worry about us rather than us worrying about them.

We still need that all round creative midfielder to compliment Norburn and Dougall, Dembele will work as long as they don't expect him to win many tackles, we also need Gabriel and another wing back who can get forward but are defenders, whether they put Hubby on the left and put Marv back in the team or use Thommo or get a LWB. I can't see him changing the formation, we are stuck with it so he has to pick players for the positions.

I am leaning towards him still capable of guiding us to a top 6 finish, if we fail then we look again, if we slide down badly (which we won't) then we need to stick with the devil we know, I would rather it took 4 seasons to get us as a decent Championship side under Critchley than keep chopping and changing, so even if we don't reach the play offs this season we should stick with him rather than keep chopping and changing. Experienced assistant is a must though.

It won't stop me berating him on a match day though in the emotional heat of the moment, that's football.

 

[TimperleyTangerine]

I just think his whole persona is more confident and assured than last time. I think that’s resulted in a more confident approach with the players. I think he’s far more willing to take risks and I think we have the potential to be a very good attacking side.

I think the recent run of games in particular will give him a lot of insight and a lot to work on. I suppose it remains to be seen if he can address the issues, but I’m confident he remains the right man for the job

Confidence or arrogance?

I’m not saying you’re wrong, but there is a fine line and he’s come to realise that failure gets him big pay days. For him and other average managers, where is the risk?

Just got to see how the season progresses, but this squad is good enough to be up there. I’m away and haven’t seen last nights match, but it’s a bit old hat, going defensive when in control of a game. Likewise, focussing on the opposition and starting cautiously. What does that approach convey to our players. I’d rather he said f**k it, you’re better than anyone, so don’t be afraid, go play them off the park

There is a lot he needs to improve on, and I see zero difference between first time around and now. If we succeed it will be the quality and endeavour of the players that will get us there, pretty much like last time. What I’m saying is, that they might get us over the line despite NC’s approach.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

Confidence or arrogance?

I’m not saying you’re wrong, but there is a fine line and he’s come to realise that failure gets him big pay days. For him and other average managers, where is the risk?

Just got to see how the season progresses, but this squad is good enough to be up there. I’m away and haven’t seen last nights match, but it’s a bit old hat, going defensive when in control of a game. Likewise, focussing on the opposition and starting cautiously. What does that approach convey to our players. I’d rather he said f**k it, you’re better than anyone, so don’t be afraid, go play them off the park

There is a lot he needs to improve on, and I see zero difference between first time around and now. If we succeed it will be the quality and endeavour of the players that will get us there, pretty much like last time. What I’m saying is, that they might get us over the line despite NC’s approach.

I’m not into the whole ‘despite him not because of him’ agenda… It seems to me that it’s adopted to suit the fans agenda.

His fault when we lose, nothing to do with him when we win.

We saw how lost a group of players can be with the wrong manager last season. Critchley is doing a very solid job for the most part.

 

[fromthehart]

For me, it's the constant changes week in, week out, we never know who's playing till an hour before. Every game we make 4/5 changes.
Last night it was the wrong starting 11, we were out fought for most of the 1st half.
TBF , at HT, which was v un Critchley like he changed it..
The result was first class, we looked a different team, we were killing them, we turned it around and was totally in control..
Then, Mr Tinkerman, HAS to change it, we go defensive, we let them back in it, they bring on a couple of attacking players, and we lose control, we look disjointed, and of course we concede..
What's the saying? attack is the best form of defence..
IMO, if we don't sub the players we did, we win that game, and we probably win by 2....

 

[TimperleyTangerine]

I’m not into the whole ‘despite him not because of him’ agenda… It seems to me that it’s adopted to suit the fans agenda.

His fault when we lose, nothing to do with him when we win.

We saw how lost a group of players can be with the wrong manager last season. Critchley is doing a very solid job for the most part.

I’m not disagreeing with you, and I’m certainly not blaming him when we lose and saying nothing to do with him after a win. He is who he is as a manager, but this is L1 with a very good squad, not Championship with bare bones and injuries as last season.

We need to stop measuring his ‘success’ against the train wreck of last season. We measure him against other teams / squads in this division, and we know we’re competitive in that area. The question is, can he get the best out of the squad and consistently.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

Making it up

Like you saying he was left back

It’s just a myth cos you said so eh

OK,

So now we have the benefit of the replay...

Basically Blackpool are backing off and coming under increasing pressure, including down our left from Fleetwood in the 6 or 7 minutes leading up to where Critchley decides to introduce Connolly and Morgan.

Immediately following the change, Blackpool regain the initiative and for the next 10 minutes Fleetwood are pretty much pinned back in their own half and Blackpool have a few opportunities to score, corner etc.. It's literally all Blackpool all solid possession and then the poor pass from Carey that ultimately results in the goal.

Go and rewatch that section of the game mate.... There's absolutely no way that you could argue that the late substitution did anything other than stop the momentum that Fleetwood had started to build and put us back well in control. Their goal came out of nowhere and was totally against the run of play at that time (we were comfortable) perhaps a case of complacency, tired legs or switching off, but to try and pin it on the sub is way off the mark.

It's unfair criticism, because the reality and fact of the matter is that we were loads better for the change.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

I’m not disagreeing with you, and I’m certainly not blaming him when we lose and saying nothing to do with him after a win. He is who he is as a manager, but this is L1 with a very good squad, not Championship with bare bones and injuries as last season.

We need to stop measuring his ‘success’ against the train wreck of last season. We measure him against other teams / squads in this division, and we know we’re competitive in that area. The question is, can he get the best out of the squad and consistently.

We also need to stop placing pressure on him for instant success and allowing our frustrations from last season to cloud our judgement over this current season.

 

[Adams Kebab]

OK,

So now we have the benefit of the replay...

Basically Blackpool are backing off and coming under increasing pressure, including down our left from Fleetwood in the 6 or 7 minutes leading up to where Critchley decides to introduce Connolly and Morgan.

Immediately following the change, Blackpool regain the initiative and for the next Fleetwood are pretty much pinned back in their own half and Blackpool have a few opportunities to score, corner etc.. It's literally all Blackpool all solid possession and then the poor pass from Carey that ultimately results in the goal.

Go and rewatch that section of the game mate.... There's absolutely no way that you could argue that the late substitution did anything other than stop the momentum that Fleetwood had started to build and put us back well in control. Their goal came out of nowhere and was totally against the run of play at that time (we were comfortable) perhaps a case of complacency, tired legs or switching off, but to try and pin it on the sub is way off the mark.

It's unfair criticism, because the reality and fact of the matter is that we were loads better for the change.

Do you think we should be playing Callum Connolly at left wing back?

Are you agreeing that was his position last night now? That’s a start.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

Do you think we should be playing Callum Connolly at left wing back?

Are you agreeing that was his position last night now? That’s a start.

Based on what I've just seen, bringing on CC at LWB and Morgan in Midfield made us more solid and enabled us to regain the initiative. So in the circumstances it was the right decision and it was working. Connolly had a number of decent touches, was solid down the Left Hand side, was getting forward without taking any risks... It was a consummate performance and exactly what was needed at that time.

Do I want to see him starting games as our regular LWB.... No do I fuck, but at the same time, I'm not going to blame him for doing absolutely nothing wrong and try to pretend that the manager has fucked up by making a substitution that actually benefitted us at the time. I appreciate that doesn't feed into the pre-determined narrative, but it is actually the truth, which has got to carry a little bit of weight surely?

 

[Adams Kebab]

Based on what I've just seen, bringing on CC at LWB and Morgan in Midfield made us more solid and enabled us to regain the initiative. So in the circumstances it was the right decision and it was working. Connolly had a number of decent touches, was solid down the Left Hand side, was getting forward without taking any risks... It was a consummate performance and exactly what was needed at that time.

Do I want to see him starting games as our regular LWB.... No do I fuck, but at the same time, I'm not going to blame him for doing absolutely nothing wrong and try to pretend that the manager has fucked up by making a substitution that actually benefitted us at the time. I appreciate that doesn't feed into the pre-determined narrative, but it is actually the truth, which has got to carry a little bit of weight surely?

It’s a negative change for the left hand side of our pitch, granted it might not have effected the actual result last night (him being at fault) but CC should never be on the pitch at LWB because bar for this season I would pretty much guarantee he’s never ever played there and he’s below average when he does.

It’s a myth though…

That’s the truth

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

It’s a negative change for the left hand side of our pitch, granted it might not have effected the actual result last night (him being at fault) but CC should never be on the pitch at LWB because bar for this season I would pretty much guarantee he’s never ever played there and he’s below average when he does.

It’s a myth though…

That’s the truth

A negative change that had a positive effect.

We were getting pegged back in our own half for several minutes and then immediately after that substitution F’wood maybe have a combined 10 touches of the ball in the following 10 minutes.

I'm not sure there's more you can say apart from Critchley got it spot on

 

[Adams Kebab]

A negative change that had a positive effect.

How many points do we get for that ?

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

How many points do we get for that ?

It's not about the points...

It's about the point!!

The point being, that it's unfair to have a pop at Critchley over a substitution and pretend that it was the reason we conceded a late goal, when it was a good substitution that had the desired effect.

I actually don't think were far off being a really good side right now, by the way and It dos kind of concern me that feeding into this negativity around the Manager might ultimately result in an atmosphere that really doesn't help our cause.

 

[Matesrates]

It's not about the points...

It's about the point!!

The point being, that it's unfair to have a pop at Critchley over a substitution and pretend that it was the reason we conceded a late goal, when it was a good substitution that had the desired effect.

I actually don't think were far off being a really good side right now, by the way and It dos kind of concern me that feeding into this negativity around the Manager might ultimately result in an atmosphere that really doesn't help our cause.

Except it was the subs late on which lost us three points. His desire to hold on simply invited the pressure which led to the goal. Credit for the halftime subs, but they should have started.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

Except it was the subs late on which lost us three points. His desire to hold on simply invited the pressure which led to the goal. Credit for the halftime subs, but they should have started.

I've just been through all that... I suggest you go back.. Re-watch what actually happened in the ten minutes before the subs and then for the ten minutes after, instead of just believing the bollocks you've just made up.

 

[Adams Kebab]

by the way and It dos kind of concern me that feeding into this negativity around the Manager might ultimately result in an atmosphere that really doesn't help our cause.

I agree on this one. Couple of things I clocked last night, when the away end chanted “Critchley sort it out” towards the end of the 1st half when we couldn’t string 3 passes together, it took him about 10 seconds to click on to the chant and he looked over, surprised. I think he made the changes on the back of it. I don’t know but it definitely had an impact I believe.

I also think this was an important factor in the Covid season with no visible or audio fan pressure in the ground. He obviously performed superbly in the Championship but there was a different feel then and feel-good factor. The Club has fucked that somewhat with a series of bizarre decisions after NC doing one and by doing so NC has lost a portion of the fanbase’s trust (even though everyone would do the same £££).

The thing is, football fans are a funny breed, but everyone who I spoke to before the game all said the same, WTF is that team about?!

If we started Dembele and Oakley-Boothe hadn’t played, I doubt there would have been that reaction at half-time if we were losing 2-0. The reaction is to what most of the fanbase think is simply not playing our better players. The fans were fully on board with the team 2nd half v Posh and last night vs the tinpot tramps when we aren’t passive and show urgency with our better players on the pitch.

Only my thoughts but I think the fans would be far more behind the manager if they could relate to his starting 11.

 

[Shiggy]

I’m not disagreeing with you, and I’m certainly not blaming him when we lose and saying nothing to do with him after a win. He is who he is as a manager, but this is L1 with a very good squad, not Championship with bare bones and injuries as last season.

We need to stop measuring his ‘success’ against the train wreck of last season. We measure him against other teams / squads in this division, and we know we’re competitive in that area. The question is, can he get the best out of the squad and consistently.

Is anyone really measuring his success against last season though? I think most people know that should never be a standard to be compared to.

All that matters now is the current season, the current group of players. It could’ve been better, it could’ve been worse. Ultimately we’re in the hunt and I’ve seen nothing yet to say we won’t continue to improve.

 

[Shiggy]

I agree on this one. Couple of things I clocked last night, when the away end chanted “Critchley sort it out” towards the end of the 1st half when we couldn’t string 3 passes together, it took him about 10 seconds to click on to the chant and he looked over, surprised. I think he made the changes on the back of it. I don’t know but it definitely had an impact I believe.

I also think this was an important factor in the Covid season with no visible or audio fan pressure in the ground. He obviously performed superbly in the Championship but there was a different feel then and feel-good factor. The Club has fucked that somewhat with a series of bizarre decisions after NC doing one and by doing so NC has lost a portion of the fanbase’s trust (even though everyone would do the same £££).

The thing is, football fans are a funny breed, but everyone who I spoke to before the game all said the same, WTF is that team about?!

If we started Dembele and Oakley-Boothe hadn’t played, I doubt there would have been that reaction at half-time if we were losing 2-0. The reaction is to what most of the fanbase think is simply not playing our better players. The fans were fully on board with the team 2nd half v Posh and last night vs the tinpot tramps when we aren’t passive and show urgency with our better players on the pitch.

Only my thoughts but I think the fans would be far more behind the manager if they could relate to his starting 11.

Agree with that. That starting lineup was never the right answer and it was inevitable the fans would show their frustration if we went behind.

The thing with the Covid season that always gets me is sometimes people use it to say things along the lines of “he wouldn’t have lasted if fans were in the ground” which to me shows exactly how fans can be well of the mark sometimes. He was so unpopular at the start of the season and look where we ended up after 46 games. Can you imagine if we potted him after 10-15 games?

As I said, frustration last night was understandable but the reaction after the game has been well ott in my opinion.

Hopefully, for his sake, he simplifies things and plays to our strengths, not to the perceived weaknesses of other teams.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

I agree on this one. Couple of things I clocked last night, when the away end chanted “Critchley sort it out” towards the end of the 1st half when we couldn’t string 3 passes together, it took him about 10 seconds to click on to the chant and he looked over, surprised. I think he made the changes on the back of it. I don’t know but it definitely had an impact I believe.

I also think this was an important factor in the Covid season with no visible or audio fan pressure in the ground. He obviously performed superbly in the Championship but there was a different feel then and feel-good factor. The Club has fucked that somewhat with a series of bizarre decisions after NC doing one and by doing so NC has lost a portion of the fanbase’s trust (even though everyone would do the same £££).

The thing is, football fans are a funny breed, but everyone who I spoke to before the game all said the same, WTF is that team about?!

If we started Dembele and Oakley-Boothe hadn’t played, I doubt there would have been that reaction at half-time if we were losing 2-0. The reaction is to what most of the fanbase think is simply not playing our better players. The fans were fully on board with the team 2nd half v Posh and last night vs the tinpot tramps when we aren’t passive and show urgency with our better players on the pitch.

Only my thoughts but I think the fans would be far more behind the manager if they could relate to his starting 11.

I won't argue at all about the starting 11 and like everyone else it probably wasn't what I wanted to see. I thought we started OK, but for me personally I want too see those three midfielders immediately stamp their authority of the game (especially a Local Game like that, because it sets the tone). We weren't as passive as we had been against Peterborough, I didn't think, if anything we just weren't quite fully concetrating. It's almost like we spend the pre-match build up smoking a bong and it takes us half an hour and couple of goals before we actually switch our heads on.

We've also been caught knapping (presumably after the half time bong) by both Derby and Peterborough.... Then there was the switch off just before half time (again Derby, which didn't result in a goal fortunately and Cheltenham which did).... Whether t's lapses in concentration or complacency I don't know but their goals again (all three of them really) could have been avoided by players being a bit more awake and focused.

 

[Adams Kebab]

Agree with that. That starting lineup was never the right answer and it was inevitable the fans would show their frustration if we went behind.

The thing with the Covid season that always gets me is sometimes people use it to say things along the lines of “he wouldn’t have lasted if fans were in the ground” which to me shows exactly how fans can be well of the mark sometimes. He was so unpopular at the start of the season and look where we ended up after 46 games. Can you imagine if we potter him after 10-15 games?

As I said, frustration last night was understandable but the reaction after the game has been well ott in my opinion.

Hopefully, for his sake, he simplifies things and plays to our strengths, not to the perceived weaknesses of other teams.

Yep I agree. I’m not wanting him potted or close to even thinking about it and some fans need to get out of this mentality of changing managers. I mean we had Graham Alexander or Gary Bowyer heavily linked before NC?

The thing that’s annoying the life out of me is when we are more attacking with our better players on the pitch, we play better and score more goals. Last night actually pissed me off beyond belief because the whole away end knew that midfield was dogshit and knew Dembele needed to be starting. This view is then completely strengthened by the fact he comes on and for a large portion of the 2nd half he was as good as it gets. Pure magic.

Instead we’re watching a flat midfield 3 with nobody ahead to link play and Oakley Boothe jogging about. Obviously we don’t know what goes on Mon-Fri, but it’s not happening on a matchday.

 

[clappers]

I stand where I stood when he was announced. It’s a mistake to keep going back to former managers and the club needed freshening up and a reset. Continuity Critchley is an appointment that will stop the rot but won’t deliver an automatic promotion. I also think he’s been permanently damaged by his post BFC experiences and the next few years will drift along with him in charge of inconsistency and frustration. I don’t have faith we will improve especially when Rhodes goes back.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

I stand where I stood when he was announced. It’s a mistake to keep going back to former managers and the club needed freshening up and a reset. Continuity Critchley is an appointment that will stop the rot but won’t deliver an automatic promotion. I also think he’s been permanently damaged by his post BFC experiences and the next few years will drift along with him in charge of inconsistency and frustration. I don’t have faith we will improve especially when Rhodes goes back.

What would change your mind?

 

[Shiggy]

Yep I agree. I’m not wanting him potted or close to even thinking about it and some fans need to get out of this mentality of changing managers. I mean we had Graham Alexander or Gary Bowyer heavily linked before NC?

The thing that’s annoying the life out of me is when we are more attacking with our better players on the pitch, we play better and score more goals. Last night actually pissed me off beyond belief because the whole away end knew that midfield was dogshit and knew Dembele needed to be starting. This view is then completely strengthened by the fact he comes on and for a large portion of the 2nd half he was as good as it gets. Pure magic.

Instead we’re watching a flat midfield 3 with nobody ahead to link play and Oakley Boothe jogging about. Obviously we don’t know what goes on Mon-Fri, but it’s not happening on a matchday.

Dembele made Critchley look a right knob yesterday. Simple as.

 

[Shiggy]

I stand where I stood when he was announced. It’s a mistake to keep going back to former managers and the club needed freshening up and a reset. Continuity Critchley is an appointment that will stop the rot but won’t deliver an automatic promotion. I also think he’s been permanently damaged by his post BFC experiences and the next few years will drift along with him in charge of inconsistency and frustration. I don’t have faith we will improve especially when Rhodes goes back.

What appointment would have delivered automatic promotion?

 

[clappers]

What would change your mind?

Rhodes staying all season and Critchley ditching the current game plan in favour of the kind of attacking intent that delivered three goals last night. At half time Raggy laughed at me suggesting we would score three if he made the right changes. And then Critchley went defensive again as soon as we got infront. The only thing that would change my mind is Critchley changing his mind on selection and the application of his handbrake on our attacking players.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

Rhodes staying all season and Critchley ditching the current game plan in favour of the kind of attacking intent that delivered three goals last night. At half time Raggy laughed at me suggesting we would score three if he made the right changes. And then Critchley went defensive again as soon as we got infront. The only thing that would change my mind is Critchley changing his mind on selection and the application of his handbrake on our attacking players.

How about if Critchley just sticks with the Current System, we play good attacking football and manage to get promoted via the Play Offs?

Would that be enough to get you on side and fisting for the lads?

 

[20togo]

how about Critchley sets up his team to be positive from the start rather than negative, slow and ponderous. We are failing because of him. We've got the players to be able to start on the front foot. We seldom do.

 

[Enzo]

Not an over-reactive thread, a daft poll of just an excuse for some WUM’s to join in but where do you stand with him?
Personally I think he’s a good coach but I seriously think the whole Villa/QPR experience has left him damaged and he’s now so afraid of losing that he is making quite ridiculous and irrational decisions.
Yeah the players aren’t helping him with some of their decision making but I just worry we’ve seen the best of him and he’ll stick around for a couple of seasons (as Sadler won’t ever fire him) and we’ll just plod along.
A bit like with Grayson, Appleton and McCarthy, Sadler has played it way too safe with this appointment and has thought consolidation rather than progression (IMHO!)

The players are not helping him no because they are being played out of position because he persists with this silly formation, and yes it’s down to his failures elsewhere he’s a cowardly little man defend at all costs and try nick a goal how boring. I’ve not really seen anything in this league to be scared of we just need to set up to win rather than getting in at half time to regroup and get a draw. Sadler hasn’t played it safe either he’s brought it all on himself Grayson,Appleton,McCarthy and now this it’s ridiculous ask QPR if they’d have him back he is absolutely rubbish

 

[bfcpete]

If we had the injured and missing players back I think we would be ok. NC's starting lineup mystified me, especially with Dembele and Lavery missing and they had made such a difference in the last match. Should start matches with your strongest side, not be chasing matches.

 

[BFC_BFC_BFC]

The players are not helping him no because they are being played out of position because he persists with this silly formation, and yes it’s down to his failures elsewhere he’s a cowardly little man defend at all costs and try nick a goal how boring. I’ve not really seen anything in this league to be scared of we just need to set up to win rather than getting in at half time to regroup and get a draw. Sadler hasn’t played it safe either he’s brought it all on himself Grayson,Appleton,McCarthy and now this it’s ridiculous ask QPR if they’d have him back he is absolutely rubbish

Cowardly ... Defends at all costs?

Which games are you watching?

If anything we've been throwing caution to the wind from the first whistle to the last... There's been nothing remotely defensive about us.

 

[20togo]

Cowardly ... Defends at all costs?

Which games are you watching?

If anything we've been throwing caution to the wind from the first whistle to the last... There's been nothing remotely defensive about us.

contrary mary to the end. What an utter fool you are.

 

[Opinionhated]

All this talk about Critchley makes no difference. The problem for me is if your coach wants a team who can dominate the ball you have to have quality players to do that, we haven’t got enough of them to implement what the coach is trying to achieve. The only team I’ve seen this season close to that is Peterborough. If he gets say 3/4 in who are a step up in January then he might achieve something.