How can a side two or more leagues up justify being 2-0 and losing 4-2? All was good in the first half, not bad football was being played. A quick goal after the interval gave us the two goal cushion and then we started to get complacent. With about half an hour to go, we conceded four. It was like we had no defence today. I know it's only pre-season and is a tester for the upcoming season, but if we can even sort out a defence with people who even know they're playing in defence, it's going to be a long season.
There we only one or two players that stayed in their position today and when the more experienced players came on, you could see the difference. Jordan Woodley, Danny Ellis, Sam Adams and Tim Olorunda didn't play to bad and kept their positions when they came on.
It was a woeful performance and when Westfield took the lead, which came from a breakaway from our corner, we had one defender back, who had no pace whatsoever to get back.
Shonk has little pace down the right hand side and the goal seemed to be the only positive thing he did, even though it came from a stroke of luck from a driven wide shot from Jordan Woodley.
I'm a relative positive person, but if we continue to play like this, then this really could be a long season. I am also interested in other people's opinions in this game from who were there.
I only saw the second half and thought it was awful the defending was a mare there was no creation from anywhere on the pitch.i thought Jordan Woodley looked good but that's it,I was expecting more from shock but he has been a disappointment in my opinion, I heard we was half decent in the first half hour what happened please tell me
It's obvious what's happened a chairman who has fallen out with a lot of people allegedly, and a clueless manager, what do you think will happen next? Crowds of less than 150.
I don't think the manager is clueless, ChrisB. He got us to the third round of the FA Cup, but, relegated. He's a very experienced player and both his father and grandfather played for United, so he will know that club inside and out. I also think it's been difficult for him to find a permanent first team coach, and now having brought in a very experience Terry White, his knowledge and expertise could be good for us. However, I do see your point and if we aren't in the top half of the table about 10 or so games, then his position will come under scrutiny.
I believe he is clueless, we spent half of last season getting overrun in midfield because we had 4 up front, but still couldn't score goals, why can't he get a coach? Is it him or the chairman that stops one coming, and being fair to Terry he doesn't have the right contacts to get us players. The game is littered with players that are hopeless managers, including World Cup winning and England captains. Forget the FA cup it was part fluke and part the players wanting to do it for themselves, when it came to the league Sean couldn't get these players to play. I'm sorry if you can't see this but it stands out like a sore thumb.
I see your point. It was a very brave decision to keep Sean in charge and I must admit myself, I didn't see him coming. But if Sean and Terry can both engage in deep conversation, make a detailed plan, stick to the plan and work together, then can get the team together and performing. In terms of having four up front and not scoring goals, that was our problem last season, Tuesday and today. At Westfield today, there were only one or two players that stayed in position as it seemed to be a free-for-all. The bloke standing next to me even muttered "Is their keeper playing rush goalie or something?". We need a consistent goalscorer ASAP and IMO, if we can get hold of one of those and keep Sean and Ben Judge in the back, then things could work.
I don't think Kenny Pogue is prolific or consistent and as someone mentioned in a previous thread, he's cheap and that's why we have him for the time being. Jordan Woodley can be really good, when motivated. We need a prolific goalscorer and a good plan to stick to, rather than controversially messing it up and not just going in for the kill.
Didn't go today, but your point about players doing a free for all, is down to not having tactics and / or players not doing as the manager says, and this is what happened last season, if Sean's comments in the observer last season are to be believed.
Didn't go today, but your point about players doing a free for all, is down to not having tactics and / or players not doing as the manager says, and this is what happened last season, if Sean's comments in the observer last season are to be believed.
Rimsay of course it was part fluke, how many teams from our level have got to a 3rd round tie and not played a team more than one league above them, doubt if its in double figures.
Simply put, I thought that it was a shambles. The management's approach seems to be to keep a tight hold on the money won last season, & to accept that Ryman South level is good enough.
Defensively there is a lot of work to be done, seemed to be a big difference currently between Pelling and Burbridge in goal at the moment.
The starting strikers did ok with Bailo looking lively, Shonk while quiet got a goal, Danny Ellis had a goal bound shot blocked at point blank range by a Westfield players head ( ouch ) and Jordan had a screamer prevented by a stunning save but the midfield failed to get a grip on the game and provide enough chances in total.
The Westfield goals came from poor marking and poor goal keeping which was certainly not good enough.
Westfield pitch was a random generator as usual with slope and bobbles but no excuse as same for both teams.
Don't see Shonk as a forward as doesn't appear to be quick enough but a advanced AMC role begind either 1 or 2 strikers would appear to be his best position as clearly has good technical skills. Neither Bailo or Sam have been prolific in the past so a out and out goal poacher is required, Jamie Crone got injured before he had a chance to show what he could do given that role which was a shame as had already had ( and albeit missed ) a one on one with the GK that resulted due to his pace and timing of run.
Tim Olorunda didn't get involved enough in the game after coming on which is when it started to slip away.
Jordan Woodley looked a lot fitter than previous seasons and was one of our more effective players ( all relative )
Credit to Westfield didn't give us a moments rest and chased every ball in extreme heat.
Lots of organisation to be done before the Thamesmead match as this was a very poor display overall with no excuses that it was a friendly match as Westfield were in the same boat.
Also have to say that apart from the football on display Westfield away as the first preseason friendly is one of my favourite fixtures in football believe it or not as the people at the club are some of the friendliest in local football and the whole day out aside from what was going on on the pitch was really enjoyable in beautiful weather, good to see a good forum turnout too there!
it was part fluke rimsay that's how sides at our level get that far,and players wanting for it for themselves,would we be relegated if that determination was in the lg.
I've read your piece on Facebook Liam. Now Jamie Crellin has come out and made a statement will someone from the club please be good enough to explain why the runner up in the supporters player of the year vote, did not receive so much as ONE phone call from the manager regarding resigning for the new season. Whether you loved Jamie, as many did, or you were on the fence like myself, no one could ever deny Jamie's passion for the club. In the run in last season he was constantly tweeting how hurt he was, how much he wanted to save the team and how much the team and fans meant to him. So why didn't we call him? Have we signed better? Is his statement untrue? if so someone please put the record straight.
If Jamie did not receive even one call from the club then I agree that we need an answer soon. I didn't go on Saturday so I can't comment on the game but it does appear to have gone wrong after the subs were made. Early yet so I am not panicking. Just hope the when I get back from holiday in August we will have a settled squad.
Would have thought it was matter of course that all of last year's players would have been informed by the manager whether they were part of the clubs plans or not for the following season. Surely this is what all clubs do?
Agree with Tim. If i was a player would expect a call asking did i want to stay or thanks but not need anymore. If Sean Ray has didnt do that no surprise everything such a mess. Jirbandey playing vs brighton saying in paper he is happy with what he has no water bottles at Westfield. worse than a pub team. how long will the chairman put up with embarassing mess ups. if we dont start well just a few games i hope but who else is there.
There will be better managers than you think who would give Hastings a go, that's why having Sean is sad, we have a clueless manager, and I would just like Walters to come out and say why he thinks Sean is a good manager.
I have said before that Sean has no man management skills, and this phone call thing confirms it. The guy has no respect from his players and now a majority of fans are starting to turn against him.
Totally disagree Sean and mark have been totally supportive and brilliant to the proposed new team as far as I've seen and heard.ok of course if a team do poorly Sean will shout at them and I expect any manager to do the same especially a manager with passion.do you really think its the management that's got us in this mess or the lack of backing of the chairman and club.lets get realistic guys they are doing what they can with what they are allowed to use.i totally believe Sean isn't silly and has got a team in his mind that will surprise you all, forget about who hasn't been contacted and look to the future and believe as for a prolific striker just wait and see, Sean has got this sorted spit on and I admire the whole backup team for what you will all eat your words on, just be patience and support our team
I hope you are right, but you can't forget about who hasn't been contacted, because its rude and out of order not to contact all last seasons squad, either to say thank you and goodbye, or I want you to sign for next season, it's just plain good manners.
Don't think arrows literally meant 'saying' things to him.. He's not exactly going to be able to turn round halfway through a match and explain a decision... Especially if its gone against the team.
However If you ask him a question afterwards I've rarely seen him not give a straight and honest answer where he can if the question is asked in the same way.
One of the best things about football at our level generally is the opportunity to discuss things with players aNd management after a match and find out the answers to things like this. Few things are a secret if you just ask.
Isn't obvious why Sean Ray is still the job. Cheap option, simple as that. Get's paid but does double the work. The wages for a new central defender and manager (plus his staff) would far outweigh what Sean is on. That's the only thing I can think of because it can't be for football reasons. I say again, should have been asked to step aside once cup run was over but I remember being called absurd!
This forum is getting worse has anyone actually expressed there views to Sean or are u all keyboard moaners makes me laugh reading these comments I personally think Sean is good for the club so I suggest if you have a problem with Sean tell him instead of hiding behind this forum site!!!!!!!!!!
I think enough comments were made to Sean during games last season, he is thick skinned and saying things to him is pointless, he has been in the game long enough to know he messed up big time. Look how little self respect can he have, knowing the club tried to replace him but were rebuffed.
Maybe we are all being slightly critical, myself included on twitter. It is only pre-season and if you look at some results tonight, Hythe losing 6-0 at home to Erith and Concord beating Stevenage 6-1, it goes to show that pre-season doesn't mean to much. Everyone has their own opinions and all are entitled to air them on a forum. I for one though am gonna give Sean and the team my full backing in the hope we have a cracking start to the season. Whether you are a Sean fan or not, the one thing we do all have in common on here is that we are supporters of Hastings and we should get behind the team. After all its not the current squads fault that we are where we are. They need our support and to be honest we're have the best support in the league, so why not make the Pilot field a fortress next season and make it intimidating to visiting teams. Our away support is pretty decent too. Lets back this team and hopefully next year we'll be back where we belong and moving in the right direction.
I'm more excited now I have read Sindy's comments. "prolific goalscorer, just wait and see", "Sean has it sorted spot on", "we'll all eat our words". Is Benteke arriving? Hope your right Sindy because that special center forward is an absolute necessity. Throw in a creative midfielder and all of a sudden things don't look quite so bad.
This forum is getting worse has anyone actually expressed there views to Sean or are u all keyboard moaners makes me laugh reading these comments I personally think Sean is good for the club so I suggest if you have a problem with Sean tell him instead of hiding behind this forum site!!!!!!!!!!
To be fair, internet forums are the very place for people to come and air their opinion, no one's been malicious in anyway, so can't see the problem with people using nicknames, bit of an easy thing to pick up on? It's a difference of opinions that makes this forum more lively and a better read...
I agree with John a prolific striker and a creative CM and I'd be fairly happy. If you ignore the pre-season results so far, I don't think we have a bad squad, I'm confident one or two of the lads can make the step up from county league and fit in just well.
Not promotion challenging though, which makes me ask, where's this money Walters promised and therefore the signings from this supposed wage budget increase?
Was the second game I watched on holiday and in a very warm Westfield on a very special pitch and clubhouse i saw 2 differnet halfs. The first was not bad with 2 good goals but the second was terrible. Every attack from Westfield was a danger for our keeper and what strucks me was the coaching from the dug-outs. The Westfield trainer keep on shouting ( like their goalkeeper the firs half, what a voice ) but on our site it was very quiet.
I think that the downfall in the second half was not only a technical but more a moral problem.
I believe they've had a couple of ton of top soil put on it but that won't go far. I agree forget sending any first team players get their touch right using the more sterner opposition.