Some perspective from Fez

[Alexikokopops]

sadly i feel the same, sometimes, and i'm not quite as old and cynical as you.

So do I, and I'm only 23!

[Fez of Mahrez]

I should be much comforted but I'm not.

You seem to reflect the general air of qualified satisfaction among City fans. But from my seat I saw nothing Sunday, nor have I seen anything other than occasionally this season, to suggest that we are either a good side or even an improving side.

First we are not scoring enough goals to make ourselves genuine promotion challengers and nor are we likely to with the way we play.

One reason for our lack of goals is our sad lack of movement, a factor which is even worse than our collective lack of pace, width and ability to make simple passes accurately and, more important, quickly.

It doesn't help having a largely pedestrian back-line. If our defenders were running in circles instead of directly towards the ball some of them would be lapped over anything more than 20 yards as demonstrated with the Ipswich goal on Sunday and at various stages thereafter.

These shortcomings aren't new. I simply hoped that they might be recognised and corrected .... but as usual with City that was just wishful thinking.

Even when the ball is passed across our backline the recipients lack urgency in taking possession, often take too long to control the ball (if they do at all) and lack the early forethought necessary to decide what they intend to do with the ball. Consequently our defenders invariably get hurried by the nearest challenger into hitting a hopeful pass anywhere.

I have some sympathy with them because the situation is not helped by never having any natural width beyond the halfway line. The width is only thought about when we get the ball and if anyone does make a suitable run he is rarely in position quickly enough for our defender to have a sensible pass on.

Put simply we'll achieve nothing going on like this and, far from having the basis of a promotion team, I think we're not even close.

We need much more pace throughout the side, infinitely more movement from almost all departments and players who can all pass the ball quickly and accurately rather than just the odd one or two. Watching the number of touches Wellens takes is so frustrating and if he can't demonstrate that simple skill there's no chance of less skilled players managing it.

Finally - and how long has this been a problem - we not only need far more imagination from free-kicks and corners but players who are even able to deliver a simple cross/pass into the penalty box with a bit of devil. Sunday's efforts were awful.

Were there signs the above problems were being addressed I'd feel some optimism but I've seen none.

Forest have made massive progress and have developed into a side which really attacks a game and shows lots of movement.

Ipswich are improving fast but we still look like the slow, narrow and predictable team of functionaries which began the season and which even demonstrated many of the same limitations last season.

Clearly, judging by yours and other people's opinions, I have missed so much that I should have gone to Specsavers.

Either that or, as I did once warn, you're starting to see games through those special Blue-and-White specs that seem to be standard for all City correspondents who never forget where their bread is buttered.

I say that because, while there is nothing glaringly wrong with what you say- it is what you don't say that concerns me.

Unfettered, I know you to be a good football analyst. But what you've written is rather like watered wine and no incentive for City to make the changes that will eventually have to be made if they're to have any hope of realising their so-called ambitions.

Perhaps you should interview Billy Davies if you want an updated opinion on how to shape a side suitable for promotion.

You need a team full of pace, passing, movement and goals. So far we're largely lacking all four ingredients and are hoping to get by with courage, strength, industry, and organisation.

In motoring terms we remind me of that big Chrysler that's not long been out... http://www.chrysler.com/en/2010/300/.

We may look tough and threatening but some feel we're short of speed, controlled manouverability and class.

And one day, perhaps someone around our local media will have the character to say so.

PS:

Sorry to have cut in, but the forum is starting to read like a gathering of cribbage pals.

Not everything I write gets published. That's not my decision. What I do write, I believe. If I wanted to challenge anything, and I have done in the past, then I would submit it.

I'll keep a general eye on what the consensus is among City fans and I admit that I found the performance against Ipswich better than the vast majority of fans but I'm not particularly interested whether any one individual agrees with me as long as any criticism of the way I write is constructive.

[Katy]

Not everything I write gets published. That's not my decision. What I do write, I believe. If I wanted to challenge anything, and I have done in the past, then I would submit it.

I'll keep a general eye on what the consensus is among City fans and I admit that I found the performance against Ipswich better than the vast majority of fans but I'm not particularly interested whether any one individual agrees with me as long as any criticism of the way I write is constructive.

I was about to mention this. I have read the unpublished material and it's basically a case of the Mercury trying to protect their ass, although non of it is liable in any way shape or form. I guess if you write for a local newspaper you have to toe the line, which is a shame but that seems to be how it is unfortunately.

[Bryn]

I don't disagree with Thracian. The things needed to take us up a gear are obvious, we lack pace, we lack width and there are a few positions which in an ideal world would be shored up. Better, more expansive full backs, a dominating central midfielder, wingers with a chance of getting in the first team and a striker with pace, movement and genuine scoring ability.

The problem is, all these things cost money, and they generally choose to go to bigger and better clubs. What Pearson has done has given us a strong, hard working side capable of grinding out results to the extent that we're comfortably in the top 10, and he's done it without spending too much. It's a solid foundation for long term progress and most people are entitled to feel happy about it.

[Thracian]

I was about to mention this. I have read the unpublished material and it's basically a case of the Mercury trying to protect their ass, although non of it is liable in any way shape or form. I guess if you write for a local newspaper you have to toe the line, which is a shame but that seems to be how it is unfortunately.

Ain't that the Mercury!

I never did quite learn to toe the line you mentioned. However I greatly sympathise with Fez's situation and get the impression that the constraints are far worse now than ever they were when I was a columnist.

Indeed if people truly understood the extent to which various forms of information are cut/vetted/censored/diluted/politically sanitised or re-angled according to vested interests, legal fears or concerns about causing offence and potential loss of audience, access or privilege, they would probably have scant regard for so much of the published and broadcast word.

I guess every journo eventually faces the choice of whether to insist on expressive freedom or to compromise and so increasingly become the tamed voice of the media they serve or the organisation they write about.

[MPH]

I was about to mention this. I have read the unpublished material and it's basically a case of the Mercury trying to protect their ass, although non of it is liable in any way shape or form. I guess if you write for a local newspaper you have to toe the line, which is a shame but that seems to be how it is unfortunately.

did you get to listen to that rant by Robbie Savage on the bbc derby webpage? quality stuff...

[Katy]

Ain't that the Mercury!

I never did quite learn to toe the line you mentioned. However I greatly sympathise with Fez's situation and get the impression that the constraints are far worse now than ever they were when I was a columnist.

Indeed if people truly understood the extent to which various forms of information are cut/vetted/censored/diluted/politically sanitised or re-angled according to vested interests, legal fears or concerns about causing offence and potential loss of audience, access or privilege, they would probably have scant regard for so much of the published and broadcast word.

I guess every journo eventually faces the choice of whether to insist on expressive freedom or to compromise and so increasingly become the tamed voice of the media they serve or the organisation they write about.

Unfortunately for our Fez though, he writes some quality thought provoking stuff and some of it isn't being published. It's his opinion though, not the thoughts of the Mercury so he should be allowed to express it as long as it's not libellous in my very humble and possibly naive opinion.

did you get to listen to that rant by Robbie Savage on the bbc derby webpage? quality stuff...

I didn't unfortunately, linkage?

[Thracian]

Unfortunately for our Fez though, he writes some quality thought provoking stuff and some of it isn't being published. It's his opinion though, not the thoughts of the Mercury so he should be allowed to express it as long as it's not libellous in my very humble and possibly naive opinion.

Couldn't agree more. For all that I still like you standing his corner. It's kinda nice.

[MPH]

Unfortunately for our Fez though, he writes some quality thought provoking stuff and some of it isn't being published. It's his opinion though, not the thoughts of the Mercury so he should be allowed to express it as long as it's not libellous in my very humble and possibly naive opinion.

I didn't unfortunately, linkage?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...nty/8453055.stm

was right proper angry with the interviewer...

[Katy]

Couldn't agree more. For all that I still like you standing his corner. It's kinda nice.

I find it difficult to not wade in when I don't think things are right. Fez puts his heart and soul into these blogs and reports and deserves some recognition for them, which, at the moment I don't think he gets. I sense there will be some hefty blushing in the vicinity of Northamptonshire this evening haha.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...nty/8453055.stm

was right proper angry with the interviewer...

Thanks for that. He's still an absolute knob end though.

[Vlad The Impaler]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...nty/8453055.stm

was right proper angry with the interviewer...

That's Quality! lol

[marbelladave]

I don't disagree with Thracian. The things needed to take us up a gear are obvious, we lack pace, we lack width and there are a few positions which in an ideal world would be shored up. Better, more expansive full backs, a dominating central midfielder, wingers with a chance of getting in the first team and a striker with pace, movement and genuine scoring ability.

The problem is, all these things cost money, and they generally choose to go to bigger and better clubs. What Pearson has done has given us a strong, hard working side capable of grinding out results to the extent that we're comfortably in the top 10, and he's done it without spending too much. It's a solid foundation for long term progress and most people are entitled to feel happy about it.

This is the normal, modern, reaction to your team not performing up to the standard expected!

Buy some new players, instant fix!

We are in a playoff position playing pretty crap football, yet the position in the league does not lie, a playoff place minimum is there for the taking.

How about playing some football? Forget the results, we are probably not going to get promotion and are now unlikely to face a relegation battle so lets try and develop a football playing side that can really take on the Championship next season!

[Fez of Mahrez]

http://www.thebluearmy.co.uk/bevanblog/new...il/article.html

What do you think of the marks? Agree? Disagree? Please comment!

[Chrysalis]

Thracian I agree with you. So one of a few allies maybe on this.

When I watched the ipswich game as well as the forest game and the sheff utd game I seen the same problems in all 3 games.

1 - When we dont have the ball there is no urgency in closing down the opponent, fryatt tries occasionally but I dont see any of our midfield doing it and our back 4 wait until the ball is in our own box which is too late. This is why we concede more long range goals than other teams because we give them space.

2 - When chasing down a loose ball we lack urgency, the first goal against ipswich, how did we lose that ball our player was much nearer to the ball but got out paced by the ipswich player, mcgivern also has this problem big time, he simply jogs to loose balls. I never see him sprint.

3 - The players are static when we dont have the ball and when we do have the ball, they need to keep moving around creating space and making things diffilcult for the other team, yes its more work but they get paid enough for it.

4 - Dyer and Fryatt I feel are our only 2 players able to trouble the opponents defenders, Howard just fouls all the time. The problem is Fryatt is not a winger and should be on the end of crosses/passes instead of making them so that leaves just Dyer who always fades out in the 2nd half. Gallagher looks like a decent player but for whatever reason Pearson isnt using him much in games.

5 - Weale is ok but not as good as people have made him out to be he is poor at clearing crosses and corners.

I also agree forest have progressed a LOT, although they have also spent far more money, Davies did struggle before the summer.

[MPH]

http://www.thebluearmy.co.uk/bevanblog/new...il/article.html

What do you think of the marks? Agree? Disagree? Please comment!

Very good read and maybe a little generous to Nielsen,

D for Nielsen for me and also if we were judging Wellens from ten games ago then i would of said A- would of been fair. He hasnt exactly gone off the boil recently but i think more teams are working out who is pulling the strings, B for me

[Chrysalis]

http://www.thebluearmy.co.uk/bevanblog/new...il/article.html

What do you think of the marks? Agree? Disagree? Please comment!

Agree on Neilson, he takes the slow first touch then the cross comes too late as the defender has closed him down.

[davieG]

http://www.thebluearmy.co.uk/bevanblog/new...il/article.html

What do you think of the marks? Agree? Disagree? Please comment!

I think that's a fair and balanced view, it's so easy to pick fault with individual players on their short comings many of which will not improve but they are what they are warts and all and that's the price we pay or in Neilson and Weale's case didn't pay and the players you get at this level.

I've no doubt fans of other clubs in this league, yes even those at WBA, Newcastle and Forest are finding some poor sod to demonise, it's team game and as a team we're doing better than expected.

I've done it myself with Brown .

[skinnydipper]

http://www.thebluearmy.co.uk/bevanblog/new...il/article.html

What do you think of the marks? Agree? Disagree? Please comment!

Think those marks are there or thereabouts. In terms of splitting hairs I 'd give Weale a B/B+ as although he started off well he seems to have lost a bit of confidence recently. A good shot stopper but less confident on balls into the box and less decisive in dealing with through balls.

I was glad Neilsen got no worse than a C. Ithink he's improved since the start of the season but his better performances are no more than average. He's not been helped too much by Oakley drifting in too often at RM Am disappointed by Neilsen's throws as an offensive weapon, in part because they're too loopy and in part due to the failure to get the right player in the right position for the flick on.

Wellens can be a very good player but flatters to deceive too often given his talent. It's weird that his shooting is so poor. At the start of the season when he got the ball on the edge of the box I'd be thinking "shoot , shoot" but now I'm thinking "pass". Given his passing skills you'd also think that his delivery from set pieces would be betterthan Oakley's who may be better employed on the edge of the box at corners with a view to a shot from a clearance. A B for Wellens from me.

As for Waghorn I love his enthusiasm , his directness and his goals. A player who you think can make something happen when he gets on the ball. Agree with your A-

[Katy]

I think that's a fair and balanced view, it's so easy to pick fault with individual players on their short comings many of which will not improve but they are what they are warts and all and that's the price we pay or in Neilson and Weale's case didn't pay and the players you get at this level.

I've no doubt fans of other clubs in this league, yes even those at WBA, Newcastle and Forest are finding some poor sod to demonise, it's team game and as a team we're doing better than expected.

I've done it myself with Brown .

I think with Brown, it's just massively disappointing that he let himself down against Peterborough and Forest and hasn't been able to get it back - it is especially noticeable after Forest. What the heck has happened to him?

[Sparky]

Marks pretty much on the money id say

[Fez of Mahrez]

Have just sent round 2 in, which will hopefully be up on the site tomorrow.

[Thracian]

Much as I'd prefer otherwise, I fail to see why Wellens and Waghorn have such high marks.

Wellens has been a disappointment. He's unquestionably skillful and combative but he often takes too many touches and is totally unreliable.

True he sometimes make a deft pass that makes you gasp but more often he gives the ball away trying to do something clever or impossible rather than retaining possession by doing the simple thing.

No-one objects to players making risky passes through the last line of defence but Welens often loses the ball in mid-park places where we might well be hurt on the counter - and when it just isn't necessary.

His presence has allowed King to take up a more attacking role and to so stay on course for another double-figure season goals wise but another failing of Wellens is that he hardly ever scores and you can understand why when you see how rarely he gets into a shooting position and how wildly he shoots when given the chance.

I'd not rate the guy more than 5/10 not because he lacks ability but because he doesn't use his ability to the full nor anything like it.

As for Waghorn I'm inclined to reserve judgement but up to now I see him as a blinkered player with far too many limitations to be a consistent scorer.

Undoubtedly he has one of the sweetest and most powerful left feet you'll ever see. He also has pace and attitude.

But to bring out his best Waghorn will need a partner - a Davie Gibson type who will see his runs and who has the skill to put flighted passes on a sixpence and so leave the striker with nothing but a shot on goal and on his favoured foot.

We don't really have anyone like that. Waghorn makes his runs like a thoroughbred in blinkers but the balls to him get blocked or are misdirected and his energy is wasted.

Eventually he runs out of steam and his threat disappears. There's no pacing himself, no sense of subtlety, the bloke's a ram raider but he really needs the right ball to run onto and, so far, he's not had many.

With strikers it doesn't matter how they score, just how many. And, so far, I've seen little sign that Waghorn will be prolific.

So 5.5/10 to date and much hoping that the staff work on getting passes to him properly. Oh yes and get him off the wing. I know he delivered that marvellous cross for N'Guessan at Watford but essentially the bloke needs to be in and around the penalty area creating havoc.

I actually get sick of Pearson using all and sundry as makeshift wingers. Even N'Guessan's never impressed me as a winger. He's only a danger in the penalty box. Waghorn, Gallagher and Oakley are no better out wide either.

[marbelladave]

Much as I'd prefer otherwise, I fail to see why Wellens and Waghorn have such high marks.

Wellens has been a disappointment. He's unquestionably skillful and combative but he often takes too many touches and is totally unreliable.

True he sometimes make a deft pass that makes you gasp but more often he gives the ball away trying to do something clever or impossible rather than retaining possession by doing the simple thing.

No-one objects to players making risky passes through the last line of defence but Welens often loses the ball in mid-park places where we might well be hurt on the counter - and when it just isn't necessary.

His presence has allowed King to take up a more attacking role and to so stay on course for another double-figure season goals wise but another failing of Wellens is that he hardly ever scores and you can understand why when you see how rarely he gets into a shooting position and how wildly he shoots when given the chance.

I'd not rate the guy more than 5/10 not because he lacks ability but because he doesn't use his ability to the full nor anything like it.

As for Waghorn I'm inclined to reserve judgement but up to now I see him as a blinkered player with far too many limitations to be a consistent scorer.

Undoubtedly he has one of the sweetest and most powerful left feet you'll ever see. He also has pace and attitude.

But to bring out his best Waghorn will need a partner - a Davie Gibson type who will see his runs and who has the skill to put flighted passes on a sixpence and so leave the striker with nothing but a shot on goal and on his favoured foot.

We don't really have anyone like that. Waghorn makes his runs like a thoroughbred in blinkers but the balls to him get blocked or are misdirected and his energy is wasted.

Eventually he runs out of steam and his threat disappears. There's no pacing himself, no sense of subtlety, the bloke's a ram raider but he really needs the right ball to run onto and, so far, he's not had many.

With strikers it doesn't matter how they score, just how many. And, so far, I've seen little sign that Waghorn will be prolific.

So 5.5/10 to date and much hoping that the staff work on getting passes to him properly. Oh yes and get him off the wing. I know he delivered that marvellous cross for N'Guessan at Watford but essentially the bloke needs to be in and around the penalty area creating havoc.

I actually get sick of Pearson using all and sundry as makeshift wingers. Even N'Guessan's never impressed me as a winger. He's only a danger in the penalty box. Waghorn, Gallagher and Oakley are no better out wide either.

Generally a very fair assessment in my view.

My only point will be that Waghorn has invariably played in a team with no real attacking threat other than the long ball. He has the pace to be a treat in behind and has scored the odd goal in this manner, but when it is our only form of attack it is not surprising his returns have been modest.

Ideally he should play with Gallagher in front of a midfield that actually passes the ball then plays it in to feet.

Absolutely no chance of that!

Wellens started the season brightly, then fell away, dissapointing.

[Guest]

I have just been told that my father is a fan of a certain Mockery columnist.

[lou]

I have just been told that my father is a fan of a certain Mockery columnist.

Gary Silke?