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Post by simples on Oct 10, 2021 14:07:57 GMT
Need I remind you all what rhymes with ‘City’? Witty?
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Post by simples on Oct 3, 2021 9:51:45 GMT
I am afraid the rain put me off as well. That said I know from past experience that these are the sort of conditions when you can get the most exciting performances. Not sure if its the ball zipping across the surface or the fact the rain keeps people moving. Looks as though I need to dig out my wellies or I might end up missing some decent games.
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Post by simples on Sept 2, 2021 18:13:40 GMT
The wins and goals pre season suggested a promising season ahead. However you cannot read too much into friendlies as has been proven once the season proper started.
I am still trying to put names to faces and on the positive side youngsters Shaw and Muirhead have shown lots of skill and the ability to beat a defender.
I can only comment on the home games and it was most disappointing to be pegged back in the closing stages of the first 2 games in almost identical fashion. Long ball played up and the forward gets on the end to send looping headers past the keeper. As for the 3rd game we didn't seem to be able to offer much going forward. In contrast to last season the ball was played up at the earliest opportunity and was soon coming back at us. With 2 players out injured (Smith and Westwood) the depth does not appear to be there. The players seem to be giving it their best, but the quality is lacking.
It appears a strong physical presence would not go amiss. I fear once the pitches get heavy that we are going to be a bit lightweight.
The crowd of 500+ must have been disappointed with what they saw Monday and I am not sure how many will be coming back for more.
I am sure the hierarchy do not need to be told any of the above.
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Post by simples on Jan 17, 2021 12:02:46 GMT
Bill Jones made it a priority to find jobs for players’ wives. His approach was simple – a job in a new town far away from home would allow them to settle in and make new friends and if the wife was happy the player was happy!
Very true in all walks of life.
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Post by simples on Dec 6, 2020 17:35:12 GMT
Well what can you say 2-0 up with eight minutes to go, you take off your striker who scored two and you concede three goals in eight minutes to lose the game. This poor defeat is costly to the club and its coffers, this was down to poor game management and consistent to what has happened this season. The poor performance in the league and 16th in the table is totally unacceptable to a club like Worcester City , combined with the discipline issues on the pitch and the managers actions off it. The manager has dragged the clubs name through the mud with him getting sent off against Stafford, unprofessional behavior at Lye, and the Gresley dug out incident and the criminal damage and assault on a Gresley official and his attitude towards the incident. With the club moving back to Worcester to Claines Lane and the playing management having a decent budget we should be doing better on the pitch, the board need to have a serious look at the situation before he drags us into a relegation dogfight. Why did they appoint a manager who was woeful last season and why has he allowed Hawker to leave when his defence leaking goals and problems with a number of players. I will leave it up to the board, but cannot see things getting better under the current management team. I would like to see someone like Townsend the Stourport Swifts manager who are 4th in the league on a low playing budget or Mark Owen a Worcester City legend to take the club forward and build a team ready for next season. I go to home and away games and have seen plenty of games to base my comments on this season. Even when we were one up you felt we just had an advantage, we never looked comfortable. When Brown got his second I thought a little breathing space. OK, two up with minutes to go Brown gets taken off. The breathing space did not last long as Shepshed scored straight from the kick-off. So we are back to a knife edge situation. The equaliser duly arrived and I was thinking is there extra time or penalties. They weren't needed as they scored an absolute cracker worthy of winning any game. Credit to Shepshed for battling right to the end. As for City, the defence has looked vulnerable from the beginning of the season. At any level if you leak goals the confidence goes, pressure gets heaped on the strikers to score and the team descend a vicious spiral. Have just seen that the team manager has gone so who or what next?
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Post by simples on Oct 13, 2020 9:58:57 GMT
Quote from the Worcester News Despite fans being allowed into most non-league matches below National North and South level, the elite status of three of the teams playing from United’s Butts Park Arena base has meant the gates have remained closed.
I am not sure who the 'elite' teams are. I think one may be a RFU team based in Coventry.
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Post by simples on Oct 7, 2020 22:16:14 GMT
Up and running. Even first half, City unlucky to go in a goal down courtesy of a cracker of a shot. Loose ball in midfield but still had a lot to do. Second half City creating chances, the visiting keeper being made to work and up to the task. Perhaps needlessly conceded the penalty with Brain going away from goal. Lots of shots on target and the keeper holding on to most of them. Their man of the match. Early goal in the second half got the team moving forward.
Whether it was the conditions or not City moved the ball forward, quicker and with purpose. Must have got as many shots on target as in all their previous home games combined.
With Autumn well and truly upon us and heavier and greasier surfaces it will be interesting if the early pacemakers can maintain their form.
Performance and result just what was needed. Umbrella also doing its job. Good evening all round.
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Post by simples on Oct 3, 2020 22:03:56 GMT
Last season was poor, and this has started even worse. Vincent's tactics didn't work and were ineffective last season, but he still tries to do the same. Slow, ponderous, possession all in our own half, and on the half way line. We never get the ball forward quickly after regaining possession, and never hit sides on the break. We just go sideways and backwards, letting the opposition get back behind the ball. If players could repeatedly pass their way through opponents playing this way, they wouldn't be playing at Step 9 ! It's drab, boring stuff to watch, with the results just not justifying the continued use of these tactics. 3rd bottom, 2 points out of 18, and 4 goals scored in 6 matches with 11 conceded, in a mediocre league is awful. Whilst I'm sure that he's trying his best, it simply isn't good enough, and it looks to me as though he has no appetite to change the way we play despite the awful results. Time for a change I'm afraid. I haven't followed City live since they dropped out of the National League North. While pleasantly surprised by the skill at this level I have to agree with others on this subject. It is never nice to criticise but the facts speak for themselves and for those who have attended the games the evidence is there. By the time we get the ball under control, taking half a dozen passes to get nowhere up the field the opposition have more than ample time to get their defense organised. We play the ball about in areas that do not hurt the opposition. By overplaying at the back there is always the risk that we will gift them a goal. I feel the players are more than capable of playing at this level, I do however feel they are lacking direction. One senses that the forwards are being criticised for not being brave enough but I cannot say we have missed many, if any, guilt edged chances. Is there another Nobby Clarke on the horizon?
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Post by simples on Sept 13, 2020 14:05:39 GMT
Anyone have any idea when tickets are available for this game as website not allowing as yet.Terry Layland. Our next home game is on Wednesday 16th September when Romulus are the visitors to Claines Lane (7.45pm Kick Off) Once again, we are unfortunately restricted to just 300 so the match will be ALL TICKET. Tickets will be available from 12 Noon on Sunday 13th September.
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Post by simples on Sept 11, 2020 23:03:52 GMT
First home game of the season over. I suppose the team are getting used to their new surroundings and may take a few games to feel at home. Shame about the error that led to the goal but aside from that the visitors only had one other effort that was somehow kept out. We seemed to lack that sharpness around the goal. Their keeper, when tested, was solid and only fumbled one shot late on. In fact his recovery to deny Brain after the City player had knocked the ball past him probably surprised the City player as he must have thought he had done the hard part.
IMHO I thought when Brain came on he gave us a threat with his direct running, taking on defenders but sadly there was to be no end product. There was one other effort that had their keeper scrambling and that was a fine shot from distance by Reynolds that flashed inches wide.
From my perspective we seemed to overplay at the back taking 4 or 5 passes before moving the ball forward. This gave the visitors ample time to get back and regroup.
Still, it is early days and hopefully the team and results will get better.
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Post by simples on Sept 11, 2020 22:47:22 GMT
After a lapse of a couple of years I renewed my season ticket so ventured down to sample my first taste of Midland league football. The Wednesday evening was perfect for football. The sun setting behind the hills in the distance made the trees surrounding the ground stand out like silhouettes. The rural backdrop made one feel as though we were at a village cricket match. There was a homely feel about the place. Hopefully the club can now move forwards and upwards. I share the concerns mentioned elsewhere about inclement weather but have tracked down my wellies and brolly and hope the current dry spell holds on. May also need to remember to bring a torch to navigate along Claines Lane for the evening games.
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Post by simples on May 11, 2020 8:21:19 GMT
Its quite a long post with a number of points. More for one of the 'heavy' broadsheets.
Personally I am a cynical grumpy old man. I do not trust anything a politician says. I believe that nobody has a clue what is going on regarding the virus. There are claims and counterclaims.
The ruling government is at best playing for time. Lockdown is just trying to keep people away from each other for as long as possible. Eventually someone is going to have to pop out and we will see if there is an escalation. If there is I would expect stricter lockdowns. If not we steadily increase our freedoms. But how long before each step? A month I would say, given that it may take 14 days for the virus to kick in.
At the moment I believe that while sport may have psychological benefit for the masses who consume it regularly to get their fix, me included, I cannot see mass uncontrolled gatherings taking place anytime soon. The question is what is the point of professional sport if no-one is there?
I believe there are far more important priorities. Peoples health and livelihoods for example. There are people in the medical sector who have struggled to acquire PPE, testing for the virus and presumabley have to isolate from their families while risking their life. While that situation prevails the thought of 'sport' does not sit easily with me.
I would go so far as saying that this and next years UEFA club competitions should be called off. Until local activities are permitted why even contemplate international ones. Don't run before you can walk.
Of course there could be a miracle cure tomorrow and everything changes again.
When life resumes again will we have learnt anything? Will people live within their means? Will we appreciate what we have? Again this post may be one for the broad sheets.
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Post by simples on Feb 22, 2020 20:35:17 GMT
Think he’s used to a bit of driving! Tremendous move for Dimi, who for me has been our real star this season. Sincerely hope he blasts a few and fulfils that potential. Can anyone remember the last player to go from City to Hereford? It’s usually the other way round! May not have been the last but John Inglis did, returned to City after a year or so, and I think a few years later so did Trevor Jones.
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Post by simples on Feb 14, 2020 23:12:24 GMT
This was my first game since we dropped out of National North, the thought of a Wembley final enticing me out. Yes the result was disappointing. Atherstone knocked the ball around and created several chances which were kept out by good keeping and defensive blocks, their goal coming from a fine strike that went in off the post after a clearance fell to their goalscorer about 30 yards out. City battled throughout and drew level just before half time. They had chances themselves but were denied by the post and bar. While City finished the stronger a draw seemed a fair result and ultimately were denied in the penalty shoot out.
On the negative side Atherstone didn't need much encouragement to go down clutching face, legs whatever to halt the play and knock any impetus out of the game. For large parts of it it was played at their pace. It was only the second period of extra time that City appeared to be pushing on. With hindsight it is easy to suggest what if this had happened sooner?
While the result was disappointing I would hope that a lot of the team would be retained for next season. They appear young and with another years experience under their belts might be able to make a bigger push in the league.
On the positive side when was the last time we had a run in a National Cup competition (the Trophy) that lasted until February?
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Post by simples on Nov 30, 2019 18:49:56 GMT
I haven't posted for a while and not been to a game since dropping down to the MFL. My feeling since we left St George's was to support the Perdiswell project, that was the best setup IMHO. Providing a sporting hub and a focus for football at a place synonymous with football for as long as I can remember (50 plus years).
It appears from the news this week that Perdiswell is now a no go. I was originally against a move to sixways. However it appears the owners of Warriors want to make a go of it and are suggesting that if City don't want to be part of it then they will 'form' a team anyway. I have only been to watch the rugby barely a handful of times since they reached the top level but have noticed a lot of faces there that one used to see at St George's Lane. I would suggest that these people might be enticed to watch footy there as well. Perhaps they would offer joint season tickets.
For me I think Claines would be a poor second to Perdiswell, and can't believe that the council are pushing it when so many seemed against Perdiswell for reasons of traffic. At best it would get the team back in Worcester but then we would be sharing a ground that would be adequate for the current level and maybe the one above.
So my choice is to go with the Warriors although I am not party to any details other than that disclosed in the press.
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Post by simples on Oct 26, 2018 11:21:05 GMT
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Post by simples on Sept 28, 2018 21:33:24 GMT
Excellent news. A shame it has taken so long but that is more to do with the council playing silly b+++++s.
From the Worcester Newsreport: But the fight isn’t over yet – the council owns the proposed site and any sale or lease “would have to be discussed and agreed” by councillors, a WCC spokesman said
This concerns me somewhat. Is there a timescale? Given the councils track record with this project I hope they don't stall things now that a small chink of light has appeared.
One small step but in the right direction.
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Post by simples on Mar 1, 2018 22:43:44 GMT
Enjoyed being reminded of the good old days. Brought back happy memories. I am glad I got to see many games of that era despite being at uni. Life and football has moved on since those days, not generally for the better. City then and City now, the only constant is the shirt colour.
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Post by simples on Dec 21, 2017 21:03:41 GMT
Not sure if this is the correct place to post it but here goes.
I started following the City 50+ years ago. St. George's Lane was the home and while facilities could not compare with Aggborough (today) they were better than most at their level. Having sold the ground what on earth is going to persuade someone to go to watch a footy match at a much lower level in a 'ground' of very limited facilities in the back of beyond. i.e. who are going to be the fans of tomorrow.
I have also had the pleasure of being introduced to basketball and can say I was hooked instantly with the fast paced game and family friendly atmosphere in comfortable surroundings. There are many people there who like me follow Worcester sport in general i.e. footy, cricket, basketball - not so much rugby. All are dismayed by the situation at the footy club. In the meantime the basketball club continues to prove popular with attendances far outstripping those at the footy club. So how has a brand new club (16-17 years) risen to the top level of basketball? No doubt the University has played a big part. Is there anything that can be learnt?
I suppose the point I/we are all trying to make is that the location of any ground is fundamental to its future development and sustainability. At the same time maybe the basketball club can be an example of how to progress and reach the top level - I would be more than happy to see a Worcester football club reach the top level of non league football in 15 years.
Meanwhile PW is nothing more than a distraction and if the council wish to throw away £100k to be told it is unsuitable, something most people on this board have told them for free, then the voters will remember that during the next council elections.
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Post by simples on Dec 16, 2017 11:13:50 GMT
Am I the only one here who is uncomfortable with the idea of digging up a field and building over a large amount of green space for the benefit of WCFC? Wouldn't it be better to develop an existing sports venue - whether that's Perdiswell, or Claines Lane, or Nunnery Wood SC? I can see there might be a case to put to the residents that what is proposed here would be better than another industrial building, particularly if there is some benefit to the local community (bizarrely Warndon Villages FC currently use Little Perdiswell as their HQ!). That's assuming the facilities are not just for WCFC. Also I might be wrong but it appears that games on the main pitch would be viewable for free from the raised banks? No, you are not the only one, particularly when this site is next to a SSSI and ancient woodland. I still can't get my head around the Green Party councillors preferring this site over Perdiswell (other than they want to protect their seats on the council) - not sure if that worked. How does one vent ones frustration. It is blindingly obvious that PW is NOT appropriate. If it is below surrounding levels the biggest issue will be drainage. Then I suppose we could look forward to Carbon Monoxide gas flowing down the motorway embankment. etc.... Why 'dig up and level' when there is a perfectly level playing field at Perdiswell..... It will set off the Warndon Nimby against Perdiswell Nimby.... For the start of season 2019? 18 months away - somebody is having a giraffe.... All this has done is add further distraction while the emperor continues to fiddle..
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Post by simples on Nov 8, 2017 10:06:18 GMT
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Post by simples on Sept 30, 2017 20:41:21 GMT
All of the above, where does one begin. Probably wasting my time writing this but here goes anyway. Why would a football club prefer to go down the Parsonage Way (PW) route rather than Perdiswell? If they were going to go down the PW route and get demoted why did they waste 4 years in Conference North and ground sharing at Kiddy? I cannot say when I will go see them again, no plans at the moment.
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Post by simples on May 23, 2017 14:41:18 GMT
PARSONage way! Got to be the sale of the century.....
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Post by simples on Apr 29, 2017 15:21:24 GMT
squeaky bottom time
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Post by simples on Apr 17, 2017 19:21:36 GMT
I thought the players gave everything but didn't quite have the rub of the green. That said County had a cracking shot rocket back off the crossbar, that would have been an injustice had it gone in. Cracking atmosphere thanks to the travelling support. Excellent drumming as well, but glad I was in the stand. Generally an excellent game, no quarter asked or given played in a good spirit. Hoping for a similar performance but a better result Saturday.
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Post by simples on Feb 17, 2017 23:41:31 GMT
It is clearly negative comments day. How about backing the lads tomorrow. OK. Sorry we're all so negative. Please put me right by giving me all the good,positive,news and I will happily stand corrected.
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Post by simples on Feb 15, 2017 17:35:39 GMT
The club was the founded after the merger of Berwick Rangers and Worcester Rovers. The name Berwick Rangers has been taken by another club so how about keeping a historical link by naming a new club 'Worcester Rovers'? As a permanent home ground is unlikely to be available immediately there might be a lot of roving going on in the early days. If anyone fancies the no-democracy/quick-success model............................'Red Bull Worcester' ? ;-) Perhaps the way the new ground search is going it may end up near Berwick
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Post by simples on Jan 28, 2017 20:11:48 GMT
From a footballing perspective I hope he stays. He does a good job under the most trying of circumstances. From his own personal perspective one has to respect the choice he makes. If he does go he will be a hard act to follow and I strongly agree with the comments of adycrean above.
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Post by simples on Jan 2, 2017 12:42:50 GMT
He was goalkeeper in my second season following the City, the previous year we were relegated. As a primary school whipper-snapper it was a good time, we gained promotion at the first attempt, scoring goals for fun, a long unbeaten run, fixture pile-ups at the end of the season, games every other day. I think we played around 70 games. As a football mad kid who couldn't get enough football those were good days. My main memory of him was he possessed a very long clearance. In the days before ticky tacka football it could be claimed his long clearances to the edge of the opponents penalty area created lots of chances and contributed as an attacking threat as well as being a safe pair of hands.
Good memories....
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Post by simples on Dec 26, 2016 17:54:43 GMT
Harriers played it around well and upto feet, perhaps guilty of overplaying in the final third. City hung in there and had good chances of their own. I could not imagine the City team at the start of the season being able to keep a clean sheet against anyone. I suppose it is a measure of how they have grown and developed as a team that they were able to keep their full-time opponents out even when they were a man short. For City it was another point gained towards safety, for the Harriers they would have been disappointed not to have taken all 3.
As expected it was a full blooded derby which the ref did well to control. Some of the yellow cards were rather foolishly conceded. Oji straight red may have been considered harsh but he gave the ref a decision to make and that's the decision he made. It was a shame Bishop was injured as I would fancy he would have ruffled a few Harriers feathers with his physicality.
On to New Year...
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