But no explanation has been offered, and it's been a problem since winter.

He was quality in the first half of the season, which is probably why people feel so let down. If he was carrying an injury, you'd think we'd have heard about it, either from Francis himself, someone at the club, or from the usual sources of rumours.

As for the chances of him staying put, well, many of us suspect that he's had a move lined up for some time (possibly to Fulham, given the way he shook hands with al Fayed, Coleman and clapped the Fulham fans) which is why his form has dipped so catastrophically.

A good midfield was essential to surviving and so fans have a right to be frustrated when their best midfielder completely fails to turn up for key games - Sunday was an insult.

For the record, I am far more angry with Bentley than Francis for last weekend's debacle.

Posted By: Ottosson Foxtrot on May 22nd 2005 at 19:55:53

Message Thread

This Francis thing (NCFC) - BB_King, May 22, 19:32:06
- Laziness. (n/m) (NCFC) - KentonCanary, May 22, 19:34:25
- He doesn't look interested (NCFC) - DDiM, May 22, 19:33:50
  - End of the season (NCFC) - BB_King, May 22, 19:37:58
    - How? When? (n/m) (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 19:38:50
      - He was in the team - wasn't he? (NCFC) - BB_King, May 22, 19:43:10
        
        But he did very little in those games ... (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 19:47:15
        
        Since Safri came into the team (NCFC) - BB_King, May 22, 19:53:19
        
        Even when we were still without Safri and Bentley, Francis has been off-key. (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 19:58:03
  - Not really true thought is it, Holt gives 100% and still gets shit... (NCFC) - vstevenson, May 22, 19:36:37
    - People's issues about Gary Holt ... (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 19:40:56
      - Re: (NCFC) - BB_King, May 22, 19:50:14
        
        But no explanation has been offered, and it's been a problem since winter. (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 19:55:53
        
        By the way, it's not "al" Fayed - never has been (NCFC) - BerlinCanary, May 22, 20:19:56
        
        Off-topic perhaps, but thanks anyway. (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 20:22:37
        
        PE is great for that sort of stuff (NCFC) - BerlinCanary, May 22, 20:27:15
        
        Fulham (NCFC) - BB_King, May 22, 20:00:58
        
        I agree in principle, but if he played like a loyal player he'd been treated like one. (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 20:04:41
      - couldn't disagree more.... (NCFC) - vstevenson, May 22, 19:44:08
        
        A lot of the counter-arguments about people slating Holt ... (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 19:51:48
- The lazy nature of his performances, particularly against Fulham. (n/m) (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 19:33:08
  - Fulham game (NCFC) - BB_King, May 22, 19:35:35
    - That's not how I remember the first goal (NCFC) - BerlinCanary, May 22, 19:46:15
      - Don't get me wrong (NCFC) - BB_King, May 22, 19:56:08
        
        Again, my memory is hazy, but McBride certainly wasn't played onside by Helveg (n/m) (NCFC) - BerlinCanary, May 22, 20:12:38
    - Helveg made a schoolboy error ... (NCFC) - Ottosson Foxtrot, May 22, 19:37:45

Reply to Message

In order to add a post to the WotB Message Board you must be a registered WotB user.

If you are not yet registered then please visit the registration page. You should ensure that their browser is setup to accept cookies.