Its the time for some serious questions to be asked

Sven said:
I think the owner will be more disappointed than anyone on here tonight. He’s the one footing the bill.

Or does he still want to sell the club Phil?
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Why on earth would the owner be more disappointed than fans?

And yeah i reckon he does want to sell the club
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
Bang on

Anyway when is the meeting with the owner?

Time for BST and the SLO to put their big boy pants on
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Always got them on Phil, but can only ever advise. FYI I lobbied Ben Mansford to try and bring in Rob Edwards as manager both before he went to Watford and after he was sacked by them. I think he would have kept us in the Championship last season and then who knows - look at what he's achieved with a club like Luton (even if they don't survive in the Prem).
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
Of the owner

BST as the supporters trust need to stop fcuking about with fans led reviews and @rseing about with footballing politics, now is the time to find a backbone and get into the owner

Sort out a proper open forum and let the owner know how fcuked off the majority of our fanbase are with the abject failure of the last two seasons

To not even make the play offs this season is truly pathetic for our club, we have a squad lacking leaders and a safety first dullard manager

Our best players don't even belong to us

He should have never been given the job in the first place, that isn't hindsight as he failed at his last couple of jobs, Sadler was too lazy to actually go out and get a proper bloke who would have led this group of players, instead going for someone who he knew and worked with before

Critchley needs to be sacked now, and i want to hear from Sadler following the last 2 cluster fcuk seasons

What's the Ambition, where is the Planning, what happened to the Project?

We are treading water again as a club

And it simply isn't good enough after all we fought for
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Phil_bfc deux said:
Of the owner

BST as the supporters trust need to stop fcuking about with fans led reviews and @rseing about with footballing politics, now is the time to find a backbone and get into the owner

Sort out a proper open forum and let the owner know how fcuked off the majority of our fanbase are with the abject failure of the last two seasons

To not even make the play offs this season is truly pathetic for our club, we have a squad lacking leaders and a safety first dullard manager

Our best players don't even belong to us

He should have never been given the job in the first place, that isn't hindsight as he failed at his last couple of jobs, Sadler was too lazy to actually go out and get a proper bloke who would have led this group of players, instead going for someone who he knew and worked with before

Critchley needs to be sacked now, and i want to hear from Sadler following the last 2 cluster fcuk seasons

What's the Ambition, where is the Planning, what happened to the Project?

We are treading water again as a club

And it simply isn't good enough after all we fought for
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Great post,but while sadler got his few voices he thinks everything is rosey.Well some need to wake up and smell the coffee,unless you are happy with 3rd division football say nothing.
 
Delfino said:
Just an observation, aren't loanees usually better than in-situ players, else why bring them unless needed for cover. You wouldn't bring loanees in who are worse...
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this club does,then let’s Rob Apter go out on loan,who in my opinion his as good as we got at the club,wonder how much he was loaned out for?
 
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Phil_bfc deux said:
Bang on

Anyway when is the meeting with the owner?

Time for BST and the SLO to put their big boy pants on
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These meetings are a waste of time,at the diolouge meeting in March 2023 ,our slo,let the board do what they wanted.We we’re all asked to submit questions 10-14 days prior to the meeting,non were addressed.I asked SteveRowland after the meeting why were no question asked,he replied saying ,30 minutes before the meeting ,Brett Gerrity told him that non of those submitted questions would be addressed,we will just take questions off the floor.He said he received about 174 questions,some duplicated bringing the number down to around 78.Now I think the slo should have said no Brett we are putting them forward to the board.
 
southshore said:
Please don’t pretend you speak for the majority of the fan base Phil, you don’t.
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Look at the poll and speak to other supporters, I think you'll find he does speak for the majority of supporters, the difference is he and quite a few others of us saw it from the start of the season and have consistently stuck to our opinion throughout the season whereas others have taken time to see we were right. No one wants to be right like that, I would have loved it if we had finished in the top 2 or comfortably in the play offs, but we finished 8th, average and that sums Critchley up, Mr Average.
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
Why on earth would the owner be more disappointed than fans?

And yeah i reckon he does want to sell the club
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I'm not sure he wants to sell it and let's see the East stand and the Training ground start to take off, if that is all smoke and mirrors we will soon know, if it isn't it will improve the infrastructure and put in place a stadium and training facilities that will be EPL standard. It will also increase the value of the club.

It's purely his football ideas that worry me, his managerial and also backroom appointments have left a lot to be desired and these are the appointments that make the difference on the pitch and what goes on, on the pitch is what really matters to the supporters. It feels like there is a barrier between Sadler and the supporters and instead of listening to his customer base he finds them irritating, like an itch in a hard to get to place that won't go away. It will never work like that and if you look back you can see the difference in the relationship from his grand entry to now and it is deteriorating because of his stubbornness and his refusal to listen to the supporters and his advisors, by all accounts.

There are 2 to 3 thousand supporters who will accept everything and never rock the boat, we know that from NAPM, but he can't run a football club with that number. The relationship needs to change and the barriers have to come down.
 
Insider said:
I'm not going to call this a typical knee jerk reaction after a disappointing end to the season when even in Game 46 we could have nicked a play off place.
I don't agree with everything @Phil_bfc deux says;
I didnt want Critch but whilst being unsuccessful after he left us he was successful before. Sadler took plenty of sdvice in appointing him and "The computer said yes".
When you look at the winter loan signings the "Recruitment team" did a good job so I'm optimistic they may might have some decent options lined up. We will always be reliant on loans but finding another Dembele will be tough.
IMO Sadler will back them.
As for Critch without doubt he's an "improvement needed". He is a conscientious, hard working man (I believe) and he will analyse his season. I'm not Mystic Meg so I can't predict whether or not his self analysis will result in a change.
I'm afraid we will all just have to wait and see.
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I'm just hoping he doesn't spend too much time on his analysis. I mean, how long does it take to analyse the description:

- 'Safety-first approach proved our undoing'?
 
Delfino said:
Everyone does, but the O/p is criticising the club cos our loan players are our best players. Surely that's why they were brought in to be better than what we have, so the club should be recognised for doing that not berated.
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Loans are a short term fix, Sadler spoke about signing young hungry players so we could build a team and a project when he came in

5 or 6 loans every season isn't that
 
I really don't think it's been as bad this season as people are making out. There's been some decent displays and we are 4th in the home form table with 48 points, 2 behind top. The issue is it's been coupled with some absolutely horrendous lifeless displays (mainly away) and as a team/fan base we've literally picked up no momentum. But we were worst last season and the squad is carrying some deadwood, and our top perm signings last summer just haven't delivered.

I would have never gone back to Critchley and I think his rigid formation and poor in-game tactics this season have cost us a top 6 place. However I understand the need for stability and a long term plan, plus chopping and changing managers never works. Let's see if he learns from this years mistakes and if we aren't top 4 playing better football after 15 games then pull the trigger and get rid.

A big summer is needed and with the new men in place as sporting director we need a better strategy of targeting young exciting players and moving away from 5-6 loans.
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
Loans are a short term fix, Sadler spoke about signing young hungry players so we could build a team and a project when he came in

5 or 6 loans every season isn't that
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I can't see a time when the club wouldn't use the loan market however high we go up the pyramid. At least, we found some good ones this year. Hopefully, we may even sign a couple of them.

Whether all our permanent signings were good enough is a different question for me.
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
Why on earth would the owner be more disappointed than fans?

And yeah i reckon he does want to sell the club
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hertfordseasider said:
I'm not sure he wants to sell it and let's see the East stand and the Training ground start to take off, if that is all smoke and mirrors we will soon know, if it isn't it will improve the infrastructure and put in place a stadium and training facilities that will be EPL standard. It will also increase the value of the club.

.
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No talk of selling would be entertained UNTIL PP is secured for the TG and East.

Councils have put their faith in SS and his visions. Not a cat in hells chance of SS upsetting that with talk/rumours of selling up.

A bit like your house, you get PP for a 2 storey extension and a loft conversion and your house is not only worth that bit more but is attractive to buyers.

When all the ducks are in a row things, I think things will change. possibly the reason why no 2nd investor hasn't been sought as that would complicate things.
 
Arriedirk said:
I think he does.you will always get some that will stand for egg under hat.all these praising sadler ,maybe went to games u der NAPM when we boycotted it,maybe not.
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Southshore was staunchly NAPM. He was also at BR cleaning seagull shit off seats when the CAR took over a club that had zero cash. Oh, and he also drove back from Reading today.
 
I hoped for automatic and expected a play off place. Nothing else is good enough in my book. I’m pretty certain our approach to games under Dobbie would have been even more effective in this division and we would all be in much better mood today.

As insider says, computer said “Critchley” and we’ve paid the price. Critchley should never have been in the programming in my view. The fact we’ve got to endure another season of sterile mismanagement is going to affect season ticket numbers and walk on numbers. You reap what you sow.
 
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ParkerStraysOffside said:
I have to say, this reeks of entitlement bullshit. Of course this season is a failure, however that lays at poor tactical execution and lack of experienced number 2’s.
Off the pitch in terms of CEO, director of football etc were leaps and bounds ahead of where we were even 4 years ago. You make it sound like we’re still under previous regime. The truth is Sadler is putting in c. 3-5 mill a year plus training ground and stadium infrastructure which are legacy issues.

Not hiding that this year (and of course last year) have been a shocker, however some wider perspective is needed. We need to stop feeling like everyone is screwing us. Sadler has our best interests at heart, otherwise you may want to be careful what you wish for. Short memories for some.
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Sadler's doing a lot right, but I don't think he's very good at reading the fans or choosing managers.
 
Sooty59 said:
Sadler's doing a lot right, but I don't think he's very good at reading the fans or choosing managers.
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I’m not sure an owner can listen to fans *most* of the time - imagine the chaos if that ensued. Unless you’re backed like City, it’s not possible to satisfy.
As I’ve said earlier., who realistically would or could we appoint at this juncture (to the point above that everyone would be satisfied with)?
 
ParkerStraysOffside said:
I’m not sure an owner can listen to fans *most* of the time - imagine the chaos if that ensued. Unless you’re backed like City, it’s not possible to satisfy.
As I’ve said earlier., who realistically would or could we appoint at this juncture (to the point above that everyone would be satisfied with)?
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I meant reading the fans reaction to bringing yet another ex manager back. I've no idea who to bring in now (not that Critchley's going anywhere unless he leaves again) The time for Dobbie was this season & I believe he was worth a punt.
 
Dobbie has been for numerous jobs and not got any of them.
Clearly more than just Sadler not fancying him.
Dobbie should have taken the offer to have been part of Critchleys team, would have placated more fans and probably improved his chances of getting a no1 job elsewhere.
 
clappers said:
I hoped for automatic and expected a play off place. Nothing else is good enough in my book. I’m pretty certain our approach to games under Dobbie would have been even more effective in this division and we would all be in much better mood today.

As insider says, computer said “Critchley” and we’ve paid the price. Critchley should never have been in the programming in my view. The fact we’ve got to endure another season of sterile mismanagement is going to affect season ticket numbers and walk on numbers. You reap what you sow.
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Even Wor Lee could have done better with this squad(pushing it a bit I know) but Crotchless is a computer so no wonder the computer said yes.
 
John Deary me said:
Marv and Hubby are scape goats because of the shite midfield and forward line , we just invite other teams to attack with the stupid system. Beesley , Kouassi and Joseph that's a reason to get excited about ? Grimshaw is the only asset you mention . Loans isn't the answer , I don't mind building a team and bedding players in but any decent player we have gets the confidence zapped from.him with the current system.
I would like to think better players would sign , but as we know better players earn better money and that is where bfc won't compete.
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Yes they've been exposed although they have both made some schoolboy, match losing errors this year which has nothing to do with anyone else but themselves..
 
rememberlesshannon said:
Well I'll be a season ticket holder next season and I totally agree with Phil's observations, I'm sure there's many like me. I also think there will be a drop in season ticket sales from those who aren't as died in the wool as some of us.
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That's fair enough, and I'm not doubting that many are unhappy with the way Critchley manages, I'm not a fan of 352, but I'm not convinced there's necessarily a better answer out there. Lets not forget we only finished a couple of points off the playoffs, had a good cup run and nearly got to Wembley in the toy town cup.

My issue is Phil's assertion that's its the majority who agree with him, with no means to back that claim up.
 
southshore said:
That's fair enough, and I'm not doubting that many are unhappy with the way Critchley manages, I'm not a fan of 352, but I'm not convinced there's necessarily a better answer out there. Lets not forget we only finished a couple of points off the playoffs, had a good cup run and nearly got to Wembley in the toy town cup.

My issue is Phil's assertion that's its the majority who agree with him, with no means to back that claim up.
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I didn't actually say that the majority agree with me even though i believe they probably do from the people i speak too
 
southshore said:
'Sort out a proper open forum and let the owner know how fcuked off the majority of our fanbase are with the abject failure of the last two seasons'

Must have misunderstood, Phil.
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Yeah i said that do you not agree, are you content with a relegation and a 8th place finish in the last two seasons?
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
Yeah i said that do you not agree, are you content with a relegation and a 8th place finish in the last two seasons?
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Over the last 4 seasons SS has been in charge there's been a promotion, a season in the championship, a relegation and an 8th place finish, and lets not forget what a cluster f*ck he inherited.

We would all like to be in the premier league by now or high up in the championship, but I don't believe we are entitled to expect that. So overall, not too bad a record. Lets see where we get to next season.
 
Couldn't give a toss who we sign, who the manager is, what the system is etc, we just need to have a go, Saturday was a cup final and again we played like robots, if the coach can't inspire better performances which show courage and fight then he has to go, the team would have been applauded from the field had they shown the afore mentioned regardless of the outcome.
 
zico_bamber said:
Yes they've been exposed although they have both made some schoolboy, match losing errors this year which has nothing to do with anyone else but themselves..
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They have also made crucial blocks and chucked themselves on the line, lots of folk only remember the bad stuff and mistakes . Bit like some of are so called strikers who can't get even manage a shot in some games. Agreed tho it's been a season of constant drab stuff from the front to the back with the odd glimpse of magic from KD.
 
Mcewans Mullet said:
Dobbie has been for numerous jobs and not got any of them.
Clearly more than just Sadler not fancying him.
Dobbie should have taken the offer to have been part of Critchleys team, would have placated more fans and probably improved his chances of getting a no1 job elsewhere.
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Really? What jobs did he apply for?
 
John Deary me said:
They have also made crucial blocks and chucked themselves on the line, lots of folk only remember the bad stuff and mistakes . Bit like some of are so called strikers who can't get even manage a shot in some games. Agreed tho it's been a season of constant drab stuff from the front to the back with the odd glimpse of magic from KD.
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That's a fait point. Egg plant is a great stopper and blocker. Not a modern day defender. Husband is more of a left back for me. I think we could do better than both but that's a big IF. Recruitment comes with lower expectation these days.
 
Wizaard said:
Do the players not carry any responsibility?
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Absolutely Wiz, but Critchley has repeatedly played players out of position, when they're out of form and some clearly who cannot play his formations/tactics.

You and I both know that the buck stops with the Manager and Critchley took nearly 45 games to get a side that potentially looked like they could win matches home AND away. Then he seemed to revert back to norm on the very last match of the season when it was crucial that he didn't.
 
I'm not saying the manager doesn't take responsibility but this blaming absolutely everything on the manager and giving the players a free pass is replicated everywhere in football. England a great example with Southgate.
 
Don’t know if Sadler has been distracted with the off-field infrastructure projects, but the timing has coincided with the stagnation and decline in quality of the playing side of the football club, and some frankly bizarre decisions.
 
No issues with anything in the OP although it isn't really very balanced. Ultimately the last 2 seasons have been a failure, there's no point dressing it up. Sacking Critchley I believe is the wrong thing to do for many reasons. A lot has been made about the 'entertainment' factor and to an extent I agree but you have to remember the state our squad was in following a depressing season under Appleton and McCarthy. We are basically starting from square 1 and because of that, the groundwork needs to be done. Just as in the building process it's not the most glamorous element of a build but there's no point building a fancy mansion if the foundations haven't been done properly. We saw glimpses of what this team are capable of against Barnsley, Bolton and Portsmouth. Creating a winning environment is about consistency, confidence and determination. The question I ask, is are we in a better position to have a successful season now, than we were at this point last year? I certainly think we are. Clearly we need a better start, we also need to hit the ground running away from home but all that is absolutely possible if we do the right business in the summer. Ripping it up (sacking Critchley) and starting again just feels like the wrong decision to me, although I absolutely agree frank discussions are needed and Sadler needs to show plenty of ambition by backing our manager. Let's all just take a breather, remember how good it is to be watching winning football at Bloomfield Road and let the club do their summer business.
 
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