Thank you Jamo

[Jerseybean]

Wishing MJ the very best he has been an excellent signing for us IMO. 

[Antman]

played more games for us than leicester

i would have kept him, his experience is invalauble and we are short of senior pro's now

[Red Army 75]

Very good midfielder. Good luck to him

[The Gasbuster]

A great captain and a great pro.

Will be sadly missed.

Good luck for the future Matty.

[sh1t_ref_again]

Thanks Matty, great player, good luck with you next club, unless your are playing us as would not be surprised to see you still in the championship and closer to home.

[cidercity1987]

A crucial reason why we were never near a relegation fight in our lowest ebb. All the best to him for the future 

[KURTZ]

Wishing all the best for Matty. 

He will be missed.

[Andy082005]

1 hour ago, Antman said:

played more games for us than leicester

i would have kept him, his experience is invalauble and we are short of senior pro's now

A good player but we need to evolve. Either him or Williams needed to move on this summer - and Williams being younger, coupled with his performances since Christmas - is the one that it makes sense keeping 

The only concern I would have is with him, King and Weimann all moving on, there is a distinct lack of experience in that dressing room 

Hopefully this is addressed 

[joe jordans teeth]

1 hour ago, Antman said:

played more games for us than leicester

i would have kept him, his experience is invalauble and we are short of senior pro's now

Think his wages my be the issue,still a professional on the pitch and didn’t come here to just pick up a wage so wish him all the best 

[formerly known as ivan]

1 hour ago, sh1t_ref_again said:

Thanks Matty, great player, good luck with you next club, unless your are playing us as would not be surprised to see you still in the championship and closer to home.

Decent player, done a job, but far from great. If you are serious about promotion you don’t have Matty James in your team. There is a reason no realistic promotion hopefuls will be trying to sign him this summer.

Good luck to him though.

[Red-Robbo]

Good luck MJ. If he returns to the Gate with a new side, he'll get a clap from me. Before the game only of course. 

[Garland-sweden]

18 minutes ago, formerly known as ivan said:

Decent player, done a job, but far from great. If you are serious about promotion you don’t have Matty James in your team. There is a reason no realistic promotion hopefuls will be trying to sign him this summer.

Good luck to him though.

Without James we will be lower in the table.  He does the dirty work that all teams needs. Defensive mf dont grow in trees.

[LondonBristolian]

Been essential for us at many points. Totally agree that he should be applauded on his return, 

[richyy66]

Steadied the ship in midfield with his knowledge of the game. He was a great signing for us. Model professional that the others looked upto. All the best Matty. 

[Maltshoveller]

Him King and Weimann have been great pros 

Need these type of players  in and around the dressing room

for the younger kids to look up to

 

[redsquirrel]

3 minutes ago, Maltshoveller said:

Him King and Weimann have been great pros 

Need these type of players  in and around the dressing room

for the younger kids to look up to

 

especially if you have a lot of them

[Maltshoveller]

Just now, redsquirrel said:

especially if you have a lot of them

Only have to look at Man Utd to see what can happen when you dont!!!

[Selred]

38 minutes ago, formerly known as ivan said:

If you are serious about promotion you don’t have Matty James in your team.

Why?

[Gazred]

Shame to see him move on. He gave us 3 good seasons including the one just gone, which I think was his best.

I'm sure he'll end up with a decent club. No reason he couldn't do another season or 2 at this level.

Best of luck and thanks Jamo.

[formerly known as ivan]

26 minutes ago, Garland-sweden said:

Without James we will be lower in the table.  He does the dirty work that all teams needs. Defensive mf dont grow in trees.

I agree, but the expectation for next season is promotion. We aren’t looking for players to stop us being lower league, we are looking for players to get us promoted.

[formerly known as ivan]

10 minutes ago, Selred said:

Why?

If you need to ask that I can’t really help you. 

We will see where he ends up this summer. If a player of such great quality is available for free he should have his pick of the division. I bet you that’s not the case.

[sh1t_ref_again]

1 hour ago, formerly known as ivan said:

Decent player, done a job, but far from great. If you are serious about promotion you don’t have Matty James in your team. There is a reason no realistic promotion hopefuls will be trying to sign him this summer.

Good luck to him though.

If you seen what I put on the other thread, that's exactly my thoughts

[RollsRoyce]

One of our better signings, and held together what was then a broken team, which then evolved into helping some of our younger players improve and develop. Raised standards in training and attitude.

Thank you Matty

He will not be short of offers. 

[Lordofthebling]

From men to boys

[steviestevieneville]

Very much feel that the club will regret that decision. I’ve mentioned it before . That’s wiemann, James, king & possibly wells gone in one hit. Who’s policing & passing on experience to that young squad now . Transition is necessary but I’d have kept Matty for another year. If results start to go poorly , who’s there to stop any problems within the dressing room ? 
manning ? No, tinnion or Lansdown I’ve said it before & I hope I’m wrong but I see a relegation battle ahead . 

[Silvio Dante]

1 hour ago, formerly known as ivan said:

Decent player, done a job, but far from great. If you are serious about promotion you don’t have Matty James in your team. There is a reason no realistic promotion hopefuls will be trying to sign him this summer.

Good luck to him though.

And that reason has nothing to do with his quality. It has everything to do with the fact that he will be 33 this summer. He’s played (albeit 10 years ago) significant roles in promotion teams at this level.

The reason we’re not resigning him is because of his age and (quite correctly) we’re reticent to offer a longer term deal to a player of that age. For the same reason, that will limit his market as people will be thinking of the potential for injury and the dropoff later in career - realistically he has one or two years left at this level.

So, I agree - promotion chasers won’t sign him. But chiefly because of how old he is as opposed to not having or needing a Matty James in their side - when we played Leicester at home him and Winks were like that Spider-Man meme!

[formerly known as ivan]

6 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

And that reason has nothing to do with his quality. It has everything to do with the fact that he will be 33 this summer. He’s played (albeit 10 years ago) significant roles in promotion teams at this level.

The reason we’re not resigning him is because of his age and (quite correctly) we’re reticent to offer a longer term deal to a player of that age. For the same reason, that will limit his market as people will be thinking of the potential for injury and the dropoff later in career - realistically he has one or two years left at this level.

So, I agree - promotion chasers won’t sign him. But chiefly because of how old he is as opposed to not having or needing a Matty James in their side - when we played Leicester at home him and Winks were like that Spider-Man meme!

I don’t think age comes into it. If he is good enough to make a difference at this level to a team looking for promotion, you’d sign him on a years contract as there is no risk attached.

The fact he wouldn’t make a difference to a promotion chasing team is the reason one won’t sign him.

[Mr Popodopolous]

20 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said:

Very much feel that the club will regret that decision. I’ve mentioned it before . That’s wiemann, James, king & possibly wells gone in one hit. Who’s policing & passing on experience to that young squad now . Transition is necessary but I’d have kept Matty for another year. If results start to go poorly , who’s there to stop any problems within the dressing room ? 
manning ? No, tinnion or Lansdown I’ve said it before & I hope I’m wrong but I see a relegation battle ahead . 

I was with you until the relegation battle next season point- I'm not so certain there, but I do share concerns, experience and leadership to fall back on in tough periods, or with what to do next in strong runs is vital.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Thank you Matty and all the best (except vs us).

Important signing and like King, Weimann, Wells- young players will have learnt in particular some good habits.

[Silvio Dante]

5 minutes ago, formerly known as ivan said:

I don’t think age comes into it. If he is good enough to make a difference at this level to a team looking for promotion, you’d sign him on a years contract as there is no risk attached.

The fact he wouldn’t make a difference to a promotion chasing team is the reason one won’t sign him.

I do disagree here because the age is a huge factor. We know that, in football manager parlance, when you start hitting the age MJ is now, “abilities can decline markedly and drastically” - we saw this ourselves with Chris Brunt. I wouldn’t sign him as a promotion chasing side and age would be the huge factor - he could go downhill quickly and is more susceptible to injury (which is why I don’t have a huge issue with our decision) - so I don’t think it’s a risk free transaction, even for a one year deal.

[Ashton Fete]

A quality player at this level and quite clearly a top professional for the next generation of players coming through.

If there was a deal to be made then we should have made it but I don’t know the facts so good luck to him

[steviestevieneville]

9 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

I was with you until the relegation battle next season point- I'm not so certain there, but I do share concerns, experience and leadership to fall back on in tough periods, or with what to do next in strong runs is vital.

To caveat my relegation worries. It all depends on who we recruit . I have always thought though that tinnion & Lansdown don’t like having senior pros around . As an outspoken older head. I’d be amazed if Naismith is with us next season . I’m not sure if manning is a strong enough leader to deal with major setbacks. 

[Street red]

15 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said:

To caveat my relegation worries. It all depends on who we recruit . I have always thought though that tinnion & Lansdown don’t like having senior pros around . As an outspoken older head. I’d be amazed if Naismith is with us next season . I’m not sure if manning is a strong enough leader to deal with major setbacks.

I think Naismith has a voice has been critical on robin's TV a few times will be interesting to see if he does stay I'm hoping he does because we need all the experience we can get.

Edited May 11 by Street red

[Mendip City]

20 minutes ago, Street red said:

I think Naismith has a voice has been critical on robin's TV a few times will be interesting to see if he does stay I'm hoping he does because we need all the experience we can get.

I agree but the danger is his voice not being heard from the treatment room….

[Selred]

2 hours ago, formerly known as ivan said:

If you need to ask that I can’t really help you. 

We will see where he ends up this summer. If a player of such great quality is available for free he should have his pick of the division. I bet you that’s not the case.

I would love to know what attributes you think he has or hasn’t got which means he isn’t suitable for a promotion chasing team. 

2 hours ago, formerly known as ivan said:

If you need to ask that I can’t really help you. 

We will see where he ends up this summer. If a player of such great quality is available for free he should have his pick of the division. I bet you that’s not the case.

I would love to know what attributes you think he has or hasn’t got which means he isn’t suitable for a promotion chasing team. 
 

[formerly known as ivan]

2 minutes ago, Selred said:

I would love to know what attributes you think he has or hasn’t got which means he isn’t suitable for a promotion chasing team. 

I would love to know what attributes you think he has or hasn’t got which means he isn’t suitable for a promotion chasing team. 
 

Play just seems to stop with him. Slow and backwards passing is my main issue.

What attributes do you think he possesses? I can almost guarantee you whatever you’re about to say probably counts for 99% of midfielders.

[tin]

James’ experience has been vital for our second-tier survival IMO and I wish him all the best for the future. 

For all the hollow talk of getting to the PL from board, the irony is that over the last 18 months all knowledge of either getting to the PL or being in the PL has now left the club. Nepotism reigns supreme. 

Edited May 11 by tin

[Davefevs]

12 minutes ago, tin said:

James’ experience has been vital for our second-tier survival IMO and I wish him all the best for the future. 

For all the hollow talk of getting to the PL from board, the irony is that over the last 18 months all knowledge of either getting to the PL or being in the PL has now left the club. Nepotism reigns supreme. 

My list the other day / week:

• Alexander
• Pearson
• Fleming
• Euell
• Rennie
• King

and now:

• Weimann
• James

just Wells left (45 mins).

Its not the be-all and end-all, but it’s good to have people around who can at least reference it.

[mozo]

I've really enjoyed watching Matty James play for City. 

It feels like a gamble losing so many experienced pros.

I guess at the some time, who wouldn't want City to have a squad of young hungry players with their best years ahead of them?

But do we have the patience to wait for them to mature? Is there any patience in football?

We could do with more consistent performers like Matty, that's for sure.

 

Edited May 11 by mozo

[JAWS]

I think most people who say we should've re-signed him are stuck in non-ambitious mode because that is what we are used to and it's difficult to imagine an ambitious Bristol City.

If we want promotion like the lansdowns say we do then, as others have said above, I don't think he's a player that a top six side would sign.  

HOWEVER, despite what the hierarchy say I don't believe we are ambitious and I don't believe we will have a top six side come August.

Happy to be proved wrong, just basing my pessimism on the past evidence.

So maybe we should've signed him for another year. :laugh:

 

[Shelton’s Love Gravy]

Letting Matty James go is silly.

Silly I tell you.

Silly.

[NewquayRed]

1 hour ago, tin said:

James’ experience has been vital for our second-tier survival IMO and I wish him all the best for the future. 

For all the hollow talk of getting to the PL from board, the irony is that over the last 18 months all knowledge of either getting to the PL or being in the PL has now left the club. Nepotism reigns supreme. 

100% suddenly out entire game day set up feels very L1 in terms of experience, massive pressure on LM now, where are the game day generals. 

Worried 

[redsquirrel]

we will miss him when we are 1-0 up  or hanging on for a point  and under the cosh in the last 5 minutes ,  the senior pros seem to have something that can slow things down and take the pressure off a bit.  that was wade elliots main strength in the league one team

[cidercity1987]

6 hours ago, NewquayRed said:

100% suddenly out entire game day set up feels very L1 in terms of experience, massive pressure on LM now, where are the game day generals. 

Worried 

It's certainly high risk building our entire midfield around two that were mainstays in a relegated Derby team

[Floatn Over]

If the new engine room works and we hit the ground running, fine.  If it doesn’t or a rough run arises that’s when the on and off field steadying of the ship from MJ would have been valuable, that’s my worry.

I would have offered him contract terms but I understand those reasoning otherwise.

i have enjoyed watching Matty, excellent experienced pro and I wish him good luck.

We might of course be targeting a younger “old head” but on the basis most of those will question, challenge and query based on their experience, I doubt it very much.

[Pickle Rick]

All the best to him.

Would be surprised to see him sign for a club below the midlands.

I don’t think he wanted to stay at this stage in his career as his contract expires. He’s found himself down south, signing under Pearson.

Perhaps it is the right time that he moved back closer to home up north.

 

[Fuber]

16 hours ago, formerly known as ivan said:

Decent player, done a job, but far from great. If you are serious about promotion you don’t have Matty James in your team. There is a reason no realistic promotion hopefuls will be trying to sign him this summer.

Good luck to him though.

We don't know that yet. Hindsight.

All it takes is Coventry resigning him and you never know.

[Davefevs]

6 minutes ago, Fuber said:

All it takes is Coventry resigning him and you never know.

Just let Liam Kelly go, might be looking to replace with a senior player?

[Lorenzos Only Goal]

17 hours ago, Maltshoveller said:

Only have to look at Man Utd to see what can happen when you dont!!!

:laugh: Man Utd has been delinquent for many years, they have a very different problem.  They have a leadership issue and too many big names that are an incoherent mess.

[Antman]

16 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

And that reason has nothing to do with his quality. It has everything to do with the fact that he will be 33 this summer. He’s played (albeit 10 years ago) significant roles in promotion teams at this level.

The reason we’re not resigning him is because of his age and (quite correctly) we’re reticent to offer a longer term deal to a player of that age. For the same reason, that will limit his market as people will be thinking of the potential for injury and the dropoff later in career - realistically he has one or two years left at this level.

So, I agree - promotion chasers won’t sign him. But chiefly because of how old he is as opposed to not having or needing a Matty James in their side - when we played Leicester at home him and Winks were like that Spider-Man meme!

Vardy is 37.

i could go on of course, but age is only relevant when playing form is affected. James played more games  - i think - this season than last, 41 vs 40 ish, so that suggests he is not yet over that hill.

i accept players can decline rapidly, but for me his know how as a senior pro would be worth a lot to a squad clearly focused on 'cheaper' younger talent.

As King has gone too we are short of 'elders'

a 1 year deal? he may have rejected that in the hope of a final 2-3 year payday i suppose, but the club would have surely communicated such an offer via the media as it makes them look pro active, my cynical side suggests they just want to brush away all vestiges of NP

[trickytimes]

5 hours ago, cidercity1987 said:

It's certainly high risk building our entire midfield around two that were mainstays in a relegated Derby team

A midfield two that were both 21 when Derby were relegated. A bit harsh to suggest it was their fault.

[Davefevs]

6 minutes ago, trickytimes said:

A midfield two that were both 21 when Derby were relegated. A bit harsh to suggest it was their fault.

A few other things going on too….

[chinapig]

34 minutes ago, trickytimes said:

A midfield two that were both 21 when Derby were relegated. A bit harsh to suggest it was their fault.

Quite. Mel Morris got them relegated not the players.

[Charlie BCFC]

6 hours ago, cidercity1987 said:

It's certainly high risk building our entire midfield around two that were mainstays in a relegated Derby team

That’s very harsh, two of their better players that season and they would’ve survived had their not been such a big points deduction. 

[steviestevieneville]

There is no logical thinking on a footballing perspective letting Matty go . He made our midfield tick . This has tinnion & Lansdown written all over it . I’d be amazed if manning didn’t want him. I’m very comfortable with not renewing my season ticket. ******* the pair of them 

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 hour ago, Jobi said:

I don’t understand this “brush away” NP elements - MJ is in his 30s, one of the highest earners in the club and is by no means a 1st choice in 24/25 - makes little sense to keep him unless on heavily reduced terms and even then he is unlikely to accept. As for King, obvious not to renew. Don’t think it has anything to do with NP, just sensible business in my view. 

One of the highest earners and frankly he is worth it if so but I'm sceptical and probably he is closer to £15,000 than £20,000.

He maybe one of the highest earners now but that was only after 2 years of restraint on expenditure and reduction of the cost base.

Edited May 12 by Mr Popodopolous

[Mr Popodopolous]

Just now, Jobi said:

Yes but a lot of money for someone who wasn’t going to be first or second choice.

Who is going to be first choice then- or who would have been 

Bird is, will be good but still has it to prove.

The shape is flawed, we're going nowhere fast.

[Maltshoveller]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Who is going to be first choice then- or who would have been 

Bird is, will be good but still has it to prove.

The shape is flawed, we're going nowhere fast.

So the shape is wrong

What shape would you play and why

[Mr Popodopolous]

Just now, Maltshoveller said:

So the shape is wrong

What shape would you play and why

4-3-3 ish. 

I'm slightly biased towards it as a setup, it is more clearly defined, more cover in wide areas and the middle, we clearly played towards and were built towards it between January and end of October last year.

One of my critiques is that a back 3 with wingbacks if you can pin them back then the side are bang in trouble.

We have changed shape seemingly after all the stuff of last October.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Bird and Knight in a 3-4-3?

With two 10s...James has played in some of our best games this season.

[The Bard]

16 hours ago, JAWS said:

I think most people who say we should've re-signed him are stuck in non-ambitious mode because that is what we are used to and it's difficult to imagine an ambitious Bristol City.

If we want promotion like the lansdowns say we do then, as others have said above, I don't think he's a player that a top six side would sign.  

HOWEVER, despite what the hierarchy say I don't believe we are ambitious and I don't believe we will have a top six side come August.

Happy to be proved wrong, just basing my pessimism on the past evidence.

So maybe we should've signed him for another year.

 

Do you think that West Brom weren't showing ambition when they signed Weimann?

 

Or just smart?

[Davefevs]

18 minutes ago, Jobi said:

I’ve never understood how fans, who I assume don’t have coaching badges, who don’t see the players week in week out, and don’t know the specifics of what actually goes on in the club can say, with such confidence, the formation they would play. Find it bizzare.

Because just like a pro manager, they have their own thoughts and philosophies on how they’d play the game, or how they’d play the game with the players they have available to them.

Mr P isn’t gonna rock up at the HPC tomorrow and get the chance to implement his thoughts, but he can be as bullish as he wants about his thoughts on OTIB (or any other platform).  It’s kinda the point of OTIB, etc, isn’t it.  You carry on @Mr Popodopolous with your 433.  One day, one day!

And sometimes football is so insular, it can miss the obvious, or it can get a fresh perspective on things from the outside world, it doesn’t have to be “if you’ve not played the game” Danny Murphy type bollocks.

To be honest, our current head-coach thinks it’s a good idea to play Mark Sykes at LWB, how does that ratify his skills? Slightly tongue in cheek, but a semblance of WTAF also.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Just now, Davefevs said:

Because just like a pro manager, they have their own thoughts and philosophies on how they’d play the game, or how they’d play the game with the players they have available to them.

Mr P isn’t gonna rock up at the HPC tomorrow and get the chance to implement his thoughts, but he can be as bullish as he wants about his thoughts on OTIB (or any other platform).  It’s kinda the point of OTIB, etc, isn’t it.  You carry on @Mr Popodopolous with your 433.  One day, one day!

And sometimes football is so insular, it can miss the obvious, or it can get a fresh perspective on things from the outside world, it doesn’t have to be “if you’ve not played the game” Danny Murphy type bollocks.

To be honest, our current head-coach thinks it’s a good idea to play Mark Sykes at LWB, how does that ratify his skills? Slightly tongue in cheek, but a semblance of WTAF also.

You for manager @Davefevs I reckon..only if Manning goes of course but your scouting, use of data off your own bat- well it would be intriguing.

[Mr Popodopolous]

36 minutes ago, Jobi said:

I’ve never understood how fans, who I assume don’t have coaching badges, who don’t see the players week in week out, and don’t know the specifics of what actually goes on in the club can say, with such confidence, the formation they would play. Find it bizzare.

Coaching badges are one thing but okay and players are another but a basic reading..

3-5-2 vs 4-3-3.

Your 2 v 1 can really pin baxk the wingbacks. Wide forward plus attacking fullback.

3 v 3 in central areas.

If you can get the service to the 2 strikers, 2 CBs can match up- if an attacking mid one can drop back but 2 CBs can assist v the lone striker.

Wingbacks are intetgal often to the 3-5-2.

Pulling across to even the score 2 v 1 wise can leave 3 v 2 in the centre and exposed again.

Overloading, flooding key areas.

3-4-3 vs 4-3-3

2 v 1 in wide areas is less of a concern but 2 v 3 in central areas can also become 6 v 5 or 4 v 5 and unless the spare man is very good another tactical dilemma.

Wide man or wide striker tucks in, you then have 2 v 1 to exploit on one flank and a possible imbalance to boot.

Coaching badges? No. I watch or have watched a lot of football however, as we all have- not just English League but other Leagues- there is no perfect setup but I have reservations about the back 3 as it stands.

Edited May 12 by Mr Popodopolous

[Davefevs]

11 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

You for manager @Davefevs I reckon..only if Manning goes of course but your scouting, use of data off your own bat- well it would be intriguing.

No ta…there’s some nasty people on OTIB, and I’m a sensitive soul!

[RedorDead BCFC]

14 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Because just like a pro manager, they have their own thoughts and philosophies on how they’d play the game, or how they’d play the game with the players they have available to them.

Mr P isn’t gonna rock up at the HPC tomorrow and get the chance to implement his thoughts, but he can be as bullish as he wants about his thoughts on OTIB (or any other platform).  It’s kinda the point of OTIB, etc, isn’t it.  You carry on @Mr Popodopolous with your 433.  One day, one day!

And sometimes football is so insular, it can miss the obvious, or it can get a fresh perspective on things from the outside world, it doesn’t have to be “if you’ve not played the game” Danny Murphy type bollocks.

To be honest, our current head-coach thinks it’s a good idea to play Mark Sykes at LWB, how does that ratify his skills? Slightly tongue in cheek, but a semblance of WTAF also.

When we played Cardiff Nige played Sykes LWB. I know we had player availability issues. But he still played him there. 

[Davefevs]

5 minutes ago, RedorDead BCFC said:

When we played Cardiff Nige played Sykes LWB. I know we had player availability issues. But he still played him there. 

It was LB, but yes he did.

Not quite the same as:

 

But the point I’m making is that fans can have a valid point of debate, they don’t have to have coaching badges, etc…especially on a forum, or other social media platforms.

 

[Maltshoveller]

58 minutes ago, Jobi said:

I’ve never understood how fans, who I assume don’t have coaching badges, who don’t see the players week in week out, and don’t know the specifics of what actually goes on in the club can say, with such confidence, the formation they would play. Find it bizzare.

Yeah agree to a point

Bit like me watching 1000s of planes land and take off from Bristol airport

and thinking i could just jump into the cock pit and fly one

[Mr Popodopolous]

22 minutes ago, Jobi said:

Pros and cons to every formation. 

I'd suggest that with the current personnel we are somewhat swimming vs the tide with the current set-up but..

[redsquirrel]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

No ta…there’s some nasty people on OTIB, and I’m a sensitive soul!

yoom more suited to the teknikul deckchair role anyway. first skills test for pops tho will be chucking waxolas at a dartboard, see if he can make them stick