What an absolute disgrace that was and I suggest the seemingly clueless people in charge of this club make some big decisions pretty quickly before we plummet towards the county league. For the second game in a row against a very limited opponent, we spend the entire second half with ten men camped in our own half, seemingly happy to hold on to a one goal lead for 40mins. We showed no ambition to get forward and no ambition to get a second and kill the game off. Yet again we played Kenny up top on his own, with no support whatsoever, and the only service he got was hopeless long balls. And it said it all, in the 91st minute, when a goal down, we did not have one player in the box when we had the ball near our corner flag. And the substitutions........no more to say, absolutely dire, and this club is just about at its lowest point for the thirty five or so years I have supported them, it’s that bad.
-- Edited by johnw on Tuesday 24th of October 2017 08:58:16 PM
By the way, Charlie Horlick was fantastic again. If I was him I would be preying the Eastbourne Borough first team keeper picks up an injury at the weekend.
I have never called for someone's head, in my life, I now have to change my mind, someone has to go, someone has to take responsabity for that load of c***.
Totally agree .... clueless !!! Ive been watching footbll at the Pilot Field since 1968 and I’m as flat as I’ve ever been after that shambles !!!. I don’t think you can even totally blame the players as it should be coming from management when something like that goes wrong three games on the bounce !!!! Just fuming really !!!
Hard to defend the manager , which is a shame , as Aggie is a good bloke. What are the alternatives? Who out there is going to do better than the 8 or so managers we've had in the last few years ?
Decided to give it another go after my first visit to the club was the Herne Bay game. I thought well it must have got better surely. I don't think I have ever watched a worse 45 minutes of football than the first half. Not just Hastings but Thamesmead too. I am really surprised how poor a standard it was tonight. Hastings then get gifted a goal by Thamesmead after their defender failed to see Hastings 8 between him and his keeper and I thought maybe Hastings might have more ambition and a bit of confidence as for a moment Thamesmead looked awkward in defence. But short lived and I'd probably say Thamesmead deserved an equaliser as we stopped playing. But until Hastings made the subs I thought the win would be for Hastings. To make the changes and take one of Hastings best players off, number 8, disrupted what football Hastings were playing and 8 didn't look too happy either. Still 1 0 up we have a great break down the left and no one is prepared to run in the box to accept a cross and we lose possession. All the other players were pretty much in the defensive half. Are they not fit or are they the instructions? Football is meant to be a form of entertainment!!! The highlight of the night was the bust up on the benches and I don't blame Thamesmead for it. For a while one of the Hastings coaches in the blue jacket kept walking across in front of their coaches in their technical area and I think they had just about had enough of it.
I didn't think I could watch a worse performance than that against Herne Bay although to be fair Herne Bay were decent. But tonight Thamesmead were poor and we were even poorer than them and than in the Herne Bay game. Surely there is a manager out there that can do so much better. A Hastings supporter I see in a bookmakers said last season was great, the football was entertaining and there were lots of goals. Something must have gone badly wrong because the football now is hardly watchable. Is the club in financial problems? Anyone that watches that week in week out deserves a medal especially as you can't even drown the dullness with a pint in the second half as the bar was shut.
Agutter has to go he is not up to it, what’s the point in paying good money to players if the manager hasn’t a clue. I would suggest he manages a Sunday league side but we don’t have a Sunday league anymore. It’s not bad luck we keep throwing away leads it’s bad tactical decisions. advertise the job and see who applies in the interview process give them a blank map of Sussex and ask them to point out where Hastings is if they get it wrong end the interview. Then ask them how long it has taken to get here if more than an hour say goodbye. Then pick the person with the best record at our level. simple !
Players must take responsibility as well though, that was as bad as it gets. I am not sure if Chris has already lost some of the changing room but I have never seen Crutts, Jack and Sam play like that and what has happened to Johnno? Chris is getting his substitutions wrong at times, but that is easy for supporters to judge, and it’s not helped by a desperately weak bench, and he is the only person in Hastings who thinks it’s a good idea to play Kenny up top on his own. Some of the tactics, particularly when we are winning are extremely negative and as for those long throws...but what can he do when players are incapable of passing a ball 10 yards. In between fighting with the opposition bench tonight, he was pulling his hair out all match as we just found it impossible to keep the ball. I just cannot believe players of that quality can produce a performance like that. We wanted Crutts and Jack in the middle and we got our wish, but it made no difference. We actually looked worse than we have all season.
I think the manager, the players and the owners have to take a collective responsibility for what is going on at the moment, the whole club is flat. Low crowds, no atmosphere, players in and out like a revolving door and even the bloody bar shuts second half. We seem to have fallen out of love with our club and too much focus on the proposed move and academy football. You only need to look at the main club website and on the front page we have pictures of Matt Bodkin and Jack Harris for Gods sake. Does anyone actually care anymore about the first team? Everything should be aimed at getting our club out of this league and this season may have been our best ever chance. We have the best fans in the league, fact, but we are being badly let down like never before.
Awful first half and as for the second when, yet again,we threw a lead away that late in proceedings......
We have already lost 7 league games and with the players we have, that is totally unreal. Only Ollie Black emerged with any credit in that first half and even he in the 2nd half launched a couple of throws out of play.
I do not understand why Davide Rodari plays Monday night for the U21s and is then expected to do the business on a Tuesday. I think he warrants 90 minutes in the 1st team beavering away up front with Kenny who, all too often, is left on his own. Rodari had started scoring for the 1st team, a couple of his goals were exceptional efforts yet he now finds himself on the bench at a time when the team needs his hard graft and talent forging a partnership with Kenny.
Getting players in from higher league sides where they haven't made an impact at 1st team level rarely works. All the more baffling when Dean Bown is released. He came on in the Molesey game and looked really good and got a decent goal and looked well worth persevering with.
As for the Medlock farce - I think his departure was sealed in the dying days of the Hinshelwood era. He might be disruptive and I couldn't care less if he'd still been with us and got the goals for us instead of Lewes!
All in all - hugely depressing and this is all on a par with the grim days of 02-03. Tonight's game looked like an end of season encounter between two sides who had nothing to play form. Horrendous.
We've all said that kenny is not suited to playing up front on his own, but if you're given a job, you should give it your best. I was watching him tonight and his movement was dreadful. No running along the line, no hitting the channels, no coming to collect it short, no runsin behind. Easy night for the thanesmead centre backs.
Reading all these comments it is obvious that the club is in danger.
Players seem to have no clue what do to do, like the manager and all looks the people in charge of this
club are only busy working on a new stadium where a few hundred will turn up to watch the games.
Although far away I love HU but somehow I am hesitating to come over to watch a game.
If you see what happened before the season ( volunteers left, director and close friend Barrie West left, players left, Manager left, more key players left and the level of the games are so low ) and now then something has to happen soon.
I am not sure if something will happen soon because if you see the attendance of the fans forum , the lower attendances and even the lack of coming to this forum looks to me as total disinterest.
A football club is from and for the supporters; think here went something completely wrong!
If the club and supporters give Chris and his team time to develop a way of playing they will turn the situation around. The players need to respond and play with a degree of intelligence and a sense of on-field responsibility. I know Chris and the club have a terrific coach who needs support and not the usual panic expressed in this forum. He will go far in the game, you will regret driving him away from the job with the reactions I have read this morning.
Think you have summed it up by saying he is a good coach. A good coach doesn’t always make a good manager Chris looks out f his depth, he might make a good manager one day but that day isn’t yet. He has to go away and get experience at managing perhaps as a joint manager in the county league Sadly he has to go as we are in free fall.
Think ChrisB is right. I have read lots about developing youth and it is important but from last night looks like the team needs some maturity and think that applies to a manager with experience that makes more right decision than wrong ones. The tactics last night were so negative, the football not watchable. The 2 signings from Bromley are from their youth side so kids from London getting in before Hastings own kids.
JohnW makes good points that players and owners need to take responsibility too. Players need to be able to do simple things like pass to another player wearing the same shirt and surely if players are at this level they must be able to do that so maybe they don't want to play for this manager and that is always a big problem. The team looks disjointed and looking at the playing stats most have been here all season so to get to October and play like last night is a disgrace. Oh and that long throw. How many times did the ball go straight out for a goal kick but in terms of attack that was about as adventurous as we got last night.
The dreadful passing that JohnW refers to are basic schoolboy errors. It was simply the difference between 3 points last week and just the one we got last week v Horsham . Both Horsham and Thamesmead could make a simple pass which in turn lead to scoring chances, which they took . I know it’s completly different but if we failed to make a simple pass at our Supporters club 5 a sessions on a Wednesday night John would make sure we knew about it ... I just don’t hear that coming from our management side ... and lets face it you could hear a pin drop in what is turning into a soleless environment. It’s all very depressing. I for one am totally fed up with being asked to be patient season after season !! Halloween turned up a week early last night that’s for sure !
Players need to be able to do simple things like pass to another player wearing the same shirt and surely if players are at this level they must be able to do that so maybe they don't want to play for this manager and that is always a big problem.
I don't really see that as the problem, I must say. Looking back to the first half against Lewes, before the sending off changed the game, there was a huge amount of finger-pointing and general squabbling; it really did look like an unhappy camp. It doesn't feel to me as if that's the case any more, nor does there seem to be me to be a significant lack of effort. So that's something, I suppose. (Yes, I know...clutching at straws...)
But, as you've said, it's completely disjointed. For me, I look at the midfield and wonder what's going on. True, Simon Johnson is probably still working his way back to full fitness, but you had three players in there last night - Johnson, Cruttwell, Dixon - who you'd expect to make an impact on the game and made virtually none.
There was no real creativity coming through there, nor any consistent link-up with the front two-plus-one. That could probably be forgiven if it was solid and robust and was going to win you an ugly game, but then it crumpled like a paper cup under a steamroller in the last half hour: viewed from the other end, it was hard to see any formation other than 9-0-1, and the substitutions only seemed to cement that into place. The only player appearing to show any real authority and attempt to drag it all higher up the pitch was Tom Vickers; the rest were busy but directionless. You can't expect to get away with that.
That's the responsibility of both players and coach, I would've thought. But I do think you've got the players available to make that midfield work and to build a decent enough side around it. Pick a shape and work on it. Stop flamin' fiddling with it for a while, even if it doesn't come together right away. Try to get some consistency, something reliable to fall back on when under pressure.
Looking in from afar, we do appear to have some pretty significant challenges. There's no doubt that the board is working tirelessly to move the club forward, both in terms of the new stadium and the academy set up. They should be rightly commended for this. It is vital, however, to juggle these aspects with the immediate need, which is to recognise that the first team needs to perform, get results, and hopefully entertain. If this doesn't happen, it all becomes rather pointless, as supporters will continue to drift away, and many won't return. The future then looks bleak. I would imagine that our budgets are no different to many others, inasmuch as they are partly set on predicted gates. Our gates are apparently dwindling. That's not great news. Stats don't lie - we have now lost 7 league games before the end of October, which from a team that has ambition on and off the field, just isn't good enough. So fundamentally, we're not winning enough, nor entertaining anybody, except the opposition. 7 games lost in a league which is at best, very mediocre. We seem to do the same thing every year - start with promise, tail off, lose managers and dip into the loan market, where, with the occasional exception, we struggle. I really can't comment on the players brought in from Bromley, as I've not seen them, but if they are really youth team players, I just don't see the benefit of bringing them in. Are they really suited to our situation? I sincerely hope we can find a way to get us up the table, but teams who lose 7 games by this stage, are seeing falling gates, and crazy player turnover, are quite likely to be involved in a scrap at the wrong end of the table. I hope this isn't the case. I trust the board to get it sorted, because they are passionate and loyal fans too. Defeats like Tuesday will hurt. Whether the players share that passion, desire and hurt is another matter entirely. It's time for them to take some responsibility every time they put that shirt on, and for the manager to put out a team that is fit, organised, and wants to win.
I really can't comment on the players brought in from Bromley, as I've not seen them, but if they are really youth team players, I just don't see the benefit of bringing them in. Are they really suited to our situation?
Well, they sounded some rare positive notes last night. Ashan Jones looked lively and eager, albeit that he faded as the game went on; the grumbling at his removal seemed based mainly on what he had previously done rather than what he was actually doing at that point. His end product doesn't (yet) match his enthusiasm and he isn't as quick as he looks like he's going to be, but he did add something.
Tahjae Anderson was almost entirely isolated after replacing Kenny Pogue: by that point, the rest of the team had retreated so far that it was camped somewhere in the trees behind the Cole Warren Stand. He only touched the ball once, really, but it was quite a touch: a loping solo run and curled shot moments after the equaliser and moments before the winner. (All right, several touches.) Only just wide, would've been a terrific goal.
But yes, that isn't to take away from your overall point. The season began with grand designs on a squad built around youth with locally-based senior players prepared to commit to a training schedule. We're in October and the squad is being patched up with loans.
There's no doubt that the board is working tirelessly to move the club forward, both in terms of the new stadium and the academy set up. They should be rightly commended for this. I trust the board to get it sorted, because they are passionate and loyal fans too.
Sorry this can only mean that you are one of the board of a Family member of one of the board.
If you look at all what happened these last months at our club you cant say with dry eyes that this is bringing the club forward.
Will not mention again what happened but the overall feeling is that some of the board members are only there for their own benefit.
The lack of commitment we see the last games ( even from players who always gives 100%) and also from the Management means there is no structure and even more no leadership anymore.
The supporters walking away; says enough...............
Interesting response, Bert. Just so you are aware, I first watched the team in 1968, went on to be a season ticket holder, then played for/managed the reserves, before being George Wakeling's number 2. The club is therefore dear to me, as I approach my 50th year as a supporter. So to put you right, I am not related to any board member, nor am I a board member myself. No doubt you will acknowledge this when you have a moment. Thank you.
Interesting response, Bert. Just so you are aware, I first watched the team in 1968, went on to be a season ticket holder, then played for/managed the reserves, before being George Wakeling's number 2. The club is therefore dear to me, as I approach my 50th year as a supporter. So to put you right, I am not related to any board member, nor am I a board member myself. No doubt you will acknowledge this when you have a moment. Thank you.
I know your history at the club because you mentioned it some time ago. That I do believe and no doubt about that!
With this history of being so long at the club I noticed that you were not that critical about the board and his members.
I have good friends at the club who are also a long life supporter of HU but some have left these last months and also volunteers left the club and that is not without reason!
A club is for and belong to supporters because they will always be there but if they walk away what then? There are some individuals who don't have many interest in the club but are only there for their own benefit.
Think you must feel the same that the club is going down and not upwards.
Bert,you say that there are some individuals who don’t have many interest in the club but are only there for their own benefit. You seem to know a lot so how about some names ? Who are these people ?
It is worrying that we do have good players at Hastings but they are not playing well and don't appear to be enjoying playing. Jack Dixon has to be one of the better midfield players in this league. He was at right back against Horsham. I thought this would be a good opportunity for him to spend the game bombing up and down the right wing getting in plenty of crosses. I don't think he crossed the half way line for much of the game. His only "creative" input was to punt a long ball down the wing into space into which no one was running. Any number of East Sussex league players could do that. Same on the left-how often does Ollie Black get forward? On 2 occasions against Horsham our midfield players put together a quality series of passes-one of which led to a goal. We have the players to do it but why isn't it happening?
I don't think we will get relegated but I cannot see us getting near the top 6. This will annoy ChrisB but the only reason I would change manager is if the players are not trying for him. Give Chris and his squad of players the season to see if a base can be laid for the next season-something Hastings supporters are well used to hearing. Last season's excitement, and occasional disasters, seem a long way off.
Bert,you say that there are some individuals who don’t have many interest in the club but are only there for their own benefit. You seem to know a lot so how about some names ? Who are these people ?
Hi Phil, I do know you also know a lot . It is often said already on this forum that the Development has the priority by some.
Think the main thing should be to get out of this league. Seeing what has happened the last months we hopefully stay in this league.......
timbjones is spot on....give it time. Chris deserves a run at this and to chop and change at this stage is a knee jerk reaction. We have been through this so frequently of late and look where we are now. Berating a Manager who has only had a few games in charge is not going to get us anywhere. The players need to look at themselves and get a grip. I have seen really poor body language on the pitch and it tells me a lot about their attitude. It has to be a team attitude....and that includes the supporters.
Bert, who on earth told you that I know a lot, apart from the price of the Programmes and 50/50 tickets I know nothing. So tell us who these people are? .
However going on from that agree with Ufan88 that Chris deserves a run. He has had 8 games in charge ,won 3 drawn 1 and lost 4, not what we wanted but let’s see if he can sort it.
You have to earn the chance to have a run. We are worse than when Adam left, this will end up turning ugly if he stays much longer. I just ask those who want him to stay to give a reason to stay. Think there’s enough on here as to why he should go.
How long is "stays much longer" ChrisB? Does he have two more games? What if they win those and then lose the next two? Does the club then give him two more games?! The club will remain unstable unless he is given the chance and I suggest the whole season. Aggy has worked really hard to build a career and will go onto greater things after HUFC, you won't meet a more determined character. Changing the Manager now would be absurd and a sorry reflection of the desire for instant success.
Not sure its a desire for instant success, its a desire to stay out of county league. As already stated, the biggest concern for me is for the last two games we finally have our best 11 players on the pitch, who have then gone on to produce the worst performances of the season, both at home and both against very limited opposition.
It's also seeing the massive problems we had against Horsham, with one up top and ten behind the ball, and then not having the confidence or know how to change it next game against Thamesmead. We then had exactly the same issues.
However dire things are you cannot be getting rid of managers after 8 games. He deserves a really good run and the players just have to take more responsibility but if he starts to lose the changing room then that is a different matter.
I agree UFAN, I have spoken to Aggy personally, he's a good lad and he is extremely determined and motivated and I am desperate for him to succeed, but he knows, we cannot have many more performances like the last two. Just think the club is crying out for a top, top signing to give everyone a boost and I really hope the board back him with this if he has anyone in mind. Something is needed and quick.
Lewes have just the man we need ...quick , thinking striker , can work alone and one on one superbly .. deadly on goal and feisty aggressive when required ..a real match winner and guaranteed to get results
Does need man management , patience and a great management team around him that can build a team around him !!!
Ohhh well , that's the end of that. ... sorry Billy Medlock
Ufan said . Berating a Manager who has only had a few games in charge is not going to get us anywhere. The players need to look at themselves and get a grip. I have seen really poor body language on the pitch and it tells me a lot about their attitude.
I agree Ufan players are responsible for their performance but if their body language is really poor and that tells you about their attitude then that is the manager's responsibility to sort it out. A manager is a motivator as well as someone that brings players in and sets the agenda on how he wants his team to play. And from what I saw on Tuesday there was no motivation, the players were below par in their performance and the style of football was equivalent of West Brom, dull lets go for 0-0 or maybe sneak a goal! He needs to work harder than you say he is working if he is going to turn this around or maybe he just has not got the skills set. Good coaches don't necessarily make good managers.
I have been watching Hastings for a number of years now when I can. Last season was fantastic with some really exciting games. The problem as I see it started when we lost our best players to Margate without the same standard of players coming in. I don't really know whats going on at the club at the moment, but we are in for a rough season.
Your right Duncan, last year was an exceptional season, I think it`s the difference between last year and this, that makes it look so bad, not that it isn`t, because it is dreadful, last year was so entertaining, full of games to remember, and a record amount of goals, we will never achieve that amount of goals again if we carry on playing the way we are, the best form of defence is attack. Chris does not play that way, so best get used to it, that`s why as you say, it is going to be a long, rough season (or two).
. It is often said already on this forum that the Development has the priority by some.