We Bumble Onwards to The Delights of League One — Notes for Blackburn Friday, 13th Jan 2017 11:30 by HarryFromBath HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday’s game at Portman Road by delving into their forums. “Heck, we’re poor”, “The least talented Rovers squad I have ever seen in 47 years”, “We’re a million miles away from looking like a decent side”, “The skill isn’t there but the determination and energy certainly is”, “We’re short on skill but there is 100 per cent effort, that’s all I can ask for at this stage.” “Unbeaten in 2017.” Rovers head into Saturday’s game third from bottom in the division, one point and three goals behind Burton and safety. Their form has improved lately, Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup win at QPR having been preceded by a 1-0 home victory over Newcastle and a 1-1 draw at Huddersfield. Fans are despondent about this season’s wider prospects despite this mini-revival. “We may survive this season. It’s a small possibility such is the shocking overall quality of this league. The writing is on the wall though, if it isn’t this season it will be next season”, “I can’t take another year of this.” “Even the most ardent supporter can see we’re down unless huge changes are made”, “Relegation will mean an even more miserable Ewood Park, even worse players with no chance of recovery and the Venkys still here. It’s fair to say we have written off ever reaching the Premier League again.” “The Venkys’ Downward Spiral of Hell”“Our trajectory under the Venkys [the club owners] is set in one direction. We will face a miserable 2017/18 season as the last remnants of talent leave by the summer”, “They have stripped almost every shred of meat from the club’s bones and will have picked away whatever is left by then.”  “Nobody knows what the Venkys end game will be.” Supporters are scathing about the way in which the club has been mismanaged since the Indian company purchased it in 2010. They point to the regular and continued sale of important players and a catalogue of poor manager appointments. “The activity of matching results to their managerial appointments is comically optimistic”, “They are demented. They won’t sack Owen Coyle for years no matter what happens but they might sack him if he puts a good run of results together”, “Their record of managerial decisions is ludicrous.” Owen Coyle“Well Owen, are we in a relegation fight yet?”, “I don’t think any manager like Gary Rowett will touch us with a bargepole with Venkys in charge. The next manager will be worse than Owen Coyle and Coyle is awful”, “We have no chance of staying up with this idiot in charge of changing things.”  The 50-year-old former Burnley boss took charge last June after predecessor Paul Lambert activated a release clause in his contract. “Appointing Coyle was the final straw because I could see that the combination of a very weak playing staff and a clueless manager would guarantee relegation.” “Coyle manages like a 13-year-old on Football Manager. He ignores the gaping holes in midfield, pretends a youth player can play at right-back and spends the entire budget on strikers, putting them all over the pitch until he wins”, “His defensive changes inevitably invite teams on to us.” “He seems to have only two tactical approaches, all-out attack or all-out defence with no middle ground. It’s bizarre as we have shown that we can defend but he just seems incapable of blending the two”, “I’m stumped how he did so well at Burnley. He was obviously doing something right.” Formation and Tactics“I was pleased to hear Coyle talk after the QPR game about how he has tactically told the team to concede the ball a bit and keep a defensive shape. We looked fairly solid at the back although QPR were pretty poor. We certainly took fewer risks and generally weren’t bombing on in numbers.” “There are times when a team that is regularly losing games has to go back to the basics of first and foremost not conceding. Forget the attacking side and go out with the attitude that a blank sheet is everything”, “The only way we will stay out of danger is by keeping clean sheets and winning ugly.” SteeleNyambeGreerMulgrewWilliamsFeeneyLoweAkpanConwayEmnesGraham
Blackburn’s line-up (above) which picked up an unlikely win over the Magpies will closely resemble the team which kicks off on Saturday. Charlie Mulgrew is widely seen as the best player in the side and has played a key role in guiding two young full-backs in Ryan Nyambe and Derrick Williams. Despite being outplayed by Newcastle and Huddersfield, fans have drawn hope from their defence not conceding in open play in the last three games. Mulgrew has been partnered by veteran Gordon Greer or converted midfielder Darragh Lenihan, who has impressed when tempering his aggression. “The front three have enough ability to score against any team in this league, but it’s hard for them to be effective when our strategy is ultra-defensive.” Further up field, supporters have been broadly happy with the quality of strike trio Marvin Emnes, Sam Gallagher and Danny Graham. “The three strikers look like they can cause problems when they have the ball in and around the box but often end up feeding off hoofs up to them. We can’t get possession in central midfield and move the ball into the danger zone. We could be mid-table with one decent midfielder to link with them.” “The problem is our midfield. It is so damn weak”, “It’s so poor it’s untrue”, “It’s hard to win a game with a midfield that can’t pass”, “We desperately need a midfielder that can control the ball and the middle of the park”, “I would take Keith Andrews back. He’s leagues ahead of these guys.” “Has there ever been a worse centre midfield pairing than Jason Lowe and Hope Akpan?” Fans have heavily criticised the way the central duo have been bypassed in games. The lack of quality out wide has also been flagged up with fans criticising Liam Feeney’s consistency and Craig Conway’s stamina. SteeleLoweGreerMulgrewWilliamsFeeneyEvansAkpanGallagherEmnesGraham
With Nyambe struggling after the interval against the Magpies, Coyle switched Lowe to right-back and brought in Corry Evans. This swap coupled with the introduction of the more energetic Gallagher for Conway on the left flank (above) brought better balance to midfield and helped secure victory. RayaMarshallGreerMulgrewWilliamsFeeneyLoweAkpanBennettGallagherGraham
Rovers’ starting XI at QPR (above) did include fringe players David Raya in goal, Elliott Bennett on the left of midfield and Ben Marshall at right-back. Former England international defender Wes Brown has also been used as a bench option to replace a striker or midfielder and help close games out. A lack of fitness has also been highlighted. “This team is so unfit in all areas it’s ridiculous”, “We have so many muscle injuries. What does Coyle have them doing in training and in the warm-ups?”, “Our fitness issues generally result in us conceding late on. It’s another constant theme in our decline.” QPR 1 — 2 Blackburn (FA Cup Third Round)“Another win, what is the world coming to?”, “Well, that’s a pleasant surprise to come home to”, “A decent performance against a very poor QPR team. It was a very solid performance all round and one which deserved the victory”, “I always love being in the hat for the next round of the FA Cup.” Rovers took the lead on eight minutes when Joel Lynch played the ball into his own net after keeper Matt Ingram had parried a Gallagher header. Liam Feeney added a second from close in on 58 minutes before Jake Bidwell scored what would be a consolation from the penalty spot three minutes later. “Feeney scores, how poor must QPR be?”, “We played really good football. The first half was all us and we were the better side after the break until the QPR penalty. After that QPR started to press us a bit deeper but we were solid at the back”, “That was a decent win for us and I am feeling proud.” Blackburn 1 — 0 Newcastle“A ludicrous result”, “I don’t know how to feel about that”, “All in all a good day at Ewood after so many bad ones”, “It was a shambolic performance more reminiscent of a non-league team in a cup tie, but ultimately the result is all that matters”, “That was the ultimate smash and grab raid.” “We had a shot and it went in.” Charlie Mulgrew’s freekick on 74 minutes proved decisive in a one-sided game in which the Magpies had two goals disallowed, hit the woodwork and had 25 shots. It gave Rovers a league double over Newcastle with a Mulgrew goal the difference in both games. “A horrible performance”, “This is hilarious in some ways but our overall performance has still been embarrassing. Most teams won’t be as lenient as Newcastle”, “Nothing takes away the feeling of a goal against the run of play having been utterly outplayed”, “A fantastic result, utterly undeserved.” “If you can’t enjoy a day like today, you might as well pack it in. The club is a mess and we still sent 7,000 deluded Magpies home with their tails between their legs”, “It’s been a long time since I felt so chuffed, it was fantastic walking back to the car among Newcastle fans. They don’t like it up ‘em.” Huddersfield 1 — 1 Blackburn“Just spoke with a friend who is a Huddersfield fan. He is wondering how the hell they came away from two matches against us with just two points having on both occasions footballed us off the park. He sent his deepest sympathy and couldn’t believe how badly we have regressed under Coyle.” Danny Graham nodded home a Feeney cross on 81 minutes to give Rovers the lead but Nahki Wells rescued a point for the Terriers with a freekick on 94. The game saw Rovers mount another rearguard action with Huddersfield having over 70 per cent of possession and 20 shots on goal. “Jeff Stelling described the game as ‘very one-sided’”, “The equaliser was the type of goal a Sam Allardyce team would never have conceded”, “As soon as Huddersfield had that freekick everyone looked down, around and to the sky because we knew it was going in”, “It was a bit of a sickener.” “I cannot fault our effort but the style and ‘philosophy’ is abysmal. I was embarrassed. The plan was to bypass midfield by hoofing it up for a 50/50, lose the ball and defend for your lives. We started time wasting in the first minute”, “It was like rugby union, playing for second balls and throw ins.” Goalkeepers and Defenders“Jason Steele was faultless in goal against Newcastle.” The 26-year-old ex-Middlesbrough man “had echoes of Brad Friedel in his performance. He has taken some right criticism this season but he was immense against Newcastle, making four superb saves to keep us in the game”, “Exceptional stuff.”  “Calamity Steele and his Teflon-coated gloves gifted Brighton a third goal and the game last month”, “He had to own his near post for Reading’s first goal five days later”, “He drops massive clangers and doesn’t command his box””, “He flaps at crosses and has been targeted for being glued to his line.” “Derrick Williams is a steady Championship player.” The 23-year-old Irishman, who trained with the Town academy as a schoolboy before joining Aston Villa as a scholar, joined this summer from Bristol City. “He is a centre-half playing at left-back, tucking in too much. Attacking and flying down the left looks unnatural to him”, “He has been good but needs to improve his output going forward.” “Williams consistently plays well”, “He got some vital blocks and clearances in against Newcastle. He was caught out more than once but did alright”, “He’s an average Championship player but has been comfortable in his position”, “Williams is not good enough going forward but defensively he’s OK.” “Ryan Nyambe had a good first half against Newcastle but lost confidence when he was caught out under a ball and let their player sneak in behind him.” The 19-year-old youth product “has impressed me for his age but he plays too narrow at times. He needs to stay wide and track his winger more”. “Nyambe isn’t really ready”, “He’s still young and he will become a decent player is people get off his back”, “His positioning is suspect and he lacks heart in the tackle. He is an athlete whose pace hides his errors”, “He is on a hiding to nothing playing behind Feeney who won’t support him defensively.” “I’m glad Ben Marshall played and put in a shift at QPR so he didn’t look like a player sulking for a move.” The 25-year-old ex-Leicester right-back or winger is out of contract this summer. “The sooner he goes the better, I wouldn’t pay the lad with washers”, “His attitude stinks and he needs to leave.”  “A motivated Marshall could do a job at right-back”, “A motivated Marshall? Let me know if you ever see one”, “Despite his form and inconsistent attitude he is our most capable right-back”, “He looked like a player who wanted to be sold but in a good way at QPR. He was in ‘give a damn’ mode.” “I can’t stand Coyle’s habit of throwing Wes Brown in and taking off a striker who is providing an outlet.” The former Sunderland and Manchester United man “has as much agility as you would expect from a 37-year-old”, “He was all over the place for one of Barnsley’s goals on Boxing Day.” “Gordon Greer had a five-yard start on a Newcastle player and only 10 to run, and was beaten to the ball.” The 36-year-old ex-Brighton centre-half “has the brains of a rocking horse”, “His distinct lack of pace means he has to get close to his forward to stop him getting behind, but he ends up too close.” “Greer has the agility of an oil tanker”, “No one can fault his determination or effort to put his body on the line but he has no common sense at all, takes poor positions and is frightfully slow”, “He’s a bit clumsy for someone who is so experienced”, “Greer has his limitations and is a bit-part player.” Charlie Mulgrew“In Mulgrew we have a quality operator. We desperately need to keep him fit.” The 30-year-old joined this summer from Celtic. “The pick of our outfield players against Newcastle and he capped it off with a great goal”, “Our stand-out player whenever I see him, classy and composed on the ball.”  “Mr Cool”, “Mulgrew has the quality and if he was fitter he wouldn’t be here. His pedigree and experience at Celtic allows him to organise and put his head everywhere. His genuine quality oozes through I just wish he had pace”, “He is undoubtedly the best overall player we have on our books.” Central Midfielders“Darragh Lenihan will put a foot in when needed. He just needs to learn when not to.” The 22-year-old youth product was dismissed in the Barnsley defeat for a late challenge when playing at centre-half. “Diving in a couple of minutes from the end in the middle of the pitch, that’s really smart play.”  “Lenihan has bite in his tackle if he can be angry enough and stamina-wise will run 90 minutes but he is hardly that technical”, “He is working on his game at centre-half and seems a bit weak at times is the ball isn’t coming straight at him”, “He has looked good in spurts but I’m not convinced by him.” “Corry Evans made a positive impact after coming on against Newcastle. He brought composure to a midfield that was severely lacking for most of the match.” The 26-year-old one-time Hull City man “is a limited midfielder but he can look forward, pass to his own man and hold his position for a while”. “We call Evans ‘the recycler’ as he passes and moves and keeps things ticking over”, “He brings some composure to our midfield. He’s calm and composed and finds a blue and white shirt with his passes, giving us a foothold in the game”, “It’s a shame he can’t play more games than he currently does.” “Hope Akpan has the impact of a light breeze.” The 25-year-old former Reading midfielder “looks tidy at times on the ball and keeps it simple. He’s a 4-5-1 player and he could be a key player is he had confidence to launch some attacks. It isn’t happening soon, and this is why Lambert bombed him out of the side.” “Akpan fancies himself as more of a footballer than he actually is. He should ideally see as little of the ball as possible”, “He is hopeless with the ball at his feet”, “He worked hard against Newcastle but was bypassed for most of the match”, “He had a good 20 minutes at QPR but then faded away.” Jason Lowe“Akpan is bad but Lowe is the main issue in central midfield. He causes more harm than good with hospital passes and he gets bypassed all game”, “His lack of ability to read a game leaves him having to bust his backside to get back in position”, “He always goes where the ball isn’t and guards space.”  “Lowe almost cost us two goals through misplaced basic passes.” The 25-year-old youth product is criticised for his “atrocious” work with the ball as much as his work without it. “It’s just those slow sideways and backwards passes when he is in time and space that make him constantly stand out.” “Lowe’s engine is one of his best attributes but he miscues passes and sets up opposition counter-attacks. He marks space and points like Keith Andrews”, “He improves when keeping his passing simple”, “He really is a poor player but will be useful when we eventually drop into the third tier.” Wide Midfielders“Elliott Bennett looked solid at QPR. He showed he still has some legs setting up our first goal and was eager to impress.” The 28-year-old former Canary “puts in a proper shift and sticks to his guns quite well”, “He’s solid and works harder than Feeney but has no end product, which is a shame.” “I noticed Craig Conway blowing hard after 10 minutes against Newcastle.” The 31-year-old former Cardiff man “is always like this. He’s a winger without stamina and that’s why he didn’t play in Paul Lambert’s team”, “Conway is not fit enough. He works hard but doesn’t offer much going forward.”  “It’s time to put Conway out to pasture”, “He runs down the line and turns back every time. He looks finished on recent performances”, “He makes a run and beats a player but becomes so tired that he can’t concentrate on putting a decent cross in. He is woefully lacking in stamina, it won’t improve.” Liam Feeney“Liam Feeney is poor but he can cross. That’s why Mick McCarthy thought he could get a tune out of him at Ipswich last season. He needs a game plan as he has no football brain at all.” The 29-year-old one-time Bolton winger and ex-Town loanee “frustrates the hell out of me. He a dangerous player, dangerous to his own team”.  “Feeney was possibly Newcastle’s best defender. He stopped just about every chance we had on the counter and forgot the ball once”, “He slows down our rare attacks. They break down once he gets on the ball”, “Dare I say it, he was excellent against QPR and deserves credit for his performance.” “Despite him pinging in the odd really good cross, Feeney needs an acre of space to do it because he can’t beat a man”, “He’s quick and can cross when he bothers to look up. Without the ball, he stands there and does nothing. He is an absolute liability to the side, let alone the right-back behind him.” Strikers“Sam Gallagher’s speed threat seemed to back Newcastle off a bit when he replaced Conway. They started leaving an extra man back when he came on.” The 21-year-old Southampton loan signing “drives at opposition defences with real power in the channels and it puts them under pressure.” “Gallagher is better up top than on the wing but this is what happens when you don’t have a squad”, “He rarely wins a header but his drive is key to our attacking threat and he protects his full-back out wide and works hard on his defending”, “He is less effective wide left and he is not a target man.” Danny Graham“Graham puts in a tireless effort up front chasing those long balls but he’s not a target man. He’s a poacher.” The 31-year-old former Sunderland striker “is very good at closing down defenders, holding the ball up and drawing fouls”, “He works his socks off but is too slow for a counter-attacking game.”  “Danny is on course for potentially 20 goals this season in a woeful team not set up for his style of play”, “He is scoring regularly and his work-rate is excellent”, “Hopefully his goals will keep us up”, “A quality finisher and a very solid striker at this level, Graham has been a very good signing for us.” Marvin Emnes“Emnes is the one player in our team with creativity and intelligence. He has a wonderful touch and a bit more class than the rest of the team”, “He provides a link between midfield and attack which is something we badly need”, “He has quality and trickery but his finishing at times could be better.”  “I don’t understand our playing Gallagher wide and Emnes in the middle. It seems that both players would be suited the other way around”, “Emnes was a great get-out from defence against Newcastle and a threat throughout the game. He tried to get involved and won the foul that got us the goal.” “I would be stunned if he signs for us. He won’t be short of offers at Championship level.” The 28-year-old former Middlesbrough striker is on loan from Swansea and his future is uncertain when this loan concludes after Saturday’s game. “It is highly unlikely that we will get in a better replacement.” Rovers’ Views on ITFC and the Game“We have stumbled on a bit of fortune which is likely to end at Portman Road”, “Ipswich is a pain to get to but is a proper old ground in the town centre with plenty of good pubs nearby. It is usually a good day out apart from when we play in midweek.” Rovers forums have had little to say about Saturday’s game and they don’t run prediction leagues so there is little to report at the time of writing ahead of Saturday’s game. I will update the forum on Saturday morning if there is anything worth feeding back and link this on my Twitter feed. They have discussed our manager recently and some of their supporters would welcome him with open arms. “If I was a Rovers adviser I would be telling them to get on the blower to Ipswich saying ‘Look, if you want rid of Mick we'll take over his contract if he wants to come’.” “If we had any sense we'd be on the phone right now to Ipswich asking them if they'd let McCarthy out of his contract and whether he'd take the job with the promise of a healthy bonus for keeping us up. Their fans have got fed up with him and he probably needs a change after four years there.” WebsitesThe busiest Rovers’ forum is the polite and knowledgeable BRFCS Internet Site and additional comment can be found at Roverstalk.
Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
You need to login in order to post your comments |
   Blogs 295 bloggersIpswich Town Polls[ Vote here ] |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.We in turn value your personal details in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
