Town v Wingate

[4wembleyfinals]

Oh dear, all the above makes depressing reading. At least I can't get blamed for them this time even though much of what is written above echos a lot of what I have said in the past.

 

It must be obvious to some that that you will have to accept that this is the AL way of playing. It will probably achieve a near mid-table place , which some have already admitted will be acceptable.

 

Although I have previously stated that I would have taken a chance on one of the other two candidates, I now think we have to run with what we have got. Although I hope that AL  proves me wrong and he starts to show more flexibility in his approach to games. For a start, whether Kirbs returns soon or not, he still needs to find more mobility in the centre of our defence. His Achilles heel is, however, that he seems to prefer players who have played for league clubs in the past, rather younger more energetic players.

 

The next few weeks will probably determine the rest of the season so I hope we will see some positive changes or I will be reading similar comments on the forum. 

Edited November 22, 2017 by 4wembleyfinals

[Theodopolous]

I said pre season a mid table finish was more than acceptable as I seemed to be in a minority as to realising the task AL had of building a team from scratch... yes we could have gone for an alternative but we could have been in the bottom three who knows... one thing for absolute certain is we wouldn't have been in the top five at this stage....

[Raingod]

LS - I concede that miracles is perhaps overstating it, so let me downgrade it ! 

I think AL has done a very good job in the time available.

 

It's great to have these discussions on the forum, and in answer to your points

 

I believe Brad took 12 or 13 players from last season's team, as well as adding Mugabo and just now Ellul.

I think (but happy to be corrected) that only 4 of our squad were with Chesham last season - Mackenzie, Youngs, Blake & Roberts - and 3 of these have done well so far for us in my view. Some of the  others had played in the past for Chesham, but not necessarily together - to me Braintree is pretty much ETFC 2016/7 - or at least was at the start, with 9 of their 15 regularly being ex Es.

 

Brad could offer higher wages, higher level of football, and keep the squad together - I'm not saying it was easy for him, and he has done a great job there - but I would say Andy had the bigger challenge. 

 

Regarding players who wanted to stay, I was told that one player wanted a big pay rise to stay, and wouldn't stay for the same money? (What I was told so again happy to be corrected)

 

 

I remember some terrible away games at the start of the season under Brad , eg Hendon & Canvey in 15/16, Sudbury in 16/17. That's why I am trying to remain positive .. but it can be hard after games like yesterday!

[lovely stuff]

It think very good is overstating it also.Average to middling so far..But i expect it to improve.

 

Regarding wages,i'm pretty certain that these current players are on more than last season squad.

[4wembleyfinals]

I agree with you Theo, everything is pure conjecture and only time will tell.

 

However, if changes to personnel become available to AL I hope he does not go, like for like, but seeks someone who will enhance the team. I still wonder what the young players signed, and loaned out, are like. Has anyone got an opinion on them? Have any appeared on the bench?

 

I appreciate that this may be a tall order but he must have some one out their scouting for players. He cannot rely on old contacts for ever. Most of whom are probably past their sell by date. We appear to have to many over 30+  which even in my day were considered past it at this level. 

 

Regarding players wages I would suggest that this is a question for the up and coming AGM. After all it is we who are paying for them at the turnstile by the increased fees. Personally I would be willing to pay a little more to help the club but only if I could be convinced it would  be spent wisely. On what I have seen and read I am reserving judgement on this.

 

If LS is right then it depends on whether the player who requested a pay rise, ask for considerable amount more or parity with the incoming players.  

 

These are the sort of questions which should be ask by members at the AGM in January. Whether you will get any viable response is another matter. 

 

 

  

Edited November 22, 2017 by 4wembleyfinals

[vauxhallman]

Do we ever get straight forward answers to Questions at a AGM.

I dont think so.

[4wembleyfinals]

Probably not, Vman, but perhaps especially this year members should press for answers. Especially if you feel strongly about something you would like clarification on.

 

For example it is not impolite to say to someone following an evasive answer to you " thank you but that still does not answer my question" or something to that effect. I would assure you that they will be more embarrassed than you, especially if you have support from others.

 

I won't be at the AGM,  for reasons already mentioned previously, but it's every members right to question their representatives if they have any qualms about something. So go for it!!!! Otherwise why do we boast that " We are a supporters owned club "

Edited November 22, 2017 by 4wembleyfinals

[AnfieldTowner]

Braintree's starting 11 last night contained only 4 ex Towners - and one of them was Joe Ellul who hasn't been with us for a while (though there were another 3 on the bench!).

[MbrunoB]

Do we ever get straight forward answers to Questions at a AGM.

I dont think so.

The most sensible comment on here.

[Castorman]

Always read this forum, so thought I would join. I agree with most of the comments said previously. With regards to 4wemleysfinal question about the youngsters on loan, my step son knows of Jack Hockney. He has been on the bench during the last few games and made about half hour appearance against Cheshunt, he was played out of position, but did well. Apparently he’s a great goal scorer, but AL just hasn’t given him his chance yet but encouraging to see him on the bench. With regards to the others, I don’t know, but I’m sure they have potential.

I agree that most of our team are great lads, good players, but all nearly knocking on over 30, to me 30 years old is young!, but in the football world we all know 30 is starting to knock on.

[Theodopolous]

Welcome Castorman.... as we all know AL had just a short time to get a squad together so obviously he went for experienced players he knew.... I am sure this wasn't his long term plan but it was a way to stop us going into freefall which clubs can do... And be honest it has worked... Now stage two must begin ... A lot of players came and went under BQ before the standard went up and I'm hoping with a congested fixture list new players will come in and be given their chance.... but I'm hopeful not confident.....the signing of Liam is certainly not part of a long term plan for me....