Bristolatic

I respect your opinions BB80, but, unless my eyes deceived me yesterday, I saw too many occasions where Davies was on the wing WITH Liddell or Taylor so that when he did get the ball across, not enough bodies in the box. Taylor, for me, absolutely roasted their full back with Bertrand giving good support with Liddell and Eardley (although not as effectively, I agree) doing something similar on the other side. Is this a throw back to Taylor having a long run of poor games and now Davies can't break the habit? Open to discussion obviously but, if they can produce wing play like that every week and Davies can stay in the middle more (although I still think Hughes / Smalley is a dangerous combo), I go with you as I honestly believe he will be a better asset.

As you will probably notice, I have waited over 18 hours since this thread started before adding a comment, because i am bloody ANGRY. Not allegedly angry, REALLY angry with the post that started this. We saw a team give it everything they could at Orient. We defended like our lives depended on it (Beresford ever had save to make or a shot to worry about), the midfield took the game by the scruff of the neck (Kilkenny worked his socks off and Taylor ran the full back dizzy) but we just couldn't find the back of the net. If that perforance was "disarray" and "shambles", God help us if ever we get overrun by anyone - we'd be looking at 4 and 5 goal thrashings every week. This team, that is in "disarray" has managed to "shambolically" outplay Forest, Leeds and Orient (and others) for most of the games, so try getting behnd Shez once in a while Kyle - you never know, you might even get to like it. In the meantime, this is positively my last word on the "Shez out" rubbish or I'll likely as not get permanently banned from the board for going over the top.

That tackle summed Trotman up for me - the lad is so advanced for his years and has a future way beyond League 1.

From where I was sat yesterday, there isn't a need for another striker; just a bit of minor tinkering. I have tried very hard to appreciate Davies, but still see him as a selfish player who is a glory seeker. Yep, he hit a humdinger at Huddersfield but, in general, he spends far too much time out on the wings trying to beat the entire defence on his own before releasing the ball. He's drawn to the touchline like a magnet instead of being in the middle and that left Smalley too isolated. Hughes showed what a striker is all about although he was only on the pitch for 20 minutes and is still not 100% match fit. He fought for the ball, frightened their centre backs and only needs a bit more time to settle into regular 1st team football. The one I would unload (along with Davies) is Kalala. He is almost entirely defensive and produces very little. We have enough quality in midfield; Macca looked much better yesterday, Allott was fine when he came on, Taylor had their full back on toast and beat him with ease going inside or outside, Liddell will always do something for you and Kilkenny dominated midfield. I don't see a slot for Kalala. Strikers? Hughesy must start now, with Smalley (who will pick up the scraps and learn from him), or Wolfy (who will do the same) or......... ....... now you'll think I've really lost the plot. When all our centre backs are fit, we can pair up any combination of Gregan, Stam, Hazell or (God forbid) Thommo and that means Trotman, yes Trotman, can be used as a striker. He frightnens defenders to death when he goes up for set pieces, is tremendous in the air and he can hit a ball too. It worked with Ian Marshall, so why can't it happen again. Right, now where's that application form for the home for the bewildered?

With Gregan out, whose bum is the likeliest candidate? Well, I for one will not be spending 90 mins tomorrow watching 11+ jacksies to see which is the best bet. I don't care if they go in off the referee and a stray dog as long as they count and THE MIGHTY LATICS COME AWAY WITH 3 POINTS.

Going on a bit this, innit? If the poll (a pointless one IMO) is a true reflection, Shez stays with overwhelming support. If he is booted out, the vast majority of fans will be up in arms. Given this info from the poll, Kyle and his cohorts appear to be on a loser. We've had Coconut suggesting three strikes and you're out. Brilliant! Absolute master stroke! Nowt like a bit of added pressure to make the situation even more stressful. Suggestions like this never work - no matter what walk of life you may be in, setting ultimatums only cause further underachievement. Everyone becomes even more frightened of making a mistake. Result? More mistakes made - more pressure. The solution? Simple IMO. Leave Shez alone to do the job. He's under enough pressure as it is. He has a squad of players who are good enough to deal with any team in this divison, but are not doing it at present. He knows it, we know it and the players know it. It doesn't need cries of "Sheridan out" 11 games into a season to tell him it's going t*ts up. But does that mean it will be t*ts up for the next 35 games? Does it hell as like. Along with the vast majority (oh yes, doom and gloomers, it IS a vast majority) I firmly believe that Shez WILL turn it around and we CAN make the play offs. When, not if, we do, will you all crawl back into the wood work or will you all be big and brave enough to hold up your hands and say "Sorry, Shez, we were wrong"? All of you who have bought replica shirts over last couple of seasons or so, look at the back - it's down there in the bit that gets tucked into the shorts . Says it all really. And that, without doubt, is my last word on the subject except, come May, I can say "I told you so".

I think it was a case of James Whittle invented the jet engine and Maurice Whittle invented the jet propelled football.

You're a real true blue supporter you are, Kyle!! I always thought the definition of a supporter was one who supports. One of us has got it wrong. Shez got us into the play-offs last season as a rookie manager. He HAD to bring players in to replace those that had gone and, hand on heart, who didn't see Ricketts, Davies, Kalala et al as good signings when they first arrived? But, like so many "fans", there are those who need a scapegoat or two when things don't go right, rather than look at the broader picture. We're a League 1 side with a mixture of kids, local talent and a sprinkling of those with Championship / Premiership experience. That does not not gel overnight. It takes time, and that's something we have to give Shez and his (relatively new) team. Do you think Shez is happy seeing us in this position? Of course he bloody isn't. It will be hurting him deeply. because he cares deeply. We all know how he wants the game to be played; he doesn't want us just lumping it, he wants us to play football. He's brought in players who are maybe a bit too intelligent (football-wise) for this division and, yes, Ricketts is without doubt one of them. Just watch his positional play, the way he makes space for himself, the flick-ons and touches he provides to others. I said a couple of weeks ago that he created about 20yards for himself at Cheltenham that even Andy Liddell didn't pick out. What we need now is stability and, with Stam and Hughes almost there, Smalley and Alessandra back, the choices are more appealing. I'm not going to suggest what my favoured line-up would be, there are too many options. All I am going to suggest is FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, GET BEHIND SHEZ AND THE BOYS AND START SUPPORTING. IT'S WHAT TRUE SUPPORTERS DO. Booing players who wear the blue shirt is a bloody disgrace. It makes me savage. I remember listening to a tiny band of so-called supporters a couple of seasons back singing "Going down with Ronnie Moore" and we were about 6 WEEKS INTO THE SEASON. God, what a mentality and wanting rid of Shez now smacks of much of the same. Look for the positives, they're out there if you look hard enough but, above all and KEEP SUPPORTING. over

Dunno about sitting on the wall but (and sorry to move off the thread a bit) I remember standing right behind the wall in the Chaddy with the girlfriend of the time who, for some reason had a wicker shopping basket with her and had put it on the running track in front of the wall. Bob Ledger, who could wallop a ball a bit, narrowly missed the onion bag, hit the basket wedging the ball inside it, and basket and ball rebounded back off the wall into the goal area. Those were the days.

Don't know how many he took, but don't remember him ever missing one. Sure he was 100% successful.

Mo didn't need a right leg except to stop him falling over. He could inflict more damage with his exocet missile left peg than most players could manage with two. I remember a match at the old Bristol Rovers ground when he took a free kick and all but decapitated their keeper. Thankfully, he had the sense to get out of the way. The shot was from over 30yds out and I well remember Barry Davies on commentary on MotD that night saying: "Oh, I say. He really is a tremendous striker of the dead ball". Understatement of the season, if not the decade. Oh aye, he could tackle a bit too. Not many, if any, wingers could show him a clean pair of heels. Now, if Mo had a son of similar ability..............

Given some of the comments on this thread, we really do need Greegs and Hazell to be in the same kind of form they showed when protecting Hopalong Crossley for 85 mins at Cheltenham.

Although nothing fishal yet, it appears from above posts to be pretty accurate. Somehow, it doesn't fill me with confidence. Beresford was a more than capable keeper a few years ago, but is now only just about adequate IMO. Granted, this opinion is only based on Sky's League highlights since Luton were last in the same division as the Tics, so I just hope my fears are unfounded. Could have been worse, though. The likes of Aidan Davison and Russell Hoult skittered across my mind.

Thanks Exile. Outta that lickle lot, Bath City, Team Bath or Chippenham Town would be just down the road for me.

Agree with that Tommy, but when did you last see a keeper NOT move a couple of feet or so? Maybe Mr Drysdale didn't want Townsend to be embarrassed by his failure to beat one legged goalkeeper, so aimed at his own foot and hit with unerring accuracy, thus embarrassng himself. I've got 15 year old nephew who refs in Portsmouth and, judging by current League 1 standards, he's got bright future.

Wouldn't mind seeing Neil Pointon and Ian Marshall involved.

I was sat with BigFin and Mac and I was just as wound up with this moron sat behind us. As many have said, this board gives us all the opportunity to express views and opinions in a sensible way, but to listen to outpourings of from the likes of this pillock who thinks he's a fan is a step too far. Constructive criticism can never be denied, but to constantly slag off the entire team (I never heard one word of encouragement from him) is pointless and kills the atmosphere for the true supporters around him. BigFin's quote re the brain donor's comments on Ricketts' pass for the equaliser just about sums him up. If the k**bhead is reading this, do us a favour mate. Next away game, go and sit with the home supporters. Next home game, try the Rocky Rd end. Then you can slag off a new team every week and, when you have matured and understand the game more, come back to Latics and try to understand what you've been missing. That's it - rant over.

Cheltenham obviously have difficulty understanding the numbers game. Their programme quoted Boundary Park's record attendance as 138,680 against Man Ure in 1993. Sure as hell beats the 47,671 against Sheff Wed in 1930. But will we ever beat the 248,623 that turned up for Bradford Park Avenue v Workington in 1958?

Funny how we all have different views Crossley - 8/10 - didn't really have anything to do, but an extra point for being the grateful recipient of a "3 chins, he's only got 3 chins" chant after one of the "only one leg" chants. Eardley and Bertrand - 6/10 each - not much got past them, but a few too many wayward passes Gregan - 9/10 - MOM for me. Only remember one real mistake, won just about everything in the air, sprayed some superb passes and made sure Crossley was protected. A true captain's performance. Hazell - 7/10 - looks the perfect partner for Greegs - quick to cover when Eardley or Bertrand needed him. Give him a contract NOW, before some other bugger does. Taylor 6/10 - lost some of his control. Can still skin a full back with ease but final ball is lacking. Should leave left wing corners to Lidds - too near the 'keeper to many times and forget about the short ones to Bertrand. Kilkenny - 4/10 - very disappointing. Seemed to lack his usual creativity and flair. Passing was woeful and didn't use space well when they went down to 10. Allott - 6/10 - not great but not bad but, like Kilkenny, too many misplaced passes. Liddell - 7/10 - superb control, intelligent use of the ball, but now lacks pace to beat a full back. Still be on my team sheet every week, though. Davies - 6/10 - worked hard and ran his socks off but let down too often by poor first touch. Can scare defenders into mistakes with pace and will improve again. Ricketts - 8/10 - often showed great control. He is class and demonstrates it with passes into areas that other players don't see, which makes him look the numpty. He also found space which others didn't spot - even Lidds missed him create about 20 yards for himself at one point. Wolfenden - 7/10 - should have added another one to his name, but didn't really have enough opportunity to settle into the game. Looked hungry though and always prepared to have a dig. McDonald - 5/10 - didn't really make an impression, but should have beaten the 'keeper from close in to win it. There you go. Many will disagree, but opinion is what makes discussion interesting.

GK was a top GK who consistently proved that size DOESN'T matter. I well remember his brother, Alan Jnr and father, Alan Snr and IMO was equal to them both. Thankfully for Latics, Gary never played in the top flight as long as he should have. Exactly why, I'll never know. He wasn't quite in the same class as Goram in his pomp or the brilliant 60s keeper David Best, but Gary Kelly would be in my top 5 keepers in the 50-odd years I've been a Tic. I've never been sure if my eyes deceived me, but I am still believe I saw him score the most unusual own goal at Swindon one wet, cold and (very) windy night. He came for a cross (or corner, can't remember which) got in a two handed punch and saw the ball take to the air, get caught on the wind and loop back into the net. It looked a real freak goal from where I was sat shivering, but he went on to put in another first class performance. A true legend - Keep the Faith and get well, Gary. Is that him in the pic below? Never been too sure.

A true BP legend who will always be remembered for his performances behind what was sometimes a dodgy defence. So sad that he should be fighting this dreadful disease. Agree with Diego - a benefit match against Newcastle should be arranged. With Gary as guest of honour naturally. Keeping fighting Gary, the people of Oldham, the club and its supporters all over the country are rooting for you.

Some excellent posts and opinions on this thread. Let's be fair, honest debate is what this board is all about. Like many of you, I've been to Hell and back several times over with Latics, right from my very first game as a 5 year old way back in 1949/50. I'll never stop re-living the glory days of Bobby Johnstone / Bert Lister / Billy Spurdle / Albert Quixall and the later "pinch me" years when that little home-spun, family club from the town of cotton mills made it to Div 1 / Premiership. Equally, I'll never stop re-living the dark days of battling against re-election in the old Div 3(N) / Div 4, nor the abject misery and disappointment of relegations to where we are now. My one huge disappointment is that I hardly saw a game from 1991 to 1997 whilst working abroad. I'd always spend time listening to those who WERE there. For that is what supporting your team is all about - Oldham born and bred, with blue (and tangerine) blood running through your veins, proud to be a part of it no matter what the performance. Oh yes, re-live the past and share it with others who may or may not have been there, but and have the confidence that there is no reason that we can't scale the heights again. Look at that 10 year old table - if the likes of Fulham, Wigan, Watford et al can manage it, so can Latics. Yes, we've had a bad start, but I can't believe that we are a bad side. We have the one of the brightest young managers in the game, an honest and hard working man who got the best out of his squad last season. He will do it again this season; it's just taking a little longer, that's all. So come on, all you true blues - kick and head every ball with them, shout & yell & sing your hearts out and, if like me, you can't get to some of the games, put your Latics shirt on and try to get hooked up to the live commentary. Then close your eyes, listen, and imagine you are there. But come this Saturday, I WILL be there - Walsall is the first one I can get to this season and if I don't go home with a sore throat, the present Mrs Bristolatic will think I've become unwell.

But the BOAST contingent will take it back over 1000.

Sorry, but even at this late stage, I've got to have one more say. I was sat at home, 200 miles from the action and decided to post score updates and any other points of interest for those who couldn't go or listen to LW. Apart from a "Sack the board" and a "Time to go, King John", the other comments were purely honest opinion on certain aspects of the team / individuals. Surely, we all have the right to do that. Whilst I agree that there are numpties who will slag off all and sundry from the first to last whistle, I don't think last night's comments even bordered on it. In fact, there was genuine optimism - not one post even hinted that we were about to lose another one, even though my title was an honest one; we WERE chasing the game again, right from the 8th minute. So, far from the suggested "doom & gloom", we saw posts from genuine Latics fans who all want the team to do well and surpass last season's achievements. And I for one still believe that we can do just that and will be listening to LW commentaries on every single game I can't get to. Whether I will bother posting anything on here about it remains to be seen. I don't see the point if it ends up raising arguments about the fans' belief. I'll get off my soap box now.

Definitey a game of two halves, but it shouldn't need harsh words. Still, it showed we have got some steel and character; coming back from 2-0 down is never easy even if the opposition isn't the best in the world. Maybe with having no game next week, we can blow off the rest of the cobwebs, get it right on the training ground and then transfer it to BP to give Southend a right stuffing.