Beckford.

[seenitall]

So he got the arse when Sven got fired because he felt he had signed under false pretences, wouldn't you? He almost certainly didn't want to leave Everton and while he is a big boy on big money and should know better, footballers a generally thick and short sighted about this sort of thing, not just JB.

Add that to a negative reaction to him amd all the other 'big money' signings and he was probably deperate for the exit, especially when being ordered around by a management team he did not respect in the the ridiculously long gap without a manager.

Now Nige has him playing and has worked out that he is deadly if fed the right ball all seems well. Can't forgive the last 6 months?. Blame the board not the players

[Guest Col city fan]

"Only weak people feel pressure". How long was that - 25 minutes? - after signing as a City player.

Analysing celebrations is a bit ridiculous as I've stated before, but I couldn't believe he didn't get on with the game as soon as possible. We still needed 2 goals in a one-off game, to get to the semi-finals of the FA Cup for goodness sake. If you watch the highlights on the FA website

(3 minutes 17 seconds in) you can see him, arms widespread, walking over to the crowd. Now, I know he recognised Danns later. Great. But wouldn't you be dashing back to the halfway line instead?

As for the West Ham incident, I have never booed a City player or team off - win, lose or draw - except that day. His substitution was the culmination, not the sole indication, of his Billy big bollocks attitude that day. Berating team-mates for accurately passing the ball to him, taking his eye of the ball, failing to even think about challenging for anything that required any effort. City fans spent a lot of money in getting there that day - it was a big game for the club, being the first game after Sven's dismissal - and he let everybody down. This was also the latest in a string of effortless performances - Millwall (subbed at half-time), Boro (subbed at half-time) and Cardiff.

In fact, here's a potential quiz question for you. Has any City player been replaced at the break more often than Jermaine Beckford in their entire career? Three times this season, and at least another 3 before the hour. And he's only been here seven months.

Compare and contrast with Paul Gallagher, a man who - despite his limited work ethic and often limp challenges - has won a few games for City in the past on his own. He, 30 months, into his City career, was surely more worthy of sympathy from the City fans than Beckford at West Ham, who by this point had played about 10 times and scored once. So when he was jeered off, you might understand a bit more why he'd be angry. So when a large contingent of the City fans jeered/cheered his removal from the pitch, did he turn around and give them the eye like Beckford? No. He stopped, maybe thought about it, and then applauded the fans (presumably those who had decided not to boo). That's professionalism.

Perhaps he is hiding behind a persona. If true, that's very sad. Or, alternatively, you're completely speculating.

The fact is, in each of those situations, you can see it whichever way you want. We're not in Beckford's head, but I'd suggest that there's plenty of evidence to support the BBB theory. You may well be right, and certainly we've seen no signs of it lately, but I think you've only told half the story.

Everybody appreciates it. I've conceded time and again that there's been an obvious improvement in his attitude. That's something we can all appreciate and enjoy, and it's benefiting the team in attacking areas.

But I think it's an indication of what a disappointment he's been that he has needed to pull his game back together. Do you pay £2.5 million for a striker who's game is going to fall apart just because he joins a new club?

Also, my problem is not with Beckford himself. It never has been and never will be. I am 99% sure CCF is the same. It is largely to do with the type of striker he is. He can't control the ball with his back to goal (though his first touch for his first at Blackpool was excellent), and it means that the side routinely fails to build promising positions into goalscoring situations, or at least relieve pressure on the defence.

Playing through-balls "to his strengths" is an extremely low-percentage tactic, and will result in us ceding a lot of possession to the opposition by over-elaborating in the final third. The game has moved on from strikers who solely thrive on the ball over the top.

Sharp is struggling to get in a side that a top of the league, not one that is mid-table and had 2 fit strikers (plus Howard) for the last 8 weeks. He's also been at Southampton for two (not six) months, and has had a well-documented and significant upheaval in his personal life. Comparing the two is utterly facile.

Posting in this thread is difficult. All I am trying to say is that the last 2 weeks do not come anywhere close to making up for the previous six months. People are giving it the big "told you so" about a guy who was supposed to fire us to promotion with 20 league goals. He has 8 and we're 12th. The same reservations remain about his overall game. As I've posted previously, it's fine being "just a goalscorer" provided that you score A LOT of goals (comfortably over 20). Otherwise you need to provide something else.

I'm enjoying his recent performances as much as anybody else. He's playing really well and long may it continue. But if you look at the season objectively, he's been a huge letdown, and few people seem to be willing to acknowledge that.

Where I can't agree with you TTFN is in all this Billy Big Bollox stuff.

I actually think its the opposite. I think Beckford looks as though he's massively a confidence player.. ie he doesn't have an awful lot of it. I think he needs to be loved by the fans, he needs to feel that he is involved in a game and that he gets massively frustrated when he is not playing to the form he knows he can do.

When he has been taken off over more recent times, he's generally applauded the fans, given the oncoming players a 'high five' and generally looks happier because he knows he's had a better game.

Unless I'm completely wrong, my opinion on this 'arrogance' thing has done a full circle. I think he looks as though he's actually quite self critical.

Now, if that 'confidence' could be harnessed, like it was in say Emile Heskey, we could have a real player on our hands here.

I'm not likening Jermaine to Heskey as a player, but the simile is in they both seem real confidence players. When hot, very hot, when cold, very cold.

Hope that makes sense.

[KidKunny]

I wish some one would point out where exactly Becford has been a Billy Big Bollocks. Was it when he faced the crowd at West Ham when half of them were cheering the fact he was substituted? A lot of people saw him as an arrogant twat who was showing total disrespect for the fans. Of course another way to look at it would be that he wwas hurt and embarassed by the way he was treated and reacted in the way most people with any pride would.

Or last sunday when he took a bow then lifted the arm of Danns in thanks to his excellence leading up to the goal? Apparently he wasn't getting on with the game quick enough... When exactly?

Some of his performances have been shite especially when he first joined us and I am sure he will know this. All of this arrogance and Billy Big Bollocks stuff has never been backed up with any fact. Has there been reports that he has ever refused a autograph? Does he walk around outside of football giving the big I am? I have not seen anything to suggest that he has ever done this. He seems popular enough with the rest of the team now.

Perhaps he has a persona which he may hide behind as he is quite a shy person. Look at how long he took to settle at Everton and the same seems to apply here. I would not like to see him moved on as I can see a fantastic partnership developing between him and Nugent. Long may it continue.

I hope he realises that there are some fans who appreciate the hard work he has put in to get his game back together and his record in 2012 speaks for itself.

Couldn't of put it better myself mate.

As for someone saying the fans need to love him more, I totally agree; imagine your on that field and you get BOOed by your OWN fans, how would you feel? I'm sure 99% of us would lose all of our confidence. If you get boo'ed by your own fans its going to take a hell of a lot to get them back on your side and cheer you on. I think it's took a lot of courage maybe with the help of players and coaches to get him where he is right now, I'm sure he still remembers them boo's from his own fans and now may use that as a motive to play better, I don't know. However some acknowledgement must go to Pearson for his man-management skills to Beckford like Col City said.

I think 2012 he is a completely different player, and I hope, I HOPE he stays with us along with Nugent cause next year we will be on fire. And I hope he realises that we can get promotion next year if the team sticks together.

I'm sure the majority of us were excited when they heard we've signed JB, cause I was! However yes, he played shocking first half of the season but come 2012 he showed us why we were excited, and I'm a big fan of JB always have been and always will be. He is a quality player and like some of you say I think he still needs more confidence from the fans IMO.

[Leicester_Loyal]

Some good posts in this thread

[sphericalfox]

Where I can't agree with you TTFN is in all this Billy Big Bollox stuff.

I actually think its the opposite. I think Beckford looks as though he's massively a confidence player.. ie he doesn't have an awful lot of it. I think he needs to be loved by the fans, he needs to feel that he is involved in a game and that he gets massively frustrated when he is not playing to the form he knows he can do.

When he has been taken off over more recent times, he's generally applauded the fans, given the oncoming players a 'high five' and generally looks happier because he knows he's had a better game.

Unless I'm completely wrong, my opinion on this 'arrogance' thing has done a full circle. I think he looks as though he's actually quite self critical.

Now, if that 'confidence' could be harnessed, like it was in say Emile Heskey, we could have a real player on our hands here.

I'm not likening Jermaine to Heskey as a player, but the simile is in they both seem real confidence players. When hot, very hot, when cold, very cold.

Hope that makes sense.

Full circle indeed

[DANGEROUS TIGER]

I cannot understand why some people still pick on Beckford. There are so many other players who really are far, far worse. The guy is doing the job he is paid for, and alongside Nugent, we have a more than adequate strike force.

The problem lies elsewhere, with a defence that leak silly goals.

[Criggers]

I just like the fact that if he doesn't score he is shit and if he does score he doesn't get on with the game quick enough. Seriously, what would you do in his shoes? I know I would go celebrate with my fans.

[Guest Col city fan]

Full circle indeed

Yes, having read many views, watched his performances recently and spoken to one or two people, I am slowly being turned.

My reservations remain, and I've always made them clear. First touch and linking up with others being my main ones.

Is a bloke not able to begin to change his mind on a player? And to actually suggest that he may have been wrong over certain aspects of a players game?

It's of no surprise that it's you who posts this sarcastic response though is it? Such is the way of a 'bully boy' eh?

[Captain...]

Yes, having read many views, watched his performances recently and spoken to one or two people, I am slowly being turned.

My reservations remain, and I've always made them clear. First touch and linking up with others being my main ones.

Is a bloke not able to begin to change his mind on a player? And to actually suggest that he may have been wrong over certain aspects of a players game?

It's of no surprise that it's you who posts this sarcastic response though is it? Such is the way of a 'bully boy' eh?

Your views on Beckford previously were not inaccurate, it was more your incessant nature and converting threads about other players into Beckford threads which was a bit excessive.

I have backed Beckford all season, but I cannot deny he has limitations, and despite his goals at Blackpool they were still on display, especially in the first half. I won't be surprised to see them again at some point this season, but as fans all we can do is back him and the rest of the players on the pitch and start next season firing.

[sphericalfox]

Yes, having read many views, watched his performances recently and spoken to one or two people, I am slowly being turned.

My reservations remain, and I've always made them clear. First touch and linking up with others being my main ones.

Is a bloke not able to begin to change his mind on a player? And to actually suggest that he may have been wrong over certain aspects of a players game?

It's of no surprise that it's you who posts this sarcastic response though is it? Such is the way of a 'bully boy' eh?

Please, don't insult mine and everyone's intelligence, as though you've always believed in Beckford, but had reservations. I'm glad you are coming around, it's wonderful news. Everyone will be sighing a breath of relief that their thread won't be turned into a conversation about Beckford and his foibles.

Everyone's entitled to change their mind about a player or a manager. Not everyone pretends they've always had these thoughts all along, and denied it.

I would much prefer, if being called a bully boy, that you offer some of that evidence requested, you know when you nonchalantly accused me of scaring away other posters from FT? Please indulge us all, I'm still waiting. Because if you can't then in my view that would make you a liar and some other derogatory descriptor for which I'll decline to add.

[Guest Col city fan]

Your views on Beckford previously were not inaccurate, it was more your incessant nature and converting threads about other players into Beckford threads which was a bit excessive.

I have backed Beckford all season, but I cannot deny he has limitations, and despite his goals at Blackpool they were still on display, especially in the first half. I won't be surprised to see them again at some point this season, but as fans all we can do is back him and the rest of the players on the pitch and start next season firing.

Agreed..

[Guest Col city fan]

Please, don't insult mine and everyone's intelligence, as though you've always believed in Beckford, but had reservations. I'm glad you are coming around, it's wonderful news. Everyone will be sighing a breath of relief that their thread won't be turned into a conversation about Beckford and his foibles.

Everyone's entitled to change their mind about a player or a manager. Not everyone pretends they've always had these thoughts all along, and denied it.

I would much prefer, if being called a bully boy, that you offer some of that evidence requested, you know when you nonchalantly accused me of scaring away other posters from FT? Please indulge us all, I'm still waiting. Because if you can't then in my view that would make you a liar and some other derogatory descriptor for which I'll decline to add.

To be honest, I'm not even gonna bother. Until you begin to try to add something to any debate, whether right or wrong, rather than attempting to simply ridicule by putting up pictures and symbols of things I'm just gonna ignore you cos, frankly, it's becoming dead boring now.

I admit I do not always get stuff right, who does?

But at least I say it how I think it is. Sometimes over the top too I admit.

And yes, my mind changes sometimes on things. Anyway, the football looms, can't be bothered with replying to your diatribe anymore.

[sphericalfox]

To be honest, I'm not even gonna bother. Until you begin to try to add something to any debate, whether right or wrong, rather than attempting to simply ridicule by putting up pictures and symbols of things I'm just gonna ignore you cos, frankly, it's becoming dead boring now.

I admit I do not always get stuff right, who does?

But at least I say it how I think it is. Sometimes over the top too I admit.

And yes, my mind changes sometimes on things. Anyway, the football looms, can't be bothered with replying to your diatribe anymore.

Well that's great news, because until you retract your statement you'll soon understand what defamation means, the consequences of this. Here's a link. I'll accept a DM if you choose. See how serious I can get. This is public forum and such I don't take it kindly to receive such falsities against my name.

[Ozwin]

You all need your heads banging together I swear.

I wasn't a fan at first because he was (and still can be) a lazy ****er but he's getting goals and you can't argue with that.

[AdamN]

I wish some one would point out where exactly Becford has been a Billy Big Bollocks.

...

Good post.

The problem with a lot of people on here is that they seem to formulate an opinion on a player based on what they think and not what they know. If you start bringing a player's personality into the mix then you might as well save your breath, because your point becomes completely invalid. I'm sure 99% of the people on this forum have absolutely no idea how our players think or behave off the pitch, so anything you say that isn't strictly football related is pure conjecture, based on your made up opinions and prejudices. To 'support' their point, people start analysing evidence that has little relevance (goal celebrations, reactions to being subbed, even wage packets) and shoehorn it into the point they're trying to make, without taking a second to step back and think "hold on, what if I'm completely wrong about this?"

[21st Century Fox]

Please, don't insult mine and everyone's intelligence, as though you've always believed in Beckford, but had reservations. I'm glad you are coming around, it's wonderful news. Everyone will be sighing a breath of relief that their thread won't be turned into a conversation about Beckford and his foibles.

Everyone's entitled to change their mind about a player or a manager. Not everyone pretends they've always had these thoughts all along, and denied it.

I would much prefer, if being called a bully boy, that you offer some of that evidence requested, you know when you nonchalantly accused me of scaring away other posters from FT? Please indulge us all, I'm still waiting. Because if you can't then in my view that would make you a liar and some other derogatory descriptor for which I'll decline to add.

To be honest, I'm not even gonna bother. Until you begin to try to add something to any debate, whether right or wrong, rather than attempting to simply ridicule by putting up pictures and symbols of things I'm just gonna ignore you cos, frankly, it's becoming dead boring now.

I admit I do not always get stuff right, who does?

But at least I say it how I think it is. Sometimes over the top too I admit.

And yes, my mind changes sometimes on things. Anyway, the football looms, can't be bothered with replying to your diatribe anymore.

It's just like the old days... last year.

Come on lads.

P.S. how the f**k have you racked up over 4k posts in a year Col!!

[Finnegan]

Watching Spherical Fox and Col City Fan deny the blatant, lingering sexual tension makes me really glad I've stopped arguing with Thracian in every thread.

[Bob Weasel Fox]

You all need your heads banging together I swear.

I wasn't a fan at first because he was (and still can be) a lazy ****er but he's getting goals and you can't argue with that.

This

[Guest ttfn]

Good post.

The problem with a lot of people on here is that they seem to formulate an opinion on a player based on what they think and not what they know. If you start bringing a player's personality into the mix then you might as well

save your breath, because your point becomes completely invalid. I'm sure 99% of the people on this forum have absolutely no idea how our players think or behave off the pitch, so anything you say that isn't strictly football related is pure conjecture, based on your made up opinions and prejudices. To 'support' their point, people start analysing evidence that has little relevance (goal celebrations, reactions to being subbed, even wage packets) and shoehorn it into the point they're trying to make, without taking a second to step back and think "hold on, what if I'm completely wrong about this?"

This is pretty much exactly what I wrote in my post, but from the opposite perspective.

To be fair, I have no idea if he's a BBB. It's understandable though that one might get the impression that he is from certain instances. Ultimately it's an issue I should never have raised for the reasons you highlight; that's a completely fair criticism, and given that I brought it up in the first place, the onus is on me to PROVE it and I can't.

I think we can all agree that he's played well for the last two weeks though. Let's hope he can keep it up.

Good post from Captain Shrapnel on this above, but I can't quote it.

[marbelladave]

First of all I am pleased at Beckfords turnaround, starting in Cup games then transfering to the League in the last month or so.

The suggestion, made by Nugent and a fair number of posters on here, that we are now 'playing to Beckfords strengths' is encouraging if it is true.

I am still not going to games so I can't really comment but up until I stopped going (in January) I thought it blatantly obvious that Beckford was a very poor match for us, in fact for anyone playing a predominantly long ball game.

[Guest Col city fan]

Well that's great news, because until you retract your statement you'll soon understand what defamation means, the consequences of this. Here's a link. I'll accept a DM if you choose. See how serious I can get. This is public forum and such I don't take it kindly to receive such falsities against my name.

To be honest, I'm not even gonna bother. Until you begin to try to add something to any debate, whether right or wrong, rather than attempting to simply ridicule by putting up pictures and symbols of things I'm just gonna ignore you cos, frankly, it's becoming dead boring now.

I admit I do not always get stuff right, who does?

But at least I say it how I think it is. Sometimes over the top too I admit.

And yes, my mind changes sometimes on things. Anyway, the football looms, can't be bothered with replying to your diatribe anymore.

Please, don't insult mine and everyone's intelligence, as though you've always believed in Beckford, but had reservations. I'm glad you are coming around, it's wonderful news. Everyone will be sighing a breath of relief that their thread won't be turned into a conversation about Beckford and his foibles.

Everyone's entitled to change their mind about a player or a manager. Not everyone pretends they've always had these thoughts all along, and denied it.

I would much prefer, if being called a bully boy, that you offer some of that evidence requested, you know when you nonchalantly accused me of scaring away other posters from FT? Please indulge us all, I'm still waiting. Because if you can't then in my view that would make you a liar and some other derogatory descriptor for which I'll decline to add.

Really? what are you implying here? where is YOUR proof?

The PM I sent to you a couple of weeks ago was pleasant in nature and offering a hand of friendship. You didnt reply.

I've also suggested you should come down after a game to have a beer with myself and my mates so that we can stop this bickering. You have continually declined this offer.

Finally, your suggestions about my sexuality are clear to see in the pictures you have continually chosen to display. I hope you arent implying i'm gay?

You back off and so will I.

[sphericalfox]

Really? what are you implying here? where is YOUR proof?

The PM I sent to you a couple of weeks ago was pleasant in nature and offering a hand of friendship. You didnt reply.

I've also suggested you should come down after a game to have a beer with myself and my mates so that we can stop this bickering. You have continually declined this offer.

Finally, your suggestions about my sexuality are clear to see in the pictures you have continually chosen to display. I hope you arent implying i'm gay?

You back off and so will I.

I am deadly serious. Retract your previous accusation as false. You're an intelligent bloke. You'll understand what defamation means. All photographs posted have no sexual implications. Though one might suggest from all your 'bumming' comments whenst referring to Sven fans that your had implications when typing your posts. Lest you forget. The only backing down will be when I receive confirmation that your accusation was in fact false. It was a very specific accusation. So take your time, I'll wait, but remember deflection and change of subject will not be satisfactory.

[Guest Col city fan]

I am deadly serious. Retract your previous accusation as false. You're an intelligent bloke. You'll understand what defamation means. All photographs posted have no sexual implications. Though one might suggest from all your 'bumming' comments whenst referring to Sven fans that your had implications when typing your posts. Lest you forget. The only backing down will be when I receive confirmation that your accusation was in fact false. It was a very specific accusation. So take your time, I'll wait, but remember deflection and change of subject will not be satisfactory.

Possibly the nicest thing you have ever said to me. Though of course, you have no proof of this either do you?

Enjoy the game.

[sphericalfox]

Possibly the nicest thing you have ever said to me. Though of course, you have no proof of this either do you?

Enjoy the game.

Fine have it your way.

[Finnegan]

Possibly the nicest thing you have ever said to me. Though of course, you have no proof of this either do you?

Enjoy the game.

There isn't any.