Often Partisan

Eleven In A Row

Huddersfield’s 2-1 win over Blues yesterday means Lee Clark’s men have equalled a fifty-one-year old record for the longest league sequence without a home win – eleven games.

In the 1962-63 season, Blues didn’t have a home league victory between the 3-2 win over the mob from across the Expressway on October 27 until May 1 1963 when they turned over another team in claret and blue – West Ham United by the same scoreline. That season saw Blues finish 20th in the top flight – one point above the relegation places (only the bottom two went down then) – and amazingly, League Cup winners. Whilst we can’t win the League Cup this year I’d very much take staying out of the relegation mixer come the end of the season.

The last two years have been lean for home victories – league or otherwise. Last season we won just 8 out of our 23 home games – barely one third. This season it currently stands at 2 from 16 – a 12.5% home victory success rate. In total, since Lee Clark has been in charge Blues have won just 14 out of 46 games in all competitions at St Andrews. For a team who used to be proud of their home record – we went a whole year without losing in the league at St Andrews under McLeish – to have won less than one in three games at home is galling.

As much as people blame Clark for this predicament I don’t think he alone carries the can. Whilst his team selections have been and are baffling I think there are other reasons. Blues have used 40 players this season – partly due to tinkering from Clark but mainly due to the vast turnover of players we’ve seen. I think it needs to be stressed again that twelve players – TWELVE players – went in and out of Blues in the thirty-one days of January. Blues are in a position now where they have to play players who are either raw and in need of experience, lower league journeymen or old lags who can’t hack it any more  – and with that comes the attendant inconsistency. If any of our players were consistently good, they’d probably have been sold in the window just gone…

It’s proving to be hard to be optimistic at all about Blues; everybody seems flat and deflated. Even hopes from the potential prospect of new investment from mainland China have been punctured with doubts over who the company are, about their motives and whether money will even make it to these shores. I think if people like Pannu want protests to stop, to not be harassed over the amount of money that they earn then they have to show through their actions that the club is now going to emerge like a phoenix from the flames from the recent slump it’s been in. Personally, I’m not asking for much – a budget to tie down some players like Will Packwood and Aaron Martin to longer contracts, some investment so the manager and scouts can start looking at Bosman players now and getting into a position that we can start tying up deals at the end of the season; and maybe some communication about who this new Chinese firm are and what their strategy is.

Maybe if we see some action from Hong Kong for the future the fans will feel happier – and maybe, just maybe that might translate to a positive reaction on the pitch. We can but hope.

200 Responses to “Eleven In A Row”

  • AF says:

    There are still baffling decisions from LC too, such as leaving Shane Ferguson out of the side. I agree with you about funding, budgets and objectives. I think the conundrum about LC needs to be addressed too. Agreed he has had a poor hand, he works hard, hasn’t moaned but despite his protests some decisions are baffling and home performances totally unacceptable.

  • DoctorD says:

    The thing about long non-winning streaks is that with every game the chances of breaking it rise wuth every new match.

  • Scoobers says:

    As much as LC is hamstrung by the lack of finances get doesn’t help himself with all the changes of formations and players when things were going okay. Lack of balance is blooming obvious from afar too

    • brainchildbluestar says:

      Bad performance at home is due to lack of support from fans and this site s incitement to create mess at the club….what do u expect the outcome on the pitch to be.
      I feel if annual is treated better he can help us bring money over

      • Staffordshire Blue Nose says:

        how on earth can you say that? Blame the fans, that is just absord. Saturday may have been one of those games because the more they tried the worse it got…. But why on earth did LC not keep the same team or formation that played well on Tuesday night? That was the baffling bit for me and if you want to play Robbo at left back then have someone on the left with a bit of pace (or someone on the left full stop…).

      • steve aerobic says:

        What a ridiculous post! the crowd is usually driven by what happens on the pitch and I must say that was one of the most abject performances that I have witnessed at Stan’s since the Barnsley debacle. I honestly think that Elsie was beaten by a better tactician in this case in mark Robins. Every time Huws had the ball he was swamped and poor old Reece Brown looked like a fish out of water on the left, where is Ferguson? The midfield was dominated by Huddersfield and we never really looked like getting into it other than a little spell before half time when we came close with a few meagre attacks involving Novak and Adeyami. I went home cold and despondent and it was not the crowd that I felt let down by. did you attend the game???

  • Oldbluenose says:

    Echoing your last paragraph, For someone who has just purchased shares direct to our club, One would think they would wish to make themselves known to us and what plans — If any, they have, ?.

    Where is our new Chairman, ?.

    • Art Watson says:

      Old bluenose,

      Very good point it appears nothing has changed -its business as usual.

      No communications.

      No Pannu.

      In the meantime the club is heading down the pan.!

  • mark says:

    if Shane was playing at his optimum like last season he would most definately be in the team, unfortunately for shane, it the player who gets into the manager thoughts……..

  • mark says:

    agreed Daniel it never nice having bad records…..that high turn over of players simply does not help.
    Agree with you on your points raised about Will and Martin…….
    Hopefully we can begin to plan in earnest once the verdict has possibly been decided in twelve days time……..kro

  • dan from devon says:

    If we lose the next to matches Lee has to be sacked.He has worked hard under difficult circumstances but if he can not motivate the team to put a performance in at home we need to get a guy in that can .
    The club has to take that risk or we are doomed to league 1,problem who is out there that would take the job?

  • mark says:

    not everyone is flat and deflated as you mentioned…………

  • Berkshire Blue says:

    Whilst the home form under Lee Clark has been poor for the the past two seasons the away form continues to be quite good – why the difference?

    • Shirley Blue says:

      It’s a good question but tactically I think it’s easier to set up away from home. The onus is on the home team to attack so it’s mainly a case go getting men behind the ball and waiting for them to over committ. What frustrates me is continuing to play Novak on the left when it clearly doesn’t work at home. He has no pace, left foot or tricks to cause any damage at home but is a willing workhorse in away games. I agree Ferguson hasn’t been great when he has played but has he been given any more than one game in a row?

      God knows what was going on yesterday on that side. Robinson only came over the half way line to take throw ins. Novak didn’t know whether to stay out on the left or join in with Marcheda. Brown was like a little boy lost playing out of position. I do think Clark has a tendency to over complicate matters with his selections and tactics.

  • Gary says:

    I think we have become good at one thing excuses yes we have a team full of loan players yet they play ok in one game then bad in the next these are all professional players who know what their roll is yet they play the game as if they have never played before so who is that down to. We seem to have a fifteen minute spell throughout a every game and if we don’t score in that spell we lose or draw the game we never dominate a game we never have a plan B if nothing is going right.

  • Atahualpa is a BlueNose says:

    We seem to simply go missing at home. Combination of factors, but it is plainly obvious we need substantial funds to try and assemble some sort of competitive team for the Championship. With the multi-million pound injection last week into BIHL, PP needs to show some sort of commitment to BCFC rather than simply to stash the money for emergencies in HK and any prospecting for whatever it is they are planning over there.

    Now that BIHL are coming round to the fact that Blues will not be the money-maker they thought it would be, they need a more realistic exit strategy for mutual benefit, but that entails sending money to the UK as oppose to simply letting the club fund itself.

  • bluenoserob says:

    its clear we dont have the quality of players that many teams in our league have , but if we can win games away against these teams we should be able to win a few at home , we cant contiue to rely on heroic away wins , if we cant get are act together at stans then i fear we might find ourselves in the bottom 3.

  • bluenoserob says:

    has anybody else considered that if the club is now on firmer ground finance wise ,they may have the money to sack LC, if think it would be crazy , but most any other club would have sacked a manager with a home record like ours .

  • iSabreman says:

    Investors would be nuts to give LC money to spend.

    Gave contracts to Novak, Shinnie, Lee, Lovenkrands, Ambrose, Mullins and failed loans in Allan, Mclean etc nearly all have failed to either perform or even get in the 11.

    Thats not even mentioning tactics.

    If any investor wants to get rid of apathy the best way would be to get rid of LC. It would also buy them some time with the distraction.

    • tmsblues says:

      I do tend to agree he is part of the problem. He is a tinkerman there’s no doubt both tactically and selection wise he must confuse the squad ask the Huddersfield fans. One week they are in the next they be out regardless of the fact they played well. I do doubt who’d want to invest and fear that regardless of the division there will be around 6000 sad but hopeful loyal st holders next season and home crowds near 10000. Losing is just as big a habit forming and psychological matter as winning is. We have an uncanny Knack of helping to break results records for others and maybe next week at Blackpool we’ll set them back on winning ways ! Our best chance of survival is to request all our remaining games are away from home after all, as someone pointed out its away form that can save us !!!

    • Stephen Wood says:

      If LC had the money im sure he would spend it wisely. But this is never going to happen in the near Future so we have to let him have the reigns. The better course of action would be for the fans to rise up and make there voices heard. We have to stop this now . We have to have CY & PP + the Chinese out of the club . WE DO NOT WANT ANY MORE ACID STRIPPERS!!

  • crother88 says:

    would you want to play at stans the place has got a bad atmosphere created by you know who team happier away from stans simple

  • Ronj says:

    It doesn’t take much thought to realise that until we have new owners with finance and interested in the football club we are only going one way and that is through the trapdoor . I am sure that the time it will take to resurrect our club will depend on these facts. Therefore I see little point in pontificating about the present set up as it is doomed to failure with the hairdresser and PP in charge. I feel genuinely sorry for our players and not least our fellow supporters like me who suffer week after week looking with envy at the premier league .

  • Roy Smith says:

    St Andrews does not have a bad atmosphere, it does not have ANY atmosphere.
    Actually, I thought the fans were pretty tolerant yesterday, they only booed at the end, and considering the abysmal performance I think that was pretty positive.
    Let’s be honest, until the Chinese people go the club is a dead man walking and it’s difficult to produce a good atmosphere in those circumstances.

  • Peter bates says:

    I have said before on op lee clark works with the players 5to6 days per week if he cant get team selection tactics and systems right then he should not be in the job he threw out his dummy in the press conference and it makes him look very silly on the other side of the coin who would come and to the club and work under these conditions kro

  • Richard Granfield says:

    We are badly in need of a overhaul of the playing staff. These are the players we should try and sign:-
    Butland, Foster, Dann, Johnson, Davies, Fahey, Gardner, Jerome, Larsson, Martins, Mutch, Ridgewell and Redmond. LOL.

  • Blue Nose Gaz says:

    I am finding it hard to justify driving nearly 200 miles just to home games, and witness complete surrender.
    Team selections and tactics baffle me. 14 wins from 46 games is shocking no home win since october.
    Lee Clark I know works to very strict guidelines but in any other walk of life such poor results would end in sacking.

  • The Francis Fake says:

    Undeniably LC has got a very difficult job which has been further exacerbated by a turbulent January. At home we have to we need to set the team up with 2 strikers and 2 wingers and take a gamble. We might get thrashed but we might win. Home draws are no good either. It seems to me we are only looking like scoring at home when we throw the kitchen sink at it in the last few minutes. We need to start the home games with the same intent. The very good away form cannot possibly continue over the long run so we are in trouble unless there is change. I think we are throwing too many youngsters in at the same time also. Paul Robinson has been a very good signing for us but forget playing him at left back at home. He can survive in this position away when defending deeper but we need a full back with legs at home. Basically we need to set the team up differently at home to away matches.

  • Blueboy88 says:

    We have learned this week Peter Pannu believes he is worth every penny of the huge salary he is paid, & he cannot think of anything CY has done wrong.

    We also learned Lee Clark thinks he is doing a unbelievable job .

    While these deluded individuals remain at our football club it will continue unchecked on the road to nowhere.

  • matt says:

    That big lad who came on near the end could come to our rescue! Don’t know his name but caused a lot of problems for huddersfield he even had an assist! People sitting near me seemed to boo him rather than boo players that had a nightmate ie caddis packwood robinson novak adeyami brown! I suppose they we’re all selected for football reasons! Resignation please clark! Delay no more!

  • kneesupmotherbrown says:

    you’re right , Almajir , in saying that it would be nice to see some investment in some players etc but I am sceptical . And it has made me consider what it is going to take to make me fork out for two season tickets again this summer . We used to get suckered by Gold and Sullivan promising big money signings just to get the season ticket bandwagon rolling . I remember being racked off when we sold Mutch . Then it was Redmond , Butland , Davies etc . And whats more , I dont particularly care that we sold to pay our way ..I understand that the club is not in too much debt , but its no wonder the mood is flat and I for one wont be parting with any cash until AFTER the board have invested big time in our club . They can take it or leave it but im beginning to think that the only way to protest is to pick and choose only away games , sad as that is .

    • John says:

      Quite right kneesup, I will not renew my season ticket next season, unless the board invest their money in the club next season. That goes for a large number of people I know.

  • Retired&Weary says:

    Our remaining home games: QPR, Burnley, Reading, Bournemouth, Wigan, Blackburn, Leeds!
    Never mind the 11 game record, they are going to blow it out of the water. Imagine 2 home wins in a whole season, it’s a real possiblity now.
    I’m sorry but you can’t blame CY & PP solely for this shocking record. LC’s continual tinkering, putting square pegs in round holes, bombing players out, etc, etc. is also a major issue. Huddersfield fans warned us about this when he joined us, seems like they were right.
    It’s not all about money, I doubt that Huddersfield have spent much, but we made them look like Barcelona. They closed us down all over the pitch & won every 50:50. Good job their best striker didn’t play! New owners AND new manager a.s.a.p. Please.

    • BhamCityJulian says:

      I was almost a lone voice against LC’s appointment as soon as the Mail reported him as the number one target. I’d looked at his record and checked with Huddersfield fans.

      I saw how crap we’d become in Cheltenham preseason game summer 2012 and this has continued and continued.

      Things got worse worse and Huddersfield and the pattern is repeating here.

      • Frankie says:

        Yep, you are right, we should have stuck out for Mourinho or Guardiola.
        We have one of the BEST young English managers and hopefully soon we will rid ourselves of the Hong Kong nightmare and give him a chance to manage without having BOTH hands tied behind his back.

  • Alan watton says:

    Having watched Blues for close to 55 years I’ve seen some bad performances. Yesterday was without doubt the worst EVER. 7 days ago I watched as our car-boot boys battle to a priceless 3 points with a manager carefully plotting the down fall of relegation rivals. Nine points clear of them all is well. Well we are still 9 points clear but Charlton now have 3 games in hand.
    I travelled 400 miles in all on six different vehicle types and all six original legs were altered or cancelled. 15 hours I was out the house. The 97 minutes I spent between first and final whistles I saw NOTHING.
    In order to nullify us 2 players are assigned to watch Burke and another close by to observe. This leaves 7 outfielders to combat our 9. Novak and Brown are so out of place (for different reasons) they even up the count. Yesterday they did more for the opposition. Our Goalie threw one in (not for the first time). The back four are slower than the receding waters of the river Severn. In midfield we have no ball winners although they borrow it occasionally. Strikers ? Wot strikers
    Incredibly Zigic has a reputation of not trying yet was the most enthusiastic player by MILES and the most effective.
    As for winning at home we have run out of teams who might be bad enough to lose at St Andrews.

  • TheJudge says:

    I understand that we now have a very different team from 18 months ago, but still under CH St Andrews was a fort, wasn’t until March we suffered our first home loss of the season.
    Such a vast change in such a short space of time.

    KRO Delay no More

  • DoctorD says:

    Well, in the last few seasons, we’ve fallen by 9 places, 6 places and then 8 places. I predict this year we’ll drop seven places to 19th. You heard it here first.

    Next season is make or break. The final round of parachute money. No more Zigic. Yeung in the nick (or not). Chinese firmly entrenched.

  • sappy sad says:

    i think we should play robbo in front of packwood and martin
    as we need more strength at the back as we up our anti to
    get more shots on target kro

  • Chris W says:

    With home games against Q.P.R., Burnley and Reading respectively I can see that unbeaten record being extended to 13 even 14 games, not even confident with the Bournemouth game unless we have a dramatic upturn in fortune, which I can’t see where that is going to come from.

    The players seem to have no belief at home; the ball becomes a hot potato and yet we can play so openly away, why?

    Working on the premise of the last record, we ended the run beating a team with Claret and Blue in West Ham. Then it is possible that Burnley could be the game to end this abysmal record, purely on the basis they too play in Claret and Blue, we have not had any success against teams who play in Blue and White (Millwall kit).

    I cannot remember the last time Lee Clark named an unchanged team, if he ever has. Just when you think he has a winning formula or a settled team, bang, he swaps and changes players, formation or tactics.
    We know that every team play differently, most play to their strengths and exploit the weakness of the opposition. Our weakness is too many changes in vital areas; or rather, we are consistently inconsistent.

    The players have to take responsibility once they cross the white line.
    There cannot be any excuse for lack of passion or pride; performances can vary for many reasons.
    Obviously the constant change and having to rebuild has its problems and fair play to LC he has bought in some exceptional talent, unfortunately he doesn’t have the luxury of bedding them in, they must hit the ground running, even the Messi’s and Ronaldo’s take time to adjust.

    We obviously have our quota of loans and any money that filters through is too late for the transfer window. I believe the purchase out-of-contract players is allowed, if these investors do care about the club then some money must be made available to give us a chance of securing championship football next season. If not then it is going to be a very long and hard run in with only luck and the fact that three teams below us are, on paper, worse than we are.
    Charlton have three games in hand but if Bolton, Millwall or Doncaster put a couple of wins together we are right in the mire and it will be squeaky time, look at how Wednesday have progressed.
    KRO+DNM

  • Tony says:

    Can hardly believe it, the worst home run for 51 years its incredible that this man is still in a job, his tactics are nonsensical, his selections utterly ridiculous.
    Yesterday no one knew what they were supposed to be doing , it was like the old days at Stans when the fog from the steamers descended and no one could see a thing. Its not just this season its been like this since Clarks been here ,who can ever forget Barnsley at home? that to me was the worst performance from blues in the 50 odd years I have been watching them.
    When someone has the audacity to question his opinion of the job he is doing he throws his toys out of the pram. He and his comic sidekicks are treating blues like a meal ticket, he hasnt the decency to resign, then again he is so thick skinned he probably does not realize just what a disaster he is.Anyone who defends him must be on some sort of medication. Zigic must be sniggering up his sleeve.

    • Art Watson says:

      Tony ,

      Spot on!

      Sadly there are those who still believe he’s a great manager.

      I judge him on his results and record.

      Say no more !

      • Agent McLeish says:

        We’ve lost and they crawl out the woodwork. Pity you people can’t see the obvious real reasons for the weaknesses in the team. I can spell it out BIHL asset stripping.

        • Staffordshire Blue Nose says:

          Agent, that is part of the reason but not all of it, LC tinkers with the team day in day out, its obvious that Robbo can’t play left back because he hasn’t the legs AND he isn’t as good as either Packwood or Martin BUT LC picks him because because he is his captain.

  • fletch says:

    a poor side must always play their strongest team … good sides have good players in reserve . we are not a good side …. stop the tinkering now , p.s carson young out now !

  • Johnners says:

    With the line up yesterday, it was if the team had had a stroke – no movement at all down the left hand side. Robinson plays like a third centre half and Novak is not a left winger. If LC plays Hancox and Ferguson on the left I think it will transform the side. Someone will need to give way for Robbo at centre half and Novak can partner Macheda up front. Particularly at home we cannot pressure the away team without playing the full width of the park.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    When in doubt, blame the manager. It’s never the players fault.

    Maybe they play better away because there’s no pressure on them to win.. they’re not expected to. At home, they are expected to win, but they don’t. I wasn’t too chuffed watching that display yesterday, but at the end of the day, whether we get the points at home or away doesn’t bother me, as long as we get them.

    • Shirley Blue says:

      Well it bothers me when I have to sit through it bored stiff like yesterday after paying £26. For away games I can always switch the radio off and go and do something else and I haven’t paid.

      • StaffsBlue says:

        Whether you’ve paid or not, you have the option of getting up, walking up the steps and out of the ground.

        • Staffordshire Blue Nose says:

          Staffs are you real, most stay away fans are doing it because they don’t want to line CY pockets, some because they can’t afford to (I pick and choose games) but we are still allowed an opinion even if its different to yours. You are getting like Paul Carter and from now on I will choose to not read your opinion because you don’t make sense.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I don’t like to criticise, but Robbo showed no leadership yesterday. Whether that was down to the position he played, I don’t know. But I think everyone, including him knows that he’s no left back anymore. He got done for the first goal yesterday. But to move him to centre back, would mean either dropping Packwood or Martin (neither deserve to be) or switching to 3 at the back. Only other position would be defensive midfield.

  • andy says:

    It was just plain awful yesterday and its been that way for the past 2 years at home now. Most supporters just don’t know what to say anymore, its a club that is virtually on its knees. Troubles? What Troubles?

  • chrisblue08 says:

    Got to say as a bluenose who has been going for over 30 years that yesterday was one of the most disappointing performances I have seen. Devoid of Ideas, overran in midfield by a mid table team and a defence that with the exception of Martin go backwards continually when someone runs at them. How can players coached day in day out not play a line ? Huddersfield were hardly blessed with pace so why was Packwood trying to play On the 18 yard line. Was so frustrating and to make matters worst we then play with 4 striker for the last twenty minutes when we have been overran all game in midfield. Carson and Peter delay no more !!!!

  • ray says:

    Thank god we’ve got a couple of away games now. We seem to do better away than at home!

  • ray says:

    Thank God we’re away for a couple of games now. Time for morale to recover.

  • Dave says:

    Sick of everyone complaining about lack of funding, we’ve had a lack of funding since Sweeney Todd took over! Clark knew the score last season yet him and his backroom staff haven’t been able to decide on a first eleven, starting formation or decent tactics and have made some terrible loan and matchday decisions in the 18 months they’ve been in place. Time to ship out.

    It’s a good job we’ve got four games worth of points over the relegation places at the moment otherwise I think there’d be more chance of Jasper Carrot and Jeff Lynn running naked towards the Holte End than us staying up. Get Curbs in.

  • Mike says:

    comment removed – I admire the sentiment but to say Carson and Pannu have sold players and pocketed the cash is untrue and libellous. If you want to know where the money has gone – look at the player wages. They don’t pay them buttons you know…

    • Mike says:

      All I asked was WHERE the money had gone and NOT that they personally had pocked it for themselves !! Whats happenned to freedom of speech in this country !! Thats the problem with blues fans and the like !! I was a season ticket holder for 45 years so I do Have a right to a say of how I percive the club is being run !!
      However lets all hurry up and close the club down shall we as its as sure as eggs is eggs that we are on the road to oblivion with these muppets at the helm !!

  • bluenoseneil says:

    Nothing will change any time soon so perhaps we should see how it goes at Blackpool away, wait for the trial outcome then go from there.

  • Stephen Wood says:

    The feelings of the fans on the terraces at stands is spilling over onto the pitch. Is it any wonder they do not feel any confidence to expressing themseves . When we boo them off at half time & Full time. These are sad times dude . But take a possitive spin on this and Take your venom to where the trouble begins PP & CY+ the Chinese. We want them OUT!

  • Weaponsguru says:

    We can blame the “people” with the purse strings all we like (don’t get me wrong, I certainly blame them for the majority of our woo’s), but let’s be clear here – the individual players at LC’s disposal may not be world beaters, but they are probably better than at least half of the players in our division.
    It does seem that there is something wrong with “The Team”.
    Now there is NO manager in the world that can “make a diamond out of a lump of coal”, but there are many who could at least “polish a turd”.
    Unfortunately, it seems that our management team are unable to keep even a slight glimmer of a sparkle on what is becoming a big turd.

    We’ve had problems before (Kumars, etc), but I fear that we are rapidly getting to a stage where the heart and soul are being irreputably ripped from our club.

    Weve always been “United in our support and mutual misert”.

    I now get the feeling that more and more just don’t care anymore.

    The saddest thing for me, is that the longer these parasites suck the lifeblood out of our club, the less I seem to care.
    I pray that I’m wrong, but I think we’re in a much worse place than Pompey ever got to :(

    • bluenoseneil says:

      No admin, still in Championship.

      We are A MILLION MILES away from Pompey…….and it will stay that way

      You heard it here first ;p KRO

      • mark says:

        well said bluenoseneil

      • blueb says:

        Financially we are in a better state believe it or not, but Pompey had a united fan base without the apathy. They supported their trust and any fan efforts to make things better and also had a local council behind them. This gave them a chance to recover. This is what is missing from our situation. People just dont care.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    We went on a 10 game unbeaten run, then had the spine ripped out of the side. Lee Clark worked around the clock to bring in replacements, mostly from the premier league. Whilst he was doing that, we lost 3 games. But, we came back with a great draw against Derby and a good win at Charlton. We then had a narrow defeat against Watford, which we should have won. Yesterday’s performance was abysmal, but it’s only one game. I’ll be looking for a massive improvement in the performance against Blackpool, as I’m sure Clark will.

    The home form is a worry for sure, but I’m convinced it’s nothing to do with tactics or team selection. It’s a mental block of some sort, it has to be. Same players, mostly the same tactics home and away. Like Clark said, they seem sh*t scared to play at home. Why? Do we have a psychologist on staff?

    • mark says:

      thank you Staffsblue someone with with agreeable point of view,,,,be careful they are lurking around the corner you be called one eyed next……..
      great to see some Clark out again did not take them long…..definately quiet while the 10 match beaten run was still in play…… yes admittedly awful game the players let themselves down badly…….knowingly how blues play they go beat Blackpool… …. dont ya just love Blackpool rock

      • StaffsBlue says:

        Mark, I couldn’t give a flying f**k what people think of me. Water off a duck’s back mate!

      • Staffordshire Blue Nose says:

        Mark, btw I haven’t called for LC to be sacked for a while and I think he should be given to the end of this season but you have question his team selections and tic-tacs (might be better to put 18 players name in the small carton and shake them out to pick the team and formation). A under 11’s team could have played us off the park on Saturday, all they need to do was double up on Burke and our creativity had gone, didn’t help that Burke had an off day either but he must be wondering, 1 wide player in the team do I have to do everything? Robbo isn’t one of the best 10 outfield players in the squad so has to be dropped but LC won’t. watch Man City, they get the width from the full backs if you are playing 4-3-3 and we had Robbo???? But hey because I’m not a back slapping Clark fan you won’t even acknowledge that we may just have a point about LC???

        • StaffsBlue says:

          I support Lee Clark 100%. I like the guy a lot and was pleased when he was appointed. But I do wonder about some of his selections I have to admit… mainly down the left. But we’re not privvy to what goes on inside the club/training ground day-to-day. I just think he’s trying things out to try to find a winning formula and it’s not clicked yet. But I agree, he’s needs to get a wriggle on now. I’m still confident we’ll be fine.

  • mark says:

    we have sports science Dr Tom Little whether he covers a psychologist role i would not have clue…..or is just fitness his role………

  • AussieBlue says:

    BIHL shares up another 22% in mid afternoon HK trading. That’s what it’s all about folks; money for BIHL; not to be confused with money for BCFC.
    We’ve been raped in broad daylight…and it ain’t over yet.

  • Ali Duncan says:

    I’m normally a positive fan and I’ve said all season that I believe that there are three teams far worse than us and we’ll be safe. I’m not so sure now. It’s only our excellent away form that is keeping us out of the bottom three. 2 home wins all season is simply not good enough and in reality is relegation form. I don’t like to point the blame but I think Clark has to take a hard look at some of his team selections and, equally as importantly, how he motivates the players. We all know we’ve not got a team of superstars and he should be applauded for the solid loan signings and his trust in youth but something is clearly wrong to be be this poor at home since his reign began.

    Robbo has been awful the last two games and shouldn’t be picked just because he’s Captain. Clark needs to be brave and make changes. He has maybe started to do that with the reintroduction of Zigic but he needs to drop Robbo and play a left-sided player in front of Mitch Hancox.

    Certain players have been off the boil that are normally consistent – Burke & Caddis. Why is that? I’m struggling to get answers and worry where the next points are coming from. Teams below us are looking like they might recover and we’re in poor form with probably low morale. It’s not looking good although to put a positive slant on it – we’ve got 2 away game coming up so you never know.

  • RichardM says:

    Somebody made a very good point earlier (I thinik it was Frankie) that Clark has the players and the tactics to compete away from home – where we’re usually pushed back, close down and use energy and speed to hit on the. break. Adeyemi, Burke, Huws and Novak fit this strategy nicely for me.

    The problem as I see it (in my humble opinion) is that I can’t see what Clark’s strategy for home games is – does he even have one, or is he trying to be too clever and tweak it depending on the opposition (when maybe consistency in team selection might be better in the long term). At home, it’s Blues job to impose themselves on the opposition, but we never do. Whether that’s Clark’s fault or not is the whole debate really. To do that I think you need two things, a “presence” in the middle of the park and some width, I can’t understand why Brown (for all his promise) is preferred in the middle over an experienced Howard, and Huws while clearly very talented is still developing.and needs a forecful player beside him. Normally that’s Adeyemi, but he had a stinker on Saturday. Why Novak on the left?

    “Powder-puff” is how our midfield was describedi n the media on Saturday. You kind of get the impression that Novak is picked purely for his “work-ethic” which is clearly high up on Clarks agenda, but I would question whether this is a wise team selection over and above a naturally left sided player in Ferguson who would give us more width and a chance for some variety – rather than the obvious route to goal via Burke on the right (which every team in this division has now worked out is Blues only real source of threat).

    People talk about the atmosphere at Stans, of course it’s an issue – but it’s a viscious circle – it’s flat because there is nothing happening on the pitch to excite the supporters and get them behind the team – and sing as hard as we might, only the palyers can really light the fuse.

    Just my tuppence worth, happy to be shot down in flames if others disagree. I guess the pont I’m making is we all know the limitations Clark faces, but surely we should be playing to OUR strengths rather than worrying about what the opposition will do ,and tinkering aroud with team selections to try and counter them. Against Burnley I’d stop worrying about Danny Ings et al, just go 4-4-2 with some width, get the crowd on side and just ATTACK the bastards. Even if we lost it would be a major plus to see the players applauded off the pitch for a change.

    • Ali Duncan says:

      Can’t argue with that. Most comments on here are well balanced and most people (other than Mark) live in the real world.

      It again comes down to tactics and again LC has got them wrong. Very frustrating. I’m not going to Blackpool but will be at Ipswich and hoping to see more of the same in relation to performance on the pitch and great craic and banter in the away corner.

      KRO.

      • mark says:

        Sorry dont take it personally Ali but we both live on planet earth if you are not sure.
        Again do you really think clark sends a team out to f**k up, absolutely not. Did he get his tactics no…players failed to turn up, and were actually disrespectful to the shirt which I might add happens nothing to do with tactics..
        Looking forward to getting my stick rock at blackpool…and win

        • StaffsBlue says:

          “players failed to turn up, and were actually disrespectful to the shirt which I might add happens nothing to do with tactics.”

          That much I do agree with. I wasn’t angry with Lee Clark, or the tactics, the players selected… or even the result. What really p*ss*d me off was the lack of effort. Both Lee Clark and us fans deserve better.

          The very, VERY least I expect from our players, is 100% commitment. I don’t care if it’s sun, rain, hail or snow.. roll your sleeves up and get stuck in. I used to do it for nothing (just the love of the game) so I expect that as a bare minimum from those who get paid well for it. And because some are on loan, or their contract is running out, that’s no excuse.

          • Chris W says:

            I played semi-pro for just expenses, I also played Sunday league for the love of it either case I gave the very best I could for the club I played for and for my own self respect.
            As you say all any supporter wants to see is commitment and passion, both sadly lacked Saturday, that for me is an insult to those who pay hard earned cash.
            We could take 11 blokes from the stands and get a better response.
            Though I expect a reaction at Blackpool it is the home supporters who are being insulted the most. Those who travel watch a totally different side, and we see better results.
            Looking forward to Blackpool and Ipswich, but more importantly Q.P.R and Burnley to see if the home crowd get a reaction, if they don’t then every player should be dropped and the academy team should play the next home game.
            To be honest if they allowed everyone in for free and give the season ticket holders £26 it still wouldn’t make up for the disrespectful lack of passion.
            KRO+DNM

    • Staffordshire Blue Nose says:

      you are correct, get your CV into PP he will be impressed. what will be interesting is whether Robbo gets another year on his contract, I hope not as he is now shot, perhaps him as a coach?

    • StaffsBlue says:

      I agree with most of that Richard. But, when the opposition have danger men, it’s negligent not to have some sort of strategy to nullify that threat. I said to my son before the game that Norwood and Clayton were the biggest threat to us. Apparently, Lee Clark said the same to the players. He wondered if they had ear muffs on when he said it. It’s not rocket science.

      I agree, out best tactics is Caddis and Burke on the right and Hancox and Ferguson on the left, but, who plays in centre midfield? We need some strong arm tactics in the middle, other teams have it (look at Leicester.. even Charlton) but we don’t seem to have that type of player at the club… and we suffer almost every game because of it.

  • dave mann says:

    never felt so down as i did saturday afternoon, arguing with the misses, arguing with my
    son, arguing with other supporters, it was horrific and embarassing and i show my true
    feelings and emotions when things are that bad….this home form is hard to understand
    because i go to away games also were a diffrent animal all together and looking forward
    to blackpool saturday where were propably play well and win and walk out of the ground
    thinking why is the home form so dreadfull!!!!! KRO.

  • steve aerobic says:

    Anyone got any idea why Steve Bruce and Keith Bertschin were at the match???

  • trevblue says:

    All these people who come on here saying lets get rid of Clark just say that happened tomorrow
    can some one please tell me who we could get or who would even consider the job

    • Staffordshire Blue Nose says:

      Most un-employed managers I would think. I get your point but there would be a few wanting it, it whether they are better than we have hence why I say give him to the end of the season, make sure he gets his free’s in (most of his free’s have been good, not loans as they are hit and miss) but don’t give him a penny!!!!

    • StaffsBlue says:

      If the worst came to the worst (imo) and Clark did walk/get sacked, there’s only one manager for me and he ain’t likely to be available.. or affordable. Sean Dyche.

      • StaffsBlue says:

        … or knowing our luck, Carson Yeung would probably install one of his many brothers-in-law to do the job (for a few shares of course.) Be careful what you wish for!

  • dave mann says:

    theres always someone out there who would take the job but not anyone with any
    pedigree or standing in the game, ive said it many times but weve got to stop changeing
    the 11 from game to game because they need a rest….total crap as far as ime concerened
    keep our best 11 on the pitch from game to game and lets see what happens…..same 11,
    same system…keep changeing players and formation and the results will keep changeing
    also like they are now…..not knowing what 11 clark is going to put out is now cutting thin
    ice with me and its got to stop unless he has no choice.!!! KRO.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      I think that, because we had the heart ripped out of the team in January, and he’s had to bring in 5 or 6 new faces, it might take a while to find out what the best 11 is. It’s a pain in the arris, but it’s understandable when you have to try to intergrate that many newcomers into an existing squad. We could all pick a side and reckon it’s our best 11… and we wouldn’t all agree. I know who I would pick… and half of those that played on Saturday wouldn’t get a look in. Just a thought.

  • Agent McLeish says:

    We get rid of LC and we go down – simple. The team has been asset stripped by the current owners to fuel this own interests rather than the clubs. Ask yourself people where have all the transfer fees and parachute payments have gone? Why do BCFC need to employ a ‘consultancy’ that is owned by a club employee? What about the Hong Kong “pocket expenses”? Why is a club with no money paying an exorbitant salary to someone that is never at the club and rarely communicates? I could go on and on….

  • Tony says:

    Agree Staffs Dyche would be my choice

    • StaffsBlue says:

      He’s a Brummie and would fit our club like a glove. But he might be well out of our league now… certainly while we have the present owners. After seeing what Hughton and especially Clark have had to contend with… no one (of value) in their right mind would look at us.

      • Ali Duncan says:

        Dyche? If we’re being silly why not say Mourinho. Dyche is clearly out of our league as he’s tied to a well structured club that is riding high and has players of a decent calibre.

        Blues wouldn’t be able to afford compensation for anybody so we’d only be looking at recent sackings or a long term absentee from the game. Also, who in their right mind would leave a club doing well to come to a potless ragbag side like Blues.

      • steve aerobic says:

        Its all conjecture because the only way LC will leave here is if he is sacked and that aint going to happen. Sean Dyche??? We could never afford hime let alone persuade him to come here, it must be one of the worst jobs in football management.

  • Bluenosesol says:

    Mail reporting that McDermott and Fazackerley have left!!!

  • Atahualpa is a BlueNose says:

    Hope that if Fazackerley and McDermott have gone, then it’s LC’s decision and not some edict from HK to cut costs further.

    Ironically, it might even possibly be someone taking a greater interest in what is happening at BCFC, with the team, and looking at ways to change things around.

    • Will says:

      Could be someone isolating him, not usually good sign for the manager, when his back room staff start to dissapear

      • Atahualpa is a BlueNose says:

        Valid point – but I have a feeling that as silly and ridiculous the H-Kongers mob are and can be, surely even they know that football and on-field decisions should be left to those that are employed for that purpose?

      • Chris W says:

        Can’t change the players, maybe it is time to change the backroom staff.
        Is it being forced on LC or has he decided they are not doing the job he wants, or is this the end of LC and PP has decided to bring in his own man from China?
        Can the team sustain further disruption?
        KRO+DNM

  • Art Watson says:

    If it’s true -it’s great news and maybe the board have instructed Clark to sack them both anticipating Clark will resign as a matter of principle.

    Hopefully he will.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I think that Lee Clark is p*ss*d off by a lot of things at the moment… and quite rightly so. He’s being let down by a lot of people. If he’s decided to have a clear out and bring some fresh ideas in, or people that can actually do what he needs, bloody good luck to him.

    • Art Watson says:

      StaffsBlue.

      If getting rid of these two guys is Clarks decision and his only I would agree with you.

      IMO he should have fired them 12 months ago.

      This assumes the news is correct of course!!

      • StaffsBlue says:

        Of course. Until we see it confirmed in black and white, we’ll just have to treat it as hearsay. I’m hoping Clark has seen the light and given them the hook. I think his demeanor showed that something was in the offing on Saturday. I had a feeling that changes were coming… but I never expected it to be this radical.

        • Chris W says:

          TMcD didn’t seem too acrimonious on Tuesday at Watford, Saturday I got the impression he didn’t want to be there but put that down to the poor performance.
          If it is Clark’s decision has he got replacements lined up or is he going to take it on himself, which beggars the question is he capable along with everything else he is trying to shuffle.
          Expect him to be selling programmes and pies next home game too…
          KRO+DNM

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Doesn’t sound too clever at Norwich either. “Norwich chief executive David McNally has suggested that the football club would move swiftly to find the right candidate to replace boss Chris Hughton, if their Premier League status is in jeopardy.” Nothing like a vote of confidence is there?

  • Agent McLeish says:

    Who knows what has happened with TMcD and DF? I’ll be listening to Tom Ross tonight with interest and keeping tabs on Tatt’s Twitter account.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Just read that our U21s won 4-0 against Barnsley (or Sheff Utd, depending on which article you read on BCFC.com.) Mitch Hancox, Andrew Shinnie, and Shane Ferguson all got their names on the scoresheet.

  • See that Lees Clarkes assistants have been SACKED according to Sky sources.

    was on there website now removed, very strange!

    Poor Display on Saturday, tactics were shocking.

  • Bluenosesol says:

    Sky now reporting that the pair did not leave, they were sacked!!

  • StaffsBlue says:

    All we need to know now, is who sacked them? Pannu or Clark. Does Clark have the authority, or would he have to take it to the board?

  • hardip says:

    just been on sky sports news and seen that bcfc have sacked there assistant manager any update as to why Al

  • les jones says:

    Same tactics same result, watch the space teams have to play between our back four and
    midfield . Time to turn and find a man, no pressure on the man on the ball.
    Even poor teams get the odd win 1 nill Clarks been sussed by evry team that turns up at
    St Andrews.

  • Bluenosesol says:

    There are 2 logical observations here. Either this is a precursor to LC getting the sack, or else these 2 have been sacked by LC himself! I supect the latter as LC did allude to changes having to happen.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    It says that there was no input from the baord.. but I can’t see how that’s true. Surely they have to be consulted as they have to find the dosh to pay them off.

  • steve says:

    2 out of 3 ain’t bad.Let’s hope elsie quickly follows.

  • Mickey07 says:

    Lee Clark hasn’t sacked them he’s work with them all his career,biggest load of tripe ever from the club…

  • Tony says:

    If its true that it was Clarks decision then I applaud him, its the first positive thing he has done in the two years he has been here.
    Terry Mac is known as a clown and an errand boy i have been saying it for ages nice to be proved correct in spite of misguided souls on here defending him

  • StaffsBlue says:

    They’ve changed the headline on bcfc.com. All it says now is “Terry McDermott and Derek Fazackerley.”

  • chas says:

    BCFC Satement

    short statement from Birmingham City Football Club hereby follows…

    Birmingham City Football Club acknowledges speculation surrounding the positions of employees Terry McDermott and Derek Fazackerley but has no comment to issue on the matter at this moment in time.

    Read more at http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/20140217-terry-mcdermott-and-derek-fazackerley-1365464.aspx#RBRUE338dbXe291o.99

  • Tony says:

    Yes I see that Staffs but if this is true its a golden opportunity to put pressure on Clark ,Pannu now needs to appoint a coach Pannu not Clark.
    someone who has had experience of management as well as coaching, this guy can then sideline Clark who will probably walk and go for constructive diss but you can fanny about for years with that

  • bluenose08 says:

    surely the buck stops with the manager as he picks the team and chooses the tactics ? Lee Clarke is very passionate about the game but I am not sure about his tactics or team selection !

  • steve says:

    Apparently,they weren’t sacked.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Is it the usual shambles at Blues.. or is it the journos jumping the gun again?

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I’d like to give Clark the chance to see what he can do now without those pair. People have been calling for Terry Mac and Fazack to go all season. Now they’ve gone (possibly) let’s see what happens.

  • Blueboy88 says:

    Clark firstly blamed his players on Saturday for this shambles , & then his backroom staff on Sunday.

    Whens he going to take some responsibility ?

    The noose is tightening..

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I’ve heard Neil Warnock will be the new coach…. they’re going to take his teeth out and install seats! ;)

  • steve says:

    I heard they resigned.They have something else lined up.

  • Tony says:

    Difficult to believe they were sacked Clark would have to refer to HK, they were both on yearly rolling contracts and they would have to be paid up. only HK could sanction that.

  • steve says:

    Steve Watson to be assistant.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    According to the BM, Watson and Beale are stepping up. Can’t wait to see how that pans out.

  • steve says:

    Beale used to take some of the coaching anyway.

  • Steve Aerobic says:

    Was wondering if Bertschin might have a role somewhere as he was at the game with Brucie on Saturday. An amazing turn of events under any circumstances, the plot thickens! It can only be Blues, never a dull moment.

  • Richard Granfield says:

    I would appoint Paul Robinson as player coach of the under 21 Development Team.
    He will be 36 this year and needs to sort out his future. He cannot play left back now as he can’t get up and down the pitch like he used to.

  • Shirley Blue says:

    We don’t do anything the usual way at the Blues do we. Usually the manager gets sacked or walks and the coaching team follow. Resigning is unusual these days as you miss out on a pay off.
    I always felt those two were a bit behind the times and old school. Neither of them are exactly in the first flush of youth so maybe they have just decided that’s it’s not worth it any more.
    Maybe they don’t agree with LC’s team selections and tactics in which case I would completely understand it as I don’t either. My guess is we will be looking for a new manager by the end of the week.

  • ray says:

    It’s easy to say what tactics we’d all employ if we were manager. I bet we don’t know the half of what goes on behind the scenes at this football club. No-one could have put up with all this better than the manager we have. Let’s just KRO and shout for our team until one day it’s all sorted out. All this moaning won’t help anybody. Instead of moaning about our home form let’s be glad about our away form. This may be ar.. about face bet at least we can now look forward to the away games instead!

    • Shirley Blue says:

      Which most people don’t go to due to cost, time or family constraints. The great majority of your paying customers attend home games and pay good money to do so. He gets paid very well to deal with it all and with all the managerial vacancies that have been coming up they haven’t been hammering our door down to get him in have they? Blackpool showed a bit of interest last season but that’s been it I think.

  • ray says:

    It’s easy to say what tactics we’d all employ if we were manager. I bet we don’t know the half of what goes on behind the scenes at this football club. No-one could have put up with all this better than the manager we have. Let’s just KRO and shout for our team until one day it’s all sorted out. All this moaning won’t help anybody. Instead of moaning about our home form let’s be glad about our away form. This may be ar.. about face but at least we can now look forward to the away games instead!

  • Steve Aerobic says:

    With an away record like ours if we had a decent home record we would be in the play off places. I will wait with baited breath to see what happens.They must have had a better offer from somewhere as there is no way they would walk out on their contracts,im not as sure about Elsie staying now as I was a few hours ago. We support a club in turmoil but within the next 14 days we will know the outcome of the trial and hopefully have a new direction. Keep the faith!

  • Shirley Blue says:

    Hopefully we will get a proper statement tomorrow to clarify the situation. Typical of our owners they couldn’t do anything professionally and allow the club to look like the disorganised shambles that it is to the footballing press and public.

  • jazzzy786 says:

    What is Blues longest ever winless streak at St Andrews???

  • Steve Aerobic says:

    11 as mentioned in the title of this blog???

  • Wingman Blue says:

    Interesting times in which we live. I suspect the log-jam has finally broken.

  • Will says:

    SUPPLEMENTAL ANNOUNCEMENT
    Reference is made to the Company’s announcement (the “Announcement”) dated 12 February 2014
    in relation to the sale of a 12% interest in Birmingham City Plc. Capitalised terms used in this
    announcement shall have the same meaning as those defined in the Announcement unless stated
    otherwise.
    The basis of the consideration of HK$45,000,000 for a 12% equity interest in Birmingham City Plc
    was arrived at on the basis of indicative discussion made by independent third parties for the Club
    and having regards to the asset value of the Club of approximately HK$300,000,000.
    The unaudited financial effect of the Disposal is a gain of approximately HK$8 million to HK$ 9
    million arising on completion as compared to the net book value of such asset.
    The Company is expected to use the proceeds from the Disposal for routine daily operations and will
    continue to look for sound investment opportunity as and when they arise.
    By Order of the Board
    BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Ma Shui Cheong
    Executive Director
    Hong Kong, 18 February 2014

  • Agent McLeish says:

    Something tells me that Almajir will post a new blog on this subject when the facts are available. At the moment it is all speculation but the club have publicly stated that they were not sacked. This is contrary to the Daily Express headline that they have.

  • andy robinson says:

    it was only SEVEN home league wins last season, not eight.

  • mark says:

    Daniel have you got hump about pp deciding to go on radio, and talk with TR instead giving you 5 mins of his time….
    or have you irreverently broken the trust with PP because you touched a few nerves…..

    • almajir says:

      What on earth are you talking about Mark?

      • mark says:

        sorry i did mean to be so blahsay i wondering if you took the hump because PP chose to do his state of the blues on radio with TR…. you mentioned several times on your blog that you contact him through email regarding questions you would like him to answer………..i wonder if you feel you lost PP trust to have any formal get together…………..regarding any bcfc……


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