NextGen game v Celtic

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Not sure what to say except we were dreadful tonight(even worse than the weather which was shocking) in almost all aspects of the game. Some comedy defending and giving the ball away badly all over the pitch and we seemed incapable of passing the ball to one of our players in the first half.

I was wondering about the idea that we should play like the first team and maybe to a point that's what they were tying to do. We had a front 4 which was Bunn up top,wide players in Roman and Henshall and Suarez plaing behind Bunn.The problem to me seemed they often play so far up with little movement they were easily marked and passes meant for them were mostly just cut out.The 2 central midfield players looked for them but the space for the pass or the angles were easily blocked.

We actually scored first with a joke of a goal when their full back ridiculously failed twice to clear a ball and Roman had to knock it in from a couple of yards.We then gifted a goal back with an equally ridiculous goal where a defender left the ball for the keeper who wasn't aware of it so their center forward just nipped in and scored.To be honest that was about the standard of the game for a while. Awful.

Celtic were miles better and although we made a better fist of it in the 2nd half I would say 4.2 to Celtic probably flattered City.In the middle of the 2nd half though Suarez did score a peach of a goal after an exchange of passes involving Roman he cut inside and curled a great left footer into the top corner.Well worth watching when it gets on the OS.The rest of the game isn't.

And just because Roman and Suarez scored I would urge you all not to get too excited that they should play in the Carling Cup or something.They were poor tonight and gave the ball away far too often and maybe set as many attacks up for Celtic as they did for City.

[bluebananamilksheikh]

Generally our performances in the NextGen have not been too encouraging for our the prospects producing new 1st team players from the Academy.

[mcfc1632]

Were you in the main stand DH? I was another of those hardy 825 souls that braved (or was it suffered) the weather - I did not come dressed for it but ehre were some sat in front of me that got a good soaking.

It was my first nextgen game and I would endorse what you said re Suarez - the guy behind me was (rightfully) commenting on how bad he had been all night - just as he scored that peach - but that cannot mask a very poor display

The only comment I would make re this game and the 1st team is that I hope that this is not a sign of things to come(just joking - I hope) with the weather - some of our lads simply did not turn up

After that gift of a goal I thought we would really perform - but the Celtic lads were far better in every department from what I could see - no positives to be taken for us

Mind you I was impressed with the Celtic fans - I assume that they were mostly families but fair play to them

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Were you in the main stand DH? I was another of those hardy 825 souls that braved (or was it suffered) the weather - I did not come dressed for it but ehre were some sat in front of me that got a good soaking.

It was my first nextgen game and I would endorse what you said re Suarez - the guy behind me was (rightfully) commenting on how bad he had been all night - just as he scored that peach - but that cannot mask a very poor display

The only comment I would make re this game and the 1st team is that I hope that this is not a sign of things to come(just joking - I hope) with the weather - some of our lads simply did not turn up

After that gift of a goal I thought we would really perform - but the Celtic lads were far better in every department from what I could see - no positives to be taken for us

Mind you I was impressed with the Celtic fans - I assume that they were mostly families but fair play to them

No not in the main stand today (I usually am there) as I didn't know it was ticket only to be there.I was on the other side standing and with Celtic fans there as well.

[mcfc1632]

Were you in the main stand DH? I was another of those hardy 825 souls that braved (or was it suffered) the weather - I did not come dressed for it but ehre were some sat in front of me that got a good soaking.

It was my first nextgen game and I would endorse what you said re Suarez - the guy behind me was (rightfully) commenting on how bad he had been all night - just as he scored that peach - but that cannot mask a very poor display

The only comment I would make re this game and the 1st team is that I hope that this is not a sign of things to come(just joking - I hope) with the weather - some of our lads simply did not turn up

After that gift of a goal I thought we would really perform - but the Celtic lads were far better in every department from what I could see - no positives to be taken for us

Mind you I was impressed with the Celtic fans - I assume that they were mostly families but fair play to them

No not in the main stand today (I usually am there) as I didn't know it was ticket only to be there.I was on the other side standing and with Celtic fans there as well.

Well you were probably lucky weather wise then?? we might have had seats but the wind was blowing our way bringing the rain with it

Did you take positives note about any of our players? - I struggled to

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Were you in the main stand DH? I was another of those hardy 825 souls that braved (or was it suffered) the weather - I did not come dressed for it but ehre were some sat in front of me that got a good soaking.

It was my first nextgen game and I would endorse what you said re Suarez - the guy behind me was (rightfully) commenting on how bad he had been all night - just as he scored that peach - but that cannot mask a very poor display

The only comment I would make re this game and the 1st team is that I hope that this is not a sign of things to come(just joking - I hope) with the weather - some of our lads simply did not turn up

After that gift of a goal I thought we would really perform - but the Celtic lads were far better in every department from what I could see - no positives to be taken for us

Mind you I was impressed with the Celtic fans - I assume that they were mostly families but fair play to them

I would like to put that one down to a very bad night at the office. Luke Coulson who came on at right back for the 2nd half I thought did ok.I am not 100% sure about his defensive qualities but I like the way he gets forward and has has some crossing ability( not too much tonight though)
Rekik I do think has what it takes but is very very young and maybe as that first goal showed can be quite indecisive.But he is strong and powerful and I still think he will be the business.Suarez similarly with more experience and playing with better players will be good but I am just not sure whether he will be top level.I just want him to get his head up a bit more to see passes earlier.


No not in the main stand today (I usually am there) as I didn't know it was ticket only to be there.I was on the other side standing and with Celtic fans there as well.

Well you were probably lucky weather wise then?? we might have had seats but the wind was blowing our way bringing the rain with it

Did you take positives note about any of our players? - I struggled to