Peterborough Team & reaction

[Hornmeister]

WATFORD: Loach, Mariappa, DeMerit (c), Taylor, Doyley; Cowie, Eustace, Lansbury, Cleverley; Helguson, Graham. Subs: McGinn, Jenkins, Lee (gk). Bennett, Hoskins, Henderson, Hodson.

PETERBOROUGH: Lewis (c); Morgan, Zakuani, Lee, Dickinson, McLean, Mackail-Smith, Rowe, Little, Torres, Griffiths. Subs: McKeown (gk), Day, Crook, Green, Simpson, Geohaghon, Reid.

[ImRonBurgundy?]

For ****s sake

[wfcmatt]

No Buckley or Harley on the bench?
Should've started with Hoskins and Hodson, but hopefully should be able to beat peterborough anyway...

[Hornet36]

1-0 down
i think its time to go MM

[Jersey Hornet]

Have to agree, malky has to go...

[ImRonBurgundy?]

Absolute disgrace

**** off Malky

we are going to be in league 1 next season

[mike88]

I can't believe it. But then again I can.

Malky, WTF???

[Spud]

Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooo

[cyaninternetdog]

Mackay out!!!!!!

[ImRonBurgundy?]

if malky is still our manager at 6pm ill be shocked

[NathWFC]

May seem too soon for some, but Malky clearly isn't up to the job, his strange team selections and lack of tactical nous have now become a joke, our form has been awful for too long and this just tops it off.

Time to go Malky.

[3000]

Why is it that every team/player breaks their drought against us. EG This is peterboro's first away win. And we were the only team to lose to them when they had their previous manager.

[Spud]

if malky is still our manager at 6pm ill be shocked

Be prepared to be shocked, he will be. We cant afford anyone else. Were stuck with him. Its not the fact wel get relegated on present form its the lack of imagination and Mckays reluctance to change things around. Hoskins should have been playing way before now, Hodson should be playing. The team needs a change, Graham must be knackered. Even the top teams and players need to change things and have a rest for a couple of games.

[Bubble]

Said it since Barnsley away. We're going down. My concerns were cemented after the Derby game when we were sooooo poor!

It didn't surprise me that we lost today, and I stuck £50 on P'Boro today at 4/1.

Malky has to go. This is too reminiscent of the end of the Lewington era when he was sacked. We managed to turn it around, only because he was sacked and we had fresh ideas. MM is out of ideas, out of excuses and should be OUT of my club on his ear!

I have lost faith, I think the players have lost faith and most the fans have lost faith!

Hopefully he'll do the honourable thing and resign this evening.

[StuBoy]

Seriously unacceptable. I'm normally quite tolerant, but this is unacceptable. Malky out or we're doomed.

[Spud]

Anyway what did we expect when they had Torres up front.

[Kylie Minogue]

Not one of them was any good today, all hopelessly shyte!

[Moose]

Well that all went well.

[Defunct]

Just back. It was shocking. Boro could have had 3. I think we probably turned a lot of kids off Watford today :dismay:.

[Bubble]

More ******** coming from Malky! Moaning about a penalty decision! Yawn.

Rather than moaning about the ref every week, you could select the right side with the right attitude! Rather than playing your mates like Demerit and Mariappa!

Going on about we applied the pressure after they scored....yes, but why did it take them to score before we showed any urgency!?!? Same as the Derby game last week!! Even then their keeper didn't really have anything to do!!

Shocking. Just f**k off Malky!

[mike88]

Just back. It was shocking. Boro could have had 3. I think we probably turned a lot of kids off Watford today :dismay:.

'But Daddy, I don't understand, why you take me here when Chelsea won 4-1 today? Boooo Waaaa' etc.

Im starting to reconsider attending Cardiff v Watford next week, but I feel its my duty to watch us get painfully rodgered and wonder how we got into this situation. :dismay:

[3000]

Im starting to reconsider attending Cardiff v Watford next week, but I feel its my duty to watch us get painfully rodgered and wonder how we got into this situation. :dismay:

Same here, was considering going to sheffield wednesday on a wednesday night :dismay: Not happening any more :rant:

[Davidwfc]

i dont think it mattered who we played. We could of played bottom of league 2 and still lost.

[Kylie Minogue]

Did the team get boo'd off? I can't actually remember the last time I stayed until the end of a game?

[Smithy]

Yeah team got seriously booed off and deservedly so.

[Goldenmist]

Spineless performance. No pace. No width. No quality. Very few shots. :dismay:

[Smithy]

Just got back and its simply unacceptable now. Was backing Malky before but today was too much and i'm not backing him anymore. He himself only knows how Graham and Helguson start every match when they both do f**k all. Helguson was a ghost today I forgot he was playing for several moments. Glad when Graham got subbed off and thank God Hoskins came on.

Oh yeah and everyone thinking Malky will be sacked. It won't happen.

I echo the chants coming from the Posh fans.."How sh*t must you be, we're winning away".

[TheDon]

Sh1 te

No point sacking Malks, but he needs a kick up the backside

[Moose]

Just back. It was shocking. Boro could have had 3. I think we probably turned a lot of kids off Watford today :dismay:.

I think its a well thought out strategy to save our children years of pain in later life.

Well executed too.

[Eloden]

lost for words for the match :rant:

so here are some other ones

potato cat fish finger blues

thank you

[Keano]

having been (thankfully) unable to attend i presume this outlook from the fficial site has enough spin to make u dizzy

"a frustrating afternoon for the 'Orns who, try as they might, couldn't find the back of the net, despite a valiant effort from the whole team."

[DMR]

I'm still standing by Malky, maybe more by stubbornness than intelligence. I still can't see him quitting nor us going down. If we would have got that penalty, and got one of those goals which was cleared from defenders as it was on it's way in, we'd be behind him.

I know i'm in for some stick here, but it's the players - not the manager.

[Squibba]

not all Malky imo everyone's to blame there was no desire just that little bit extra Cleverley provides wasn't there and what the hell was Loach doing coming so far out Malky's not to blame for mistakes like that

[Davidwfc]

The problem is we dont get down the wing another and when we do we lose the ball. Everytime Doyley gets forward he loses the ball because he cant cross on his left foot. Everytime we go down the right Mariappa makes an awful pass.

For me Demerit does not want to be here next season, so he should not be in the starting line up. Mariappa needs to move back into the centre. I would have Doyley at right back, and then Harley at left back. This means we have are two best centre backs playing where they should be, and the wingers we will getting good support for the full backs which means we can make some good attacks.

[wfcmoog]

I watched the game today, like most fans probably, with one eye on the World Cup in the summer. Several Watford players are, IMO playing for their places at the tournament, so it was interesting to note which ones may have done enough and which ones may not be travelling to South Africa. My verdicts:

Loach - The Rookery chanted "England's No 1" and whilst I don't think this is a fait accomplis just yet, Robert Green's position as England goalie is tenuous at best. With David James nearing the end of his career, I fully expect Loach to establish himself by the end of the world cup and today's showing confirmed that for me - Rating 8.5/10

Doyley - England's left back problem is no secret, but whilst I fully expect Capello to pick a natural left footer for 1st choice, IMO he'd be mad not to take Doyley along as cover. He is as versatile as he is experienced. What's more, he's added an attacking side to his game which makes him the natural replacement for Ashley Cole - 8/10

Demerit - Wish he was English. We MUST do everything to keep him this summer and sign a new contract, no matter what the cost. I can't see Rooney getting a sniff against him - 9/10

Taylor - With Ferdinand's fitness a doubt, I've got to say I'd be more comfortable seeing Taylor alongside Terry than Upson. Perfect for the big occasion and will shine in SA - 9/10

Mariappa - Not his best game. He's frustrating, because whilst he looks world class most of the time, his rare errors can be costly. He reminds me of Glen Johnson in that sense. To be honest, I'd say his place in the tournament is touch and go at the moment - 7/10

Cowie - I know Scotland failed to qualify, but I guarantee you that every national coach will be scouring Cowie's family tree right now to see if there is an ancestor who will qualify him to turn out for their side. It would be a tragedy for football if this man's talents did not grace the tournament.

Lansbury - Fabregas didn't start for Arsenal again today and it makes me worry that Wenger will be recalling Lansbury soon to take his place. If this happens, I fully expect Henri to establish himself as the Arsenal lynchpin and make Fabregas 2nd choice - 10/10

Eustace - Possibly the most complete midfielder in the world right now. Will definitely be on the plane - 11/10

Cleverly - I think this world cup may have come a bit too early for him, but he'd be worth taking just to make him feel part of the squad. 9/10

HH - Shame he's not English as he'd certainly be the perfect foil for Rooney up front. 9/10

Graham - I know his scoring record has not been all that since October, but in many ways, he reminds me of Heskey in the way that although he may not grab the glory, he does allow the players around him to play. Could be a key figure for Capello IMO - 10/10

Overall, I though it was a positive showing today. We bossed the 2nd half and it was only due to a freak error that we went behind. I felt we could have had 5 or 6 and on any other day we'd have won comfortably. THe ref was a cheat and it was his fault we lost. 4 of their players could have been sent off and we had a goal disallowed for nothing (I'm sure Hoskins scored at one point, but it wasn't even counted!) plus we could have had 3 or 5 penalties.

Overall, despite the loss, I think things are looking bright.

[nak108]

Not good. First half was a tight affair with no team dominating, I thought we were over run in midfield though and could have done with someone to play off the striker to drop back when defending and to push up when with the ball, like what Tommy Smith used to do for us. I hope Will Buckley will be fully fit soon. Second half started poorly for us with their goal but after that we did push them to be fair. Defensively we needed to be a bit tighter and up front we need to be more clinical, it's up to the players to show some passion now and come out on Tuesday with real determination. Although we tried to play decent football today but there were too many loose passes from our players and there were moments where we could have put in a good cross but wasted the opportunity. We should have grabbed a goal, no doubt about that. Graham wasted a massive chance to equalise, we had two strikes cleared off the line and it looked as though we should have had 2 penalties. Peterborough's goal came from a mistake by Loach who kicked it out weakly when he was right out of his box which left Dickinson with the chance to lob it in from around 35 yards. The goal reminded me of the goal scored on Monday against our reserves. Also, the boos were ridiculous at half time and during the game.

Loach- 5 Bad mistake and it was poor decision making by him. To be fair, apart from that mistake he actually did well with some decent saves and catches.

Mariappa- 5.5 Once again his passing was poor but it's a shame that he has become such a hate figure from the crowd as an ironic cheer goes up when he is subbed off. There's no need for it and although he didn't play great he has done pretty well overall this season.

Taylor- 6.5 Solid game again and he really showed his experience today. He looked mature, and he defended well.

DeMerit- 5.5 Not great, he made some mistakes and although he did alright in patches I would drop him for Hodson on Tuesday. Our form has dipped dramatically since he's come back from injury and he doesn't look like a good captain.

Doyley- 6.5 Like Tuesday he showed a good amount of passion and he seems to be really trying hard as always. He defended well bar one slip up and he got forward pretty well.

Cowie- 6.5 Decent performance but not a stand out one. I think his work rate, desire, determination and passion deserve a lot of praise today. He was getting stuck in and giving it his all. On the ball he was solid enough with his passing and crossing but not enough chances to get some quality balls into the box.

Lansbury- 6 Did alright, worked pretty hard, showed good movement and played some decent passes but recently he hasn't made a big enough impact on the games.

Eustace- 6 Solid performance with a good attitude and work rate shown but his passing was mixed, there were some really nice passes spread to the wing but also some mis-hit ones along with 'the chip'.

Cleverley- 6.5 Didn't quite have the impact that the fans hoped for. At times he showed some good bursts of skill and drive but he did give the ball away a bit cheaply at times. Some nice crosses from him.

Graham- 6.25 Worked hard and I thought he did quite well until he missed that absolute sitter. Unsurprisingly he was subbed off very quickly after that but I still believe his performances are better than his striker partner. Graham seemed to do well in the air and he showed good movement.

Helguson- 5 Anonymous in the match mainly and I feel recently he isn't showing the required determination. He will chase down defenders but it's almost as though he's only doing it because he knows he has to and not because he wants to win the ball. Time for him to be dropped/rested in my opinion.

Subs:

Hoskins- 6.5 Looked bright and he made an instant impact, just who we needed in the game. He came on, looked to get in behind the defence and have some shots on goal. I'm not his biggest fan but he deserves a chance.

Henderson- 6 Not much of an impact with only a few touches but he did OK when he had the chance to do anything.

McGinn- 6 Although he almost cost us a goal with that mis-placed pass, he did well apart from that. He played some really nice passes and he showed a good work-rate to get back and help out the defence.

[HELGO]

Now beginning to see the reality of Div 1. Problem is with this manager it will probably be the same story next season, fighting relegation to Div 2.

He's too inexperienced for the Championship. Slugger foota in Div one next season... Are we desitned to do what that team up the M1 in Beds has done over the next few seasons?

Surviving relegation this season could be a two edged sword, the bonus is still being in the Championship the flip side the board might thank MM by keeping him on another season.

[cyaninternetdog]

Malky out and GT to take over for rest of season, will guarantee the players showing more commitment and better tactics.

[Budfrog]

Poor playing surface didn't help either team but Boro were far quicker out of the traps and WFC looked like the team adrift at the bottom. We have a serious lack of width resulting in a lack of quality from the wings and playing through the middle is far too easy for other teams to counter.

MMs team selection was just so predictable, a man who won't take any chances but sticks with a team/method that is clearly failing and never knows when to change things. HH and Graham are a little too similar for my liking and with the latter having a drop in form starting not starting with Hoskins is a crime ... Mariappa similarly should be replaced by Hodson IMO.

I still think MM will make a good manager but at the present time he needs GT to act as a mentor or we are doooooooomed.

Brendan Rodgers is still available :)

[davisp2]

Maybe its me but I don't entirley blame MM. We only just stayed up last season & that was with Priskin,Smith, Rasiak etc. If you sell all your best players and replace them with ordinary players eventually you'll pay the price ( that surely applies to any team) Think we can still stay up & if we do will have to bring some quality in the summer otherwise it wil just be delaying the inevitable. I'm assuming the loan window is closed ?

[wfcmoog]

Blaming Malky is knee jerk. These players were good enough to beat teams and look good doing it a few weeks ago, but now they're lacking confidence and feeling sorry for themselves. I'm sorry, but if you're good enough to earn 300k per year, you're good enough to sort your head out before a game and make sure you bring 100% to the pitch. Sure, we can all sit here and say Hoskins for Graham or Hodson for Mariappa, but is that really going to turn today's sh1t into a win? Get real, we are a long way off being good enough and no matter how we juggle the line up, the problems will not vanish.


The key players need to take responsibility, because about 8 or 9 are playing at 40% of what they showed they were capable of earlier in the season when the going was good. No matter who we bring in as manager, even if they manage to put a short term rocket up the backsides of this lot for a couple of weeks, the same problems will materialise again next season and the one after that.

Malky is as good as anyone we can get. He needs to wave a magic wand, admittedly, but even if we go down, he's got my support.

[TheDon]

Blaming Malky is knee jerk. These players were good enough to beat teams and look good doing it a few weeks ago, but now they're lacking confidence and feeling sorry for themselves. I'm sorry, but if you're good enough to earn 300k per year, you're good enough to sort your head out before a game and make sure you bring 100% to the pitch. Sure, we can all sit here and say Hoskins for Graham or Hodson for Mariappa, but is that really going to turn today's sh1t into a win? Get real, we are a long way off being good enough and no matter how we juggle the line up, the problems will not vanish.


The key players need to take responsibility, because about 8 or 9 are playing at 40% of what they showed they were capable of earlier in the season when the going was good. No matter who we bring in as manager, even if they manage to put a short term rocket up the backsides of this lot for a couple of weeks, the same problems will materialise again next season and the one after that.

Malky is as good as anyone we can get. He needs to wave a magic wand, admittedly, but even if we go down, he's got my support.

Bang on, SING YOUR HEART OUT FOR THE LADS

[nak108]

Blaming Malky is knee jerk. These players were good enough to beat teams and look good doing it a few weeks ago, but now they're lacking confidence and feeling sorry for themselves. I'm sorry, but if you're good enough to earn 300k per year, you're good enough to sort your head out before a game and make sure you bring 100% to the pitch. Sure, we can all sit here and say Hoskins for Graham or Hodson for Mariappa, but is that really going to turn today's sh1t into a win? Get real, we are a long way off being good enough and no matter how we juggle the line up, the problems will not vanish.

The key players need to take responsibility, because about 8 or 9 are playing at 40% of what they showed they were capable of earlier in the season when the going was good. No matter who we bring in as manager, even if they manage to put a short term rocket up the backsides of this lot for a couple of weeks, the same problems will materialise again next season and the one after that.

Malky is as good as anyone we can get. He needs to wave a magic wand, admittedly, but even if we go down, he's got my support.

I agree moog.

Hopefully we can pick up what would be a vital win on Tuesday.

[J.B]

Blaming Malky is knee jerk. These players were good enough to beat teams and look good doing it a few weeks ago, but now they're lacking confidence and feeling sorry for themselves. I'm sorry, but if you're good enough to earn 300k per year, you're good enough to sort your head out before a game and make sure you bring 100% to the pitch. Sure, we can all sit here and say Hoskins for Graham or Hodson for Mariappa, but is that really going to turn today's sh1t into a win? Get real, we are a long way off being good enough and no matter how we juggle the line up, the problems will not vanish.


The key players need to take responsibility, because about 8 or 9 are playing at 40% of what they showed they were capable of earlier in the season when the going was good. No matter who we bring in as manager, even if they manage to put a short term rocket up the backsides of this lot for a couple of weeks, the same problems will materialise again next season and the one after that.

Malky is as good as anyone we can get. He needs to wave a magic wand, admittedly, but even if we go down, he's got my support.

Great post, blaming Malky is just as stupid as blaming Marriappa in my opinion. Some people need to take a reality check.

[afanof]

Great post, blaming Malky is just as stupid as blaming Marriappa in my opinion. Some people need to take a reality check.

So true!

[NathWFC]

Blaming Malky isn't knee jerk at all, I don't care what anyone says we have enough in the current squad to be doing a hell of a lot better than we are at the moment, our form in the last few months or so is bad enough but 4 losses on the trot is just absolutely unacceptable, especially losing at home to the bottom club in the league. It doesn't look at all like he has the ability to motivate the team, nor pick the correct team, how the hell Hoskins hasn't got a start yet and Mariappa is still playing ahead of Hodson I really don't know but Malky refuses or more likely isn't competent enough to make the tactical changes needed in a side that's clearly desperate for them, either before or during the match.

[Spud]

Leave off Malky guys n gals hes doing very well under the circumstances.

Keeping your forward line together for most of the season with players whos playng styles are so similar they could be twins, brilliant. Pushing your best centre back in Taylor up front and leaving strikers on the bench was a stroke of tactical genius and totally threw the opposition and gave them far too much to think about other than attacking and so we didnt concede any more goals. To keep playing a yank in De Merit whos heart clearly isnt in Watford anymore and replacing an outstanding right back in Hodson with a god awful right back whos played most of the season at centre back very well was just too stunning for words. Constantly playing a right footed player at left back who cant pass the ball and knocks the ball out of play as soon as hes under any pressure and cant cross a ball for toffee is ...well breathtaking. Sorry I was wrong. Malky is the best manager weve had for years, absolute tactical genius and very underated and misunderstood. If we do go down it wont be his fault its the refs.

[YouOrns]

So easy for everyone to blame Malky isn't it, I blame every ****** who boo's the team off... no wonder we played sh*te when the team gets booed off at half time when were not even behind.

[ImRonBurgundy?]

If we cant get 3 points at home to the team bottom of the table where are the points going to come from?

Malky has shown time and time again that he in unwilling or unable to change the line up or the tactics and every week we suffer as a result

confidence is at rock bottom and I cant see us recovering from today, I think today is the final straw, we will go down in my opinion

[wfcmoog]

If we cant get 3 points at home to the team bottom of the table where are the points going to come from?

Malky has shown time and time again that he in unwilling or unable to change the line up or the tactics and every week we suffer as a result

confidence is at rock bottom and I cant see us recovering from today, I think today is the final straw, we will go down in my opinion

He made the changes today though. Hoskins on etc. Still, the 11 out on the pitch don't do the job. In contrast to the poster above, I DO blame Mariappa, and Eustace, Demerit, Graham, Helguson, Cowie and every other player who just isn't delivering at the moment. The problem is in their heads. We don't have a squad to replace them all, but they're all playing shyte at the moment. Malky can't make a diamond out of a ****.

The players are underperforming, not the manager.

[Smithy]

If we cant get 3 points at home to the team bottom of the table where are the points going to come from?

Exactly. That is what i've been saying to my mates today.

Plus the usual, why the f**k is Hoskins not starting.

This form the team is on is terrible and something has to be done. Malky won't be leaving. Something is telling me that we will stay up but then look at the games coming up. Few weeks ago I was saying that our home form will keep us up. Thats f**ked as well now. Palace are below us in the league table but they aren't a bad team, they have had some good results even with their awful situation with going into admin plus they f**king owned us when we were at their ground. Today was a must win and that hasn't been delivered so God knows where the 3 points will be coming from next. We have Ipswich who have good players now and aren't doing that bad, on Tuesday and can I see us getting 3 points? No, personally. I'm guessing a draw and that has to be acceptable.

[ImRonBurgundy?]

He made the changes today though. Hoskins on etc. Still, the 11 out on the pitch don't do the job. In contrast to the poster above, I DO blame Mariappa, and Eustace, Demerit, Graham, Helguson, Cowie and every other player who just isn't delivering at the moment. The problem is in their heads. We don't have a squad to replace them all, but they're all playing shyte at the moment. Malky can't make a diamond out of a ****.

The players are underperforming, not the manager.

The players have no faith in the manager, his tactics are all wrong and he doesnt rotate the squad, wheres the motivation to perform if you know your place in the side is near enough guaranteed?

[His Royal Hornet]

I really can't believe that we are in the position that we are now, considering that just 4 months ago, we were 7th in the table, and many people on here were thinking that we were play off material. Yes, maybe we were over achieving, but at that time, which was really kick started by the away win at Middlesbrough, the team was full of confidence, Danny Graham was scoring goals, and they actually looked like they could be bothered.

What most people would of seen today is what they would consider completely the opposite, we have run out of ideas, have a severe lack of confidence and non of our strikers seem to be able to score. It really isn't acceptable to lose like we did today if you want to stay as a Championship team. I can't personally blame it all on Malky, the whole team is really collectively responsible, some of them now just run round like headless chickens, others just look like they can't be arsed to be there, some for example Jay DeMerit have dollar signs in their eyes, and basically couldn't give a crap about the club.

The team selection each and every week is predictable, Malky takes his part here, where he just seems to want to be everyone's mate. He won't change the team when they clearly are lacking in ideas and confidence. Even in his preview, Jim Gannon said that he could see where Watford were conceding goals, and I can see exactly where we do as well. Every team that comes to play against us plays the long ball over the top, because they know that we have no way of combating it. We basically do the same but because our team at the moment is so inept, we can't score or make anything of any of the chances that we have because of the lack of ideas and confidence.

If we continue playing the way that we do, especially against the teams that we have left to play, which in my opinions at this rate it would be very difficult to win any of these games.

The team need to pull their socks up, Malky needs to buck up his ideas and change the way that he seems to approach management of the team. Make some changes, if they don't work then so be it, but at least he gets the credit of changing the team around and not being scared of implementing changes.

If we continue the way that we are now I think that we could also struggle in L1. It isn't an easy league, that has been proven by the likes of Leeds, Norwich and Charlton struggling for promotion, so potentially L1 could be more difficult and competitive in terms of gaining promotion from.

[Moose]

I watched the game today, like most fans probably, with one eye on the World Cup in the summer. Several Watford players are, IMO playing for their places at the tournament, so it was interesting to note which ones may have done enough and which ones may not be travelling to South Africa. My verdicts:

Loach - The Rookery chanted "England's No 1" and whilst I don't think this is a fait accomplis just yet, Robert Green's position as England goalie is tenuous at best. With David James nearing the end of his career, I fully expect Loach to establish himself by the end of the world cup and today's showing confirmed that for me - Rating 8.5/10

Doyley - England's left back problem is no secret, but whilst I fully expect Capello to pick a natural left footer for 1st choice, IMO he'd be mad not to take Doyley along as cover. He is as versatile as he is experienced. What's more, he's added an attacking side to his game which makes him the natural replacement for Ashley Cole - 8/10

Demerit - Wish he was English. We MUST do everything to keep him this summer and sign a new contract, no matter what the cost. I can't see Rooney getting a sniff against him - 9/10

Taylor - With Ferdinand's fitness a doubt, I've got to say I'd be more comfortable seeing Taylor alongside Terry than Upson. Perfect for the big occasion and will shine in SA - 9/10

Mariappa - Not his best game. He's frustrating, because whilst he looks world class most of the time, his rare errors can be costly. He reminds me of Glen Johnson in that sense. To be honest, I'd say his place in the tournament is touch and go at the moment - 7/10

Cowie - I know Scotland failed to qualify, but I guarantee you that every national coach will be scouring Cowie's family tree right now to see if there is an ancestor who will qualify him to turn out for their side. It would be a tragedy for football if this man's talents did not grace the tournament.

Lansbury - Fabregas didn't start for Arsenal again today and it makes me worry that Wenger will be recalling Lansbury soon to take his place. If this happens, I fully expect Henri to establish himself as the Arsenal lynchpin and make Fabregas 2nd choice - 10/10

Eustace - Possibly the most complete midfielder in the world right now. Will definitely be on the plane - 11/10

Cleverly - I think this world cup may have come a bit too early for him, but he'd be worth taking just to make him feel part of the squad. 9/10

HH - Shame he's not English as he'd certainly be the perfect foil for Rooney up front. 9/10

Graham - I know his scoring record has not been all that since October, but in many ways, he reminds me of Heskey in the way that although he may not grab the glory, he does allow the players around him to play. Could be a key figure for Capello IMO - 10/10

Overall, I though it was a positive showing today. We bossed the 2nd half and it was only due to a freak error that we went behind. I felt we could have had 5 or 6 and on any other day we'd have won comfortably. THe ref was a cheat and it was his fault we lost. 4 of their players could have been sent off and we had a goal disallowed for nothing (I'm sure Hoskins scored at one point, but it wasn't even counted!) plus we could have had 3 or 5 penalties.

Overall, despite the loss, I think things are looking bright.

Outstanding. :biggrin:

I too thought Eustace was a complete something or other today.

[J.B]

Blaming Malky isn't knee jerk at all, I don't care what anyone says we have enough in the current squad to be doing a hell of a lot better than we are at the moment, our form in the last few months or so is bad enough but 4 losses on the trot is just absolutely unacceptable, especially losing at home to the bottom club in the league. It doesn't look at all like he has the ability to motivate the team, nor pick the correct team, how the hell Hoskins hasn't got a start yet and Mariappa is still playing ahead of Hodson I really don't know but Malky refuses or more likely isn't competent enough to make the tactical changes needed in a side that's clearly desperate for them, either before or during the match.

We don't have a squad. We have a decent first 11 with one good squad player (harley). Given what he has had to work with he has done wonders for us and is now being let down by the players. Honestly, reading this forum at the moment and being at the ground today makes me ashamed to be a watford fan. The fans were terrible today and until they scored it was like a fcking library. Then those same people who sit silently, not helping or getting behind the manager or the players have the cheek to come out and slag them off on here and after the match. Maybe these people should take a look at their performance as fans before having a pop at malky's performance as a manager or the players as players. Lets face it if we win on tuesday u will be singing malkys name.

[wfcmoog]

The players have no faith in the manager, his tactics are all wrong and he doesnt rotate the squad, wheres the motivation to perform if you know your place in the side is near enough guaranteed?

Traditionally, performing well is rewarded with a win, 3 points, a win bonus and a more successful season, ergo career. Those things are what motivate other players, why not our lot?

[Goldenmist]

We don't have a squad. We have a decent first 11 with one good squad player (harley). Given what he has had to work with he has done wonders for us and is now being let down by the players. Honestly, reading this forum at the moment and being at the ground today makes me ashamed to be a watford fan. The fans were terrible today and until they scored it was like a fcking library. Then those same people who sit silently, not helping or getting behind the manager or the players have the cheek to come out and slag them off on here and after the match. Maybe these people should take a look at their performance as fans before having a pop at malky's performance as a manager or the players as players. Lets face it if we win on tuesday u will be singing malkys name.

Malky would do himself more favours if he didn't spout garbage in the post match interview "the players were frustrated but they were giving everything they had for the jersey." Were they fark.....the players couldn't be ars*d today. And don't have a pop at fans who can't feel like raising themselves when the people they have paid to watch are going through the motions....that makes me ashamed.

[Spud]

I may or may not have got this wrong but isnt Malky the manager ? Isnt his job to motivate the players, sort out tactics, get players playing in their strongest position, getting the right combinations in midfield up front and in defence ? The Helguson / Graham partnership isnt working. De Merit and Taylor isnt working. Mariappa at right back isnt working. Doyley needs a rest or a doctor. Its obvious to everyone and their dog Hoskins should be playing even if its to give either Helguson or Graham a rest. Mariappa should be at centre back instead of De Merit, Hodson should be at right back, Harley should have a coupla games at left back to give Lloydinhio a rest. Mckays like a rabbit caught in the headlights, he doesnt know whether to stick or twist. We all thought we were relegation material at the beginning of the season and if we go down well so be it. But not without a fight. Please. Mckay should change things around, do whats right, even if its just to shut most of us up on here. Thats why fans were booing today. Its not the defeats its the manner in which we're losing that grinds peoples gears.

['sham 'orn]

Malky would do himself more favours if he didn't spout garbage in the post match interview "the players were frustrated but they were giving everything they had for the jersey." Were they fark.....the players couldn't be ars*d today. And don't have a pop at fans who can't feel like raising themselves when the people they have paid to watch are going through the motions....that makes me ashamed.

agreed, the first half looked like two safe mid table teams going through the motions, why did it take us to go one down to get some intensity into our play and why do we not go back to what was working at the start of the season with our creative midfield players playing off one striker?

[dynamo380]

Ratings -

Loach - 5.0 - Didnt have a great lot to do, stupid mistake for their goal. needs to be more decisive in coming for the ball from crosses and needs to comunicate with his defence more. didnt do either convincingly today and it lead to moments of confusion in the box.

Doyley - 6.0 - Didnt do anything wrong, but he cant kick with his left foot (which isnt a good quality for a left back to have). definate highlight of the match was doyley pretty much catching mcginns throw in and then playing on.

Demerit - 5.0 - Im sure Rooney is having sleepless nights after this display.

Taylor - 6.5 - Had a decent game, showed some desire and the sort of player we can build a back four around.

Marriappa - 4.0 - Cant fault him for effort or determination, but his confidence is clearly shot and he's not a right back. Poor game, but better then swansea.

Cowie - 6.5 - Puts in the effort, works hard but he doesnt benefit from this more hoofball style we seem to have reverted to.

Lansbury - 6.5 - Another one that worked hard today and put himself about abit but no end product.

Eustace - 6.0 - Was ok generally. Acouple of poor passes, he did his defensive duties well enough. Should be given the captain's arm band - he was the only player shouting, encouraging and trying to gee the lads up after posh scored (take note demerit)

Cleverly - 6.5 - Worked hard, never stopped running, tried to make things happen but nothing really came off. Like cowie he doesnt benefit if the ball is constantly being hoofed over his head.

Graham - 6.0 - Missed a sitter, works hard, tries to bring other players into the game and was more of a threat then HH today. Shouldnt have been taken off.

Helguson - 5.0 - Didnt really do anything today and looked tired midway through the 2nd half, though he did seem to get a second wind after posh scored.

Subs

Hoskins - 6.0 - Acouple of shots but otherwise didnt do a great deal. They way we played didnt make the most of his pace. If we carry on playing 2 up front then he should play alongside Graham

McGinn - 6.0 - Showed some promising touches when he came on and looks like a potentail good signing. Only blemish was his one and only bad pass that almost put a posh player clean through.

Henderson - 1.0 - Given him a low rating because he didnt do anything, he had no effect on the game what so ever. Didnt challenge for the ball in the air, didnt have possesion of the ball long enough to make a pass - infact i dont think he even recieved a pass from a team mate.

[Goldenmist]

Ratings -

Marriappa - 4.0 - Cant fault him for effort or determination, but his confidence is clearly shot and he's not a right back. Poor game, but better then swansea.

At the moment he's not even a footballer....

[Moose]

Helguson - 5.0 - Didnt really do anything today and looked tired midway through the 2nd minute

Corrected ;)

[cyaninternetdog]

Why the f{}ck hasnt mackay been sacked yet? wtf is going on? someone needs to sort this sh1t out!!!

[dynamo380]

Mckay should change things around, do whats right, even if its just to shut most of us up on here. Thats why fans were booing today. Its not the defeats its the manner in which we're losing that grinds peoples gears.

Thats the thing though, there wasnt much that needed changing. Upto the early part of decemeber we had a formula that was bringing us a decent amount of success by our standards - we took 30pts from 19 games and we did it by predominately playing with a lone striker and Cleverley tucked in behind in that hydrid 4-5-1/4-4-1-1 formation. Since the qpr game MM has tried to accomdate HH by playing 2 up front and it isnt working - 9pts from the last 15 games. Its left the defence sxposed, we've stopped creating chances and it doesnt get the best out of players like cleverley,lansbury and cowie.

I still think if we revert to the formation and tactics we where using at the start of the season we will be ok, but like you said we now have the added problems of players loosing form and confidence.

[Spud]

Why the f{}ck hasnt mackay been sacked yet? wtf is going on? someone needs to sort this sh1t out!!!

It wont happen mate, we're stuck with him Im afraid. The club cant afford to get anyone else in. It kinda surprises me that GT hasnt had a word and given Mckay some well meaning advice.

[Bubble]

I'm still standing by Malky, maybe more by stubbornness than intelligence. I still can't see him quitting nor us going down. If we would have got that penalty, and got one of those goals which was cleared from defenders as it was on it's way in, we'd be behind him.

I know i'm in for some stick here, but it's the players - not the manager.

Speak for yourself!

A win today would have just papered over the HUGE cracks!

Yet again, that t**t decided to overlook Hoskins in favour of two under-performing strikers!

And yet again, when he did finally get on the pitch (where he should have been from the first whistle), he did more than both HH and DG did for the entire game!!

He continues to play Demerit, even though it's blatantly obvious he's not up to it, and doesn't want to get injured before the World Cup!

Hodson has been excellent when he's played, and arguably one of our most consistent players all season...yet the useless Yank gets fit and he's also overlooked!!!

Mackay needs to go now. Just like Lewington, he's taking us down!

[Bubble]

I watched the game today, like most fans probably, with one eye on the World Cup in the summer. Several Watford players are, IMO playing for their places at the tournament, so it was interesting to note which ones may have done enough and which ones may not be travelling to South Africa. My verdicts:

Loach - The Rookery chanted "England's No 1" and whilst I don't think this is a fait accomplis just yet, Robert Green's position as England goalie is tenuous at best. With David James nearing the end of his career, I fully expect Loach to establish himself by the end of the world cup and today's showing confirmed that for me - Rating 8.5/10

Doyley - England's left back problem is no secret, but whilst I fully expect Capello to pick a natural left footer for 1st choice, IMO he'd be mad not to take Doyley along as cover. He is as versatile as he is experienced. What's more, he's added an attacking side to his game which makes him the natural replacement for Ashley Cole - 8/10

Demerit - Wish he was English. We MUST do everything to keep him this summer and sign a new contract, no matter what the cost. I can't see Rooney getting a sniff against him - 9/10

Taylor - With Ferdinand's fitness a doubt, I've got to say I'd be more comfortable seeing Taylor alongside Terry than Upson. Perfect for the big occasion and will shine in SA - 9/10

Mariappa - Not his best game. He's frustrating, because whilst he looks world class most of the time, his rare errors can be costly. He reminds me of Glen Johnson in that sense. To be honest, I'd say his place in the tournament is touch and go at the moment - 7/10

Cowie - I know Scotland failed to qualify, but I guarantee you that every national coach will be scouring Cowie's family tree right now to see if there is an ancestor who will qualify him to turn out for their side. It would be a tragedy for football if this man's talents did not grace the tournament.

Lansbury - Fabregas didn't start for Arsenal again today and it makes me worry that Wenger will be recalling Lansbury soon to take his place. If this happens, I fully expect Henri to establish himself as the Arsenal lynchpin and make Fabregas 2nd choice - 10/10

Eustace - Possibly the most complete midfielder in the world right now. Will definitely be on the plane - 11/10

Cleverly - I think this world cup may have come a bit too early for him, but he'd be worth taking just to make him feel part of the squad. 9/10

HH - Shame he's not English as he'd certainly be the perfect foil for Rooney up front. 9/10

Graham - I know his scoring record has not been all that since October, but in many ways, he reminds me of Heskey in the way that although he may not grab the glory, he does allow the players around him to play. Could be a key figure for Capello IMO - 10/10

Overall, I though it was a positive showing today. We bossed the 2nd half and it was only due to a freak error that we went behind. I felt we could have had 5 or 6 and on any other day we'd have won comfortably. THe ref was a cheat and it was his fault we lost. 4 of their players could have been sent off and we had a goal disallowed for nothing (I'm sure Hoskins scored at one point, but it wasn't even counted!) plus we could have had 3 or 5 penalties.

Overall, despite the loss, I think things are looking bright.

Ahhh, Moog. After a really sh*t day...that made me smile!

Great stuff! :sign15:

[Smithy]

he did more than both HH and DG did for the entire game!!

Said the EXACT same words to my mate.

Hoskins has to start for either HH or Graham. Both as bad as each other but at least Graham tries his Tevez-like run everywhere (only thing he adds), so that should put him over HH.

[Bubble]

Maybe its me but I don't entirley blame MM. We only just stayed up last season & that was with Priskin,Smith, Rasiak etc. If you sell all your best players and replace them with ordinary players eventually you'll pay the price ( that surely applies to any team) Think we can still stay up & if we do will have to bring some quality in the summer otherwise it wil just be delaying the inevitable. I'm assuming the loan window is closed ?

So who is to blame for MM constantly playing the same under-performing players each week!?

I can name you two players straight away that should be in the side! Lee Hodson and Will Hoskins!

I could even raise you a Ross Jenkins, whom is far more mobile and better on the ball than John Useless!!

[Bubble]

So easy for everyone to blame Malky isn't it, I blame every ****** who boo's the team off... no wonder we played sh*te when the team gets booed off at half time when were not even behind.

Ok, well I don't boo the team (i'm not 5 years old...booing is for kids and ****s).

I also have no faith in the team or the manager.

Discuss...

[Bubble]

He made the changes today though. Hoskins on etc. Still, the 11 out on the pitch don't do the job. In contrast to the poster above, I DO blame Mariappa, and Eustace, Demerit, Graham, Helguson, Cowie and every other player who just isn't delivering at the moment. The problem is in their heads. We don't have a squad to replace them all, but they're all playing shyte at the moment. Malky can't make a diamond out of a ****.

The players are underperforming, not the manager.

So why are those players starting each week then!?

No wonder they can't be arsed! If they've got no motivation or passion to play for the club, what the hell is the manager doing by starting them every week?! They're living in a comfort zone! They know they're untouchable as long as MM is manager, because he hasn't got the b*ll*cks to change things from the start!!

Hoskins, Hodson, McGinn and Jenkins are all overdue starts! Especially the first two!

[Smudger]

Gutless, spineless ,shameless.

They deserved all the booing and insults. Lucky the Posh didn't win by more.

Either Malky has ost the players or they just don't want to play anymore. The likes of Eustace second to the ball again seem to be disinterested or exhausted.

When is Hodson going to return to right back ? What was the point of McGinn when he's not going to be played until the last few minuyes when he barely has time to settle on the ball and play ?

The Viking and Graham are not clicking at all.

Like it or not we are saddled with Mulky. :confused: He seems to have lost himself. Perhaps we can get Kenny on for next season if we can arrest this slllliiiiiiiddddddddddddeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to doom. :forehead:

Fark me if Ipswich don't roger us raw on Tuesday.If only players like CMS were on our side. :sad3:

[TheDon]

http://www.pablopda.com.ar/blog/imgdepost/where_is_the_love_blackeyedpeas_cropped.jpg

[Davidwfc]

So why are those players starting each week then!?

No wonder they can't be arsed! If they've got no motivation or passion to play for the club, what the hell is the manager doing by starting them every week?! They're living in a comfort zone! They know they're untouchable as long as MM is manager, because he hasn't got the b*ll*cks to change things from the start!!

Hoskins, Hodson, McGinn and Jenkins are all overdue starts! Especially the first two!

I agree with you. Most of the players in the first know if they play bad they will not get dropped. If we are in a fight to stay up then for me Demerit should not be captain, as he is thinking about the world cup and will leave us at the end of season anyway. I want to see Mariappa at centre back with demerit on the bench.

A problem we have had all season is that Doyley does no help to whoever plays left mid which means most of are attacks come down the right. Now that Mariappa is right back and is not very good there. We are struggling down the wings and cant break teams down.

Does Mackay have the balls to drop the likes of demerit. I dont think he has.

[nak108]

Here's an interesting stat, at least I think so. I just looked at all our wins this season and worked out the strongest line-up (based on the amount they have played when we won)

The line-up would be:

Loach
Hodson,Mariappa,*Taylor,Doyley
Cowie,Jenkins,Lansbury,Cleverley
Helguson,Graham

The formation that has picked up the most wins is the 4-4-1-1.

Using Lansbury 3 times in the free role, Cowie twice and Smith once. Helguson has played as a striker 3 times when we have won.

*Bennett could also be used here.

[NathWFC]

We don't have a squad. We have a decent first 11 with one good squad player (harley). Given what he has had to work with he has done wonders for us and is now being let down by the players. Honestly, reading this forum at the moment and being at the ground today makes me ashamed to be a watford fan. The fans were terrible today and until they scored it was like a fcking library. Then those same people who sit silently, not helping or getting behind the manager or the players have the cheek to come out and slag them off on here and after the match. Maybe these people should take a look at their performance as fans before having a pop at malky's performance as a manager or the players as players. Lets face it if we win on tuesday u will be singing malkys name.

Oh dear, that's all I have to say to that post.

[dynamo380]

The formation that has picked up the most wins is the 4-4-1-1.



Which is exactly what i have been saying for awhile now, including in this thread.

We a formula that was working, but we changed it to accomodate 2 strikers and its not working out. We should change back.

[wfcmoog]

Which is exactly what i have been saying for awhile now, including in this thread.

We a formula that was working, but we changed it to accomodate 2 strikers and its not working out. We should change back.

To be fair, the 4-1-1 wasn't working. When we first went 4-4-2 we were at our best this season.

Switching Cleverley to the support striker role and benching HH or Graham is not going to suddenly make Eustace able to pass, Mariappa not **** and Doyley not terrified of boxing the ball is it?

[stax]

got back at 7 .15pm totally pissed off. being an exille horn isnt good when you have to add fuel and time into going to a home game. i ate the pies and a pint, got a programme and own a season ticket. where was the teams commitment today because i couldnt see any.

we carnt afford sack MM but my god can someone kick him up the arse and get him to stop blaming the ref, pitch, our luck etc etc etc

[dynamo380]

Switching Cleverley to the support striker role and benching HH or Graham is not going to suddenly make Eustace able to pass, Mariappa not **** and Doyley not terrified of boxing the ball is it?

No it wont, but it will get the best out of players like cowie, lansbury, cleverley, graham etc - rather than the rather ineffectual performances we are seeing atm and it will give the defence the extra cover that it so sorely needs. Plus we have players that can come into the starting eleven for the likes of marraippa

[harry hornet]

Blaming Malky is knee jerk. These players were good enough to beat teams and look good doing it a few weeks ago, but now they're lacking confidence and feeling sorry for themselves. I'm sorry, but if you're good enough to earn 300k per year, you're good enough to sort your head out before a game and make sure you bring 100% to the pitch. Sure, we can all sit here and say Hoskins for Graham or Hodson for Mariappa, but is that really going to turn today's sh1t into a win? Get real, we are a long way off being good enough and no matter how we juggle the line up, the problems will not vanish.


The key players need to take responsibility, because about 8 or 9 are playing at 40% of what they showed they were capable of earlier in the season when the going was good. No matter who we bring in as manager, even if they manage to put a short term rocket up the backsides of this lot for a couple of weeks, the same problems will materialise again next season and the one after that.

Malky is as good as anyone we can get. He needs to wave a magic wand, admittedly, but even if we go down, he's got my support.

Bloody hell good post moog are you sober.

[Hornets32]

Before I start this was still not as bad as Derby away and if you see my post Savage ran the show because he is a leader and lambastes everybody, something we are sadly missing. Today their No 12 ran the show, again we have no natural leader. It has all gone wrong since Demerit came back and Mariappa has moved from being captain and in the centre to out on the wing. I have been to every game home and away and I cannot believe the performances of not only the players but the manager as well. I watch Malky a lot and what I find hard to understand is the fact that he does not stop telling the team what to do, like yesterday telling Loach to command his box a bit more; and Loach looks over to Malky like he needs to be told again but also getting the hump because Malky is telling him; or telling the midfield to tighten up; so what DO THE TEAM DO ON THE TRAINING PITCH!! Does Malky not tell them before the game? He really lays into the team during the game and I know all managers do this but he just seems to have to tell them all the time; can the team not hold onto any information that Malky tells them in training or what? As we are all saying Loach does not command his box and the time he comes out oh dear oh dear.................... I realise we do not have a big squad and the reason he won't play Hoskins is because Hoskins questions his tactics and speaks up for himself and Malky does not like it - he is only asking why boss we don't do this or don't do that; Malky is a new manager and should be able to take all this on the chin and listen to the players instead of getting the hump because someone has spoken up. I am embarrassed watching my team fall apart at the moment and 2 friends have asked to come on Tuesday I shall be making an excuse so they do not have to watch this debarcle. The club must be frustrated at holding yet another Families Day that we play very poorly and do they really think kids are going to come and watch performances like that. I spend a lot of money going to games and I am so disappointed and each week it is becoming more of a chore and I don't want to feel like that I love my away games and my day out and I LOVE MY CLUB! I dont even look at the reports anymore because yesterday Malky will be trying to get the positives out of that rubbish and he will have a thread to hang onto by blaming the ref for 2 penalty shouts but we can't just blame the officials ( and I know I do) every week. I JUST WISH I COULD SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE MYSELF................And please do not say I am being negative after weeks of frustration watching my team that is just how I feel at the moment but yes I know I will be going tuesday and driving to Cardiff Sunday I am just upset about how it is all going wrong. One thing it is never boring watching Watford................Oh and one other thing I honestly cannot see where another goal is coming from, why don't they shoot I don't care if that goal deflects of someone backside and goes in we couldn't even score last week when the ball was pratically on the line. Shoot more in the box (that is when we are in the box) every ball yesterday came into the box straight at their keeper; play the ball on the ground, hoof hoof b....y hoof!

[Wazza]

Zzzzzz! Fickle Watford fans!

[Keano]

Zzzzzz! Fickle Watford fans!

aye couple wins and the playoff threads will pop back

[poleman]

I don't think there is much chance of any serious play-off threads re-appearing.
My view is that when the whole team aren't performing at a level they have proven themselves able to do, then it is a MANAGEMENT issue. If one or two are carrying niggles and don't perform it's different. Malky's job as manager is to motivate the team and get them playing at their potential. That clearly isn't happening at the moment and everyone except Malky can see that.

[hollywood]

Before I start this was still not as bad as Derby away and if you see my post Savage ran the show because he is a leader and lambastes everybody, something we are sadly missing. Today their No 12 ran the show, again we have no natural leader. It has all gone wrong since Demerit came back and Mariappa has moved from being captain and in the centre to out on the wing. I have been to every game home and away and I cannot believe the performances of not only the players but the manager as well. I watch Malky a lot and what I find hard to understand is the fact that he does not stop telling the team what to do, like yesterday telling Loach to command his box a bit more; and Loach looks over to Malky like he needs to be told again but also getting the hump because Malky is telling him; or telling the midfield to tighten up; so what DO THE TEAM DO ON THE TRAINING PITCH!! Does Malky not tell them before the game? He really lays into the team during the game and I know all managers do this but he just seems to have to tell them all the time; can the team not hold onto any information that Malky tells them in training or what? As we are all saying Loach does not command his box and the time he comes out oh dear oh dear.................... I realise we do not have a big squad and the reason he won't play Hoskins is because Hoskins questions his tactics and speaks up for himself and Malky does not like it - he is only asking why boss we don't do this or don't do that; Malky is a new manager and should be able to take all this on the chin and listen to the players instead of getting the hump because someone has spoken up. I am embarrassed watching my team fall apart at the moment and 2 friends have asked to come on Tuesday I shall be making an excuse so they do not have to watch this debarcle. The club must be frustrated at holding yet another Families Day that we play very poorly and do they really think kids are going to come and watch performances like that. I spend a lot of money going to games and I am so disappointed and each week it is becoming more of a chore and I don't want to feel like that I love my away games and my day out and I LOVE MY CLUB! I dont even look at the reports anymore because yesterday Malky will be trying to get the positives out of that rubbish and he will have a thread to hang onto by blaming the ref for 2 penalty shouts but we can't just blame the officials ( and I know I do) every week. I JUST WISH I COULD SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE MYSELF................And please do not say I am being negative after weeks of frustration watching my team that is just how I feel at the moment but yes I know I will be going tuesday and driving to Cardiff Sunday I am just upset about how it is all going wrong. One thing it is never boring watching Watford................Oh and one other thing I honestly cannot see where another goal is coming from, why don't they shoot I don't care if that goal deflects of someone backside and goes in we couldn't even score last week when the ball was pratically on the line. Shoot more in the box (that is when we are in the box) every ball yesterday came into the box straight at their keeper; play the ball on the ground, hoof hoof b....y hoof!

............annnnnnnnnddddd BREEEEAAAATTTHHH......

[Keano]

............annnnnnnnnddddd BREEEEAAAATTTHHH......

i was thinking more of an ace ventura style "DAMN IM GOOD!"

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z313/caity_m03/ace_ventura.gif

[Hornmeister]

Before I start this was still not as bad as Derby away and if you see my post Savage ran the show because he is a leader and lambastes everybody, something we are sadly missing. Today their No 12 ran the show, again we have no natural leader. It has all gone wrong since Demerit came back and Mariappa has moved from being captain and in the centre to out on the wing. I have been to every game home and away and I cannot believe the performances of not only the players but the manager as well. I watch Malky a lot and what I find hard to understand is the fact that he does not stop telling the team what to do, like yesterday telling Loach to command his box a bit more; and Loach looks over to Malky like he needs to be told again but also getting the hump because Malky is telling him; or telling the midfield to tighten up; so what DO THE TEAM DO ON THE TRAINING PITCH!! Does Malky not tell them before the game? He really lays into the team during the game and I know all managers do this but he just seems to have to tell them all the time; can the team not hold onto any information that Malky tells them in training or what? As we are all saying Loach does not command his box and the time he comes out oh dear oh dear.................... I realise we do not have a big squad and the reason he won't play Hoskins is because Hoskins questions his tactics and speaks up for himself and Malky does not like it - he is only asking why boss we don't do this or don't do that; Malky is a new manager and should be able to take all this on the chin and listen to the players instead of getting the hump because someone has spoken up. I am embarrassed watching my team fall apart at the moment and 2 friends have asked to come on Tuesday I shall be making an excuse so they do not have to watch this debarcle. The club must be frustrated at holding yet another Families Day that we play very poorly and do they really think kids are going to come and watch performances like that. I spend a lot of money going to games and I am so disappointed and each week it is becoming more of a chore and I don't want to feel like that I love my away games and my day out and I LOVE MY CLUB! I dont even look at the reports anymore because yesterday Malky will be trying to get the positives out of that rubbish and he will have a thread to hang onto by blaming the ref for 2 penalty shouts but we can't just blame the officials ( and I know I do) every week. I JUST WISH I COULD SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE MYSELF................And please do not say I am being negative after weeks of frustration watching my team that is just how I feel at the moment but yes I know I will be going tuesday and driving to Cardiff Sunday I am just upset about how it is all going wrong. One thing it is never boring watching Watford................Oh and one other thing I honestly cannot see where another goal is coming from, why don't they shoot I don't care if that goal deflects of someone backside and goes in we couldn't even score last week when the ball was pratically on the line. Shoot more in the box (that is when we are in the box) every ball yesterday came into the box straight at their keeper; play the ball on the ground, hoof hoof b....y hoof!

:sign15:Good post

[wfc4ever]

So predicitable.."family day" and we put in the worse performance at home anyway all season!

So much went wrong and I am you guys have covered it all.

When your right full back is having the best chances that says something and well no the winner is the sort you give away when performing badly/lacking confidence.

[UEA_Hornet]

Malky's lost the team. He's stuck at the moment like a rabbit in the headlights and has no idea what to change or when. We've just been done over by the worst team in the division, a team who hadn't won away all season and who have more holes at the back than a string vest. It was utterly dire but rather than come out and say that we get yet more la la land comments from the manager. I could write his post-match comments for Tuesday now.

[wfcwarehouse]

It's hard for me to say anything positive about that, there was nothing or no-one who stood out in a good way. I couldn't believe how comfortable Peterborough looked once they'd gone a goal up. Yes, we did have a few decent chances but overall they were fine, I still can't understand why were lumping it forward in the air when they had that HUGE CB (Exodus Geohagan I think his name is), he could deal with balls like that all day.

Loach did well to keep the game goal-less in the first half with that double save, but completely undone his good work by charging out of his goal like a mad man in the second half. He shouldn't be entirely blamed for that goal, the Posh player (sorry, I have no idea who scored..) still had a lot of work to do and it was a good finish.

Mackays tactics really amaze me. I don't know why he's so stubborn that he has to play the same cr4p players every week, Mariappa was a joke yesterday, Graham needs a long long rest and Helguson isn't much better. I don't even rate Hoskins but he's got to be worth a start at the expense of one of HH/DG. Lee Hodson should be back in the team instead of Mariappa, he did nothing wrong when he had his run in the team earlier on the season.

Mackay needs to sort it out and arrest the slide, before it's too late. Relegation this season would be an absolute unmitigated DISASTER for us.

[Aberystwyth_Hornet]

Relegation will be a disaster, everything has been put in place to make us sustainable next season in the Championship!! Relegation is starting to look a real possibility despite the fact imo we are not one of the 3rd worst teams!

Even a win and a draw would have been enough to give us some breathing space but 4 straight defeats - 3 at home one against the bottom club it's looking a total mess.

It's all been said already: players not performing, Malky watching different games to the rest of us and we can't even blame the refs anymore - we need to create our own chances!!!!

[afanof]

The Posh fans deserve a mention here. They turned out in impressive numbers to support their team at the bottom of the league. They sang and encouraged their team all the way through and earned the right to sing about us at the end.

[wfcwarehouse]

The Posh fans deserve a mention here. They turned out in impressive numbers to support their team at the bottom of the league. They sang and encouraged their team all the way through and earned the right to sing about us at the end.

True, fair play to them.

[His Royal Hornet]

True, fair play to them.

Only because it was a cheap day out for them as well! :forehead:

[wfcwarehouse]

Only because it was a cheap day out for them as well! :forehead:

It doesn't matter, they were still miles better than our fans. :forehead:

[His Royal Hornet]

It doesn't matter, they were still miles better than our fans. :forehead:

Maybe so, we do have a large number of happyclappers.

[wfc4ever]

It doesn't matter, they were still miles better than our fans. :forehead:

Not that hard though when we're at home really.

[mike88]

The Posh fans deserve a mention here. They turned out in impressive numbers to support their team at the bottom of the league. They sang and encouraged their team all the way through and earned the right to sing about us at the end.

We also took a large chunk away to Peterborough, shame that our team didn't do the support justice.

The Posh have 30 points this season, and have taken 6 from us. In effect, 20% of their total... oh the shame.

[jpROOKERYwfc]

can see tuesday being just as embarrasing.

[Hornet36]

GT needs to bring in someone to help MM or sack him....

[Desmond]

We also took a large chunk away to Peterborough, shame that our team didn't do the support justice.

The Posh have 30 points this season, and have taken 6 from us. In effect, 20% of their total... oh the shame.

Embarrassing :dismay:

[Chewitt]

The Posh fans deserve a mention here. They turned out in impressive numbers to support their team at the bottom of the league. They sang and encouraged their team all the way through and earned the right to sing about us at the end.

Really? Given the large amount of them i thought they were average, a few "boro" songs here and there but nothing special.

[wfcmoog]

can see tuesday being just as embarrasing.

We'll win on Tuesday. We played some good stuff on Saturday but we didn't get the luck.

[Smithy]

We'll win on Tuesday. We played some good stuff on Saturday but we didn't get the luck.

Yeah the pitch was in bad condition as well. Young squad and all that as well.

:rolleyes:

[lutonh8a]

The Posh fans deserve a mention here. They turned out in impressive numbers to support their team at the bottom of the league. They sang and encouraged their team all the way through and earned the right to sing about us at the end.

:eek: Really I thought that they was prity average if that seen alot better away support at the vic

[TheDon]

Considering they were league 2 couple years ago, i was very impressed with the turn out

[UEA_Hornet]

Considering they were league 2 couple years ago, i was very impressed with the turn out

How does that logic work? Surely every game is a cup final for them, therefore they'll turn out in greater numbers?

[tom bola]

Had to drive past a lot of the Posh fans on the a1M on the way back from what i saw their support contained an inordinate number of lycra clad mongs who were still positively ejaculating at having won an away game. That having said they at least support their local team and give me a trip to Peterboro over any soulless bowl stadium (Derby, Reading, Coventry, Leicester etc etc)

[wfc4ever]

How does that logic work? Surely every game is a cup final for them, therefore they'll turn out in greater numbers?

and for all we know they may have taken decent numbers anyway even in League One/Two...

Reckon they would have brought a good number anyway but clearly the decreased prices helped!

[Smithy]

What was going on in the centre of the rookery?

About 4 guys were there, one of them making f**ked up noises? I'm guessing he had more than a few drinks and when the 4 of them walked away (can't remember when this was) there was a bit of a cheer from some others at the top of the rookery.

[His Royal Hornet]

What was going on in the centre of the rookery?

About 4 guys were there, one of them making f**ked up noises? I'm guessing he had more than a few drinks and when the 4 of them walked away (can't remember when this was) there was a bit of a cheer from some others at the top of the rookery.

Was that the guy standing on his own on the middle of the stairs and people were singing 'You What?' at him?

[Smithy]

Was that the guy standing on his own on the middle of the stairs and people were singing 'You What?' at him?

Yeah, as him and his mates were walking away he put his 2 fingers up and said something. Then after they were saying "You what?"

[His Royal Hornet]

Yeah, as him and his mates were walking away he put his 2 fingers up and said something. Then after they were saying "You what?"

Probably some over intoxicated middle aged men being silly. :forehead:

[PaddingtonsYellowArmy]

Probably some over intoxicated middle aged men being silly. :forehead:

or the other option could be 18 year olds unbale to handle their two pints of 4.1% beer. Cude, Warehouse, Chewit - you were warned about drinking more than one pint!;)

[PaddingtonsYellowArmy]

Had to drive past a lot of the Posh fans on the a1M on the way back from what i saw their support contained an inordinate number of lycra clad mongs who were still positively ejaculating at having won an away game. That having said they at least support their local team and give me a trip to Peterboro over any soulless bowl stadium (Derby, Reading, Coventry, Leicester etc etc)

That may have been Leighton and his 45 wfc mates going to his wedding reception - were they wearing BHS suits by any chance?

[wfcwarehouse]

or the other option could be 18 year olds unbale to handle their two pints of 4.1% beer. Cude, Warehouse, Chewit - you were warned about drinking more than one pint!;)

Innocent, mate ;)

[PaddingtonsYellowArmy]

Innocent, mate ;)

you mean you can't remember! Try a ribena with a red wine gum in it in future, you may get tipsy but should avoid your embarrassing drunken moments.;)

[TheDon]

How does that logic work? Surely every game is a cup final for them, therefore they'll turn out in greater numbers?

They're not going to have as large a fan base as the likes of Derby, coventry, Plymouth who have been at this level longer

[wfcwarehouse]

you mean you can't remember! Try a ribena with a red wine gum in it in future, you may get tipsy but should avoid your embarrassing drunken moments.;)

I remember yesterday, too clearly. Definitely a game to forget :dismay:

[UEA_Hornet]

They're not going to have as large a fan base as the likes of Derby, coventry, Plymouth who have been at this level longer

They only had 1500 odd there. Hardly a miraculous turn out!

[jpROOKERYwfc]

posh bought down more than most teams this season, was a good turnout, and from what i could hear, did create a good atmosphere, bought there drummer with them.

[Jelboy]

Doyley is a liability, he's been on borrowed time for ages.

can't tackle, can't mark, can't throw and can't even catch it - as he demonstrated yesterday.

surely we must have some young blood that can do better?

[His Royal Hornet]

They only had 1500 odd there. Hardly a miraculous turn out!

They also had plenty of happyclappers because of the cheap tickets, do away fans really deserve the right to take advantage of family day? I doubt any other club would let away fans in for such low prices. :doh:

[afanof]

They only had 1500 odd there. Hardly a miraculous turn out!

1491. It was the fourth highest number of away fans this season. They were only beaten by Newcastle, Forest and Leicester, teams all jostling for promotion and with home gates 2 , 3 or 4 times higher than Peterborough's. They even brought more than the team down the road. They are bottom of the table and they hadn't won away all season until they came here. I was impressed with the attendance and the faith shown by their supporters.

[orns4life]

Malky probably should go, but Im not sure it'll prevent relegation in all honesty. People say we have a squad capable of doing better, or i quote "a decent first 11." Ha!

Our defence consists of two full backs who are completley inept at everything football related to the point where its like we're playing with 9 men every week, a yank who apparently doesn't give a sh!te anymore and a half decent, championship centre back in Taylor. We have 3 options in attack: HH, Graham and Hoskins, enough said. Malky is an idiot for not using Hoskins but either way its a weak attack. A few players hit form early in the season but have now been found out and we have no plan B at all.

[nascot]

Ratings -

Loach - 5.0 - Didnt have a great lot to do, stupid mistake for their goal. needs to be more decisive in coming for the ball from crosses and needs to comunicate with his defence more. didnt do either convincingly today and it lead to moments of confusion in the box.

Doyley - 6.0 - Didnt do anything wrong, but he cant kick with his left foot (which isnt a good quality for a left back to have). definate highlight of the match was doyley pretty much catching mcginns throw in and then playing on.

Demerit - 5.0 - Im sure Rooney is having sleepless nights after this display.

Taylor - 6.5 - Had a decent game, showed some desire and the sort of player we can build a back four around.

Marriappa - 4.0 - Cant fault him for effort or determination, but his confidence is clearly shot and he's not a right back. Poor game, but better then swansea.

Cowie - 6.5 - Puts in the effort, works hard but he doesnt benefit from this more hoofball style we seem to have reverted to.

Lansbury - 6.5 - Another one that worked hard today and put himself about abit but no end product.

Eustace - 6.0 - Was ok generally. Acouple of poor passes, he did his defensive duties well enough. Should be given the captain's arm band - he was the only player shouting, encouraging and trying to gee the lads up after posh scored (take note demerit)

Cleverly - 6.5 - Worked hard, never stopped running, tried to make things happen but nothing really came off. Like cowie he doesnt benefit if the ball is constantly being hoofed over his head.

Graham - 6.0 - Missed a sitter, works hard, tries to bring other players into the game and was more of a threat then HH today. Shouldnt have been taken off.

Helguson - 5.0 - Didnt really do anything today and looked tired midway through the 2nd half, though he did seem to get a second wind after posh scored.

Subs

Hoskins - 6.0 - Acouple of shots but otherwise didnt do a great deal. They way we played didnt make the most of his pace. If we carry on playing 2 up front then he should play alongside Graham

McGinn - 6.0 - Showed some promising touches when he came on and looks like a potentail good signing. Only blemish was his one and only bad pass that almost put a posh player clean through.

Henderson - 1.0 - Given him a low rating because he didnt do anything, he had no effect on the game what so ever. Didnt challenge for the ball in the air, didnt have possesion of the ball long enough to make a pass - infact i dont think he even recieved a pass from a team mate.


Apart from the fact he can't pass, can't head the ball or take a throw in? The sooner he's gone the better. The way people sing about him is cringeworthy :dismay:

[dynamo380]

The sooner he's gone the better. The way people sing about him is cringeworthy :dismay:

I gave him a 6. Not excatley singing about him is it? And tbf to him he did play better then anumber of our other players against peterborough.

[nascot]

I gave him a 6. Not excatley singing about him is it? And tbf to him he did play better then anumber of our other players against peterborough.

People in the stadium sing about him. You typed something, hardly singing is it.

[PaddingtonsYellowArmy]

Doyley is a liability, he's been on borrowed time for ages.

can't tackle, can't mark, can't throw and can't even catch it - as he demonstrated yesterday.

surely we must have some young blood that can do better?

I'm not quite sure if jimbob russo bought a left back - Jure Travener

or

an Irsih hotel/bar in Greece - Jury's Taverrna.

Most likely the latter.

[PaddingtonsYellowArmy]

1491. It was the fourth highest number of away fans this season. They were only beaten by Newcastle, Forest and Leicester, teams all jostling for promotion and with home gates 2 , 3 or 4 times higher than Peterborough's. They even brought more than the team down the road. They are bottom of the table and they hadn't won away all season until they came here. I was impressed with the attendance and the faith shown by their supporters.

I agree, i thought the Posh supporters were better than the usual scum supporters that turn up at the vic.

WFC fans are whinging about our run of not winning away for 9 games or so - to that effect and where pufc are in the league and no wins away from home until Saturday - that number deserve a lot of credit.

[another_mrlizard]

Nothing to do with it being kid-a-quid day then?

Judging by the shellsuit encrusted pondlife who wandered into the Crown, the sink estates of Peterborough maust have been very quiet on Saturday afternoon

[UEA_Hornet]

1491. It was the fourth highest number of away fans this season. They were only beaten by Newcastle, Forest and Leicester, teams all jostling for promotion and with home gates 2 , 3 or 4 times higher than Peterborough's. They even brought more than the team down the road. They are bottom of the table and they hadn't won away all season until they came here. I was impressed with the attendance and the faith shown by their supporters.

It was cheap, it's one of the nearest games they have to Peterborough this season and as I've previously said they're doing the 'day out' thing that our fans have done throughout the Premiership seasons. People go because they've not been for ages and may not get a chance again for years. I'd have been surprised if they'd only brought 500.

[His Royal Hornet]

It was cheap, it's one of the nearest games they have to Peterborough this season and as I've previously said they're doing the 'day out' thing that our fans have done throughout the Premiership seasons. People go because they've not been for ages and may not get a chance again for years. I'd have been surprised if they'd only brought 500.

If tickets were full price, then that would of been more likely to be the case.

[PotGuy]

Why does Loach always make three or four excellent saves, and then make a mistake and cost us a goal anyway? That was a bloody awful mistake, I've just seen in on BBC.

Sell the ground, buy Lee Camp.

[wfc4ever]

Why does Loach always make three or four excellent saves, and then make a mistake and cost us a goal anyway? That was a bloody awful mistake, I've just seen in on BBC.

Sell the ground, buy Lee Camp.

I did think he did right by coming out to try and block any effort but typically maybe missed the ball and then like the rest of our defence stood around whilst the Peterborough lad shot.


As for Doyley..well maybe he cannot pass/shot or whatever but in recent games nor have supposed much more skillful players.

At least most of his passes are forward thinking...most of the others sent time passing it Vialli style because they were scared to take any responability.

[poleman]

Why does Loach always make three or four excellent saves, and then make a mistake and cost us a goal anyway? That was a bloody awful mistake, I've just seen in on BBC.

Sell the ground, buy Lee Camp.

Well, Richard Lee makes two or three excellent saves and then one or two terrible mistakes which costs us a goal (and in some cases potential wins in play-off semi-finals!)

:doh:

[20/20 Vision]

A couple of questions:

1) When did we last play well on one of these cheap-entry-to-fill-the-ground-for-an-unattractive-fixture days?

2) You all want Hoskins in - but what did he actually do against Peterborough? In what way was he more useful than Graham?

(OK that's 3 questions).

[wfc4ever]

1. We beat the MK Dons in the Lewington era 4-0 I remember but don't think that was a good match for a netrual.

Just even we had too much for what was such a poor side at the time.

Other than that....

:rolleyes:

Trouble is if we did go down the club would be tempted to do more family day offers!

:eek::doh:

[poleman]

A couple of questions:

1) When did we last play well on one of these cheap-entry-to-fill-the-ground-for-an-unattractive-fixture days?

2) You all want Hoskins in - but what did he actually do against Peterborough? In what way was he more useful than Graham?

(OK that's 3 questions).

My opinions:
1) We beat Barnsley- wasn't there, so don't know if it was a good game, but at least the kids can go home knowing Watford "won".

2) He got in behind the defenders a couple of times, had a nice exchange with Taylor, and although some have said his 30 yard effort was "greedy" - he had a go when in space- something nobody else tried all afternoon. (And some have lambasted the team for not shooting enough) It dipped- just not quickly enough. DG NEVER looked like bundling anything in. My wife was with me, knows a bit about football but is a neutral as far as WFC are concerned. She thought hoskins looked pretty good and made a difference.

[Whippendell Woods]

Why does Loach always make three or four excellent saves, and then make a mistake and cost us a goal anyway? That was a bloody awful mistake, I've just seen in on BBC.

Sell the ground, buy Lee Camp.

During the game itself, I thought that the P'boro player got the ball first and it hit Loach's standing leg. The replay confirms my view.

Loachy had swung and missed, the Posh striker got there first. Scott was lucky it hit his other leg, but no matter his mate stuck it in deflection anyway.

Others have asked why Cowie didn't cover or react to what was going on around him. He just doesn't look at the races for the past couple of months, like Mariappa.


My bigger concern is that many of our players were hiding, not moving or calling for the ball. Too many have bottled it.

They were playing the "you can't play it to me as there's one of their team on my shoulder" routine. Stand up Graham, Cowie and Lansbury.

That made others like Eustace and HH look bad and forced Tiny Taylor to just push forward with the ball.

Sir Tommy Mooney also pointed out on 3CR that Doyley and Mariappa seemed scared to bomb on with their usual runs, stopping too soon and not getting behind.

STM also stated that he would play all three strikers, i.e., HH, Graham and Hoskins because two decent centre backs are coping easily with balls knocked up to either or the current pair, for various reasons.

He thought three would provide many more options and release Cleverley and Lansbury to do their thing from deeper and STM seems wise in saying that.

[PotGuy]

During the game itself, I thought that the P'boro player got the ball first and it hit Loach's standing leg. The replay confirms my view.

Loachy had swung and missed, the Posh striker got there first. Scott was lucky it hit his other leg, but no matter his mate stuck it in deflection anyway.

Yeah, so it wouldn't have happened if he hadn't missed the ball, hence mistake. Loach jogged back and nobody seemed to fussed when it went in.

Replay reaction looked like they were all resigned to losing anyway.

[wfcmoog]

We're gonna bounce back tonight. Vouchsafe my words.