[Dingle-Dingle]

First away game of the season.

Hard to be critical after a win against Stoke away, but our performance was garbage.

The lack of invention and quality in our midfield is criminal.

When you play with McLean and Gardner on the wings in a 5, you know you're not going to create much.

I was gutted when we signed McLean, not because of religious beliefs, but simply because I watched him plenty of times for Sunderland and thought he was complete gash. I was hoping that somehow at Wigan he would've devleoped but in actual fact, he looks like he's gone backwards. The guy has absolutely nothing. No composure, no touch, can't beat a man, can't cross and can't even pass accurately under no pressure.

What's the point having a bunch of big blokes when this guy can't even beat the first man with a corner?

What would make my day is if Pulis realises his mistake and releases this numty from his contract. Players like McLean are the reason why British football is so shi*e. There's no way a winger would be accepted just because he's a 'runner' in Germany or Spain. I detest watching players like this in attacking positions.

Lescott at left back does a job when you're going for 0-0, but under these circumstances, when our full backs were often the 'spare men', you could see how much of a square peg in a round hole he was. Completely immobile.

Was happy to see Gamboa until he got involved and was equally useless. He had his chance but was just as bad as McLean and that takes some going.

I swear I've seen Lambert play for us before under the pseudonym 'Nicolas Anekla'. To give the guy his credit, he can hold the ball up and pass it better than the rest of the side, but did we really buy him to play 'in the hole'? At his pedestrian pace?

Mozza and Fletcher about as creative as a 5 year old colouring in his paint by numbers book...

Job done and 3 points on the board is the only positive.

But the fact Stoke had us under the cosh for the last 10-15 minutes and could've snatched an equalizer is embarrassing under the circumstances. The manager and players should be embarrassed they couldn't kill that game off. A lot of work needs to be done...

Was just about to write that. DD 

[wba1978]

  ..............................

[Squirrel Regis]

Baggieman,
Just caught up and have to say had great day being wined and dined. Chicken curry top notch and free bar in the box. Only problem was I was driving so couldn't have any beer !!!!!
As for the footie...
Both red cards were correct decisions but have to say it feels like we lost that game due to the 2nd half performance....it was embarrasing wasn't it ?
Couldn't string 2 passes together and to be honest was simply pathetic !
The team just does not look right at all. I am saying to myself that I will try to never criticise Chris Brunt again, without him we just seem to lack any ideas at all.
The lack of pace throughout the team is shocking ( I guess the reason Gamboa came on)
So I guess, my verdict is great day apart from the Albion performance which although 3 points was utter rubbish.
As for relegation - not a chance. We are safe as houses and under TP we will not go down...simple as.
However, not sure how much more I can take of our away style of play. It's functional but painful to watch. Last season I thought the 4 CB's in defence was due to lack of players but it is starting to dawn on me that is just the way TP does things.
My hope is that a few more players will come in and maybe 10 games in is the time to judge but again a flair creative midfielder doesn't seem to be a priority, again because that's just not the way TP does things.
We shall see....

---

 Just looked at possession stats...
To only just about edge possession against 9 men - embarrassing

---

Couple of other things...
Chester has been brought as our RB
Look at his height and that makes sense.
Lescott is as good as sold.
Chris Brunt if fit will be our LB all season.

[Beefy 1965]

I think dawson should stay as our right back
Hull fans were genuinely upset to see Chester leave, they said he was one of the best CB they ever had .......

So it should be now

Dawson Chester Evans Brunt/New LB

Not much wrong with that ?

[WBA-Josh]

I think dawson should stay as our right back
Hull fans were genuinely upset to see Chester leave, they said he was one of the best CB they ever had .......

So it should be now

Dawson Chester Evans Brunt/New LB

Not much wrong with that ?

I think Tony's first choice back 4 will be Dawson, McAuley, Evans and Brunt with Olsson as the cover for McAuley and Evans and Chester as rather expensive cover/competition for Dawson and Brunt. 

I don't particularly agree with it because I prefer proper full backs at full back and centre backs at centre back but that is probably how it will be. 

[Squirrel Regis]

Chester RB
Evans & G-Mac CB
Brunt LB
Midfield is the problem for me. Fletcher has started the season a bit slowly but-
Mcmanaman on right wing
Morrison & Fletcher in the middle
New Left sided winger urgently needed.
Berahino with Rondon up top.

[DanTheSmethwickMan]

For me, Dawson Chester Evans Brunt

I think that back 4 would be solid and also very young, but experienced. McAuley is 35? Olsson for me is just not good enough anymore. I think personally that back 4 is solid and would do a good job

[BBB]

It doesn't matter how you butter it up, moving him to here or there, the fact is they were all there to call on, and be it Pulis' way of playing, to not have scored against 9 men for 55 minutes says how dross we were/are.

End of rant - at least Walsall are doing the black country honours, and what odds Birmingham being in the play-offs with Wolves, now that's worth a punt.


BBB 

[talkSAFT]

I wouldn't leave McAuley out at the moment, though. He's a top centre half for me, and easily worth his current place.

[aries22]

I wouldn't leave McAuley out at the moment, though. He's a top centre half for me, and easily worth his current place.

Totally agree - I think he's a great professional.