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please email us at letters@theincider.com
Dear Incider,
I may be totally irrational with my fears but after only three
games of the season I really fear our battle this year is more likely
to be to avoid the drop than win promotion. You can’t read
too much into the first three results. On all three occasions the
home team have been playing against a nine or ten man away side
and have unsurprisingly taken the points. While we took three points
at home to Blackpool, I think most City fans appreciate that up
until the sending offs we had created very little. Brentford was
much more of an encouraging performance but we still lost. Wigan
meanwhile was the wrong result with a poor performance.
More worrying than any of the games individually are the trends
that seem to have appeared. At the back we always look as though
we could concede. In midfield we may have the ‘bite’
of Tommy D and Joe Burnell but we look woefully uncreative. And
when we do create chances our strikers have not been finishing them
off. It goes without saying that this does not bode well for the
season. I don’t think we’ll be anybody’s whipping
boys, but fear we will lose far too many games by the odd goal.
As it would appear we won’t be signing anyone we may be relying
on the experience of Messrs. Carey and Tinnion to rescue us. Maybe
I’m panicking far too early but I fear that it could be a
long season and a bottom half would not surprise me at all.
Pete Smith (Percy Parrot)
Dear Incider,
As I see it, the opening three games of this season have indicated
two main positives and two main negatives:
Positives:
1. Phillips’ improved kicking, distribution and general command
of his area.
2. The general sound look of our back four.
Negatives:
1. The lack of goals.
2. Wilson's apparent loyalty to under-performing players and playing
players out of position.
Now although I subscribe to the theory that three games into the
season is too early to be making sweeping statements about how the
season is going to progress, I hope that the BCFC management will
give some consideration to the concerns highlighted in these games.
First of all, let's start with the positives. In the games thus
far I have been very impressed with the way our injury-weakened
defence has performed. Whether this is down to an improvement from
Phillips, the move to four at the back, or the reintroduction of
Millen in front of Phillips is anybody's guess. Personally I reckon
it is a combination of all three factors.
When it became evident that Wilson was going to be unable to bring
in a "first ball centre-half" the four at the back option
became the obvious solution. If you're playing three at the back
the ideal candidate to play in the centre of the three is the "first
ball centre-half” we've heard so much about. However, the
rigidity a back four gives you means the acquisition of such a player
is less important and therefore this suits the players we currently
have better. Also, the most successful goalkeeper/centre-back pairing
in recent City history has been the Steve Phillips/Keith Millen
axis we have seen a return to this season. Whilst both have their
critics, there is no doubting that Steve Phillips’ game has
come on a great deal this season. He even comes for crosses now!
Some of that has to come down to having a centre-back he trusts
sitting in front of him.
However, despite this new defensive soundness, we appear to have
lost something going forward, maybe as a direct result of it. Wilson
obviously likes to line up with Murray on the right flank and Aaron
Brown on the ,left but as some people have noticed, Aaron seems
less willing to perform the wide midfielder's role. Thus, when we
attack we lose our shape down the left. This has the result of making
us look very lop-sided and reduces our effectiveness down the left
flank. Whether the solution is to give Aaron a kick up the arse
or bring in someone else like Simon Clist or Liam Rosenior who is
more able to perform the role is something Wilson has to decide,
but he can't let things carry on the way they are. Hopefully, he
will use the Brown suspension to try this out but I reckon the more
likely outcome is that he will return to 3-5-2 in Aaron's absence.
Just one goal from two forwards is slightly concerning but during
these games there have also been encouraging signs that Peacock
& Roberts are beginning to form an understanding. They
have to sort this out pretty smartish though if we are to maintain
any sort of close proximity to the play-off positions. During the
opening three games there has been enough in our performances to
suggest that we have the players capable of imposing our game onto
the opposition. But whilst we have often enjoyed the lion's share
of possession and territory, the shots on target (and consequently
the goals for column) are looking pretty spartan. I'm of the opinion
that if we keep playing as we are the goals WILL come, but if this
drought continues over the next few games then Wilson will seriously
have to consider juggling his personnel and, yes, this includes
Peacock if he isn't performing.
Maybe one way of maintaining our defensive shape whilst increasing
our potency up front whilst Aaron and Coles are absent would be
to switch to a variant of 4-3-3:
Phillips
Burnell Millen Hill Bell
Hulbert Doherty Liam/Clist
Murray Peacock Roberts
With this formation I'd have Peacock almost as a lone man up front
with Roberts and Murray playing slightly deeper but closer than
wingers. This way, when defending Murray and Roberts can drop back
into midfield to give us five in midfield while still having the
pace to join the attack when we get the ball back. This would also
utilise Murray and Roberts' strengths of running at defenders.
Thankfully the decisions aren't for me to make and we'll have to
see what Danny decides upon. But if we are to maintain any hope
of the play-offs this season I would say nine or ten points is the
minimum we should be looking for from our next four matches - three
of which are at home.
Ian Marriner (Madger)
Dear Incider,
Writing this letter after the Brentford game I am probably setting
myself up for a fall. However, after being at Griffin Park on Tuesday
night I really do feel that we can make a promotion challenge this
season.
I don't think it was just City's performance. Brentford’s
own display also led me to this bout of optimism. All of sudden
a league that I thought would be strong at the start of the season
is caving in with the exception of the obvious two - Wigan and Cardiff.
Brentford did nothing creative up front for the whole match. Our
defence must be given credit for this as well, but isn't this the
same Brentford that had just comfortably beaten Huddersfield away
from home? I think the fact that Swindon are up the top of the league
says a lot!
With no major long-term injuries or sales of players we will be
up there again come May. And by the way, a slower start might be
just what the doctor ordered as I think that our players are much
better at playing catch up. Whenever they reach the dizzy heights
of this division we ALWAYS come crashing down.
Will Collins (PhatWill)
Dear Incider,
At the end of last season I was unable to muster up any enthusiasm
for this current season because I could see nothing changing within
the playing staff. My philosophy is a simple one - if a squad isn’t
good enough one season then it won’t be good enough the next
without additions. No additions equals no progress.
For at least two seasons, possibly three, we have called for the
purchase of a goal-scoring midfielder, a commanding centre back
and a cultural architect anywhere on the pitch. Roberts is the only
addition and we have lost Thorpe and Jones. Nothing else has happened.
We got off to dodgy start with a 2-0 win over Blackpool and in my
opinion it was very disappointing display. Then, after playing well,
we lost at Brentford. Typical City.
I have no confidence in City`s ability to put together an unbeaten
run. There seems to be a lack innovation and leadership on the pitch
and no players who will cajole and motivate those around them -
cultural architects. I suppose the nearest we have is Tommy Doherty.
All successfull sides have such players. Roy Keane and Patrick Viera
are perfect examples at the highest level. Last year Brentford had
Rowlands and Evans whilst Cardiff had the magnificent Kavanagh.
Shaun Taylor was the cultural architect in Ward’s promotion-winning
side. Ian Holloway was the man when the Dark Side were going well.
City have no-one of that ilk currently.
I’m not a pessimist, nor am I a blind optimist - just a realist
and I honestly can’t see City being promotion candidates at
this point in time.
Lansdown says that if Wilson approached the board regarding a potential
player then they will look at all the options, but that so far Wilson
had not approached the board on this matter. If that is so, then
in my opinion Wilson is derelict in his duty to the football club.
Everyone knows that the squad needs more quality. The jury is still
out on Wilson.
I sincerely hope that City sign two or three players to fill the
gaps that are so obvious to all of us because if we don’t
then its mid-table obscurity at best this season. Sad, but true.
Alan Robinson
Dear Incider,
Your site has cheered me up on the eve of what I believe will be
a frustrating season for City fans. City have a cracking midfield
who will ensure we see plenty of the ball and with the addition
of someone – anyone - with a lethal finish, we would
be title contenders.
The fact is that the last decent finishers we had were Goater and
Akinbyi .No one has really made it since, although I suppose you
might argue a case for Thorpe. Personally, I found Thorpe's attitude
and his frequent dry spells disappointing. (Even more disappointing
was City's insistence in kicking long high balls up to the shortest
player on the pitch!)
Peacock is likely to make a decent tally this season and Roberts
must be better than we've seen so far, but I can't see
these two getting us in the top six - let alone promoted.
Richard Stewart (The Mauler)
Dear Incider,
Just found your website and it is excellent - one that doesn't
talk down to the true City fan.
I am a season ticket holder in the Carling Atyeo Stand with my
brother and we will be travelling down to the gate from West London
for every home game this season. I would like to offer a lift to
any other London-based fans who fancy sharing the journey. I am
also trying to find out about any City supporters club in London
- one where like minded City fans meet up for a few beers and discuss
City-related stuff. I would be grateful if anyone could let me know
if such a thing exists.
Meanwhile keep up the good work and I look forward to the next
edition.
Michael Prior
Dear Incider,
What do I think of it so far? My overriding impression is that
we are playing a more direct brand of football than we have for
a while. A couple of seasons ago we went through a phase of very
slow, patient build-up with virtually everything being rolled out
from the back through Tinnion to the wide men or central strikers.
It enabled us to keep control of the ball for extended periods of
play but inevitably meant that by the time the ball reached the
penalty box the opposition were usually ready for us. I thought
this was going to be the Wilson way and enjoyed what I saw.
What struck me at Brentford was the speed with which we were attempting
to shift the ball forward, with Phillips kicking the ball out more
often than not and Roberts dropping deep to pick it up and run at
the defence from the halfway line rather than waiting for it to
come to him. It didn't come off on the night but we did create four
or five good chances
in the second half that could have won us the game if Peacock and
Brown had shown a bit more composure and Murray had had a little
bit of luck.
The downside of this approach is, of course, that we give the ball
away much more easily and Tom D, Matty Hill, Louis C et al are going
to be kept busy winning it back. Will this more direct approach
win us promotion? It's simply too early to say, but if the following
three elements drop into place I think it could:
* Rosenoir replaces A Brown on the left flank to give us a more
balanced
attack - and chips in with half a dozen goals.
* Roberts and Peacock click - I thought there were signs of this
happening
against Brentford - and start taking the chances they are creating.
* Tom D stays fit and plays the full season.
Martyn Hocking (Well Red)
Dear Incider,
It is with regret that I feel obliged to complain to your scurrilous
rag.
Having read Issue One, I (along with many others, I feel) sent
to you a cheque for £1 million. In return for this I was assured
in your 'Reader Offer' section that I would receive a Tony Thorpe
coaster.
I must protest at its quality. Having had the item for over a week
now it has not enhanced my social standing. Indeed, I have been
held up to ridicule by my friends from Bedfordshire.
They claim to have had a similar article several years ago, when
at that time it was a highly polished new item that brought a return
on their investment. In time they passed it on to friends in London
under the impression that it would be nurtured and cherished. Instead
a man with a 20-year-old cycling injury who claimed that he would
indeed 'love it' soon disposed of the coaster.
I feel that an element of fraud is at hand here. How is it possible
that a once highly regarded item that would have brought joy to
many households can now simply be sold as a coaster?
Paul Watts (Working Late Again)
Dear Incider,
As Tony Thorpe`s number one fan (previously), I would like to take
umbrage at your attempt to ridicule our former top scorer’s
reputation.
Tony Thorpe was often seen practising his putting stroke with great
application, long after the ball had passed him by, and then cajoling
his team mates because theirs wasn’t as good as his.
He was often seen long after his team mates had gone home, honing
his right arm at the Sawyers Arms in Nailsea. He was also known
to purchase greasy bacon baguettes from the in-store bakery at his
local Esso garage. He was once seen there at 9.45am on a Sunday
morning still wearing his City tracksuit! What dedication is that?
He also parked his car on the kerb outside the video shop (still
wearing his City tracksuit) and didn’t get a ticket. Now that’s
real skill.
These are factors that you must have overlooked when you decided
to ridicule our former star. I’m sure he would be very disappointed
to know that after three seasons of loyal service to Tony Thorpe,
he’s regarded as the laziest player to wear a City shirt since
Jacki Dziekanowski.
Name and address supplied.
Dear Incider,
In light of RedTop's pathetic begging posts for contributions (has
he no shame?) I thought I'd share with you my feelings on the Brentford
trip. Firstly, I regret not bumping into you or other forum members
at Brentford. Maybe another time.
Anyway, here's the report. I can't pretend this is witty, insightful
or even erudite but it does perfectly sum up my feelings:
"We lost. Bollocks."
For your records, my size is large and I'd like the home shirt.
Thanks.
Chivs
Dear Incider,
I enjoyed the interview with Liam Rosenior. Would it be possible
to ask him: What it was that made him twice the player he was when
he left us for a month?
Rich Bailey (RichieB)
P.S. I had no idea that RedTop and Edson were so close! Spooky.
Dear Incider,
Great site. I have added it to my favourites. I look forward to
some intelligent and critical but irrationally loyal copy. And we
will all need the humour!
The following contribution is from my CD: "Bristol City Ruined
My Life; But Made My Day."
European Champions League Final:
Imaginary Madrid (0) 0 Bristol City (1) 4
This was splendid revenge for City's losing to Madrid in last year's
quarter finals in Bristol after getting a promising, though goalless,
away draw in Spain. Andrew Cole's hat trick surely confirms him
now as England's most economical striker and bodes well for the
country's chances of winning a record-breaking third consecutive
World Cup. Veteran England manager (and former City star) Brian
Clough describes him as the most exacting player he's watched since
Len Shackleton, with whom he shared that dazzling 1958 World Cup
triumph, along with Sir Duncan Edwards and other miraculous survivors
of the previous year's Munich air disaster, and with whom the legendary
City number nine Saint John Atyeo scored the best part of 200 goals
for England (Atyeo 105, Shackleton 89). City have now won the European
Cup twice in three years and despite losing an exciting three-way
championship race to West Ham this year (pipping tee-totaller George
Best's brilliant Aston Villa into third) also won the FA Cup for
a record twelfth time since that historic 1-0 victory over Manchester
United in 1909. That game, remember, was famous for the way that
Billy Wedlock disputed the toss - a very important factor on a Crystal
Palace pitch that went downhill with the wind all through City's
utterly dominant first half - and won it on a second throw. All
on the toss of a coin. I wonder how the history of football might
have been altered in that moment. Who knows, it might even be Bristol
City, not Alex Ferguson's gallant and under-rated Manchester United
currently struggling to attain former glories in Division Three
with only the Welsh Cup and a Skoda Windscreens Shield to their
name.
Gareth Calway
P.S. Look out for my name on the back of a seat near you.
Dear Incider,
Best of luck with the new addition to City's online presence. Having
three of you will help - one to take the plaudits, two to take the
blame!
Mick H (Red'Un)
Editor replies: Cheers Mick, and good luck with the newly-relaunched
www.bclife.co.uk.
It’s a quality site.
Dear Incider,
Congratulations on the concept of The Incider.
With the three of you having different but such complimentary skills,
I'm confident that we will have a fanzine that will be professional,
amusing and well presented. I hope that you will receive the essential
support from your fellow fans that such a project demands to maintain
the necessary width of interest and opinion.
All the best for the launch. Where's the champagne reception?
Graham B
Dear Incider,
Congratulations on the site from A Hammers fan. It’s very,
very impressive. Must have taken you flippin' ages to set up though!
Good luck this season - remember you're only a few years away from
challenging the mighty Hammers for the Premiership title! Then you'll
have to win the world cup like we did in 66 (Hurst, Peters and Moore).
Mark Coleman
Dear Incider,
Hiya to all of the Incider crew. Manchester United, Bristol City
and England rock. I'd like to say well done for creating such a
brilliant website. It is a great website and all the crew have put
lots of effort into it. I will tell all my friends about it. WELL
DONE. KEEP THIS SITE GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lauren Edwards (aged 10), Warrington.
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