Caley Mad In Berks

I agree with you FJ, but you've probably spotted by now that it is OK to slag Lionel off on here, no matter how well (or badly) he might have done, but the merest hint of criticism of some of the 'chosen few' is taboo.

Oh no? He did that twice yesterday. Did you not see the game? Anyway, if you're convinced he is the best we've got, then we do have problems. But to be fair, he is not alone. There are two or three others who are not worth their place imo, Bulvitis, Sanchez and question marks over Cox, Eagles and Proctor.

Having seen Golly twice now since his surprise return, I am not convinced he is the answer to the left back problem. He was OK at Airdrie, but I thought he was dire yesterday. At least 2 sloppy passes giving RC real goal opportunities (one hit the bar?). On top of that nearly every clearance he made was the long punt up field. I know if Lionel had turned in a shift like that, there would have been pages of condemning posts here from irate fans. Yet, hardly a word of criticism for Golly! Why so? Frankly I'd just as soon see Lionel back in the side.

Have already booked London to Edinburgh flights! Would appreciate info on pre/post match pubs etc nearer the time.

Yes, I agree with everyone that this should have been a red card. Doubt anything will be done about it in retrospect, even though its recorded on TV for anyone to see. Football could take a lesson from rugby for incidents like this where quite often bad fouls are punished post match, following TV evidence.

Well, a win's a win I suppose. My heart was in my mouth every time County went forward. Defending from free kicks and even long throw-ins was dire. Thought Golabek was awful until last 5 minutes when he did well at one or two of County's corners. No midfield to speak of, again. No real service to Foran, but he probably deserved his MoM. It was either he or Esson. Thank goodness we have him. Eagles reasonable out on left. Maybe his lucky goal will give him some confidence. Sanchez lightweight. Morrison should have been sent off for his elbow on Hayes. Not even a yellow! Unbelievable. Anyway, roll on the final. Finally, what a pathetic crowd for a nice sunny day with no other local football as competition.

I see Chris Sutton has just been appointed to his first managerial position, at Lincoln City. I believe he had been recommended by Martin O' Neil, for our job when Butcher got it. It will be interesting to see how he performs at a small, poorly supported, provincial club in the sticks, with little money to spend. Ring any bells?

Frankly I think that's rubbish. I don't believe that any Board, ours included, does not want their team to progress, and play at the highest level possible. I may agree that our Board does not always seem to get things right, but I'm sure they do have ambition for the club.

After today's result, the obvious area that needs strengthening is the management team. I know we've had a few injuries which have meant changes, but the amount of 'unforced' changes Butcher makes, shows that he doesn't yet know what his best team is. Not good enough.

Exactly what I thought having seen them 'live' for first time on Saturday.

Got back in early hours after 7 hour drive home, pretty much thinking the trip was a waste of time. I'd been looking forward to seeing all the new boys first hand. Only one who impressed was Hayes. I pretty much agree with IHE's Smiley ratings. All the subs looked better than those they replaced, even Barrowman imo, for the short while he was on. Thank goodness we have Esson. Airdrie were well up for the game and we certainly didn't deserve the point.

I'm making my season's debut at this one. Is there a recommended pre match pub?

I agree. Hastings has been a good servant over the years, but his best days are behind him. However, exactly the same can be said about Golabek. Really strange decision to bring him back. I don't know much about Gillespie but surely he would have been a better long term bet than Golly.

Well, after that intelligent reply, I rest my case. If you want to continue this debate, I suggest you PM me when you get home from kindergarten.

What the feck's an ERREA? I presume you meant an era? But, whatever you meant, I can see no sense in this deal at all. I have been critical of Butcher in other threads. I can see this deal only giving me more ammunition to shoot him down with. But I really hope I'm wrong.

I will be there, booing LDZ. Well, that'll do his confidence no end of good. You sound like just the sort of supporter we need, I don't think. Why don't you try growing up?

Absolutely spot on, Sorted. As you will have seen in my comments in post no. 46 of this thread, I find myself in agreement with most of what you say in relation to Butcher's performance so far, and track record at other clubs. I think many of our fellow fans are too caught up in the general hype that surrounds him, stemming from his undoubted successful playing days. There's no doubt he has charisma. He just needs to show more management nous before he loses the goodwill of his flock of 'he can do no wrong' followers.

Frankly, I am disappointed in Butcher. I was at the end of last season when I was probably in a minority by blaming him for letting safety slip through our fingers. I still maintain that when we were virtually safe with three games to go, a decent manager would have adopted tactics in the final 3 games to ensure us staying up. I didn't agree with letting Vigurs and Wood go, replacing them with unproven players of no greater ability it would seem. As far as I can see his tactics, player aquisitition, team selection, and motivational skills still leave a lot to be desired . I hope he can prove me wrong, but his well documented track record in management doesn't fill me with confidence. I would guess that he and Maurice are costing the club considerably more than their immediate predessessors. I think they really need to step up to yhe plate quickly, to prove thet are worth it.

Rarely have I felt so let down after all the hype preceding a big game. Sounds as if we were not at the races. Promotion already beginning to look like a forlorn hope.

Welcome to the forum. I'm not that far from London (half hour on the fast train). Apart from the ones already mentioned, there's also Sandykent not too far away, and I'm sure we used to have someone in Guildford. I wouldn't mind the odd getogether if you feel like organising something.

I tend to agree with Alex's more optimistic view of things. These accounts are certainly not those of a company in immediate danger of going under. I can offer this view with some degree of professionalism as I got my daughter, who is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Tax Advisor, to have a quick shifty at them. However, I think a good cup run is essential if we don't get straight back up to SPL.

Thanks to all who were at the game for posting their comments and assessments of individual players. It sounds as if there is fairly general agreement that Lionel is playing well and has fewer people continually knocking him than last year. Also, Munro seems to have got his act together this year. I haven't been up for a game this season as yet, but will be rectifying that fairly soon. I'm really looking forward to seeing the new boys first hand, and to make my own mind up about them. However, it sounds very encouraging at the minute.

Good first post. It surprises me too how Miller gets in ahead of Boyd. I know he was ploughing a lone furrow, but his first touch was appalling any time he got near the ball. In a bizarre way it made me compare Miller unfavourably with Marius when he played for us, when his (Marius's) first touch was generally sublime.

Totally agree. I certainly wouldn't want to be any way associated with such a woeful international side. After the sending off (what an idiot having just got his first yellow card a few minutes earlier), Norway looked as if they would score every time they entered our half. I can safely say that was the worst Scotland performance I've ever seen (and I've seen a few). World Cup? Forget it. That lot wouldn't win the North of Scotland Cup.

Going back a few decades, local boy, George Ross, went straight from schools football, as a 15 year old, to Preston. He then stayed with them all his career. Also, didn't Ted McDougal go straight from Highland league to an English league team?