Usualy I'm fairly positive

But tonight I've got to say I'm a bit disappointed. Maybe it's because I was high up in the River end top tier, which has NO atmosphere (plus a sprinkling of West Ham fans who weren't too bad, unlike the t**t next to me). Maybe it's because we didn't look sharp until the second half, and even then were still trying to use an offside "trap" (I think that's the right word) which blatantly didn't work. Both full-backs got exposed due to poor cover or positioning. Maybe it's because it's so depressing watching us being outclassed at times by a team who don't deserve to be in their division and who have arbitrarily become a "big club" at the whim of a rich man. We used to be their equal (or better). But now... If West Ham hadn't tried to walk the ball in a couple of times we could have been embarrassed.

There were some good points. Marshall was excellent, and made two or three top-quality saves. Otsemobor looked handy. Hughes put in a performance of great energy and effort, but s**t passing. As usual. Chadwick looked positive. Strihavka had some nice touches, when he gets going he'll be useful. Brown was excellent and looked a handfull. Croft made a difference as well.

As for the others, for me I'm still undecided about Fotheringham. He looks like he's got a great touch but then misplays a simple pass. Drury is not as dependable as he was. Doherty. No. Cureton was a bit quiet. Russell is a player I've always liked, but his passing...

Ah well. Friendlies mean f**k all anyway.

Incidentally, is Grant trying to reunite the team of '98?

Posted By: APB, Jul 31, 22:57:10