- Home
- Birmingham City
- Current Squad
- Adam Legzdins
- Jonathan Grounds
- Paul Robinson
- Ryan Shotton
- Maikel Kieftenbeld
- Robert Tesche
- Stephen Gleeson
- Clayton Donaldson
- Diego Fabbrini
- David Cotterill
- Rhoys Wiggins
- Che Adams
- Lukas Jutkiewicz
- Viv Solomon-Otabor
- Jacques Maghoma
- Greg Stewart
- Jonathan Spector
- David Davis
- Michael Morrison
- Tomasz Kuszczak
- Paul Caddis
- Development Squad
- Academy
- Ladies Team
- Sophie Baggaley
- Alex Windell
- Meaghan Sargeant
- Jess Carter
- Kerys Harrop
- Freda Ayisi
- Kirsty Linnett
- Bella Linden
- Andrine Hegerberg
- Abbey-Leigh Stringer
- Melissa Lawley
- Charlie Wellings
- Chloe Peplow
- Rebecca Lloyd
- Connie Schofield
- Emily Westwood
- Cheryl Edwards
- Corina Schröder
- Ashlee Brown
- Coral-Jade Haines
- Aoife Mannion
- Ann-Katrin Berger
- Out on Loan
- Former Players
- Boards and Advisors
- Appearance Data 2014/2015
- Current Squad
- Factfiles
- Series
- Sponsorship
- Website Info
- Social Media
- Contact Me
Johnstone Signs
Blues yesterday completed the signing of Denny Johnstone for an undisclosed sum of compensation from Celtic, signing the 19-year-old from Celtic on a three-year deal. Johnstone becomes the second signing in the past week following the capture of Navid Nasseri and the eleventh of the pre-season.
Johnstone represents a significant capture for Blues – firstly, as the only player in this close season to have cost Blues a fee to bring him into the club and secondly as the one of the few players at the club to be on a contract longer than two years. While the fee to bring him in is undisclosed I’m led to believe that it was in six figures and that there are add-ons to that as well.
Like Nasseri, he’s not a player I know much about. There does seem to be some excitement around him however, and I would expect Blues wouldn’t offer him a three year deal if they didn’t see a massive amount of potential there. He becomes the fifth striker in the squad, competing for a place with Matt Green, Clayton Donaldson, Wes Thomas and Lee Novak – and one would hope that with a decent selection of players for forward areas that the competition will drive players on to play well this season.
I’ve felt more positive about Blues now than I have for some time and signings like this underline it; unlike Caddis last season which was funded by the sale of Foday Nabay to Fulham coupled with the savings on Marlon King’s wages this one seems to have been funded by money that the club had in reserve – which adds to the impression I’ve been given that the club is doing okay money-wise and that fears (and weirdly hopes) of some fans that the club will go into administration are unfounded. It’s also another signing where a player has specifically come to us over other clubs because of the staff and the culture within the club; while I would agree that Clark’s record as manager is patchy he is similar to Steve Bruce in that he gets the club and can “sell” it to players to encourage them to come to us rather than other teams. One of the biggest things I admire about Clark is his passion for the club and if he could translate that onto the pitch this season I’d be happy with him in the role for the foreseeable future.
I would assume that would be the end of our signings now but I’ve been a Blues fan long enough to know never to say never; that assuming things is a great way to look stupid so I’m not going to say we will definitely not sign anyone else. That being said the squad looks in good shape now and barring a left-footed left winger I can’t see where we could add to it; furthermore with all barring one player being ours we’re not in danger of important components being recalled halfway through the season if they play too well. July has been a good month – let’s hope August sees our first home league win since last October.
Tags: Denny Johnstone
122 Responses to “Johnstone Signs”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
All very positive and I wont berate you for that. I look forward to your blog following the sale of Adeyemi.
You make a very good point here!
tbh every player in this team has a price tag except hall….little diamonds
Well it is encouraging and I can’t argue that Lee has a passion for Blues. However I would temper any thoughts of anything other than a tough season ahead – for me avoiding relegation will be enough
Great goal! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sowJhT_fks
Oh yes! Let’s have some of that!
I’m waiting for the sting which I’m sure is just around the corner!
I feel it is another good signing, and my thoughts are that BCFC will be surprising a lot of people this season, I do not agree with avoiding relegation is enough, Lee Clark and his team have to be brave and courageous and go out for 3 points in every game, spill blood sweat and tears if you have to, lets not forget, most of these new players have something to prove and also to show potentially bigger clubs they could be stars of the future. But for now, The Blues are their future, do not waste the opportunities presented, and lets hope the fans get behind the team from day one of the season, a win at Middlesbrough will be a fine start.
I think your right, to grant LC a bit of credit for his hard work this closed season…. It must take significant time to organise these transfers…. Long list, short list, scouting, conversations with players, agents , clubs… Medicals.. Etc… Whilst lots of us have been away for some sun…
I feel confident we will stay up this year and I think it’s clear that Lee Clark does not have the sharpest of footballing brains… But he seems to genuinely care about this club! … He seems to be able to spot talented players for free, and if he can instil team spirit … Into this team of rejects and mercenaries … Then who knows… We might even reach the top half of the table… Which given the situation at the end of last season would make Lee Clarke manager of the year…
Agree he’s done a good job and that’s why he’s paid over £350k pa and who are these talented free players he’s spotted….I’m intrigued?
lets wait and see Art before we pass judgement on his 10 first team signings ( I don’t include nasseri in that ) .. we haven’t paid any transfer fee except compensation for johnstone and £350k per year for a manager at a top club is nothing when you think van gaal earns that in a fortnight…lets hope these signings are talented and then were in for a season most of us were not expecting…it should be very intriguing!! KRO.
Who do you class as “mercenaries” Darren? We have definitely had players in the not-too-distant past who could be described as such….but now?
Fair enough, I just figure that most modern players are mercenaries… You don’t get many staying with their clubs through thick n thin…. As some of our new signings apparently had better financial offers and still chose to come. I guess that is a little unfair….
Darren mate;, You are ” big enough ” to concede your slight error, — so all’s well, Eh ,?.
Agreed.
If Johnstone has commanded a 6 figure fee it means we have acquired a new striker for the equivalent of a couple of weeks of Zigic’s salary! A striker who is nearly 15 years younger than Zigic and with bags of potential.
i make it that we have 24 what I would call first team squad players now and that’s great work from lee clark and a credit to him after the exodus in may so well done,
2 goalies, 8 defenders, 9 midfielders and 5 strikers…..this season cant come quick enough for me and avoiding relegation like last season might be enough for some fans but ive got a sneeking feeling we might do slightly better than that…were see!! KRO.
Every single player I’ve seen, or read interviewed have said they’re focussing on the top half of the table, or even the play offs. I don’t think we should, for one moment, discourage the confidence the players seem to have in themselves and the management, in fact, we should wholly encourage and support it… starting this Saturday.
I agree, this Saturday lets generate the Bolton Atmosphere, 2 reasons, welcome the new lads and celebrate coming through a pre-season in a far better position most of us thought possible.
KRO+DNM
Hear hear!
2 reasons we wont generate the bolton atmosphere……1, we dont sing or get the support we do at away games and 2, its a friendly and blues dont generate enough passion for games with nothing at stake so i applaud your optemism chris but it aint gonna happen mate……middlesbro the saturday after well thats the game to be at if you want the bolton experience…that will be loud. KRO.
Dave – problem at home last season were the mostly dire performances. The team need to get the crowd stirred up, which by and large they failed to do. Notable exceptions were Swansea and Stoke in the Cup, and Millwall and Burnley in the league – I disagree when you say we don’t get the same level of support at home – it just needs a catalyst that’s all!
I’d add Sheffield Wednesday to that list. But I do agree, the players have to give the fans something to cheer about, football to get them off their ars*s and on their feet. That’s what I’m hoping for.
I must admit even when we lost away the team kept fighting and giving the fans something to hang on to.
Everything about the matchday experience was different away from home, always the expectation we could get something. We lost that at home and once one goal went in the heads dropped, in the dug-out, on the pitch and in the stands.
KRO+DNM
I do agree with you dave, but it would be nice if we have some party atmosphere.
Either way it should be a fair crowd and hopefully some decent football.
I am still trying to get out of some Birthday event but I can’t see me getting to the smoggies game.
KRO+DNM
it come down to the mentality of the home fans, hopefully most of them have had a good summer, fabulous sun, bought a new shirt…… clean slate, leave the toxic atmosphere outside the ground….Enter the ground with a feeling of a new dawn, new players,bye bye to the old ones….all on equal footing, playing for the shirts, new diamonds ready to polished….lets welcome the re-birth of the blue boys………………
to right staffs, if the players think that then who are we as supporters to say hold on a tick lets keep it real….ive been to three pre season games so far and we look far better than last season, clean sheets, attacking football, strikers scoring….I truly hope that this squad can shut all those up who fear the worst and will be very interesting what the comments will be like if after 12 games were in the top 10 because from what ive saw there more than capable…..but then there still find something to moan about wont they!! KRO.
As I have said before, 10/12 games should be a bench mark for all concerned.
If we are still struggling and languishing around the lower places something will need to be looked at and acted on.
If we are in the top half then look at how we can push on in the January window.
Realistically, if we want to rid ourselves of BIHL we need the support and e comfortable around mid table.
I don’t think we would want promotion with BIHL hanging round our necks.
KRO+DNM
Chris would you refuse promotion on the grounds blh are still with us??
No, we would earn promotion on merit obviously.
My opinion is, I would much prefer to go into the Premiership with a body that will invest and use any money wisely with a long term strategy.
Unlike BIHL who seem to muddle along with no plan A and no signs of real investment.
I’m a bluenose who wants to see the club competing with the best and not just making the numbers up for one or two seasons.
KRO+DNM
Sometimes you cannot put a marker on time blues could win the first six out of 10, then their season could fall a part…
For me this season is about the whole season then take stock at the end of season….these players need time this why they were given two year contracts…..this has been look at for the long term of bcfc …….
I have to disagree on this Mark, yes we could win our first 6 games and then nose-dive, but you have to assess the reason and action upon it or, like last seasons home record, it will become a bigger problem with no solution.
You wouldn’t have a damp water pipe and leave it without assessing it and waiting till it burst.
During the pre-season friendlies LC has tried different formations, tactics and partnerships, he now has a week to decide on the best for the game against Middlesbrough and I would expect the team to start against Callie will be the closest to that starting line up when the season kicks off.
Hopefully that will be a success, but even so I am hoping that the players get a run to prove themselves before LC decides things need changing.
Even then only tweaking and not wholesale changes or square pegs in round holes like last season.
KRO+DNM
Most fans I have spoken too generally think mid table is acceptable…again Clark would have done himself justice… Kro
What we need is stability, if we can obtain that and sit comfortably mid-table come December then with maybe a couple of additions we might push for higher, but with players stepping up to the championship I would be more than happy with a mid table finish come May.
If we did manage to be the surprise package and reach the Premiership we could not survive with another close season of Bosman signings or frees from the lower divisions, we would need serious investment by whoever owns the club at that stage.
KRO+DNM
Not managed to get to a game yet, but I’ll be there on Saturday. I can’t wait to see our new squad in action. They’ve looked very good on the highlights.
My first look was at County on Tuesday and was impressed, I have a feeling the Callie game will be our toughest test. Either way it will be a good game.
They have played 8 friendlies and like us remain unbeaten, though they were beaten last night in the North Scotland cup, but that is usually for the reserves.
KRO+DNM
you can only beat what in front of you, but collectively the players the coaches the manager are all singing from the same hymn sheet……the defense regardless who is playing there are working their socks off to be in that Boro game..
I dont miss burke glad he gone because he didn’t to stay and play in a blue shirt….Notts game we were more clinical lovely….
the moaners wont stop its ingrained into them lol
Some may see “moaning” as critical thinking and entirely justified frustration aimed at BIHL. I have yet to meet a Blues fan who did not want the best for the club.
2,500 at kidder and 680 at notts county they are listening staffs lol they just got to move the spin out the way lol
I share your optimism and I can’t wait for the season!
Another good bit of business by Clark but I don’t think we should get ahead of ourselves too quickly. Looking at who we have signed I think a mid-table finish isn’t unrealistic but I still feel it’ll be a struggle at times this season and a positive string of results at the start of the campaign are needed to keep the ‘Clark out’ brigade off his back. Roll on Boro away.
Had a look at the Celtic fan forums, Johnstone’s departure didn’t seem to ruffle to many feathers, other than a few comments about him showing potential and wishing him good luck. We’ll just have to see if he’s another Jordan Rhodes in the making.
I think it’s interesting to compare Clarke’s signings back in pre-season 2012 with 2014. In 2012 he didn’t seem prepared or even feel the need to gamble. On paper he had inherited a team that had reached the play-offs, and in taking on Mullins, Lovenkrands and Ambrose who he thought were proven at this level, would provide the quality needed to challenge for promotion once more.
In 2013 he seemed intent to bring in Premiership quality using the loan system, which, as we learnt to our cost, backfired on him when the layers were recalled from their prospective clubs.
Neither really worked for him, and so we see a new strategy to pick up players from lower leagues who show potential and have a point to prove, AND blend in the raft of talented youngsters we have at the club. I know his hand is forced somewhat due to finances, but for me this has to be the best policy of the three from a long term perspective. Ironically, it’s because of our financial problems that players like Gray, Reece-Brown, Bell, Hancox, Reilly, Packwood et al have been given the chance to blossom, and I wonder if this had been the case would we potentially have lost them?
I’ve been a fierce critic of Clark these past three years, but I do think this experience has developed him as a manager as well. He’s not going to win manager of the year next season, but I for one at least, am slightly more optimistic!
IIRC, at the time Clark joined us, we were under a transfer embargo, which lasted until just before the season started. So he had to bring in players quickly and he brought in experienced players who, as you said, “he thought were proven at this level,” and to be fair to the guy, we all felt the same about those signings. But, hindsight is a wonderful thing.
I too am far more happy with his signings this summer than I was the previous 2 seasons.
Agree staffs these signing are amazing considering where we could have been….whats consigned to history……..happy days here they come…lol
What I do is remember the good seasons and forget the bad ones. You can’t change anything, so why worry about it. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s game. I’ll be seeing the new players in the flesh for the first time. I hope they do us proud.
I wonder what the chances of winning manager of the month a few times……
Not a lot. We get overlooked for those kind of things usually. Manager of the month, player of the month. I’m surprised when we get man of the match!
Not forgetting that those who usually do win it suddenly find themselves holding the poisoned chalice.
I’ll settle for mediocrity and diligence without the pomp.
KRO+DNM
I think I’m with you on that one.
tbh chris lee deserves all the accolades he gets, putting poisoned chalice aside……
Couldn’t agree more. With all the adversary he has faced, hands and feet tied together, rugs pulled from under him and the occasional door slammed in his face, he still managed to run along the touchline last May.
I was just stating the proverbial, let him win manager of the season next May.
KRO+DNM
We have had an excellent pre-season with all the new players seemingly slotting into the Lee Clark style. Obviously you can’t read too much into friendlies, it is when the real games start that the players will be judged, as will LC this season. I don’t think he will be given the same tolerance if things start to go wrong, but he also has to stick with some consistency.
Denny Johnstone comes with high regard which obviously shows in that he has been offered a three year contract. Trying not to rain on anyone’s parade, but despite the high earners who have left the club, where is the money for investment coming from?
Is the last parachute payment still available or are the rumours true and it has already been spent.
Either way Blues are in a far better position than two months ago and looking good for the season.
Let us hope that the good build up transfers to the real games from 9th August.
KRO+DNM
Hasn’t our preseason been just a little soft? Ten minutes of Middlesborough attacking Eardley could undo all the confidence building
maybe he wont be playing? KRO.
Julian.
Your question about whether or not Blues’ pre-season has been a little soft is a fair one. They will be up against better teams week in and week out once the season starts in earnest but all the new players need time to “gel”.
I agree we haven’t had too severe tests, but we have had a lot of time to get all the new lads gelling. We lost Eardley and Green very early last season and never really recovered, hopefully we will be better equipped if we do suffer injuries or someone doesn’t step up to the plate.
I don’t think that we will roll over as we did quite a few times last season and I doubt we will be as bad at home either.
To be fair I don’t know a lot about eardley and not sure he will be the automatic choice to begin with.
KRO+DNM
Eardley looked good at Kidderminster. What has happened to Matt Green? With no pre-season, he will need to go out on loan for sure. Not pleased with Koby Arthur going on loan. Looks better than Redmond at the same stage.
Matt Green is still a few weeks off fitness from his injury last season, may well go on loan to get him up to speed.
I was surprised with Koby, but may well do him good as he will be getting more game time since both Reece and Damaria have shown what they can do.
KRO+DNM
In you opinion would it have been better to send Reece and Damaria out instead?
I think to be fair to both players they are in the squad on merit, I think Koby would have been but with the two wide men that LC has bought in competition is going to be fierce and so Koby was probably the best option.
KRO+DNM
Now is the time when we are able to put the various signings to the test, !!.
We, MUST NOT, judge to soon, Until the x’mas break, is needed to give everyone a fair chance to prove themselves, Manager, Coaching staff, and of course, — the players, !!.
Players yes,Clark has had long enough to prove himself i think. He needs a good start.
Steve;, I take your point, Tactics, etc. Getting the way of playing, [ as they have so far ], should be the key, providing he stops playing ” Tinkerman “,
I reckon 10/12 games should be the benchmark for everyone.
LC seems to have taken on board most of the criticism from last season regarding the swapping and changing and the board have given him his own players this season.
Not overly optimistic but the signs are looking promising that we wont have a repeat of last season. From Middlesbrough on our destiny is in our own hands and I am really looking forward to the season ahead.
KRO+DNM
Chris W;, 10 or 12 games covers just August and September, old mate. I think it fairer to give an extra month or two, ?.
After all, !!. We cannot do anything until January anyway.
I’m thinking more if LC hasn’t addressed his problem with tinkering and we are languishing in or too close to the bottom 3 then maybe a new manager will be needed.
I did say that 10/12 games as a benchmark to see where we are, that is a quarter of a season. I would hope by then everyone is fighting for the cause and we are sitting comfortably mid table or higher.
I take your point we can’t do anything till the Jan window but if LC is still floundering then it would be better to look at what we can do earlier rather than later, maybe even have a new man in.
I hope LC does us proud after the constraints he has had to work under, I have been quite critical over the past two seasons and would love him to prove, not only me, but all his other critics wrong.
KRO+DNM
I read that Ravel Morrison has been charged with assaulting two women. Deary me. It makes you wonder what’s wrong with some of today’s players. Too far up their own egos most of them.
He’s been held in custody for a week.What a waste of talent.
The only manager who’s been able to rein him in so far, is Lee Clark. I think Clark’s options were possibly ‘behave yourself, or you don’t play.’ He got the message eventually. Ferguson, Allardyce and Redknapp all gave up. I thought it was a strange message that came from West Ham’s board the other day though, something along the lines of, “He’s not part of Sam’s plans, but he’s very much part of the board’s.” What price Big Sam being the first for the chop this season?
I’d have him back tomorrow. Ironic that the trouble was in salford,the place Fergie wanted him away from. I think redknapp had a bit of success with him and said he would love to keep him. Unfortunately we didn’t see enough of him at Blues. But clark doesn’t like players that have a bit of personality. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
I don’t think it’s that tbh. I think it’s the fact that players need to toe the line. I totally agree that you can’t let one or two players get away with things, or it breeds discontent. It’s time young players manned up and accepted responsibility for their actions and behaviour.
They should man up i agree,but Clark doesn’t like players that like to have their say and i agree there should be discipline.But Clark doesn’t like players that stand up to him.
I don’t wish to be rude… but where’s the proof? I’ve been reading things like that for the last 12-18 months, and I’ve never seen a shred of proof.
I’ve been accused of making stuff up before Staffs. One day it will all come out.
I’m not accusing you of anything Steve.. I just wondered if there was any proof. I would never just take someone’s word on something like that without some evidence at least. I’ve said it before, I’ve not heard a word of criticism from any players, past or present.
As for players standing up to managers, the likes of Ferguson and Mourinho don’t stand for any b*llocks. You never see anyone criticise them for it.
Fergie and Jose have earned respect in the game.You never hear them criticising their players in public,it’s usually kept in house.Clark has done publicly,especially with Zigic,who wasn’t to blame for their altercation.
I think Morrison will be at WHU long after Big Sam
The board and Sam have already had a fall out over him haven’t they? The board want him but Sam doesn’t.
Must be pretty serious to warrant a week in custody before going to court and remanded.
The FA, PL and FL should start bring charges of disrepute and kicking players out, it happens in some sectors if you tarnish the name of a company or it is dragged up in a court of law.
KRO+DNM
He assaulted the one woman twice. Thing is Chris, there are no morals in football. If West Ham get rid of him, somebody will sign him. As I said earlier I would have him back tomorrow. We all supported Marlon when he was scoring goals. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
I’m not one to sack a player just because of misdemeanors… however serious. But… and it’s a big but… a player has to show some remorse for the crime he’s committed and make a conscious effort to turn things around. Morrison needs to be careful, he’s had a lot of chances so far. Wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up abroad somewhere.
I used to work at MG Rover.If you got into any trouble,in or out of work and they found out they would investigate and if thought it was bad enough,say Police were involved,they would sack you. Because he kicks a ball for a living,he shouldn’t be treated any differently to the rest of us.
steve , i think you will find that wouldnt be legal anymore , unless it was part of his contract.If he was unable to “work” for an extended period (in prison for instance) then they could get rid of him , but again only in accordance with his contract .This would most likely see him being paid up for the remainder of his contract.
Everyone deserves a second chance. But a third, fourth? Not in my book. As I said, a person needs to show some remorse and a willingness to put it behind them, or do one. Simples.
The reports I have read involved two women, one was 39, believed to be the mother.
That is why I said the FA, FL and PL should stop them playing, and stop condoning such actions, regardless who they are or who they play for.
He may well be the next Messi, but he is also in a position of “role model”, what signals does that send out.
KRO+DNM
I don’t get all this role model stuff. I certainly didn’t have a footballer as a role model,neither did my sons. The only way to stop it is to stop treating them differently to anybody else.At the end of the day,football is their job. If they assault somebody on the field,charge em.It’s time they realised that they are nothing special. No more,one rule for them and one for everybody else. Apparently both women were assaulted,but he assaulted the one woman twice.The assaults were a few hours apart.But as i said earlier,fans are to blame as well,because if its one of our best players,we forget about it because he’s making us a better team.
I never had a footballer as a role model either, if I had it would probably have been Bertie Auld, who I believed smoked and definitely enjoyed a drink or four.
Whether he assaulted a woman once or twice is irrelevant really, he has committed a crime and therefore should be punished.
If you drive for a living and are found guilty of a crime you will find it very difficult to get a driving job, the same in most industries these days with CRB checks.
Hit players where it hurts most and stop feeding them £££’s, and remove them from the limelight.
KRO+DNM
dunno about messi , he is definitely in a mess .
Nice one… :-)
He is probably WHU’s equivalent.
KRO+DNM
Far too much money and time on their hands.
If they are to be paid such astronomical wages then it should be put in trusts until they retire, just give them a fixed salary to live as normal folk do.
KRO+DNM
i think anyone of us could have come into a plie of money when we were young men ,without needing to what he has been charged with .The money is just an excuse , micheal owen was a rich young man but he didnt get into any trouble .
Michael Owen, TF had the world at their feet, invested their money wisely, but they had to earn their money. The young players today earn more in a month than the average man in a year, I wish I had that lifestyle.
KRO+DNM
Chesterfield 3-1 Aston Villa. Walsall 2-3 Leicester.
Just goes to show, no matter who the opposition are, you can only beat the team in front of you.
And who was the team up against the not-so-mighty Chesterfield again?
I feel that Lee Clark & Co are restoring dignity, passion and community spirit into the Championship game. We could be the surprise package of the season! I really believe that.
Caution has to be the watch-word.
Always err on cautious Geoff…just a little cautiously optimistic on this season!
the more I read your messages the more I wish for more bluenoses like you mate. well met.
Thanks Brumigem..good to e-meet you too! BTW I still have an old vinyl LP ‘Brumigem Ballads’ . I drag it out whenever a few Sydney ‘noses come around for a barbie. Well there’s this Baggies supporter who comes but they’re okay with us eh?
aussieblue you do for me lol
Hehe…we’ve got ‘bromance going on here! Late night Mark?
just returned from sunny cornwall…..love to catch up… and we are on a roll, no goals against in 360 mins lol….the moaners must be having a ball..lol
I wonder our final home game clark plays 442 excites the crowd two wingers two strikers go get them lads, a team that could possible face boro in a 451…..
Denny could play on Saturday against the cals…..
It was nothing to do with that at all. It was to do with a practice game against the kids. The kids were 2 up after 10 minutes. The first team complained about the tactics and clark blamed Zig. the team stood up for Zig but Clark wouldn’t have it and dropped him.
Two strikers and two wingers sounds positive or even try 3-4-3 and really take the game to the opposition.
Well done to the lads home hoodoo sorted …..bring on the boro..pleasant afternoon..
A good workout, pity their goal came from a goalkeeper error, definitely think Colin Doyle should be No1 this season, Randolph should have made that cross his and if he is going to punch then use his height and momentum to go through the players and the ball.
Good to see Denny Johnstone get a run, looks promising for the future, overall a decent game, Callie certainly asked more questions than Notts County did.
Lets hope they can take this into the real game next week.
KRO+DNM
agreed with your comments there Chris, shame Randolph error marred a good workout by the lads. IF these errors do eventually cost blues games in the future imo Clark will have no choice but to drop him.
The goalkeeper coaches need fine tune him a bit more, unless there a fault there that cannot be rectified ? What i like about Clark he has thrown a challenge to johnstone to get in the first team knowing he could be 4th choice? I wonder if clark might be interested in Graeme Shinne because i was also impressed by this player only 22, also captained his side gave a good account of himself imo.
I agree with Graeme Shinnie, he was instrumental in nearly everything that Callie created.
Randolph was making the same errors last season and doesn’t seem to have improved, his ball distribution was erratic too at times.
I would certainly start Colin Doyle, even if it is to give Randolph a kick up the proverbial and tell him he isn’t guaranteed No1 spot this season. He definitely cost us some points last season and we cannot afford that as I don’t think we will be so fortunate next time to have three teams worse than us.
Looking at the other teams and some of the business they have done makes this league more open and difficult to predict.
All teams are going to need to be consistent and tight, points are going to be very hard to come by IMO.
KRO+DNM
Too right,he should flatten everybody in his way to get something on the ball.Even his own players.He showed no commitment coming for that cross.
Friendly or not he should be committed, every game you are playing for your place and own personal satisfaction. I hated conceding a goal in the pre match warm ups.
KRO+DNM
I think it needs a home league win to say the hoodoo has been broken.
More than two in the first half of the season at least.
KRO+DNM
tbh chris brighton will be a great tonic, the way blues a have gone about their pre-season has been in good vibes.
The main source of enjoyment is the fans are behind them….
Nothing would give anyone great pleasure than winning at home, from pre-season i believe we will see more positive football at the stans…….
Brighton will be a good test on how far we have progressed, we lost 0-1 last season on the same saturday. They looked promotion candidates and were in with a shout for most of the season.
KRO+DNM
i personally dont think these new players will be hung up too much about this…
But the supporters won’t be so forgiving this season if we don’t get a couple of early home wins.
I think they will be calling for LC’s head if the current home run persists.
KRO+DNM
chris of course you will have your headhunters there, they are there every game lol
i win or draw at boro will set the tone for our season..
I hope clark will set the tone in our home matches and play 442 and take the game to our opposition, who may set up shop for a draw…..sticking my neck out here we will win more than two at home this season lol
I think we will win more at home this season, the early pre-season signs are for a more attacking style, if the lads go down fighting it is not so bad. Too many heads dropped last season after conceding a goal which quickly followed another.
I’d be happy with a draw at Middlesbrough given our recent record up there, then two wins and a draw at home would give us the impetus to move forward with confidence. Ipswich have always been difficult opponents, so that would be the draw.
KRO+DNM
I don’t either. Most of them wouldn’t have been involved last season. Its us lot that are gonna have it in the back of our minds. Unfortunately our first 2 home league games are tricky games Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device