THE Ardley In/Out Thread [Multiple threads merged]

[Elite_Pie]

Head above the parapet Swale I still lean towards out. Great result and Mr Ardley seems to be willing to change his very negative formation but I am yet to be convinced.

Agreed. Really enjoyed the result but still a bit too soon for the Ardley statue fund. We are becoming a strong team at home, but it's games like the one on Tuesday where we need to improve. If we attack them we can get a win, but if we 'respect the point' we probably won't get it!

[maddogslater]

Just what I was thinking, my moneys on Mr Cautious making a return.

[MAD_MAGPIE]

Agreed. Really enjoyed the result but still a bit too soon for the Ardley statue fund. We are becoming a strong team at home, but it's games like the one on Tuesday where we need to improve. If we attack them we can get a win, but if we 'respect the point' we probably won't get it!

We are playing in non-league for the first time in our 158 year history. None of us have seen us play at this level prior to last season. There is going to be a level of expectation amongst supporters that we should be playing well, being positive and attacking in games and winning regularly at this level and aiming for a swift return to the football league. Only those under the age of 25-28 will not remember us playing in the top two tiers of English Football.

So playing cautiously (not to lose) or poorly against teams in tier five who some supporters may never have ever heard of before we joined this league or against part time teams, or those clubs with a lot less resources and ability will draw a lot of criticism from many supporters towards players and the manager. That comes with being at the biggest club at this level..

Of course we have no divine right to beat anyone at this level and we are playing non-league because we are where we deserve to be.

That’s why I think this board is very active after a defeat because it causes a reaction amongst many supporters when we struggle or play badly at this level, especially as it’s the lowest level we’ve ever played at.

[LaxtonLad]

To produce winning football is what a manager is paid for, if he isn't doing it regularly then he isn't a good manager, and apart from a few games late last season he wasn't doing it. Wait for a few more good results before you call him the Messiah and if he's starts losing again he'll get some stick again till he fits the job description and his success percentages rise noticeably.

[ancientpie]

I haven't changed my opinion since the Dover game, I will give it 10 games before I decide which way things are heading, however this doesn't mean that I cannot get annoyed at a defeat or celebrate a win, myself I prefer celebrating, COYP.

[laddo]

10 games the magical 10 league games, what should be the norm sounds like such an achievement on NCM.

Never being at the his level before naturally significantly increases expectations of the fans. And with such history and squad budget etc the fans are right to expect a lot. We have an inherent advantage over most sides this season.

But that expectation means diddly squat on the pitch where being the biggest team is an extra incentive for all opposition we face. We are at this level of football because we deserve to be.

The obvious difference is when we win and play well the positive reaction is limited in number and extent when compared to when we lose and play poorly.

Certain posters seem to mysteriously disappear after a Notts win, which makes no sense to me all. It's gotta work both ways surely? When the next defeat or poor draw comes along, like clockwork they reappear for a justified negative comment or 12.

NCM just goes a lot more OTT on a defeat rather than a win. Tragedy is always more newsworthy than triumph but never so much as on here.

[LaxtonLad]

So many posters think that because we're the biggest team "all opposition" will raise their game against us. That is one way of looking at it of course, but does no-one think teams may actually be afraid of us and let their fears affect their game?

[laddo]

Clearly it can work both ways but you've heard of the old football saying before?

Maybe Barnet were fearful playing a side who comfortably beat them on the same pitch in the play off semi final not so long ago combined with the impressive televised showing against Alty. Maybe it gave Dover added impetus to take a big scalp on the first day of the season. Tbh without crowds both possible scenarios are much diminished

We are the biggest opposition for any NL team we can agree on that LL?

[Elite_Pie]

NCM just goes a lot more OTT on a defeat rather than a win. Tragedy is always more newsworthy than triumph but never so much as on here.

You are incredibly naive where football messageboards are concerned. This one is no different to any other. If you had a regular glance at our local rival's boards like LTLF and Stagsnet you would see they are always busier after a defeat than they are after a victory. It's the way footy fans work whatever the club, but in your mind it's only on NCM!

[LaxtonLad]

Clearly it can work both ways but you've heard of the old football saying before?

Maybe Barnet were fearful playing a side who comfortably beat them on the same pitch in the play off semi final not so long ago combined with the impressive televised showing against Alty. Maybe it gave Dover added impetus to take a big scalp on the first day of the season. Tbh without crowds both possible scenarios are much diminished

We are the biggest opposition for any NL team we can agree on that LL?

I've heard of many old football sayings, which one are you thinking of?