AJ sees his route blocked
Adam Johnson will discuss his future with Gareth Southgate in the summer after admitting he is
"frustrated" by the lack of first-team opportunities at Middlesbrough.
Johnson looked set for an extended run in the Boro side following his sparkling loan spell at Watford but has remained on the periphery of things at The Riverside and has failed to usurp England international Stewart Downing on the left wing.
"It's hard, I've only started a few games since I've come back," said the 20-year-old.
"It's been frustrating for me but I've got to get my head down and get on with it.
"I want to stay here and I'd love to make it here but it just isn't happening at the moment.
"Maybe I can make an impact in the final few games, but I'm hoping to sit down at the end of the season and take it from there."
Watford have first refusal on the winger should Southgate decide to send the England Under-21 international out of loan again.
Southgate has not given any indication he is willing to let Johnson go so Aidy Boothroyd has decided against dipping into the loan market and will not look to bring cover for the suspended John Eustace and Darius Henderson.
7:57am Thursday 27th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: JohnBoy, Watford on 8:08am Thu 27 Mar 08
if we go up he has to be one of the first on our shopping list surely. enjoyed watching him play in our shirt.
if we go up he has to be one of the first on our shopping list surely. enjoyed watching him play in our shirt.
Posted by: Simon, Middlesbrough on 9:08am Thu 27 Mar 08
I feel sorry for Johnson, hes a good exciting player. He hasnt been given a chance and Stewart Downing is playing well again. Johnson deserves a chance, but how do you give him it with Downing?[quote]quote[/quote]
I feel sorry for Johnson, hes a good exciting player. He hasnt been given a chance and Stewart Downing is playing well again. Johnson deserves a chance, but how do you give him it with Downing?
quote
Posted by: SIMMO, BUCKS on 9:34am Thu 27 Mar 08
Have said before and will say again TODAY is a massive day for us i believe ,we must do everything possible to get AJ back for the run in, he would be the difference between Automatic and Play offs and also get HH back for a month or so aswell COME ON ! AIDY
Have said before and will say again TODAY is a massive day for us i believe ,we must do everything possible to get AJ back for the run in, he would be the difference between Automatic and Play offs and also get HH back for a month or so aswell COME ON ! AIDY
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 9:45am Thu 27 Mar 08
Having watched Downing fail to cross properly even ONCE for England last night whilst AJ starred for u21`s on tuesday I think Capello should swap them over!
Having watched Downing fail to cross properly even ONCE for England last night whilst AJ starred for u21`s on tuesday I think Capello should swap them over!
Posted by: neville on 9:55am Thu 27 Mar 08
Forget all of this stuff about AJ and HH.
It is a total lack of respect to the squad, now much improved since the January signings.
Bringing back AJ and HH would undermine the confidence and team spirit in the current dressing room.
The squad is good enough as it is for promotion. If might not be good enough to keep us up, but that is totally different.
Low points total will gain automatic this year. But that is irellevant. We are the best of a poor bunch, and that will be good enough to get us up.
Forget all of this stuff about AJ and HH.
It is a total lack of respect to the squad, now much improved since the January signings.
Bringing back AJ and HH would undermine the confidence and team spirit in the current dressing room.
The squad is good enough as it is for promotion. If might not be good enough to keep us up, but that is totally different.
Low points total will gain automatic this year. But that is irellevant. We are the best of a poor bunch, and that will be good enough to get us up.
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 10:50am Thu 27 Mar 08
disagree Nev--just 7 games now & with DH out for 2 of them I think we will be very lightweight up front.
disagree Nev--just 7 games now & with DH out for 2 of them I think we will be very lightweight up front.
Posted by: neville on 11:04am Thu 27 Mar 08
Sage, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the CJ and NE partnership at Hull. Hendo is great, but we can cope without him.
On the other hand, I have a feeling that Aidy will go with three in midfield and play just one striker.
Either way, we are good enough for at least a point at Hull.
By the way, have you seen on their website that they are expecting a near full house of 24,000 for the visit of the mighty Hornets!
We have coped with hostile atmospheres recently at Ipswich, Burnley, Bristol and Plymouth. One more should not make much difference!
Sage, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the CJ and NE partnership at Hull. Hendo is great, but we can cope without him.
On the other hand, I have a feeling that Aidy will go with three in midfield and play just one striker.
Either way, we are good enough for at least a point at Hull.
By the way, have you seen on their website that they are expecting a near full house of 24,000 for the visit of the mighty Hornets!
We have coped with hostile atmospheres recently at Ipswich, Burnley, Bristol and Plymouth. One more should not make much difference!
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 11:17am Thu 27 Mar 08
I agree that if AJ is available then we should go for him. However, Helguson is not the answer -either short term or long. He has not succeeded since he left us and he would not be any better than what we have. We need to strengthen in quality, not numbers.
I agree that if AJ is available then we should go for him. However, Helguson is not the answer -either short term or long. He has not succeeded since he left us and he would not be any better than what we have. We need to strengthen in quality, not numbers.
Posted by: neville on 12:24pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I see the Baggies have recalled Neil Clement from Hull.
What took them so long? Why on earth would you loan one of your players to one of your promotion rivals?
Also ex-Hornet Wayne Brown is still doubtful for Saturday, leaving the Tigers with two defensive problems for this vital fixture.
I never rated Brown in his Watford days, but he has been almost a permanent fixture in the Hull defence, so he must have improved somewhat!
I see the Baggies have recalled Neil Clement from Hull.
What took them so long? Why on earth would you loan one of your players to one of your promotion rivals?
Also ex-Hornet Wayne Brown is still doubtful for Saturday, leaving the Tigers with two defensive problems for this vital fixture.
I never rated Brown in his Watford days, but he has been almost a permanent fixture in the Hull defence, so he must have improved somewhat!
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 12:58pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Nev--i have unpleasantly surprised by NE so far & doubt that he will change my view.SK replaced Hendo very well @ S Utd-not picking him would be an error.
I think HH(short term) is EXACTLY what we need!
Nev--i have unpleasantly surprised by NE so far & doubt that he will change my view.SK replaced Hendo very well @ S Utd-not picking him would be an error.
I think HH(short term) is EXACTLY what we need!
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 1:26pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Where has this story come from? noone has been credited with it, is it taken out of one of the national papers or the local Middlesbough rag or internet?
I'm rather puzzled by it, could it be that a member of the WO or another affliated to WFC has gone up there in the knowledge we'll be getting him?
Hmmmmmm, suppose we'll find out by the end of the day.
Where has this story come from? noone has been credited with it, is it taken out of one of the national papers or the local Middlesbough rag or internet?
I'm rather puzzled by it, could it be that a member of the WO or another affliated to WFC has gone up there in the knowledge we'll be getting him?
Hmmmmmm, suppose we'll find out by the end of the day.
Posted by: Steve W, Tewkesbury on 1:31pm Thu 27 Mar 08
They point here weather or not AJ or HH would be good for us, is that they are not our players. Currently Gareth Southgate and Bolton are not letting these players go out on loan.
So we can talk all we like about it being great to have them. The simple fact is we can't have them as thier clubs will not loan them!
They point here weather or not AJ or HH would be good for us, is that they are not our players. Currently Gareth Southgate and Bolton are not letting these players go out on loan.
So we can talk all we like about it being great to have them. The simple fact is we can't have them as thier clubs will not loan them!
Posted by: ashton, middlesbrough on 1:38pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Sage Lazarus[/bold] wrote:
Having watched Downing fail to cross properly even ONCE for England last night whilst AJ starred for u21`s on tuesday I think Capello should swap them over![/quote] Johnson is nowhere near as good as Downing at the moment. You people only see Downing in an England shirt and critisise him! try watching him play week in, week out. Then you will appreciate how good he actually is. You critisise him simply because he plays for Middlesbrough
Sage Lazarus wrote:
Having watched Downing fail to cross properly even ONCE for England last night whilst AJ starred for u21`s on tuesday I think Capello should swap them over!
Johnson is nowhere near as good as Downing at the moment. You people only see Downing in an England shirt and critisise him! try watching him play week in, week out. Then you will appreciate how good he actually is. You critisise him simply because he plays for Middlesbrough
Posted by: Scotshorn, Aberdeen on 1:44pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]neville[/bold] wrote:
Forget all of this stuff about AJ and HH. It is a total lack of respect to the squad, now much improved since the January signings. Bringing back AJ and HH would undermine the confidence and team spirit in the current dressing room. The squad is good enough as it is for promotion. If might not be good enough to keep us up, but that is totally different. Low points total will gain automatic this year. But that is irellevant. We are the best of a poor bunch, and that will be good enough to get us up.[/quote] Tend to agree with this. We have enough players of our own to provide cover, and equally have enough of our own out on loan who could be recalled. There's no need to create angst in players minds at this point in time.
But, whilst enjoying a quiet mull over who could be brought in on loan - as you do, I noticed that Eastwood scored a couple for Wales last night. He appears to be out of favour at Wolves - anyone any ideas why?
neville wrote:
Forget all of this stuff about AJ and HH. It is a total lack of respect to the squad, now much improved since the January signings. Bringing back AJ and HH would undermine the confidence and team spirit in the current dressing room. The squad is good enough as it is for promotion. If might not be good enough to keep us up, but that is totally different. Low points total will gain automatic this year. But that is irellevant. We are the best of a poor bunch, and that will be good enough to get us up.
Tend to agree with this. We have enough players of our own to provide cover, and equally have enough of our own out on loan who could be recalled. There's no need to create angst in players minds at this point in time.
But, whilst enjoying a quiet mull over who could be brought in on loan - as you do, I noticed that Eastwood scored a couple for Wales last night. He appears to be out of favour at Wolves - anyone any ideas why?
Posted by: Darren, Canada on 1:56pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I don't see us making any signings today, as much as it can fire us fans up to get another face in the squad, I do agree with other posts that says it shows a lack of faith with the recent signings. Devensively we are very strong and although JE out for a few more games is a real shame, the confidence amongst the squad is huge - they believe (far more important than what we believe) that they are good enough. NE is a quality player. It seems fans either notice the off the ball stuff he does and rate him, or they don't see it at all and think of him as lazy. From the distance of where Ilive, I just know that he has always posessed quality. I think starting him with CJ on Saturday could work, I would also certainly give SK a run out as he is pumped right now and itching to show his worth. As for Eastwood at Wolves I heard there were some atittude issues, which seems a shame as he can certainly find the net.
I don't see us making any signings today, as much as it can fire us fans up to get another face in the squad, I do agree with other posts that says it shows a lack of faith with the recent signings. Devensively we are very strong and although JE out for a few more games is a real shame, the confidence amongst the squad is huge - they believe (far more important than what we believe) that they are good enough. NE is a quality player. It seems fans either notice the off the ball stuff he does and rate him, or they don't see it at all and think of him as lazy. From the distance of where Ilive, I just know that he has always posessed quality. I think starting him with CJ on Saturday could work, I would also certainly give SK a run out as he is pumped right now and itching to show his worth. As for Eastwood at Wolves I heard there were some atittude issues, which seems a shame as he can certainly find the net.
Posted by: Des, Hatch End on 1:57pm Thu 27 Mar 08
The trouble is we don't have good enough players to cover the suspensions.
We are gradually sliding down the table and if we continue to draw matches might not even make the playoffs.
Since the departure of Johnson this squad hasn't been good enough offensively.It's all well and good showing your players respect but we are at the business end of the season where only results matter.Bring some players in,get promoted,and then deal with any egos you might have upset.
This is still a massive opportunity for us and to blow it now would be a shame.
The trouble is we don't have good enough players to cover the suspensions.
We are gradually sliding down the table and if we continue to draw matches might not even make the playoffs.
Since the departure of Johnson this squad hasn't been good enough offensively.It's all well and good showing your players respect but we are at the business end of the season where only results matter.Bring some players in,get promoted,and then deal with any egos you might have upset.
This is still a massive opportunity for us and to blow it now would be a shame.
Posted by: Hornetboy84, ricky on 2:33pm Thu 27 Mar 08
To suggest that we should not be bringing in players for the run-in as it shows a lack of faith in the squad is ludicrous.
We need to look for extra cover as an insurance policy - after today there is no-where to run to if you get another suspension or a bad injury.
If there is someone who can give us extra impetus, either by being on the bench and focusing the current shirt holder -or by providing a different kind of impact off the bench -then we should look at it strongly.
We have to consider that we might have to go via the play-off route (I actually think we will get promoted automatically still)- so that means we still have 10 possible games which is nearly a quarter of the season to go...
Make sure we have extracover for some unexpected situations. If we dont need that cover ultimately then nothing is truly lost.
To suggest that we should not be bringing in players for the run-in as it shows a lack of faith in the squad is ludicrous.
We need to look for extra cover as an insurance policy - after today there is no-where to run to if you get another suspension or a bad injury.
If there is someone who can give us extra impetus, either by being on the bench and focusing the current shirt holder -or by providing a different kind of impact off the bench -then we should look at it strongly.
We have to consider that we might have to go via the play-off route (I actually think we will get promoted automatically still)- so that means we still have 10 possible games which is nearly a quarter of the season to go...
Make sure we have extracover for some unexpected situations. If we dont need that cover ultimately then nothing is truly lost.
Posted by: Professor Plum, The Billiard Room on 2:44pm Thu 27 Mar 08
To put it politely, I think it’s fair to say that the jury’s still out on Boothroyd’s ability in the transfer market. However, I do think that with the recent additions of Bromby, Eustace and, to a lesser extent, Sadler, we’re only a decent striker (and, ideally, a wide player that can deliver an end product) away from being a very fair side indeed.
Of course, until January we did possess a very decent striker indeed and whatever the real reasons behind his departure, King should never have been allowed to leave when he did. But that argument has been done to death and I don’t want to start it off again.
Whether, in the event that promotion is achieved (and I think it will be) Boothroyd can be trusted to spend the windfall wisely is debatable. I certainly think his policy of signing forwards who have fallen on hard times needs a rethink (Leroy Lita for six million, anyone?). Perhaps Simpson should seriously consider bringing in a director of football (whatever that is) to guide Aidy’s hand in the transfer market.
To put it politely, I think it’s fair to say that the jury’s still out on Boothroyd’s ability in the transfer market. However, I do think that with the recent additions of Bromby, Eustace and, to a lesser extent, Sadler, we’re only a decent striker (and, ideally, a wide player that can deliver an end product) away from being a very fair side indeed.
Of course, until January we did possess a very decent striker indeed and whatever the real reasons behind his departure, King should never have been allowed to leave when he did. But that argument has been done to death and I don’t want to start it off again.
Whether, in the event that promotion is achieved (and I think it will be) Boothroyd can be trusted to spend the windfall wisely is debatable. I certainly think his policy of signing forwards who have fallen on hard times needs a rethink (Leroy Lita for six million, anyone?). Perhaps Simpson should seriously consider bringing in a director of football (whatever that is) to guide Aidy’s hand in the transfer market.
Posted by: Professor Plum, The Billiard Room on 2:56pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote]NE is a quality player[/quote] .
He may appear so from nearly 5000 miles away, Daren, but close up it's alittle different...
NE is a quality player
.
He may appear so from nearly 5000 miles away, Daren, but close up it's alittle different...
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 2:58pm Thu 27 Mar 08
GOOD IDEA PROF!
How about me with Vor as asstnt?
Des-not make playoffs--nonsense! but agree re players ego`s-who cares? if they win then ok-if they do not then we get others in.
GOOD IDEA PROF!
How about me with Vor as asstnt?
Des-not make playoffs--nonsense! but agree re players ego`s-who cares? if they win then ok-if they do not then we get others in.
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 3:00pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Professor Plum[/bold] wrote:
[quote]NE is a quality player[/quote] . He may appear so from nearly 5000 miles away, Daren, but close up it's alittle different...[/quote] Made me laugh prof!
Painfully true.
Professor Plum wrote:
NE is a quality player
. He may appear so from nearly 5000 miles away, Daren, but close up it's alittle different...
Made me laugh prof!
Painfully true.
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 3:00pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]ashton[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Sage Lazarus[/bold] wrote:
Having watched Downing fail to cross properly even ONCE for England last night whilst AJ starred for u21`s on tuesday I think Capello should swap them over![/quote] Johnson is nowhere near as good as Downing at the moment. You people only see Downing in an England shirt and critisise him! try watching him play week in, week out. Then you will appreciate how good he actually is. You critisise him simply because he plays for Middlesbrough[/quote] Untrue Ashton, now stop having an inferiority complex thinking everyone dislikes Boro, we have the same bother.
Have to agree with sage with regards to Downing, everytime i've seen him play on tv he's been SH1TE, can't believe you don't play Johnson as well as Downing.....he's quality!!
I think you have rose tinted glasses on, we've got some of those also.
ashton wrote:
Sage Lazarus wrote:
Having watched Downing fail to cross properly even ONCE for England last night whilst AJ starred for u21`s on tuesday I think Capello should swap them over!
Johnson is nowhere near as good as Downing at the moment. You people only see Downing in an England shirt and critisise him! try watching him play week in, week out. Then you will appreciate how good he actually is. You critisise him simply because he plays for Middlesbrough
Untrue Ashton, now stop having an inferiority complex thinking everyone dislikes Boro, we have the same bother.
Have to agree with sage with regards to Downing, everytime i've seen him play on tv he's been SH1TE, can't believe you don't play Johnson as well as Downing.....he's quality!!
I think you have rose tinted glasses on, we've got some of those also.
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 3:06pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Darren[/bold] wrote:
I don't see us making any signings today, as much as it can fire us fans up to get another face in the squad, I do agree with other posts that says it shows a lack of faith with the recent signings. Devensively we are very strong and although JE out for a few more games is a real shame, the confidence amongst the squad is huge - they believe (far more important than what we believe) that they are good enough. NE is a quality player. It seems fans either notice the off the ball stuff he does and rate him, or they don't see it at all and think of him as lazy. From the distance of where Ilive, I just know that he has always posessed quality. I think starting him with CJ on Saturday could work, I would also certainly give SK a run out as he is pumped right now and itching to show his worth. As for Eastwood at Wolves I heard there were some atittude issues, which seems a shame as he can certainly find the net.[/quote] How about retreating to your log cabin?
NE is about as quick as one of your grizzly bears!
Darren wrote:
I don't see us making any signings today, as much as it can fire us fans up to get another face in the squad, I do agree with other posts that says it shows a lack of faith with the recent signings. Devensively we are very strong and although JE out for a few more games is a real shame, the confidence amongst the squad is huge - they believe (far more important than what we believe) that they are good enough. NE is a quality player. It seems fans either notice the off the ball stuff he does and rate him, or they don't see it at all and think of him as lazy. From the distance of where Ilive, I just know that he has always posessed quality. I think starting him with CJ on Saturday could work, I would also certainly give SK a run out as he is pumped right now and itching to show his worth. As for Eastwood at Wolves I heard there were some atittude issues, which seems a shame as he can certainly find the net.
How about retreating to your log cabin?
NE is about as quick as one of your grizzly bears!
Posted by: Professor Plum, The Billiard Room on 3:07pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote]GOOD IDEA PROF!
How about me with Vor as asstnt?[/quote]
Sounds like the dream ticket!
GOOD IDEA PROF!
How about me with Vor as asstnt?
Sounds like the dream ticket!
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 3:20pm Thu 27 Mar 08
**** this site is getting better!
football is iffy but at least getting some larfs now-none bigger than the suggestion that NE is quality & we do not notice the off ball stuff he does--well he is off the ball & out of the game virtually all match--brings new levels of meaning to thr term STATIC.
The pace of a pregnant Yak-the reflexes of a dead parrot & the determination of a jamie moralee!
**** this site is getting better!
football is iffy but at least getting some larfs now-none bigger than the suggestion that NE is quality & we do not notice the off ball stuff he does--well he is off the ball & out of the game virtually all match--brings new levels of meaning to thr term STATIC.
The pace of a pregnant Yak-the reflexes of a dead parrot & the determination of a jamie moralee!
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 3:20pm Thu 27 Mar 08
**** this site is getting better!
football is iffy but at least getting some larfs now-none bigger than the suggestion that NE is quality & we do not notice the off ball stuff he does--well he is off the ball & out of the game virtually all match--brings new levels of meaning to thr term STATIC.
The pace of a pregnant Yak-the reflexes of a dead parrot & the determination of a jamie moralee!
**** this site is getting better!
football is iffy but at least getting some larfs now-none bigger than the suggestion that NE is quality & we do not notice the off ball stuff he does--well he is off the ball & out of the game virtually all match--brings new levels of meaning to thr term STATIC.
The pace of a pregnant Yak-the reflexes of a dead parrot & the determination of a jamie moralee!
Posted by: neville on 3:22pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Hornetboy and Prof (and to a lesser extent Sage), all call for new blood yet in the same postings state that we will go up.
I agree with the latter as I have already posted, but the squad is good enough as it is.
We are unbeaten in 12, are now very, very hard to beat, and we have a run of four home games out of five coming up.
CJ, NE and Danny will score enough for now, then we have Hendo and JE to come back refreshed.
If all else fails we have a nice trip to the seaside on the final day to clinch things at Blackpool.
I hear that Simpson and Ashton are thinking of using 2M of the 50M Premiership kitty to "bribe" Blackpool, just to make sure!!!!
Any truth in this?
We can do it by fair means, not foul, and I don't think it will go as far as Blackpool.
By the way Prof, I am still awaiting the final results of your crystal ball and tea leaves!
Hornetboy and Prof (and to a lesser extent Sage), all call for new blood yet in the same postings state that we will go up.
I agree with the latter as I have already posted, but the squad is good enough as it is.
We are unbeaten in 12, are now very, very hard to beat, and we have a run of four home games out of five coming up.
CJ, NE and Danny will score enough for now, then we have Hendo and JE to come back refreshed.
If all else fails we have a nice trip to the seaside on the final day to clinch things at Blackpool.
I hear that Simpson and Ashton are thinking of using 2M of the 50M Premiership kitty to "bribe" Blackpool, just to make sure!!!!
Any truth in this?
We can do it by fair means, not foul, and I don't think it will go as far as Blackpool.
By the way Prof, I am still awaiting the final results of your crystal ball and tea leaves!
Posted by: Professor Plum, The Billiard Room on 3:37pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote]Hornetboy and Prof (and to a lesser extent Sage), all call for new blood yet in the same postings state that we will go up
[/quote]
I think it would be handy to get one or two new faces in for the run in - but not essential. The next three games will settle everything: we'll get nine points (although I'd take seven), the others will fall apart and everything will be set fair....
Hornetboy and Prof (and to a lesser extent Sage), all call for new blood yet in the same postings state that we will go up
I think it would be handy to get one or two new faces in for the run in - but not essential. The next three games will settle everything: we'll get nine points (although I'd take seven), the others will fall apart and everything will be set fair....
Posted by: Colin, st albans on 4:10pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Plum what planet are you on you moron? And as for the rest of the deluded clappers on this site, i'm sick of hearing about promotion We are an awful team with largely poor players.
All the other so called contenders have dipped into the loans market to strenghten but ,no, not our idiot of a manager who is once more keeping faith with dross like Williamson, O'Toole, Bagura, Stewart,Ellington and John.
This will prove to be his last and most costly mistake, we'll get stuffed at Hull and West Brom and only just scrape the play offs.
Whichever way you look at it, this club has underachieved this season...and the root cause is the managers inability or reluctance to sign proven quality but instead waste money on crap like Ellington and Ainsworth.
Total rubbish!
Plum what planet are you on you moron? And as for the rest of the deluded clappers on this site, i'm sick of hearing about promotion We are an awful team with largely poor players.
All the other so called contenders have dipped into the loans market to strenghten but ,no, not our idiot of a manager who is once more keeping faith with dross like Williamson, O'Toole, Bagura, Stewart,Ellington and John.
This will prove to be his last and most costly mistake, we'll get stuffed at Hull and West Brom and only just scrape the play offs.
Whichever way you look at it, this club has underachieved this season...and the root cause is the managers inability or reluctance to sign proven quality but instead waste money on crap like Ellington and Ainsworth.
Total rubbish!
Posted by: chris, the vic on 4:24pm Thu 27 Mar 08
You are so unfair Colin...Aidy has been busy chatting to Sir Elton...apparently his roadie is an ace!!
At the end of the day you can all chat as much as you like..i doubt whether we will get anyone...if we do we have to be very lucky that they could fit in and influence matters.
To win games we need goals Hendo doesnt do goals too often recently so we rely on Kabba/Ellington and John. Out of them only Duke has found the net more than once this season.
So lets put Uncle Sage to one side and pray the lads led by hot shot Danny Shittu can pull it round....because if Big Dan cant I reckon we are certs to miss out.
I like your prediction Prof Plum hope you are right but i wont hold my breath.
You are so unfair Colin...Aidy has been busy chatting to Sir Elton...apparently his roadie is an ace!!
At the end of the day you can all chat as much as you like..i doubt whether we will get anyone...if we do we have to be very lucky that they could fit in and influence matters.
To win games we need goals Hendo doesnt do goals too often recently so we rely on Kabba/Ellington and John. Out of them only Duke has found the net more than once this season.
So lets put Uncle Sage to one side and pray the lads led by hot shot Danny Shittu can pull it round....because if Big Dan cant I reckon we are certs to miss out.
I like your prediction Prof Plum hope you are right but i wont hold my breath.
Posted by: Professor Plum, The Billiard Room on 4:30pm Thu 27 Mar 08
If we fail to go up we will have underachieved, Colin, I agree. I think even Boothroyd stated early in the season that anything other than a top two finish will be deamed a failure.
I'm not Boothroyd's greatest fan (I think there's even an argument for getting rid of him even if we do go up - which I'll bore you with another time) but for the moment I am optimistic. Of course, my mood my have changed by 5pm on Saturday.
Overall this season has been one of the most depressing I can remember but looking at the league and the state of the others around us who are all misfiring I feel we are well placed (four of last five games at home) to put a few wins together and move clear of the pack.
Time will tell, but approaching a difficult situation in a positive frame of mind never did any harm.
If we fail to go up we will have underachieved, Colin, I agree. I think even Boothroyd stated early in the season that anything other than a top two finish will be deamed a failure.
I'm not Boothroyd's greatest fan (I think there's even an argument for getting rid of him even if we do go up - which I'll bore you with another time) but for the moment I am optimistic. Of course, my mood my have changed by 5pm on Saturday.
Overall this season has been one of the most depressing I can remember but looking at the league and the state of the others around us who are all misfiring I feel we are well placed (four of last five games at home) to put a few wins together and move clear of the pack.
Time will tell, but approaching a difficult situation in a positive frame of mind never did any harm.
Posted by: Scotshorn, Aberdeen on 4:44pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[Colin said- Whichever way you look at it, this club has underachieved this season...and the root cause is the managers inability or reluctance to sign proven quality but instead waste money on crap like Ellington and Ainsworth. ]
A bit of flawed logic here, Colin. You can really only say that any club has underachieved if it's players are not performing to the high standards that you think they are capable of.
You don't actually believe that the bulk of this club's players have the capability to play at this level or higher, and have frequently pointed this out, therefore logic says the club can't actually be underachieving.
Whilst I have to agree that NE appears to have been a failure so far, I have to disagree about LA. At the very least, he deserves a decent run in the team before being labelled one way or the other.
A bit of flawed logic here, Colin. You can really only say that any club has underachieved if it's players are not performing to the high standards that you think they are capable of.
You don't actually believe that the bulk of this club's players have the capability to play at this level or higher, and have frequently pointed this out, therefore logic says the club can't actually be underachieving.
Whilst I have to agree that NE appears to have been a failure so far, I have to disagree about LA. At the very least, he deserves a decent run in the team before being labelled one way or the other.
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 6:23pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Sage Lazarus[/bold] wrote:
GOOD IDEA PROF!
How about me with Vor as asstnt?
Des-not make playoffs--nonsense! but agree re players ego`s-who cares? if they win then ok-if they do not then we get others in.[/quote] Ooooh sage........
Do I sense a job offer is on the way at long last?
Oh well that's just great, we get nobody...I tend to agree with colin, we simply dont have the strikers to score enough goals to get us promoted, either automatically or via playoffs, we have 3 of them for the time being and all three if not 4 do not score, even from the spot, cant rely on DS all the time, what happens on the training pitch...why doesn't JM or TS score any?
As the table suggests, we are on the slide, it doesn't matter that we've got a game in hand, we're incapable of winning, hence previous 8 games, why are people so upbeat about our chances, it's only the fact that the teams around us aren't, but will I fear win more than us in the run in.
I am appalled we haven't got anyone to give us a hand. I feel Aidy will have a lot of explaining at the end of the season.
I'm not a happy Bunny!!!
Sage Lazarus wrote:
GOOD IDEA PROF!
How about me with Vor as asstnt?
Des-not make playoffs--nonsense! but agree re players ego`s-who cares? if they win then ok-if they do not then we get others in.
Ooooh sage........
Do I sense a job offer is on the way at long last?
Oh well that's just great, we get nobody...I tend to agree with colin, we simply dont have the strikers to score enough goals to get us promoted, either automatically or via playoffs, we have 3 of them for the time being and all three if not 4 do not score, even from the spot, cant rely on DS all the time, what happens on the training pitch...why doesn't JM or TS score any?
As the table suggests, we are on the slide, it doesn't matter that we've got a game in hand, we're incapable of winning, hence previous 8 games, why are people so upbeat about our chances, it's only the fact that the teams around us aren't, but will I fear win more than us in the run in.
I am appalled we haven't got anyone to give us a hand. I feel Aidy will have a lot of explaining at the end of the season.
I'm not a happy Bunny!!!
Posted by: mk horn, mk on 7:11pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Dear Colin, as I recall you said it would be all over by this stage of the season and we would be midtable. Care to admit you were wrong?
Dear Colin, as I recall you said it would be all over by this stage of the season and we would be midtable. Care to admit you were wrong?
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 7:15pm Thu 27 Mar 08
We have been hard to beat but without DH & JE we will be easier I fear--avoiding defeat @ Hull is vital
I want NE to prove me wrong--after all he has proved everyone involved in buying him for us wrong & only WBA fans right!
We have been hard to beat but without DH & JE we will be easier I fear--avoiding defeat @ Hull is vital
I want NE to prove me wrong--after all he has proved everyone involved in buying him for us wrong & only WBA fans right!
Posted by: The enlightened one, Garston on 11:28pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Best laugh of the day from the wally in canada cheered me up no end he must frequent the same optician as boofers the fact we haven't signed anyone to bolster our powderpuff forward line speaks volumes about the berk we have in charge,I think we'd be better off with DS upfront on the off chance that Notgoodenuff might swing over one decent ball during a game.Onwards and downwards.
Best laugh of the day from the wally in canada cheered me up no end he must frequent the same optician as boofers the fact we haven't signed anyone to bolster our powderpuff forward line speaks volumes about the berk we have in charge,I think we'd be better off with DS upfront on the off chance that Notgoodenuff might swing over one decent ball during a game.Onwards and downwards.
Posted by: Darren, Canada on 12:21am Fri 28 Mar 08
Dear Enlightened Anu$,
Firstly, how about a little grammar? Obviously this website is all about opinions and you do not have to agree with me. It's funny how when we signed NE everyone was full of support for the club (board and all) and now the fickle "I told you so" comments creep out of the woodwork. Have fun in Garston.
Dear Enlightened Anu$,
Firstly, how about a little grammar? Obviously this website is all about opinions and you do not have to agree with me. It's funny how when we signed NE everyone was full of support for the club (board and all) and now the fickle "I told you so" comments creep out of the woodwork. Have fun in Garston.
Posted by: The enlightened one, Garston on 8:29am Fri 28 Mar 08
I've said from the beginning that NE wasn't worth the money,I take you've been to plenty of games this year Dazza,bloody good effort to fly back to blighty once a fortnight to watch the crap we've had to endure this season.No,in that case I will continue to treat your comments as a fine contribution to North American comedy.Greetings from the peoples republic of Garston,its fabulous,no bloated insular North Americans here.Have a nice day ****.
I've said from the beginning that NE wasn't worth the money,I take you've been to plenty of games this year Dazza,bloody good effort to fly back to blighty once a fortnight to watch the crap we've had to endure this season.No,in that case I will continue to treat your comments as a fine contribution to North American comedy.Greetings from the peoples republic of Garston,its fabulous,no bloated insular North Americans here.Have a nice day ****.
Posted by: Lifer on 8:34am Fri 28 Mar 08
The extremely negative one--have you ever had a positive thought? apart from being positive about what you dislike?
Garston sounds even grimmer now than when I lived there in 1973.
The extremely negative one--have you ever had a positive thought? apart from being positive about what you dislike?
Garston sounds even grimmer now than when I lived there in 1973.
Posted by: chris, the vic on 9:01am Fri 28 Mar 08
Darren I was excited about Duke being signed and thought at the time it was great news.
And even now I am not sure that Duke wont finish up going from zero to hero before the season ends.
However lets make a couple of things very clear to you.
These threads idicate our ex chief scout was dead against Duke coming and caused his exodus (This is heresay...but i can understand why)
Therefore I presume Aidy himself must have watched Duke before over-ruling our Chief Scout and of course before we paid out £3m+.
His judgement was that we should break our transfer record to get Duke.
Yep hindsight is a wonderful thing but when an expert watches a player I expect him to decide is it good value given our circumstances and will he fit in with our style of play (a style of play decided upon by the aforementioned expert)
I guess in your world a person isnt held accountable for his action from your comments.
For me, as I have said, I will judge Duke at the end of the season, many others like our friend sage have already made their judgement which is their right.
Based on current performances our forwards have totally underperformed and Danny Shittu has thank goodness found the back of the net.
I think enlightened had a fair point.
Darren I was excited about Duke being signed and thought at the time it was great news.
And even now I am not sure that Duke wont finish up going from zero to hero before the season ends.
However lets make a couple of things very clear to you.
These threads idicate our ex chief scout was dead against Duke coming and caused his exodus (This is heresay...but i can understand why)
Therefore I presume Aidy himself must have watched Duke before over-ruling our Chief Scout and of course before we paid out £3m+.
His judgement was that we should break our transfer record to get Duke.
Yep hindsight is a wonderful thing but when an expert watches a player I expect him to decide is it good value given our circumstances and will he fit in with our style of play (a style of play decided upon by the aforementioned expert)
I guess in your world a person isnt held accountable for his action from your comments.
For me, as I have said, I will judge Duke at the end of the season, many others like our friend sage have already made their judgement which is their right.
Based on current performances our forwards have totally underperformed and Danny Shittu has thank goodness found the back of the net.
I think enlightened had a fair point.
Posted by: neville on 9:32am Fri 28 Mar 08
Chris, enlightened may or may not have a fair point. But there is no need to use the disgusting language he regularly posts.
This site has improved a lot lately but it only needs people like the enlightened one to drag it down again.
My apologies to Darren in Canada, we are not all like him!
I have reported his distasteful postings to the WO, and hope they take some action.
Chris, enlightened may or may not have a fair point. But there is no need to use the disgusting language he regularly posts.
This site has improved a lot lately but it only needs people like the enlightened one to drag it down again.
My apologies to Darren in Canada, we are not all like him!
I have reported his distasteful postings to the WO, and hope they take some action.
Posted by: Drinker on 10:05am Fri 28 Mar 08
Chris,I believe that your post is largely quite right but with 2 challenges if you do not mind.
1.the chief scout stuff is pure conjecture,you really should substantiate or withdraw it--please do not resort to Colin type smears.
2. Sage has said he is hoping to be proven wrong re ellington and earlier he has said that there were improvements followed by a relapse.
Whilst I am a little more hopeful about the Duke,I also do not trust him to put in the effort needed ,especially away from home.
Hull are flying and we cannot afford passengers with 2 of our most determind players--Eustace & henderson absent.
I also would play SK & CJ.
Chris,I believe that your post is largely quite right but with 2 challenges if you do not mind.
1.the chief scout stuff is pure conjecture,you really should substantiate or withdraw it--please do not resort to Colin type smears.
2. Sage has said he is hoping to be proven wrong re ellington and earlier he has said that there were improvements followed by a relapse.
Whilst I am a little more hopeful about the Duke,I also do not trust him to put in the effort needed ,especially away from home.
Hull are flying and we cannot afford passengers with 2 of our most determind players--Eustace & henderson absent.
I also would play SK & CJ.
Posted by: The enlightened one, Garston on 11:12am Fri 28 Mar 08
Neville quick reply to your apology on my behalf.
Firstly the **** at the end of my comment were meant to represent kisses to show that I didn't take offence at Darren calling me an anu$,secondly calling Boofers a berk isn't exactly nasty,thirdly a large proportion of North Americans are on the portly side & very few of them have passports therefore to call them insular is hardly a crime,I will admit to calling Styles a nasty name but you can hardly hang me for that and finally a quick reply to lifer,I roll up to every home game hoping we put in a performance only to be disapointed,LB and JE were two good signings but having said that even a blind dog finds a bone every now and again.I hope we go to Hull and get a positive result but with our less than impressive forward line I hope we don't concede more than one goal.Unfortunately this site ie frequented by people who follow the party line and any diversion from this is seen as being disloyal, I have supported this club for 30 yrs and I will continue to speak out if i see things that are wrong.
Neville quick reply to your apology on my behalf.
Firstly the **** at the end of my comment were meant to represent kisses to show that I didn't take offence at Darren calling me an anu$,secondly calling Boofers a berk isn't exactly nasty,thirdly a large proportion of North Americans are on the portly side & very few of them have passports therefore to call them insular is hardly a crime,I will admit to calling Styles a nasty name but you can hardly hang me for that and finally a quick reply to lifer,I roll up to every home game hoping we put in a performance only to be disapointed,LB and JE were two good signings but having said that even a blind dog finds a bone every now and again.I hope we go to Hull and get a positive result but with our less than impressive forward line I hope we don't concede more than one goal.Unfortunately this site ie frequented by people who follow the party line and any diversion from this is seen as being disloyal, I have supported this club for 30 yrs and I will continue to speak out if i see things that are wrong.
Posted by: Darren, Canada on 1:59pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Enlightened One, glad to hear that you didn't take offence. I come on here to enjoy a bit of banter and obviously living in Canada my opinions can be distorted. I honestly always rated NE and still think he will finish the season strong. You are quite right about the average size of North Americans - and there is no excuse for it, thankfully I am not part of those statistics. I too am a Watford fan of 30= years, now 45 and very much looking forward to returning to Blighty this summer, hoping to take in some pre-season friendlies. I was born in Garston at Stanborough Nursing Home (demolished around 1968). The thing is, for some reason after all of these draws AND our forwards not performing as we had hoped, I still get the feeling the boys are going to click and finish strong. I predicted a draw at Hull, draw home to Palace, loss at WBA, three remaining home wins and a win at Blackpool, which could well be enough. Fingers crossed for tomorrow - glad that we are all wise enough to not take it too personal, I am sure if we all met over a pint we would all find each other decent guys, just with different opinions. Cheers.
Enlightened One, glad to hear that you didn't take offence. I come on here to enjoy a bit of banter and obviously living in Canada my opinions can be distorted. I honestly always rated NE and still think he will finish the season strong. You are quite right about the average size of North Americans - and there is no excuse for it, thankfully I am not part of those statistics. I too am a Watford fan of 30= years, now 45 and very much looking forward to returning to Blighty this summer, hoping to take in some pre-season friendlies. I was born in Garston at Stanborough Nursing Home (demolished around 1968). The thing is, for some reason after all of these draws AND our forwards not performing as we had hoped, I still get the feeling the boys are going to click and finish strong. I predicted a draw at Hull, draw home to Palace, loss at WBA, three remaining home wins and a win at Blackpool, which could well be enough. Fingers crossed for tomorrow - glad that we are all wise enough to not take it too personal, I am sure if we all met over a pint we would all find each other decent guys, just with different opinions. Cheers.
Posted by: chris, the vic on 9:48pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Drinker point re Chief Scout I cannot withdraw it...but neither would I confirm it...It has been said by several in threads and as I say it is heresay but either way i assume Aidy had final say on Duke's ability so not sure what more i could do with the caveat i placed on it.
I appreciate Hendo's work ethic but Duke scores more often these days and may during the run in prove goals are better than effort. I am not convinced by either Duke or Darius
Drinker point re Chief Scout I cannot withdraw it...but neither would I confirm it...It has been said by several in threads and as I say it is heresay but either way i assume Aidy had final say on Duke's ability so not sure what more i could do with the caveat i placed on it.
I appreciate Hendo's work ethic but Duke scores more often these days and may during the run in prove goals are better than effort. I am not convinced by either Duke or Darius
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 8:51am Sat 29 Mar 08
Chris--just off to Hull but not sure NE c3 in c12 is brtter than DH c12 in c36 not good at maths but i in 3 seems better than 1 in 4 to me!
without DH do niot think ball will stick up front & we will be under pressure--would prefer SK but if NE plays I want him to totally prove me wrong.
Chris--just off to Hull but not sure NE c3 in c12 is brtter than DH c12 in c36 not good at maths but i in 3 seems better than 1 in 4 to me!
without DH do niot think ball will stick up front & we will be under pressure--would prefer SK but if NE plays I want him to totally prove me wrong.
Posted by: Sage Lazarus on 8:59am Sat 29 Mar 08
CORRECTION
DH 12 in 29 v NE 3 in 14! ( DH 6 subs apps v NE 13)
DH 4 games without a goal NE 6 without!
FACTS MATE--FACTS!
CORRECTION
DH 12 in 29 v NE 3 in 14! ( DH 6 subs apps v NE 13)
DH 4 games without a goal NE 6 without!
FACTS MATE--FACTS!
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