Scott Parker

[The Bedlington Terrier]

I have never ever slagged our own players off army88. I just don't think Foster is worth a shirt. When a midfielder outscores a supposed centre forward by 14 goals over a full season something, somewhere is just not right.

[outwoodclaret]

I thought I would reboot this thread (not to remind ourselves of what side of the line we stood about his appointment) but there are lots of illuminating comments about our expectations in those early weeks for the coming season. The remark that I am particularly drawn to now though I didn’t think too much about it at the time was a Supersub reference to Parker’s preference for a strong defensive record ahead of flair football. Looking back over the season as a whole we do have a context for all those frustrating 0-0 draws that seemed to be dooming us to nothing better than a play off shot at promotion. Ultimately it was Parker’s triumph to turn those draws into wins and the Clarets have in fact won 11 and drawn 3 of our last 14 league games since the beginning of a February. It began with an inauspicious 1-0 home win v Oxford courtesy of an own goal. Who would have thought it.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

I think the shift in focus came once Edwards was on board, it gave us two attacking options down both flanks and opposing teams struggled to cope. Good job Cardy, good job!

[Supersub6]

I thought I would reboot this thread (not to remind ourselves of what side of the line we stood about his appointment) but there are lots of illuminating comments about our expectations in those early weeks for the coming season. The remark that I am particularly drawn to now though I didn’t think too much about it at the time was a Supersub reference to Parker’s preference for a strong defensive record ahead of flair football. Looking back over the season as a whole we do have a context for all those frustrating 0-0 draws that seemed to be dooming us to nothing better than a play off shot at promotion. Ultimately it was Parker’s triumph to turn those draws into wins and the Clarets have in fact won 11 and drawn 3 of our last 14 league games since the beginning of a February. It began with an inauspicious 1-0 home win v Oxford courtesy of an own goal. Who would have thought it.

STrangely enough, outwood, the game against Oxford was the only game I was able to get down to this season and it came at a time when there was quite a lot of discontent, which I picked up on at the game. We should have won that game by more goals but I thought that Foster was really unlucky on the night and I thought that we would make progress.
Our record up to that point was decent P30 W15 D13 L2 F36 A9 Pts 59 ---we were only scoring 1.2 goals per game and that was the issue as far as fans were concerned.
Since then, as you have said our record has been P14 W11 D3 L0 F25 A6 Pts 36 ---we have averaged 1.8 goals per game but have conceded 13.5% more goals which means that our fans have seen more goals scored per match.

Quite amusing reading this thread now because I missed loads of it when I was away in Canada and the States and was unaware of my demise in September.
I also enjoyed BT's comments about our prospective goalscorers, more than half left the club!

I am absolutely delighted with how things have turned out, however, I am not unduly surprised.

[outwoodclaret]

I think the shift in focus came once Edwards was on board, it gave us two attacking options down both flanks and opposing teams struggled to cope. Good job Cardy, good job!

Yes. Soon after this Edwards came into the starting line on the right allowing Jaidon Anthony to switch to left wing and we started to look much more threatening.

[Turf_Forever]

It will be interesting to see how Parker shapes the squad over the summer and what kind of player we can attract.

More of the fringe players from the Kompany era will be off. Amdouni, Tresor, Koleosho and even Foster maybe.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

It will be interesting to see how Parker shapes the squad over the summer and what kind of player we can attract.

More of the fringe players from the Kompany era will be off. Amdouni, Tresor, Koleosho and even Foster maybe.

We might just about break even if we can shut all four.

[ballcock]

Last summer the club was on its knees with Kompany losing the respect of the players, and some of our previous summer signings wanting out.

Parker came in late July and no doubt couldn't believe the shambles left by Kompany. Scotty inherited a large squad of players with a large percentage wanting out, he then shifted out some 23 players over 1 week in August, brought in another 10 and moulded a side that got promoted.

Well done Scott Parker I always thought you were the right man for the job. I liked the way we keep it tight at the back and the way the team as evolved since the new year

More of the same style and tactics next season, and if money is invested wisely we will have a feytin chance

[army88]

I have never ever slagged our own players off army88. I just don't think Foster is worth a shirt. When a midfielder outscores a supposed centre forward by 14 goals over a full season something, somewhere is just not right.

Have a read back BT we?ve been debating this for a long time - I seem to remember you slating McNeil and he was $hite then when he was the only creative player we had and teams knew that so doubled up on him.

Foster turn now and I?ll whole heartedly admit he hasn?t scored enough - he?s had a tough season with injury again though and was then played at left wing - when I watch him his contribution is always good just not enough goals - some team will benefit I?m sure of it

[mnrht]

It would be a big mistake to let Koleosho go. His pace is special, all he needs is some coaching. Bring Summerby over for an afternoon or two.
I would keep Foster too. No need to comment BT, I know where you stand. Grrr!