Football 23/24

[oldbluefox]

After the rubbish I witnessed last year the football we are seeing this year is like a breath of fresh air. Enzo has transformed the players.

[paultheagle]

"If you can’t support us when we lose or draw, don’t support us when we win.”

— Bill Shankly

I'm delighted that Leicester are doing the business, in the 2nd Division. All being well we'll see you next season.

Although the Gills lost at Pompey last night it was great to see the mighty Jonny Williams score his first goal of the season. It was his birthday on Monday as well. His 30th I think. Happy Birthday Jonny.

[paultheagle]

Bloody Newcastle

[towny44]

RIP Bobby Charlton, a genuine icon of English football, and a true gentleman.

[oldbluefox]

A wonderful footballer who had silky skills the likes of which we may never see again. He came across as such a humble man considering he won everything football could offer. RIP Sir Bobby.

[Onelife]

When you heard the word “Charlton” you knew something spectacular was going to happen…some of the best goals ever scored for England.

RIP

[paultheagle]

https://youtu.be/xV3lHfTNZDE?si=oBO42anZLKccXdJr

9th August 1969. A day I'll never forget

This was Palace's first ever game in the top flight. Bobby Charlton said such nice things about us. He really was a gentleman. RIP Sir Bobby Charlton.

[paultheagle]

Bloody Tottenham

[Manoverboard]

I saw Sir Bobby rattle in a goal while watching the Cobblers many years ago, I recall that a certain D Law and G Best also scored in the drubbing

[towny44]

Bloody Tottenham

And Leeds as well.

[barney]

So, Gills owners sack the manager while two points from the auto promotion places.
Now, you'd suspect that there was a plan.
A ready made replacement.
I was away for three weeks and was astonished that on my return, a manager has not been appointed.
The owners said that they wanted a different direction.
Well, they certainly achieved that !
Hopefully an appointment is imminent and the fans can they say in chorus ..... who ?

[barney]

Stephen Clemence (son of Ray) announced today as head coach with first team responsibility.
His first senior role.
Gamble ?
Too right, but Sacking Harris was the biggest gamble.
The fans seem happy with this appointment.

[paultheagle]

Bloody Everton

[barney]

Bloody Gillingham.
Flying high, sack the manager, hardly picked up a point since.
Looking like promotion to mid table obscurity.
Perfect lesson in if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

[barney]

Lucky to have been at the game today.
First half was mediocre but boy, second half, did we turn it on.
A well deserved 3-1 and for a change, a very attacking performance.
Could/should have had six or seven.
Mahoney was very good as was Jonny Williams.
Up the Gills
We’ve rediscovered our mojo

[oldbluefox]

Well, that was two hours of my life wasted watching England. Lack of passion, no energy, half-hearted, no commitment or determination and that was just the singing of the National Anthem. They looked and then played as though they had just got out of bed. When I watch the rugby lads giving it their all before the match they are clearly fully motivated to get out there and give of their best. Many of our England players tonight looked as though they couldn't wait to go home. What a drab and dismal performance.
Fair play to Macedonia who ran their socks off to thwart us.

[towny44]

Well, that was two hours of my life wasted watching England. Lack of passion, no energy, half-hearted, no commitment or determination and that was just the singing of the National Anthem. They looked and then played as though they had just got out of bed. When I watch the rugby lads giving it their all before the match they are clearly fully motivated to get out there and give of their best. Many of our England players tonight looked as though they couldn't wait to go home. What a drab and dismal performance.
Fair play to Macedonia who ran their socks off to thwart us.

I think possibly we have far too many old men in the team, and in positions were speed of thought and action is crucial.
Its time to call time on Harry McGuire, Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson, John Stones, Kieran Truppier and possibly Pickford as well.

[oldbluefox]

It was the total lack of passion and pride which irked me. Saka was struggling to move his lips, Foden's head was rolling around and overall they looked disinterested. This was carried over onto the pitch.
Playing for your country should be an honour and a privilege, 'playing for the shirt ' but I think you are right John, too many of our regulars see their place in the team as comfortable and their commitment and desire have gone.
That passion should be carried from the dressing room onto the pitch. By the time the players take to the pitch the adrenaline should be running high with a 'let's get at 'em' determination driven passion. Mealy-mouthed excuses from Southgate are not the answer.
Just watch Wales and Scotland play above themselves especially when they play England. The gulf in passion is palpable.

[paultheagle]

You are both spot on. That's why I stopped watching England play (outside of tournaments) ages ago. I think players want to play for England but most simply ain't good enough for international football, we shouldn't be picking 18 year olds to play at full back.

[oldbluefox]

I think you're right PTE. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion if they can't be bothered why should I? The body language from that shower was appalling and an insult to their opponents.In some ways I rather wished Montenegro had won.
Sort it Southgate!!!

LATEST: I have just seen that Southgate has praised the excellent mentality of the England team for coming from behind to draw with Montenegro. How you can praise that performance is beyond me. He partly blamed the pitch and the Montenegro team for defending so well!!!

Perhaps we can see where the problem lies.

[paultheagle]

Hope this makes you feel better Frank.


Bloody Luton

[Manoverboard]

Bloody Vardy ..............

[oldbluefox]

Bloody Vardy!! Missed two absolute sitters............

[Frank Manning]

Hope this makes you feel better Frank.


Bloody Luton

The 'Screamin' Alice looked good and their goal was a cracker, but our goalkeeper played a blinder and we took our chances. I am realistic about Luton in the PL. However, very impressed with Rob Edwards and the team he has put together on a peanuts budget. To think Watford sacked him!

[barney]

Hope this makes you feel better Frank.


Bloody Luton

The 'Screamin' Alice looked good and their goal was a cracker, but our goalkeeper played a blinder and we took our chances. I am realistic about Luton in the PL. However, very impressed with Rob Edwards and the team he has put together on a peanuts budget. To think Watford sacked him!

Watford have sacked everybody Frank !

A very Harris esque performance last night from the Gills.
Ground out a 1-0 home win against a pretty tasty Wimbledon side.
The promise from the new coach for free flowing attacking football is yet to materialise.