Some ridiculous comments here. Even the most staunch and ardent fan cannot deny we were atrocious yesterday. Players simply not at the races until around 87 minutes.. Some say ironically when McCootie came on but that's just an easy out. The players didn't show any urgency until we were two nil down against ten men. Might well have nothing material to play for at the moment but how about for the fans who pay the entrance? The manager who puts his faith in them to do a job? The contracts I am sure they desire for next season? It's not a lack of quality out there. It was a total lack of effort yesterday which is a shame..

Frank be careful what you say on here, you might think that nobody at the club reads this or knows who you are. Last year when we were having a very poor patch of form ( similar to now but at a time when we were in danger of relegation) I made the suggestion that it might be time for a change at the top. After the next home game the manager confronted me saying it was upsetting his family that I was trying to get him the sack, unfortunately he didn't want to discuss it or the way the team had been playing. This is supposed to be an independent forum but don't think it's not monitored by the club. If I remember correctly when the club ran a forum it was closed down because of people saying things the club didn't agree with.
Just out of interest can anyone see us picking up a win before the end of the season
Dartford away with them going for playoff place
Torquay at home with them going for the title
Gloucester away fighting  relegation
Chelmsford at home going for playoffs
If we play like we have been can't see anything there. Hopefully the disappointing form will end and the lads will give us something to cheer about and also give the manager a reason to keep them next season.

Having waited 24 hours before commenting on yesterday's performance I really don't care what the club and Management Team have to say when fans, who pay their money through the gate, are critical of the the team and the tactics.
My first question for Mark and Gary would be " was McCootie injured" because if not why wait until 15 minutes from the end of the game to bring him on. We were battling a big physical side and it was like men against boys. I don't expect an answer because they don't like criticism!
Secondly, I think Bluebird fans are wrong to assume we would looked to hold our place in National South this season. The Board would have been looking to progress and given the budget we haven't done that. I fully recognise we have suffered from having up to four quality players out at any one time but why have we brought in small midfielders when we are from week to week up against big physical sides?
I feel for Yan Klukowski but value for money he isn't and after yesterday's 25 minutes that's probably his season over. Hopefully he can properly regain his fitness and make a big impact next season!

Last edited by chippy (07/4/2019 7:38 PM)

I mean regarding the Manager situation. Are we all ok? Let me state some facts. When Mark took up the reigns we were without a clue, at the lower ends of the Southern League. Flash forward. We achieved a record breaking promotion in a division just as unforgiving as any with quality teams. Many attribute this success to the spirit and togetherness of the United dressing room. United under Mark Collier. That doesn't just go, and if it has I personally think Mr Collier a man of pride and principle who would happily stand aside for someone else to have a crack if the lust had gone. This season. We have secured our position in the league, something that at the start of this season, everyone of us would have taken. We were cruelly robbed of a 1st round tie against Portsmouth in the FA Cup. We have taken this team to Torquay and won, Billericay and won. Pushed Woking to the very cuticles of their nails at HP and picked up many more good memories and results along the way. The season isn't without disappointment but who's season is ever flawless. The year Arsenal famously went undefeated in the Prem they suffered embarrassing losses in the domestic cups and Champions League. No one is perfect. And now let's look at Dulwich. For many of us, we didn't make the trip away. I did. That team bossed us start to finish. We had nothing for their height and physicality. They weren't a great football side but my the rub of the green went their way. Saturday a penalty and a mistake were the difference between a win or defeat. Their goalkeeper made the save of the season in this game for those stood behind the goal and even our own captain gasping in amazement at what we had witnessed. As for McCootie coming on late which seems to be something of great confusion to the masses. We have 4 games remaining, a depleted squad and certain players have been carrying the load in absence. Would you have an semi fit McCootie coming on against a side like Dulwich... Or do we save those efforts for our upcoming battles. The players on that pitch, only they will know if they have given 100% but to question the tactics and decisions of management is a bit ridiculous. Tactically we had a good shot at Dulwich, we played better than the first game, handled the pace and physicality of their athletiscm better than before and for a wonder save and a post may have found ourselves cheering the result at full time. Supporters need to get behind what we have in tricky patches. They have nothing to play for at the moment save for the fans and their wages. They get their wages regardless so they need to see and here these fans. The year we won the title. 800-900 people clapping the team off at the end of games, following them the length of the country and all while we were winning. We have the same board, the same manager, the same ethos. Maybe what we are lacking is that togetherness and spirit and in times like this, maybe it should also come from the supporters. Our opinions are always valid, they are always listened to whether agreed with or not. We are a part of this. So why not be the best part of this. Let's be Chippenham again. For many of us Dartford is a stretch to far, myself included. Personal things on the day. However at Torquay we stand United. We are the heartbeat of the club. Let's get behind them and drive them forward and more importantly stop throwing shade at a man who has delivered good times in abundance. There were managers before, there will be managers after but for now. He's the best man for this job. In Collier we trust..

Interesting that Collier's post-match interview doesn't share in the criticism that the viewers of the game expressed here, whereas normally he does call out poor performance (although to his credit rarely if ever singles out individuals by name.) I wasn't there last week so can't comment myself, but we do seem to have come up short against teams we should be capable of beating too often this season (and losing not sneaking a point), whilst doing better than expected against the high-flyers (but not necessarily grabbing the 3 points.)
Having a fully fit squad with all the key players available regularly would have made a big difference this season though and we have had more than our fair share of long-term injuries of people that are important presences.