Gary Johnson after the 1-1 draw at Grimsby Town

[Jon Palmer]

Can be seen here: http://bit.ly/GrimsbyA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Horteng]

Could do with some of that stuff you are smoking Gary

Utterly deluded. We are an absolute shower of shite

Anything less than 3 points today was a poor result and we just about managed to scrape a draw...... p!ss poor to say the least

[RegencyCheltenhamSpa]

Any particular points you thought were deluded?

[Horteng]

Don’t know where to start. We salvaged a point against a team that hadn’t won in 10 and was forced to re shuffle after 15 mins and Gary thinks we did ok. Concede after 3 mins AGAIN

Players out of position, no specialist right back, loan players galore

Set pieces absolute shite and Gary says they work a lot on them :O

Total shambles

[RegencyCheltenhamSpa]

Don’t know where to start. We salvaged a point against a team that hadn’t won in 10 and was forced to re shuffle after 15 mins and Gary thinks we did ok. Concede after 3 mins AGAIN

Players out of position, no specialist right back, loan players galore

Set pieces absolute shite and Gary says they work a lot on them :O

Total shambles

We did rescue a point against a team who haven’t won in ten (but have drawn of course) - the score line demonstrates that so not sure it is delusional.

Gary was critical and frustrated at conceding after three mins again. Delusional of him to do that?

He explained re: loans and Winchester. I don’t necessarily agree but a perfectly rational explanation.

Don’t recall what he said about set pieces but obviously we scored from one and one cleared off the line from another. And he was not happy with conceding from one.

I don’t think he was happy with the performance or the result. Just that he was pointing out the obvious fault that when you are losing a game, coming back to draw is better than losing.

Am I pleased we didn’t win? No. Am I pleased we drew instead of winning? No. Am I pleased we drew instead of losing consider we were behind? Yes. Am I pleased we were behind? No. Etc. Being happy we came back from a losing position is different from being happy with the result and performance.

Try and think a bit more before banding around words like deluded!

[little mo]

Don’t know where to start. We salvaged a point against a team that hadn’t won in 10 and was forced to re shuffle after 15 mins and Gary thinks we did ok. Concede after 3 mins AGAIN

Players out of position, no specialist right back, loan players galore

Set pieces absolute shite and Gary says they work a lot on them :O

Total shambles

So, what part of the away end were you sat then mate?

[Horteng]

Sorry but not stupid enough to go. Listened the the commentary tho, they were getting more and more baffled by GJ decisions as the game went on.

[little mo]

Sorry but not stupid enough to go. Listened the the commentary tho, they were getting more and more baffled by GJ decisions as the game went on.

"NOT STUPID ENOUGH TO GO", That comment pretty much leaves me speechless.

[RegencyCheltenhamSpa]

Sorry but not stupid enough to go. Listened the the commentary tho, they were getting more and more baffled by GJ decisions as the game went on.

If it was Halliwell then take his frothing anger with a pinch of salt. If you watch a game with his commentary on you sometimes wonder if he is at a different match.

Apart from Sellars at wing back (an attacking move, which some may say is baffling - though see Victor Moses and Ashley Young) what other baffling decisions were there? Taking off two strikers who weren’t playing well with two others, one of whom won a free kick with a good run, from which we scored? That is run of the mill use of the squad which managers do all the time.

Now I can imagine Halliwell spitting at Eisa being taken off, but the changes led to us improving and scoring. So, please let me know what got more baffling as the game went on.

[CTFC03]

Sellars does nothing defensively, baffling decision.

[RegencyCheltenhamSpa]

Sellars does nothing defensively, baffling decision.

Agree with that. But, even when disagreeing with a decision I like to try and understand the thinking and rationale.

So in this case, I assume that when 1-0 down with 30 mins to go Gary felt we needed more going forward. And with three centre backs and three centre midfielders we didn’t need to play safe with a defensive wing back and that it was more important to have another attacking player offering width. Not the first time and won’t be the last time a manager brings on an attacking player to go at wing back when chasing a game.

And hey, we might be baffled but the added attacking threat was successful in equalising when in a losing position, so what do we know.

[Oldun]

And for the second week running Gary has made changes in personnel and tactics which have been successful. On both occasions the opposition was sitting back, wasting time, killing the game. Gary called it right in both games and we have two more points as a result.
Particularly brave to take off Mo but a good call and well explained after too. (As was the point that we did not have square pegs in round holes. Hopefully that one can now be laid to rest.)
Well done the Manager.
Worth mentioning too that GJ is clearly doing something else right in the way the team morale is so good. After the Mansfield debacle the boys could have felt really sorry for themselves and could have let heads go down when behind so early against Barnet and Grimsby. That did not happen and in both games they have come back and found an equaliser.
Well done the Manager.

[Eldonavenue]

I thought it was a good interview. The questions asked were those that I suspect the majority of fans would have asked (eg why take Mo off, why switch Winchester and Dawson, why are our youngsters not being played), and Gary answered all of the questions honestly and clearly. People may not agree with all of his views, but I think he did a good job of explaining them. And, as pointed out, for the second week running, the changes had an impact.

[Lord Elpuz]

It’s been a bumpy ride recently but I have complete faith in Gary Johnson and he will turn it around. A couple of wins and the predictable and panic stricken few on this Forum will calm down again. It’s not going to be a season of glory, but if we finish halfway up the League, that’s a success. Building a young, hungry and consistent squad that will take us out of this League, that will not then require a major rebuild for League 1, takes time to assemble, but the building blocks are being put into place.

As for the number of recently recruited loans, this is due to the numbers in our squad who have had to play on with knocks in recent weeks, and are in need of a rest. That’s why we have had players out of position trying to fill the voids. Once everyone is fully fit, this team will perform and it is capable of beating any other team in League 2.

[Robin]

Exactly how I feel, this season isn't great but GJ seems to have got a lot of the building blocks there for next season to be much more successful.

Also listening to that interview and GJ is open, honest and spot on how can anyone be faulting that?

[I-Love-CTFC]

If there isn't a change in management for next season then I think a number of fans won't be renewing their season tickets.

[Oldun]

If there is a change in management then a umber of fans will not be renewing their season tickets. The first reason is that we have a perfectly good guy now and secondly noone has come up with the name of a possible replacement.

[RegencyCheltenhamSpa]

I am surprised that the Winchester/Dawson issue was even a question. It was discussed before how a midfield with both Winchester and Morrell is too lightweight and needs some aggression and bite in there.

[CTFC03]

Looking at the extended highlights it seemed we were lucky to escape with a point due to their poor finishing, I think their goal was a bit lucky, Graham probably doesn't have time to swing his leg at the ball, can't leave it as he doesn't know what's behind him so heads it instead, can't fault him for that it was just one of those goals. Alarm bells still ringing for me, we should stay up but we have got to get our act together starting from next week at home, credit where credits due for the subs but the fans need more positivity as it's been drab lately, Barnet were terrible and we didn't even beat them infact when we scored they looked like the team that could win it.

[everyman]

If there is a change in management then a umber of fans will not be renewing their season tickets. The first reason is that we have a perfectly good guy now and secondly noone has come up with the name of a possible replacement.

Since when have football fans appointed a manager,they do however lead to the changing managers on many occasions.

[little mo]

Looking at the extended highlights it seemed we were lucky to escape with a point due to their poor finishing, I think their goal was a bit lucky, Graham probably doesn't have time to swing his leg at the ball, can't leave it as he doesn't know what's behind him so heads it instead, can't fault him for that it was just one of those goals. Alarm bells still ringing for me, we should stay up but we have got to get our act together starting from next week at home, credit where credits due for the subs but the fans need more positivity as it's been drab lately, Barnet were terrible and we didn't even beat them infact when we scored they looked like the team that could win it.

"it seemed we were lucky to escape with a point due to their poor finishing", no we were not, that is simply not true. You watched the highlights, well I saw all 98 minutes. It was a typical mid table league 2 game on an awful pitch where a point apiece was about right.
Then you say their goal was a bit lucky and can't fault Graham for that, what, who was at fault then, Gary I suppose. It was 100% Grahams fault and,one of the worst mistakes I have seen on a football pitch for a long time, without which we would have won 1-0, not a lot Gary could do about that. But that still won't stop people having a moan about him.

[asl]

who was at fault then

I'm not going to agree or disagree with what you've written, nor am I going to comment on a game I didn't attend - but, just as a general observation, why does conceding a goal have to be *anyone's* fault? For example, who was 'at fault' for Wanyama's goal for Spurs against Liverpool, yesterday?

[Shade]

who was at fault then

For example, who was 'at fault' for Wanyama's goal for Spurs against Liverpool, yesterday?

Karius. Should have held on to it

[Robin]

If there isn't a change in management for next season then I think a number of fans won't be renewing their season tickets.

If that's true then I would question they are not likely to be real fans, were they around when it took SC or JW three seasons to get promoted or did they witness some of the dross under Gould, Allen, Buckle or the seasons under Yates which were worse than this?

I know the football this season hasn't been great and we have underachieved but hysterical stomping of feet is not the answer either particularly when we have a manager with a better track record than 90% of other clubs at this level.

[little mo]

who was at fault then

I'm not going to agree or disagree with what you've written, nor am I going to comment on a game I didn't attend - but, just as a general observation, why does conceding a goal have to be *anyone's* fault? For example, who was 'at fault' for Wanyama's goal for Spurs against Liverpool, yesterday?

Normally I would agree with you but, as Graham was the only player to touch the ball and CTFC03 said it wasn't his fault, i was merely saying it was not possible to be anyone else.

[Shade]

Yes, Graham f#!$ up. It was his fault. But, he's not a defender and didn't mean to do it.

I believe Graham was the man beaten in the air all too easily in one of the home games recently. I can't remember which but, one or two more mistakes and I'd start thinking about leaving him on the edge of the box when we defend corners.

[theidlerich]

If there isn't a change in management for next season then I think a number of fans won't be renewing their season tickets.

If that's true then I would question they are not likely to be real fans, were they around when it took SC or JW three seasons to get promoted or did they witness some of the dross under Gould, Allen, Buckle or the seasons under Yates which were worse than this?

I know the football this season hasn't been great and we have underachieved but hysterical stomping of feet is not the answer either particularly when we have a manager with a better track record than 90% of other clubs at this level.

.....if I recall it wasn't great the previous year either. The decision to retain all the conference players was doomed to fail [as I have often stated..and was a serious management failure]; the "winning year" in the conference was almost as equally dire watching many very poor teams, whom we often struggled to beat. This year, with all the promises and expectations has been a real disappointment.
Watched the very brief highlights; a draw was the best we could hope for on that video sequence! Felt sorry for Graham.

[RegencyCheltenhamSpa]

Looking at the extended highlights it seemed we were lucky to escape with a point due to their poor finishing, I think their goal was a bit lucky, Graham probably doesn't have time to swing his leg at the ball, can't leave it as he doesn't know what's behind him so heads it instead, can't fault him for that it was just one of those goals. Alarm bells still ringing for me, we should stay up but we have got to get our act together starting from next week at home, credit where credits due for the subs but the fans need more positivity as it's been drab lately, Barnet were terrible and we didn't even beat them infact when we scored they looked like the team that could win it.

"it seemed we were lucky to escape with a point due to their poor finishing", no we were not, that is simply not true. You watched the highlights, well I saw all 98 minutes. It was a typical mid table league 2 game on an awful pitch where a point apiece was about right.
Then you say their goal was a bit lucky and can't fault Graham for that, what, who was at fault then, Gary I suppose. It was 100% Grahams fault and,one of the worst mistakes I have seen on a football pitch for a long time, without which we would have won 1-0, not a lot Gary could do about that. But that still won't stop people having a moan about him.

Had Grimes done it the forum would have apoplectic and Gary would have been slated for picking him.

Turns out Grimes was solid so rather than point out a mistake by A.N Other the critics gloss over it. No doubt they'll double down next time Grimes does something.

[RegencyCheltenhamSpa]

If there isn't a change in management for next season then I think a number of fans won't be renewing their season tickets.

If that's true then I would question they are not likely to be real fans, were they around when it took SC or JW three seasons to get promoted or did they witness some of the dross under Gould, Allen, Buckle or the seasons under Yates which were worse than this?

I know the football this season hasn't been great and we have underachieved but hysterical stomping of feet is not the answer either particularly when we have a manager with a better track record than 90% of other clubs at this level.

.....if I recall it wasn't great the previous year either. The decision to retain all the conference players was doomed to fail [as I have often stated..and was a serious management failure]; the "winning year" in the conference was almost as equally dire watching many very poor teams, whom we often struggled to beat. This year, with all the promises and expectations has been a real disappointment.
Watched the very brief highlights; a draw was the best we could hope for on that video sequence! Felt sorry for Graham.

It wasn't doomed to fail and it didn't fail. The promise made before the Conference season was that if any player had the guts and attitude to get promoted at all costs (be a champion or be a player who caused the club as fans know it to go out of business) then they would get a chance in the league.

That was 100% successful as we got promoted with a huge points total. No failure about it. Now after two seasons we are consolidating and working our way back to where we were five years.

Yes this season has been a disappointment, but football fans spend most of their time being disappointed (ie 20 of the 24 teams who don't get promoted).

[Shade]

Had Grimes done it the forum would have apoplectic and Gary would have been slated for picking him.

Turns out Grimes was solid so rather than point out a mistake by A.N Other the critics gloss over it. No doubt they'll double down next time Grimes does something.

The difference is that Grimes has made several big mistakes that have directly cost us goals, and he is a defender. That is literally his job, to make sure we don't concede. Graham is a centre forward that is just trying to help out at the back. That said, maybe the forwards should have some training sessions solely on how to clear the ball from set-pieces, as we're dreadful at defending them.

[horlickfanclub]

Danny Wright is a good header away of set pieces. He and Harry Pell do a lot of work our own box to make up for non reactive defenders.

[Robin]

Wow did I just read that right IdleRich, the promotion year wasn't good to watch? I know we were one of the bigger clubs at that level but we dominated the league, smashed over 100 points for the season and had a hugely positive goal difference, other than the current Wolves/Man City sides I can't recall seeing many sides so dominant in a division and it that was surely one of the highlights of any CTFC fan (not that I would ever want to go back to that level).

To show a balanced view I fully agree last season was extremely poor and brought on by terrible summer recruitment, but it was rectified to an extent in January and this summer. We now have the core of a decent team at this level if GJ can add a bit more quality in key positions and we can maintain a consistent side no reason we cannot challenge next year.

[CTFC03]

Looked as if they quite a few openings on the extended highlights imo, I really think it was an impossible situation for Graham, he can't leave it, he has to get something on it and it was just unfortunate that it went straight to one of the deadliest finishers the football league has seen over the last few years. Flinders probably should have come for it but I just think it was just one of those goals. Yes if Grimes had done it it would have been pandemonium on social media.

[theidlerich]

Robin, I may have exaggerated my stance re conference season; but expected better first year back in lg2. That was down to the laudable, but flawed, decision to retain our squad at that time. Historically teams that do this rarely maintain their momentum. A turnover of 40% may have resulted in a different scenario. We will never know. I started this season with optimism, but after the recent runs of home games (those I see) I am somewhat disillusioned. I hope for an upturn, perhaps when our injured/suspended players return. A small cloud on the immediate horizon may see me miss this Saturday's game, so unhappy at that thought too! Ah life!!

[longmover]

Looked as if they quite a few openings on the extended highlights imo, I really think it was an impossible situation for Graham, he can't leave it, he has to get something on it and it was just unfortunate that it went straight to one of the deadliest finishers the football league has seen over the last few years. Flinders probably should have come for it but I just think it was just one of those goals. Yes if Grimes had done it it would have been pandemonium on social media.

I'm sure Danny Baker made a whole video on forwards 'helping out' in defence