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QPR & Southampton vs WBA - Match Thread
#11
I didn't catch all of the game today, I missed the first half and only caught parts of the second half on a dodgy stream that kept cutting out...

Although I've been critical of Mason and his team selections, I must say that my opinion of the squad is changing game-by-game. I'm starting to think the overall quality is worse than I thought.

A few games ago, I would've said that we had a squad that with the right management could be pushing for the playoffs. However, after watching the second half today, I think my initial impression was well off the mark.

Today, from what i saw in the second half, we played okay. We attacked with more intent than we have done. We got got men in the box. Got balls in the box when we'd have previously tip-tapped around. One example was Style's hopeful cross which resulted in the goal, another brilliant header by Heggebo. It was better than what we've seen in lots of games, but despite that, we still lost the half. We still gave QPR 2 elementary goals, which should've been 3 if you count the open goal they missed when Wildsmith came into no man's land.

Even if we had Pep Guardiola in charge, Mowatt would've still lost the ball there. Grant would've still missed that sitter. Wildsmith still couldn't catch a cold.

The first goal we gave them was obviously an individual mistake from Mowatt, but why did Styles not play the ball to him earlier? The pass was on when Mowatt was open, but Styles took a touch when he should've gone first time and we should've been away. Of course, Mowatt has to take the blame but this entire move shows our lack of quality. We have too many players like Styles that can't see simple balls when it's screaming them in the face. Not a personal attack though, he's not the only one, we're littered with players that can't pass.

As for their 3rd goal, I'm just really not sure why Wildsmith didn't either gather or let the ball run across. Surely he can use his eyes and see that the cross is not going anywhere near an attacker. I sometimes wonder how these players make it professional. It seems that once you're in, you're in and you can steal a living. Some mug will take you. And all too often in recent years, we are the mugs. He's not a Championship player, even as a backup.

I suppose you could argue that Mason should've stuck with Griffiths, but he cost us 2 goals last week and almost cost Mason his job. So you can understand why he dropped him. It's like choosing visiting the farm and treading in cow sh*1 or horse sh*t, they are different but they're both sh*t.

We're just desperately short of quality. Goalkeepers are woeful. We don't have a natural full back at the club either side. Our midfield has no legs. We don't have a single creator. Recruitment really has been p*ss poor for years now.

After watching that second half, unless something changes, I think we're genuine candidates for the drop. We're only 8 points above that 3rd relegation spot, which isn't much given our form. Even when we play okay, we can't score and we almost always gift the opposition at least one goal. It's not a good mix.

I suspect we will get spanked by Southampton and Mason will get sacked. I just hope that whoever they take the next punt on can make better decisions and guide us to safety...

However, I acknowledge that the squad they inherit isn't as good as I thought it was. Bring on January...
MarkW likes this post
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#12
OK - so, hands up:
Who wants a one-off bad display & result tomorrow, to maybe bring forward the seemingly inevitable decision? Confused Blush Whistle
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#13
(08-12-2025, 14:43)drewks Wrote: OK - so, hands up:
Who wants a one-off bad display & result tomorrow, to maybe bring forward the seemingly inevitable decision? Confused Blush Whistle

I desperately want a win! Hope springs eternal and I genuinely want Mason to succeed, primarily because I’m fed up up how often we’ve changed managers, usually without any great success. For that to happen, I recognise that I’ll need Mason to have the footballing equivalent of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.

Naive? Probably but hope springs…..
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The light at the end of the tunnel is the light of an oncoming train
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#14
(08-12-2025, 18:50)BaggieSteve Wrote:
(08-12-2025, 14:43)drewks Wrote: OK - so, hands up:
Who wants a one-off bad display & result tomorrow, to maybe bring forward the seemingly inevitable decision? Confused Blush Whistle

I desperately want a win! Hope springs eternal and I genuinely want Mason to succeed, primarily because I’m fed up up how often we’ve changed managers, usually without any great success. For that to happen, I recognise that I’ll need Mason to have the footballing equivalent of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.

Naive? Probably but hope springs…..

I'm the same, BSteve... or 'I WAS'.
I agree with everything you say, but unfortunately I really think that RM has shown his true colours, in that he's ALL about possession, possession and more possession. Even with the best players, IMHO this approach is literally killing football, making the excitement level zilch.... and we certainly haven't got the best players!
Sorry but I'd rather win 1, lose 1 and be entertained, and I really can't see RM changing anything like enough
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#15
(08-12-2025, 19:05)drewks Wrote:
(08-12-2025, 18:50)BaggieSteve Wrote:
(08-12-2025, 14:43)drewks Wrote: OK - so, hands up:
Who wants a one-off bad display & result tomorrow, to maybe bring forward the seemingly inevitable decision? Confused Blush Whistle

I desperately want a win! Hope springs eternal and I genuinely want Mason to succeed, primarily because I’m fed up up how often we’ve changed managers, usually without any great success. For that to happen, I recognise that I’ll need Mason to have the footballing equivalent of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.

Naive? Probably but hope springs…..

I'm the same, BSteve... or 'I WAS'.
I agree with everything you say, but unfortunately I really think that RM has shown his true colours, in that he's ALL about possession, possession and more possession. Even with the best players, IMHO this approach is literally killing football, making the excitement level zilch.... and we certainly haven't got the best players!
Sorry but I'd rather win 1, lose 1 and be entertained, and I really can't see RM changing anything like enough

Drewks, in all honesty, I think you’re right. I was so hopeful of this appointment when it was made (young coach, fresh ideas etc) but I’m afraid it’s proven to be too big a task for someone starting out on their managerial career. Assuming we lose tomorrow, particularly if it’s a thumping, I think he’s done. Pity, but the club is the biggest priority
drewks likes this post
The light at the end of the tunnel is the light of an oncoming train
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#16
Whenever Mason gets the boot, I hope we've got a replacement ready and waiting. If we say we have got to start searching Nestor should be dismissed immediately.
We need to get out of this reactive mode and get real people in know how to manage.
2020 the year the bubble burst  Doh
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#17
Sadly Mason is a bit like Stokes. He has no back up plan and although occasionally can deliver a big win in dramatic style the overall trend is negative.

I really did want to give a new manager a chance to become a hero. But I’ve reached the end of my tether.
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#18
Best chance tonight is that Storm Bram disrupts the whole thing and blows the ball into the back of the Saints' net a couple of times.
Could happen, surely?
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#19
(Yesterday, 16:47)Baggievicar Wrote: Best chance tonight is that Storm Bram disrupts the whole thing and blows the ball into the back of the Saints' net a couple of times.
Could happen, surely?

Perhaps put in a word with the Boss upstairs, Vic Smile
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The light at the end of the tunnel is the light of an oncoming train
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#20
(Yesterday, 16:47)Baggievicar Wrote: Best chance tonight is that Storm Bram disrupts the whole thing and blows the ball into the back of the Saints' net a couple of times.
Could happen, surely?

Meanwhile, a seemingly abandoned ship runs aground in Whitby, whose sole survivor immediately proceeds to the Hawthorns and announces himself as the new manager/dark lord.
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"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley
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