[Archived] Rovers v Brentford: 17th March

[blueboy3333]

Fair play to brentford, they were quicker, more determined and far better with the ball. Pritchard was excellent for them. It reminded me of the Derby game where we had our chances but were generally outclassed. We looked pedestrian (not for the first time) in comparison to them. We sat deep and tried to hit them on the counter, without having the pace to do it. Only when Spearing came on did we start to get a bit more control in the midfield. Like against Derby i think Bowyer picked the wrong team. Cairney should never play in a midfield 4 against a passing side who play 5 in there.

Steele - Fantastic save in 1st half to keep the header out. Kicking was poor on a few occasions and had no chance with the deflected 1st goal. Not sure about 2nd or 3rd, where they his fault?

Henley - played well, looks a lot stronger these day, quick and defended well.

Spurr - Slow and cumbersome. no surprise 1st two goals came down his side. we missed olsson badly.

Baptiste - thought he was excellent. reads the game very well. hope we sign him.

Kilgallon - decent enough but his passing was poor.

Taylor - thought he played well, looked sharp and strong, great finish.

Cairney - he's good when he has the ball and can slow the game down and get the team passing but i was watching him last night and he is a lazy sod. He spends most of the match walking around slowly and the Brentford midfield passed the ball round him at ease. He was also weak in the challenge on a couple of occasions. He played better when Spearing came on and he had more of a free role and started getting at their back line and making forward passes.

Evans - the enigma, tidy on the ball but never really seems to do much with it. Compare and contrast Judge and Pritchard who were always looking to pass forward.

Marshall - the enigma pt 2, a couple of good runs in the 1st half but spent most of the match with his head down. not sure if this was injury-related or he was just not arsed.

Gestede - great goal then disappeared. another lazy so and so. Rhodes was closing down their back line and pointing at Rudy to do the same on more than one occasion and Rudy just didn't bother. Rhodes just shook his head and looked v @#/? off. This allowed Brentford to pass it out from the back with ease.

Rhodes - worked his nads off but didn't get any service. One of those games he looks very slow because he spends the match chasing lost causes and doing Rudy's running. He deserves better service.

Subs -

Spearing - thought he did well when he came on. we started to get the ball a bit more and start going forward.

Brown - worked hard but never got in the game.

All in all disappointing. Beaten by a better team. Credit to Warburton, would love to watch his brand of football at Ewood.

If we do sign anyone in the summer they need to have PACE and work HARD. You can't carry passengers in this league. We also need to learn to pass the ball quicker and with purpose.

[Amo]

Judge is a skilful, industrious little player. Bowyer was a mug to let him go.

[Jimmy612]

Agree with most of what you say Jbn but on the player front I would say Marshall has been dreadfully disappointing after being on fire early in the season. This goes back to GB in my view. We need a manager who can get players like Marshall and Conway playing NOT at their best for only six games a season as opposed to playing their best six times a season.

Secondly, worrying about whom the owners might or might not appoint is not a valid reason in itself for keeping hold of GB if it is felt he isn't the right man for the job.

It's a completely valid reason for keeping hold of GB. Select your preference of manager from the following, Simon;

Steve Kean

Henning Berg

Michael Appleton

Gary Bowyer

Whilst it's quite clear that Bowyer is not the best manager around, it could very well be argued that he is certainly not the worst. 18 managerial casualties in the Championship this season, and there aren't many from that list that I would want to replace Bowyer.

We of all teams should know that one poor appointment can leave a club in the mire - Paul Ince and Steve Kean are examples of that in the last 8 years - both took over very capable PL squads, and by the time their tenure was over both had left us in a right old pickle.

Not to say that a thorough and complete managerial selection process wouldn't garner a good fit for the club, but with this lot in charge there's a good chance we'd be looking over our shoulder rather than looking upwards come this time next year.

Be careful what you wish for.

[K-Hod]

Judge is a skilful, industrious little player. Bowyer was a mug to let him go.

I was very disappointed we let him go, he always looked busy and we played him out wide, when for me if he'd played 'in the hole' behind Rhodes, it would have been hugely beneficial for the both of them and the team.

With the benefit of hindsight I'm sure some won't want to read their comments at the time on Judge now.....

[K-Hod]

Also, on my way out last night (I watched injury time from pitchside in the Riverside), some guy went right up behind the linesman giving him stick (it happens), but then threatened to stab them!!

Though he had a bad game imo, I thought the stabbing threat was a bit far!!

[Boz]

I perversely quite enjoyed the game, well I enjoyed watching Brentford, how refreshing and such a different approach with so many options.

Besides considering the shortcomings of a number of our players last night who under performed, none more so in my opinion than Tommy Spurr, I wonder whether our coaching staff consider if they all had their A games for this match? Gary Bowyer, Terry McPhillips, Tony Grant, Craig Short, John Keeley - were you happy with your contributions? Did you get your tactics right, did you do your homework on the opposition before the game, did you react to how they were set up on the night?

When we get played off the park and out thought by little Brentford the question must be asked why.

Perhaps just have a look at the corresponding Who's Who on each club's website..

http://www.rovers.co.uk/club/whoswho/ and then on Brentford's http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/club/whos-who/ . Let's find our own Frank McParland as a Sporting Director to get our football club functioning as it should.

[Lancs Rover]

The transfer embargo is the elephant in the room.

[Tom]

Fair assessment blue boy I love the way Brentford approach the games, little things like from a kick off they surge into the opponents half running with the ball, we (and have done for every manager I can recall) do the stupid rugby style punt into the corner.

They don't have better players overall but play with an intent which makes them deadly.

We could have the same here with olsson and henley as attacking wing backs and the likes of Cairney, Marshall, King, Rhodes in front but it's just not the way we play.

I honestly thought the first half last night looked like two promotion contenders going toe to toe then the second half was just terrible again.

[EgyptianPete]

It has been mentioned that Warburton changed the team tactics at half time, we went in 2-1 up and had got out of jail, this was then when Bowyer should have also changed personnel and team tactics as we were wide open, but what does he do, well the sum total of nothing, everyone could see that tactics need changing but not Gary, this is why he is not a manager, dosent seem to learn, the team dosent look fit and when have you ever seen him give his players some stick when they mess up, never, just zips his coat up head down and hands in pockets. but hey ho stability some will say, backwards from last season for me.

[AndyNeil]

I honestly thought the first half last night looked like two promotion contenders going toe to toe then the second half was just terrible again.

My thoughts exactly Tom - its the hope that kills you!

I'm not defending the manager here, however how come nobody ever points the finger at the coaching staff either? People often say that the team look unfit and the number of injuries we seem to have racked up in the past couple of week as well isn't just down to the manager. Yes the manager probably appoints the coaching staff but I think the whole first team set-up, not just the manager, needs looking at over the summer by the board and owners alike.

That is at least 5 seasons on the bounce we have badly under performed. Its not wonder people can't give their season tickets away for matches, why the boxes in the Blackburn End are virtually empty week in, week out and now they are openly talking about closing areas of the ground.

The club is f**ked from top to bottom, however the powers that be won't say anything as they don't want to endanger their nice little earners and healthy pensions - in the meantime the club is dying and there is nothing the fans can do about it.

Sorry for the rant

[thenodrog]

Its a sad fact that we have been done by every team thats played a passing game this season.

Correct. And virtually everyone of those is fighting it out up at the top.

To play as narrow as we do (and in the second half getting ever narrower by the minute) means that the defence has to play more long balls which usually turn out to be a 60:40 against situation. This in turn means that it takes us 2/3 minutes to get the ball and 10 seconds to turn possession into that 60:40 scenario. This can only work (as we saw with Big Sams much criticised, seldom acclaimed Premier League survival methods) if the midfield continuously gets goal side of the ball AND their opposite number. Whilst Spearing, Williamson and Evans instincts are to do just this it's completely alien to the likes of Cairney, Gestede and Marshall as two of Brentford's goals testified. Taylor too was found wanting in the second half as after one run forward he was left apparently exhausted with his hands on his knees whilst his opposite number ran past him and left him for dead.

A few things confirmed last night.....

Steele pulled off one great save but seems to panic under pressure and his kicking and distribution is more than suspect.

Most of our midfield need a rocket up them when the other team are in possession. Marshall is right off the pace. Great ball through for our first goal but other than that he is a passenger currently and was 20 yards adrift upfield for their equaliser.

Taylor will NOT play on either the wing. He prefers to stand in central midfield virtually holding hands with his midfield team mates.

Cairney I believe is still blind in one eye. Henley was finding space on the touchline time and again and time and again yet Cairney continually turned to his left hand side and invariably played the wrong pass.

Gestede's contribution finished after his (excellent) goal. He appears to be increasingly dominated in the air now and much less of the physical threat that he was last season. Is he wrapping himself in cotton wool perhaps?

Rhodes did his usual disappearing act against better quality opposition. Last night that big lungious (sp?) centre half running with the ball at his feet absolutely left him for dead. JR looked like he was running through treacle trying to catch him! Most embarrassing and I'm sure opponents find his lack of pace comical.

Kilgallon is fairly capable in defence but absolutely appalling in distribution. I think the first time a pass of his went to one of our players was a back pass to Steele midway through the 2nd half! Left footers are usually very good in their distribution and general kicking but he really is the exception that proves the rule.

I must say I admired the cut of Brentford's jib! Lively, inventive and effective football compared to our ponderous flat footed version. Difficult to describe but like Norwich and Derby their players actually appear to be enjoying plying their trade whereas ours resemble schoolchildren trudging through the school gates on the first day of a new term. I can only assume that Warburton has either committed a serious discretion or has a nasty habit of some sort along the lines of David Pleat or Marc Bosnich to effectively have been handed his notice in the way he has. If they do get promoted and can strengthen their squad then Brentford's brand of football seems well suited to the top division.

I particularly admired the invention displayed at their set pieces! Hardly rocket science to apply some grey matter to such is it yet how many managers have we had that even think of such? Second to that Brentford did as I and many on here have suggested.... when we have a corner / free kick they left 1 and sometimes 2 men on the half way line ensuring that we kept 3 back and out of their half. Basic stuff that was drummed into us a generation or more ago but something that appears to have been lost in today's world run of 'super' coaches with badges where diet, aerobics and cheating by the bucketful are deemed more important skills to pass on. Sadly "If you can't play .... teach" appears to be the case these days.

Well done Brentford and it's safe to say that our season is now distilled to 90 mins on April 8th.

[ABBEY]

The transfer embargo is the elephant in the room.

er the owners are to be correct

[Amo]

I was very disappointed we let him go, he always looked busy and we played him out wide, when for me if he'd played 'in the hole' behind Rhodes, it would have been hugely beneficial for the both of them and the team.

Indeed. I remember saying at the time that we should've kept Judge and/or Rochina to get the best out of Rhodes.

[thenodrog]

Surely not? Anyone who goes to Ewood knows he's class. Just ask Gordy.

"Anyone who goes to ewood indeed!!!"

Brown certainly looked poor last night and brought nothing to the party. I make no excuse for that but tbh Rhodes and Gestede were absolutely crap and Bowyer had to try something. The centre halves had the pair of them in their arse pockets and as far as I could see they both looked like they had given up long before. They were offering absolutely nothing and both could have come off for me.

Still I guess you just had to be there to see it eh Amarillo?

btw Hold your hands up time.... How many on here said that Judge and Douglas couldn't cut it in this division? Must say at this point I liked Judge and thought Bowyer continually played him in the wrong position at the expense of others and that he was best 'in the hole' but I didn't see much in Douglas myself.

[K-Hod]

"Anyone who goes to ewood indeed!!!"

Brown certainly looked poor last night and brought nothing to the party. I make no excuse for that but tbh Rhodes and Gestede were absolutely crap and Bowyer had to try something. The centre halves had the pair of them in their arse pockets and as far as I could see they both looked like they had given up long before. They were offering absolutely nothing and both could have come off for me.

Still I guess you just had to be there to see it eh Amarillo?

btw Hold your hands up time.... How many on here said that Judge and Douglas couldn't cut it in this division? Must say at this point I liked Judge and thought Bowyer continually played him in the wrong position at the expense of others and that he was best 'in the hole' but I didn't see much in Douglas myself.

We let Douglas go years back, must be 10 years ago?? A bit like being wise after the event about Shay Given if you ask me!

Judge is exactly what we're lacking in the centre of midfield and I was disappointed we let him go. 'But, he's too smal'l and 'not physical enough' were some of the pearlers used to justify his departure. Oh, and the classic 'he's useless'.....

[Amo]

"Anyone who goes to ewood indeed!!!"

Brown certainly looked poor last night and brought nothing to the party. I make no excuse for that but tbh Rhodes and Gestede were absolutely crap and Bowyer had to try something. The centre halves had the pair of them in their arse pockets and as far as I could see they both looked like they had given up long before. They were offering absolutely nothing and both could have come off for me.

Still I guess you just had to be there to see it eh Amarillo?

Concession accepted. If it wasn't for my post calling you out, I doubt you would've made it, as your original post suggests.

[thenodrog]

" Browny doesn't get enough credit for the job he does. He's been phenomenal since he broke into the team."

Gaz B today's LT.

He works hard but phenomenal ?

Quite true but 'exceeded expectations' might be nearer the truth.

Still the bleating sorry booing from the Blackburn End was well out of order. Unfortunately it was entirely predictable from the once massed but now severely depleted ranks of ovine know nowts back there. Rem 3-0 up v Wolves? In truth Rudy was being dominated by Brentford's defence and was looking miserable and beaten and if Brown could have created some knock down etc in the box then leaving Rhodes on was the smarter option imo. You must admit that by then we had gone narrow and had zilch threat from the wings and everything was going down the middle, it takes no great footballing brain to see that Gestede's strength comes from crosses in from the wing whilst Browns strength is back to goal and holding long balls up.

Rudy sub was the game chager. Too many injuries, slice of fortune in at least one goal. Expected defeat tonight it duly arrived.

Disagree. Brentford had been better than us for an hour by then. It was just a desperate throw of the dice by GB that failed.

[DE.]

I can only assume that Warburton has either committed a serious discretion or has a nasty habit of some sort along the lines of David Pleat or Marc Bosnich to effectively have been handed his notice in the way he has.

The philosophy of the chairman in regards to player recruitment differs massively from Warburton's, I think that's the crux of the issue. The chairman wants to work on a "mathematical" model, whilst I suppose Warburton wants to continue using the more traditional player recruitment model. Also iirc the chairman wanted to add players to the Brentford squad in Jan, but Warburton refused as he didn't want the team to be disrupted by new signings.

[stpbrown]

Yon man gets to the heart of the issue AGAIN .... https://blueyedboy.wordpress.com/

Should be required reading for any rovers fan

[Al]

It was stupid to sub Rudy for Brown and equally stupid to leave Spearing on the bench for Evans who found the opposition with every pass. I have taken my time to assess Brown but after last night have made my mind up. He is just as useless as Varney. How could we sign two strikers in summer who have not scored a goal between them by the middle of March. Somebody wants sacking for signing these two wastes of wages.

[thenodrog]

I was fancying our chances tonight at 7.45. I should have known better, have we lost home and away to a newly promoted team ? If I'm right that's pathetic.

Don't be daft. Newly promoted doesn't matter a bit. They are an impressive outfit challenging hard for promotion and that's all that counts.

[Husky]

Just seen the goals. Steele had no chance with the 1st - big deflection. However he is crap with low shots from distance as in the 2nd and what the hell he was up to on the 3rd only he will know.

I wonder if Robinson's been coaching him

[stpbrown]

The philosophy of the chairman in regards to player recruitment differs massively from Warburton's, I think that's the crux of the issue. The chairman wants to work on a "mathematical" model, whilst I suppose Warburton wants to continue using the more traditional player recruitment model.

What does that mean in English, DE? Warburton wants a bung with every signing but the chairman prefers it if he took one in every two?

[thenodrog]

Taylor was my MoM. Not sure at all why Henley got it.

Henley or Baptiste for me. No one stood out though and Taylor disappointed by continually moving inside to hold hands with Cairney, cluttering up the midfield and not having the discipline to offer any width. No idea why Bowyer allowed it when Gestede and Rhodes are playing up top together tbh. They both need plenty of service from the wings to be most effective.

[DE.]

What does that mean in English, DE? Warburton wants a bung with every signing but the chairman prefers it if he took one in every two?

Not entirely sure to be honest. I think the chairman's been playing too much football manager.