I think there is a danger of complacency in blaming our season totally on the Roberto period. He played 6 and a bit games and as far as I can remember it was only the Burnley and Newcastle games in which he influenced the result. We have to be honest and accept the fact we are where we are because we haven't been very good. And I would suggest that unless we bring in a couple of fit for purpose wing/full backs for next season we will have the same problems next season.
I don't envisage a mammoth transfer kitty being bestowed upon the Messiah (praised be his name) which is probably why he is supposed to be bargain basement shopping, apparently amongst others looking at one Antonee (who the fuck spells Anthony that way btw) Robertson from Wigan who, I am given to understand was good enough to attract the attention of A C Milan at one stage. However, and it wouldn't be West Ham without a medical bulletin would it, the potential move collapsed when a medical revealed he has an underlying heart condition.
Nonetheless if we do address those glaring weaknesses and don't lose too many of the fringe players we should have a squad decent enough for mid table security.
I've mentioned this before.
It's not the inadequacies of Roberto themselves which were the problem. Fabianski had had such a good season last up that our defence relied upon him. He'd made the most saves in the whole league. Yes that's his job but also something that hinted that Mr Dead wasn't as fucking great as a lot were saying.
So when Fabs hurt his fetlock, said defence weren't as confident. I actually went to the Palace game, the match after the injury. And although the performing seal wasn't at fault for either goal, our back four were all over the shop. Even though Palarse hardly ventured into our half. They'd got used to Fabs and his way of doing things. Fabs hasn't been as good since he returned imo. And some damage was long-lasting. Look at Burnley. A great defensive (yawn) team, but when Pope and Heaton were crocked last season, Joe Hart had them playing as though they were in the funny farm.
Of course our back four aren't as good as the likes of Virgil Van Dijk. That's why they play for West Ham. But not having a back-up keeper with the ability of dealing properly with a back pass suggested gross negligence by the tit-wigglers and also Audrey for allowing such a thing.
I do agree with you about Fabianski showing signs of wear and tear. Or is it premature dementure caused by playing behind Fredericks and Cresswell for so long ? And he's 35 now so how much longer can he continue to perform at the top level ?
Out of curiosity what has happened to Trott ? There were some on here who thought he could be the long term solution but I seem to remember he lost his place as first choice at Wimbledon which doesn't bode well.
It's not the inadequacies of Roberto themselves which were the problem. Fabianski had had such a good season last up that our defence relied upon him. He'd made the most saves in the whole league. Yes that's his job but also something that hinted that Mr Dead wasn't as fucking great as a lot were saying.
So when Fabs hurt his fetlock, said defence weren't as confident. I actually went to the Palace game, the match after the injury. And although the performing seal wasn't at fault for either goal, our back four were all over the shop. Even though Palarse hardly ventured into our half. They'd got used to Fabs and his way of doing things. Fabs hasn't been as good since he returned imo. And some damage was long-lasting. Look at Burnley. A great defensive (yawn) team, but when Pope and Heaton were crocked last season, Joe Hart had them playing as though they were in the funny farm.
Of course our back four aren't as good as the likes of Virgil Van Dijk. That's why they play for West Ham. But not having a back-up keeper with the ability of dealing properly with a back pass suggested gross negligence by the tit-wigglers and also Audrey for allowing such a thing.
I do agree with you about Fabianski showing signs of wear and tear. Or is it premature dementure caused by playing behind Fredericks and Cresswell for so long ? And he's 35 now so how much longer can he continue to perform at the top level ?
Out of curiosity what has happened to Trott ? There were some on here who thought he could be the long term solution but I seem to remember he lost his place as first choice at Wimbledon which doesn't bode well.
I'd forgotten all about him tbh.
Re: Noble 500
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 10:51 am
by h69
Oziron wrote: ↑Sun Jul 19, 2020 12:52 am
He gets way too much stick on here.......
(tin hat on...!!)
He does. Showed how good he can still be in the last two home games and admitted in the after match interview he does not expect to play every week.
A nice guy, very loyal and a great servant of the club.
Re: Noble 500
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 8:03 am
by dorsetdano
Mark is a class act and his lack of speed prevented him from a truly outstanding player. He has stepped up since being made captain and took over from Nolan admirably, who had been an inspiring captain, albeit completely past it as a player in his last two years.
Nobes showed his class on Wednesday when not falling over when Fernandez stuck his hooter into him; most players would have gone down. He has suffered over the years playing in average sides, behind poor and/or half fit strikers. When playing with better players, his game improved significantly. His form in the Payet year was excellent. Like most on here I groaned when I saw he was selected last Friday, but he was excellent. He still has a part to play, but as long as Rice and Soucek are left alone as the defensive midfield fulcrum; he can be one of the other midfield options, but he shouldn't be an automatic starter and next year I would hope his position will mainly be on the bench.
Re: Noble 500
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:50 am
by Whiskyman
dorsetdano wrote: ↑Fri Jul 24, 2020 8:03 am
Mark is a class act and his lack of speed prevented him from a truly outstanding player. He has stepped up since being made captain and took over from Nolan admirably, who had been an inspiring captain, albeit completely past it as a player in his last two years.
Nobes showed his class on Wednesday when not falling over when Fernandez stuck his hooter into him; most players would have gone down. He has suffered over the years playing in average sides, behind poor and/or half fit strikers. When playing with better players, his game improved significantly. His form in the Payet year was excellent. Like most on here I groaned when I saw he was selected last Friday, but he was excellent. He still has a part to play, but as long as Rice and Soucek are left alone as the defensive midfield fulcrum; he can be one of the other midfield options, but he shouldn't be an automatic starter and next year I would hope his position will mainly be on the bench.
His performances in the more advanced role he has been given have been worth a starting place imo. But obviously we should be looking to the future and a bloke who's 33 hasn't got much left in the tank. And of course if Rice crosses over to West London the defensive MF partnership will need re appraising.