11 Comments

I agree with most of your assessment, but for me a telling contribution was the quality of the opposition. I thought Southend were off their game - poor passing and dubious decision-making made Bromley look good. Especially in the defensive third. Mind you, being a doubting curmudgeon I might just be ignoring the effect the Ravens had on the opposition!

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I think fundamentally Bromley out ran and outworked Southend.

They aren't 6th for no reason.

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Thanks Mash. The main thing I took from the game was playing Corey and Louis in attacking positions together. Must be a first this season and hopefully not the last. I know you like Corey at Wing Back but I think having two creative players going forward is a great option and it was a rarity that we had more possession in the first half than the opposition. Maybe the two are linked. Some very good performances and Forster isn't really a wing back either so if Fisher can keep playing that way we maybe solving some of the problems. I prefer 4 at the back but I guess with Sowunmi coming back we will revert to 5. But surely he will keep Louis in the team. All we need now is for Cheeky to stay and find some form. Roll on Sunday!

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Yep I agree with this - the two are good mates off the pitch so makes sense they have a chemistry on it.

Also I can get behind playing Corey further upfield in a 4231 but the only viable way to accomodate him and Dennis if went back to 352 would be if he was LWB -unless of course Dennis was played upfront.

Louis has to play again on NYD so it will be very interesting what shape we go with should Sowunmi come back - I still think Reynolds may play RB.

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Great win that few people saw coming.I cannot completely rationalise my dislike of AW.

My Years in people management give me a gut for some things,I know we should judge him on results,and yesterdays result is the first decent one for a while.

So yesterday we get a very good result and he has a dig at the fans.

So he reads the forum/fb and reacts,or maybe the critics are closer ?

For me,no matter how justified,its not a good look.

Keep to the game,compliment the players and work out where the away fans are ‘hiding’.

Its not hard to be nice.

Apart from that them fans who dig out Centre Halves with ‘no pace’ need to find me a centre half that has ‘pace’

Centre halves play with their brains and that explains why managers should not read fans opinions.

A point at home on NYD would be a very good return.

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Im gonna postulate a theory here - Andy Woodman is a 'winner' and therefore foregoes some of the soft skills of non-league management to instill a greater winning mentality at the club.

Im still working on this theory as you can tell.

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Got to be more than that,obviously we had the Gillingham thing and other rumours.

I pass on the touch line antics as you expect no less than Managers to be animated and involved even to the point of gamesmanship if it helps.

I pass on the lack of empathy/acknowledgement of away fans as I cant get to many away games to witness this.

Is he a winner ? His mentality should be and his record to date is fair.

I only know three people who have been vocal in his support and the Trophy win put credit in the bank for those.

Its odd isnt it.Maybe we have had in recent years Nice,approachable,tactile managers.Maybe the growth in the fanbase involving many ex league fans that perhaps are more demanding.

For me I cant nail it precisely but if he left tomorrow I doubt the majority would be bothered,happy to be told otherwise.

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Another good piece, thanks Mash. I think that one of the main drivers behind the so-called "noise' is the lack of communication from within the club. The Chris Bush situation is a prime example. I don't believe that it it is reasonable for fans to be told the nitty gritty of what went on, but some form of statement regarding Bush's current status and what the club plans are in response would go a long way to satisfying most (but not all) of the dissenting voices.

Similarly, information about injuries, the seriousness of them and the anticipated length of absence would be helpful. The club provided this information about Reice Charles-Cook, why not about Billy Bingham?

Andy Woodman's statement about not wanting to provide any help to the opposition is, in my view unrealistic in the context of the bigger picture of keeping the fan base informed.

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Cheers Keith.

I do believe a statement is due on Bush in the next 48 hours. Keep eyes peeled on that front.

That said I do think you are right re: updates on injuries. I get why the club doesnt do it but in terms of the fanbase and keeping them onside not speaking is an own goal.

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Excellent work. Good to get the lowdown on games I can’t get to. Is that it for Cheek now, thought his contact was up on 31st?

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I have always assumed his contract runs out this coming summer will find out on NYD

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