For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
Go boil your head. I was not defending anyone, I was asking a question.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
Gave this one a miss, I've also missed the majority of our wins this season, maybe I'm cursed haha.
I have to say I prefer us in red and black over red and white
Have you purchased a stream for the Portsmouth game yet?
I missed all our wins between our loss to Doncaster and our loss to Burton, had work or was busy everytime so couldn't watch, came back for the Gillingham and Burton games and just thought how have we been winning games haha
Gave this one a miss, I've also missed the majority of our wins this season, maybe I'm cursed haha.
I have to say I prefer us in red and black over red and white
Have you purchased a stream for the Portsmouth game yet?
I missed all our wins between our loss to Doncaster and our loss to Burton, had work or was busy everytime so couldn't watch, came back for the Gillingham and Burton games and just thought how have we been winning games haha
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
of course it is opinion and its bowyer's opinion that is heavily under scrutiny at the moment - lets leave it there
Gave this one a miss, I've also missed the majority of our wins this season, maybe I'm cursed haha.
I have to say I prefer us in red and black over red and white
Have you purchased a stream for the Portsmouth game yet?
I missed all our wins between our loss to Doncaster and our loss to Burton, had work or was busy everytime so couldn't watch, came back for the Gillingham and Burton games and just thought how have we been winning games haha
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
Go boil your head. I was not defending anyone, I was asking a question.
I was for Oshi playing and have always liked him.
So in your opinion Bowyer was wrong not to play him earlier?
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
No they aren't they are above the likes of Rochdale, Swindon, Shrewsbury and Burton who of course we would sweep aside with the minimum of fuss.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
of course it is opinion and its bowyer's opinion that is heavily under scrutiny at the moment - lets leave it there
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
No they aren't they are above the likes of Rochdale, Swindon, Shrewsbury and Burton who of course we would sweep aside with the minimum of fuss.
Mate, I've always liked your opinions, as I do everybody's. However you are like a broken record lately. Maybe it's lockdown and you have time on your hands but give it a rest please. You post non stop day and night and are not saying anything new. It's clear what your opinion is but let others have a say without always questioning them or adding your say. We all have opinions and that's what makes it interesting but you are fast becoming over bearing on threads
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Or maybe he timed Deji’s return well, as he didn’t feel he was ready to start those games post injury. Also, he may think that Barker is too young and inexperienced to play at centre half ? Not saying that is necessarily the case, but bowyer isn’t stupid and did what he felt was right. The scrutiny on here of his ever decision is crazy
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
of course it is opinion and its bowyer's opinion that is heavily under scrutiny at the moment - lets leave it there
'Heavily under scrutiny'? C'mon, fess up. Just how much weight have you put on since the lockdown started??
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
I get what Doucher is saying - Pratley is 36 in a few months and we’re aiming for promotion. Bowyer and Gallen will no doubt be aware we’ll need to replace him for two reasons - to improve the squad and Pratley’s age. It might have to wait until the summer but it’s right to aim higher and look to replace him rather than see him as someone who will continue to play a big part beyond this season.
Perhaps we’ll see him move in to a player/coach role, no doubt he has something to offer off the pitch. I saw a while ago Andrew Crofts is a player/coach with Brighton u23s. Maybe something like that is a possibility when we’re ready for him to move away from the first team. U23s could get a lot out of playing alongside a senior player or two, seeing how they read the game, lead the team etc.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
of course it is opinion and its bowyer's opinion that is heavily under scrutiny at the moment - lets leave it there
"Heavily under scrutiny" by who Doucher?
No response from our friend Doucher so let me post my views. Those who scrutinise Bowyer are our chief ex. and owner. The same people, owners and chief ex's. of just about all football clubs who continually scrutinise their manager. We all know football is a results driven game and we all know most Managers including Bowyer career with the club could end in the sack. Its rare for managers to walk away, some like Bowyer who has proved himself will probably be head hunted, some like Curbs will just walk away. Would Klopp of Liverpool would be under some pressure if he had a bad run of results? Man. united lost to Shef. united last night and I wonder how many games Solskjaer has got, the vultures have been circling there for a while. I once read that a chief ex's job was as soon as a manager was appointed, to 'have in mind' a replacement when the current incumbent is sacked. That's the reality and our clubs no different.
Pratley in my mind is a warrior. What he doesnt have in ability he makes up for in effort and work ethic. He is a credit to his himself and I would dearly love him to become part of our coaching staff in the future. If only MM had his traits eh ? mind you if he did he wouldnt be in our squad would he
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
I get what Doucher is saying - Pratley is 36 in a few months and we’re aiming for promotion. Bowyer and Gallen will no doubt be aware we’ll need to replace him for two reasons - to improve the squad and Pratley’s age. It might have to wait until the summer but it’s right to aim higher and look to replace him rather than see him as someone who will continue to play a big part beyond this season.
Perhaps we’ll see him move in to a player/coach role, no doubt he has something to offer off the pitch. I saw a while ago Andrew Crofts is a player/coach with Brighton u23s. Maybe something like that is a possibility when we’re ready for him to move away from the first team. U23s could get a lot out of playing alongside a senior player or two, seeing how they read the game, lead the team etc.
Not necessarily regarding Pratley, but that's a good point you make about having a senior player/coach allocated to actually play in the U23 team, Scoham.
Before the relatively recent 'Development squads', there was always the Reserve Leagues ........ a mixture of the best older youth team players, fringe squad players and those getting 'minutes' after recovering from injury and, of course, invariably an old pro skippering the side.
IMO at least, it was a great way to bring kids on, give them a taste of playing mens football, learning by playing with and against experienced players - without the pressure of 1st team football, which they perhaps were not quite ready for.
Having said that, a number of young players played important roles in the 1st team by the time they were 18 or 19. Today, how many 'Development' players do we recently see come out of the U23s and claim a regular place in our1st team?
There are one or two, perhaps .....Albie Morgan, Alfie Doughty, of course. Otherwise has it become a case of U23 teams being normally full of U23s who rarely play competitively with and against senior players - and find themselves lacking the 'something' that makes them ready for 1st team football at Charlton?
Taking the view that Bowyer can never be wrong because we are not qualified to call him wrong is as narrow as you can get. So for example, criticising the fans, taking Williams off after 20 minutes and slagging him off etc... has to be right. What a load of tosh!
By all means state your case why you think these actions were right, but don't refuse people the right to be critical of it because they are not football managers.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
I get what Doucher is saying - Pratley is 36 in a few months and we’re aiming for promotion. Bowyer and Gallen will no doubt be aware we’ll need to replace him for two reasons - to improve the squad and Pratley’s age. It might have to wait until the summer but it’s right to aim higher and look to replace him rather than see him as someone who will continue to play a big part beyond this season.
Perhaps we’ll see him move in to a player/coach role, no doubt he has something to offer off the pitch. I saw a while ago Andrew Crofts is a player/coach with Brighton u23s. Maybe something like that is a possibility when we’re ready for him to move away from the first team. U23s could get a lot out of playing alongside a senior player or two, seeing how they read the game, lead the team etc.
Not necessarily regarding Pratley, but that's a good point you make about having a senior player/coach allocated to actually play in the U23 team, Scoham.
Before the relatively recent 'Development squads', there was always the Reserve Leagues ........ a mixture of the best older youth team players, fringe squad players and those getting 'minutes' after recovering from injury and, of course, invariably an old pro skippering the side.
IMO at least, it was a great way to bring kids on, give them a taste of playing mens football, learning by playing with and against experienced players - without the pressure of 1st team football, which they perhaps were not quite ready for.
Having said that, a number of young players played important roles in the 1st team by the time they were 18 or 19. Today, how many 'Development' players do we recently see come out of the U23s and claim a regular place in our1st team?
There are one or two, perhaps .....Albie Morgan, Alfie Doughty, of course. Otherwise has it become a case of U23 teams being normally full of U23s who rarely play competitively with and against senior players - and find themselves lacking the 'something' that makes them ready for 1st team football at Charlton?
I'm sure it's not only at Charlton.
The U23 development team idea is the worst, of a very long list, idea the FA or who ever implemented it have ever had.
It's compounded by the stock piling of academy players by the big clubs and the fact that players aged 21-3 are included in the wage cap.
If it was such a good idea why did the premier league insist that they U23 teams could play in the check a trade and "we" had to field full teams against them?
In no way does it bridge the gap between u18 and the first team. Look at how many players now struggle in their 1st loan spells. Obviously there are exceptions, but like Gallagher they tend to be exceptionally good players in the 1st place.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
of course it is opinion and its bowyer's opinion that is heavily under scrutiny at the moment - lets leave it there
"Heavily under scrutiny" by who Doucher?
No response from our friend Doucher so let me post my views. Those who scrutinise Bowyer are our chief ex. and owner. The same people, owners and chief ex's. of just about all football clubs who continually scrutinise their manager. We all know football is a results driven game and we all know most Managers including Bowyer career with the club could end in the sack. Its rare for managers to walk away, some like Bowyer who has proved himself will probably be head hunted, some like Curbs will just walk away. Would Klopp of Liverpool would be under some pressure if he had a bad run of results? Man. united lost to Shef. united last night and I wonder how many games Solskjaer has got, the vultures have been circling there for a while. I once read that a chief ex's job was as soon as a manager was appointed, to 'have in mind' a replacement when the current incumbent is sacked. That's the reality and our clubs no different.
Yes the vultures were circling when Utd weren't doing very well. One bad result doesn't change their recent good form though, let's not pretend we're in the same position, we've been on a terrible run.
Bowyer has faced criticism over the last few months and in my opinion, a lot of that is warranted. Poor tactical decisions, poor team selections and generally poor results/performances against teams that had previously been struggling. For the first time under Bowyer, I have seen a divided fanbase. It's the first time that a Bowyer team has been performing below expectations. Naturally that is a concern, even if calls for sacking him has been over the top. He does deserve time and like the majority of the fans, want him to turn it around because I want Charlton to win whenever they play, regardless of whether I think the manager has the ability to do so. But I do think Doucher had a point, Bowyer is/certainly has been under scrutiny. He has a chairman that cares about results for the first time since he's been here. He has fans whose expectations have increased, perhaps in some cases unreasonably so. For the first time, he cannot blame off the pitch issues as an excuse and recently the bottom line is we've not been good enough, for which he has to take at least some responsibility.
I'm confident that the last few games have shown the willingness to battle and grind out results, even if draws at home to Rochdale and Swindon aren't promotion winning ones. It's been an improvement and as players come back from injury that will hopefully continue.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
of course it is opinion and its bowyer's opinion that is heavily under scrutiny at the moment - lets leave it there
"Heavily under scrutiny" by who Doucher?
No response from our friend Doucher so let me post my views. Those who scrutinise Bowyer are our chief ex. and owner. The same people, owners and chief ex's. of just about all football clubs who continually scrutinise their manager. We all know football is a results driven game and we all know most Managers including Bowyer career with the club could end in the sack. Its rare for managers to walk away, some like Bowyer who has proved himself will probably be head hunted, some like Curbs will just walk away. Would Klopp of Liverpool would be under some pressure if he had a bad run of results? Man. united lost to Shef. united last night and I wonder how many games Solskjaer has got, the vultures have been circling there for a while. I once read that a chief ex's job was as soon as a manager was appointed, to 'have in mind' a replacement when the current incumbent is sacked. That's the reality and our clubs no different.
I'm confident that the last few games have shown the willingness to battle and grind out results, even if draws at home to Rochdale and Swindon aren't promotion winning ones. It's been an improvement and as players come back from injury that will hopefully continue.
Yes, the last few games have seen a change of approach by Bowyer ....... and a corresponding change of attitude and application by players.
Recent games, typified by the last game against MK, have seen fine performances of individual application and teamwork. Something has definitely changed for the better.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
Come on doucher, its not my opinion is it. Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team. I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong. Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
of course it is opinion and its bowyer's opinion that is heavily under scrutiny at the moment - lets leave it there
"Heavily under scrutiny" by who Doucher?
No response from our friend Doucher so let me post my views. Those who scrutinise Bowyer are our chief ex. and owner. The same people, owners and chief ex's. of just about all football clubs who continually scrutinise their manager. We all know football is a results driven game and we all know most Managers including Bowyer career with the club could end in the sack. Its rare for managers to walk away, some like Bowyer who has proved himself will probably be head hunted, some like Curbs will just walk away. Would Klopp of Liverpool would be under some pressure if he had a bad run of results? Man. united lost to Shef. united last night and I wonder how many games Solskjaer has got, the vultures have been circling there for a while. I once read that a chief ex's job was as soon as a manager was appointed, to 'have in mind' a replacement when the current incumbent is sacked. That's the reality and our clubs no different.
I'm confident that the last few games have shown the willingness to battle and grind out results, even if draws at home to Rochdale and Swindon aren't promotion winning ones. It's been an improvement and as players come back from injury that will hopefully continue.
Yes, the last few games have seen a change of approach by Bowyer ....... and a corresponding change of attitude and application by players.
Recent games, typified by the last game against MK, have seen fine performances of individual application and teamwork. Something has definitely changed for the better.
Absolutely. Football is a results business but I can certainly look past it as long as the players are battling for the manager. Like you say, we've seen that and good team performances. Bowyer too has simplified things and we look better for it.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
I get what Doucher is saying - Pratley is 36 in a few months and we’re aiming for promotion. Bowyer and Gallen will no doubt be aware we’ll need to replace him for two reasons - to improve the squad and Pratley’s age. It might have to wait until the summer but it’s right to aim higher and look to replace him rather than see him as someone who will continue to play a big part beyond this season.
Perhaps we’ll see him move in to a player/coach role, no doubt he has something to offer off the pitch. I saw a while ago Andrew Crofts is a player/coach with Brighton u23s. Maybe something like that is a possibility when we’re ready for him to move away from the first team. U23s could get a lot out of playing alongside a senior player or two, seeing how they read the game, lead the team etc.
Not necessarily regarding Pratley, but that's a good point you make about having a senior player/coach allocated to actually play in the U23 team, Scoham.
Before the relatively recent 'Development squads', there was always the Reserve Leagues ........ a mixture of the best older youth team players, fringe squad players and those getting 'minutes' after recovering from injury and, of course, invariably an old pro skippering the side.
IMO at least, it was a great way to bring kids on, give them a taste of playing mens football, learning by playing with and against experienced players - without the pressure of 1st team football, which they perhaps were not quite ready for.
Having said that, a number of young players played important roles in the 1st team by the time they were 18 or 19. Today, how many 'Development' players do we recently see come out of the U23s and claim a regular place in our1st team?
There are one or two, perhaps .....Albie Morgan, Alfie Doughty, of course. Otherwise has it become a case of U23 teams being normally full of U23s who rarely play competitively with and against senior players - and find themselves lacking the 'something' that makes them ready for 1st team football at Charlton?
I'm sure it's not only at Charlton.
The U23 development team idea is the worst, of a very long list, idea the FA or who ever implemented it have ever had.
It's compounded by the stock piling of academy players by the big clubs and the fact that players aged 21-3 are included in the wage cap.
If it was such a good idea why did the premier league insist that they U23 teams could play in the check a trade and "we" had to field full teams against them?
In no way does it bridge the gap between u18 and the first team. Look at how many players now struggle in their 1st loan spells. Obviously there are exceptions, but like Gallagher they tend to be exceptionally good players in the 1st place.
A away win on a Tuesday night with a clean sheet always deserves credit in this league. Ignore the w@nkers celebrate this and move onto Saturday which will be another tough game. COYR
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
definitely - pratley has attributes but he's like a rag doll compared to oshilaja
Wasn't just about whether he was playing at CB for me, we missed Pratley in midfield too, as shown in the last week or so with two very good away performances.
he's doing a certain job for the team at the moment but he shouldn't be in the side on a regular basis if we are going to become a good side and go up
Doucher my friend. You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday. Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley. If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution. I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings. I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley. So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
you are entitled to your opinion - he did well the other night but i hope we are aiming a bit higher than defending for 70 minutes against a bottom of league 1 team
I get what Doucher is saying - Pratley is 36 in a few months and we’re aiming for promotion. Bowyer and Gallen will no doubt be aware we’ll need to replace him for two reasons - to improve the squad and Pratley’s age. It might have to wait until the summer but it’s right to aim higher and look to replace him rather than see him as someone who will continue to play a big part beyond this season.
Perhaps we’ll see him move in to a player/coach role, no doubt he has something to offer off the pitch. I saw a while ago Andrew Crofts is a player/coach with Brighton u23s. Maybe something like that is a possibility when we’re ready for him to move away from the first team. U23s could get a lot out of playing alongside a senior player or two, seeing how they read the game, lead the team etc.
Not necessarily regarding Pratley, but that's a good point you make about having a senior player/coach allocated to actually play in the U23 team, Scoham.
Before the relatively recent 'Development squads', there was always the Reserve Leagues ........ a mixture of the best older youth team players, fringe squad players and those getting 'minutes' after recovering from injury and, of course, invariably an old pro skippering the side.
IMO at least, it was a great way to bring kids on, give them a taste of playing mens football, learning by playing with and against experienced players - without the pressure of 1st team football, which they perhaps were not quite ready for.
Having said that, a number of young players played important roles in the 1st team by the time they were 18 or 19. Today, how many 'Development' players do we recently see come out of the U23s and claim a regular place in our1st team?
There are one or two, perhaps .....Albie Morgan, Alfie Doughty, of course. Otherwise has it become a case of U23 teams being normally full of U23s who rarely play competitively with and against senior players - and find themselves lacking the 'something' that makes them ready for 1st team football at Charlton?
I'm sure it's not only at Charlton.
The U23 development team idea is the worst, of a very long list, idea the FA or who ever implemented it have ever had.
It's compounded by the stock piling of academy players by the big clubs and the fact that players aged 21-3 are included in the wage cap.
If it was such a good idea why did the premier league insist that they U23 teams could play in the check a trade and "we" had to field full teams against them?
In no way does it bridge the gap between u18 and the first team. Look at how many players now struggle in their 1st loan spells. Obviously there are exceptions, but like Gallagher they tend to be exceptionally good players in the 1st place.
Maybe Ged Roddy's idea.
He did introduce EPPP, which has been an outstanding success for this then employers.
For all those praising Bowyer for last nights win & using Pratley to nullify Fraser, can we agree that as Deji has been great since he came back into the team Bowyer deserves the negativity he got last month when Deji was left on the bench & we went into games with Gunter & Pratley as our Centre Halves. Perhaps some of us might also be right about playing Barker back there
Square pegs into square holes.
Do you know why Deji didn’t play?
Yes - “Pratley was playing well at CB”.
You can defend Bowyer on every single decision, like you have done recently. But Deji’s form has proven that Bowyer got this one wrong in my opinion.
Go boil your head. I was not defending anyone, I was asking a question.
I was for Oshi playing and have always liked him.
So in your opinion Bowyer was wrong not to play him earlier?
I am indeed surprised he did not play him as he is a player I like and was, and is, a far better choice than Pratley and young Barker, who I would not have played.
I don’t know if he was wrong as I am not privy to all the information that would go into that decision. Was his general health OK? Any problems in his family? Was he fit physically? If all those were OK then I would disagree with Bowyer.
The comment made was that Bowyer deserved the negative he got for making that decision. I assumed they must have had greater information than I to make that statement.
If there were not any other factors involved I would say it was inexplicably IMO. He is a far better centre half than Pratley, and Pratley playing in front of the back four makes us considerably stronger.
Comments
I was for Oshi playing and have always liked him.
You appear to be questioning the judgement of our manager who watches the players train everyday.
Watches their contribution before, during and after the game both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Only Gunter as an outfield player has been picked more times than Pratley.
If you listen to L.B. comments on the pass after the game, you will hear him praise Pratley (not for the first time) about his "never say die" attitude and his contribution.
I seem to remember not to long ago Gallen or maybe Lee Bowyer saying Pratley was one of their best signings.
I will be ever grateful to Pratley for his contribution to one of my best days in 62 years of supporting Charlton, the great playoff final at Wembley.
So my friend, you and Pratleys other critics are entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong.
Its Lee Boyers who played over 600 games, played under countless managers and currently leads our club, using the experience he's gained to pick the team.
I don't wish to upset you but the truth is, I like yourself are just armchair critics who are entitled to our opinions even if they are wrong.
Also M.K. are hardly a bottom of league of team are they.
A few months ago they had the best or 2nd best possession stats in Europe. I don't know where they now rank.
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/league-one/ballbesitz/wettbewerb/GB3
Don't worry though, we always beat Pompey
'Heavily under scrutiny'? C'mon, fess up. Just how much weight have you put on since the lockdown started??
Perhaps we’ll see him move in to a player/coach role, no doubt he has something to offer off the pitch. I saw a while ago Andrew Crofts is a player/coach with Brighton u23s. Maybe something like that is a possibility when we’re ready for him to move away from the first team. U23s could get a lot out of playing alongside a senior player or two, seeing how they read the game, lead the team etc.
Those who scrutinise Bowyer are our chief ex. and owner.
The same people, owners and chief ex's. of just about all football clubs who continually scrutinise their manager.
We all know football is a results driven game and we all know most Managers including Bowyer career with the club could end in the sack.
Its rare for managers to walk away, some like Bowyer who has proved himself will probably be head hunted, some like Curbs will just walk away.
Would Klopp of Liverpool would be under some pressure if he had a bad run of results?
Man. united lost to Shef. united last night and I wonder how many games Solskjaer has got, the vultures have been circling there for a while.
I once read that a chief ex's job was as soon as a manager was appointed, to 'have in mind' a replacement when the current incumbent is sacked.
That's the reality and our clubs no different.
Before the relatively recent 'Development squads', there was always the Reserve Leagues ........ a mixture of the best older youth team players, fringe squad players and those getting 'minutes' after recovering from injury and, of course, invariably an old pro skippering the side.
IMO at least, it was a great way to bring kids on, give them a taste of playing mens football, learning by playing with and against experienced players - without the pressure of 1st team football, which they perhaps were not quite ready for.
Having said that, a number of young players played important roles in the 1st team by the time they were 18 or 19.
Today, how many 'Development' players do we recently see come out of the U23s and claim a regular place in our1st team?
There are one or two, perhaps .....Albie Morgan, Alfie Doughty, of course.
Otherwise has it become a case of U23 teams being normally full of U23s who rarely play competitively with and against senior players - and find themselves lacking the 'something' that makes them ready for 1st team football at Charlton?
I'm sure it's not only at Charlton.
By all means state your case why you think these actions were right, but don't refuse people the right to be critical of it because they are not football managers.
It's compounded by the stock piling of academy players by the big clubs and the fact that players aged 21-3 are included in the wage cap.
If it was such a good idea why did the premier league insist that they U23 teams could play in the check a trade and "we" had to field full teams against them?
In no way does it bridge the gap between u18 and the first team. Look at how many players now struggle in their 1st loan spells. Obviously there are exceptions, but like Gallagher they tend to be exceptionally good players in the 1st place.
Bowyer has faced criticism over the last few months and in my opinion, a lot of that is warranted. Poor tactical decisions, poor team selections and generally poor results/performances against teams that had previously been struggling. For the first time under Bowyer, I have seen a divided fanbase. It's the first time that a Bowyer team has been performing below expectations. Naturally that is a concern, even if calls for sacking him has been over the top. He does deserve time and like the majority of the fans, want him to turn it around because I want Charlton to win whenever they play, regardless of whether I think the manager has the ability to do so. But I do think Doucher had a point, Bowyer is/certainly has been under scrutiny. He has a chairman that cares about results for the first time since he's been here. He has fans whose expectations have increased, perhaps in some cases unreasonably so. For the first time, he cannot blame off the pitch issues as an excuse and recently the bottom line is we've not been good enough, for which he has to take at least some responsibility.
I'm confident that the last few games have shown the willingness to battle and grind out results, even if draws at home to Rochdale and Swindon aren't promotion winning ones. It's been an improvement and as players come back from injury that will hopefully continue.
Recent games, typified by the last game against MK, have seen fine performances of individual application and teamwork.
Something has definitely changed for the better.
So yes it is all his fault :-)
The comment made was that Bowyer deserved the negative he got for making that decision. I assumed they must have had greater information than I to make that statement.
If there were not any other factors involved I would say it was inexplicably IMO. He is a far better centre half than Pratley, and Pratley playing in front of the back four makes us considerably stronger.