A slap in the face to a class striker and a player who was so instrumental in getting us promoted. I have no idea what is going on in Critch’s head, but for me he’s managed the situation badly. You just don’t do this sort of thing to a player who has done so much since joining the club.
His focus on lumping it to a big man has meant that we have not made the most of the best all round striker we’ve had in a decade.
Some will point to us being safe and generally I agree, but I’d also argue that at times we’ve been very negative in our approach, particularly when we have been safe from relegation for a long time.
Some will also say today is game time for Jerry, but I’d argue that should certainly be in the first team.
Let’s be clear, we’ve seen the class Jerry has in the Championship. Can anyone remember when he last missed a sitter, I can’t. Let’s also be clear that we’d have seen Jerry in full flow had we set up differently at times.
I fear we’ll lose Jerry and personally I be royally peed off with Critch if that happens. The lad was loving being here, but you can see his confidence has been destroyed.
I’m a bit confused by Critch’s approach, bearing in mind his background at Liverpool. Personally, I think he’s still hunting for the way his team should play, but that’s part of gaining experience I suppose. The Championship requires a different approach, but class players should be playing. I do not see how Gaz gets a start every game and I don’t believe we need his physicality every match.
Big test for Critch next season, we’ll see just how good he is. He can start by being consistent after games, win, lose or draw. I found his chest pumping and love heart signs embarrassing at Blackburn, after a draw and when he did little after losing at Preston and other matches.
Not bashing him, I think he’s been brilliant for us, just that the honeymoon period is over.
