Sittingbourne 4-2 Town // FA Trophy 3rd Round

[ETFC2001]

The way last season happened - whether that’s travelling over to Italy and other countries for the Fenix trophy, or the little cup run we had, or obviously the great playoff win against Chatham, it was always going to be hard to replicate that season with the amount of good vibes from everyone at the club. And we went into this season the same, good vibes, friendship between players and then fans, going up 1-0 against Torquay, winning against Weston early in the season at home. Even Weymouth was a good day for all in my opinion. It just feels like that has completely gone and there is none of the sort anymore.

Players look disheartened, lack of character etc you name it. Fans are fed up, booing them, telling them they aren’t fit to wear the shirt when they are walking back to the tunnel. We already know they look on this forum, or the management team look on this forum. And no-one will ever stop supporting this club. I imagine there will be 15/20 going to Tonbridge on Tuesday, and I think it’s amazing how we even reached this level in the first place. But I think it’s a shame how our season is now basically over in 4 months. Out of every cup, the sour attitude from everyone, 11 points in 19 games. The last hope for me this season really to get some momentum was the FA Trophy, and now that is over because we are simply not good enough. I’d love for us to look back at this in 5 months when we’re in safety but it looks very unlikely week by week.

[Towningaround]

In terms of staying up, the season is still salvageable. We aren’t cut adrift but it looks increasingly like 4 from 5 unless anyone goes into freefall (which does often happen).

The concerning thing is I don’t see signs of change or anything that really lends itself to helping me think “yes we have another 10 wins in us”.

We look increasingly unorganised not gradually more organised. We look increasingly demoralised rather than increasingly energised. 

In my honest opinion I think we look the least fit or least athletic team I’ve ever seen at this level of football. It’s like no one took it seriously and we seem to be applying ourselves like a team from lower leagues where what they earn is little more than some extra beer money. 

Most, if not all teams in those divisions prepare, train and recover like pro footballers. There are no post match beers and there are no “can’t make training” excuses. If teams aren’t already full time / hybrid they are moving that direction and those training part time are trying to make that as professional as possible.

I actually think there are enough good players in this squad to make a go of it and with 3/4 additions could actually turn it around…..however we don’t have the players to play the way we are playing in the formation and style we are playing and something in that respect has to change.

We are constantly conceding goals from wide areas. The outside centre backs have no interest in getting out to close space and our wingbacks are scandalously exposed in 2v1 situations and overloads which means we are constantly chasing shadows. The midfield have legs but either sit so deep we concede space or fly forwards and leave us exposed. Again, they offer no help to their wingbacks defensively or attacking in avoiding or creating overloads. 

The system is killing us. It’s really simple Q and A for ourselves…..

1. Do we have capable wing backs for both sides of the pitch? 

Answer = No. So don’t play a system that requires them. 

2. Do we have 3 centre backs that are so good we need to play them all?

Answer = No. So play the best two.

3. Do we have 2 Centre Forwards?

Answer = No. So dont play a system that requires two and end up playing midfield players up there. Midfield players have no idea. They get in the way. They take defenders into areas too early and block off space to deliver into. They want to carry the ball when they need to be laying off or delivering. They’re a bloody nuisance (ie Young’s yesterday!) Even if they have an ability to score goals (ie Youngs) it’s often from arriving late as opposed to getting there first. It’s two different skill sets. 

As I say, I think it’s salvageable (just!) but not if we carry on merrily doing what we’ve always done wondering why we keep getting what we always got. 

Edited December 8 by Towningaround

[The Crowing Cockerel]

The only way we could possibly stay up now is for there to be a significant change in the style of play/tactics and the recruitment of several decent players. Neither of those things are going to happen under the current manager. Therefore the first thing that needs to happen is a change of manager. 

I won't hold my breath waiting on the ETFC twitter page for the announcement...

[No bull Towner]

1 hour ago, lovely stuff said:

Constantly belittling the club, it's board and fans, whilst omitting to ever show the same harsh scrutiny to the performance of the management or players does seem odd. Hopefully this won't be your only season with us on the forum.

You should re read some of my posts as this isn't the case. I don't hang people out to dry unnecessarily no, but I have criticised management and players on occasion. I just don't believe that the entire failings of this year are down to one man. I could be wrong but I would hazard a guess that his hands are somewhat tied. Varying views are healthy so I'm sure you will have to suffer me for longer as I'm not a relative, agent or spy though it's funny when suggested!

[No bull Towner]

37 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

I agree with you. Obviously, we have to look at the management team first and players because they are producing this on the pitch. But I find it hard to disagree with some of his comments. I think a few people’s problems lie higher up. Whether that’s not giving Gavin enough budget, going into this season unprepared, are we really happy to just be a step 3 side from Enfield, who challenge for promotion every year in step 3 and we will maybe go up a few times but go straight back down - or do we think this is just a learning curve for all and once we get back up here -  if we ever do it’ll be a much better experience for everyone involved? I sit on the fence about that one. 

But, you have to share about blame equally. You can’t talk about just the board and not focus some blame on Gavin and the players. Whether or not they are good enough for this league, that’s a different issue. Gavin deserves the blame too, for not being open to changing the way we play. I understood it for a while because maybe we was lacking in some areas, but there is no excuse for it now imo, especially yesterday. I understand - conditions and all, but that was for both teams. There was no game plan in place for yesterday. And I’ve said that a few times now this season.

Like I've said before I do share blame around I just don't think that bringing in a new manager without additional resources is the answer. I'm not saying he's brilliant, nor are the majority of the players but I have tried to remain somewhat positive until now. I will happily be proved wrong if a new manager performs a miracle with what's already here and doesn't suddenly get a huge cash injection from somewhere to get in vastly improved players (as I think both would need to happen to change anything). Sorry if my views offend but I'm entitled to them just the same!

[ETFC2001]

1 hour ago, Towningaround said:

In terms of staying up, the season is still salvageable. We aren’t cut adrift but it looks increasingly like 4 from 5 unless anyone goes into freefall (which does often happen).

The concerning thing is I don’t see signs of change or anything that really lends itself to helping me think “yes we have another 10 wins in us”.

We look increasingly unorganised not gradually more organised. We look increasingly demoralised rather than increasingly energised. 

In my honest opinion I think we look the least fit or least athletic team I’ve ever seen at this level of football. It’s like no one took it seriously and we seem to be applying ourselves like a team from lower leagues where what they earn is little more than some extra beer money. 

Most, if not all teams in those divisions prepare, train and recover like pro footballers. There are no post match beers and there are no “can’t make training” excuses. If teams aren’t already full time / hybrid they are moving that direction and those training part time are trying to make that as professional as possible.

I actually think there are enough good players in this squad to make a go of it and with 3/4 additions could actually turn it around…..however we don’t have the players to play the way we are playing in the formation and style we are playing and something in that respect has to change.

We are constantly conceding goals from wide areas. The outside centre backs have no interest in getting out to close space and our wingbacks are scandalously exposed in 2v1 situations and overloads which means we are constantly chasing shadows. The midfield have legs but either sit so deep we concede space or fly forwards and leave us exposed. Again, they offer no help to their wingbacks defensively or attacking in avoiding or creating overloads. 

The system is killing us. It’s really simple Q and A for ourselves…..

1. Do we have capable wing backs for both sides of the pitch? 

Answer = No. So don’t play a system that requires them. 

2. Do we have 3 centre backs that are so good we need to play them all?

Answer = No. So play the best two.

3. Do we have 2 Centre Forwards?

Answer = No. So dont play a system that requires two and end up playing midfield players up there. Midfield players have no idea. They get in the way. They take defenders into areas too early and block off space to deliver into. They want to carry the ball when they need to be laying off or delivering. They’re a bloody nuisance (ie Young’s yesterday!) Even if they have an ability to score goals (ie Youngs) it’s often from arriving late as opposed to getting there first. It’s two different skill sets. 

As I say, I think it’s salvageable (just!) but not if we carry on merrily doing what we’ve always done wondering why we keep getting what we always got. 

Another 10 points in us* 🤣.  I completely agree with you. We look unfit and as games drag on we just look exhausted. I really wonder what we actually do on the training pitch twice a week. We don’t work on issues that has been affecting us since the day we got here. How many times have we talked about our left or right back getting skinned and then them getting a free ball in the box, no one wanting to deal with it and they smash it home. It’s tiring for fans.

There is definitely quality in the squad, just not enough. We are relying on the young loanees most weeks to try and create something. Or we’ll just give the ball to Peake and hope he creates magic. He was really poor yesterday but I don’t blame him. We rely on him for everything because he is our only good crosser of the ball, has quick feet and has a goal in him. We need 3/4 signings that 

1. Have experience

2. Are quality players

3. They can score goals

It’s too late for that now though in my opinion unless January we can muster up a late push. The tactics need to change. It’s just not suitable for us anymore. Maybe when we was allowed to play for a point, but we no longer have that luxury. We need points. I would much rather see us go down with a fight and go toe to toe with teams then play how we are now and still ship 4 every week. If Gavin doesn’t want that, let’s cut our losses and move on to someone who will. 

The only way I see this season as salvageable is there is a massive turnaround in players mentalities, they start talking to each-other on the pitch, they start taking responsibility for each-other and we sign a couple of players that have a long list of capable seasons at this level in key areas.

47 minutes ago, No bull Towner said:

Like I've said before I do share blame around I just don't think that bringing in a new manager without additional resources is the answer. I'm not saying he's brilliant, nor are the majority of the players but I have tried to remain somewhat positive until now. I will happily be proved wrong if a new manager performs a miracle with what's already here and doesn't suddenly get a huge cash injection from somewhere to get in vastly improved players (as I think both would need to happen to change anything). Sorry if my views offend but I'm entitled to them just the same!

I agree with a lot of the points you make, and of course everyone is allowed to have an opinion. The turnaround has to be massive and it has to happen quickly or there is no chance of any season being saved.

[lovely stuff]

No post match interview from Gavin yet. This is normally posted up on YouTube every Sunday. Was there one recorded after the last game. Would be worrying if not

[The Crowing Cockerel]

1 hour ago, lovely stuff said:

No post match interview from Gavin yet. This is normally posted up on YouTube every Sunday. Was there one recorded after the last game. Would be worrying if not

What can he actually say?

"The performance was unacceptable", "The fans have come out in dreadful weather and deserve better", "The players didn't do what they were asked", "I'm going to have to make some changes", "Recruitment is proving difficult".....

[Father Jack]

Don't think Gabe was there. There is a Gavin quote in the website match report

[ETFC2001]

Yeah, the guy who does it normally wasn’t there on Saturday so I imagine that’s why. But if he did, I imagine it would of been the same language used in the last 4 losses. “Recruitment this, I’ve been up late, We’ll go back and watch it, we’ll try and improve on Tuesday” etc. 

[The Crowing Cockerel]

Quite glad we lost now. Not sure I could face coming up against Chesham yet again in a cup!

[ETFC2001]

Welling United has just had a clear out of a lot of players due to budget constraints.

I think we should look at Anointed Chukwu, a striker who they’ve made available for transfer after signing him in June from Wingate and Finchley. Scored 17 in 42 last season and 5 from 17 this season in the NLS. I think he could be very good upfront for us if he could come on quite a cheap deal for some regular playing time.

[The Crowing Cockerel]

7 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

Welling United has just had a clear out of a lot of players due to budget constraints.

I think we should look at Anointed Chukwu, a striker who they’ve made available for transfer after signing him in June from Wingate and Finchley. Scored 17 in 42 last season and 5 from 17 this season in the NLS. I think he could be very good upfront for us if he could come on quite a cheap deal for some regular playing time.

Suspect its more likely he'll go back to Wingate to score goals in a promotion chasing side rather than come to us and chase lost causes for the same £.

[djwilf]

Feel like we re at a crossroads here.

 

Whatever your stance....I dont like where we are heading and cant see anything changing for the better.

[The Crowing Cockerel]

For me the issue now is: next season, how do we change from serial losers to winners? How are prospective players going to take us - and Gavin - seriously? I appreciate that this is uncharted territory for the board, but we've seen it happen elsewhere. It will be lovely having the shiny new 400-seater stand but I fear for us should we end up in Isthmian North in front of 200 fans (215 when we play Ch*****t).

[lovely stuff]

10 minutes ago, The Crowing Cockerel said:

For me the issue now is: next season, how do we change from serial losers to winners? How are prospective players going to take us - and Gavin - seriously? I appreciate that this is uncharted territory for the board, but we've seen it happen elsewhere. It will be lovely having the shiny new 400-seater stand but I fear for us should we end up in Isthmian North in front of 200 fans (215 when we play Ch*****t).

We will never end up with 200 at home. Even bottom of the league below and there will be 400 minimum at home. 700-800 if doing well

[ETFC2001]

3 hours ago, The Crowing Cockerel said:

Suspect its more likely he'll go back to Wingate to score goals in a promotion chasing side rather than come to us and chase lost causes for the same £.

Worth a try. I’m just holding onto the littlest of hope

[ETFC2001]

2 hours ago, The Crowing Cockerel said:

For me the issue now is: next season, how do we change from serial losers to winners? How are prospective players going to take us - and Gavin - seriously? I appreciate that this is uncharted territory for the board, but we've seen it happen elsewhere. It will be lovely having the shiny new 400-seater stand but I fear for us should we end up in Isthmian North in front of 200 fans (215 when we play Ch*****t).

Like others said - we are and will always be an attractive prospect (unless we become really poor off the back of this season) to step 3 players in my opinion. Great fans, a decently sized budget for step 3, a nice new stand etc we are not a team to be scoffed at like we are now at step 2. I don’t think attendances will change dramatically unless we just start losing and losing then I imagine we will struggle to gain the traction like we did at the back end of last season.

I can see where you are coming from though, it could be a worrying and tricky time for us again next year, especially if we do need a big rebuild and clear out of players who are looking for better or different opportunities.

[Albury_Walker]

4 hours ago, ETFC2001 said:

Welling United has just had a clear out of a lot of players due to budget constraints.

I think we should look at Anointed Chukwu, a striker who they’ve made available for transfer after signing him in June from Wingate and Finchley. Scored 17 in 42 last season and 5 from 17 this season in the NLS. I think he could be very good upfront for us if he could come on quite a cheap deal for some regular playing time.

We had him at Cheshunt briefly  when we was in the N L S . He's not a level 2 player . A very  good level 3 yes .  I doubt he'd add much of an Improvement.