Toxic Atmosphere

[Prando]

Remarkably, Bruce was himself a top defender - undoubtedly he sees Bartley’s shortcomings. The fans spoke last night and hopefully Bruce will not play Bartley again in the starting eleven…irrespective of the depth of our injuries.
I believe that the players brought about Val’s dismissal. There was a dislike of his discipline. Bruce is a different kettle of fish and, despite popular views, I would not change him without confirmation of a much better candidate available and willing to come. (Dyche ?)
The players must accept the majority of the blame with unnecessary petulance evident. Mulumby, TGH and Townsend all guilty. So sad to see the latter gesticulating with his hands when in possession (a la Bartley) I would accept Furlongs errors in preference to TGH.
Notwithstanding, we have to make the best of what we have. I’m more positive post ‘transfers’ and believe we will certainly finish top half and maybe threaten the last playoff position !
Again not popular, but Philips showed the commitment expected in a derby and brought about some enthusiasm for the final part of the match.

[WBA123]

Have to agree. While admitedly we have missed chances this season it isn't our biggest problem. The biggest problem, and has been for quite a while, is our calamitous defending. Basically, it is shambolic. There is no shape, a lack of awareness, technically poor, you name it. God knows what they must be doing on the training ground. Whatever it is, it 'ain't working. I'm not just saying this for effect but I've had school teams with far more awareness of how to defend. That's how bad it is! What is even more worrying, with the exception of Pieters, who else is match fit to replace them.

The bad thing is, I can't figure out whether we're worse at the back or in the forward positions.

In times like these everyone looks around for who to blame. The truth is, even if Bartley isn't selected for the next 5 games - can you see that improving us? Should Bruce get some stick, yeah probably - but as others have alluded to, who out there could come in and do a better job? Can you really see Dyche coming to us, because I can't.

I think Molumby and Wallace have really been our only consistent performers this season. The rest of them have been really poor. I suppose the answer is everyone, apart from maybe Molumby and Wallace in my view, is culpable to varying degrees.

[boingy]

Pieters looked good I thought. Yokuslu and Pieters are two experienced players we can really benefit from. I watched an old Everton v West Brom match and the commentator said that West Brom hadn’t scored in 5 matches. We lost 1-0 and Regis was awful, and Wyle was giving the ball away. That’s not how we remember those two great players. Teams have bad runs, and West Brom have had their share of that over the years. We should have won most of our matches this season. We haven’t. Some of the football has been really good. I was one of the first to say I don’t like Bruce but I have liked us dominating matches, Pulis got good results but it was ugly at times despite the impressive score lines against the “big boys”. We battered Watford, we pushed Burnley and if the team isn’t starting to lose confidence and puts a shift in we will push Norwich all the way. It needs to turn now, and the comments on here about defensive errors are all true. Needs to tighten up.

[baggieal]

The bad thing is, I can't figure out whether we're worse at the back or in the forward positions.

In times like these everyone looks around for who to blame. The truth is, even if Bartley isn't selected for the next 5 games - can you see that improving us? Should Bruce get some stick, yeah probably - but as others have alluded to, who out there could come in and do a better job? Can you really see Dyche coming to us, because I can't.

I think Molumby and Wallace have really been our only consistent performers this season. The rest of them have been really poor. I suppose the answer is everyone, apart from maybe Molumby and Wallace in my view, is culpable to varying degrees.

Worse at the back! Worse in terms of a keeper and just as worse in terms of a recognized striker since Gayle left! Love the energy from Wallace. For me Molumby loses the ball too much and gives away too many petty fouls - does nothing to impress me! He's a bog standard average player at best and certainly was not rated at Brighton!

Bruce needs to take the blame! Birmingham had zip - desire - passion and determination. These are not skills but should be the minimum!

Don't understand why Caleb Taylor was allowed to leave who is reported to be outstanding and then a pub player like Bartley gets a place! Makes no sense!

Is Asante going to start or does Bruce want to persist without a recognized striker? Grant is too often non existent in this role!

[kettering_baggie]

I see that Andy Carroll has rejoined Reading, it was ridiculous not keeping him, he is what we lack, a good target man in the middle and always 100% effort. Bruce is past it, he should go now and be replaced by an up and coming, hungry manager from the lower leagues as they couldn’t do any worse.

[baggieal]

I see that Andy Carroll has rejoined Reading, it was ridiculous not keeping him, he is what we lack, a good target man in the middle and always 100% effort. Bruce is past it, he should go now and be replaced by an up and coming, hungry manager from the lower leagues as they couldn’t do any worse.

Totally agree. Yes what Boingy has said is true we have totally dominated some games but then again we have been shocking too in some games! We still do not have a recognised striker as Grant can NOT play in that position as seen game after game!

Let’s not disguise the facts - one win out of nine is shocking and relegation form! I repeat shocking! I would rather play ugly and win more games as it’s points that count!

Another fact - since Bruce joined we slipped alarmingly out of the play offs last season and now we are almost in the bottom 3. The win ratio from Bruce is shocking since he arrived!

The facts speak for themselves and Bruce should go! Still to have no recognised striker starting - Bartley in the side - Townsend and Button and useless players like Reach and Phillips on the bench is one of the reasons why we are s hite!

Blues had zip and passion last night. Where was ours?

Some could even say we are worse than last season! Certainly the defence and keeper are worse and pointless to have creativity in midfield with still NO recognised striker!

Have the Billy Bollox Bruce and start Asante against Norwich. At least the fans will know he’s on the pitch!