A massive 3 points for us, with our first 2 home games being against hard opposition in Wigan and Derby, you could easily have imagined us losing both matches or just getting 1 point. It got a little bit sedate mid way through the second half, and taking Tucudean off meant we had nobody to hold the ball up, but we rallied at the end.
Interesting to hear about two 'non - English maternal / paternal language speakers' having a fight over insulting swearing. Sometimes it is so easy to swear in a non-native language, even if you have a high level in that language, without fully appreciating the impact. Perhaps it is equally easy to under / over react too.
Sorry to those who don't get this post but I find the choice of words of non-native speakers in any language to be interesting (including my own!)
The key to this success was the two centre backs and Boyens in midfield. Unlike others I thought Ben Haim outshone Bikey as the standout defender. He had some tremendous headed clearances from corners and read their threats well. He also combined well with Boyens to start many of our moves. His surging run into their half led to panic and ultimately our winner. Like others I liked it when he rolled round on the floor thrashing the gound with his fists for joy when we scored. Good start to the season, how long will it continue?
Wigan were no mugs. They showed quality all over the pitch and some of their defending was different class. The fact that we had better chances overall makes me very hopeful.
Pope looks like he will defend his area with his life. He took out 2 Wigan players needing treatment with one clearance and even took Bikey out when he was in the way, that takes commitment.
Days may be numbered for Wiggins and JJ I fear, they looked the only weak points.
Great afternoon. First half was terrific, the second strangely mooted till the fireworks at the end. Likes - the pop up bar behind east stand with Wye Valley beer; great playing surface (isn't strange the ball stays in when rolling along the by-line); rock solid central defenders; a strong skilful midfielder; a young England hopeful who has found shooting boots; and forwards who have goals in them. Worries - a goalkeeper who thinks he is Manuel Neuer...he's not; a left back who is making too many mistakes: Jacko's legs; Solly's knees.
On the plus side the central defenders were excellent so Morro will have trouble getting back in the side on today's performance. Boyens was a class apart and up front Vetokele worked hard and kept Wigan on the back foot. On the negative side, Wiggins was too easily beaten (and not just for the goal), Gudmundsson seemed to have little understanding with Solly and failed to get any decent crosses in from the by-line and Cousins demonstrated that he is not a left sided midfielder (good goal apart). However once Jacko went off, Gudmundsson went left, Cousins moved into his best spot in the centre and Wilson took up where he left off on the right with Solly. And suddenly with 15 minutes left we were balanced and were the only side likely to win.
Pleasantly surprised by TBH and Bikey. Wasn't sure about those 2 but they were very good today. TBH is very vocal which I love. At one point was going mental at Bikey for not showing for the ball from Henderson !
Gudmundsson looks lively. Not sure about George ... We need to give him time to settle before judging. Vetokele will score if he is given service I think.
Cousins had a very good game. Seeing him attack at the full back was great to see. Jacko quiet but he's important to the team. Solly was Solly ! Class as always. Wiggins is severely lacking in confidence. Someone needs to whack an arm round him. Hendersons kicking is terrible! Otherwise I think he will be solid. Moussa also looks exciting. Wanted the ball all the time.
Great feeling walking away today! First time in a long while I'm extremely excited. Not saying we're challenging. Just looks good for the season ahead and beyond. Good football being played, passionate player, extremely passionate manager. It's all a good mix!
Great to read most of this thread. Think we are moving firmly in the right direction.
Note re Jacko. On the live commentary Finchy said several times that Jacko had been suffering a stomach bug and was only passed fit late on.
@PragueAddick I thought he kept going never shirked a tackle and put himself about a bit early on however Buyens had a very good game and compared to JJ was on a different level. Normal performance we have come to expect of him these days without scoring or producing anything from set plays hence average at best. Kept cajoling those around him though as all good captains should.
Played some very good stuff at times against a well organised decent Wigan side. Play overall mostly equal but I think we deserved it as we created all the chances and should have gone ahead earlier. Don't remember our keeper making any save of note and their goal was from poor defending.
We slowed down noticably last 20 minutes and allowed Wigan most of the possession, yet still we created good chances. We're clearly a team that's better on the break as when Wigan got men behind the ball we couldn't really do anything. The fastest attacking wise I've seen us for many years.
Buyens worked very hard and had some nice passes but I don't go along with the total praise for him. I felt he's still not expecting the game to be as fast as it is. Several times he got caught in possession or misplaced a pass when he thought he was gonna have more time and was closed down. His inexperience was highlighted to me when 2nd half the ball was heading for a throw in to us after our corner and he was strolling thinking it was just going to go out unchallenged, then panicked when he realised a defender was actually making an effort to keep it in. But lots of promise and hopefully he will be able to adjust his mindset.
Cousins played well if getting a bit excited at times and making the wrong decisions after he scored that great goal. Understandable though.
Vetokele and Gudmensson the stand out players for me. Vetokele looks not just a decent striker but also worked hard and never stopped running. Gudmensson not scared to take people on and some nice passes and touches.
Wiggins not at his best and mainly at fault for the goal but was up against a good player. I don't remember noticing JJ, I don't know if that's good or bad? Tucedean looked as though he had some good ideas but didn't look confident or interested with any physical stuff.
Defence looked a little disorganised a few times in first half but overall look like they can be a decent unit. Read the game well mostly and strong CB's.
Henderson did ok, not really tested, but his distribution was pretty poor. Pope look confident when he come on and loved it when he just wiped out the forwards to punch the ball.
Many positives especially for a newly put together team. Tuesday will be a big test.
i thought we didnt create much, neither us nor wigan seemed to be able to string a pass together, felt sorry for Vetokele, he had to do it all on his own
i thought we didnt create much, neither us nor wigan seemed to be able to string a pass together, felt sorry for Vetokele, he had to do it all on his own
Assuming you were there of course, I was not. Quite a differing report from all the gushers on here. Strange how people see a different game. Vive le difference!
Loved every minute of the game( esp the last couple !) and seeing so many friendly, familiar faces beforehand. This is what a new season is all about.
Others have commented on the goals, the saves( very few) and the players - I agree with the majority & Bikey was my MOM too.
But I want to give a special mention to BBB , as our granddaughter calls him ( Big Belgian Bob)
He is really impressing me at this early stage of the proceedings. Apart from his undoubted ability to mould a formidable team of young Academy players, the remainder of last term's relegation fight and the incoming lads from various backgrounds/countries , I believe he is "in danger" of becoming a firm fans' favourite. His words on our favourite subject thus far have been measured but positive ; his choice of starting players today seems to mirror those that we, the fans would have nominated; his substitutions so far are those we would have made ....so often it appears that managers are viewing a different game but BBB is singing from the same "him" sheet. How refreshing is that ?
I watched him posing for pics with youngsters at Ebbsfleet , we have seen photos of him with Lewis in Bexley yesterday and it seems as though he is only too happy to meet & greet our fans. And those fans want to meet him .....In a relatively short space of time, he is fast becoming OUR Bob. Did this happen with Pards or Dowie ? The former would have been concerned about his image and the latter would have frightened our younger fans ! Uncle Bob seems to fit the bill nicely.
I firmly believe that Bob knows what he expects from each player in his squad & ensures each one is aware of this. Without having confirmation of my thoughts, I feel that a mutual respect between manager & players has been firmly established - something all concerned would have yearned for following the close relationship that SCP forged with his squad, and then the successful partnership with Jose. Even at this early stage in the season, it would appear that RD has played the role of matchmaker exceedingly well...
So, my cards are on the table. I'm not expecting to win every game & inevitably there will be disappointments along the way but Bob & Roland have assembled a very decent squad of players that should give the rest of the Championship teams something to think about. I don't make predictions but I am confident that the faithful will definitely get value for money at The Valley this season. Someone once stated that we are in for a bumpy ride. What we witnessed today was a fairly smooth but exciting start and if this can be continued on Tuesday evening, we will be in a perfect position to accelerate north towards Huddersfield in a week's time. We just need to maintain the noise level which I thought was excellent on the whole this afternoon & encourage others less committed to join us on this exciting journey. Who knows what we'll find at the end of this bumpy road ?
The "returning from injury" Wiggins was OK, other than getting skinned twice by Macmanaman - a player who was motm in the cup final against City 2 year ago, and should probably be playing in the prem.
It is tiresome how people declare a player as sh*t and past his best based on a couple of isolated incidents.
The "returning from injury" Wiggins was OK, other than getting skinned twice by Macmanaman - a player who was motm in the cup final against City 2 year ago, and should probably be playing in the prem.
It is tiresome how people declare a player as sh*t and past his best based on a couple of isolated incidents.
Not sure anyone is suggesting "he's shit" merely pointing out he had a poor game and he did have a poor game.
The "returning from injury" Wiggins was OK, other than getting skinned twice by Macmanaman - a player who was motm in the cup final against City 2 year ago, and should probably be playing in the prem.
It is tiresome how people declare a player as sh*t and past his best based on a couple of isolated incidents.
Agreed. Second half was much better and he was less of a threat. They isolated Wiggins against him first half and really the ball from midfield should have been cut out earlier. I think Wiggins will be fine with a run of games.
re Wiggins - I think the stick is OTT. It's as if no full back is ever allowed to be outwitted by a quality winger and no credit should ever be given to the winger. McManaman is perm quality and he gave Wiggins a torrid time in the 1st half. 2nd half Wiggins tightened up. McManaman was MOM in the cup final 2013. FFS get a grip. Wiggins needs out support, not a slagging for getting turned a few times by the best winger in the whole division.
But a couple of things, thought the game changed when Cousins moved more central after Jacko was subbed, we appeared to create more and looked a lot more busy. Would be great to see how him and Buyens could handle the middle together.
Also today was the first time I can remember for a while where I felt confident we would not crumble in the last 5 minutes. Obvious questions over why Morro has not been starting, but In Bikey and Ben Haim we have 2 players who don't get bullied with long ball or direct football. Commanding in the air and Bikey's distribution is superb. The kind of ruggedness we have needed the past few seasons when dealing with the Marc-Antoine Fortunes and Chris Martin's of the league.
Wigan passed the ball more but nor Pope or Henderson had a notable save to make, we deserved it.
Happy for Pope and you could see how happy Peeter's was for him at the end, great to see Pope clatter two Wigan players when he could have easily retreated back to his line if he wasn't 100% sure he was going to make it.
The improvements round the Valley looked great aswell, very happy.
For me, Gudmundsson was absolute class. But the man who made the match for me was Big Bob. I was sat right behind the dugout, and the man oozed authority. In the 1st half when TBH twice ignored laying off to Solly out wide he went absolutely nuts. I could see Haim trying to have a word back and Bob cut him dead - don't think I've seen passion like it from a manager. You could see Bob trying to get them playing his way, ball on floor using the whole width of the pitch and knackering the opposition. TBH didn't make the same mistake and went on to have a great match. Then when Moussa's goal went in he went mental. I turned to see Rosler raging and it continued after the game when he had a go at Bob. BIG mistake. Forget TBH there was nearly GBH if it hadn't have been for Ben Roberts pulling him back. Priceless! The man is quality. Love him already!
Interesting to see what Peeters does re Pope. I suppose it depends on the extent of Henderson's injury and how long he will be out. If it is a two week or so lay off then I expect he will go with Pope and Phillips on the bench. However, if Henderson is out for a longer period will he get someone in on loan for cover?
I hope he gives Pope a go and we can see if the pre season claims by some that he is not ready for Championship football are true or not. Could be a really big opportunity for him and one he should grab with both hands ( and not drop.)
Comments
Thumbs up = Cousins, for an excellent all round work rate and goal.
Thumbs down = Hendo and Wiggy, playground defending for the Wigan goal.
Sorry to those who don't get this post but I find the choice of words of non-native speakers in any language to be interesting (including my own!)
Pope looks like he will defend his area with his life. He took out 2 Wigan players needing treatment with one clearance and even took Bikey out when he was in the way, that takes commitment.
Days may be numbered for Wiggins and JJ I fear, they looked the only weak points.
Note re Jacko. On the live commentary Finchy said several times that Jacko had been suffering a stomach bug and was only passed fit late on.
Pleasantly surprised by TBH and Bikey. Wasn't sure about those 2 but they were very good today. TBH is very vocal which I love. At one point was going mental at Bikey for not showing for the ball from Henderson !
Gudmundsson looks lively.
Not sure about George ... We need to give him time to settle before judging.
Vetokele will score if he is given service I think.
Cousins had a very good game. Seeing him attack at the full back was great to see.
Jacko quiet but he's important to the team.
Solly was Solly ! Class as always.
Wiggins is severely lacking in confidence. Someone needs to whack an arm round him.
Hendersons kicking is terrible! Otherwise I think he will be solid.
Moussa also looks exciting. Wanted the ball all the time.
Great feeling walking away today! First time in a long while I'm extremely excited. Not saying we're challenging. Just looks good for the season ahead and beyond. Good football being played, passionate player, extremely passionate manager. It's all a good mix!
If we get that French fella to play up top with IV then we will have a good side
Buyens and Bikey impressed me the most
Bloody love last minute winners
We slowed down noticably last 20 minutes and allowed Wigan most of the possession, yet still we created good chances. We're clearly a team that's better on the break as when Wigan got men behind the ball we couldn't really do anything. The fastest attacking wise I've seen us for many years.
Buyens worked very hard and had some nice passes but I don't go along with the total praise for him. I felt he's still not expecting the game to be as fast as it is. Several times he got caught in possession or misplaced a pass when he thought he was gonna have more time and was closed down. His inexperience was highlighted to me when 2nd half the ball was heading for a throw in to us after our corner and he was strolling thinking it was just going to go out unchallenged, then panicked when he realised a defender was actually making an effort to keep it in. But lots of promise and hopefully he will be able to adjust his mindset.
Cousins played well if getting a bit excited at times and making the wrong decisions after he scored that great goal. Understandable though.
Vetokele and Gudmensson the stand out players for me. Vetokele looks not just a decent striker but also worked hard and never stopped running. Gudmensson not scared to take people on and some nice passes and touches.
Wiggins not at his best and mainly at fault for the goal but was up against a good player. I don't remember noticing JJ, I don't know if that's good or bad? Tucedean looked as though he had some good ideas but didn't look confident or interested with any physical stuff.
Defence looked a little disorganised a few times in first half but overall look like they can be a decent unit. Read the game well mostly and strong CB's.
Henderson did ok, not really tested, but his distribution was pretty poor. Pope look confident when he come on and loved it when he just wiped out the forwards to punch the ball.
Many positives especially for a newly put together team. Tuesday will be a big test.
Others have commented on the goals, the saves( very few) and the players - I agree with the majority & Bikey was my MOM too.
But I want to give a special mention to BBB , as our granddaughter calls him ( Big Belgian Bob)
He is really impressing me at this early stage of the proceedings. Apart from his undoubted ability to mould a formidable team of young Academy players, the remainder of last term's relegation fight and the incoming lads from various backgrounds/countries , I believe he is "in danger" of becoming a firm fans' favourite. His words on our favourite subject thus far have been measured but positive ; his choice of starting players today seems to mirror those that we, the fans would have nominated; his substitutions so far are those we would have made ....so often it appears that managers are viewing a different game but BBB is singing from the same "him" sheet. How refreshing is that ?
I watched him posing for pics with youngsters at Ebbsfleet , we have seen photos of him with Lewis in Bexley yesterday and it seems as though he is only too happy to meet & greet our fans. And those fans want to meet him .....In a relatively short space of time, he is fast becoming OUR Bob. Did this happen with Pards or Dowie ? The former would have been concerned about his image and the latter would have frightened our younger fans ! Uncle Bob seems to fit the bill nicely.
I firmly believe that Bob knows what he expects from each player in his squad & ensures each one is aware of this. Without having confirmation of my thoughts, I feel that a mutual respect between manager & players has been firmly established - something all concerned would have yearned for following the close relationship that SCP forged with his squad, and then the successful partnership with Jose. Even at this early stage in the season, it would appear that RD has played the role of matchmaker exceedingly well...
So, my cards are on the table. I'm not expecting to win every game & inevitably there will be disappointments along the way but Bob & Roland have assembled a very decent squad of players that should give the rest of the Championship teams something to think about. I don't make predictions but I am confident that the faithful will definitely get value for money at The Valley this season. Someone once stated that we are in for a bumpy ride. What we witnessed today was a fairly smooth but exciting start and if this can be continued on Tuesday evening, we will be in a perfect position to accelerate north towards Huddersfield in a week's time. We just need to maintain the noise level which I thought was excellent on the whole this afternoon & encourage others less committed to join us on this exciting journey. Who knows what we'll find at the end of this bumpy road ?
Onwards & upwards!
It is tiresome how people declare a player as sh*t and past his best based on a couple of isolated incidents.
It's as if no full back is ever allowed to be outwitted by a quality winger and no credit should ever be given to the winger.
McManaman is perm quality and he gave Wiggins a torrid time in the 1st half. 2nd half Wiggins tightened up.
McManaman was MOM in the cup final 2013.
FFS get a grip. Wiggins needs out support, not a slagging for getting turned a few times by the best winger in the whole division.
But a couple of things, thought the game changed when Cousins moved more central after Jacko was subbed, we appeared to create more and looked a lot more busy. Would be great to see how him and Buyens could handle the middle together.
Also today was the first time I can remember for a while where I felt confident we would not crumble in the last 5 minutes. Obvious questions over why Morro has not been starting, but In Bikey and Ben Haim we have 2 players who don't get bullied with long ball or direct football. Commanding in the air and Bikey's distribution is superb. The kind of ruggedness we have needed the past few seasons when dealing with the Marc-Antoine Fortunes and Chris Martin's of the league.
Wigan passed the ball more but nor Pope or Henderson had a notable save to make, we deserved it.
Happy for Pope and you could see how happy Peeter's was for him at the end, great to see Pope clatter two Wigan players when he could have easily retreated back to his line if he wasn't 100% sure he was going to make it.
The improvements round the Valley looked great aswell, very happy.
But the man who made the match for me was Big Bob. I was sat right behind the dugout, and the man oozed authority. In the 1st half when TBH twice ignored laying off to Solly out wide he went absolutely nuts. I could see Haim trying to have a word back and Bob cut him dead - don't think I've seen passion like it from a manager. You could see Bob trying to get them playing his way, ball on floor
using the whole width of the pitch and knackering the opposition. TBH didn't make the same mistake and went on to have a great match.
Then when Moussa's goal went in he went mental. I turned to see Rosler raging and it continued after the game when he had a go at Bob. BIG mistake. Forget TBH there was nearly GBH if it hadn't have been for Ben Roberts pulling him back. Priceless!
The man is quality. Love him already!
I hope he gives Pope a go and we can see if the pre season claims by some that he is not ready for Championship football are true or not. Could be a really big opportunity for him and one he should grab with both hands ( and not drop.)