East Thurrock

Just finished listening to commentary - not sure what to say.

That was City's joint worst ever F A Cup defeat - previously lost by same score at Coventry 1929/30 and Merthyr 1946/47.

Also i n shock LB - attndances will keep dipping at this rate, not what the club needs.
Very sad times

Just as well we weren't playing all of Thurrock. Not much to say. Pretty awful. Looked like country bumpkin on day out. That's probably unfair to a bumpkin.

Unlike Sunderland, City's players aren't rich enough to refund the fans tickets.

What the hell was that? There must be something up for a team to capitulate like that. More than ever, we need a leader in the team. I thought the re-signing of Joe Burnell was a good move but it never actually happened. I'd like to know what that was about.
If we can't afford a change in management, at least get a midfield organiser/battler in.

Looking forward to the managers excuses. That's if he is still in charge. Joe Burnells absence is a mystery. New management required. Not Rollo or Freeguard new blood required.

I am not one for knee jerk reactions but we have totally capitulated 3 or 4 times this season. There is something missing. Leadership for one. At 3-1 down you would expect a huddle and a regrouping but we seem to fall apart. Sometimes days like this happen but we now had this several times. At the very least a change of captain must be considered.

On field leadership is sadly lacking in all the games I have seen.  Andy Gallinagh is usually too quiet.

I can't see anyone else suitable for the job;  Sekani is usually quiet too.

That was awful! On our way back on a very miserable,quiet coach .worst display seen this season and there have been a few.Did we have any tactics apart from hoofing the ball anywhere? we deserved to loose 7 1 on that performance.We hope for a resignation very soon please or Southern League football beckons.

Not there today but note that several more are commenting on the lack of a leader, something which I have been stressing for some months going back into last season
Interesting to note that on the Gloucester forum they have also been making similar comments about their team and saying, as some of you may have guessed, they need someone like Matt Coupe again.

A change in manager please or gates will soon be down to rock bottom, then what ?

It was interesting listening to the commentary to hear comments about our line-up and the fact that we seemed to be playing 4-2-4 with only Adelsbury and Vickers in midfield much of the time and Chas Hemmings playing up front. This seemed to result in our getting caught out too often with too many players committed forward giving East Thurrock space which they exploited.

It does seem rather ironic that a management whose overly negative tactics have cost us games in the past (the F A Cup game at home to Salisbury last season being a prime example) seemingly abandoned them today when the priority had to be at the very least not to lose.

I look forward later to posts from those who experienced the debacle first hand, and to the explanations from Messrs Britton and Howells as to who was to blame, because it is unlikely to be them.

Today was an absolute shambles. From playing a ridiculously high defensive line with a huge slope behind you in the first half to doing the complete opposite in the second, from the moment we scored it was all one way.

Most worrying thing for me was the complete lack of any spirit or team ethic. No leadership on or off the pitch. I don't expect Britton & Howells to rant and rave constantly but I do expect some impetus, or motivation at 3-1 down with 40mins still to go, but alas nothing.

There is no way he can be blamed for today but what on earth is the point of Hemmings? Can't run, jump, pass or tackle!

Watching City all over the country for 25years, today was by far the worst experience. What makes it all the worse is I still reckon as a group of players their a talented lot! Would be somewhat easier to bear if it was clear they are all useless but that's clearly not the case.

Sadly I fear Britton is so tied in to the club financially (with good will and intention on his part) that him and Howells will be there forever!

A fair drive from Derby but a complete waste of time and effort.

We were weak all over the pitch, but until this defence, including the keeper, start showing consistency we are going to struggle to avoid defeat. But credit to Thurrock - our goal seemed to galvanise them and they would have beaten better sides than us today. And to think we looked so strong away from home before last Saturday.

Apparently Mellor doesn't like wearing a cap - well I suggest the management find an alternative keeper in conditions like today's. I don't think I've seen such a ridiculous sight as his shielding his eyes for long periods in the 2nd half, while being all at sea with crosses into the box and even back passes from his own players.

what was the team?

Mellor
Simpson - Keary - Gallinagh - Ball
Adelsbury
Pratt - Hemmings - Kington - Watkins
McCootie

The day did not start well as we can't even wear a kit that matches! Black & White shirts with Blue shorts and socks.The East Thurrock fans found it laughable.Cant work out whether this was worse or better than the Purple shirts and Yellow shorts of last season.Very professional !

Ashley wrote:Mellor
Simpson - Keary - Gallinagh - Ball
               Adelsbury
Pratt - Hemmings - Kington - Watkins
               McCootie

No excuses then

I agree - definitely the worst kit combination I can recall. Surely we can afford some white shorts and socks if the black clash with the home team.

Given the events of this afternoon I think having to occasionally wear the away shorts with the home shirt is the least of our problems. And I am sure there are more pressing expenses within the the club than unnecessary kit.

Perhaps it was unnecessary to change last season's perfectly adequate and popular 2nd kit.

All we needed was a set of white shorts not a lot to ask.Its not an unnecessary expense it's about looking like a professional outfit .

All we needed was a set of white shorts not a lot to ask.Its not an unnecessary expense it's about looking like a professional outfit .

Change of manufacture.

And sponsor.

And badge.