All the things that jump out.

[The Minn Junta]

1) Last season an unpopular manager left giving everyone an instant lift, we’ve seen it many a time in football. Honeymoon period now officially over.

2) The successful touch line coaching line up last season was Moore, Cutler and Shan. Now it is Moore, Jacobs and Jones. Cutler has recently joined his old mate Smith at Villa, is that the only reason? Shan fits in where he’s told, training the stiffs who don’t get a game and works with the attacking lads on finishing. In other words he’s been pushed aside.

3) Largly the playing staff hasn’t altered all that much from our ‘successful’ run in last season, however attitudes towards staying at the club have, ala messrs Dawson and Rodriguez, it’s showing big time.

4) Albion only really tick when the likes of Philips is on top form, of late he’s disappeared again. He gained national attention during a real purple patch under Pulis, he got injured and faded, it seems to be happening again.

5) Clearly our goal scoring prowess has been significantly blunted with the loss of Gayle, add to that the injured Gibbs and stop start form of Philips and our appalling lack of pace in the middle comes sharply into focus. Most people with half a brain predicted the potential for this, such was our obvious lack of of options and yet here we are, living out our prediction.

6) Graeme Jones’ insistence on players that are simply not good enough trying to play it out from the back. We said we’d get sussed, up front and at the back, now we have, another prediction made by many. Barnes has been sussed yet he’s a luxury that our desperate midfield can ill afford to have too far up the field.

7) The signing of Bartley has proven a poor buy.

8) Cheap option after cheap option by Lai and Co make me fume.

9) The personal abuse some of you on here direct at Darren Moore is uncalled for. We’re all angry, and our passion needs directing differently, if he needs to go at some point then he needs to go, but not with this kind of abuse.


10) To conclude, once our top performing most influential players are off form or injured (Gayle, Gibbs, Philips) we are less than average thus showing up our over reliance on them and weaknesses all over the rest of the team. We need a proven quality centre half, a right back, a decent centre midfielder and a replacement back up striker. Compare our owner with the poor chap who perished at Leicester, and here lies the heart of our problem.

[Lost city albion]

I agree with all you say but with DM the definition of madness is repeating the same thing and expecting a different result brunt will start again and set up exactly the same no plan b

[mickd1961]

I agree with everything you say Minn apart from the bit about the stick being dished out to Moore.

If you can be a r s e d to check through threads from around the time DM was appointed I warned of this happening but I said it’d be by the end of October so I’m three days out!

I said that I thought he was a bit dim and although a nice guy that he’d be found out within three months and that his legacy at the club would be tainted and this is now almost inevitable.

A person like DM has more value in being part of the fabric of a club like ours,working behind the scenes and being a “constant” and anybody who thinks he’s “front of house” material does not deserve to be in a position of power themselves!

A manager needs to be a leader and both visible and articulate.....arrogant like many of them or a hugely forceful personality like Pulis or Klopp.....Moore is non of the above,he doesn’t inspire me as a manager and in truth he didn’t much for me as a player either.

We need a manager who can attract players on a budget and at the moment I can only see Steve Bruce as a viable option,regardless of his Vile connection he’s put together many promotion teams and he understands how to build a structure and he’d stand his ground with Mini Me and Peace’s Grim Reaper.

This pathetic half a r s e d,cut price,s h I t show has to stop.

I have vowed not to return to B71 until Lai has gone and I just wish many others would vote with their feet and stop putting money in this clueless t w a t s pocket.

Surely it’s getting close to mass protest time before it’s too late.

[The Minn Junta]

As you with my post Mick, I agree with yours, I’ve no need to refer to old posts as I recall what you said, infact I refer to “predictions” in my original post, predictions of my own as well as others.

I’m not going to labour the point but giving him personal stick isn’t on, he’s Albion, like you and I.

If he’s not upto it then whatever will be will be, I’m just not comfortable with digging out one of our own.

Lost City Albion, I get what you’re saying, I posted recently about how I thought that Moore and Co thought they had enough in the tank going into this season to be able to cope with the Chump, clearly they haven’t, certainly in midfield. Hence my dig at our owners. Make no bones about it, my anger lies firmly at the door of Mr Lai, he’s why Darren Moore is in the firing line now.

[baggieal]

As you with my post Mick, I agree with yours, I’ve no need to refer to old posts as I recall what you said, infact I refer to “predictions” in my original post, predictions of my own as well as others.

I’m not going to labour the point but giving him personal stick isn’t on, he’s Albion, like you and I.

If he’s not upto it then whatever will be will be, I’m just not comfortable with digging out one of our own.

Lost City Albion, I get what you’re saying, I posted recently about how I thought that Moore and Co thought they had enough in the tank going into this season to be able to cope with the Chump, clearly they haven’t, certainly in midfield. Hence my dig at our owners. Make no bones about it, my anger lies firmly at the door of Mr Lai, he’s why Darren Moore is in the firing line now.


Lai does not pick Brunt in CM or indeed recruited mates like Bartley or Mears who are crap, or make appalling formations or subs! I do blame Lai though for lack of interest and investment unlike the fantastic owner at Leicester in that unfortunate crash! Look at the difference between the two?

Were you at the game against Wigan or today? Well all those supporters including myself spent a fortune to watch worse football than anything Pulis ever served up! Again it was against poor sides like Wigan and Hull and we were shambolic! Hull supporters could not believe how crap we were!!!

I don't get " one of our own" I could not give a toss if a manager or player came from India or Mongolia if they were totally switched on and could do the business - we are in a results industry so no sentiment.

The supporters have been patient with Moore and today the tide turned for those who spent good money at the match today watching absolute bollox - not on the basis of one match but many matches with many many clueless decisions!

You can bet Brunt will be CM again against Leeds and Bartley will be back - should we say " Big Dave knows what he;'s doing as he's one of our own"? Leeds are already licking their lips no doubt!

Will things change? Honestly can't see it! Lose against Leeds and get rid - FAST!

[mickd1961]

For me his team formation and set up against Leeds will be extremely telling.

Leeds play a high press high energy type of football and the odd indifferent result seems to not dent their confidence at all.

We are perfect prey for them with our formation,choice of personnel and extreme lack of pace.

On the back of an appalling run and with the evidence clear to everyone over the last few weeks I think the majority of managers,pundits and fans would make the decision to go with a back four next week and probably go for a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-5-1.

In times of strife the basics of management are that you revert to the ages old tried and tested and “make oneself hard to beat”.

I know it’ll smack of Pulis etc,etc,but in tough times you shut up shop and stop the bleeding.

If I see a 3-4-3 or 3 anything announced pre kick off next week I’ll come to the certain conclusion that Ronald Reagan’s “brain” ( Spitting Image copyright ) is running the show at our place.

The “Moore Out” post will illuminate on here around 30 seconds later.

[The Minn Junta]

Lai does not pick Brunt in CM or indeed recruited mates like Bartley or Mears who are crap, or make appalling formations or subs! I do blame Lai though for lack of interest and investment unlike the fantastic owner at Leicester in that unfortunate crash! Look at the difference between the two?

Were you at the game against Wigan or today? Well all those supporters including myself spent a fortune to watch worse football than anything Pulis ever served up! Again it was against poor sides like Wigan and Hull and we were shambolic! Hull supporters could not believe how crap we were!!!

I don't get " one of our own" I could not give a toss if a manager or player came from India or Mongolia if they were totally switched on and could do the business - we are in a results industry so no sentiment.

The supporters have been patient with Moore and today the tide turned for those who spent good money at the match today watching absolute bollox - not on the basis of one match but many matches with many many clueless decisions!

You can bet Brunt will be CM again against Leeds and Bartley will be back - should we say " Big Dave knows what he;'s doing as he's one of our own"? Leeds are already licking their lips no doubt!

Will things change? Honestly can't see it! Lose against Leeds and get rid - FAST!

There’s my answer to you Al in bold. Those players you mention are noticed by us all, not just you, ask yourself, why are we scratching around for players like Mears? If we were privy to boardroom discussions and heard what the budget really is/was I reckon things would really kick off. It’s Lai, Lai, Lai all day long, Darren Moore is just being hung out to dry. For what it’s worth, Moore is up to his nuts in a results driven business and he’s fast finding out that sentiment only carries you so far so I’m with you on that.

You’re not the only one to follow the Albion away week after week, spend a fortune, and come home p1-5sed off, I’ve done my stint, still do now and again but my business and family come first nowadays.

As I said if he goes then he goes, I’d love the lad to succeed but it’s a mountain to climb at the moment, I’m a realist I know that.

[baggieal]

There’s my answer to you Al in bold. Those players you mention are noticed by us all, not just you, ask yourself, why are we scratching around for players like Mears? If we were privy to boardroom discussions and heard what the budget really is/was I reckon things would really kick off. It’s Lai, Lai, Lai all day long, Darren Moore is just being hung out to dry. For what it’s worth, Moore is up to his nuts in a results driven business and he’s fast finding out that sentiment only carries you so far so I’m with you on that.

You’re not the only one to follow the Albion away week after week, spend a fortune, and come home p1-5sed off, I’ve done my stint, still do now and again but my business and family come first nowadays.

As I said if he goes then he goes, I’d love the lad to succeed but it’s a mountain to climb at the moment, I’m a realist I know that.


Agree with all that Minn Junta. I have always blamed the Board/Owner for the total lack of ambition. I also get the Leicester supporters who worship the departed owner who was fantastic in every sense. In some ways, I feel sorry for Moore but he does need to listen to the majority of the supporters who are now stamping their feet - wrong formations - wrong players selected and wrong subs. For example - 20,000 supporters can't be wrong in that Chris Brunt is no CM and whether he's useful elsewhere - that's down to different views. What about Dawson and Rodriguez - both look totally uninterested - why? Bartley is absolute pants and Leeds fans know and comment they have dodged a bulit.

There's no animation from Big Dave from his box - only the odd whistle - why? I would question whether something is the background is going on!

So yes, I blame the Board/Owner as West Brom have rarely showed any ambition but Moore is beginning to show his inexperience with so many poor decisions. Lose to a very good Leeds side and the out drums will start. I do not want a decision delayed if the rot continues! Had this been a mini blip and all other games were great then fair enough! Name one away game this season when we have been dominant and been much better than the opposition? There is not one sadly!

Can't blame the fans! It's been so many games and whilst there's been no quality to Wigan and Hull as an example - their players have had more desire to win the matches! Wigan/Hull FFS!!!!

PS - I would be more accepting if we played more youngsters and lost but the desire was there!

[TipperaryBaggie]

Picking the bones out of these very articulate posts, I can deduce two facts. Firstly, our owner seems to show very little interest in our club so is unwillng to invest any more cash. Secondly, the majority have now come to the conclusion that Big D is not cut out to be a manager at this moment in time. However, I am sure that we can all see that people like him are an asset to the club but in a role behind the scenes. Just my view.

[Albionmad]

For me the blame for our situation lies in 3 areas:
Lai for reasons already stated
Jones who is trying to fit square objects in round holes. Belgium had world class defenders who are comfortable on the ball, We don't.
Belgium have world class midfielders who are both creative and full of running. We don't.

Moore. Yes he's been hung out to dry. However as Head coach he decides the system that we're going to play. To a man of his football experience, it should have been obvious weeks ago that 3 at the back won't work and he should have adjusted things. Instead he does the same thing week in week out and plays the same players in positions and roles they are not cut out for.

[Baggiemadguern]

Just a few points.

When Lai bought the club people were doing somersaults, there were suggestions we would be free from Jeremy the bean counter and the Club would move forward with the wealth of finance that was sure to follow, there were predictions of great times ahead. There was laughter at the Wolves and their new owner and the Villa’s new owners also. Some on the other hand, were concerned and predicted that sale could put the Club into a unstable position and that the end result could be disastrous. And so it comes to pass.

A return trip to the Hawthorns with an overnight stay (no choice) for a game, would cost me somewhere in the region of £500 to £600, it sort of puts me to be totally honest.

My football attendance on a Saturday afternoon is watching my grandsons(8 and below) playing tournament with their club, it great and really enjoyable.

We are were we are, where Mickd predicted we would be upon Dig Davies appointment and where a few of us predicted we would be years ago, when many wanted Jeremy’s head on a spike. Let’s just hope Mr Lai and Big Dave can pull a rabbit out of the hat because at the moment we are in free fall.

[baggieal]

Just a few points.

When Lai bought the club people were doing somersaults, there were suggestions we would be free from Jeremy the bean counter and the Club would move forward with the wealth of finance that was sure to follow, there were predictions of great times ahead. There was laughter at the Wolves and their new owner and the Villa’s new owners also. Some on the other hand, were concerned and predicted that sale could put the Club into a unstable position and that the end result could be disastrous. And so it comes to pass.

A return trip to the Hawthorns with an overnight stay (no choice) for a game, would cost me somewhere in the region of £500 to £600, it sort of puts me to be totally honest.

My football attendance on a Saturday afternoon is watching my grandsons(8 and below) playing tournament with their club, it great and really enjoyable.

We are were we are, where Mickd predicted we would be upon Dig Davies appointment and where a few of us predicted we would be years ago, when many wanted Jeremy’s head on a spike. Let’s just hope Mr Lai and Big Dave can pull a rabbit out of the hat because at the moment we are in free fall.



Mick was indeed spot on with his prediction and still correct! In reply to your post - yes we are in free fall and not just the last four games as indeed luck ( plus Gayle/Barnes ) have gained us more points. You would get more pleasure watching your 8 year old than the dross served up at the moment that's for sure! Wigan/Hull/Blackburn - FFS!

I honestly expect things to get worse so the next away following will dwindle to 500! From 4,000 at Wigan to 1,000 yesterday says it all and Hull only 30 mins further!!

[stripes39]

Agree with all that Minn Junta. I have always blamed the Board/Owner for the total lack of ambition. I also get the Leicester supporters who worship the departed owner who was fantastic in every sense. In some ways, I feel sorry for Moore but he does need to listen to the majority of the supporters who are now stamping their feet - wrong formations - wrong players selected and wrong subs. For example - 20,000 supporters can't be wrong in that Chris Brunt is no CM and whether he's useful elsewhere - that's down to different views. What about Dawson and Rodriguez - both look totally uninterested - why? Bartley is absolute pants and Leeds fans know and comment they have dodged a bulit.

There's no animation from Big Dave from his box - only the odd whistle - why? I would question whether something is the background is going on!

So yes, I blame the Board/Owner as West Brom have rarely showed any ambition but Moore is beginning to show his inexperience with so many poor decisions. Lose to a very good Leeds side and the out drums will start. I do not want a decision delayed if the rot continues! Had this been a mini blip and all other games were great then fair enough! Name one away game this season when we have been dominant and been much better than the opposition? There is not one sadly!

Can't blame the fans! It's been so many games and whilst there's been no quality to Wigan and Hull as an example - their players have had more desire to win the matches! Wigan/Hull FFS!!!!

PS - I would be more accepting if we played more youngsters and lost but the desire was there!

Good points. I don't blame DM as he did what most of us would have done and took a great opportunity to advance his career. The fact that he lacks experience and was probably hired as he was a cheap option is the fault of the owner. Sadly, penny pinching and a lack of ambition is in our DNA as a club and has been for years. Jenkins is the ideal man to continue this tradition so I'm not sure if I'm alone here but I'm thinking what is the point of promotion in the first place when our total ambition is to not get relegated? This owner (like so many foreign owners) has zero interest in a Black Country football club, its purely a commercial venture so as with any business we'll see damage limitation as the way forwards. It does make you realise what a decent guy Leicester had when you look at us, Villa and Blues who all had a poor turn of fortune once foreign owners got hold of them.

[Johnny on the spot 1]

For me the blame for our situation lies in 3 areas:
Lai for reasons already stated
Jones who is trying to fit square objects in round holes. Belgium had world class defenders who are comfortable on the ball, We don't.
Belgium have world class midfielders who oore. Yes he's been hung out to dry. However as Head coach he decides the system that we're going to play. To a man of his football experience, it should have been obvious weeks ago that 3 at the back won't work and he should have adjusted things. Instead he does the same thing week in week out and plays the same players in positions and roles they are not cut out for.

Agree mad you can't exspect us to play like Belgium we have mediocre players at best we need to keep it tight & hit teams on the break we have the forwards to do that . Watching Leeds at Wigan keeping the ball strong in the tackles playing fast football its 1:1 @ the min but i fancy Leeds as im watching.

[Leicesterbaggie]

I think that in the past we've seen clubs such as Leeds and Portsmouth throw money to try and stay in the 'big time and fail. So to avoid this we have been frugal and not taken any risk at all. However, in the past few years we have taken this to a new level and consequently haven't made the progress, both on and off the field, that we should have done, culminating in relegation. There is a middle road which we should have taken but it now appears to be in our DNA to follow the careful route and not take any calculated risks. Unfortunately, if we stick to this model we will remain a mediocre championship side and now that we are owned by Lai, who has no interest in us as a football club, this is where we are heading.

[Johnny on the spot 1]

I think that in the past we've seen clubs such as Leeds and Portsmouth throw money to try and stay in the 'big time and fail. So to avoid this we have been frugal and not taken any risk at all. However, in the past few years we have taken this to a new level and consequently haven't made the progress, both on and off the field, that we should have done, culminating in relegation. There is a middle road which we should have taken but it now appears to be in our DNA to follow the careful route and not take any calculated risks. Unfortunately, if we stick to this model we will remain a mediocre championship side and now that we are owned by Lai, who has no interest in us as a football club, this is where we are heading.

Were heading lower & lower i can't see anyway out unfortunately.

[goodlordmurphy]

I agree with everything you say Minn apart from the bit about the stick being dished out to Moore.

If you can be a r s e d to check through threads from around the time DM was appointed I warned of this happening but I said it’d be by the end of October so I’m three days out!

I said that I thought he was a bit dim and although a nice guy that he’d be found out within three months and that his legacy at the club would be tainted and this is now almost inevitable.

A person like DM has more value in being part of the fabric of a club like ours,working behind the scenes and being a “constant” and anybody who thinks he’s “front of house” material does not deserve to be in a position of power themselves!

A manager needs to be a leader and both visible and articulate.....arrogant like many of them or a hugely forceful personality like Pulis or Klopp.....Moore is non of the above,he doesn’t inspire me as a manager and in truth he didn’t much for me as a player either.

We need a manager who can attract players on a budget and at the moment I can only see Steve Bruce as a viable option,regardless of his Vile connection he’s put together many promotion teams and he understands how to build a structure and he’d stand his ground with Mini Me and Peace’s Grim Reaper.

This pathetic half a r s e d,cut price,s h I t show has to stop.

I have vowed not to return to B71 until Lai has gone and I just wish many others would vote with their feet and stop putting money in this clueless t w a t s pocket.

Surely it’s getting close to mass protest time before it’s too late.

Don't need to check back Mick, I was saying this situation would happen before we got relegated.

As for someone to take us forward it will only be Pearson and Shakespeare for me, they could both become available now due to the unfortunate demise of the Leicester City owner.

I have long since adopted the gambling phylosophy of...'When the fun stops...stop'