[Blue Baggie]

I think it would be harsh to overly criticise Johnstone for yesterday, although he seemed pretty leaden footed for the first, accepting being was possibly unsighted.
However, I don’t think it’s just this game where issues lie with him. I’ve always felt pretty positive about him but he just doesn’t command his area, either physically or verbally. I know we were spoiled by having Fozzie, who was excellent at both but, in the EPL, there is little  room for error and I feel he’s not making the step up that the defence needs. I would give him time but I think he also needs some coaching and positive encouragement

Fozzie was a super hero for us, but tbh he dropped some awful Clangers at times. All I ever heard was he was in credit for the points he saved us. Johnstone can do no right no matter what he does. In my opinion he is our best keeper, yes he makes mistakes, sometimes he does wonder saves. Let's not forget he is human and this is a TEAM sport.

Bluebaggie, I agree with you that Ben had a few shockers for us but in the seven years he played for the Baggies - all in the Premier League - he undoubtedly won us more points than he lost us. But, whilst accepting he undoubtedly made mistakes, he was always prepared to take charge (sometimes too much, Villa away and the last minute penalty come to mind) whereas Johnstone seems both mute and immobile. As I said, I’m not clamouring for us to get shot of him because I think there is a good keeper in there but, right now, he’s not inspiring much confidence

I agree 100% - I certainly wouldn't knock anyone's opinion. It's what makes the forum interesting. Hate him or love him he is our number 1 . I do believe when he had JT Marshalling the Seals defence it helped him no end. Hopefully Ivanovic can do a job for us. Time will tell.