Burgess Hill 1-6 Dartford

[dazzer6666]

Interesting set of comments. For me, too many players simply didn't turn up (or pehaps simply aren't good enough - difficult to tell from one game, but many more like that and we'll soon know). In summary, defence was a nightmare, we were weak in the middle and had nothing up front. Although Foster made a couple of blinding saves, even he looked like he was missing some confidence to me, being too slow to come out at times. Apart from all that we were OK though............I was reasonably optimistic after the Flackwell friendly, where we at least tried to pass the ball.

I think Dartford looked pretty good though - will be intertesting see where they finish but they were as good as any team I saw lst season (we were as bad as any I saw as well)

I'll be back, just to see what happens. Not sure how many times though - my 8 year old even wanted to go home half way through the second half (first time ever), and I know it'll be difficult to get him to come again.

[orue]

I have sat and pondered our performance on Saturday and quite frankly have to say that on that and other pre-season displays we are carrying 4 players who with the best will in the world are not up to the job. I know for a fact that one of yesterdays culprits was considered no better than what he had by a Bton league manager, who I know played a good standard himself and knows what he is talking about.

I think it is unfair to tar all the players with the same brush,6 players yesterday tried very hard to perform but in fairness to them they were badly let down by their team-mates. If all eleven players perform well in a team and the opp's do the same you will get a fairly even contest. You simply cannot carry players at this level. You would also expect a bit more than lump and hoof football at this level.

Dartford were a well drilled side,nothing fantastic,no particularly polished players they were just up for it more than us.I actually think some of our players were so deflated by the performances of some of our team that they were unable to lift themselves wether right or wrong.

Also on a different matter I am impressed that we have our own conditioning/personal trainer,but to temper my admiration,I am fearfull his greatest achievement may be, however unwittingly to injure players. IS HE FOOTBALL FITNESS BIASED/QUALIFIED does anyone know. Some of the warming up and stretching exercises looked a bit uncomfortable and injury threatening.

It is indeed a shame that our next two games are away and given the implications of playing away, we may not see what remedies have been attempted.

[dartsfan]

Well lads I watched the same game as you and to be honest the Darts CAN oplay BETTER but the score could so easily have been 10-1!

The pitch was very hard and bumpy and Dartford could do no more than what they did! First game away vs most oppo would normally be a close touchy affair but the forward power and pace of the Darts was too good for you guys. Darts only lost out to a play off spot last season by a point so are a decent side. Your teams poor show should not take away from a thoroughly deserved victory for the visitors.

Thought that you fans were good spirited, the chuck wagon was good so dust yourselves down, get behind your club and beat all before you from now on (apart from your visit to our new stadium!).

[sponge]

Another puzzling thing. GC has been praising Kevin Joyce and how he's stood out in pre season - and puts him on the bench for the first game!

[deeudon77]

Well it seems that all replys are pretty much in agreement about the game although Dans comment about not blaming the management could be open to question.I believe the players are coached and then told to go out and play as per instructions.We then have two or three scenarios that will affect the way we play and/or the result.
1)The players do not play to the instructions given by the manager.
2)The managers instructions before or during the game are not good enough.
3)The opposition are superior to our team.
4)All/Some/A Few players are not good enough at this level.
Some or all of these issues will have to be addressed and the players and management team will have to seriously think long and hard about their positions if we are to have any chance of staying at this level.Yes it is only one game but we do not want to be in a similar position to last seasons start.
To Dan I would say better to not be bottom at any stage of the season,its much harder to climb uphill.
Some might say that the comments regarding wether they will bother coming to matches could be a knee jerk reaction to just one game but apart from the odd point or two at the latter end of last season this is a continuation of the style served up then.Thankfully those with us near the bottom were also losing otherwise we may have been back in the County league losing to Hassocks,now that would be embarassing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[orue]

Have to agree totally with what you say deeudon,what I too find puzzling is the odd use of some players.I watch most games and whilst us mere mortals are not supposed to be experts there is a common and over-riding feeling amongst the fans that the management style is to say the least bizarre. Where we are different to most clubs is that our manager is not under threat of sacking for poor results.

It is the absolute norm to read of and see so called managers waxing lyrical and signing players with very impressive cv's,usually/allegedly just released by pro clubs and by all intents and purposes great captures,these players then turn out to be totally f*****g useless or at least average (see Worthing FC forum re Saturday and Sport Argus). Where does Mr B go from here? as the player in question is probably on a quite lucrative contract,certainly by BHTFC standards. My point here is that if we do have a bizarre or perplexing management style it is by no means unique.

As for your points;
1) Obviously when GC sets the team up for a game he has in his mind how he wants them to play and watching us play it is obvious some of the squad do not seem to be able to do the basics or maintain there shape,this in some cases is because of limited ability.
2) Who knows?.
3) I personally didn't think Dartford were 11 better players than ours,maybe in some positions but more importantly we were awful and that to the opposition was better than any team talk.
4) Absolutely, it is not difficult to see that some of our squad are not good enough, but to be fair we are blooding some younger players which is not easy in a settled squad and very difficult in a newly established squad, but IMHO we have also aquired a couple of players who are not good enough.
In fairness to you Dan I appreciate you are taking the moderate softly stance stance but we supporters, whilst not wishing to rock the boat are merely expressing our views,and however unqualified or inexperienced we are supposed to be we can't all be wrong.This league is as hard if not harder than it was last year and many of the clubs have signed some experienced and well travelled players,we have added two experienced and well travelled players with experience at this level or above, two players who have been considered closely for pro football,one player who is a pro, and two players with little or no experience at a higher level. Is this enough to expect to stay in this league or better challenge for anything?

And last but not least I must congratulate whoever is responsible for the new programme,very nice glossy look and content good too, Well done whoever you are. I will be racking my brain for some ideas to make the programme more substantial,any ideas out there.

[deeudon77]

Right ,agree with that and my last request for Saturdays game:-Would Gary Croydon give us an honest assessment of the teams display,are some of his squad not up to the standard required and was he happy with his substitutions and the team he selected.? And finally did the team play to his instructions? I am sure he must read this site so a reply on here would be most appreciated.

[orue]

If as you say GC does read this site, I would like to take this opportunity to state my total support for the management team, I like others am moved to post when seeing what appears odd decisions and team formations, given the personnel on our books. It would go a long way to avoiding these comments if maybe GC was to post a short pre match managers notes column outlining his opinions and plans etc.

[dazzer6666]

I agree - even Mr J managed a few posts last year didn't he ? GC would need to be careful I suppose not to be too damning of his players though (difficult after Saturday)- wouldn't help morale (I'm sure some of the players read this) which must be fragile enough anyway after that showing.

[Dan BHTFC]

We have to put this game behind us and start the season at Walton tomorrow night, Gary's already strengthened the defence by signing Stuart Tuck on dual registration from Eastbourne Boro'. Stuart has played for Brighton and Worthing in the past so has plenty of experience which we need at the back.

[Smurf]

admin said:

We have to put this game behind us and start the season at Walton tomorrow night, Gary's already strengthened the defence by signing Stuart Tuck on dual registration from Eastbourne Boro'. Stuart has played for Brighton and Worthing in the past so has plenty of experience which we need at the back.

Great to see the squad has already been strengthend, however looking at BHTFC statistics its hard to put the game behind us/me.
However hopefully i will not see another poor,dismal,pathetic game like i watched on Sat again this season. I suppose i was lucky not to undure the second half like most of the faithful , as i walk out at half time in disgust. If all goes well ill be there against Walton, and Tooting on Sat, and maybe can watch a team performance worthy of the Admission fee.

UP THE HILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[deeudon77]

Haven't seen you do that before Smurf but it was hardly surprising.However you will have to report to the "Yellow Army" to receive the usual punishment and no bacon rolls for 3 home matches.A decent perfomance at Walton will go a long way to repairing the hurt of Saturdays game and I think it will take more than one change of personnel. However let's hope it becomes a positive signing with a few more to come.All we need then is the players to play to the managers instructions which hopefully will not be so baffling as the opening game.Please accept my apologies for not being at Walton as I so desperately wanted to see the amazing turn round but duty calls.See you all on Saturday at Tootingham!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dan BHTFC]

I won't be at Walton either as it's a difficult place to get to on a midweek evening, roll on Saturday, first away game of the season for the Barmy lot, visit that pub outside the tram station then head off to the ground so Smurf can get his bacon rolls for the day ordered