I'm losing faith in Chris Powell. Are you?

[amsemp]

Bit of perspective needed I think. CP inherited a squad which was in desperate need of an overhaul. Brown had left us with numerous players on the books who either weren’t good enough or were getting on a bit and being paid a fortune.

We don’t have infinite resources to release everybody and go and sign who we want. You can’t get rid of two thirds of the squad in one go, as you’re at risk of missing out on targets and having to bring in inadequate replacements in order to fill the squad out.

I said from the start that I wasn’t bowled over by the summer business, but in hindsight, Mantom and Hopper look to be good business. Jury is still out on Barratt and Lennon due to lack of playing time, but they could also turn out to be good business too.

I think CP has a long term project ahead of him and will need next summer at least to thin the squad out a bit more. Turner, Kightly, Robinson and Kiernan all need to be moved on in the summer and that will free up a huge amount of wages to bring in other players.

Yes, it’s a bit of a painful watch at the moment, but I can’t remember us ever having injuries like this before. It’s led to players out of position and different formations to try and keep a balance. Not ideal, but not exactly CP’s fault. I too have questioned some of his tactics and selections at times, but the truth is, very few of us know much of what goes on behind the scenes. We may not always know who has been great in training, who has been awful, who has got an attitude and who is suffering from illnesses etc.

Ron said the other day that CP is one of the best managers he’s ever employed, so don’t expect him to go anywhere soon.

I’m still well behind him.

 

[Jay_SUFC]

Sorry, we can't continue to blame PBs signings!!!

CP signed 3 centre midfielders over the summer, and we didn't need 3. Forgot to add, but because of being top heavy on centre midfielders he can't decide who to play, so shoe horns 3 of them in.

He also signed McCoulsky, when we really needed another Hopper type forward as back up.

 

[NZamba Legend]

Yes, we didn't need all 3 of those new centre mids especially if 442 was going to be the preferred system and we had Klass in reserve, who CP rates. Should have got as better striker in than McCoulsky, who I don't think CP even fancies. Otherwise we have had a terrible time with injuries. The plan for the season was ripped up in October. Survival would be success now.

 

[Magnum PI]

Nobody can defend that second half performance. Hoofing it long surely sits with Powell. I'm behind him but today he got it wrong again. Macca was splendid on Tuesday and should have played more of a part. What killed me today was the lack of desire. Wimbledon shamed us

 

[Farmer Fossett]

CP is and always will be a Southend legend.

I however had my reservations with his appointment due to the fact that he had not managed a club since 2015 and his managerial record was average.

Injuries have hit us and CP can’t be blamed for the poor luck. What I can’t understand is the bizaar team selection and tactics. Not sure what is being done in training? I can see us being in the relegation zone by January (I hope I am wrong) if so I can see CP leaving.

 

[ms brush]

Bit of perspective needed I think. CP inherited a squad which was in desperate need of an overhaul. Brown had left us with numerous players on the books who either weren’t good enough or were getting on a bit and being paid a fortune.

We don’t have infinite resources to release everybody and go and sign who we want. You can’t get rid of two thirds of the squad in one go, as you’re at risk of missing out on targets and having to bring in inadequate replacements in order to fill the squad out.

I said from the start that I wasn’t bowled over by the summer business, but in hindsight, Mantom and Hopper look to be good business. Jury is still out on Barratt and Lennon due to lack of playing time, but they could also turn out to be good business too.

I think CP has a long term project ahead of him and will need next summer at least to thin the squad out a bit more. Turner, Kightly, Robinson and Kiernan all need to be moved on in the summer and that will free up a huge amount of wages to bring in other players.

Yes, it’s a bit of a painful watch at the moment, but I can’t remember us ever having injuries like this before. It’s led to players out of position and different formations to try and keep a balance. Not ideal, but not exactly CP’s fault. I too have questioned some of his tactics and selections at times, but the truth is, very few of us know much of what goes on behind the scenes. We may not always know who has been great in training, who has been awful, who has got an attitude and who is suffering from illnesses etc.

Ron said the other day that CP is one of the best managers he’s ever employed, so don’t expect him to go anywhere soon.

I’m still well behind him.

At last, someone has put the whole situation beautifully into perspective. I think Chris Powell is a seriously good manager, and given time will prove himself over and over again. I wasn't at today's game (it was bad enough on the radio!), but from our cup game in the week, and some of our recent home games I can't see how he is a worse option than Phil Brown (who has been sacked again since he left us!). Whilst we have lost horribly, and from the sound of today, and as witnessed last Saturday, we seem to have lost drive and determination, but we are still playing some lovely football when we put our minds to it and keep the ball on the deck!

The injuries to Hopper and Coker have really hurt us, and some of the discipline issues need to be resolved because we can't afford to be losing players to 3 match bans as regularly as we have done recently. The transfer and loan situation isn't helping either, because it would be very helpful to get another striker in to support Cox, because neither Theo or McCoulsky are the right partner for him. Difficult, because Theo can hit the back of the net for fun when he is on form, and McCoulsky has the potential to be a very good player - but with injuries galore, a small squad and whatever psychological issues affecting key players at the moment, now isn't the time to carry passengers! Yet, with the many constraints we have with budget and the transfer window being closed, we have a fantastic conductor but a train load of passengers at the moment and no driver!

 

[Shrimper]

Some leeway does need to be given due to the injuries, an absurd amount.

 

[RobM]

Theo can't hit the net in the kick-in.

 

[marlow17101032]

Can we bring anyone in during transfer window ,how big is squad at present

 

[OldBlueLady]

Some leeway does need to be given due to the injuries, an absurd amount.

But Brown had a similar situation last year and everyone blamed the pitch - there's no such excuse this year. Is it really "bad luck" or is there something fundamental that's causing us injury problems?

It is absolutely ludicrous how many players we've lost this season to injury.

 

[amsemp]

Interesting that CP in his post match comments mentioned about the team needing to show more character. Made me think how desperately we need a leader in the team, even more so now to help pull us out of this mess. I look at the squad and no one jumps out as a leader or an obvious captain.

Maybe CP’s biggest mistake in the summer was showing Timlin the door? I’m pretty sure every Southend fan would have him back instead of Hyam and boy could we do with him right now.

 

[Lambs Beret]

I'm not losing faith in CP, he needs time and his own players, I really think he doesn't want many of the players he's inherited. McLaughlin, no matter how well he plays is top of that list. Of course he has to get on with it and work with who he's got, but if it comes across to myself and others that way then surely the players in question have picked up on it. January is huge for us, I don't think we'll be relegated but it'll be the difference between being 16th or having an outside playoff shout.

My one issue with CP at the moment is the constant changing of formation, these are not premier division players, they can't cope with in game formation changes. I actually think 3-5-2 suits the squad and the way CP wants to play, I wish he'd stick with it.

The injuries are killing us, especially the Hopper one. I'd say if they were niggles, or strains then we'd have to start looking at the coaching and physio side of things, but they aren't, these are season ending, long term issues. We just seem to have some kind of hex that we'll have to ride out.

I would also urge everyone at Roots Hall to get behind the team, the atmosphere at home this season has been crap, like we're all waiting for everyone to fail just so we can start getting on their backs. The west stand hate Hendrie, well get used to him, he's our only left back. Plus we all know there's a good player in there, we saw it when he was on loan, maybe cut him some slack and we'll see that version again.

 

[Shrimpers are Magic]

Bit of perspective needed I think. CP inherited a squad which was in desperate need of an overhaul. Brown had left us with numerous players on the books who either weren’t good enough or were getting on a bit and being paid a fortune.

We don’t have infinite resources to release everybody and go and sign who we want. You can’t get rid of two thirds of the squad in one go, as you’re at risk of missing out on targets and having to bring in inadequate replacements in order to fill the squad out.

I said from the start that I wasn’t bowled over by the summer business, but in hindsight, Mantom and Hopper look to be good business. Jury is still out on Barratt and Lennon due to lack of playing time, but they could also turn out to be good business too.

I think CP has a long term project ahead of him and will need next summer at least to thin the squad out a bit more. Turner, Kightly, Robinson and Kiernan all need to be moved on in the summer and that will free up a huge amount of wages to bring in other players.

Yes, it’s a bit of a painful watch at the moment, but I can’t remember us ever having injuries like this before. It’s led to players out of position and different formations to try and keep a balance. Not ideal, but not exactly CP’s fault. I too have questioned some of his tactics and selections at times, but the truth is, very few of us know much of what goes on behind the scenes. We may not always know who has been great in training, who has been awful, who has got an attitude and who is suffering from illnesses etc.

Ron said the other day that CP is one of the best managers he’s ever employed, so don’t expect him to go anywhere soon.

I’m still well behind him.

Sounds like the dreaded vote of confidence to me.

 

[wakes123]

That second half he just sat there and barely got up off his seat at all. I don’t know? Didn’t feel right to me. I’m a bit concerned...can’t see this turning round tbh

 

[SHRIMPERPETER]

That second half he just sat there and barely got up off his seat at all. I don’t know? Didn’t feel right to me. I’m a bit concerned...can’t see this turning round tbh

Same as the last couple of games at home he's just leaning against the wall hardly ever coming forward to shout instructions to the players while you see the opposition manager on the go all the time at his even if they're winning!

 

[Shrimpers are Magic]

Same as the last couple of games at home he's just leaning against the wall hardly ever coming forward to shout instructions to the players while you see the opposition manager on the go all the time at his even if they're winning!

Tilson and Brush never shouted out at the players either, I remember Brush being asked about it once and he said "they never listen, we never did"
Perhaps Powell is from the same school?

 

[wakes123]

Tilson and Brush never shouted out at the players either, I remember Brush being asked about it once and he said "they never listen, we never did"
Perhaps Powell is from the same school?

No because he was first 20 mins a lot so that doesn’t make sense. He was living every decision during that period. Second half looked like he just gave up (I was standing right behind him). Just my opinion. Hope he turns it around but it’s not looking great.

 

[buffalowolf]

What no poll !!!!

 

[buffalowolf]

I think we need to stop looking at things short term. I know that requires a massive change of mindset from the last regime but it's worthwhile as for the first time in a long time we project to be better this time next year than we currently are.

This isn't a side who has peaked. There's room for growth and once players get healthier there will be a noticeable improvement. If we can be mid-table with the injury list we've had this year, it bodes well for next season.

Mid table i can see bottom 4 written all over this season.

 

[greyerfox]

This is starting to the feel like the dog days at the end of the PB era. What is so worrying is the constant concern by CP about the opposition in his selections and formations. Yesterday was a prime example. The team selected and the formation seemed to scream out that we were worried about the threat from Wombles. Why? Their confidence must have been rock bottom. Their recent record would indicate that we should have gone out all guns blazing, with Bunn and Macca involved from the off. Throw off the shackles Chris and let's have a real go against Scunny and thereafter. I wonder whether Ron made one of his infrequent dressing room visits yesterday around 5pm?