No hard feelings as Lee departs (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Stu's Comment, he was great in the dressing room, its a shame he left it in there, instead of bringing it to the game.

As for him warning Peter Thorne, that he will be kicked, you've got to catch him first. Thorne is not the fastest in the world, but he will show you a clean pair of heels. As for Boulding Or Evans, you might just catch a glimpse of the back of their heads.

Roll on the first game of the season, lets catch them cold, before they realise what a mistake they have made.

Prediction Lee will not even make the bench, by the time they visit the Coral Stadium.

Please do not think this is sour grapes, it is my opinion that he is not a good football player, and as for a captain.

Stuarts comment "Notts Co are right for the lad because they are going to have a right go". Does that intimate that we are not?! The murmurs from the management seem to indicate that last season was our big chance to go up & they are preparing us for a season of mediocrity - either that or they are trying to take some of the pressure off the players

probes67 wrote:
Stu's Comment, he was great in the dressing room, its a shame he left it in there, instead of bringing it to the game. As for him warning Peter Thorne, that he will be kicked, you've got to catch him first. Thorne is not the fastest in the world, but he will show you a clean pair of heels. As for Boulding Or Evans, you might just catch a glimpse of the back of their heads. Roll on the first game of the season, lets catch them cold, before they realise what a mistake they have made. Prediction Lee will not even make the bench, by the time they visit the Coral Stadium. Please do not think this is sour grapes, it is my opinion that he is not a good football player, and as for a captain.

I agree with you on the leadeship skills of Lee. When did we last have a 'leader' on the field? He was a replica of David Wetherall in his twilight years. Excellent in the air, but slow on the ground. However, both read the game so well and that often helped them out with the lack of pace.

I don't agree he was poor and still believe Clarke's form dragged him down. Now he has gone and we are left with Rehman partnering Clarke, we will be able to see that clearly (although it will now be Rehman being blamed for the poor defensive performances)!

If I was a young lad put in that situation, I would have been devastated but being a bit more experienced, I understood what was going onas i was reading the article i actually started feeling sorry for him but then i remembered it is the likes of Lee who were responsible for our poor end to the season by not living up to the expectations and apparent ability!!! i appreciate people have different leadership skills but surely not opening your mouth on the pitch isn't a
good one???

i just hope now and i'm sure he will that Stu will attack Lees weaknesses in the first game which is the fact he has no speed at all...if boulding says he likes playing the channels then this is the perfect opportunity to have a good start to the season and get him on with evans to really give them somet to think about and thorne to bag one late on to rub salt in the wounds. I hope we dont play to null out their strengths rather then attack their weaknesses, if we do i can already see a 1st game win and then i can enjoy my night out in Nottingham after even more!!

joecolbeck4england wrote:

probes67 wrote:
Stu's Comment, he was great in the dressing room, its a shame he left it in there, instead of bringing it to the game. As for him warning Peter Thorne, that he will be kicked, you've got to catch him first. Thorne is not the fastest in the world, but he will show you a clean pair of heels. As for Boulding Or Evans, you might just catch a glimpse of the back of their heads. Roll on the first game of the season, lets catch them cold, before they realise what a mistake they have made. Prediction Lee will not even make the bench, by the time they visit the Coral Stadium. Please do not think this is sour grapes, it is my opinion that he is not a good football player, and as for a captain.

I agree with you on the leadeship skills of Lee. When did we last have a 'leader' on the field? He was a replica of David Wetherall in his twilight years. Excellent in the air, but slow on the ground. However, both read the game so well and that often helped them out with the lack of pace.

I don't agree he was poor and still believe Clarke's form dragged him down. Now he has gone and we are left with Rehman partnering Clarke, we will be able to see that clearly (although it will now be Rehman being blamed for the poor defensive performances)!

what do you mean rehman will be blamed?

No hard feelings? These footballers must be mad.
He's been paid £1,500 a week for 12 months to work a couple of hours a day.He's failed miserably to sort out the captains reponsibilities and was average at best all season(compared to his own ability levels) and he's no hard feelings.
Jeeez, thanks Graeme thats a relief.
Maybe its BCFC that should have the hard feelings.

Glad he has gone that will prob cover the players we have brought in and if we get shutof mclaren antoher couple of CM looking good so far.
Also Can some one please let me know weather city are traing tomorrow and what time cheers.

They are due to train at Apperley Bridge tommorrow. They normally arrive 10.30-11, but I have no idea if this will be the case int morning.

mezza wrote:

joecolbeck4england wrote:

probes67 wrote: Stu's Comment, he was great in the dressing room, its a shame he left it in there, instead of bringing it to the game. As for him warning Peter Thorne, that he will be kicked, you've got to catch him first. Thorne is not the fastest in the world, but he will show you a clean pair of heels. As for Boulding Or Evans, you might just catch a glimpse of the back of their heads. Roll on the first game of the season, lets catch them cold, before they realise what a mistake they have made. Prediction Lee will not even make the bench, by the time they visit the Coral Stadium. Please do not think this is sour grapes, it is my opinion that he is not a good football player, and as for a captain.

I agree with you on the leadeship skills of Lee. When did we last have a 'leader' on the field? He was a replica of David Wetherall in his twilight years. Excellent in the air, but slow on the ground. However, both read the game so well and that often helped them out with the lack of pace. I don't agree he was poor and still believe Clarke's form dragged him down. Now he has gone and we are left with Rehman partnering Clarke, we will be able to see that clearly (although it will now be Rehman being blamed for the poor defensive performances)!

what do you mean rehman will be blamed?

Last season saw Matt Clarke play absolutely garbage. He looked like John Sergeant on ice. His ball control was woeful and his positiong was even worse. Yes, he had pace and that got him out of some of the messes he got himself into, but overall he was poor. Even when competing in the air, he often gave away freekicks by holding down the forward.

YET IT WAS LEE THAT WAS BLAMED BY MANY FANS FOR OUR POOR DEFENSIVE RECORD.

Hence my, 'Rehman will be blamed', comment.

If I was a young lad put in that situation, I would have been devastated but being a bit more experienced, I understood what was going onTo be honest with you joecolbeck4england both Lee and Clarke were to blame for many goals last season but from what i saw for the most part Lee was at fault and made c
Clarke look bad. He was always behind the game and was a bad decision maker. We need another centre half for my liking to partner Rehman.

Bantam992 wrote:
If I was a young lad put in that situation, I would have been devastated but being a bit more experienced, I understood what was going onTo be honest with you joecolbeck4england both Lee and Clarke were to blame for many goals last season but from what i saw for the most part Lee was at fault and made c Clarke look bad. He was always behind the game and was a bad decision maker. We need another centre half for my liking to partner Rehman.

Come off it. How can Lee be blamed for Clarke's inability to control the football, putting the defence under pressure, for failing to keep his hands down all thereby keeping set pieces to a minimum, how can Lee be blamed for Clarke's woeful control and distribution or for Clarke's inability to prevent himself being nudged off the ball?

Yes, Lee was slow and often found himself going to ground in a desperate attempt to get a tackle in. However, for the best part, those attempted tackles were successful!

I agree with the above poster, Clarke was more to blame than Lee.

Clarke by far gave away more freekicks in dangerous areas, however Lee was far too slow and quiet. I hope Rehman proves me wrong but i can see the lad we got from Rochdale ending up in his posistion before too long. Just wasnt immpressed with Rehman at all last season, hope a run at CB improves him.
I said before the season started last year that CM would be our downfall, this year it's the CB posistions that have me worried.

waynus71 wrote:

Bantam992 wrote: If I was a young lad put in that situation, I would have been devastated but being a bit more experienced, I understood what was going onTo be honest with you joecolbeck4england both Lee and Clarke were to blame for many goals last season but from what i saw for the most part Lee was at fault and made c Clarke look bad. He was always behind the game and was a bad decision maker. We need another centre half for my liking to partner Rehman.

Come off it. How can Lee be blamed for Clarke's inability to control the football, putting the defence under pressure, for failing to keep his hands down all thereby keeping set pieces to a minimum, how can Lee be blamed for Clarke's woeful control and distribution or for Clarke's inability to prevent himself being nudged off the ball? Yes, Lee was slow and often found himself going to ground in a desperate attempt to get a tackle in. However, for the best part, those attempted tackles were successful! I agree with the above poster, Clarke was more to blame than Lee.

Sorry Waynus, I totally disagree, Clarke was having to cover for Lee's lack of pace. Having to cover both Centre half positions would stretch any player.

I will concede that Lee is better in the air, this is where his talent ends. Captain, you are having a laugh, My five year old Grand Daughter would be more vocal.

When I used to play football, I was a captain, and the players always looked for a leader. If you were not encouraging / vocal, the team did not perform.

Clarke is by no means a great Center half, but if I chose between Lee or Clarke, Clarke would get my vote.

Yes he does give away a few free kicks, but he is still a good center half for this division.

As for Zesh, he is a quality Centre half, last season he played Left and Right back, as well as Centre half. At left back and Center Half, he was excellent. At right back he did struggle, but he is left footed, although can use his right foot as well.

For me I would have him as our Captain, he has had premiership experience with Fulham, so for me he will be the best Centre half in the division this season.

I am sure there will be plenty of people who will disagree, but we shall see at the end of the season.

probes67 wrote:

waynus71 wrote:

Bantam992 wrote: If I was a young lad put in that situation, I would have been devastated but being a bit more experienced, I understood what was going onTo be honest with you joecolbeck4england both Lee and Clarke were to blame for many goals last season but from what i saw for the most part Lee was at fault and made c Clarke look bad. He was always behind the game and was a bad decision maker. We need another centre half for my liking to partner Rehman.

Come off it. How can Lee be blamed for Clarke's inability to control the football, putting the defence under pressure, for failing to keep his hands down all thereby keeping set pieces to a minimum, how can Lee be blamed for Clarke's woeful control and distribution or for Clarke's inability to prevent himself being nudged off the ball? Yes, Lee was slow and often found himself going to ground in a desperate attempt to get a tackle in. However, for the best part, those attempted tackles were successful! I agree with the above poster, Clarke was more to blame than Lee.

Sorry Waynus, I totally disagree, Clarke was having to cover for Lee's lack of pace. Having to cover both Centre half positions would stretch any player. I will concede that Lee is better in the air, this is where his talent ends. Captain, you are having a laugh, My five year old Grand Daughter would be more vocal. When I used to play football, I was a captain, and the players always looked for a leader. If you were not encouraging / vocal, the team did not perform. Clarke is by no means a great Center half, but if I chose between Lee or Clarke, Clarke would get my vote. Yes he does give away a few free kicks, but he is still a good center half for this division. As for Zesh, he is a quality Centre half, last season he played Left and Right back, as well as Centre half. At left back and Center Half, he was excellent. At right back he did struggle, but he is left footed, although can use his right foot as well. For me I would have him as our Captain, he has had premiership experience with Fulham, so for me he will be the best Centre half in the division this season. I am sure there will be plenty of people who will disagree, but we shall see at the end of the season.

We are just gonna have to agree to disagree on this one. Interestingly, you rate Rehman highly, so if we do continue to perform poorly in the middle, will you finally concede that Clarke's flaws are less likely to be blamed on his central defensive partner?

I was in the TL Dallas last season and the one advantage is that you were so close you felt like you could touch the players. It is my opinion (and that of the majority of the stand), that Clarke was very poor last season and often dragged Lee down to his standards.

When comfortable on the ball, Clarke panicked as soon as pressure was put on him. He gave the ball away in dangerous positions, on a number of occasions, he 'controlled' the ball with his shin and was often 'jostled' off the ball by a 5ft player with the build of Mr Muscle. Yes, Lee had his faults, but he can't be blamed for the lack of skills his partner had! None of the above were caused by 'covering both centre half positions'.

Finally, I agree 100% with your comment regarding Lee's leadership skills. I have never said he was Captain material and often likened him to a quiet and reserved player called David Wetherall (a good solid player but a crap leader on the pitch).

waynus71 wrote:

probes67 wrote:

waynus71 wrote:

Bantam992 wrote: If I was a young lad put in that situation, I would have been devastated but being a bit more experienced, I understood what was going onTo be honest with you joecolbeck4england both Lee and Clarke were to blame for many goals last season but from what i saw for the most part Lee was at fault and made c Clarke look bad. He was always behind the game and was a bad decision maker. We need another centre half for my liking to partner Rehman.

Come off it. How can Lee be blamed for Clarke's inability to control the football, putting the defence under pressure, for failing to keep his hands down all thereby keeping set pieces to a minimum, how can Lee be blamed for Clarke's woeful control and distribution or for Clarke's inability to prevent himself being nudged off the ball? Yes, Lee was slow and often found himself going to ground in a desperate attempt to get a tackle in. However, for the best part, those attempted tackles were successful! I agree with the above poster, Clarke was more to blame than Lee.

Sorry Waynus, I totally disagree, Clarke was having to cover for Lee's lack of pace. Having to cover both Centre half positions would stretch any player. I will concede that Lee is better in the air, this is where his talent ends. Captain, you are having a laugh, My five year old Grand Daughter would be more vocal. When I used to play football, I was a captain, and the players always looked for a leader. If you were not encouraging / vocal, the team did not perform. Clarke is by no means a great Center half, but if I chose between Lee or Clarke, Clarke would get my vote. Yes he does give away a few free kicks, but he is still a good center half for this division. As for Zesh, he is a quality Centre half, last season he played Left and Right back, as well as Centre half. At left back and Center Half, he was excellent. At right back he did struggle, but he is left footed, although can use his right foot as well. For me I would have him as our Captain, he has had premiership experience with Fulham, so for me he will be the best Centre half in the division this season. I am sure there will be plenty of people who will disagree, but we shall see at the end of the season.

We are just gonna have to agree to disagree on this one. Interestingly, you rate Rehman highly, so if we do continue to perform poorly in the middle, will you finally concede that Clarke's flaws are less likely to be blamed on his central defensive partner? I was in the TL Dallas last season and the one advantage is that you were so close you felt like you could touch the players. It is my opinion (and that of the majority of the stand), that Clarke was very poor last season and often dragged Lee down to his standards. When comfortable on the ball, Clarke panicked as soon as pressure was put on him. He gave the ball away in dangerous positions, on a number of occasions, he 'controlled' the ball with his shin and was often 'jostled' off the ball by a 5ft player with the build of Mr Muscle. Yes, Lee had his faults, but he can't be blamed for the lack of skills his partner had! None of the above were caused by 'covering both centre half positions'. Finally, I agree 100% with your comment regarding Lee's leadership skills. I have never said he was Captain material and often likened him to a quiet and reserved player called David Wetherall (a good solid player but a crap leader on the pitch).

Fair comments, we shall see during the next few months. I hope I am right, as it will benefit the club, But I will hold my hands up if I am wrong.

probes67 wrote:

waynus71 wrote:

probes67 wrote:

waynus71 wrote:

Bantam992 wrote: If I was a young lad put in that situation, I would have been devastated but being a bit more experienced, I understood what was going onTo be honest with you joecolbeck4england both Lee and Clarke were to blame for many goals last season but from what i saw for the most part Lee was at fault and made c Clarke look bad. He was always behind the game and was a bad decision maker. We need another centre half for my liking to partner Rehman.

Come off it. How can Lee be blamed for Clarke's inability to control the football, putting the defence under pressure, for failing to keep his hands down all thereby keeping set pieces to a minimum, how can Lee be blamed for Clarke's woeful control and distribution or for Clarke's inability to prevent himself being nudged off the ball? Yes, Lee was slow and often found himself going to ground in a desperate attempt to get a tackle in. However, for the best part, those attempted tackles were successful! I agree with the above poster, Clarke was more to blame than Lee.

Sorry Waynus, I totally disagree, Clarke was having to cover for Lee's lack of pace. Having to cover both Centre half positions would stretch any player. I will concede that Lee is better in the air, this is where his talent ends. Captain, you are having a laugh, My five year old Grand Daughter would be more vocal. When I used to play football, I was a captain, and the players always looked for a leader. If you were not encouraging / vocal, the team did not perform. Clarke is by no means a great Center half, but if I chose between Lee or Clarke, Clarke would get my vote. Yes he does give away a few free kicks, but he is still a good center half for this division. As for Zesh, he is a quality Centre half, last season he played Left and Right back, as well as Centre half. At left back and Center Half, he was excellent. At right back he did struggle, but he is left footed, although can use his right foot as well. For me I would have him as our Captain, he has had premiership experience with Fulham, so for me he will be the best Centre half in the division this season. I am sure there will be plenty of people who will disagree, but we shall see at the end of the season.

We are just gonna have to agree to disagree on this one. Interestingly, you rate Rehman highly, so if we do continue to perform poorly in the middle, will you finally concede that Clarke's flaws are less likely to be blamed on his central defensive partner? I was in the TL Dallas last season and the one advantage is that you were so close you felt like you could touch the players. It is my opinion (and that of the majority of the stand), that Clarke was very poor last season and often dragged Lee down to his standards. When comfortable on the ball, Clarke panicked as soon as pressure was put on him. He gave the ball away in dangerous positions, on a number of occasions, he 'controlled' the ball with his shin and was often 'jostled' off the ball by a 5ft player with the build of Mr Muscle. Yes, Lee had his faults, but he can't be blamed for the lack of skills his partner had! None of the above were caused by 'covering both centre half positions'. Finally, I agree 100% with your comment regarding Lee's leadership skills. I have never said he was Captain material and often likened him to a quiet and reserved player called David Wetherall (a good solid player but a crap leader on the pitch).

Fair comments, we shall see during the next few months. I hope I am right, as it will benefit the club, But I will hold my hands up if I am wrong.

I too hope I am wrong and that the Clarke + Rehman partnership works alongside Ramsay & O'Brien. If we can keep it tight at the back, we should expect Evans, Thorne & Boulders to nick at least one goal.

Fingers crossed

waynus71 wrote:

probes67 wrote:

waynus71 wrote:

probes67 wrote:

waynus71 wrote:

Bantam992 wrote: If I was a young lad put in that situation, I would have been devastated but being a bit more experienced, I understood what was going onTo be honest with you joecolbeck4england both Lee and Clarke were to blame for many goals last season but from what i saw for the most part Lee was at fault and made c Clarke look bad. He was always behind the game and was a bad decision maker. We need another centre half for my liking to partner Rehman.

Come off it. How can Lee be blamed for Clarke's inability to control the football, putting the defence under pressure, for failing to keep his hands down all thereby keeping set pieces to a minimum, how can Lee be blamed for Clarke's woeful control and distribution or for Clarke's inability to prevent himself being nudged off the ball? Yes, Lee was slow and often found himself going to ground in a desperate attempt to get a tackle in. However, for the best part, those attempted tackles were successful! I agree with the above poster, Clarke was more to blame than Lee.

Sorry Waynus, I totally disagree, Clarke was having to cover for Lee's lack of pace. Having to cover both Centre half positions would stretch any player. I will concede that Lee is better in the air, this is where his talent ends. Captain, you are having a laugh, My five year old Grand Daughter would be more vocal. When I used to play football, I was a captain, and the players always looked for a leader. If you were not encouraging / vocal, the team did not perform. Clarke is by no means a great Center half, but if I chose between Lee or Clarke, Clarke would get my vote. Yes he does give away a few free kicks, but he is still a good center half for this division. As for Zesh, he is a quality Centre half, last season he played Left and Right back, as well as Centre half. At left back and Center Half, he was excellent. At right back he did struggle, but he is left footed, although can use his right foot as well. For me I would have him as our Captain, he has had premiership experience with Fulham, so for me he will be the best Centre half in the division this season. I am sure there will be plenty of people who will disagree, but we shall see at the end of the season.

We are just gonna have to agree to disagree on this one. Interestingly, you rate Rehman highly, so if we do continue to perform poorly in the middle, will you finally concede that Clarke's flaws are less likely to be blamed on his central defensive partner? I was in the TL Dallas last season and the one advantage is that you were so close you felt like you could touch the players. It is my opinion (and that of the majority of the stand), that Clarke was very poor last season and often dragged Lee down to his standards. When comfortable on the ball, Clarke panicked as soon as pressure was put on him. He gave the ball away in dangerous positions, on a number of occasions, he 'controlled' the ball with his shin and was often 'jostled' off the ball by a 5ft player with the build of Mr Muscle. Yes, Lee had his faults, but he can't be blamed for the lack of skills his partner had! None of the above were caused by 'covering both centre half positions'. Finally, I agree 100% with your comment regarding Lee's leadership skills. I have never said he was Captain material and often likened him to a quiet and reserved player called David Wetherall (a good solid player but a crap leader on the pitch).

Fair comments, we shall see during the next few months. I hope I am right, as it will benefit the club, But I will hold my hands up if I am wrong.

I too hope I am wrong and that the Clarke + Rehman partnership works alongside Ramsay & O'Brien. If we can keep it tight at the back, we should expect Evans, Thorne & Boulders to nick at least one goal. Fingers crossed

Total Agreement, lets hope for a good positive season, which may get us promoted.