MATCHWATCH : Birmingham City (a)

[Zip]

Couldn't follow today closely other than goal alerts, but great result. Could it be a change in momentum?

A few points I'd be interested to know:

Were we good? Did we deserve the result or was it more of a smash and grab?

Could Clarke be a genuine solution? Or could today be a "Macheda" moment for a player who doesn't end up making a big impression?

How do we expect our injury crisis to look after the international break?

The Brum fans saying we were poor but that they were worse. Clare took his header brilliantly.

[CountryRoyal]

Couldn't follow today closely other than goal alerts, but great result. Could it be a change in momentum?

A few points I'd be interested to know:

Were we good? Did we deserve the result or was it more of a smash and grab?

Could Clarke be a genuine solution? Or could today be a "Macheda" moment for a player who doesn't end up making a big impression?

How do we expect our injury crisis to look after the international break?

The Brum fans saying we were poor but that they were worse. Clare took his header brilliantly.

I think that’s a fair assessment. There wasn’t much in it but we edged it. Too many people think we lose a game the performance was shit, we win a game the performance was amazing. It’s frustratingly blinkered and fickle. We don’t really look like a team. We clearly have good players but half the time they aren’t on each other’s wavelength and there doesn’t appear to be any cohesive game plan.

Clarke’s header was great - the movement was very impressive and reason to be hopeful. We need to play to his strengths though, not sure exactly what they are yet but going by today (and his height) his aerial threat has to be one.

[Zip]

Couldn't follow today closely other than goal alerts, but great result. Could it be a change in momentum?

A few points I'd be interested to know:

Were we good? Did we deserve the result or was it more of a smash and grab?

Could Clarke be a genuine solution? Or could today be a "Macheda" moment for a player who doesn't end up making a big impression?

How do we expect our injury crisis to look after the international break?

The Brum fans saying we were poor but that they were worse. Clare took his header brilliantly.

I think that’s a fair assessment. There wasn’t much in it but we edged it. Too many people think we lose a game the performance was shit, we win a game the performance was amazing. It’s frustratingly blinkered and fickle. We don’t really look like a team. We clearly have good players but half the time they aren’t on each other’s wavelength and there doesn’t appear to be any cohesive game plan.

Clarke’s header was great - the movement was very impressive and reason to be hopeful. We need to play to his strengths though, not sure exactly what they are yet but going by today (and his height) his aerial threat has to be one.

Clarke is a big lad. Maybe a traditional centre forward whose main threat is in the air. Such an important win. Mad that without the points deduction we would only be four points off the play offs,

[Snowball]

Jesus.

So far Jahmari Clarke has been Jamal and Jeremiah from Dim and Mick.

But “not criticising him”

[Hound]

Couldn't follow today closely other than goal alerts, but great result. Could it be a change in momentum?

A few points I'd be interested to know:

Were we good? Did we deserve the result or was it more of a smash and grab?

Could Clarke be a genuine solution? Or could today be a "Macheda" moment for a player who doesn't end up making a big impression?

How do we expect our injury crisis to look after the international break?

The Brum fans saying we were poor but that they were worse. Clare took his header brilliantly.

I think that’s a fair assessment. There wasn’t much in it but we edged it. Too many people think we lose a game the performance was shit, we win a game the performance was amazing. It’s frustratingly blinkered and fickle. We don’t really look like a team. We clearly have good players but half the time they aren’t on each other’s wavelength and there doesn’t appear to be any cohesive game plan.

Clarke’s header was great - the movement was very impressive and reason to be hopeful. We need to play to his strengths though, not sure exactly what they are yet but going by today (and his height) his aerial threat has to be one.

likewise though every time we win is 'only because xxxx were shit' is also incredibly tiresome. Such a cliched not giving credit to the opposition response from a bitter losing fan

[Hound]

The Brum fans saying we were poor but that they were worse. Clare took his header brilliantly.

I think that’s a fair assessment. There wasn’t much in it but we edged it. Too many people think we lose a game the performance was shit, we win a game the performance was amazing. It’s frustratingly blinkered and fickle. We don’t really look like a team. We clearly have good players but half the time they aren’t on each other’s wavelength and there doesn’t appear to be any cohesive game plan.

Clarke’s header was great - the movement was very impressive and reason to be hopeful. We need to play to his strengths though, not sure exactly what they are yet but going by today (and his height) his aerial threat has to be one.

Clarke is a big lad. Maybe a traditional centre forward whose main threat is in the air. Such an important win. Mad that without the points deduction we would only be four points off the play offs,

I don't think its that mad to be honest, we've won a fair few games this season. Its 'mad' if you just read some of the nonsense posted on here about how bad we are and how clueless Pauno is etc, but if you look objectively at the points gained, it isn't so surprising. After 65 mins against Blackpool we were in 5th place and that was only 4 games previous.

Clarke definitely has potential, and i think we've all said that pretty much. He is just raw and inexperienced. A big lad, decent touch and a fair bit of pace. He could be an excellent player if things go his way and he keeps progressing. he has the physical tools. That header was bloody brilliant.

Interesting that him and Ehibhatiomhan are big tall lads coming through in the same position. Hopefully one or both will make it as a first teamer.

[leon]

I think that’s a fair assessment. There wasn’t much in it but we edged it. Too many people think we lose a game the performance was shit, we win a game the performance was amazing. It’s frustratingly blinkered and fickle. We don’t really look like a team. We clearly have good players but half the time they aren’t on each other’s wavelength and there doesn’t appear to be any cohesive game plan.

Clarke’s header was great - the movement was very impressive and reason to be hopeful. We need to play to his strengths though, not sure exactly what they are yet but going by today (and his height) his aerial threat has to be one.

Clarke is a big lad. Maybe a traditional centre forward whose main threat is in the air. Such an important win. Mad that without the points deduction we would only be four points off the play offs,

I don't think its that mad to be honest, we've won a fair few games this season. Its 'mad' if you just read some of the nonsense posted on here about how bad we are and how clueless Pauno is etc, but if you look objectively at the points gained, it isn't so surprising. After 65 mins against Blackpool we were in 5th place and that was only 4 games previous.

Yes we were at that point 5th. We were only 13(ish) games in at that point.

We then lost 4 games on the bounce in a pretty much identical fashion. Having previously started the season losing games in that fashion as well.

Having also finished (second half even?) last season in that fashion.

That’s the reason fans are pissed off with Paunovic.

Personally I’m still conflicted. He’s inflexible and doesn’t seem to learn from mistakes but I think he’s probably good with the players.

[Zip]

Clarke is a big lad. Maybe a traditional centre forward whose main threat is in the air. Such an important win. Mad that without the points deduction we would only be four points off the play offs,

I don't think its that mad to be honest, we've won a fair few games this season. Its 'mad' if you just read some of the nonsense posted on here about how bad we are and how clueless Pauno is etc, but if you look objectively at the points gained, it isn't so surprising. After 65 mins against Blackpool we were in 5th place and that was only 4 games previous.

Yes we were at that point 5th. We were only 13(ish) games in at that point.

We then lost 4 games on the bounce in a pretty much identical fashion. Having previously started the season losing games in that fashion as well.

Having also finished (second half even?) last season in that fashion.

That’s the reason fans are pissed off with Paunovic.

Personally I’m still conflicted. He’s inflexible and doesn’t seem to learn from mistakes but I think he’s probably good with the players.

Yep good post and I still think it’s mad we are so close to the play offs having lost 9 and won 7.

[royalp-we]

Clarke is a big lad. Maybe a traditional centre forward whose main threat is in the air. Such an important win. Mad that without the points deduction we would only be four points off the play offs,

I don't think its that mad to be honest, we've won a fair few games this season. Its 'mad' if you just read some of the nonsense posted on here about how bad we are and how clueless Pauno is etc, but if you look objectively at the points gained, it isn't so surprising. After 65 mins against Blackpool we were in 5th place and that was only 4 games previous.

Yes we were at that point 5th. We were only 13(ish) games in at that point.

We then lost 4 games on the bounce in a pretty much identical fashion. Having previously started the season losing games in that fashion as well.

Having also finished (second half even?) last season in that fashion.

That’s the reason fans are pissed off with Paunovic.

Personally I’m still conflicted. He’s inflexible and doesn’t seem to learn from mistakes but I think he’s probably good with the players.

That pretty much sums up my feelings too really. It’s fine margins in this division and the results of several games could have been different if it weren’t for questionable decisions being made.

[URZZZZ]

I think that’s a fair assessment. There wasn’t much in it but we edged it. Too many people think we lose a game the performance was shit, we win a game the performance was amazing. It’s frustratingly blinkered and fickle. We don’t really look like a team. We clearly have good players but half the time they aren’t on each other’s wavelength and there doesn’t appear to be any cohesive game plan.

Clarke’s header was great - the movement was very impressive and reason to be hopeful. We need to play to his strengths though, not sure exactly what they are yet but going by today (and his height) his aerial threat has to be one.

Clarke is a big lad. Maybe a traditional centre forward whose main threat is in the air. Such an important win. Mad that without the points deduction we would only be four points off the play offs,

I don't think its that mad to be honest, we've won a fair few games this season. Its 'mad' if you just read some of the nonsense posted on here about how bad we are and how clueless Pauno is etc, but if you look objectively at the points gained, it isn't so surprising. After 65 mins against Blackpool we were in 5th place and that was only 4 games previous.

That’s the problem though isn’t it? We all know the team are capable of going on a good win streak (hence the jump up to 5th in the first place after a poor first month). But then they just collapse

Not just happened once either. Win 7 of the first 8 at the start of last season, then win 1 in the next 7
Win 3 in a row back in March and then win 1 of the next 11 etc

The sign of a strong team is one that can react to losses. We rarely do. Although this was also a problem under Bowen, it hasn’t been fixed and it’s a real issue. Also a recurring problem of conceding quick fire goals in games

Agreed that some of the criticism has been over the top but the inflexibility is infuriating. Credit for the move to shift Yiadom further forward and bringing on Clarke a lot earlier than his usual 5 minute stint. Sticking with the same XI and not making subs was bizarre and perhaps shows we should have placed more trust in them in the absences of the first team. Been teetering on Pauno to go for a while now but decisive actions depending on the context of the game, like Saturday and I have no problem with him staying

[Hound]

Clarke is a big lad. Maybe a traditional centre forward whose main threat is in the air. Such an important win. Mad that without the points deduction we would only be four points off the play offs,

I don't think its that mad to be honest, we've won a fair few games this season. Its 'mad' if you just read some of the nonsense posted on here about how bad we are and how clueless Pauno is etc, but if you look objectively at the points gained, it isn't so surprising. After 65 mins against Blackpool we were in 5th place and that was only 4 games previous.

Yes we were at that point 5th. We were only 13(ish) games in at that point.

We then lost 4 games on the bounce in a pretty much identical fashion. Having previously started the season losing games in that fashion as well.

Having also finished (second half even?) last season in that fashion.

That’s the reason fans are pissed off with Paunovic.

Personally I’m still conflicted. He’s inflexible and doesn’t seem to learn from mistakes but I think he’s probably good with the players.

yeah I think thats reasonable. He certainly seems to have his faults - his subs rarely work (Saturday excepted), rarely coming from behind to earn points (Saturday excepted again). And obviously the winning runs followed by losing runs is frustrating.

He seems to have shown some flexibility recently, but tbh, don't really buy that he's just decided to start using the kids a bit more from the bench for tactical reasons or because he thought he was wrong before. Its more likely he feels they are starting to be more ready after 2 months of U23 games and training with the first team. They'll have learned tons this season.

The players do seem to like him and work their hardest for him, possibly excluding Puscas. For me there is enough there to give him to the end of the season, we won't go up and a sacking may well tailspin us into a worse situation than we have now

[Stranded]

Agree with Hound.

He should stay to the end of the year unless come Jan/Feb we are in a relegation mire.

At the season we can look at it and if momentum has built towards the end, i.e. we are consistantly picking up points and look in good shape then he gets another deal, if we have just bubbled along then probably time to shake hands and move on - probably a few weeks before the end of the year. So if say with 5 or 6 games left, it is clear we are not going down or pushing for the play-offs, pay him off then and get the new man in.

Given next summer looks like a mammoth task with players leaving and recruitment likely to be constrained again, we simply cannot end up in a situation where we get rid and take a month or so to find the next manager.

As for this year, the likes of Hoilett, Halilovic, Dann and possibly even the loanees are here at least in part because of what VP sold to them, they appear to be playing for him and a change at the wrong time could be more harmful than keeping him in charge.

[WestYorksRoyal]

Agree with Hound.

He should stay to the end of the year unless come Jan/Feb we are in a relegation mire.

At the season we can look at it and if momentum has built towards the end, i.e. we are consistantly picking up points and look in good shape then he gets another deal, if we have just bubbled along then probably time to shake hands and move on - probably a few weeks before the end of the year. So if say with 5 or 6 games left, it is clear we are not going down or pushing for the play-offs, pay him off then and get the new man in.

Given next summer looks like a mammoth task with players leaving and recruitment likely to be constrained again, we simply cannot end up in a situation where we get rid and take a month or so to find the next manager.

As for this year, the likes of Hoilett, Halilovic, Dann and possibly even the loanees are here at least in part because of what VP sold to them, they appear to be playing for him and a change at the wrong time could be more harmful than keeping him in charge.

I'd agree with this. I'd also like to see us get through a calendar year without sacking anybody. When has that happened post SJM? 2017 with Stam, and Adkins was close (March 2013 - Dec 2014). But overall I think more stability is an argument in itself for sticking with him. Given the state of the club, keeping us clear of relegation is enough to warrant continuity.

[CountryRoyal]

I’m not sure why Pauno is getting all the credit for bringing Clarke on, he wasn’t even there. No chance Pauno brings him on that early. It gave him time to get into the game.

[Hendo]

I’m not sure why Pauno is getting all the credit for bringing Clarke on, he wasn’t even there. No chance Pauno brings him on that early. It gave him time to get into the game.

On the flip side then, I am not sure why Pauno is getting all the stick he did after the Millwall game, he wasn't even there.

[CountryRoyal]

I’m not sure why Pauno is getting all the credit for bringing Clarke on, he wasn’t even there. No chance Pauno brings him on that early. It gave him time to get into the game.

On the flip side then, I am not sure why Pauno is getting all the stick he did after the Millwall game, he wasn't even there.

I appreciate what you’re saying but the Millwall game isn’t an isolated poor performance, it was a culmination of months of shit management and entirely indicative of the state of the team at the moment.

I’ll give credit to Paunovic and assume he decided on the shape for Birimingham, and heck maybe they even spoke about planned substitutions and maybe he was going to do it at half time, but we will never know and somehow I doubt it. I guess we will see what happens when he’s back.

[Hound]

I’m not sure why Pauno is getting all the credit for bringing Clarke on, he wasn’t even there. No chance Pauno brings him on that early. It gave him time to get into the game.

On the flip side then, I am not sure why Pauno is getting all the stick he did after the Millwall game, he wasn't even there.

assuming the original was tongue in cheek...

but yeah Pauno did the ht team talk, so I'm sure instructing the staff to make the change was not beyond him

[CountryRoyal]

I’m not sure why Pauno is getting all the credit for bringing Clarke on, he wasn’t even there. No chance Pauno brings him on that early. It gave him time to get into the game.

On the flip side then, I am not sure why Pauno is getting all the stick he did after the Millwall game, he wasn't even there.

assuming the original was tongue in cheek...

but yeah Pauno did the ht team talk, so I'm sure instructing the staff to make the change was not beyond him

Only partly tbf houndy.

I don’t share the optimism around the result, I don’t see us improving under him and I worry about our future.

[Hound]

On the flip side then, I am not sure why Pauno is getting all the stick he did after the Millwall game, he wasn't even there.

assuming the original was tongue in cheek...

but yeah Pauno did the ht team talk, so I'm sure instructing the staff to make the change was not beyond him

Only partly tbf houndy.

I don’t share the optimism around the result, I don’t see us improving under him and I worry about our future.

I share your concerns on the future CR and don't want to sound like an apologist for him. I just think for me my expectation this year is just to stay in the division, before a complete clear out in the summer and god knows what else. I think Pauno has enough to keep us up fairly comfortably, and do so in a reasonably entertaining fashion. And that'll do for me

[Snowflake Royal]

I'll just point out that Paunovic got success at the weekend by doing a couple of things I've been suggesting as options for a few weeks.

And you'd all sack me in an instant.