Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 0-2 Maidenhead United

[kentblues]

Agree with so much of what you have said and we absolutely miss a leader out there.

I'm not sure it's a performance out there we need now, because they only come with confidence, which in so many players, is shot right now.

What we need is a team willing to fight for a few positive results and then performances can build again.

For Kev to get those results, he will know that reputations mean nothing and he needs to assess who he can rely on and who will fight for the shirt. Observing a few players yesterday during and after the game, it was easy to spot who was hurting and who didn't give a ****.

The issue is with a small squad, missing key players from last year, competition for places is limited, and similarly the ability to bring in players from the squad up to what we need from “starters” is also limited. Some players are being over played in part because of this and a run of Sat/Tues/Sat games..

There isn’t even a transfer thread any more so Kev is presumably going to have to get a tune out of what he has available- which is at the moment patently not a promotion chasing squad.

Now whether not bringing players in is driven by COSU, Kev being fussy, players good enough not being a available, or being over priced/bad “value”, or all or some of these, who knows. But drastic improvements are unlikely in the short term.

What is noticeable is how we somehow have gone from the most important thing being to get rid of Ron, and mid table and building sustainably and it will take time being fine, to the hyperbole we see now.

 

[graingerroad54]

I don't think for one minute he'll start Wood. We don't play with wingers and it is clear Kev doesn't feel he is up to it, otherwise, he would have come off the bench more. I'd be surprised if he wasn't moved on in January tbh. For me Pepple and Walker is the combo we need currently.

Will Luton allow Bim to be cup tied?

 

[Ramsdenblue]

Was listening to bbc Essex after the game.
They were interviewing the Braintree manager about his win.

He said it has taken time for the win as they have been trying different playing formations through the games played.

And now, they have tried all different formations, they have now found a formation that works for this team.

F**k me, I nearly fell out the car door when I heard this.
To my mind, I would love Maher to try different playing formations to see what works for our team. See what works with our stickers.

Our strikers, may like direct attacking football, running at the goal and defenders.

 

[Strykr]

Was listening to bbc Essex after the game.
They were interviewing the Braintree manager about his win.

He said it has taken time for the win as they have been trying different playing formations through the games played.

And now, they have tried all different formations, they have now found a formation that works for this team.

F**k me, I nearly fell out the car door when I heard this.
To my mind, I would love Maher to try different playing formations to see what works for our team. See what works with our stickers.

Our strikers, may like direct attacking football, running at the goal and defenders.

Amateur, clearly the best thing to do is stick to one formation no matter whether your winning or losing, at home or away or have the players with the right skills to play that way..

 

[Colchester and proud!]

Hands off!!

I know we had been watching him last season but for whatever reason nothing happened, we are pretty well covered in his playing position at present so that only leaves 71 other league clubs to worry about!

 

[Blue Yonder]

Noor seems to have been given the Miley role and isn't comfortable with it. He's not a crap player even if he's struggling in the new role. Collin isn't suddenly a crap keeper but it's mayhem at the back in front of him. We've lost three at home on the bounce. I don't suppose jeering and abusing yesterdays heroes is very helpful.

 

[Colchester and proud!]

Was listening to bbc Essex after the game.
They were interviewing the Braintree manager about his win.

He said it has taken time for the win as they have been trying different playing formations through the games played.

And now, they have tried all different formations, they have now found a formation that works for this team.

F**k me, I nearly fell out the car door when I heard this.
To my mind, I would love Maher to try different playing formations to see what works for our team. See what works with our stickers.

Our strikers, may like direct attacking football, running at the goal and defenders.

Exactly what the Cowleys are doing with us, they often change formations during games if they think their original ideas need tweaking a little. Braintree like ourselves signed a lot of new players, it takes time to work out the best formation and for the players to gel as a team/squad. The squad must trust every one of their team mates (That's probably why Kensdale was released) and there must be no player who thinks he is a superstar compared to the others because that will cause unrest in the dressing room. You had that togetherness last season, that must be kept going because that will lead to much improved performances by everyone.

 

[Maroon Blue]

Feel obliged but still too down after yesterday to write more than what’s been said. I will add though the diffference in the demeanour and confidence of the goalkeepers was alarming. Theirs big, commanding and determined to save everything. Collin cowering and pawing at their second goal like a scared kitten. Also the difference in the number 5’s theirs two easy unmarked headed goals from set pieces. When he needed to defend wrapped his arms like an octupos around Crowther, even kicked him in the head such was his determination not to let us score. Where was that defending in their set pieces? Was it Crowther who was supposed to be marking him and then he got hooked for not doing so twice. Yes it was agricultural from Maidenhead but unless you have any attitude and desire you will get bullied each week by these teams and we was. No room for big time Charlie’s in the dressing room either, please get rid. I would rather watch lesser talent work hard and lose than better talent stroll. It should be a privilege to be a pro footballer.

Andeng-Ndi 4
Taylor 5
Crowther 3.5
Ralph 5
GSM 5
KAF 5.5
Moncur 4
Husin 3.5
Bridge 5
Bonnie 3
Walker 6 MOTM

Pepple 5.5
Morton 4.5
Foran 3.5
Gubbins 3.5

Josh Walker my MOTM for at least showing effort to create but did fade as his fitness builds. I will be going to Eastleigh and hope a few are benched and we see starts for fringe players like Hillson, Wind, Wood and Pepple. Kev has a lot of work on his hands but Eastleigh are coming off their first home defeat. Let’s get at them early and hope they will be taking the competition lightly( {I doubt it as they progressed nicely last year and got Man Utd later on). UTB

 

[Thor1]

We do seem very weak at corners and set pieces. Is there a stat out there that shows how many goals we have scored from either in the last couple of seasons?

I'd like to see KAF playing the Grealish role of drawing fouls along the 18 yard line, I think he's the type of player that could do that. Not sure we'd have the nous to take advantage of those situations though.

 

[LBBlue]

We do seem very weak at corners and set pieces. Is there a stat out there that shows how many goals we have scored from either in the last couple of seasons?

I'd like to see KAF playing the Grealish role of drawing fouls along the 18 yard line, I think he's the type of player that could do that. Not sure we'd have the nous to take advantage of those situations though.

We need the stat on how many conceded - it’s where we miss Cardwell the most.

For the first yesterday we had Ralph in front of the scorer and Husin behind him. Ralph jumped under the ball and Husin ended with his back to him. For the second, no one was within 5 yards of Lokko.

 

[It'sGrimUpNorth]

Exactly what the Cowleys are doing with us, they often change formations during games if they think their original ideas need tweaking a little. Braintree like ourselves signed a lot of new players, it takes time to work out the best formation and for the players to gel as a team/squad. The squad must trust every one of their team mates (That's probably why Kensdale was released) and there must be no player who thinks he is a superstar compared to the others because that will cause unrest in the dressing room. You had that togetherness last season, that must be kept going because that will lead to much improved performances by everyone.

I wonder if the Cowleys would be interested in managing a bigger Essex club.

 

[Colchester and proud!]

I wonder if the Cowleys would be interested in managing a bigger Essex club.

I can’t think of one

 

[BARNETBLUE]

This will be easy

Today's team everyone- 1

Management -10000

Time to go Kev, thanks for your hard work over the last two years. But if you can't do well when we have no financial constraints what's the issue?

Abject one system, never changes, Bridge is clearly his son. I also believe another manager would of got us play offa last year too - Kevs just a very poor tactician.

I don't want Currie or Benno stepping up, clear the decks and bring in someone new with new ideas and the ability to play more than one system

Do we know that he has no financial constraints though ??

 

[Billy Bests boot laces]

The other issue I have is delaying substitutions. Game was crying out to take off Bonne for Pepple and waiting again till we go 2-0 down, it's all too late.

'Judas' Fry would have hauled him off ( or others ) in the 1st half. I remember twice at home games when firstly Andy Edwards was being given the 'run around' by a forward, & he was subbed after half hour!.
Then we had Joe Allon ( ex Brentford striker? ) on loan, who did nothing in the 1st 25 mins, & 'Judas' promptly subbed him, which must have been embarrassing for the guy?. I don't think he played again?.

 

[WestyReturns]

Went to the railway after the match.

It seems matchday beers are the highlight of watching Southend.

Anyway, I was surprised to see the chairman bowl into the pub at around 8.30.

Great, we will have a chat and get some reasoned debate.

No chance. He was absolutely wrecked and couldn't really speak to be honest.

It's not a good look to see the chairman in such a state on the matchday following 3 successive defeats.

Apparently his words were. "Kevs here to stay"

To be fair I don't blame him or anyone else getting bladdered after watching that dross. Going to football is supposed to be enjoyable. The last 3 home games have felt like a punishment.

 

[Linda Loan Shark]

Will Luton allow Bim to be cup tied?

Why? He is on loan for the wole season. It doesn't matter to them.

 

[NZamba Legend]

Why? He is on loan for the wole season. It doesn't matter to them.

Could get awkward though if we end up playing Luton in the FA Cup final

 

[BARNETBLUE]

Neville Southall - good keeper in his prime - but we got him about 10 yrs too late

Brian Lloyd
Mel Capleton
Mark Prudhoe
Neville Southall

All poor IMO

 

[overseas shrimper]

I wonder if the Cowleys would be interested in managing a bigger Essex club.

You'll need to be more specific. Bigger Essex club could mean the 2 Canvey clubs, Chelmsford and more.

 

[overseas shrimper]

Could get awkward though if we end up playing Luton in the FA Cup final

Ridiculous post. There's no way Luton will make it to the final.