Clarke interview on Goals on Sunday

[sandman]

We know he's the same person behind Dave-Royal so no need to pay attention to him anymore.

[Top Flight]

I'm sorry that I have a different opinion to you all. I didn't know that it wasn't acceptable to have a different opinion. My apologies. I will stop making a case if it contradicts the official HNA position.

Taking a Pro Brian view is clearly not right. Thinking that a manager should have time to fix the mess, around three years to be specific is an extremist view. Even though Coppell, Pardew and McGhee all needed around three years to achieve promotion. I suppose historical evidence counts for nothing in the modern day. 18 months is sufficient and 3 months was more than enough time for there to be a marked improvement from our team under Brian's guidance.

I agree now Ian Royal. I see it your way too now. I see the light. He only has until November. If we're not flying high by November. Let's just sack him. You are right.

[genome]

It's not that you're pro this or anti that it's just you seem to make these ridiculous opinions and when someone calls you on it you change your mind instantly

If you're going to say Brian needs 3 years, Al-Habsi isn't good enough and Vydra could play for Dortmund at least stick to your guns, man

[Top Flight]

It's not that you're pro this or anti that it's just you seem to make these ridiculous opinions and when someone calls you on it you change your mind instantly

If you're going to say Brian needs 3 years, Al-Habsi isn't good enough and Vydra could play for Dortmund at least stick to your guns, man

I don't think Al Habsi is good enough to be honest. I'll stick to that. I do think Brian needs three years although because we have debated some of the factors that would result in a sacking, I have some flexibility in my position. If we are bottom at XMAS then I have to change my view, don' t I? For the best interests of RFC. I can't hold a position like that if it becomes obvious that Brian can't stop a sinking ship and someone else might be able to.

Regarding Vydra being good enough to play for Dortmund, I was just kidding for goodness sake. And I didn't use any of those words anyway.

Maybe I was quite harsh in my criticism of Al Habsi. But, I don't think he is brave at all. Do you? Have you ever seen him come off his line and dive at someones feet? Do you not think that was ridiculous letting Polter have a free header just 3 yards out? What striker gets a free header only 3 yards out? Surely the goalkeeper has to command his area? Compare that to Kaspar Schmeichals performance on Sunday. Kaspar shows much better judgement and reading of the game that he can bail out defenders when they slip or make a mis-placed pass. Al Habsi doesn't do that.

[Top Flight]

It's not that you're pro this or anti that it's just you seem to make these ridiculous opinions and when someone calls you on it you change your mind instantly

If you're going to say Brian needs 3 years, Al-Habsi isn't good enough and Vydra could play for Dortmund at least stick to your guns, man

I don't think Al Habsi is good enough to be honest. I'll stick to that. I do think Brian needs three years although because we have debated some of the factors that would result in a sacking, I have some flexibility in my position. If we are bottom at XMAS then I have to change my view, don' t I? For the best interests of RFC. I can't hold a position like that if it becomes obvious that Brian can't stop a sinking ship and someone else might be able to.

Regarding Vydra being good enough to play for Dortmund, I was just kidding for goodness sake. And I didn't use any of those words anyway.

Maybe I was quite harsh in my criticism of Al Habsi. But, I don't think he is brave at all. Do you? Have you ever seen him come off his line and dive at someones feet? Do you not think that was ridiculous letting Polter have a free header just 3 yards out? What striker gets a free header only 3 yards out? Surely the goalkeeper has to command his area? Compare that to Kaspar Schmeichals performance on Sunday. Kaspar shows much better judgement and reading of the game that he can bail out defenders when they slip or make a mis-placed pass. Al Habsi doesn't do that.

Have a look at Beckfords goal from minute 1:06.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWZ6QQhkzQc

You can see that McShane is looking at Al Habsi. McShane thinks Al Habsi is going to come and take the ball because Al Habsi started coming and would have got it if he carried on. McShane stops because he knows Al Habsi will get there. Then Al Habsi stops and starts back pedalling. This is indecision or a lack of bravery because Al Habsi may have had to clatter into Beckford a little bit. This kind of poor judgement has been costing us all season. I don't think we would have conceded that goal if Hahnemann or Feds were in goal.

The second Preston goal just shows how badly we defend as a unit. Huge amount of space between defence and midfield allows Preston so much room to play and get around us and score. That comes from a combination of players don't care and team not organised. If they cared, they would have got back. Palace didn't have that kind of space to play in during the cup quarter final. The players cared for that match. But they didn't care for the Preston game. What's worrying was the team he picked are the lads that are supposed to be with us next season. These weren't the loans or players at the end of their contracts. These were our players.

I'm not just saying things. I'm backing up what I say with evidence. I know it might seem barking mad to criticise our player of the season. But I am criticising fairly by laying out the evidence. We can talk about the Hull goal as well if you want. The simple ball over the top that Al Habsi should have come and got.

[leon]

Oh will you all just stop talking. I can't take everyone's precious fcuking opinions anymore.

[Top Flight]

You're entitled to an opinion as well Leon. Just make sure it's the right one.

[marlowuk]

Have a look at Beckfords goal from minute 1:06.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWZ6QQhkzQc
You can see that McShane is looking at Al Habsi. McShane thinks Al Habsi is going to come and take the ball because Al Habsi started coming and would have got it if he carried on. McShane stops because he knows Al Habsi will get there. Then Al Habsi stops and starts back pedalling. This is indecision or a lack of bravery because Al Habsi may have had to clatter into Beckford a little bit. This kind of poor judgement has been costing us all season. I don't think we would have conceded that goal if Hahnemann or Feds were in goal.

I agree with you about the second goal but not about the first. There is no evidence in that clip that AAH was 'coming for the ball' and it was clearly McShane's ball if he had just gone for it. McShane has been immense for us this season but, in this case, he has to take the blame.

[Harpers So Solid Crew]

BMc should sit down and watch every Leicester game from this season, no stars at the start of the season. But workmate like last time BMc was here.
But like Coppells 106 side they have been adventurous all season and it has paid off.
Even Sunday, injury time with things even Schmeichel played a ball to set up a chance to win the game. Imho a BMc team would have played safe for that point.

Once again bringing in foreign players en masses hasn't worked.

These players are not up to the style of English football, one or two in the team maybe, but too many this season.

Try Americans and Aussies we have a better success rate with them.

[Maneki Neko]

Imho a BMc team would have played safe for that point.

Has long track record of going for games with Attacking subs/tactical changes.

Agree with rest

[genome]

It's not that you're pro this or anti that it's just you seem to make these ridiculous opinions and when someone calls you on it you change your mind instantly

If you're going to say Brian needs 3 years, Al-Habsi isn't good enough and Vydra could play for Dortmund at least stick to your guns, man

I don't think Al Habsi is good enough to be honest. I'll stick to that. I do think Brian needs three years although because we have debated some of the factors that would result in a sacking, I have some flexibility in my position. If we are bottom at XMAS then I have to change my view, don' t I? For the best interests of RFC. I can't hold a position like that if it becomes obvious that Brian can't stop a sinking ship and someone else might be able to.

Regarding Vydra being good enough to play for Dortmund, I was just kidding for goodness sake. And I didn't use any of those words anyway.

Maybe I was quite harsh in my criticism of Al Habsi. But, I don't think he is brave at all. Do you? Have you ever seen him come off his line and dive at someones feet? Do you not think that was ridiculous letting Polter have a free header just 3 yards out? What striker gets a free header only 3 yards out? Surely the goalkeeper has to command his area? Compare that to Kaspar Schmeichals performance on Sunday. Kaspar shows much better judgement and reading of the game that he can bail out defenders when they slip or make a mis-placed pass. Al Habsi doesn't do that.

Have a look at Beckfords goal from minute 1:06.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWZ6QQhkzQc

You can see that McShane is looking at Al Habsi. McShane thinks Al Habsi is going to come and take the ball because Al Habsi started coming and would have got it if he carried on. McShane stops because he knows Al Habsi will get there. Then Al Habsi stops and starts back pedalling. This is indecision or a lack of bravery because Al Habsi may have had to clatter into Beckford a little bit. This kind of poor judgement has been costing us all season. I don't think we would have conceded that goal if Hahnemann or Feds were in goal.

The second Preston goal just shows how badly we defend as a unit. Huge amount of space between defence and midfield allows Preston so much room to play and get around us and score. That comes from a combination of players don't care and team not organised. If they cared, they would have got back. Palace didn't have that kind of space to play in during the cup quarter final. The players cared for that match. But they didn't care for the Preston game. What's worrying was the team he picked are the lads that are supposed to be with us next season. These weren't the loans or players at the end of their contracts. These were our players.

I'm not just saying things. I'm backing up what I say with evidence. I know it might seem barking mad to criticise our player of the season. But I am criticising fairly by laying out the evidence. We can talk about the Hull goal as well if you want. The simple ball over the top that Al Habsi should have come and got.

All fair criticisms (although I blame McShane for that goal more than Al-Habsi) but you're ignoring all the good stuff he's done this season. All keepers make mistakes and have areas they can improve upon. And it's unfair to compare him to the keeper from the Premier League champions.

He saved a penalty against Burnley
We would've been 3-0 down against Bolton and Preston at home by half time if it wasn't for him
He had an absolute stormer against Premier League Crystal Palace
Plenty of other fine saves, and he is our player of the season

Anyone with eyes can see he is clearly good enough.

[Rollerbob]

I don't think Al Habsi is good enough to be honest. I'll stick to that. I do think Brian needs three years although because we have debated some of the factors that would result in a sacking, I have some flexibility in my position. If we are bottom at XMAS then I have to change my view, don' t I? For the best interests of RFC. I can't hold a position like that if it becomes obvious that Brian can't stop a sinking ship and someone else might be able to.

Regarding Vydra being good enough to play for Dortmund, I was just kidding for goodness sake. And I didn't use any of those words anyway.

Maybe I was quite harsh in my criticism of Al Habsi. But, I don't think he is brave at all. Do you? Have you ever seen him come off his line and dive at someones feet? Do you not think that was ridiculous letting Polter have a free header just 3 yards out? What striker gets a free header only 3 yards out? Surely the goalkeeper has to command his area? Compare that to Kaspar Schmeichals performance on Sunday. Kaspar shows much better judgement and reading of the game that he can bail out defenders when they slip or make a mis-placed pass. Al Habsi doesn't do that.

Have a look at Beckfords goal from minute 1:06.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWZ6QQhkzQc

You can see that McShane is looking at Al Habsi. McShane thinks Al Habsi is going to come and take the ball because Al Habsi started coming and would have got it if he carried on. McShane stops because he knows Al Habsi will get there. Then Al Habsi stops and starts back pedalling. This is indecision or a lack of bravery because Al Habsi may have had to clatter into Beckford a little bit. This kind of poor judgement has been costing us all season. I don't think we would have conceded that goal if Hahnemann or Feds were in goal.

The second Preston goal just shows how badly we defend as a unit. Huge amount of space between defence and midfield allows Preston so much room to play and get around us and score. That comes from a combination of players don't care and team not organised. If they cared, they would have got back. Palace didn't have that kind of space to play in during the cup quarter final. The players cared for that match. But they didn't care for the Preston game. What's worrying was the team he picked are the lads that are supposed to be with us next season. These weren't the loans or players at the end of their contracts. These were our players.

I'm not just saying things. I'm backing up what I say with evidence. I know it might seem barking mad to criticise our player of the season. But I am criticising fairly by laying out the evidence. We can talk about the Hull goal as well if you want. The simple ball over the top that Al Habsi should have come and got.

All fair criticisms (although I blame McShane for that goal more than Al-Habsi) but you're ignoring all the good stuff he's done this season. All keepers make mistakes and have areas they can improve upon. And it's unfair to compare him to the keeper from the Premier League champions.

He saved a penalty against Burnley
We would've been 3-0 down against Bolton and Preston at home by half time if it wasn't for him
He had an absolute stormer against Premier League Crystal Palace
Plenty of other fine saves, and he is our player of the season

Anyone with eyes can see he is clearly good enough.

+1

Probably our worst number 1 keeper in years, yet he's still good. He's MORE than good 'enough' at this level. Our current squad (as proved on Saturday) is a disaster on nearly every part of the pitch, other than in goal. Goal keeper is the last position I'd try and strengthen.

[Top Flight]

Fair enough. Was just letting you know how I see it.

[floyd__streete]

Oh will you all just stop talking. I can't take everyone's precious fcuking opinions anymore.

Well, that's your opinion.....

[Maneki Neko]

Probably our worst number 1 keeper in years

apart from feds

[sandman]

Probably our worst number 1 keeper in years

Apart from McCarthy.

Corrected.

[Ian Royal]

Probably our worst number 1 keeper in years

apart from feds

I think Fed made more errors that weren't too glaringly obvious, whereas Al-Habsi doesn't actually make that many errors, but when he does they're absolute howling monstrosities so he seems the less reliable - because they stick in the mind so.

So I'd stick em about even.


Al-Habsi isn't a long term solution, but he's a good stop gap for the next season or so, whilst either Bond comes good or we keep our eye open for someone better. We have way bigger priorities right now though. Like having enough full backs, or wingers, or some strikers who can score more than 10 goals in a season.

[Harpers So Solid Crew]

Imho a BMc team would have played safe for that point.

Has long track record of going for games with Attacking subs/tactical changes.

Agree with rest

If you look back at the championship winning season at the single goal victories you will see that very few were won by a late goal or substitution, so settling for the point rather than going for the winner.
When behind we got a few late goals when nothing to lose, like at Bristol C 2 in 90th plus injury. And a few other games like that.
Often that's momentum and the other team being shocked at a comeback. Same happens to most teams.