Often Partisan

Return to Action

Birmingham City kick off their pre-season campaign tonight with a friendly fixture away to Cork City. The match against the Leesiders kicks off at 6:45pm tonight at Turners Cross and will be a first opportunity for Clark to see his new signings in action.

It’s also the kit reveal day today; Blues will be unveiling their new home, away and third Carbrini kits featuring Zapaygo as sponsor in a three-tiered reveal starting at 9am. Considering previous years it seems decently early to get it out there – hopefully for those who want to buy it for their holidays it will be available soon.

I must admit, even with the World Cup being on it’s fairly exciting to see the return of club football. It’s going to be an interesting start as Cork City are on a decent run (being in the middle of their league season) and Blues are going to have to hit the ground running to get the victory the fans will be expecting. It’ll be a good chance for players to set an early marker for themselves and with a good vibe emanating from the camp hopefully the new recruits will settle in quickly and show us why Lee Clark was quick to bring them in.

The hope has to be that Blues can start playing well; judging by some comments I’ve seen cynicism around the fans is slowly reaching an all-time high and it will need good results on the pitch to counteract that. I think back to the Hughton season and I think the fact we were in Europe coupled with the good start we made to the season helped people forget some of the off-the-field stuff and get behind the team. It is obvious that the lack of home league wins last season helped contribute to the toxic feeling on the terraces and I think Clark needs to break that monkey from his back early. If Blues magically went on some winning streak would people care so much about the stuff from Hong Kong? I don’t think so.

The Telegraph have mentioned today that the new owner of Leyton Orient Francesco Becchetti previously had an interest in Blues. According to their report the Italian who they say is one of the richest people in Italy, owning Becchetti Energy spoke to BIH but decided on a London team. How serious his interest was I have no idea but i think it’s possible he’s among the people who Panos Pavlakis made a presentation to back in April.

I was also intrigued by the last line in this report by Colin Tattum yesterday which suggested that BIH directors were putting money INTO the club. No doubt it will be scoffed at by those who are convinced that BIH are pilliaging the club for all it is worth but I am sure Tatts wouldn’t have said it if he didn’t believe it to be true. I have long held the belief that the club is nowhere near administration and this would back this up further.

So with nothing going on in the sale, it is time to concentrate on the football. The “real ball” (copyright Steve Bruce) might not be out yet but it’ll be great to see a win – and maybe a goal for one or more of the new boys. Keep Right On!

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280 Responses to “Return to Action”

  • mark says:

    It quiet simple Daniel there will always be fans who have no faith, just pure hate, and yes if the results turned dramatically they would be the first in the line to try, and shout from the roof tops….. Administion is a million miles away but for some they hold on to their dear life’s to account this to be right lol…
    Back to the football would like to try, and return back without any injuries if we can, a win would breed confidence, would like to see Donaldson get off the mark tonight.

    • Art says:

      When will you realise it’s not pure hate it’s just a difference of opinion which you appear never to accept!

      • mark says:

        Okay then your opinion is a million miles away lol

        • Geoff S says:

          Art’s comment seems pretty measured and sensible.

          • mark says:

            What advocating boycotts, drumming up administration, pp bleeding the club dry yeah okay he must be right and sensible lol

          • Geoff S says:

            I’m sure Art can speak for himself. The main thing is, Mark, you, like many, many thousands of others (myself included), have Blues in your blood so why not calm down?

          • Staffs Blue says:

            mark, if you’re trying to promote the owners/board/Pannu, I’m afraid you’re flogging a dead horse. You might not have noticed, but it died about 2 years ago.

          • mark says:

            That might so staffs, they are whether fans like it or not our owners……

          • Steve says:

            So we should all love them then ? The fact that they are to blame for where we are now.The fact that Pannu is bleeding the club dry.And they won’t sell the club so that we can move forward isn’t a reason to hate them ?

          • Geoff S says:

            Fair play to you, Steve.

          • mark says:

            Oh not the players who were on!!!
            Football is a business
            And thirdly hating someone is just plain daff, I bet if you were in the same situation as pp you wouldn’t not take it?? Yeah whatever

          • Steve says:

            Why do you keep blaming the players for having a big wage? That’s what they were offered. Pannu criticised the players for taking big wages,but kept taking his very big salary. Of course i would take it,but i wouldn’t criticise others for it.

          • mark says:

            I blame players who preformance don’t warrant their wages……

          • Geoff S says:

            How about owners who are running the club into the dirt?

          • Steve says:

            what you on about Geoff ? they’re the best owners any fan could wish for.

          • Geoff S says:

            I appreciate your line in irony.

          • mark says:

            Geoff is our club in the dirt? We won outstanding awards year in year out….in running of our club and catering and hospitality, opposing fans enjoyment coming to our club…no administation, debt free!! Wonderful trip to Ireland 5stars….
            Take a look at other clubs ….before you decide we are in the dirt….

          • Geoff S says:

            Mark. Look up the phrase “in denial”.

          • mark says:

            Were you around when ken Weldon was around this paradise…..

          • Steve says:

            Bet your gaffers love you at pay rise time.
            Mark “I want a pound an hour pay rise”
            Gaffer ” How about a 10p an hour pay cut”
            Mark “Done” Ha,that told em.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            The way I think of it mark, 3 years ago, we were in the premier, winning the LC and hiring players like Hleb and Martins. Now we’re in the Champs, with almost a completely different squad (again) with hardly a pot to p1$$ in. So whose fault is that if not the owners?

          • mark says:

            I wouldn’t say exactly not a p#ss in a pot there….otherwise the luxury 5stars hotel in ireland , new pitch relaid, players in obviously a lower wages, personally I have no problems with this myself…..hleb waste of wages just opinion….players yes won a cup, those same players bottled it to avoid regelation. Which imo was the main reason for our demise.Daniel noted several times the biggest vacuum on bcfc was players wages… Once they realised we had gone they wanted to continue their gravy train else where……with or without carson blh have other directors, as for selling the club those decisions are out of our hands…

          • Staffs Blue says:

            That was why a lot jumped ship… or were they made to walk the plank? We couldn’t afford a lot of them, due to the short-sightedness of the owners when drawing up prem contracts without relegation clauses.

          • mark says:

            I am sure there are other teams who probably have done this staffs……..in the past….tbh I never thought we get relegated, it was short sighted by those players equally not standing up and been counted after the euthoria of the cup…..and finishing the job in staying in the prem….

          • Steve says:

            The fact that all the strikers were injured and didn’t play after the final didn’t help. Phillips and Jerome were never going to get the goals to keep us up.Jerome wasn’t always fit either.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            A lot of players did bottle it though. I don’t think bringing in the likes of Hleb and Bentley did morale much good either. I think the biggest blow, was when Scott Dann was injured, it left a limited Johnson exposed against pace.

      • Steve says:

        Art,i don’t know why you bother.

      • Tony says:

        Art don’t bother,
        Some think Mark is a wind up man ,but he does not have the mentality to be. He is genuinely deluded you could brake rocks on his head would make no difference.
        do you remember those irritating little smiley faces at the fairground you used to knock over with a coconut only to bounce back with the same inane grin lol, well hes had one to many hits.

  • Staffs Blue says:

    Lee Clark will get the chance to try out combinations of players, looking for partnerships and new tactics, but tonight will mainly be a fitness excercise. As he said, they’ll provide us with a good test, being halfway through their season. I wouldn’t put too much store on the result.

  • Staffs Blue says:

    Lee Clark has confirmed that “discussions have taken place between clubs over Tom Adeyemi, through agents, but insists Blues do not need to sell.”

    Hmmm..watch this space.

    • mark says:

      Let’s hope there is no need to sell, this player will IMO will get better only playing for bcfc…

      • Staffs Blue says:

        Lee Clark said it would have to be an “astronomical offer” for him to leave the club….. but we’ve heard Pannu say similar in the past, so I wouldn’t put too much store on that.

        • mark says:

          Well if I suppose where was a 3 or 4mil offer is that eye popping!! IMO the player best served staying with us..
          This will come down to tom excerising his rights if he wants to go…
          The main mill stone as been removed so maybe there is no need to sell……

          • Staffs Blue says:

            I suppose if he gets an offer from a Prem club, you couldn’t blame him… but Cardiff? He might as well stick with us than go sideways.

          • mark says:

            Absolutely in agreement it would be sideways staffs, Clark is nurturing him , if he plays 40-45 games under his belt this season, and does extremely well where could be chance a prem team would come knocking….

          • mark says:

            Also with players coming in should put a little pressure on him to carry on performing to his high standards.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            That’s what he needs. There was no one to push him last season.

          • Steve says:

            It won’t be a sideways move at this moment in time.We can’t compare ourselves to Cardiff.If he goes to Cardiff then there is a good chance he will be playing in the Prem next season.

        • Raymondo says:

          Anything that can increase the Peter Pannu pension fund will be extracted from the club. “Be gone thou foul pest” (think that’s from Shakespeare) Anyway, KRO regardless.

  • mark says:

    With backbone in defense and midfield we should not just fall over lol

  • Staffs Blue says:

    I would have Hall and Gunning as the centre backs and play Edgar as the defensive midfielder, allowing Duffy, Gleeson and Cotterill to press forward.

  • mark says:

    Randolph, gunning hall, Edgar
    Duffy gleeson cotterill brown
    Novak
    Clayton/Thomas

    Don’t you love a bit of fun..

  • mark says:

    Interesting what formation Clark starts with tonight for me be bold 352 let’s brush those cobwebs off…..

  • williammorgan says:

    Well I have faith in this squad of players ,but I will never except the fact that people with a corner shop mentality will ever be good enough to run Harrods…zigic and Burke’s wages paid for the first teams wages and yet there was still a cut in the wage bill ,disgraceful , pannu once stated that he will do what’s best for the club,well the best thing for the club is for it to be sold so why isn’t it ..with me I have risked walking across steel girders in the course of my job …have been lucky to escape injury from two explosions In foundries I have worked in …and people expect me to support HongKong shareholders in manner in which they are accustomed…..IDont think so…….nice to see blues fans talking football again..I personally think using 1striker is self defeating ,to get 80 goals to have a chance of promotion you need 2 working together…unless you have Rinaldo in midfield or lampard,
    ……………….,…,…..Randolph
    Eardley gunning……………….Edgar…grounds
    ……………………….adeyemi.
    …….Duffy….,.,gleeson………..cotterill
    …………Donaldson…..novac

    • Staffs Blue says:

      I’d go: Doyle, Eardley, Hall, Gunning, Grounds, Duffy, Edgar, Gleeson, Cotterill, Thomas, Donaldson.

      • mark says:

        Staffs I noticed doyley in your lineup I must admit again there does need to be pressure on players this season, doyley does deserve his opportunity if it arises.

      • mark says:

        Otherwise Randolph thinks its too easy…….

        • Staffs Blue says:

          He makes ricketts, then blames everyone else. I don’t think he should be automatic choice.

          • mark says:

            On the upside staffs he made some maginicent saves, single handed kept us in games, + not knowing who his defense might be , first season in the championship………

          • Staffs Blue says:

            As I’ve said before, he’s a good close range shot stopper, but he has a major fault with long range shots/free kicks. And he’s weak above his head.

          • mark says:

            I don’t think anyone could have stopped cotterill goal lol

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Take a look back over the season on You Tube or Facebook and you’ll see what I mean.

          • Geoff S says:

            Maybe Nick Townsend deserves a chance in these close/pre season games.

          • mark says:

            More the merrier Geoff each player will play to better standards if they know someone else is behind breathing down their necks

          • Geoff S says:

            There’s another young goalkeeper called Preston (I can’t recall his first name) and he may be another name for the future.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Callum.

          • Geoff S says:

            Thank you.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            He’s very highly thought of. I definitely think he should be involved in this pre-season.

      • AdamTrueBlue says:

        What chance does LC have with so many different views on formations and who to play where, lets see who plays well with whom first in some quality friendlies. KRO

        • Staffs Blue says:

          This is what I alluded to earlier. He needs to find combinations, mainly in central defence and central midfield. Other than that, he just needs to find the right partner for Donaldson.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            I’d say 4-4-2 at home and 4-5-1 away. Stick to those and get used to them.

  • mark says:

    Hi Daniel any clearer picture with regards your book with the printers??

  • Geoff S says:

    Has anybody seen the new “third” strip yet?

    Here’s one for those who can remember back to the early 1970s: Bring back the “German flag” change strip – it was a belter!

    And how about either plain blue shirts, plain white shorts and plain blue socks or plain blue shirts, plain blue shorts and plain white socks for the proper strip?

    • Staffs Blue says:

      Absolutely ‘king dreadful! I wouldn’t clean my bog with the new third kit.

      White shirts, shorts and socks, with a blue trim. That’s what we need as an alternative.

      • Geoff S says:

        Orange and blue ain’t easy on the eye and I’ve never been a fan of this “third strip” business.

        • Staffs Blue says:

          Never needed three strips in the old days… even with B&W telly. We just need a normal blue shirt, white shorts and blue socks at home… and white shirts, shorts and socks, with a blue trim away. I can’t think of a reason why we would need any other strip/colours.

          With this new 3rd strip, we’ll only need black shorts and Gavin Gunning will feel right at home!

          • Geoff S says:

            Great sentiment, Staffs. I agree with what you say.

          • Geoff S says:

            Let’s hope Blues will rarely have to wear this “third strip” job and put the whole thing down to “slightly tacky merchandising job”.

            The plainer and more traditional the playing strip, the better.

        • Steve says:

          No need is there. Extra sales that’s all.

      • Geoff S says:

        Staffs Blue.

        It was not by accident that Real Madrid selected an all white strip. Blues are more than a little different to Real Madrid but there is a certain amount of psychology involved (including avoiding wearing “naff” strips).

        I do recall Blues playing a cup of home cup matches in the 1960s and 1970s when they played in all white. Chelsea in 1968 (which I wasn’t at) and Huddersfield in 1972 with 52,500 present. Blues won both games and I was at the Huddersfiled game – it was marvellous.

        • Staffs Blue says:

          I’m a traditionalist Geoff… I believe we should always stick to club colours when possible. Our colours are blue and white. I can see no reason why we need any other colours.

          • mark says:

            Glad we not got tan from Cardiff lol

          • Geoff S says:

            I can certainly agree there.

          • Steve says:

            Pretty obvious Staffs,it avoids clashes.That will probably be the cup kit anyway,so we might not see much of it. On the Blues youtube page you can see a player wearing it and it don’t look too bad.

          • Geoff S says:

            To be fair, Staffs did say “..stick to club colours when possible”.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Blue will clash mainly with blue… so you wear all white. When we play the likes of Leeds, we wear blue.

            There’s going to be some who like it obviously, but sorry Steve, not for me.

          • Steve says:

            I reckon the home kit will be mainly Blue shirts.I think they’ve done the penguin to death over the last few years.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            They should have done what they did a few seasons ago and give the fans the choice. I didn’t actually like the kit that was chosen (too much like a rugby shirt) but it was chosen fairly. Didn’t hear many moans that year.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Could I have Saturday’s lottery numbers too please? :)

          • Steve says:

            8 11 23 26 31 39. Keep em to yourself though.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            ^^^ Keep em to myself? Bit late now mate ^^^ lol

          • Chris W says:

            I can’t understand that unless the colours clash why we need to change.
            My first kit was all blue with two white rings round the collar and three white rings on the cuffs of long sleeve shirts.
            Johnny Schofield, Brian Farmer, Graham Sissons, Terry Hennessy, Trevor Smith, Malcolm Beard, Mike Hellawell, Jimmy Bloomfield, Jimmy Harris, Bryan orritt, Bertie Auld. Not a sub in sight
            KRO+DNM

  • Richard Granfield says:

    The third kit may grow on me! The combination of orange and blue seems odd. Orange and grey or silver go together well, but not orange and blue.

    • Staffs Blue says:

      I’ve just looked at the home and 3rd kits side by side. They would both be better if they swapped the shorts. See what you think.

  • Matt says:

    the third kit looks horrific, cabrini is the worst brand on the planet.

  • dave mann says:

    it will take time to get use to the 3rd strip of orange but looking forward to what the home and away tops will look like later…..cork will be a test for us but pick to different 11s for each half and give eveybody a game, a clean sheet and a couple or three goals will do very nicely then roll on forest green which ime looking forward to going to next tuesday. KRO.

    • Staffs Blue says:

      Lee Clark has said that, other than the goalkeeper, no player will play more than 45 minutes (barring injury.)

      • mark says:

        He taken 24 players so he will need to see all of them in action, some of the clips in training look really good….

        • Geoff S says:

          With so many new players it will obviously take time for them to “gel”. Perhaps 15 games or even more.

          • mark says:

            Certainly Geoff this why it may take other 7 players to step up to the plate…. Maybe asking 18players to perform week in week out…hopefully avoid injuries especially long ones…..only matt green four weeks away….I suppose we just wait see how the team gels IMO…….

  • mark says:

    Away kit at 12noon home kit at 2pm shown on bcfc website wow getting excited…..kro

  • ian says:

    another way of looking at it is,
    colin tattum is intimating that the club is not generating enough income
    you are saying if a business sells all its major asserts, loses at least 50 percent of its income, and the owners take out a second mortgage to prop up that business, until the sun comes out again, whilst attracting little or no concrete interest in new buyers because of the complex nature of dealing with the HKSE, BHIL, and pannu.
    is no where near admin ?

    lets hope they do win tonight, it might fool some into believing in fairies,
    but in the real world, i believe all interest in buying the club will now dry up.

    pretty crap kits under the “kumars” also

  • Geoff S says:

    Ian.

    You said you believed “all interest in buying the club will now dry up”. That is a very bold statement – on what do you base your conclusion?

    • ian says:

      trying to raise investment for at least two years,
      club now requires the board to take money out of their own pockets to exist
      entire playing staff made up of bosman signings,
      BIHL involvement, meaning it is not a straight forward football club purchase,
      BHIL insisting in the sale lasts 2 years, whilst they diversify,
      complications of HKSE investigation
      accounts published at least 6 months late for the past 3 years,
      previous owner a convicted criminal,
      dwindling crowds, low season ticket sales,
      and god knows how many more complications due to dealing with Pannu,
      do you want any more reasons why i believe any sane prospective buyer would prefer to deal with the banks and administrators ?

  • Staffs Blue says:

    Away kit red and white. Bit like a penguin kit only in red. Maybe the home kit will be blue penguin then Steve.

    • Steve says:

      Hope not Staffs.I’m fed up of the penguin now. Blue shirts and shorts with white socks hopefully.

      • Staffs Blue says:

        I’d love blue shirts and shorts with white socks. Back to the old days. After all, we are The Blues.

        • Geoff S says:

          That was the first kit I ever saw Blues play in, Staffs. I also think the penguin kit should now be shelved.

          As for red change strip, it is OK but not with white sleeves.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            I remember the likes of Trevor Hockey, Ron Wylie and Barry Bridges in that kit.

          • Steve says:

            Even TF started in that kit.

          • Geoff S says:

            Jim Herriot, Ray Martin, Colin Green, Ron Wylie, Brian Sharples, Malcolm Beard, Barry Bridges, Johnnie Vincent, Fred Pickering, Geoff Vowden, Trevor Hockey was the line-up. That was a decent side.

            This is a bit of a Memory Lane, B9 job.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Decent, it would wipe the floor with any of today’s Champs sides and a lot of the premier. The skill in that side was phenomenal.

        • dave mann says:

          blue shirts with white trim, blue shorts, white socks…thats what we want staffs, totaly agree. KRO.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Exactly. We’re The Blues, we’ve always been The Blues. We always will be The Blues! KRO

  • Richard Granfield says:

    I like the away kit in red and white. It is modern and will be used against all opponents who play in blue such as Ipswich and Wigan.

  • Staffs Blue says:

    McCormack gone to Fulham for £11m. :-O

  • Steve says:

    Home kit looks pretty good.All blue shirts.I’d have liked blue shorts and white socks

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Home kit looks great. All blue shirts white shorts…….Very traditional!

  • dave mann says:

    very happy with the home kit…definetley buying that one, my son will have the away one and the misses can have the orange kit. KRO.

  • Chris W says:

    I am more likely to believe Colin Tattum than some of the other reporters who claim this and that are happening. If it is true where is the money coming from?
    On the footballing front, the players are probably eager to show what they can do and impress LC and his staff before coming back and showing the fans they are up for the task.
    It will be an excellent confidence booster if they get anything from the game, Cork are already up and running with their season so may ease off in fear of injuries.
    It will be a good marker to see how the lads are shaping together after only a week together.
    I might be old fashioned but still like to see the Penguin kit, I must say the new kit looks the bee-knees, not sure about the orange though, definitely not my colour.
    KRO+DNM

    • dave mann says:

      cant see us wearing the orange kit to many times anyway to be honest chris ,
      maybe wear it for evening kick offs during the winter so the opposition can see us!!!. KRO.

      • Chris W says:

        Might have been useful had we been playing the smoggies on a foggy Tuesday night, so can’t see it being used. At least we will know where you are when the wife travels…
        KRO+DNM

    • Chas says:

      Having seen the picture of them on Facebook, they look OK, Orange Kit included.

    • Staffs Blue says:

      Reading what Cork’s manager has said on bcfc.com, it looks like they might be playing a few fringe players, so might not be up to full strength.

      • Chris W says:

        Going easy on us then, should still be a good run out regardless the result. A win would be good for morale but working together has to come first over glory in friendlies, try things out, especially set pieces.
        KRO+DNM

        • Staffs Blue says:

          Yes, agree. As I said earlier, combinations are important, centre of defence and centre midfield are the priorities… the spine of the team. We were dreadful down the middle last year, a very soft underbelly.

          • Chris W says:

            Not surprising considering the swapping and changing.
            Whoever gets the nod should play in all preseason games with the odd switch in second half.
            Hopefully Novak, Donaldson can forge a partnership.
            KRO+DNM

  • river says:

    I think the 1st time ever I have really liked all 3 new kits well done designers KRO

  • mark says:

    Mc lovely quote in bm “it is somewhat insulting for their qualities and desire to play for blues that this should be sneered at”…………..well I definitely don’t sneer I say welcome lads, and give it your best shot ………..kro

  • Staffs Blue says:

    Looks like we’re going with a 4-5-1 tonight.

  • Staffs Blue says:

    An audio link for the game from the Blues Wall. Not sure I’m allowed to post this, so feel free to delete if inappropriate. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cork-city-live-match-streaming

    • Shirley Blue says:

      2-0 up. Don’t know who got first but Caddis got second.

      • Chris W says:

        3-0, Robinson, caddis and Novak, I think the scoreline was a little flattering but a win is a win. A decent run out with all out players getting some minutes under their belts.
        KRO+DNM

        • Staffs Blue says:

          According to reports on the Blues wall, we played well. Hall and Cotterill stood out. Apparently, we had 19 shots (9 on target) to their 2 shots (1 on target.) ATT: 1,114 (approx 100 bluenoses.)

          I was just about to listen to the audio when my internet went down. Came back on half an hour ago. >:[

          • Chris W says:

            I listened to the link you gave, not the best I must admit. But you are right it was pretty one sided which surprised me. I thought it would be a tough start for a friendly. Can only be good for morale and confidence.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            From all reports, we looked really sharp for this early in the season. So the trip has been worth it so far.

          • Chris W says:

            Thanks for the link Staffs, the commentators never got excited, sounded like a couple of guys in the pub.
            It was all Blues though and they hit the post twice I think while their keeper made a couple decent saves too.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Sounded like Donaldson was unlucky with his diving header off a post be flagged off for offside.

          • Chris W says:

            He seemed to put himself about a bit, but don’t want him scoring too early as long as he does it when it matters. It’s not as if he doesn’t know where the net is.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Absolutely. Save them for when it matters most. Just spend pre-season getting used to his new team mates. The goals will come.

  • mark says:

    3-0 novak overhead kick 89min that do me

  • mark says:

    Really pleased for Doyle 90 mins under his belt…..

  • mark says:

    Not sure why Thomas didn’t get a game……great move by Clark playing caddis in cm position…….

  • Shirley Blue says:

    I think we would have given the Germans a tougher game than Brazil. Unbelievable.

    • Chris W says:

      Never saw that coming, but I think the Brazilians have not been that good to be honest.
      KRO+DNM

      • Shirley Blue says:

        They should stop it now. It’s painful to watch.

        • Chris W says:

          If it was a boxing match they would have thrown the towel in by now. All Brazil can hope for is damage limitation and hope to put some pride back.
          KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Getting closer to a European winner again. Surely it has to be at least 6 by the end.

          • Chris W says:

            Argentina haven’t looked that sharp really so it could be an all european final, I fancied the Belgians but Germany will do me.
            The only thing left for Brazil is saving face now, no good trying to chase the game unless they believe in miracles, and they have been far from sexy this world cup.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            1-7. The Germans were brutal and efficient. Only thing with the Germans and Dutch… they hate each other. Could be a foul and dive fest. Would be a repeat of the ’74 final.

          • Chris W says:

            Wouldn’t have been much different with the Argies and Barges, I mean Brazil.
            Both Germany and Holland are very technically adept, I think it would be too close to call, maybe the Argies can out do the Dutch but the way they have played so far I doubt it.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            I’m expecting a Euro final. Apart from Messi, the Argies are nowt special.

          • Chris W says:

            I agree, the Dutch have more fire power, but if Messi turns up he can demolish teams on his own, I think the longer the Dutch go without scoring they will more at risk to Messi.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            They need to stay close and try to push him away from goal. Let him know he’s in a game.

          • Chris W says:

            Not sure that will work, Messi only needs the slightest gap, and he has very quick feet too.
            If the Dutch worry too much about him then the Argies will hit them. Best if they play their own attacking game and make the Argies worry about RVP and Robben.
            KRO+DNM

          • Geoff S says:

            Some, but not all, of Argentina’s players may dive a bit but using the term “Argies” sounds derogatory and a little xenophobic.

          • Chris W says:

            I am by no means xenophobic and it was not meant in a derogatory way, in fact it has been used on both BBC and ITV coverage by various pundits.
            It was just meant as a little light-hearted banter, if I offended I apologise.
            KRO+DNM

          • Geoff S says:

            Isn’t it Argentina?

          • Chris W says:

            It is.
            KRO+DNM

  • Staffs Blue says:

    The German’s are Brazilliant!! Said I fancied them from the start of the WC. You can never bet against them.

  • Raymondo says:

    Easy win for Blues tonight against Cork who are doing well in the Irish League. It augers well! One in the eye for some our perpetual moaners and groaners! Smart kit as well. What the well dressed football supporter will be wearing this season. KRO! And I’m not a “Happy Clapper”.

  • Raymondo says:

    I think Brazil are so bad that Pele could come out of retirement and do better!

    • mark says:

      with one leg Raymondo and he still would have scored…lol

    • Staffs Blue says:

      Unfortunately Raymondo…. REAL world class players are much rarer than the media would have you believe… when you consider the likes of Pele, Garrincha, Eusebio, Didi, etc, real class and I doubt we’ll ever see the likes again. The closest these days is Messi and Ronaldo, but that’s not a lot.

  • Staffs Blue says:

    Squad numbers released on BCFC and in the BM. 8 of the first 11 are new players. Wonder if that’s significant?

    Also in the BM, analysis of each of Blues new players last night.

    • dave mann says:

      played very well apparently and deserved our 3-0 win, i said yesterday a clean sheet and a couple or three goals win would do very nicely and so thats the case, ironic that the goals were scored by the ” old” breed but the new players geled in nicely so thumbs up from me. KRO.

      • Staffs Blue says:

        Looks like the wingers were very prominent. I had to laugh, I read a comment somewhere (can’t recall where now) where someone said Cotterill was good first half, but faded in the second. LOL

        • dave mann says:

          must have faded that much that he didn’t come out in the second half cuz he was subed…..don’t you just love these so called experts…do my fruit in to be honest. KRO.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            You have to wonder what planet they’re on!

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Just watched the highlights on YouTube. Duffy and Cotterill are a breath of fresh air on the wings after Burke’s stop-start-stop style.

          • Chris W says:

            To be fair Staffs, anything would be a breath after watching Burke last season.
            Looking like they can do a decent job, just hope Donaldson can get on the end of their crosses.
            Nice to see Robbo pop up with a goal.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Robbo’s was a strange header, with him ending up on one knee. Still, they all count. :)

          • Chris W says:

            LC has put some weight on this summer, don’t think he is planning another run down the wing next May.
            Thought it uncanny how much Duffy looks like Burke, seems to have faster feet though. Caddis seemed a little apologetic but will take a few of them this season.
            All in all a promising run out.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            It looks like Caddis will be used as the attacking part of midfield. It’s hard to argue with Clark, as the guy has scored in his last 2 games. Not sure how significant it was that Packwood was used as a right back again. It could be Eardley will be first choice, with maybe Packwood as back up.

          • Chris W says:

            Early yet though, these games are to see who can do what, be interesting to see the line-up v Mansfield but more importantly Callie as that will probably be his first XI.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            He should have his first XI sorted by the Callie game. Hopefully.

          • Chris W says:

            If he hasn’t we will be in deep mire.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Well, as I’ve said a few times in the last week, LC must know he has to get it right this season… or it could be a very miserable Xmas… for him.

    • Chris W says:

      Is it significant that their is no No 19 or was that number retired, also no squad number for Koby Arther this season.
      Listened to the commentary last night and the BM report is a good summary.
      In all a good workout but it will be tougher when the season begins.
      KRO+DNM

      • Staffs Blue says:

        But a nice steady build up, getting partnerships bedded in and form and fitness up. According to all reports, we looked really sharp for so early in pre-season. It looks like Lee Clark has learned from some of his mistakes last season. Long may it continue.

  • Staffs Blue says:

    Amari’i Bell has gone to Mansfield on a youth loan until 3 January 2015. But there’s an instant recall clause.

    • Staffs Blue says:

      Apparently, he’s been given permission to play AGAINST us on 19 July. Be interesting to see how he copes with the likes of Duffy.

  • beegeeblueboy says:

    We have to make sure that we play to
    Donaldson’s strengths, which appears to be running at players with the ball or
    running onto balls play behind defenders. He’ll be wasted otherwise

    • Staffs Blue says:

      I think, in Gleeson, Duffy and Cotterill, we have three players now who can pick a pass. We didn’t have that the last few seasons. I’m sure all three are capable of threading balls through for him to move onto.

      • Chris W says:

        Unlike last season we have options, strike down either wing and whip crosses in, play through midfield with Novak/Donaldson/Thomas/Green running on to through balls. We have height for set pieces and corners and we have variations in selections and formations.
        LC needs to be confident, let the team settle and tweak when necessary. Hopefully we can keep injuries to a minimum this season and Robbo will not have to take so many yellows for the team.
        I am really looking forward to this season on the pitch more than I have in the past couple of seasons.
        Still not setting goals too high, but don’t think we will struggle as some, including me, first feared.
        KRO+DNM

        • Staffs Blue says:

          Last week, I looked at the squad, and came up with this team.

          Randolph
          Eardley Hall Gunning Grounds
          Duffy Edgar Gleeson Cotterill
          Donaldson Novak

          (I only picked Randolph because he’s the No.1 at the moment. I put Edgar as the holding midfielder, because he spent last season in that position for Burnley.)

          • dave mann says:

            randolph
            caddis edgar gunning grounds
            duffy adeyemi gleeson cotterill
            donaldson novak
            nearly agree staffs but you cant leave caddis and adeyemi out in my opinion but you cant play more than eleven at a time so my worry is that lee might get up to his own tricks of tinkering with positions and players to try and get the balance right, once hes decided he must play is best eleven at all times in all league games and not changeing for changeing sake…..but my fear is that he will and that he will play to the opposition and not saying ” heres my best team try and beat it “, thats the mentality i want to see this season. KRO.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Thing is dave, I think Clark has proved that Caddis is a better midfielder than he is a full back. He’s pretty limited defence-wise, but he’s been one of our best players in that advanced midfield role. So, if you play him there, who do you leave out? I’m glad Clark is paid to make those decisions.

          • dave mann says:

            its great to have that problem though but as ive said weve got to have a more consistent eleven and play our best team no matter what the opposition or weather its home or away. KRO.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            I think that the thing we must remember is that everyone is going to have a view on which players and which formation to use. Yours will differ from mine, which will differ from Steve’s, which will differ from Tony’s which will differ from OP’s, etc etc. In the same way, Lee Clark’s will differ from ours. So, until one of us gets paid to do the job, there’s only one person’s opinion that counts… Lee Clark’s. He’ll stand or fall by those opinions.

  • Staffs Blue says:

    Just read that Lionel Messi did not touch the ball in the penalty area during the entire 120 minutes of Argentina v Holland. See, nobody’s perfect. ;)

    • dave mann says:

      crap game, bored me to sleep to be honest. KRO.

      • Chris W says:

        I wrote a thesis towards my Psychology degree that I have put off during the world cup.
        Can fault what you say re LC and his ways, if anything needs to change this season is his ability to stick with his best XI and only change when needs to, i.e injuries or if he is setting up differently for away games.
        I’d like to see 3-4-3 with the new guys, take the game to the opposition for a change.
        KRO+DNM

        • Staffs Blue says:

          Centre of midfield is going to be the main question area. You said earlier, you can’t leave Adeyemi or Caddis out… but Caddis is playing much better in that slightly advanced centre midfield role. SO that would leave Gleeson out. Decisions decisions. What would your line up be for 3-4-3? I would guess that you’d be playing Duffy and Cotterill either side of Donaldson up front? Could work I suppose.

          • Chris W says:

            I never said a word, that was Dave Staffs. but since you ask.
            Randolph,
            Grounds Edgar, Gunning,
            Duffy, Caddis,Gleeson, Adeyemi,
            Donaldson, Novak, Cotterill

            Play Caddis down the right with Duffy, as he did with Burke, he could cover in defence, Gleeson and Adeyemi in the engine room of midfield in front of Edgar, Donaldson up front with Novak and Cotterill.
            Mind you I’m glad I don’t have the headache….lol
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Sorry Chris, stuck it in the wrong place. :)

          • Chris W says:

            No worries, we seem to be on the same song sheet, just hope LC is :-)
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Have you watched the webchat videos on the Blues Wall, with LC answering questions today? There was one question to do with having a settled side.

          • Chris W says:

            Some interesting comments, I do hope he keeps a settled team. I just wish he would sound a little more confident and enthusiastic when he gives interviews.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            I think he’s more of a thinker than a media talker. But, that doesn’t bother me in the slightest. It’s better than listening to a manager for 10 minutes and being no wiser when he’s finished. One of our former managers used to leave me cold during interviews, so much so, that I used to turn the tv over when he was interviewed… because you knew what the answer was going to be to every question.

          • Chris W says:

            Maybe thats his problem, he thinks too much.
            KRO+DNM

          • mark says:

            I Personally think that Clark takes overview from everyone, then put his own stamp on things….. This why with have a new number 2 and number3. I believe with his previous coaches they were tired and swore out , and Clark has seeked fresh ideas… Yes I have always been a pro-clark supporter. He is due a stunning season so my fingers are crossed, and it could not happen to a nicer guy……

          • mark says:

            What I saw on bcfc TV of the cork game, players at least found another player in a blue shirt I shouldn’t lol. As staffs mentioned 19 attempts on goal which might had taken blues five games to mustard that imo . it freshing to see more attacking on both flanks …..Donaldson looks lively… The 24 players look like they are all up for it, which can only bode well for us fans watching….

          • Chris W says:

            Couldn’t agree more Mark, they created chances and listening to the commentary it could have been more. Bit more game time and understanding should see a few more chances converted.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            5 more games before the season starts, hopefully, we should be gelling quite nicely by then. Roll on the new season.

          • dave mann says:

            we will certainly know by 5 pm on august 9th coming back from middlesbro if things are bodeing well….our record there is not good so 3 points there would be a great start no dought. KRO.

          • Chris W says:

            As has been said on here many times, he has the players he wanted so this is make or break. If he don’t succeed this season I doubt he will be Blues manager next season.
            I have been vocal towards him and some of his selections, but I also said he deserves the chance. I hope he succeeds for all of us. Success this season has to be sitting comfortable, mid table anything higher is a bonus.
            KRO+DNM

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Chris, being honest, I think if we’re in or around the bottom 3 by Xmas, the board will scrape the money together to pay him off. I’m convinced of it.

          • Chris W says:

            Before Xmas Staffs, give a new guy chance in the window.
            I wouldn’t mind betting they already have an idea who they want before the season starts.
            KRO+DNM

          • dave mann says:

            that goes without saying chris to be honest. KRO.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            Fair comment Chris. I think he was that desperate to get back on track, especially that elusive home win… he started to over-think everything. I suppose the job Is easy though when you’re not the one paid to do it.

          • Chris W says:

            Ran a very successful Sunday league team for many years, that was stressful enough and never got paid either.
            We are all desperate to see the back of our home form, can’t wait to hear the crowds reaction when we get two on the bounce.
            KRO+DNM

          • mark says:

            There every probability that he sorts out our home form, and our away form stutters…. If he get both going we are in the play offs…just thought

          • Staffs Blue says:

            I think if the home form improves massively, an average away record will be easier to take.

          • dave mann says:

            if the home form improves slightly it will be a massive difference from last season, if the away form improves slightly it will be a very good season under the circumstances. KRO.

      • Staffs Blue says:

        I could only stand half an hour. I knew there wouldn’t be more than one goal in it at the most. I didn’t miss much.

    • Steve says:

      Staffs,did you put those lottery numbers on that i gave you ? £25 win.

  • mark says:

    Argentina all the way, messi swan song the final might be a dull game….had Argentina to win from the start …..

  • Staffs Blue says:

    I want Germany to win. Another notch on the European bedpost. :)

    • mark says:

      We agree to disagree staffs lol

      • Staffs Blue says:

        Germany have been my tip from the start. No reason to switch sides now. ;)

        • mark says:

          May the best man win :)

        • dave mann says:

          if Germany win then the world cup then the tornament will be beter for it, if argentina win with a one man team like the 1986
          maradona team then its been a disappointment…..or does it show just how good messi is ? .KRO.

          • Staffs Blue says:

            There’s no such thing as an unplayable player. It all depends on the player charged with keeping that player quiet. Now, in the Premier, or La Liga, Serie A, etc, players get all the time in the world to receive the ball, control it, look around and decide what he’s going to do. Most players can play under those conditions. But in leagues like the Champs, League 1 and 2, you don’t get anywhere near that kind of space. That’s not taking away the fact that Messi is probably the best in the world.. but stick him in the lower leagues and see how he fares.

            As for the World Cup, well for me, it’s often Us against Them.. Europe v Sth America. I’ll back Europeans teams everytime. :)

    • Chris W says:

      I think the Germans are the better team collectively and they seem to have hit form just at the right time.
      Argentina have spluttered along as did Brazil, both teams thought they would coast to the final, with the help of a few dubious decisions.
      As my grandmother was German I have to go with them.
      KRO+DNM

    • Geoff S says:

      Germany probably will win but, let’s face it, when could England reasonably be expected to win anything major on the football field anytime soon? England are by no means a bad side but they currently lag a good way behind the likes of Germany, Netherlands and maybe also Argentina and Belgium.

      As for Brazil, if they ever recover from what Germany did to them the other night in Belo Horizonte, they may come good again but they are nothing like the side they were 10 or 20 years ago. Marcelo? How about the one who played for Blues a few years ago? Nothing special but at least he put in a shift.

      • dave mann says:

        this as been a world cup of very good sides but none of legendry status, I think England are not as bad as what were making them out to be and if Germany win it they will have a few premier league players and player from other clubs in Europe who are not world beaters and
        would struggle to get into the top 3/4 teams in the premier, FACT. KRO.

      • Chris W says:

        England need to do go back to basics and restructure the set up at both national and club levels.
        They need to address the number of foreign players in our Premier league has to be a priority and clubs have to assist the national team manager in releasing players.
        It is time to ditch the current squads old boys and develop a team of hungry new lions who will be around for the next 2 or 3 world cups.
        KRO+DNM


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