Has the team starting to click under Slade?

I think this is the best spell of quality football we have played under Slade so far with those midfield changes and Watt coming in has made a massive difference we are scoring freely now and yes we are now shipping goals aswell but isn't that part of the fun Kevin Keegan football i will take that over the 1-0 scrape wins that we have been accustomed to these last few years.

No.

We're still conceding too many goals. Slade still makes questionable subs.

If we get top six this season I will be shocked.

No.

We're still conceding too many goals. Slade still makes questionable subs.

If we get top six this season I will be shocked.

But they way we are attacking recently which is a massive positive.

No.

We're still conceding too many goals. Slade still makes questionable subs.

If we get top six this season I will be shocked.

But they way we are attacking recently which is a massive positive.

Good to see goals are being scored and sounds like Watt and Jones have developed a good partnership. Just can't see us being in the top six in May.

Hope I'm wrong though

No.

We're still conceding too many goals. Slade still makes questionable subs.

If we get top six this season I will be shocked.

But they way we are attacking recently which is a massive positive.

Good to see goals are being scored and sounds like Watt and Jones have developed a good partnership. Just can't see us being in the top six in May.

Hope I'm wrong though

a few weeks ago you couldn't see us scoring as freely as we are now and i am really pleased with Ralls and Gunnr and Watt and fair play to Slade for making these changes they have been a massive difference if we had started the season like this i think we would be in or near top 2.

No.

We're still conceding too many goals. Slade still makes questionable subs.

If we get top six this season I will be shocked.

We weren't until people called for more attacking football

I think this is the best spell of quality football we have played under Slade so far with those midfield changes and Watt coming in has made a massive difference we are scoring freely now and yes we are now shipping goals aswell but isn't that part of the fun Kevin Keegan football i will take that over the 1-0 scrape wins that we have been accustomed to these last few years.

The recent form shows what this squad is capable of doing. If we had a decent manager who knows where we could have ended the season. Possibly automatic.........but not under Slade.

The goals have started since we started using a proper championship striker with Jones.

The defence has started to leak goals since Ralls moved inside & Gunnar started and we played a traditional 442 (424) Slades lopsided thingy was really a 433 as you had 3 CM's playing and an attacking winger in Noone. Away i would go back to it.

We'll see how we perform in 2 away games as this new found recklessness has been during 3 home games and 1 away against the divisions rock bottom side.

To make a run we need to take 4 points from these two away games. I guess we'll get zero or one and we'll be back in the also rans pack.

Hoping i am wrong of course

Slade has made big improvements to the midfield in the last 3 or 4 games, we have quality players like Ralls and Gunnar and we are definitely more creative now. The introduction of Watt has been a tonic. However, Slade needs to learn tactics fast, at certain stages of games and against certain opposition we are putting too much strain on our central two and there are occasions when we should revert to 4-5-1 for more solidity. I dont know what's happened to Digkacoi but I think he would be key for certain situations and away games. It's time for Manga to return too.

No.

We're still conceding too many goals. Slade still makes questionable subs.

If we get top six this season I will be shocked.

what do you mean still?

its been the last 4 games, before that our defensive record was fantastic

Slade has made big improvements to the midfield in the last 3 or 4 games, we have quality players like Ralls and Gunnar and we are definitely more creative now. The introduction of Watt has been a tonic. However, Slade needs to learn tactics fast, at certain stages of games and against certain opposition we are putting too much strain on our central two and there are occasions when we should revert to 4-5-1 for more solidity. I dont know what's happened to Digkacoi but I think he would be key for certain situations and away games. It's time for Manga to return too.

Exactly what I think, however i've never seen him use anything other than 4-4-2 no matter what's happening during the game.

I think this is the best spell of quality football we have played under Slade so far with those midfield changes and Watt coming in has made a massive difference we are scoring freely now and yes we are now shipping goals aswell but isn't that part of the fun Kevin Keegan football i will take that over the 1-0 scrape wins that we have been accustomed to these last few years.

The recent form shows what this squad is capable of doing. If we had a decent manager who knows where we could have ended the season. Possibly automatic.........but not under Slade.

sadly that's the reality of things mate

No.

We're still conceding too many goals. Slade still makes questionable subs.

If we get top six this season I will be shocked.

what do you mean still?

its been the last 4 games, before that our defensive record was fantastic

Fantastic?

We've conceded two goals of more in nine games this season, eight in the league. That's a little under half of our games.

So I don't know how you can say it's only been the last four games, when it clearly hasn't.

No.

We're still conceding too many goals. Slade still makes questionable subs.

If we get top six this season I will be shocked.

what do you mean still?

its been the last 4 games, before that our defensive record was fantastic

Fantastic?

We've conceded two goals of more in nine games this season, eight in the league. That's a little under half of our games.

So I don't know how you can say it's only been the last four games, when it clearly hasn't.

we clearly had one of the best defensive records in the league before the last four games

ok so after 17 games (after the 2-0 defeat to derby which im not going to exclude to try to make my point more meaningful )

we had conceded 14 goals from 17 games.

only the top four teams (Hull with 9, brighton with 13, boro with 12 and derby with 11) conceded less than us.

ok so after 17 games (after the 2-0 defeat to derby which im not going to exclude to try to make my point more meaningful )

we had conceded 14 goals from 17 games.

only the top four teams (Hull with 9, brighton with 13, boro with 12 and derby with 11) conceded less than us.

Yes but we have only won one of our last three home games, and shipped six goals in the progress

If you look at the top 12 table as it is now then it's a bit different. Only QPR, Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Ipswich have conceded more. Only Birmingham, Burnley and Blackburn have scored less.

ok so after 17 games (after the 2-0 defeat to derby which im not going to exclude to try to make my point more meaningful )

we had conceded 14 goals from 17 games.

only the top four teams (Hull with 9, brighton with 13, boro with 12 and derby with 11) conceded less than us.

Yes but we have only won one of our last three home games, and shipped six goals in the progress

If you look at the top 12 table as it is now then it's a bit different. Only QPR, Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Ipswich have conceded more. Only Birmingham, Burnley and Blackburn have scored less.

why are you changing the golaposts young ned?

i clearly said it was fantastic before the last 4 games

ok so after 17 games (after the 2-0 defeat to derby which im not going to exclude to try to make my point more meaningful )

we had conceded 14 goals from 17 games.

only the top four teams (Hull with 9, brighton with 13, boro with 12 and derby with 11) conceded less than us.

Yes but we have only won one of our last three home games, and shipped six goals in the progress

If you look at the top 12 table as it is now then it's a bit different. Only QPR, Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Ipswich have conceded more. Only Birmingham, Burnley and Blackburn have scored less.

why are you changing the golaposts young ned?

i clearly said it was fantastic before the last 4 games

Not changing the goalposts, just stating facts. You seem to think that we were fine defensively before the last four games, which is a fair argument.

But to say it was fantastic is not right. If it was fantastic then we'd have the best record in the Championship.

And besides, why judge it on a percentage of our games? We should judge it on all of our games so far, just like we would at the end of the season. And the facts are that our defensive record from our first 22 games (including League Cup as I won't leave anything out either?) is very poor for the position we're in.

Let's not forget how many shots our goalkeeper has had to deal with over the season as well, I don't know the full stats from other teams but I'd guess it's more than anyone in the top six.

so something is only fantastic if its the best in the league? thats odd.

i wasnt trying to judge anything by any point in time. you first made the point that we are STILL conceding too many goals, which i pointed out wasnt the case for the majority of the season. You then tried to back yourself up by saying

So I don't know how you can say it's only been the last four games, when it clearly hasn't.

so i pointed out that only 14 goals had been conceded against us in 17 league games. a fantastic record at that point in the league. Which more than indicates that our problems defensively are a recent one. However, Even our current rate of 22 goals conceded in 21 league games will see conceding around 49/50 in the season which is more than acceptable.

of course this run of 4 games have been a nightmare defensively and i do think we should change something to try to sharpen up.

but we have 8 points from these 4 matches and ill take that all day.

I was quite shocked to note, as the team's lined up last night, the difference in stature of the two sides. The City side were noticeably taller and stronger looking than the Brentford side in opposition. The first 15 minutes of the game reflected my initial observations, Brentford were full of neat, technical footballers who were adept at playing quick, bright triangles, looking to change direction and tempo to pull Cardiff defenders out of position. I thought we stood up to their approach very well, the two fullbacks were particularly good at cutting out the long diagonal passes whose intention was set their maurading full backs free, as a result they posed very little threat.

On the other hand, I was very impressed with our organisation and physical presence. Our attacking players were working hard to retreat to the halfway line and then quickly press the smaller Brentford players using their physical strength and power to win the ball back and quickly get at the Brentford back four. I thought that Watt was very impressive at linking the midfield and attack and he is very direct in his running which unsettled and disturbs central defender completely taking them out of their comfort zone. I was impressed with Ralls desire to control the tempo of our attacks and his authority on the ball, Pilkington is also becoming a more influential figure, contributing to our quicker distribution, showing authority on the ball but also breaking quickly into he box to provide a goal threat. The first half was so impresive, we were well drilled, worked so hard and were effective without ever being awe inspiring.

Second half was the complete reverse, I wonder if the high demand of the halfway pressing tactic exposes the poor conditioning of the squad. Are we currently capable of maintains such a physically demanding tactic to restrict the attacking paly of the opposing team?

One Watt had tired, with Birningham obviously a major influence on Slade's thought process, and was withdrawn. We no longer had a forward player who was effective in linking our midfield and attacking play. Kenwynne is not the best at dropping into the hole or running the channels. The central two palyers found it increasing difficult to retain possession and find a strategy for effectively switching from defensive positions to sustained attacking play.

The introduction of McEachren and Jota added to our woes. Their midfield quartet of Swift, Judge, Woods and McEachren are very skilful palyers who are able to play at a high tempo and retain possession. I have been an admirer of a woods since watching him play for Shrewsbury. Alas, Slade's complete failure to counteract this switch in tactics by bringing on another central midfield palyer exacerbated our problems.

The first, very poor goal from the corner, total lack of leadership and authority from Connelley, just pressed the panic button. The inevitable comeback seems liked a spectre hanging over the feast. The evident frustration of the crowd with Slade's failure to observe or acknowledge the route of the problem, spiller over into booing and chants for his demise.

In fairness, the side demonstrate great fortitude and desire to score the third goal. It should also be pointed out that it was Maline and Ameobi, two of his substitutes that played vital roles in the third goal. So credit should be given where it is due!

The fearless, never say die atitude and exuberant fitness of Fabio must be praised and resulted in Slade being a very lucky manager, neck ver a bad trait.

The crowd last night was so disappointing almost as soul destroying as the second half capitulation.

I was quite shocked to note, as the team's lined up last night, the difference in stature of the two sides. The City side were noticeably taller and stronger looking than the Brentford side in opposition. The first 15 minutes of the game reflected my initial observations, Brentford were full of neat, technical footballers who were adept at playing quick, bright triangles, looking to change direction and tempo to pull Cardiff defenders out of position. I thought we stood up to their approach very well, the two fullbacks were particularly good at cutting out the long diagonal passes whose intention was set their maurading full backs free, as a result they posed very little threat.

On the other hand, I was very impressed with our organisation and physical presence. Our attacking players were working hard to retreat to the halfway line and then quickly press the smaller Brentford players using their physical strength and power to win the ball back and quickly get at the Brentford back four. I thought that Watt was very impressive at linking the midfield and attack and he is very direct in his running which unsettled and disturbs central defender completely taking them out of their comfort zone. I was impressed with Ralls desire to control the tempo of our attacks and his authority on the ball, Pilkington is also becoming a more influential figure, contributing to our quicker distribution, showing authority on the ball but also breaking quickly into he box to provide a goal threat. The first half was so impresive, we were well drilled, worked so hard and were effective without ever being awe inspiring.

Second half was the complete reverse, I wonder if the high demand of the halfway pressing tactic exposes the poor conditioning of the squad. Are we currently capable of maintains such a physically demanding tactic to restrict the attacking paly of the opposing team?

One Watt had tired, with Birningham obviously a major influence on Slade's thought process, and was withdrawn. We no longer had a forward player who was effective in linking our midfield and attacking play. Kenwynne is not the best at dropping into the hole or running the channels. The central two palyers found it increasing difficult to retain possession and find a strategy for effectively switching from defensive positions to sustained attacking play.

The introduction of McEachren and Jota added to our woes. Their midfield quartet of Swift, Judge, Woods and McEachren are very skilful palyers who are able to play at a high tempo and retain possession. I have been an admirer of a woods since watching him play for Shrewsbury. Alas, Slade's complete failure to counteract this switch in tactics by bringing on another central midfield palyer exacerbated our problems.

The first, very poor goal from the corner, total lack of leadership and authority from Connelley, just pressed the panic button. The inevitable comeback seems liked a spectre hanging over the feast. The evident frustration of the crowd with Slade's failure to observe or acknowledge the route of the problem, spiller over into booing and chants for his demise.

In fairness, the side demonstrate great fortitude and desire to score the third goal. It should also be pointed out that it was Maline and Ameobi, two of his substitutes that played vital roles in the third goal. So credit should be given where it is due!

The fearless, never say die atitude and exuberant fitness of Fabio must be praised and resulted in Slade being a very lucky manager, neck ver a bad trait.

The crowd last night was so disappointing almost as soul destroying as the second half capitulation.

We all believe in different things otherwise life would be boring and my belief is we are adapting to the deep winter conditions better due to our physicality, we are a big strong team. As soon as the ground conditions improve the better footballing teams will pass around us.

Players like Whitts are best left on the bench, he is never the same after the deep winter months, he is like a good ground NH thoroughbred, great in the Autumn and Spring best left wrapped in a blanket when the days are shortest.

The way we are playing makes me more excited for the games.

I was quite shocked to note, as the team's lined up last night, the difference in stature of the two sides. The City side were noticeably taller and stronger looking than the Brentford side in opposition. The first 15 minutes of the game reflected my initial observations, Brentford were full of neat, technical footballers who were adept at playing quick, bright triangles, looking to change direction and tempo to pull Cardiff defenders out of position. I thought we stood up to their approach very well, the two fullbacks were particularly good at cutting out the long diagonal passes whose intention was set their maurading full backs free, as a result they posed very little threat.

On the other hand, I was very impressed with our organisation and physical presence. Our attacking players were working hard to retreat to the halfway line and then quickly press the smaller Brentford players using their physical strength and power to win the ball back and quickly get at the Brentford back four. I thought that Watt was very impressive at linking the midfield and attack and he is very direct in his running which unsettled and disturbs central defender completely taking them out of their comfort zone. I was impressed with Ralls desire to control the tempo of our attacks and his authority on the ball, Pilkington is also becoming a more influential figure, contributing to our quicker distribution, showing authority on the ball but also breaking quickly into he box to provide a goal threat. The first half was so impresive, we were well drilled, worked so hard and were effective without ever being awe inspiring.

Second half was the complete reverse, I wonder if the high demand of the halfway pressing tactic exposes the poor conditioning of the squad. Are we currently capable of maintains such a physically demanding tactic to restrict the attacking paly of the opposing team?

One Watt had tired, with Birningham obviously a major influence on Slade's thought process, and was withdrawn. We no longer had a forward player who was effective in linking our midfield and attacking play. Kenwynne is not the best at dropping into the hole or running the channels. The central two palyers found it increasing difficult to retain possession and find a strategy for effectively switching from defensive positions to sustained attacking play.

The introduction of McEachren and Jota added to our woes. Their midfield quartet of Swift, Judge, Woods and McEachren are very skilful palyers who are able to play at a high tempo and retain possession. I have been an admirer of a woods since watching him play for Shrewsbury. Alas, Slade's complete failure to counteract this switch in tactics by bringing on another central midfield palyer exacerbated our problems.

The first, very poor goal from the corner, total lack of leadership and authority from Connelley, just pressed the panic button. The inevitable comeback seems liked a spectre hanging over the feast. The evident frustration of the crowd with Slade's failure to observe or acknowledge the route of the problem, spiller over into booing and chants for his demise.

In fairness, the side demonstrate great fortitude and desire to score the third goal. It should also be pointed out that it was Maline and Ameobi, two of his substitutes that played vital roles in the third goal. So credit should be given where it is due!

The fearless, never say die atitude and exuberant fitness of Fabio must be praised and resulted in Slade being a very lucky manager, neck ver a bad trait.

The crowd last night was so disappointing almost as soul destroying as the second half capitulation.

We all believe in different things otherwise life would be boring and my belief is we are adapting to the deep winter conditions better due to our physicality, we are a big strong team. As soon as the ground conditions improve the better footballing teams will pass around us.

Players like Whitts are best left on the bench, he is never the same after the deep winter months, he is like a good ground NH thoroughbred, great in the Autumn and Spring best left wrapped in a blanket when the days are shortest.

Shame he doesn't have the pace of a thoroughbred, more like a different kind of horse these days. Far too pedestrian, slows down our attacking play 'unable to commit a defender , therefore provides little threat to opponents, too easily pressed and a very weak tackler.

His best days alas are long past! He needs a physical, athletic player with a great engine alongside him and quick, evasive forwards who are prepared to play off the shoulde of the last player to be anywhere near effective.

I was quite shocked to note, as the team's lined up last night, the difference in stature of the two sides. The City side were noticeably taller and stronger looking than the Brentford side in opposition. The first 15 minutes of the game reflected my initial observations, Brentford were full of neat, technical footballers who were adept at playing quick, bright triangles, looking to change direction and tempo to pull Cardiff defenders out of position. I thought we stood up to their approach very well, the two fullbacks were particularly good at cutting out the long diagonal passes whose intention was set their maurading full backs free, as a result they posed very little threat.

On the other hand, I was very impressed with our organisation and physical presence. Our attacking players were working hard to retreat to the halfway line and then quickly press the smaller Brentford players using their physical strength and power to win the ball back and quickly get at the Brentford back four. I thought that Watt was very impressive at linking the midfield and attack and he is very direct in his running which unsettled and disturbs central defender completely taking them out of their comfort zone. I was impressed with Ralls desire to control the tempo of our attacks and his authority on the ball, Pilkington is also becoming a more influential figure, contributing to our quicker distribution, showing authority on the ball but also breaking quickly into he box to provide a goal threat. The first half was so impresive, we were well drilled, worked so hard and were effective without ever being awe inspiring.

Second half was the complete reverse, I wonder if the high demand of the halfway pressing tactic exposes the poor conditioning of the squad. Are we currently capable of maintains such a physically demanding tactic to restrict the attacking paly of the opposing team?

One Watt had tired, with Birningham obviously a major influence on Slade's thought process, and was withdrawn. We no longer had a forward player who was effective in linking our midfield and attacking play. Kenwynne is not the best at dropping into the hole or running the channels. The central two palyers found it increasing difficult to retain possession and find a strategy for effectively switching from defensive positions to sustained attacking play.

The introduction of McEachren and Jota added to our woes. Their midfield quartet of Swift, Judge, Woods and McEachren are very skilful palyers who are able to play at a high tempo and retain possession. I have been an admirer of a woods since watching him play for Shrewsbury. Alas, Slade's complete failure to counteract this switch in tactics by bringing on another central midfield palyer exacerbated our problems.

The first, very poor goal from the corner, total lack of leadership and authority from Connelley, just pressed the panic button. The inevitable comeback seems liked a spectre hanging over the feast. The evident frustration of the crowd with Slade's failure to observe or acknowledge the route of the problem, spiller over into booing and chants for his demise.

In fairness, the side demonstrate great fortitude and desire to score the third goal. It should also be pointed out that it was Maline and Ameobi, two of his substitutes that played vital roles in the third goal. So credit should be given where it is due!

The fearless, never say die atitude and exuberant fitness of Fabio must be praised and resulted in Slade being a very lucky manager, neck ver a bad trait.

The crowd last night was so disappointing almost as soul destroying as the second half capitulation.

We all believe in different things otherwise life would be boring and my belief is we are adapting to the deep winter conditions better due to our physicality, we are a big strong team. As soon as the ground conditions improve the better footballing teams will pass around us.

Players like Whitts are best left on the bench, he is never the same after the deep winter months, he is like a good ground NH thoroughbred, great in the Autumn and Spring best left wrapped in a blanket when the days are shortest.

Shame he doesn't have the pace of a thoroughbred, more like a different kind of horse these days. Far too pedestrian, slows down our attacking play 'unable to commit a defender , therefore provides little threat to opponents, too easily pressed and a very weak tackler.

His best days alas are long past! He needs a physical, athletic player with a great engine alongside him and quick, evasive forwards who are prepared to play off the shoulde of the last player to be anywhere near effective.

Good post! Slade is inching there. We are a better side without Whittingham but not without frailties. I think Slade could do better if he weren't so unadventurous and lacking vision. Last night and the previous home game required tactical nous which appears to be beyond Slade at present. I think he's still learning at this level. Lets see if he can take a crash course in tactics quickly.

so something is only fantastic if its the best in the league? thats odd.

i wasnt trying to judge anything by any point in time. you first made the point that we are STILL conceding too many goals, which i pointed out wasnt the case for the majority of the season. You then tried to back yourself up by saying

So I don't know how you can say it's only been the last four games, when it clearly hasn't.

so i pointed out that only 14 goals had been conceded against us in 17 league games. a fantastic record at that point in the league. Which more than indicates that our problems defensively are a recent one. However, Even our current rate of 22 goals conceded in 21 league games will see conceding around 49/50 in the season which is more than acceptable.

of course this run of 4 games have been a nightmare defensively and i do think we should change something to try to sharpen up.

but we have 8 points from these 4 matches and ill take that all day.

Fair enough

Agree that eight points from four points is a good return, and hopefully we can keep a clean sheet on Friday.