Post-Match Thread and Ratings Hereford 1-3 Southend United

[Interpol Shrimper]

I do love how people ignore a strikers role includes holding the ball up, creating chances, building up attacks and say a strikers job is just to score. When Sturrock does and also creates a goal he still doesnt get credit. In fairness any ball in the back of the net does count, it would have been nice to see him finish with more confidence in the first place but lets hope this boosts confidence.

I was only quoting a 3rd party's perspective on his performance (& goal) - I wouldn't dare comment on a game I didn't attend for fear of further potential criticism (although I guess that maybe applies to a fair proportion of those on here if we only had in the region of 200 down there yesterday). Certain people on this thread could do with filtering out tongue-in-cheek posts from serious comments before spouting their own agenda of negativity...

 

[Beefy]

One of the best goals I have seen was shinned in by the great S. Goater.

Goat made a career out of scoring goals with his shin/knee/arse.

 

[Blue_Wes]

For some small minded people on here he would have to divorce his Dad and change his name.

So for having an opinion different to your own, I'm small minded?

I gave Sturrock a 6 because he worked hard and put in one single decent cross, the goal was a massive piece of fortune that was down to no amount of skill, only that he was in the right place at the right time. Other than than the one decent cross, which it seems is worth an 8 rating on it's own, he did very little other than his work ethics. I'm not going to raise his mark simply because the keeper cleared the ball against him and he put it in the empty net. My ratings are over 90 minutes, not just 30 seconds. He didn't do enough in my small minded opinion to warrant more than a six. Morris despite his mistake, recovered well and performed solidly for the rest of the game.

I put in my post that my comments on him are made irrespective of who his father is. And for what it's worth, I support him when he is on the pitch and applaud him when he does well, however, I do feel that he probably shouldn't be on the pitch, because in my opinion we have better options up front. And rather foolishly it seems post my opinion on a public Southend forum where it appears opinions are welcomed or are different from those of others.

This whole stigma of if you don't rate Sturrock you don't: know a strikers role/understand football as well as those who do/are small minded for picking on the managers son /don't appreciate his value to the team* is just massively insulting and condescending. My opinion on one player is different to yours, tough, don't try and belittle my opinion with insults, it's possible to have an understanding of the game without being in the Blair Sturrock fan club!

* Delete as applicable

 

[Kris]

I gave Sturrock a 6 because he worked hard and put in one single decent cross, the goal was a massive piece of fortune that was down to no amount of skill, only that he was in the right place at the right time. Other than than the one decent cross, which it seems is worth an 8 rating on it's own, he did very little other than his work ethics. I'm not going to raise his mark simply because the keeper cleared the ball against him and he put it in the empty net. My ratings are over 90 minutes, not just 30 seconds. He didn't do enough in my small minded opinion to warrant more than a six. Morris despite his mistake, recovered well and performed solidly for the rest of the game.

Obviously you're entitled to your opinion but I find it laughable that a player who put in an assist as good as that for our equaliser, scored himself (how ever scrappy it was) thus having arguably the most significant influence on the result, and also worked as hard as he did, could warrant 6 out of 10 and the lowest score.

 

[Onion_Bag_Dave]

Obviously you're entitled to your opinion but I find it laughable that a player who put in an assist as good as that for our equaliser, scored himself (how ever scrappy it was) thus having arguably the most significant influence on the result, and also worked as hard as he did, could warrant 6 out of 10 and the lowest score.

AGREE 100%
The comments about Blair will re occur every week! It's very comical!

 

[Cricko]

I don't think anybody is saying anybody in particular is small minded on here for having a different view on things..that is what makes the Zone and the way things will no doubt always be with so many people joining in the debates.

Anyway can we get this thread back on topic about the game and not just one player.

Oh and Blair is useless..;).....

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

AGREE 100%
The comments about Blair will re occur every week! It's very comical!

Dave, the comments will re occur because of what's happened this season. Blair did great yesterday and will have a massive confidence boost from scoring his goal. So I would say he's definitely earned his place in the starting line up for next game.
But, there's been times this season when he hasn't earned that right, the hold ball up, lose every header and tap the ball backward, hasn't worked, and we have looked shocking in attack. Those are the times that Paterson and possibly Spencer should have been given a chance to partner Corr in attack. Now Paterson and Spencer could be on their way out of the club, without being given the chance that Blair has had. Also, I'm sure that if they played as bad as Blair has in some games, they would definitely have been dropped.
As for the Hereford game, then it's hats off to Blair Sturrock.

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

For some strange reason I decided to sponsor a SUFC player this year. Could i have picked a more controversial player than Blair Sturrock!

 

[Blue_Wes]

Dave, the comments will re occur because of what's happened this season. Blair did great yesterday and will have a massive confidence boost from scoring his goal. So I would say he's definitely earned his place in the starting line up for next game.
But, there's been times this season when he hasn't earned that right, the hold ball up, lose every header and tap the ball backward, hasn't worked, and we have looked shocking in attack. Those are the times that Paterson and possibly Spencer should have been given a chance to partner Corr in attack. Now Paterson and Spencer could be on their way out of the club, without being given the chance that Blair has had. Also, I'm sure that if they played as bad as Blair has in some games, they would definitely have been dropped.
As for the Hereford game, then it's hats off to Blair Sturrock.

Good summary of the Blair selection conundrum. For what it's worth, what I saw yesterday was similar to what you've seen in past performances, in that he slowed down and seemed to break up our attacks more than the opposition defence seemed to. His touch was off, and barring two decent crosses (I've remembered one from the 2nd half that no-one got on the end of since my rant) most of what he did seemed to me counter productive, although it seems you saw differently yesterday.

I wonder what a neutral, unaware of the split in opinions of the Southend support, would make of Blair's performances for the club?

 

[BrettieAngell]

I wonder what a neutral, unaware of the split in opinions of the Southend support, would make of Blair's performances for the club?

Tbh I cant think of many players that haven't split the opinion of our support.

 

[sky240286]

My take on the Hereford win: Morris 6 - Looked shaky, not convinced by his performances this season
Clohessy 7 - Solid, good going forward as usual
Gilbert 6.5 - Did what he needed to do, decent full back
Moshni 7 - Great in the air, wasn't troubled much atall
Barker 7.5 - Much better from our stand-in captain!
Simpson 6.5 - Another quiet one from Josh, worked hard but frustrating seeing him stuck out on the wing
Timlin 7.5 - Brilliant midfield display, capped it off with a stunning free kick
Grant 7 - Flawless, our in form player harrassed the opposition as always
Hall 6.5 - Looks lively when taking on players, needs the ball more
Sturrock 6.5 - Comical goal and an assist, apart from that, offered very little once again
Corr 7 - Awesome target man, another goal can only do wonders for his confidence

Alot has been said about Blair Sturrock, which was to be expected considering the relationship to the manager. And when he plays, I support him like any other player in a Southend shirt. Now I've been to plenty of games this term, from pre season to now, And with all honesty, the only attribute he seems to have, is a great first touch. I'm sorry, but you need more than that. I've seen and heard people say he has great hold up play. No he doesn't! Lost count the amount of times he's lost the ball, been out muscled or not even get close to winning a header. I agree a strikers role isn't to JUST score goals, but there are plenty of forwards who do AND help their team in a variety of ways.
Spencer for example (who shockingly is being sent out on loan) was the one of few bright sparks we had towards the end of last season. He'll get you goals AND work hard! Not only that, defenders hate strikers like Screech. Non stop, on their case, chasing for the ball, causing havoc. We need his energy up top with Corr who does amazing work on knockdowns and holding the ball up.

 

[Interpol Shrimper]

it's possible to have an understanding of the game without being in the Blair Sturrock fan club!

I think I might adopt this as my new profile sig ;)

 

[Blue_Wes]

I think I might adopt this as my new profile sig ;)

It's all yours buddy!!

If I knew how, I'd make it a group...but alas typing posts is the limit of my forum skills!!!

Sky - Welcome to the Zone, good to see someone else rating Timlins performances, been impressed with himself in both games he's played, could make it hard for Easton to get back in the squad.

Be careful of criticising Sturrock though...;)

 

[Smiffy]

Keep the ratings coming for the Pringello Index please people. I am Chief Data Compiler now, with Pringle continuing the fine graphical work.

If you could keep the rating's in this order that would be appreciated.

Just copy & paste the below and add your own ratings.

Those wishing to have their ratings included in the index on-going, will need to submit by 5pm on Monday (Sat games) or 5pm on Thurs (Tue games) please.

Morris -
Clohessy -
Gilbert -
Mohsni -
Barker -
Simpson -
Grant -
Hall -
Timlin -
Corr -
Sturrock -
Jarvis -
Prosser -
Soares - ​

 

[philtalkin]

Dave, the comments will re occur because of what's happened this season. Blair did great yesterday and will have a massive confidence boost from scoring his goal. So I would say he's definitely earned his place in the starting line up for next game.
But, there's been times this season when he hasn't earned that right, the hold ball up, lose every header and tap the ball backward, hasn't worked, and we have looked shocking in attack. Those are the times that Paterson and possibly Spencer should have been given a chance to partner Corr in attack. Now Paterson and Spencer could be on their way out of the club, without being given the chance that Blair has had. Also, I'm sure that if they played as bad as Blair has in some games, they would definitely have been dropped.
As for the Hereford game, then it's hats off to Blair Sturrock.

But why single Sturrock out? Nearly the whole team has been shocking one week and excellent the next. If we were going on recent performances then Mohsni would not have even been on the coach yesterday.

There is only one reason why he is getting picked on, and that is because he has a stupid pony tail! I mean because his Dad is the manager.

 

[delr]

Morris - 6
Clohessy - 7
Gilbert - 7
Mohsni - 7
Barker - 7
Simpson - y
Grant -7
Hall -
Timlin - 8
Corr - 7
Sturrock - 7
Jarvis - 6
Prosser - 6
Soares - 6​

 

[Kris]

But why single Sturrock out? Nearly the whole team has been shocking one week and excellent the next. If we were going on recent performances then Mohsni would not have even been on the coach yesterday.

There is only one reason why he is getting picked on, and that is because he has a stupid pony tail! I mean because his Dad is the manager.

Exactly. I'd have some sympathy with the Sturrock bashers if the team as a whole were struggling for goals but the fact is we're not. Other than at Aldershot we've scored in every league game so far and in the last four we've scored eight goals, yet managed to lose two of the games. There's a reason why we're only mid-table and it's not due to our attack, so continually singling out one player from that end of the pitch is baffling.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Morris - 5.5
Clohessy - 7
Gilbert - 6
Mohsni - 8
Barker - 6.5
Simpson - 6.5
Grant - 6.5
Hall - 6
Timlin - 7
Corr - 8
Sturrock - 7.5
Jarvis - 6.5
Prosser - 7
Soares - 6

 

[Stourport Shrimper]

My second game of the season - saw the Wolves match where I thought we played exceptionally well and where everyone played really well though I thought Corr and Sturrock were particularly good in that game (Corr was a menace to their defence and was winning header after header and Sturrock was at the centre of much that happened throughout the team).

So the game yesterday I thought we played adequately well. We were not at our best but at no time did i think we were going to lose the game and once we got our noses in front we had enough control in the game to make me confident we would win it. Having said that we were not anything like as exciting and commanding as parts of the Wolves game. However we did more than enough to win it.

I though the ref and linesman was particularly poor in the first half, Sturrock should have had a number of free kicks in his favour in useful areas (and I have scored him as if he had rightfully won those free kicks) but instead the ref/lino gave nothing and this meant Sturrock was not as effective as he could have been with decent referree. Moshni had an exceptional game against Wolves and was much better again against Hereford, perhaps a little nervy in the first five minutes - not unsurprising. Compared to our other defenders, when he heads the ball away it travels half as far again, so it was good to see him have an effective game after some of the flack he has taken recently.

Hall looked very timid and lightweight at Wolves but he his starting to build his confidence and did not look out of place yesterday. Soares was not on for long but did not stand out for me in any way and our new loan signing did not stand out either but it's early days - he hasn't trained with us yet. Morris made that error early on but made some really clean catches in the second half when under a lot of pressure. Simpson was only half the player I saw against Wolves but then so was Grant. However overall a decent enough performance and everyone deserves at least a 6.5 on my scoring.

Scores for the Index
Morris - 7
Clohessy - 7
Gilbert - 7
Mohsni - 8.5
Barker - 8
Simpson -6.5
Grant - 7
Hall - 7.5
Timlin - 7.5
Corr - 8.5
Sturrock - 8.0
Jarvis - 6.5
Prosser - 6.5
Soares - 6.5

 

[Jack The Flag]

What a great trip.

Such an early start getting up at 5.30, but was certainly worth it. Reached Paddington for the Police there to call us Millwall Hahaha :D
Got up there to find a good boozer, went to the ground, stewards were okay and i'd say 200 southend in attendance, apart from 8 Hereford Pikeys behind there goal what a relaxed day and easy to speak to there fans. All together good performance but they were ****, few new songs got going today ...

Moshni Bilel, Moshni Bilel, He cant speak English, its Moshni Bilel

Great day and great journey apart from having to go to Newport to get home.