[INSOMANiAC]

Ive been a City fan all my life but just recently they have shown themselves to be the sack of cack they truly are. No effort, no skill, no determination. Stuart Pearce needs to wave goodbye, taking on the U21s job when hes doing so poorly in his first ever management role. Absolute joke.

The little money we have had hes bought some real tat. Disappear off to the championship psycho and take Sun Jihai, Samaras, Corradi, Dunne and the rest of the crap you insist on giving first team football with you.

[Abbeygoo]

You were doing OK until you included Dunne in that list - don't think you can tar him with that brush.

Stuart Pearce has shown his inexperience through his signings and the players he has let leave the club.

We have no width, no imagination, no spark, no genius, no goal scorers, no talent, no passion, no desire, no grit, no determination ...... when Pearce said yesterday that the dressing room was as disappointed as the fans he showed a touch of naiveity (sp). The fans have been on the receiving end of this cack for thirty years - the players who are there at the moment do not deserve to wear the shirt and the travelling fans told them so.

I would excuse Barton, Richards, Dunne and Weaver from this season's **** poor performance brigade.

Corradi, Samaras, Hamman, Beasley, Trabelsi, Sun Jihai, Vassell, Dickov, Sinclair are all a disgrace - Pearce has signed most of them. He also let players leave the club and left us without a squad to speak of. Say what you want about Musampa, Reyna, Riera, Croft, Cole, Fowler, Wright Phillips and the like but they have gone and not been replaced - the most obvious weakness being a lack of width, we don't have any wingers!!

The emergence of the youth players have saved us so far. Barton, Jordan, Richards, Onohua, Ireland, Sturridge have all played in the first team this season and looked much better than the dross mentioned who are draining millions out of the club in wages.

The forward line is an embarrassment with Samaras, Corradi, Dickov and Vassell managing a paltry 7 league goals between them!!

Is sacking Pearce the answer? I'm not sure at the moment. But bringing back some attacking players in the mould of the players mentioned and the Berkovics and Bernabias is surely the way forward.

Brian Horton was sacked by City (after keeping us up!) and he played with the likes of Beagrie, Summerbee, Walsh, Rosler and Quinn all in the starting line up.

If you don't score, you can't win - and that is going to cost us dearly.

[overkill]

Thirty years Abbey?! City still had a pretty darn good side - in 1978!

But seriously, how much can still be traced back to that year of madness in 1980? Allison was given a free hand and he quite literally went loopy buying unknowns like Robinson for a Kings Ransom, and paying hugely over the odds for 'might have beens' like Steve Daley. I read somewhere that City never really got over that period, and despite reaching the cup final in 81' have never done anything since - bar brief periods of modest league placings. Which were then followed by more misery! The nadir coming with Citys relegation to the 3rd flight.

Citys decline and fall is baffling to people like me who were around when 50,000 were at Arsenal for a LC match against a City side packed with stars, and who posed us real problems every time we played them in that period. By the mid 80's they were a joke (no offence). I can understand Wolves, Sunderland and WBA's decline, as they saw their gates collapse during that sticky period in the 80's, but City were still getting good gates.

Poor chairman? Cowardly appointments? Not enough cash? Why have City gone from the Glory days of the late 60s and early 70's, the great footballing side and 'nearly men' of the late 70's, to the also rans of today?

[Abbeygoo]

A lot of people put it down to the period you mention.

A certain Peter Swales obsessed with chasing after United and throwing silly money around - we are still in financial trouble these days, not a penny to waste even after selling SWP for £200m or whatever it was. Even more frustrating then that Samaras was bought for £6m and has delivered next to nout!

[INSOMANiAC]

The trouble with Dunne IMO is that hes one of those players a club has that can do no wrong in the eyes of the fans. Hes one of the few players whose been with us more than two seasons and hes a generally competant defender. But from what I see he is putting the effort in but makes some awful passing choices and losing the ball at critical moments. Its a good job we have distin to mop up or we'd be an even bigger laughing stock !

Joey Barton, hes probably the best player we have and hes not THAT good.....

Lets say hes not as good as he thinks he is.

[Abbeygoo]

I agree with you about Barton but he has been far and away our best player this season. Don't agree about Dunne but hey, that's not our problem, our defence ain't that bad, remember the opening to the season at home?

Our problem is going forward. I can never remember a season so devoid of attacking ideas and shots on target. And the strikers? Pah, worst bunch we've ever had .....

[INSOMANiAC]

Vassell does NOT know when to strike the ball, by the time hes fumbled around in the box the ball is at the other end of the pitch. Corradi and Samaras........ Im convinced they are completely devoid of any talent.

What can Pearce do ? not a lot, after all, you cant polish a turd. All thats left now is avoid relegation and leave, never to speak of these times again.

[Abbeygoo]

Pearce, for me, shot his load in the two transfer windows.

Before the season, he signed : Hamann, Corradi, Dickov, Dabo, Beasley, Trabelsi and Isaksson. Not good.

In the January window : some Arabian that hasn't even figured.

His failure to add any significant talent during the transfer window in January was a massive mistake in my eyes. No point moaning about Mido not joining, we should have been in at the start. Mpenza is yet another stop gap.

I love the bones of Stuart Pearce but just as he was being praised when he had a good run, he deserves criticism when we are on a downer. The end of the last season was **** too, remember?

You're right, you can't polish a turd - but its a turd that he created with several very, very poor signings.

[ash]

Did you see the game on Sky yesterday? Did you how peeved your fans where?! And esp. that lady with black hair, they kept showing here LOL!

[Abbeygoo]

Originally Posted by ash

Did you see the game on Sky yesterday? Did you how peeved your fans where?! And esp. that lady with black hair, they kept showing here LOL!

and your point is .........

[city fan]

[FONT=Georgia]Well, we've certainly got the most depressing thread title, appart from Leeds.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]Before we go overboard, lets take a look where we were a few years ago. When I was watching us play teams like Lincoln, Shrewsbury et al on a freezing cold night in the Kippax (with no roof I seem to remember) I could only dream of being where we are now.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]Don't get me wrong there are some serious problems at the club, but the title thread is a little over the top IMO.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]We've got good players. I would say Dunne, Distan, Richards, Onhua and Ball are a solid defensive line up. We need to loose Jordan and Danny Mills. The three keepers we've got are ok. Midfield wise only Barton, and Ireland have performed. Possibly more to come from Trabelsi, Beesley, Miller and Sun(he's no defender). The rest want putting out to grass- Dabo, Hamman Sinclair- jokes. Upfront Only Vassell has done anything. Corradi and Samaras must go. I'd keep Dikov, Sturridge is for the future and Mpenza hasn't really played.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]So we can see the problem. We need two quality midfielders and two top quality forwards. These cost a lot of money. We have none (yet). Forget the TV money, everybody gets it, the status quo remains. So if we cannot get quality players, we need a manager, who can motivate and is tacticly aware.(It is relatively easy to coach a team of quality players). Pearce has the former but not the latter. We need a proven manager who can organise and get an average set of players to play above themselves. (The whole becoming more than the sum of the parts). Pearce will not be the Manager at the end of the season, he will either go or someone will be brought in and he will will revert to his position as under Keegan (unlikley).[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]City will stay up. Then we need to get the right manager well before the start of the season. What are the names in the frame? Souness, Alladyce, Curbishley, O'Neil. Those just off the top of my head.....[/FONT]

[Abbeygoo]

You started by playing down the problems and then confirming that we don't have a midfield or forward line to speak of! That's a big problem. I agree with all the names you suggest are shown the door but that leaves nothing behind. And most of the players you mention keeping (Dunne, Distin, Richards, Onohua, Ball, Barton and Ireland) are from the youth team set up - not signed by Pearce. Plus Distin is out of contract on 1st June.

We have huge problems with our personnel and that can be put squarely at Pearce's door. No question about that. This is not giving the guy a hard time as I genuinely like him but facts are facts. His signings have been poor beyond belief. The likes of Dabo, Hammann, Corradi, Beasley, Trabelsi have been ineffective. The one that takes the biscuit is Samaras. £6 million!!! And he keeps getting the excuse that he's young etc etc but he cost £6 million!!!! Sturridge is a better bet (and another from the youth set up) but because he cost £6m, Samaras is getting the run, obviously.

Dean Ashton cost West Ham £8m.
Nicolas Anelka signed for Bolton for £8m.
Benny McCarthy for Blackburn
Darren Bent went to Charlton from Ipswich for £6m
Andrew Johnson signed for Everton for £8m

Look at the names there and the goals they have produced compared to Samaras - scored 4 in the league. **** poor.

As I've said - the thread is not overly downbeat, it is factual. We can not win games without scoring goals. And we will not score goals with our present line up.

The inability to add to that squad during January was totally incompetent by Stuart Pearce and his staff - an incompetency that may cost us premiership football next season.

[thfccambs]

Originally Posted by Abbeygoo

No point moaning about Mido not joining, we should have been in at the start.

Abbeygoo,

think you got of lightly there mate.Useless fat

[Abbeygoo]

Originally Posted by hunts1uk

Abbeygoo,

think you got of lightly there mate.Useless fat

Is that Mido or me you're referring to?

[city fan]

Originally Posted by Abbeygoo

You started by playing down the problems and then confirming that we don't have a midfield or forward line to speak of! That's a big problem. I agree with all the names you suggest are shown the door but that leaves nothing behind. And most of the players you mention keeping (Dunne, Distin, Richards, Onohua, Ball, Barton and Ireland) are from the youth team set up - not signed by Pearce. Plus Distin is out of contract on 1st June.

We have huge problems with our personnel and that can be put squarely at Pearce's door. No question about that. This is not giving the guy a hard time as I genuinely like him but facts are facts. His signings have been poor beyond belief. The likes of Dabo, Hammann, Corradi, Beasley, Trabelsi have been ineffective. The one that takes the biscuit is Samaras. £6 million!!! And he keeps getting the excuse that he's young etc etc but he cost £6 million!!!! Sturridge is a better bet (and another from the youth set up) but because he cost £6m, Samaras is getting the run, obviously.

Dean Ashton cost West Ham £8m.
Nicolas Anelka signed for Bolton for £8m.
Benny McCarthy for Blackburn
Darren Bent went to Charlton from Ipswich for £6m
Andrew Johnson signed for Everton for £8m

Look at the names there and the goals they have produced compared to Samaras - scored 4 in the league. **** poor.

As I've said - the thread is not overly downbeat, it is factual. We can not win games without scoring goals. And we will not score goals with our present line up.

The inability to add to that squad during January was totally incompetent by Stuart Pearce and his staff - an incompetency that may cost us premiership football next season.

[FONT=Georgia]I wasn't trying to play down the problem I was just trying to add a bit of perspective. I don't like to see the name of our club followed by those 3 words. However everyone is entitled to their opionon, it could just have been expressed better.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]I do not believe that for one minute Pearce did not bust a gut to get players in over January, I'm sure he was busting a gut to do so. I bet he had made plans well before the window opened. The fact is it is just extremely difficult to get quality players with no money.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]If he had brought in 2 more players who were just as crap as Samaras or Corradi, we'd still be moaning.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]Pearce is honest, hard working, however it is clear that he is not up to the job at this level. So that brings us round to my final point on my last post, who would replace him?[/FONT]

[thfccambs]

Originally Posted by Abbeygoo

Is that Mido or me you're referring to?

No comment.

[Abbeygoo]

I hate to see those three words after our name too but at the moment they are true. We have seen darker days and you referred to the season when we went into Division Two. The relegation year under Frank Clark was pretty grim, I remember.

I think you have a point about who would replace Pearce but I don't agree about the January transfer window. To bring in nobody was inexcusable in my book. I know there isn't much movement generally but there must be plenty of players out of contract this summer that would have been released by their clubs for a nominal fee and signed for six months.

And I think to add insult to injury, Pearce seems to think that City is a part time gig and he can fit in England Under 21 duties at the same time - does he not think this requires his full time attention. His point about being able to scout and attract the best under 21 talent to City is laughable. We won't attract anyone of decent quality if we're in the Championship.

Final point. We struggled and were fourth from bottom under Keegan in our first season at Eastlands. The crowd was sold out every week. The dross currently being served up is evident in the decreasing crowds - 10/11,000 below capacity tells you everything about the quality and effort being put in by the blue shirted heroes at the moment.

[ash]

Originally Posted by Abbeygoo

and your point is .........

I wasn't asking you, I was city fan

[city fan]

[FONT=Georgia]

Originally Posted by ash

I wasn't asking you, I was city fan

[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]But my post was after yours, Ash [/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]Since you ask, yes couldn't miss her, camera panned right to her when watching I was watching live, she certainly stood out.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]I know how she feels. Been there, not a nice feeling when all your dreams are shattered for the season and the only thing to look forward to is a relegation battle.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]All of us had this silly dream of playing Utd at Wembley, what a day that would have been. You were just seeing that spilling out. She was problably beered up to0 [/FONT]

[Abbeygoo]

Originally Posted by ash

I wasn't asking you, I was city fan

yeah, right you must be a psychic then as city fan posted after you.

You were on the wind up - go to "Red Is the Colour" and join in with some of your own kind.

[Woodywizz]

I for one am really disappointed that City got knocked out - no, honestly, I really am. I would loved for there to have been a Utd v City final. As for City's form - yes they have been very poor going forward and Corradi and Samoras have been nothing short of useless. With Corradi, I can see flashes of a decent player and he probably needs a season or 2 to adjust to the Premiership, however City needed someone who could perform immediately and was proven in the PL. Anelka would have been great back at City and - as Abbeygoo has already stated - with Samoras costing £6m, the £8m for Anelka seems like a bargain now. Pity that Pearce didn't have the foresight to predict that. Seems that strikers from the Italian league have trouble adjusting to the pace of our game in their first season here - if Shevchenko cannot perform in his first season then why would anyone expect Corradi to do the same.

[city fan]

[FONT=Georgia]Ah forgot Ash is a red [/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]Just remembered, seen some posts before. Not to worry I'm sure we'll see some disgruntled reds before the seasons out. [/FONT]

[ash]

Originally Posted by city fan

[FONT=Georgia][/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]But my post was after yours, Ash [/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]Since you ask, yes couldn't miss her, camera panned right to her when watching I was watching live, she certainly stood out.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]I know how she feels. Been there, not a nice feeling when all your dreams are shattered for the season and the only thing to look forward to is a relegation battle.[/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia]All of us had this silly dream of playing Utd at Wembley, what a day that would have been. You were just seeing that spilling out. She was problably beered up to0 [/FONT]

As Abbeygoo said, I am psychic
Easy with the bashing people It's only an internet foum

Man Utd 3-1 Man City

Manchester United extended their Premiership lead to nine points with a win over neighbours Manchester City.

Manchester City footballer Joey Barton has been arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage.

[city fan]

Originally Posted by ash

As Abbeygoo said, I am psychic
Easy with the bashing people It's only an internet foum

Man Utd 3-1 Man City

Manchester United extended their Premiership lead to nine points with a win over neighbours Manchester City.

Manchester City footballer Joey Barton has been arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage.

Is that Ronaldo praying Barton does not commit assault on him at Eastlands in the penultimate game of the season

[ash]

Naa.. it's him praying Man City beat Chel$ki!

[Abbeygoo]

Am I supposed to profit during our hour of need?

Had £20 on Chelsea 1-0 at 5/1 .......

[Steven]

Hopefully City fans ignore tonight, as much for Pearce as for common sense

[INSOMANiAC]

Quote from BBC website on last nights match;

"City, in contrast, failed to carve out a single serious chance in the match."

I didnt watch it, im watching no more city games this season, now take a look at the Stuart Pearce interview where he say he's happy with city players 'heart' LOL. What a joker.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/default.stm

[Abbeygoo]

That's two live games on Sky without a serious effort on target in 180 minutes. And that's in two of our most important games so far.

Pearce's comments in the press can only be put down to keeping what little morale there is going. He wouldn't gain anything by bashing the players publicly - inside I bet he is despairing.

Corradi being dropped was no surprise but I thought it was a touch harsh to leave Weaver out - he has been very solid this season.

Anyway, next two games are Middlesbrough and Newcastle away - nil points as they say in Eurovision. It's going to be an interesting end to the season......

[INSOMANiAC]

Its all very well keeping up morale but when theres been no shot on goal in two games then theres no point in trying to paint over the cracks, Pearce knows theyre ****, they know theyre ****, we know theyre ****.

If he wants to save any face he needs to come out and say, look, ive made some bad buys, the team are not performing to an acceptable standard and there will be big changes next season. To come out and say hes happy with the teams heart when they couldnt manage a shot on target against a 10 man blackburn is insulting to the fans.