Barnsley - back from the game

[Franchise FC]

Barnsley manager has just left the club by mutual consent. Where they that bad?

Not as bad as it could be...

Monday 31st August

Tykes target Adams - The Sun
Former Portsmouth boss Tony Adams is top of Barnsley's list of candidates to replace Simon Davey, who was sacked on Saturday. Is the ex-Arsenal and England captain the right man for the Oakwell hot-seat?

Why sack a manager when there'e no decent replacement lined up? I never understand this!

I say appoint him now - then we only need to find another two teams for our first target - SAFETY.

[Royalee]

Long throws smack of desperation and inelegance to me.

Couldn't the same be said of a long boot forward?

[The Rouge]

Pretty much been summed up already, the first 15-20 minutes we were very sloppy and looked a distinct 2nd best. The Barnsley goal was a simple near post free header from a corner, and very poor defensively.

For the next ten minutes they had us on the rack, but a great run straight through the heart of the Barnsley midfield by the excellent Karacan seemed to kick us into gear and we were by far the better team after that. The equaliser was from a corner only half cleared and given to the up until then almost anonymous Kebe who took on his man 10 yards to the right of goal, got to the byeline and drilled low back and across goal, instant control and fired into the back of the net. Kebe assist, Pearce the scorer.

From then on it was all Reading, and the move leading up to Karacan's one-on-one was supreme, The Sig's ball through one that any Premier League midfielder would have been proud of. In the 2nd half the penalty looked pretty clear cut to me although it was up the other end. It looked like Kebe got there first and was cleaned out by the keeper, the linesman gave it. Great penalty by Hunt who showed just why my penalty-taking pessimism was totally misplaced. Top corner jobby, no keeper in the world would have saved it. The 3rd once again involved the now excellent Kebe a very good cross with a deft Hunt header. We could have had a 4th, The Sig having a low close range shot saved very well by Steele, and Pearce heading over when well placed and totally free.

Kebe the matchwinner to be honest, but he doesn't get my MOTM as prior to the first assist he went from sublime to ridiculous as ever (that totally free shanked cross was unforgivable). That (somewhat dubious) honour goes to Jem Karacan who showed why he should play further forward in the midfield with some great interplay and intelligent runs to give the Barnsley midfield and back line a real problem. Deserved a goal but lost his composure at the last minute in the first half.

A great summary. Along those lines my brief thoughts:

- Barnsley were very poor over the 90 mins.
- The first 20 mins looked like it was going to be a long day - Barnsley 1 up with a free header from a set piece and the promise of more goals. Looked like we may have lost 2-0/3-0 with a whimper at first...
- The penalty was fantastically taken by N Hunt. Over the last few years we have had a keeper who can't save penalties and nominated penalty takers who aren't particularly good at taking them. Lets hope that chapter is now over...
- We started off hitting too many long balls and had no discernable style of play
- Players that caught the eye over the 90 mins.
Karacan: (prob just MOTM) - a real box-to-box performance, used the ball well, tackled and intercepted well.
Sigurdsson: a real talent - good set pieces, very comfortable 1-on-1 with players, looks so comfortable in that attacking midfield/operating in the space position, good passing and that one fantastic throughball to Karacan.
Kebe: Utterly woeful for the first 25 mins - he did a few things that were just terrible what-are-you-doing-on-the-pitch moments but from then on he was absolutely excellent. He ran at players, he squared the ball well when required, he used the space well, he was genuinely quick, his first touch made the penalty and he set up the other 2 goals through a cross and a well smashed narrow angle close range shot. On the day, an impact player and a matchwinner.
N Hunt: a livewire all afternoon, first touch was good, despite being mostly aerially mopped up my Darren Moore he played that position well. Great pen, great instinctive strike play for the 3rd.
Rosenior: (yes, Rosenior) He was much better with the ball against Barnsley and his defending was absolutely brilliant. One special, special block in almost the left back position that stopped a clear goal that would have made it 2-3 with enough time left to surrender the points.
Gunnarsson: Without being great, he added a good measure of composure most times he had the ball in their half. Played in Kebe perfectly for the 3rd goal cross.
- Negative Jeff on form.

[Rex]

Speaking to some Barnsley supporters after the game they stated it would was a culmination of events that led to Davey getting the sack. Four seasons of mediocrity had led to the supporters losing total faith in his abilities. So much so that one of this group of supporters had placed a bet on Barnsley losing 3-1. Decent chat with some reasonable supporters.

To the Barnsley support it couldn't come too soon but how much influence was placed on the U16 element outside the stands.

[rhroyal]

I said after Sheff Utd that if we continued to stick to the slow, passing game religiously we wouldn't win any matches. Glad that Rodgers has seen that too and is playing more direct. I feel like a direct games suits Nunt more and certainly it would suit Rasiak and Kebe and many more of our players. The likes of Matejovsky and Sigurdsson would possibly revel in a more passing team but our squad in general is better suited playing a bit more directly and running into the space ahead of them, as opposed to passing it sideways as they did against Sheff Utd.

[Archies Volley II]

I said after Sheff Utd that if we continued to stick to the slow, passing game religiously we wouldn't win any matches. Glad that Rodgers has seen that too and is playing more direct. I feel like a direct games suits Nunt more and certainly it would suit Rasiak and Kebe and many more of our players. The likes of Matejovsky and Sigurdsson would possibly revel in a more passing team but our squad in general is better suited playing a bit more directly and running into the space ahead of them, as opposed to passing it sideways as they did against Sheff Utd.

Did not see either game so shoot me down if I am wrong but does the above possibly have something to do with the relative positions of the defencive lines of Sheff Utd and Barnsley rather than a change in our approach for the rest of the season?

[Ian Royal]

Long throws smack of desperation and inelegance to me.

Couldn't the same be said of a long boot forward?

If it's a hoof, yes.

[Elm Park Old Boy]

Kebe: Utterly woeful for the first 25 mins - he did a few things that were just terrible what-are-you-doing-on-the-pitch moments but from then on he was absolutely excellent. He ran at players, he squared the ball well when required, he used the space well, he was genuinely quick, his first touch made the penalty and he set up the other 2 goals through a cross and a well smashed narrow angle close range shot. On the day, an impact player and a matchwinner.

The extremely up and down nature of Kebe's performances suggest he is fundamentally a confidence player. So people who genuinely want Reading to play well ought to hesitate before slagging him off so quickly. When he makes a mistake he needs encouragement.

[Ian Royal]

I'm sure confidence plays it's part, but I think it may be as much as case of stupidity, or at least mental deficiency.

The majority of mistakes I've seen him make over the last season or two, have been ones of composure, concentration and decision making, not confidence.

Confidence on seems to come into when he's bottling 50/50 balls, or shying away from making challenges. Something I've seen him do much less of.

[winchester_royal]

At the end of the day, most RFC fans would rather have an average and consistent player, than an inconsistent but potentially brilliant player.

Kebe would always be in my team because he is just about the only player we have who can create something out of nothing. And given that both Coppell and Rodgers have played him whenever fit, it would seem they share my opinion.

[strap]

I'm sure confidence plays it's part, but I think it may be as much as case of stupidity, or at least mental deficiency.

The majority of mistakes I've seen him make over the last season or two, have been ones of composure, concentration and decision making, not confidence.

Confidence on seems to come into when he's bottling 50/50 balls, or shying away from making challenges. Something I've seen him do much less of.

Spot on.

The plank is 25 and as such, in this team, he should be seen as an experienced pro, one to whom the Academy lads will look up to for guidance in times as stress. He is clearly NOT an experienced pro, and on the extremely rare occasion when his awfulness so confuses that opposition that his "contribution" actually results in somehing positive for the team, the RTGs spring out of the woodwork and acclaim him the Messiah!

In this team he is a total and utter luxury, and one we simply cannot afford. In Sir Steve's teams, he was a junior, bit part player, who could (and did), regularly hide. Now he is expected to step up and provide leadership. No chance. He is NOT a footballer and is keeping more worthy causes out of the starting XI.

These are FACTS, not subjective opinions. If he was any good, why was he playing in 2nd div French football when we "spotted" him? Why did he never even play ONE game for his French parent club? Why, when virtually the entire 106 team has been sold off for vast profits, has NOT ONE transfer enquiry been made about him? Simple - he's rubbish. Lens must have wet themselves when squeaky offered £550,000 for him.

People may bleat on about how fast he is, but you will never convince me he has any footballing talent or even brain. Shit, if you want speed, sign up Usain Bolt. At least he can stay upright when he runs.

Enough.

[winchester_royal]

I'm sure confidence plays it's part, but I think it may be as much as case of stupidity, or at least mental deficiency.

The majority of mistakes I've seen him make over the last season or two, have been ones of composure, concentration and decision making, not confidence.

Confidence on seems to come into when he's bottling 50/50 balls, or shying away from making challenges. Something I've seen him do much less of.

Spot on.

The plank is 25 and as such, in this team, he should be seen as an experienced pro, one to whom the Academy lads will look up to for guidance in times as stress. He is clearly NOT an experienced pro, and on the extremely rare occasion when his awfulness so confuses that opposition that his "contribution" actually results in somehing positive for the team, the RTGs spring out of the woodwork and acclaim him the Messiah!

In this team he is a total and utter luxury, and one we simply cannot afford. In Sir Steve's teams, he was a junior, bit part player, who could (and did), regularly hide. Now he is expected to step up and provide leadership. No chance. He is NOT a footballer and is keeping more worthy causes out of the starting XI.

These are FACTS, not subjective opinions. If he was any good, why was he playing in 2nd div French football when we "spotted" him? Why did he never even play ONE game for his French parent club? Why, when virtually the entire 106 team has been sold off for vast profits, has NOT ONE transfer enquiry been made about him? Simple - he's rubbish. Lens must have wet themselves when squeaky offered £550,000 for him.

People may bleat on about how fast he is, but you will never convince me he has any footballing talent or even brain. Shit, if you want speed, sign up Usain Bolt. At least he can stay upright when he runs.

Enough.

You do realise that he set up all 3 of our goals last Saturday????

[Sun Tzu]

Strap you seem to have utterly misunderstood the definitions of the terms 'facts' and 'subjective opinions' !

And whilst of course the 106 side has been sold kebe was n;t part of that so the reference seems rather obscure. We've had no offers for Federici, Pearce or Karacan either but despite the fact that all 3 have been at the club longer than kebe that doesn;t prove they are no good !

[Ian Royal]

I'm sure confidence plays it's part, but I think it may be as much as case of stupidity, or at least mental deficiency.

The majority of mistakes I've seen him make over the last season or two, have been ones of composure, concentration and decision making, not confidence.

Confidence on seems to come into when he's bottling 50/50 balls, or shying away from making challenges. Something I've seen him do much less of.

Spot on.

The plank is 25 and as such, in this team, he should be seen as an experienced pro, one to whom the Academy lads will look up to for guidance in times as stress. He is clearly NOT an experienced pro, and on the extremely rare occasion when his awfulness so confuses that opposition that his "contribution" actually results in somehing positive for the team, the RTGs spring out of the woodwork and acclaim him the Messiah!

In this team he is a total and utter luxury, and one we simply cannot afford. In Sir Steve's teams, he was a junior, bit part player, who could (and did), regularly hide. Now he is expected to step up and provide leadership. No chance. He is NOT a footballer and is keeping more worthy causes out of the starting XI.

These are FACTS, not subjective opinions. If he was any good, why was he playing in 2nd div French football when we "spotted" him? Why did he never even play ONE game for his French parent club? Why, when virtually the entire 106 team has been sold off for vast profits, has NOT ONE transfer enquiry been made about him? Simple - he's rubbish. Lens must have wet themselves when squeaky offered £550,000 for him.

People may bleat on about how fast he is, but you will never convince me he has any footballing talent or even brain. Shit, if you want speed, sign up Usain Bolt. At least he can stay upright when he runs.

Enough.

Please don't claim to be agreeing with me when you spout a load of biased, blinkered, reactionary bullshit.

[Platypuss]

BBC highlights now up:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8229686.stm

[juanpablo]

Strap = best angler in hna history

[Thomas L'Heureux]

Long throws smack of desperation and inelegance to me.

Couldn't the same be said of a long boot forward?

If it's a hoof, yes.

No it couldn't. A decent long-throw comes from the touchline in the opponents' half whilst a hoof forward comes from your your own half, is largely in a straight line with no angle on it, and comes down with snow on it.

Very different weapons. A throw-in is also a set play, meaning there's time to pile the box whereas doing so in open play would be very risky.

[andrew1957]

I'm sure confidence plays it's part, but I think it may be as much as case of stupidity, or at least mental deficiency.

The majority of mistakes I've seen him make over the last season or two, have been ones of composure, concentration and decision making, not confidence.

Confidence on seems to come into when he's bottling 50/50 balls, or shying away from making challenges. Something I've seen him do much less of.

Spot on.

The plank is 25 and as such, in this team, he should be seen as an experienced pro, one to whom the Academy lads will look up to for guidance in times as stress. He is clearly NOT an experienced pro, and on the extremely rare occasion when his awfulness so confuses that opposition that his "contribution" actually results in somehing positive for the team, the RTGs spring out of the woodwork and acclaim him the Messiah!

In this team he is a total and utter luxury, and one we simply cannot afford. In Sir Steve's teams, he was a junior, bit part player, who could (and did), regularly hide. Now he is expected to step up and provide leadership. No chance. He is NOT a footballer and is keeping more worthy causes out of the starting XI.

These are FACTS, not subjective opinions. If he was any good, why was he playing in 2nd div French football when we "spotted" him? Why did he never even play ONE game for his French parent club? Why, when virtually the entire 106 team has been sold off for vast profits, has NOT ONE transfer enquiry been made about him? Simple - he's rubbish. Lens must have wet themselves when squeaky offered £550,000 for him.

People may bleat on about how fast he is, but you will never convince me he has any footballing talent or even brain. Shit, if you want speed, sign up Usain Bolt. At least he can stay upright when he runs.

Enough.

Just for the record we only paid 300,000 euros fro Kebe - about £230,000 at the time. A bargain if you ask me.

[The whole year inn]

I'm sure confidence plays it's part, but I think it may be as much as case of stupidity, or at least mental deficiency.

The majority of mistakes I've seen him make over the last season or two, have been ones of composure, concentration and decision making, not confidence.

Confidence on seems to come into when he's bottling 50/50 balls, or shying away from making challenges. Something I've seen him do much less of.

Lens must have wet themselves when squeaky offered £550,000 for him.

.

I'm pretty sure we paid less than half of that