Blues boss Brown: I don't think the team are playing for me

[mfurok]

Listening to his interview yesterday he sounds like someone who would rather not be here. Something is not right, although as Glenn Pennyfather said, we don't know what is going on inside the camp. I was not at the game so it is hard to comment but as Glenn said, we just weren't in the game in the second half. Emotions are running high on Shrimperzone but we are 12th in the table, not in the bottom four! My view on Brown FWIW is that his downside is his poor man management skills, this goes back to his crazy antics at Hull and his constant berating of players at our club via the media. I am sure there are players who do not like playing for him. He seems a knowledgeable bloke regarding the game but his ego lets him down. At the end of the day we have to presume that Ron knows the real story of what is going on and he will act accordingly. Will Brown still be here this side of Christmas, who knows?

I listened to the interview with Brown in the car in the traffic chaos leaving the ground.

Brown said, in answer to whether the players were playing for him, 'ask the Club Captain'.

I haven't seen that quote reported anywhere.

Does anyone know what he meant by that?

 

[AndyT]

There was an interesting interview with Anton after the 1-1 draw at MK Dons, where the reporter apparently said that PB had said the team were a disgrace and Anton replied, somewhat surprised by that comment (and rightly so).

Maybe there's been a few issues between them, since then? .. He certainly played poorly in the next match.

 

[mfurok]

There was an interesting interview with Anton after the 1-1 draw at MK Dons, where the reporter apparently said that PB had said the team were a disgrace and Anton replied, somewhat surprised by that comment (and rightly so).

Maybe there's been a few issues between them, since then? .. He certainly played poorly in the next match.

There certainly was.

You would have thought that they were talking about different games.

 

[AndyT]

Yep, totally agree.

I don't think Anton is anywhere near match fit (NSS) and is maybe being pushed physically to the limits. PB said in a radio interview as I was driving up for the Oxford match, that he expected players to play, even if they weren't fully fit. I did wonder, at the time, if this was also a factor in a slight rift between players. Who knows? .. Something is clearly up, though.

 

[Barling Magna]

I didn’t realise Saturday was that bad

No, I agree. It was certainly a poor second half performance and some players appeared to have given up, but there was at least a twenty minute spell in the first half when we were clearly on top and pushing hard - just couldn't score. The problem seems to be that we can't respond at all once we fall a goal or a couple of goals behind and, to my mind, that's a sign of some players just turning up to get paid rather than to play with any passion or fight for our club.

 

[onceknownasrab]

Slightly odd interview by PB on BBC Essex today. Spoke about Coker raring to get back into contention after injury and then said he wanted 20 players like Coker in the squad, not because of ability, but because he wants to play. It sounded like another dig.

 

[Barling Magna]

Yes and I think it is a justified dig - but should be said behind closed doors (unless the situation is REALLY desperate and I can't see that it can be, we're mid-table after all). How many of the current squad would accept the battering that Timlin for example has received and fight on? Too many are doing what they think they can get away with and taking care of themselves.

 

[onceknownasrab]

Yes and I think it is a justified dig - but should be said behind closed doors (unless the situation is REALLY desperate and I can't see that it can be, we're mid-table after all). How many of the current squad would accept the battering that Timlin for example has received and fight on? Too many are doing what they think they can get away with and taking care of themselves.

I am starting to wonder, if the squad are not against the manager, whether PB is no longer behind many of the players. It will result in the same conflict and be difficult to resolve. Perhaps, with a number of ex-higher league players, we have too few leaders on the pitch and too many egos? A selection of 'Billy Big Boots' who invariably know best, is a recipe for disharmony.

 

[WESTY_SUFC]

Slightly odd interview by PB on BBC Essex today. Spoke about Coker raring to get back into contention after injury and then said he wanted 20 players like Coker in the squad, not because of ability, but because he wants to play. It sounded like another dig.

The thing which Brown needs to take ownership of is that it's his squad he built and he took the risk signing players with recent injury or fitness issues.

 

[onceknownasrab]

The thing which Brown needs to take ownership of is that it's his squad he built and he took the risk signing players with recent injury or fitness issues.

I am fully in agreement with you but I am also, as always, concerned about what is best for the club. I have never been a PB fan, which is a shock to many I am sure, but getting rid of him now may not solve the problem on its own. Maybe, almost definitely, a few players need to be kicked into touch too. I am sure when PB signed certain players he thought they would improve the squad. If it hasn't, then yes he is responsible for that, but it's one of those things that even he can only discover with the aid of hindsight. I disagree with a lot of the managers tactics and team selections. That's all about opinion, but if so called professionals are not doing the job they are paid for, then PB has a certain amount of my sympathy. The players, like me, may not agree with him, but it's his job to decide and their job to do it.
I suspect we have a few players that know this is their last hurrah. They are not concerned about their next club as this is their swansong. If they are not playing for the pride of the club and their own self-respect, then they have nothing to motivate them. In all jobs you see the payday ponces that go through the motions, halfheartedly, and it creates disharmony and places further strain on those that want to do their best. I think the fans need to have a whip round a give RM a bloody big broom for Christmas and let him enjoy sweeping the garbage beyond the threshold and hoping that 2018 can start clutter free.

 

[blues exile]

The bulk of these players are clearly on their last contracts as football league players and have little or no prospect of finding another club and have no resale value. They are just seeing out their time and taking the money. A change of manager would be unlikely to make much difference as they have neither the ability or the motivation to up their game. Indeed, in the case of one of the younger ones, Ranger, one questions whether he really wants to be a professional footballer at all judging by his passive attitude this season. The folly of awarding longish contracts to over the hill injury prone names from the past will haunt us for a long tome to come. Now watch us bounce back and bury Bradford under an avalanche of goals on Saturday, or maybe the weather wlil spare us. The glorious uncertainty of football.

 

[Barling Magna]

In all jobs you see the payday ponces that go through the motions, halfheartedly, and it creates disharmony and places further strain on those that want to do their best.

Exactly. Such "old sweats" are cynical clock-watchers, smirking at those who put in a real shift and draining the energy out of the young by their actions and cynical comments. I predict a big clear-out next month (and, for once, a prediction of mine may actually happen).

 

[rigsby]

Exactly. Such "old sweats" are cynical clock-watchers, smirking at those who put in a real shift and draining the energy out of the young by their actions and cynical comments. I predict a big clear-out next month (and, for once, a prediction of mine may actually happen).

Come on lads lots not get carried away. Some of you have made some good and valid points so far about the oldies but lets not start a hate campaign.

Cox proved excellent value last season for what we could afford. As did Anton who also got the best out of Thompson. Both of those players should have been in anyone's top 3 picks for POTY. They were major factors in our 7th place finish.

Anyone on here think MAF is lazy, cynical or unfit......He is also our interpreter for Ba.

 

[Barling Magna]

I agree with you about Cox and MAF - they have certainly given their all. Anton did last year and we are aware that he has had some tragic personal issues and his legs may have lost their energy - he should have been out for the post-match interview though.

 

[onceknownasrab]

Come on lads lots not get carried away. Some of you have made some good and valid points so far about the oldies but lets not start a hate campaign.

Cox proved excellent value last season for what we could afford. As did Anton who also got the best out of Thompson. Both of those players should have been in anyone's top 3 picks for POTY. They were major factors in our 7th place finish.

Anyone on here think MAF is lazy, cynical or unfit......He is also our interpreter for Ba.

Cox was/is neither an oldie or a crock and MAF is not a crock nor an oldie in his head. He is an excellent professional that is not prepared to tarnish his career record by giving less than his best. A great example. I think you avoided listing the players people are referring to and have also failed to identify the problem, with your knowledge, of what is going on/wrong.

 

[AndyT]

Exactly. Such "old sweats" are cynical clock-watchers, smirking at those who put in a real shift and draining the energy out of the young by their actions and cynical comments. I predict a big clear-out next month (and, for once, a prediction of mine may actually happen).

Yes, but enough about Shrimpermoan! :winking: Edit ; 'Rigbsy' beat me to it!

As an aside, I wonder if PB got some negative feedback from players who were asked to turn out for that Chicken-Trade match? .. I was amazed Anton started, I have to say.

 

[rigsby]

Cox was/is neither an oldie or a crock and MAF is not a crock nor an oldie in his head. He is an excellent professional that is not prepared to tarnish his career record by giving less than his best. A great example. I think you avoided listing the players people are referring to and have also failed to identify the problem, with your knowledge, of what is going on/wrong.

Then you will have to be clear on who you don't like this week. I assumed it was Anton that was still top of the list. Can't be Kiernan or Hendrie as they are not old or the senior players. Ba is just a trainee so can't be him....Definitely won't be last years 'shocking, joke of a signing' Mark Oxley

Could be Turner but he has played well in the games I have seen.....How about Kightly?.....You'll have to let me know.

Not sure what you mean by saying I have failed to identify the problem.....So far this week I've seen at least 100 put forward.

Or are you one of those people who would send me a PM on a Saturday night full of bitter glee because we lost. Some of them think they are actually having a go at PB when they have a dig at me......Which of course is hilarious as they will be on here claiming I'm the one who is deluded.....mmmmm

 

[onceknownasrab]

Then you will have to be clear on who you don't like this week. I assumed it was Anton that was still top of the list. Can't be Kiernan or Hendrie as they are not old or the senior players. Ba is just a trainee so can't be him....Definitely won't be last years 'shocking, joke of a signing' Mark Oxley

Could be Turner but he has played well in the games I have seen.....How about Kightly?.....You'll have to let me know.

Not sure what you mean by saying I have failed to identify the problem.....So far this week I've seen at least 100 put forward.

Or are you one of those people who would send me a PM on a Saturday night full of bitter glee because we lost. Some of them think they are actually having a go at PB when they have a dig at me......Which of course is hilarious as they will be on here claiming I'm the one who is deluded.....mmmmm

Another acidic response. Players aside, young or old, you profess to and demonstrate some inside knowledge. I have asked you several times for your take on things. What do you think is going on? Why have things reached a nadir, who is responsible and what can be done?

 

[Fairport]

Who knows what is going on at our club, but many are blaming some of Brown's signing of older players. That said, most of us, myself included were pleased with the signings made this season and were optimistic about our prospects. Although we all seem to be guessing as to what the problems are I am sure the presence of Ranger in the squad causes some resentment among at least some of the lads, quite right too. The Chairman and the manager should really question their judgement in giving this guy special and unwarranted treatment.

 

[rigsby]

Another acidic response. Players aside, young or old, you profess to and demonstrate some inside knowledge. I have asked you several times for your take on things. What do you think is going on? Why have things reached a nadir, who is responsible and what can be done?

I must have missed these 'several' times, whenever we lose its hard to keep up with all the threads saying the same things.

If its the 'lost the dressing room' cliché that has been wheeled out, then no I don't have any inside information. Besides I have never come on here claiming knowledge of players falling out with each other, staff with players, staff with staff etc.

I stick to facts. If someone claims that Freddy Eastwood is on £,5000 per week or we had one of the biggest budgets in the league etc, then yes I'm happy to point out that is total bull. Or something damaging to players and club alike.....I saw half the team eating a full monty in Tescos at 13:00 on matchday.....so and so was out on the town on this night....Then yes with some inside knowledge I'll happily point out its total bull.......Usually to the annoyance of those that hate everything SUFC.

For the record I never have asked about what goes on in the dressing room.... Nor would I be told.....If I was told I would lose respect for that person.

I' will give you one piece of inside information......People who come on here claiming they know all about the dressing room are full of s... :thumbsup: