ViewFromT2

They played attacking football on the front foot, regardless of size....they looked powerful enough to me! Did they sit 8 men behind the ball every week? Did they play 2 holding midfielders at home against every team in the league? Scott Murray only played 22 games Lewis Dunk was the best centre back in the championship, by some distance. Stiff? no idea what that is supposed to mean. Sidwell is 2 years older than Jedinak believe it or not.....but still plays like he's 15 years younger. Jedinak's lack of mobility is excruciating to watch. The fact he has missed pre season should be a huge worry as he won't be fit till January most likely....but Bruce loves him and he will play as soon as he is available.

Unfortunately Kozak coudn't run...at all....even Jedinak would of looked like Shergar next to him. He could finish though, but once he got that injury it was inevitable it wasn't gonna happen for him...shame cos I did actually like him.

5th best defence in league last year. The way we set up, we are never going to concede many. 4th WORST goalscorers in league last year. Only the three relegated teams plus Blues were worse than us. Now looking at the players available to Bruce....that is a very....very worrying stat. Does anybody honestly see that situation improving to the tune of the required extra 30 odd goals we will need this season? Where on earth are those goals coming from? Kodija and Hogan both capable of getting 20 goals individually. However on last years evidence, if they play together they won't get anywhere near that. To even get competitive around the top 6 Steve Bruce has to completely change the mentality and approach of the team. The signings he has made and the evidence seen in preseason games do not suggest he is looking to do that. We will not win enough games by playing cautious football. The evidence is there, just look at the teams that have gone up over recent seasons....they play attacking football and are generally full of youthful, energetic players. They will generally have a 25 goal + striker and a midfield that contributes another 20 odd goals. How many goals do you see our midfield getting when forced to play so deep? We have a pretty tough start to the season in my opinion, and the fact Wyness has already heaped the pressure on Bruce regarding promotion this season won't help. It also means that we have to be up and around those top spots from the get go. Last season proved yet again that its very tough to make up ground in the championship. You need to be in the mix all season. It took an average of 1.75 points per game to reaach the play offs last season, so with that in mind if we are not sitting on around 17/18 points by the time Bolton come to Villa Park on 30 September, than I think Bruce will be sacked.

Hmm....do we though? What's the point? We have a manager that doesn't even attempt to play through the lines. We don't even attempt to get anyone on the ball 30 yards out. He plays a striker (when fit) that does best when creating for himself. We have a manager that buys another winger and ups the crosses into the box pre-season, 6 months after selling the only player at the club that could head the ball. Could go on. For what it's worth, should we ever get a manager in that tries to play the kind of football that requires a number '10', then Jack Grealish is perfect for the role at this level. He doesn't have the pace to play wide but what he does bring is the ability to carry the ball into the final third and he has a terrific eye for a pass. The likes of Hogan will thrive of that service. Unfortunately though, it just isn't gonna happen. I worry about us this season. Teams that do well in this division are full of vibrant youth. Full of pace and power. Full of desire and energy. They also tend to play flowing attacking football. We are nothing like that at all and whilst Bruce has brought in players that he feels will be able to cope with playing for this club....I just don't see them improving us by 30 ish points. It's quite ironic really. Of all the people involved in the first team squad, Bruce himself is yet to prove he is capable of performing his role for such a big club, never mind the players!

Norwich played us off the park.....as did QPR for long spells.

Just jumped in to the thread again, I haven't ready more than 2 or 3 posts on the previous page, but are people actually complaining about the style of football? I may have got it wrong, so apologies if so. There is only one style of football worth playing, and that's a winning style! I've watched us become far more direct AT THE RIGHT TIMES in recent games. When we break up an attack, our first look is to try and spring Kodija or Adomah...what's wrong with that? I've also seen us knock the ball around the back four and through midfield. This is exactly the same style employed by Martin O'Neil. Our best asset is pace up top, if we aren't gonna exploit it, what's the point? Do people want Kodija to come and show to feet in our half? Again, apologies if I've jumped to the wrong conclusions after only reading a handful of posts/replies.

Well of course some will...that's the way it is! I don't think we can look past last summer's transfer dealings and the opening 12 games for an explanation of our predicament. We went pretty much half a season without a midfield! Take half a dozen more points under RDM Huddersfield at Home - Conceded on 86mins. should of won = +2pts Forest at Home - Conceded on 86 mins. should of won = +2pts Brentford at Home - Conceded on 87 mins.Should of won = +2pts and just a measly half a dozen during Jan/Feb and we'd be sitting in 6th now. We were worth a point at Wolves = +1pt 2-0 up at home to Preston and not winning was low point of season = +2 pts We threw away a point at Forest = +1pt to lose to Ipswich at home was unbelievable after playing ok, definitely 3 points dropped = +3pts I know all teams can look back at their seasons with "if only" tinted spectacles, but I really think this season we can justify it. Our current position at the top of the current form table is no surprise and until its mathematically impossible....we have to still believe we can sneak in. After the Newcastle loss (another game where we could easily have nicked a point if you remember the chances we missed)...we were 17th and 22 pts off the paces. A mere 6 games later and we are only 11pts off 6th place. It's unlikely, but if such an achievement was ever going to happen, it would happen in the championship!

I was hugely critical of Johnstone initially. His performances, mistakes, the stats...our results....everything was poor when he came in. But I am glad to have been proven wrong over the the last 6 games. The kid has kept 5 clean sheets in 6 games, made many saves during this spell that have kept us in front in games and to me that shows the kid has bottle, self belief and ability. I won't mind one bit if he is our number one next season. Yes he has a long way to go and certain areas of his game need work, but he certainly has the potential to be a very decent keeper. I really don't understand how anyone can still be critical after recent performances, but each to their own. Oh...and seeing as though some have used this thread as a lever to hammer Bruce....if there is anyone better out there to take us forward, I've never heard of him! I will never understand some fans as long as I have a hole in my arse!

it's all hypothetical obviously, but statistically 75 points has been enough every season bar one in the the last 12. Results Saturday shows that teams in and around that top 6 are not invincible by any stretch. They will all be dropping points on the run in

if we win the last 9 we finish on 75 points....75 points gets you a play off place!

I respect your opinion. By saying they are premier league class are you suggesting both teams will stay up next year with the squads they have? I don't think the championship is all that great to be honest. The two teams running away with it are really no that good, and certainly will struggle in the prem unless they strengthen considerably. ...as we proved down at Brighton by outplaying them for large parts. Also, Sheffield Wednesday have been up in the van all season....and I thought they were awful on Saturday! There is a huge gulf opening between the championship and the Premier League....and despite what you say about the likes of sunderland, I expect them to be competitive in the championship if Moyes remains in charge. Just my opinion ...time will tell!

Gonna be at least 10-12 teams competing for the top 6, as there is every year. The three teams that come down this year will be the first to come down earning more money than half of europe's top division winners! All will be capable of getting back up first time of asking. None of them look in the kind of shape we were in last year....apart from possibly Middlesboro...as they have half of our crap from last year :-) Sunderland will be at the top end under Moyes you would think, and Hull proved last season they are capable of getting up. Keeping that managar will be key for them. I expect Rowett to have Derby at the top end of the table, Leeds, Huddersfield, Reading, Norwich, Preston, Fulham will be up there again (apart from whichever one of them wins the play offs). I expect Warnock will get Cardiff very competitive. Sheffield Utd coming up will always be a tough game for people, and with the likes of Bolton and Millwall looking like possibly coming up too....I think next years championship will definitely be harder than this years. I think two teams romping away at the top all season proves this year is a sub-standard championship. I expect both Newcastle and Brighton to struggle in the prem unless they strengthen considerably.

How come we are the only team playing on Easter Saturday (at 3pm), when everyone else plays Good Friday....then, we kick off before everyone else on Easter Monday? Some teams will get 72 hours between their Easter kick off times, we get less than 48!

Well that's the expression I'm familiar with....but was a bit worried I'd missed out on a new vibe....

What does 'parallels apart' mean?

In a team that scores, on average...ONE GOAL PER GAME! In the championship....so does that make Adomah a good player? Not in my view.....2nd highest scorer and most assists when we're scoring 2/3 per game then yeah you have a point! Forget stats anyway, just watch him play....!

Kodija on the left and Green on the right in my opinion. Adomah doesn't do it for me....When all are fit and well, GREEN - HOGAN - KODIJA might be worth a look.

I looked at the last 10 (or 12 cant remember which) years of tables. Only once in that time was 75pts not enough to finish top 6. That's why I reckon that will be enough....my guess is we'll finish on around 65 ish....which when you consider how many points we have literally thrown away inside the last 10 minutes of games is soul destroying!

Agree with this post. I've highlighted the games where those teams play each other...they can't both win those games This shows that there is still so much to play for...still over a quarter of a season! If we assume 75 points is the magic number for the play offs, the teams currently in those spots need: 3rd Huddersfield (65) need 10 pts from 13 games 4th Leeds (61) need 14 pts from 12 games 5th Reading (60) need 15 pts from 12 games 6th Sheff Wed (58) need 17 pts from 12 games Huddersfield look nailed on for a top 6 spot. However the next 4 games for them are by no means a gimme. Newcastle and us at home then Brentford and Bristol City away. Pretty certain they will secure at least 10 more points this season. They will still be aiming for automatic promotion. Leeds have been a revelation under Monk haven't they? Remember a lot of villa fans didn't want him coming to us after Lambert (doh!)...Obviously hop they win tonight, they are then just 11 pts away. Reading still have wolves, rotherham, wigan and blackburn to play at home, I expect them to win all of those games, and will certainly pick up a few draws as well at least. They are a shoe in for one of the spots. Sheff Wed are probably the team most likely not to make it from the current top 6. 17 pts from 12 is not a simple task. They don't have too many straight forward looking games left, and if they don't beat Norwich tomorrow it could get interesting. So for my money everyone from Sheff Wed down to us is playing for 1 spot. Of the teams above us, there aren't too many that are capable of putting the sort of run together that will be required to snatch 6th place from Sheff Wed if they falter. By default, this may mean the 5pt cushion Sheff Wed currently have will be enough to see them home. Just (for a minute)....imagine if we somehow win on Saturday and then go and get a lucky 1-0 win at Huddersfield on Tuesday....then beat Sheff Wed next week No way on earth we can do that.....but just imagine if we did put what would be 6 straight wins together, could we then start to dream? Certainly we would be brimming with confidence by then and most certainly be the 'form' team in the division. No...of course we couldn't....but....it's not impossible is it? , so whilst there's life there's hope! The last 9 games (after Sheff Wed game) we have 5 at home and 4 away. 3 of those 4 away are against Wigan, Blackburn and Burton.... It's not in my nature to give up. Whilst we still have a chance then we have to believe. Of course the chances are slim...less than slim....but a chance is a chance! I would be devastated if the players and Steve Bruce had given up hope whilst we still had a punchers chance....devastated! Until it's mathematically impossible....then I will always believe we can do it.!

I am one of Bacuna's biggest detractors, never rated him....ever. But the bloke played very, very well on Saturday, and it might just be that playing alongside a proper midfielder in Lansbury, with the protection of Jedinak behind brought the best out of him. He put in a tireless display, and yes, some of his distribution let him down, but always tried to put his mistakes right. He was most definitely out man of the match on Saturday in my view. Shame he is unavailable now, maybe it's time Gary Gardner showed us what he can do alongside Lansbury if Hourihane is unavailable again. There are too many fans that are just too blinkered in my opinion. I'm sure they decide on a performance as soon as they see the team sheet!

He's injured. He wasn't dropped! Dead leg...should be available for tomorrow night.

He's a good player and in the right environment he will prove it. Completely mis-managed last season (as they all were)....but even then you could see he is a player, great passer of the ball, great vision. Personally hope we keep him next season.

To highlight this, look at the two goals Barnsley scored from open play....apologies for the pics, I'm no Gary Neville...but this is so basic.....I really and truly expected Steve Bruce to sort this inept defending out as soon as he came in.... Look at Amavi's position for the cross. No pressue on the ball at all. Cannot stop the cross from 6/7 yards away. It's not even like he was trying to get there, he just runs alongside at that distance if you watch it back. Cross comes in, Baker doesn't know where the 10 has gone. Chester also 'closed' position, but can at least see the Barnsley 10...although too far away to defend him. Any communication you think? Note Hourihane's position relative to Baker and Chester Contact made on the cross. Baker and Chester haven't moved...Hourihane only player even attempting a tackle/block...he made up around 5/6 yards whilst the other two never moved. Look at Huttons body position in the corner there....is he aware of that Barnsley player behind him do you think? Shot on goal....at this point it is possible that Johnstone could of saved the shot (yeah right!!)...had he parried it away across goal....do you think Hutton even now knows there's a player behind him? It's staggeringly bad....no awareness whatsoever. One pic in build up to second goal: We have SIX players all looking at the ball...SEVEN if you include the keeper. Look at the far post, Baker no idea where the man is....if the ball had been lifted across to the far post, it's a tap in! Bar Amavi and Lansbury who are trying to close down, all of those other defenders, plus the keeper should be turned through 90 degrees...so their back is toward goal. This is entry level basic defending surely, or have I discovered a new rocket science? Sorry for the length of post and use of images, but if I can see this (and it's not a new thing)...WHAT THE HELL ARE THE COACHING STAFF DOING MONDAY TO FRIDAY?

Not strictly true...'attacking the ball' is what they should be doing, and we don't....in either box. Nothing wrong with letting a ball bounce if you're first to it and attacking it. Problem is when you're caught on your heels and you just lash a leg at it...Kodija, Elphick, Hutton, Baker, Chester...all guilty of that recently. Defensively we are very poor technically. Look at starting positions, body shape etc when the ball is wide, we are just terrible. Love to know the percentage of goals we concede from wide areas (inc. corners)?...I wouldn't mind betting its up around the 70% mark. Every time the ball is wide we look vulnerable. Our full backs never stop the cross...ever. That's the first rule of defending as a full back. Stop the cross. Then when it does come in our marking is ridiculous. Centre Backs have no idea where strikers are because their body shape is 'closed' not 'open'. First thing we were ever taught....man and ball,....as a defender you must be able to see man and ball. Turn your bodies FFS! For professional footballers, Chester, Baker and Elphick are extremely poor at this basic defensive principle!

If we get shot of Bruce now, we simply must make sure it is the last change for the forseeable future. For me the replacement must meet at least 6 of the following criteria: Proven track record in the championship (to get us out of it) Proven track record in the premier league (to keep us in in) Defined 'style of play' Ability to handle pressure from and expectations of fan base 'Big' personality - in the mould of Ron Atkinson, John Gregory etc Willing to work and develop current squad with little further investment Ability to promote and develop youth players to enhance squad Proven success in the transfer market when needed Not that this is a concise list, but clearly even looking for a candidate that meets only 6 of the 8 requirememts, there are not too many names that fit the bill when you break it down. Unless we can find such a candidate, is there really any point replacing Bruce?