Wednesday, October 10, 2007
What's going on with Solano?
I don't understand Curbs sometimes. Why sign a player then not even give him a place on the bench? We're hardly setting the league alight at the moment so he's got to be given a go soon. Dean Ashton is now ruled out for 6 to 8 weeks so we'll be lucky to see him before xmas - so I reckon Ljungberg could be used up front which would surely give a place in the side for Nobby?
Anyway here's Solano's latest take on it....
"I am not worried about that I haven't played any game yet at West Ham. I have a lot of experience in football," said Solano as he arrived in Peru ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Paraguay.
"It's true, I am not playing but I am calm about that.
"I don't forget that the championship has just started in England and I have a lot of experience in football and in the national team.
"I have even spoken with the coach of Peru and he told me to be calm."
Anyway here's Solano's latest take on it....
"I am not worried about that I haven't played any game yet at West Ham. I have a lot of experience in football," said Solano as he arrived in Peru ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Paraguay.
"It's true, I am not playing but I am calm about that.
"I don't forget that the championship has just started in England and I have a lot of experience in football and in the national team.
"I have even spoken with the coach of Peru and he told me to be calm."
Posted by Dave at 9:30 am
said...
Curbs is an idiot! He has to go.
We will never develop as a club until we get a well credentialled coach who can attract quality players.
Apart from a couple of new signings, the rest are fringe players at best. We already had plenty of those.
Apart from Freddie, none of our other signings have set the world on fire at their previous clubs. Bellamy looks ok as well. Surely with the funds available we could have snared better players.
Sorry for the rant guys. I know we have had plenty of injuries, but I'm starting to get pissed off.
Dave said...
I don't think you can blame curbs - the injuries have been shocking and out of anybody's control.
As for curbs' signings I think he made some great signings but they've not been available. Faubert is of good pedigree and Dyer also (yes he's injury prone but you can't forsee a leg break). Everybody know's Parker is of high calibre and he's not been available all season. Bellamy has been awesome when he's played but has also had his injury.
What we needed was another top striker but I think we ran out of time and ended up with Camara.
Just to add about Solano - the reserves beat spurs last night and no sign of Solano even in the reserves so I'm completely at a loss with regards to what is going on with him.
beggers said...
Got this from KUMB.
Anton Ferdinand (hamstring): The defender pulled his hamstring during the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal last weekend. He is expected to be back for the Sunderland game.
Nobby Solano (fitness): The transfer deadline signing is yet to feature for his new club due to a lack of fitness. Should be ready for consideration in time for the Sunderland game.
Calum Davenport (ankle): Centre-half Davenport has suffered several niggles since rejoining the Hammers in January, although is recovering well from his latest knock. Set to return within a fortnight.
Craig Bellamy (groin): The Welsh striker is expected back in action within a fortnight after undergoing a hernia op in Munich last week.
Bobby Zamora (knee): The striker underwent an operation to correct a knee problem at the end of September and is expected to be ready for selection again by the end of the month.
Scott Parker (knee): Midfield general Parker suffered a recurrence of the knee problem which had kept him out of United's opening games during last week's defeat against Arsenal - his league debut for the Hammers. Likely to be out until the end of October.
Henri Camara (hamstring): The third Hammer to suffer a tear in recent games, Camara is likely to miss the rest of October.
Dean Ashton (knee): Ashton is said to have suffered medial knee ligament damage which could keep him out until December, at worst - although a four-week lay-off is average for such injuries. Likely to miss the next two games against Sunderland and Portsmouth.
Nigel Quashie (ankle): Quashie, signed from West Brom in January has been out of action since last season with a problematic ankle. Whilst he is currently in recovery no date has been set for his return.
Julien Faubert (achilles): Just weeks after joining the Hammers in a £6.1m deal French international Faubert tore his achilles during a pre-season game in Austria. He is not expected to play until the new year.
Kieron Dyer (fracture): The £7m summer signing suffered a double fracture to his right leg in the 2-1 Carling Cup win at Bristol Rovers in August. Unlikely to be playing until early February.
Eight of the 11 injured players have been signed by Alan Curbishley since last January.
I suspect Solano will get a run soon enough, but up till now, it looks like he's not been up for it?
Curbs has had some shit luck and I don't think it's fair to judge him when he hasn't even had the opportunity to play his best side. It's not his coaching that's to blame for the bad run of late but just shit luck!
For example, the goal at Villa was a lucky one as it was a bad decision that went against us with the resulting goal being a deflecetd shot. Neither team played well, none of our boys really played to their potential but that's not down to Curbs. Ashton had a mare and Ethers was making up the numbers.
We need a run where the players stay fit, I suspect a bit of consistency with the team would make all the difference.
What I will say though is that Curbs needed to bring on LBM and Noble much sooner to give them a chance to make an impact. Giving them 10mins is not enough time. He has a tendency to leave things a little late IMO.
I wouldn't mind seeing Reid or Hogan given a run. Bit of youth and enthusiam might just help. Look at Noble last season. Nothing to lose if you're already losing.
The fortnight break couldn't have come at a better time for us, so hopefully a couple of the lads can recover. We're in desperate need of a win.
said...
Sorry for letting off steam guys, but I am terribly frusrated with the Hammers at the moment.
I don't rate Curbs tactically and I feel he often gets out-coached. He is reactive rather than proactive with his team selction and subs.
I don't think he has performed well in the transfer market either. Solano was unfit before he got to us and Upson and Dyer have a history of injuries.
You would have thought that after last years experiences with injuries we would keep away from these types of players.
The point I am making is that Curbs doesn't have the profile that has world class players knocking our door down to join our club.
I hope Nobby gets a start soon and plays a blinder. I will gladly eat some humble pie.
said...
"Curbs doesn't have the profile that has world class players knocking our door down to join our club."
Nor does West Ham but we sometimes forget that.
Before Bellamy's injury we were sitting pretty - it's only our lack of depth up front that has fucked us IMO - we can't score goals with Carlton Cole up front and even less so without Ashton alongside him.
I'm very worried how we are going to cope with the lack of striking options with Bellamy, Zamora & Ashton all crocked.
said...
In Greg's defence I'm not 100% with Curbs I just don't think he's had a lot of luck with injuries and can be judged as yet.
I do think Greg is wrong with regards to Curbs' signings but I guess that's a matter of opinion. But we were never going to get Adriano or Riquelme to West Ham and under the conditions I think he did ok in the summer market - I just wish they weren't all fucking injured!
said...
Greg, Thanks so much for your interest in the 'Curbs Out' campaign. We are a small yet vocal crowd and we always welcome new members. Please send me your email address and I'll send you the card, t-shirt and banner ;-)
Seriously, if you really want to let off steam head over to kumb.com there's a very heated thread (yes Dave I have been taking part) on Curbs Out. Once again, Welcome Comrade!
said...
'ere Beggers me ol china,
Why aren't you in the Fantasy League mate?
C'mon join up, eventhough we're 9 weeks in you'll still be ahead of me by Xmas ;-)
BEEX OUT!
norven munky said...
to be honest i don't think we were that shit hot b4 bellamy got injured. Sure we looked better with a bit of pace to give us more options and angles, but our 10 points came against really shit teams who all played abysmally on the day.
I agree with Greg...curbs ain't floating my boat tactically. I wanna see him do something that makes it obvious he has done his homework on a team or is responding to what is going on on the pitch with an insiteful sub.
Take the barcodes game...we were getting raped all day down the right by nzogbia but he did fuck all about during the game...he should have foreseen that might happen with neill being jet laggedand bowyer in front of him whi is not pacey and tends to drift in to the centre too much.
Instead I'm seeing master tactician displays like bringing spector on with 10 to go when we are chasing a game. I'm seeing Parker being rushed back in less than 100% for a game that was always gonna be fuggin difficult in center mid and bad tempered.
Sure the injuries make decisions tough but its in time of adversity that you find out the mettle of a manager... I think curbs is made of tin not steel...Beex send me the fucking membership pack!
said...
norven munky said......Beex send me the fucking membership pack!
Rushed by priority mail my friend ;-)
said...
Fuck it - I might as well take one too then! lol ;-)
Seriously though I just think right now Alex Fergusson would struggle to manage us with our injuries. I've alsways said I'm not 100% on curbs but I don't think it's all that clever to get on his back when he hasn't had much at his disposal and I don't like to stab someone in the back that pulled us out of the shit last season.
I guess when he's come up against superior tactics he's been fucked but Redknapp was very much the same and we had a few good seasons under him. I just think after last season we need a season of consolidation and curbs can steady the ship. I agree long term he's probably not the solution but I say probably because he hasn't had the full chance to show what he can do with a full squad at his disposal so I'm not prepared to cast judgement until he does.
said...
Dave, my point exactly.
He doesn't have much at his disposal because the squad doesn't have any depth.
Sure, our best 11 might sneak us into Europe.
Lose a couple and we will be lucky to finish mid table.
With half a dozen out, we're back in the relegation zone.
A higher profile manager would have attracted better players to improve our depth. Who do we have to turn to? The same rabble that almost got us relegated last year, supplemented by other players whoo have had experience fighting relegation battles.
It does not instil a lot of confidence boys!
said...
Have read all the posts and the one comment that stands out to me and is just so so true was from Dave, who said that Westham does not have the profile to draw the World Class players.This is true and i believe that Fergie would not get any better players than what Curbs has done.I would take the FRINGE OF EUROPE as this would perhaps give us the better profile to entice better players (they all want European Football),this is why we lost Tevez lets be honest, and he was World Class.Am more confident than i was last season about our finishing position.Just hope we can get most of our side fit and healthy and to play a few games together for consistency.CMON U HAMMERS
said...
Sorry 5096. I have to disagree.
What makes MANC more atractive than us? You could argue that they aren't and their squad is not world class. It is a matter of opinion, but I believe they have a better squad than us amd most of their talent is there because Of Sven.
Either way, the buck stops with Curbs.
On the flipside, if you think their squad isn't as good as ours, why are they sitting 3rd in the Prem? You could argue injuries, but I think Svens coaching prowess has something to do with it.
said...
Greg the season is 38 games long - I'll happily have this conversation in May.
City have a honeymoon right now and it all seems rosy - we were 4th before Bellamy got injured but it's early days - if they lose Richards, Elano & Petrov to injury then they're as fucked as us.
said...
It seems Greg that you are an anti Curbs,ur not alone it seems to be catching and yes Man City are 3rd but who have they played only Arsenal from the big four (and they lost that).Dont rate there squad and think that when they cop some injuries you will see them progress down the table quite steadily.Sven is not a World Class Manager look at his time in charge of England.I for one will give Curbs the chance,seem to remember no-one gave us a chance of staying up when he took over as well but we all know how we came home and yes he had a lot to do with that survival as well.
said...
This blog has gone mental... ha ha
I think there is abit of truth in there from a lot of people. I certainly agree with Dave and say it alot that we forget who we are... We are never going to attract massive players, but to say that we haven't spent wisely or Curbs has got shit in, is very unfair in my book. Parker, Freddie, Bellamy, Upson and LBM have all improved our team alot and he has also had the balls to play Noble when it would have been alot easier to avoid that one. Yes tactically we have been a little poor, but we have been unlucky with decisions. Freddie's goal and Ashton offside against the Arse and the free kick against Villa... all could have gone the other way... (agree the game against the Geordies was poor)... but please please don't compare us to the Mancs because we are miles behind them...
said...
if we didnt have bad luck we'd have no luck at all
personally im happy with curbs signings....we bought what we lacked last yr...experienced players with tallent
without too many injuries we have good depth LBM, Matty, Noble, Bowyer, Freddy, Parker, Julien, mullens
but these injuries are over the top...11 in 8 rounds? wake me up im dreaming arent i?
sure we have cash but we cant throw around millions on 11 new players and expect to go to europe....we need ot consolidate this yr, give us a solid base to launch our cammpain off next yr
and we havent seen city's depth yet
beggers said...
The thing I've noticed in more recent times is that as WH fans our expectations seemed to have changed and we're more willing to want to sack managers when things aren't going our way. Was a time when this would have been unheard of as a WH fan. We used to stick by our managers no matter what, but not so these days.
In this instance we've had 3 loses on the bounce 2 of which we were unlucky IMO. Before that we had gone 5 games unbeaten. All this with a ridiculous amount of players unavailable through injury. Considering this and the fact we seemed to be forced to play a different team each week, I don't think we've done too badly.
Granted Curbs does make some strange calls at times but then that could be said for any manager.
IMO I think Curbs is an ok manager. When the biscuit boys took over things were looking bleak. So they decide to sack Pardew but need a replacement. Do they go OS and gamble on a foreign manager or go for a bloke who's had years of PL experience, low risk, knows the game and is WH an all. And most importantly he wants the job! No brainer really.
Anyway, where are all these managers? good ones already have a job and they would need to be convinced to come to WH. No one is knocking on the door lads. That was made painfully obvious when 'Arry left and at that time our squad was awesome.
It is my understanding that the grand plan was to try and build a team for the future not buy one for the now. To do this Curbs has brought in many former club captains and experienced PL players, the kind who won't piss their pants when things get tough. Some had a history of injury so were a risk but he took the gamble. And again these players were willing to play at WH. I'm sure many other efforts were made with other players who didn't want to come. We are not a glamorous club and one who survived by the skin of our scrotum last season so I can see why many would not be convinced.
So we plan to consolidate and have a decent, steady season. The same goes for the next season. Hopefully as time goes on we show others around that we are the real deal, then we may become a bit more attractive as a team to play for.
I always thought Curbs was a sideways step from Pards but I did think he would stabilise the club. I can see him being in charge for another couple of seasons then they'll get someone else in who can take us forward.
As for Sven and Manc, they have surprised me. It can take sometime for foregin players to adjust but the crop he's brought in have hit their straps straight away. However, they will have a losing streak at some time and they will have injuries, it will be then that we see what they are made of. I'll also be interested to see how Manc go during winter, when it's bitter and the pitches a little heavier.
As for Sven, he is no great tactician IMO, his tenure as England manager was riddled with strange decisions. Sorry lads, Svens a horses arse and he will be found wanting. I'd have Curbs any day of the week over Sven. I still believe we'll be higher than Manc come the end of the season.
Don't get me wrong, 3 loses in a row is an obvious worry but there's enough about us to suggest that with a couple of players back we'll be back on track.
We won't set the world on fire this season but we'll do OK.
said...
We started off talking about Nobby and ended up arguing about Curbs.
Despite our differences of opinion, we have one thing in common; THE MIGHTY HAMMERS
I suppose only time will tell.
said...
Here here Greg,CMON U HAMMERS.Must say though Beggers that last post on this subject was excellent and i concur with all that you had to say.
...Post a Comment ... Go to Forum
said...Curbs is an idiot! He has to go.
We will never develop as a club until we get a well credentialled coach who can attract quality players.
Apart from a couple of new signings, the rest are fringe players at best. We already had plenty of those.
Apart from Freddie, none of our other signings have set the world on fire at their previous clubs. Bellamy looks ok as well. Surely with the funds available we could have snared better players.
Sorry for the rant guys. I know we have had plenty of injuries, but I'm starting to get pissed off.
Dave said...I don't think you can blame curbs - the injuries have been shocking and out of anybody's control.
As for curbs' signings I think he made some great signings but they've not been available. Faubert is of good pedigree and Dyer also (yes he's injury prone but you can't forsee a leg break). Everybody know's Parker is of high calibre and he's not been available all season. Bellamy has been awesome when he's played but has also had his injury.
What we needed was another top striker but I think we ran out of time and ended up with Camara.
Just to add about Solano - the reserves beat spurs last night and no sign of Solano even in the reserves so I'm completely at a loss with regards to what is going on with him.
beggers said...Got this from KUMB.
Anton Ferdinand (hamstring): The defender pulled his hamstring during the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal last weekend. He is expected to be back for the Sunderland game.
Nobby Solano (fitness): The transfer deadline signing is yet to feature for his new club due to a lack of fitness. Should be ready for consideration in time for the Sunderland game.
Calum Davenport (ankle): Centre-half Davenport has suffered several niggles since rejoining the Hammers in January, although is recovering well from his latest knock. Set to return within a fortnight.
Craig Bellamy (groin): The Welsh striker is expected back in action within a fortnight after undergoing a hernia op in Munich last week.
Bobby Zamora (knee): The striker underwent an operation to correct a knee problem at the end of September and is expected to be ready for selection again by the end of the month.
Scott Parker (knee): Midfield general Parker suffered a recurrence of the knee problem which had kept him out of United's opening games during last week's defeat against Arsenal - his league debut for the Hammers. Likely to be out until the end of October.
Henri Camara (hamstring): The third Hammer to suffer a tear in recent games, Camara is likely to miss the rest of October.
Dean Ashton (knee): Ashton is said to have suffered medial knee ligament damage which could keep him out until December, at worst - although a four-week lay-off is average for such injuries. Likely to miss the next two games against Sunderland and Portsmouth.
Nigel Quashie (ankle): Quashie, signed from West Brom in January has been out of action since last season with a problematic ankle. Whilst he is currently in recovery no date has been set for his return.
Julien Faubert (achilles): Just weeks after joining the Hammers in a £6.1m deal French international Faubert tore his achilles during a pre-season game in Austria. He is not expected to play until the new year.
Kieron Dyer (fracture): The £7m summer signing suffered a double fracture to his right leg in the 2-1 Carling Cup win at Bristol Rovers in August. Unlikely to be playing until early February.
Eight of the 11 injured players have been signed by Alan Curbishley since last January.
I suspect Solano will get a run soon enough, but up till now, it looks like he's not been up for it?
Curbs has had some shit luck and I don't think it's fair to judge him when he hasn't even had the opportunity to play his best side. It's not his coaching that's to blame for the bad run of late but just shit luck!
For example, the goal at Villa was a lucky one as it was a bad decision that went against us with the resulting goal being a deflecetd shot. Neither team played well, none of our boys really played to their potential but that's not down to Curbs. Ashton had a mare and Ethers was making up the numbers.
We need a run where the players stay fit, I suspect a bit of consistency with the team would make all the difference.
What I will say though is that Curbs needed to bring on LBM and Noble much sooner to give them a chance to make an impact. Giving them 10mins is not enough time. He has a tendency to leave things a little late IMO.
I wouldn't mind seeing Reid or Hogan given a run. Bit of youth and enthusiam might just help. Look at Noble last season. Nothing to lose if you're already losing.
The fortnight break couldn't have come at a better time for us, so hopefully a couple of the lads can recover. We're in desperate need of a win.
said...Sorry for letting off steam guys, but I am terribly frusrated with the Hammers at the moment.
I don't rate Curbs tactically and I feel he often gets out-coached. He is reactive rather than proactive with his team selction and subs.
I don't think he has performed well in the transfer market either. Solano was unfit before he got to us and Upson and Dyer have a history of injuries.
You would have thought that after last years experiences with injuries we would keep away from these types of players.
The point I am making is that Curbs doesn't have the profile that has world class players knocking our door down to join our club.
I hope Nobby gets a start soon and plays a blinder. I will gladly eat some humble pie.
said..."Curbs doesn't have the profile that has world class players knocking our door down to join our club."
Nor does West Ham but we sometimes forget that.
Before Bellamy's injury we were sitting pretty - it's only our lack of depth up front that has fucked us IMO - we can't score goals with Carlton Cole up front and even less so without Ashton alongside him.
I'm very worried how we are going to cope with the lack of striking options with Bellamy, Zamora & Ashton all crocked.
said...In Greg's defence I'm not 100% with Curbs I just don't think he's had a lot of luck with injuries and can be judged as yet.
I do think Greg is wrong with regards to Curbs' signings but I guess that's a matter of opinion. But we were never going to get Adriano or Riquelme to West Ham and under the conditions I think he did ok in the summer market - I just wish they weren't all fucking injured!
said...Greg, Thanks so much for your interest in the 'Curbs Out' campaign. We are a small yet vocal crowd and we always welcome new members. Please send me your email address and I'll send you the card, t-shirt and banner ;-)
Seriously, if you really want to let off steam head over to kumb.com there's a very heated thread (yes Dave I have been taking part) on Curbs Out. Once again, Welcome Comrade!
said...'ere Beggers me ol china,
Why aren't you in the Fantasy League mate?
C'mon join up, eventhough we're 9 weeks in you'll still be ahead of me by Xmas ;-)
BEEX OUT!
norven munky said...to be honest i don't think we were that shit hot b4 bellamy got injured. Sure we looked better with a bit of pace to give us more options and angles, but our 10 points came against really shit teams who all played abysmally on the day.
I agree with Greg...curbs ain't floating my boat tactically. I wanna see him do something that makes it obvious he has done his homework on a team or is responding to what is going on on the pitch with an insiteful sub.
Take the barcodes game...we were getting raped all day down the right by nzogbia but he did fuck all about during the game...he should have foreseen that might happen with neill being jet laggedand bowyer in front of him whi is not pacey and tends to drift in to the centre too much.
Instead I'm seeing master tactician displays like bringing spector on with 10 to go when we are chasing a game. I'm seeing Parker being rushed back in less than 100% for a game that was always gonna be fuggin difficult in center mid and bad tempered.
Sure the injuries make decisions tough but its in time of adversity that you find out the mettle of a manager... I think curbs is made of tin not steel...Beex send me the fucking membership pack!
said...norven munky said......Beex send me the fucking membership pack!
Rushed by priority mail my friend ;-)
said...Fuck it - I might as well take one too then! lol ;-)
Seriously though I just think right now Alex Fergusson would struggle to manage us with our injuries. I've alsways said I'm not 100% on curbs but I don't think it's all that clever to get on his back when he hasn't had much at his disposal and I don't like to stab someone in the back that pulled us out of the shit last season.
I guess when he's come up against superior tactics he's been fucked but Redknapp was very much the same and we had a few good seasons under him. I just think after last season we need a season of consolidation and curbs can steady the ship. I agree long term he's probably not the solution but I say probably because he hasn't had the full chance to show what he can do with a full squad at his disposal so I'm not prepared to cast judgement until he does.
said...Dave, my point exactly.
He doesn't have much at his disposal because the squad doesn't have any depth.
Sure, our best 11 might sneak us into Europe.
Lose a couple and we will be lucky to finish mid table.
With half a dozen out, we're back in the relegation zone.
A higher profile manager would have attracted better players to improve our depth. Who do we have to turn to? The same rabble that almost got us relegated last year, supplemented by other players whoo have had experience fighting relegation battles.
It does not instil a lot of confidence boys!
said...Have read all the posts and the one comment that stands out to me and is just so so true was from Dave, who said that Westham does not have the profile to draw the World Class players.This is true and i believe that Fergie would not get any better players than what Curbs has done.I would take the FRINGE OF EUROPE as this would perhaps give us the better profile to entice better players (they all want European Football),this is why we lost Tevez lets be honest, and he was World Class.Am more confident than i was last season about our finishing position.Just hope we can get most of our side fit and healthy and to play a few games together for consistency.CMON U HAMMERS
said...Sorry 5096. I have to disagree.
What makes MANC more atractive than us? You could argue that they aren't and their squad is not world class. It is a matter of opinion, but I believe they have a better squad than us amd most of their talent is there because Of Sven.
Either way, the buck stops with Curbs.
On the flipside, if you think their squad isn't as good as ours, why are they sitting 3rd in the Prem? You could argue injuries, but I think Svens coaching prowess has something to do with it.
said...Greg the season is 38 games long - I'll happily have this conversation in May.
City have a honeymoon right now and it all seems rosy - we were 4th before Bellamy got injured but it's early days - if they lose Richards, Elano & Petrov to injury then they're as fucked as us.
said...It seems Greg that you are an anti Curbs,ur not alone it seems to be catching and yes Man City are 3rd but who have they played only Arsenal from the big four (and they lost that).Dont rate there squad and think that when they cop some injuries you will see them progress down the table quite steadily.Sven is not a World Class Manager look at his time in charge of England.I for one will give Curbs the chance,seem to remember no-one gave us a chance of staying up when he took over as well but we all know how we came home and yes he had a lot to do with that survival as well.
said...This blog has gone mental... ha ha
I think there is abit of truth in there from a lot of people. I certainly agree with Dave and say it alot that we forget who we are... We are never going to attract massive players, but to say that we haven't spent wisely or Curbs has got shit in, is very unfair in my book. Parker, Freddie, Bellamy, Upson and LBM have all improved our team alot and he has also had the balls to play Noble when it would have been alot easier to avoid that one. Yes tactically we have been a little poor, but we have been unlucky with decisions. Freddie's goal and Ashton offside against the Arse and the free kick against Villa... all could have gone the other way... (agree the game against the Geordies was poor)... but please please don't compare us to the Mancs because we are miles behind them...
said...if we didnt have bad luck we'd have no luck at all
personally im happy with curbs signings....we bought what we lacked last yr...experienced players with tallent
without too many injuries we have good depth LBM, Matty, Noble, Bowyer, Freddy, Parker, Julien, mullens
but these injuries are over the top...11 in 8 rounds? wake me up im dreaming arent i?
sure we have cash but we cant throw around millions on 11 new players and expect to go to europe....we need ot consolidate this yr, give us a solid base to launch our cammpain off next yr
and we havent seen city's depth yet
beggers said...The thing I've noticed in more recent times is that as WH fans our expectations seemed to have changed and we're more willing to want to sack managers when things aren't going our way. Was a time when this would have been unheard of as a WH fan. We used to stick by our managers no matter what, but not so these days.
In this instance we've had 3 loses on the bounce 2 of which we were unlucky IMO. Before that we had gone 5 games unbeaten. All this with a ridiculous amount of players unavailable through injury. Considering this and the fact we seemed to be forced to play a different team each week, I don't think we've done too badly.
Granted Curbs does make some strange calls at times but then that could be said for any manager.
IMO I think Curbs is an ok manager. When the biscuit boys took over things were looking bleak. So they decide to sack Pardew but need a replacement. Do they go OS and gamble on a foreign manager or go for a bloke who's had years of PL experience, low risk, knows the game and is WH an all. And most importantly he wants the job! No brainer really.
Anyway, where are all these managers? good ones already have a job and they would need to be convinced to come to WH. No one is knocking on the door lads. That was made painfully obvious when 'Arry left and at that time our squad was awesome.
It is my understanding that the grand plan was to try and build a team for the future not buy one for the now. To do this Curbs has brought in many former club captains and experienced PL players, the kind who won't piss their pants when things get tough. Some had a history of injury so were a risk but he took the gamble. And again these players were willing to play at WH. I'm sure many other efforts were made with other players who didn't want to come. We are not a glamorous club and one who survived by the skin of our scrotum last season so I can see why many would not be convinced.
So we plan to consolidate and have a decent, steady season. The same goes for the next season. Hopefully as time goes on we show others around that we are the real deal, then we may become a bit more attractive as a team to play for.
I always thought Curbs was a sideways step from Pards but I did think he would stabilise the club. I can see him being in charge for another couple of seasons then they'll get someone else in who can take us forward.
As for Sven and Manc, they have surprised me. It can take sometime for foregin players to adjust but the crop he's brought in have hit their straps straight away. However, they will have a losing streak at some time and they will have injuries, it will be then that we see what they are made of. I'll also be interested to see how Manc go during winter, when it's bitter and the pitches a little heavier.
As for Sven, he is no great tactician IMO, his tenure as England manager was riddled with strange decisions. Sorry lads, Svens a horses arse and he will be found wanting. I'd have Curbs any day of the week over Sven. I still believe we'll be higher than Manc come the end of the season.
Don't get me wrong, 3 loses in a row is an obvious worry but there's enough about us to suggest that with a couple of players back we'll be back on track.
We won't set the world on fire this season but we'll do OK.
said...We started off talking about Nobby and ended up arguing about Curbs.
Despite our differences of opinion, we have one thing in common; THE MIGHTY HAMMERS
I suppose only time will tell.
said...Here here Greg,CMON U HAMMERS.Must say though Beggers that last post on this subject was excellent and i concur with all that you had to say.
