Ward philosophical after U's salvage a point (From Gazette)

Just leave Ward!!! 21 games and only 1 win. Shocking stats, you're lucky to be in a squad. Ward Out!

More fun watching my sons U 10's club !!!!!!!

Had enough of my beloved U's! Sad but true. Shocking performance, yet again. 1 win in 21 games! What a shower! Any other member of staff of any organisation performing so badly would be dismissed immediately! Mr Ward - you have to go!!

See the evidence folks...

http://pixel8photos.
photoshelter.com/gal
lery-image/Colcheste
r-United-vs-Crawley-
Town-18-09-12/G0000t
Fh2lPsbMRY/I0000lr9D
U9Z5VSQ

Crawley blatantly cheated 'Maradonna style'. We can't blame John Ward for this result. Blame Referee and Linesman, and poor sportsmanship by McFadzean.

One of the worst games I have been to. We lack creativity and there was no atmosphere whatsoever.

WARD OUT !

They might be fourth or whatever Ward, but yesterday Crawley Town were shockingly bad, ask anyone. They didn't have the luck, and we should of won that game hands down. (Obviously under a new manager that game could of been at least 3 or 4 nil to Colchester.) But we managed to get a draw against them.

If at work I worked at the same level as JW, in ways of constantly not achieving the results the board want I would have got the sack ages ago.

Shut up Noah you idiot. You obviously werent at the game. Bored stiff of sayin the same things. The attendance says it all. My beloved club is an embarrassment. We are going down.

Noah4x4 wrote:
See the evidence folks... http://pixel8photos. photoshelter.com/gal lery-image/Colcheste r-United-vs-Crawley- Town-18-09-12/G0000t Fh2lPsbMRY/I0000lr9D U9Z5VSQ Crawley blatantly cheated 'Maradonna style'. We can't blame John Ward for this result. Blame Referee and Linesman, and poor sportsmanship by McFadzean.

Maybe you should read the match report on the colchester united website.

http://www.cu-fc.com
/news/article/180912
-us-grab-late-point-
375061.aspx?pageView
=full#anchored

They hit the post three times, it doesn't sound like we were unlucky.......it sounds like we were lucky to get a point.

WARD OUT!!!!!

Up the U's

This was the biggest load of crap that I have watched for a long long time. It was awful, then having to listen to Wards comments on the radio on the way home made me want to vomit. As the picture shows above Joe Dunne was constantly going up to Ward pointing things out. Mr Ward should sit in the seats and let Dunne take over on the touchline because he does show a lot more enthusiasm and motivation to gee players up, than Ward does. Apart from the penalty,I dont think we would have scored all night, and to me were lucky to get a draw. Again why John White never play's I will never know because both full backs were awful. Will I be going to the next home match? NO NO NO

I was at the game with the other loyal 2,400 faithful, and yes, Crawley did hit the 'woodwork' three times. Two skimmed across the crossbar from very wide out and a third hit a post. However, Cousins was well placed for all. (IMHO) he judged each perfectly and didn't seem particularly threatened. He noticeably pulled his hand away from that which richocheted off the upright and safely for a goal kick.

I too have been disappointed with team selection at previous 2012/13 games and Ward's negative tactics. Also, he got it terribly wrong at Brentford where fresh legs were required after 60 minutes and substitutions made too late. However last night, Ward started with Morrison, Henderson and Massey, and hence a far more attacking formation than for many months. It admittedly wasn't a great game, but the U's performance was more spirited and gutsy. We probably deserve a win. The simple fact was that Crawley cheated to get their goal and the match officials did us a disservice - see the photographic evidence.

We have now played four of the top six, and got decent results from three. It's not gone well, but the early fixture schedule has been unkind (but one accepts it has been merely one win in twenty, but the defeats have largely come during this new season against the league's stronger opposition). I will reserve judgement until after we play fellow strugglers Scunthorpe and Hartlepool. Yes, JW has got it wrong to date in 2012-13, but having now tried a different and far more attacking forward combination last night, and later another (e.g. Morrison, Massey and Sears - for Henderson), at least there was an attempt to change things both up front and tactically in accordance with the wishes of most fans. It didn't quite work given the outcome, and frankly, I am no longer sure of our best forward line up, Ward having just tried my favoured selection. But, on balance, the result was encouraging. We could so easily have stolen a win against yet another side that has an impressive record to date. But if we don't pick up at least four points against Scunny and Hartlepool, then I will agree ("Ward out"). But let's not lose faith too soon.

Noah4x4 wrote:
I was at the game with the other loyal 2,400 faithful, and yes, Crawley did hit the 'woodwork' three times. Two skimmed across the crossbar from very wide out and a third hit a post. However, Cousins was well placed for all. (IMHO) he judged each perfectly and didn't seem particularly threatened. He noticeably pulled his hand away from that which richocheted off the upright and safely for a goal kick. I too have been disappointed with team selection at previous 2012/13 games and Ward's negative tactics. Also, he got it terribly wrong at Brentford where fresh legs were required after 60 minutes and substitutions made too late. However last night, Ward started with Morrison, Henderson and Massey, and hence a far more attacking formation than for many months. It admittedly wasn't a great game, but the U's performance was more spirited and gutsy. We probably deserve a win. The simple fact was that Crawley cheated to get their goal and the match officials did us a disservice - see the photographic evidence. We have now played four of the top six, and got decent results from three. It's not gone well, but the early fixture schedule has been unkind (but one accepts it has been merely one win in twenty, but the defeats have largely come during this new season against the league's stronger opposition). I will reserve judgement until after we play fellow strugglers Scunthorpe and Hartlepool. Yes, JW has got it wrong to date in 2012-13, but having now tried a different and far more attacking forward combination last night, and later another (e.g. Morrison, Massey and Sears - for Henderson), at least there was an attempt to change things both up front and tactically in accordance with the wishes of most fans. It didn't quite work given the outcome, and frankly, I am no longer sure of our best forward line up, Ward having just tried my favoured selection. But, on balance, the result was encouraging. We could so easily have stolen a win against yet another side that has an impressive record to date. But if we don't pick up at least four points against Scunny and Hartlepool, then I will agree ("Ward out"). But let's not lose faith too soon.

Can I point out that in your text you've put:
"We probably deserve a win. The simple fact was that Crawley cheated to get their goal and the match officials did us a disservice"

But later put "We could so easily have stolen a win"

Doesn't this contradict each other ?

What will the excuses be when we lose to teams around us or in the bottom half of the table ? Oh.....they were fighting for their lives!!!!!!

We're more than capable of beating the top teams, as we've done in previous seasons. These are just lame excuses.

If you're prepared to accept less than acceptable results and performances that's your choice. But I think the majority of fans will continue to moan or even boycott the games in protest of Ward being in charge.

United in saying "Up the U's"

Our hard core is down to about 2,200 now, because there were 200+ Creepy supporters there.
I had undertaken not to go till John White started appearing in the team, but I was inveigled into it by my mate who was going and wanted some company. Also it was a fine evening, and I hadn't anything better to do, and I was curious to see just how awful the U's had become.
Well yes, they were awful (again no John White in the defence), but so were Crawley. Two thoroughly mediocre sides. Crawley's goal was scored by the Hand of God, but they also went close several times. Yes, Cousins had those woodwork shots covered, but late in the first half he was very lucky indeed when a Crawley player hit it narrowly wide of Cousins's right post and Cousins was nowhere near.
Our penalty was absolutely fair, and Wordsworth hit it well. But our defence is not good enough, they should be closing down mediocre opposition like Crawley every time, and too often they didn't.

Just abit off topic, but can someone answer me something.
Why is Rose on the team sheet week in week out?

Also after hes first two corners (which were rubbish) why was he then told to do all of the other corners which were all rubbish too. Hes passing is shocklingly bad and he doesn't track back to help eastman out. So why is he selected?

Neither "full back" tracks back to help out the centre halves as they are wingers being forced to play full back by John Fraud and instructed to bomb forward at every opportunity and to hell with the defensive consequences. In my opinion, Wilson is our biggest defensive liability. Rose this season has been vastly improved on last season however Wilson has been utter garbage for the last 12 months. How on earth he is ever present since the beginning of last season is beyond me. He must have some serious dirt on Ward. Dropping the awful Bond was a good start, the next step is bombing Wilson out and getting Johnny White in and giving youth a chance instead of reshuffling the same tired old guard that has hardly set the world alight this season.

I to saw last nights game utter rubbish no system ok they huffed and puffed but no one knew what the other one was doing just clueless stuff and how on earth can people keep singing cousins praisers almost every ball he fumbled, he is poor on crosses out of position on shots and to small. have to say best 2 players were magnus and marcus the rest total shower of s---.But right now feel sad about what is happening we have worked hard over the last 15 years to be where we are only for ward to come along and totally decimate our proud efforts of the past years ok have seen bad times since 1960 but i cant remember such a disjointed bunch as i saw last night how can ward feel any satisfaction from it best thing was going home.dreadful ward please go for the sake of our club.

If we were to replace Wilson then surely his most natural replacement is another right back willing to get forward. Hence the recent signing of the maturing, skilful and pacey, Jackson Ramm. Ex Blackburn reserves, youth international etc. Ramm is doing well to date in the U's (few) U21 games and also impressed in pre-season, but is still relatively inexperienced, hence one can understand John Ward's caution in not playing him just yet.

If we were to replace Rose (n.b. and here I would agree!) then I would opt for Ben Coker who impressed me at Brentford and didn't deserve to be dropped. I think this would be a popular move on the left, rather than Rose be replaced by John White, but there does seem to be a fans clamour for White to play on the right and Coker on the left. I am not so certain that is wise.

John White has played well at either back (hence undoubtably THE most useful full back to have on the bench). But my theory is that John is a no nonsense defender, just like Eastman, and if we do play John (plus Eastman + Magnus), we then need a bit more flair and width ahead of him going forward. So unless we recruit a new 'midfield general' to instead boss the play through the centre (like a Kevin Watson), or an out and out left winger, we need full backs that will get forward, and that's not John White's best role. Yes, he would improve our defence, but we still wouldn't score goals, which is our greatest challenge.

It's therefore a question of balance across the entire team and not just a need for like for like positional swaps. Whilst we rely on largely defensive midfield pairings (like Izzet + Bean or O'Toole) we need the attacking width from full back that Wilson, or Coker or Ramm might provide. I do like John White in a specific defensive role, but he is not the solution to our crisis without other major changes in midfield and ahead to readjust the overall team balance.

In summary, the signings of Morrison and Sears to replace Odejayi and Gillespie have (IMHO) unwittingly unbalanced the side, and the solutions to best integrate them are not as obvious as many fans perhaps percieve. John Ward does need to try more variants, just as he did last night, but he no longer has the luxury of time given our parlous league position. I conclude that it is far easier to manage this particular squad from the stands than ever from the dug out, and that's why(I agree) we appear so disjointed at present.

Let's keep the faith and see what we can do against fellow strugglers Scunny and Hartlepool. We are no longer rock bottom, and are moving upwards, (albeit slowly). Ex 2011-12 championship Coventry sacked their manager in a knee jerk reaction to early season results, and where has that since placed them?

The lowest league attendance for a Colchester home game this century. It is so sad to see the club in such spiralling decline with seemingly nothing being done about it. The average attendance when Cowling took over at crumbling Layer Road was 5,508. We're heading for an average of less than 3,000 this season in our plush Community Stadium and weekday mornings only training ground. Cowling refers to the club "punching above its weight" and appears determined to find its punching weight among the part timers in the Conference. It's of little use having a fabulous stadium (and it is great when its full) and fantastic training facilities when the weekend opposition is Alfreton Town or Hyde United.

Noah4x4 wrote:
If we were to replace Wilson then surely his most natural replacement is another right back willing to get forward. Hence the recent signing of the maturing, skilful and pacey, Jackson Ramm. Ex Blackburn reserves, youth international etc. Ramm is doing well to date in the U's (few) U21 games and also impressed in pre-season, but is still relatively inexperienced, hence one can understand John Ward's caution in not playing him just yet. If we were to replace Rose (n.b. and here I would agree!) then I would opt for Ben Coker who impressed me at Brentford and didn't deserve to be dropped. I think this would be a popular move on the left, rather than Rose be replaced by John White, but there does seem to be a fans clamour for White to play on the right and Coker on the left. I am not so certain that is wise. John White has played well at either back (hence undoubtably THE most useful full back to have on the bench). But my theory is that John is a no nonsense defender, just like Eastman, and if we do play John (plus Eastman + Magnus), we then need a bit more flair and width ahead of him going forward. So unless we recruit a new 'midfield general' to instead boss the play through the centre (like a Kevin Watson), or an out and out left winger, we need full backs that will get forward, and that's not John White's best role. Yes, he would improve our defence, but we still wouldn't score goals, which is our greatest challenge. It's therefore a question of balance across the entire team and not just a need for like for like positional swaps. Whilst we rely on largely defensive midfield pairings (like Izzet + Bean or O'Toole) we need the attacking width from full back that Wilson, or Coker or Ramm might provide. I do like John White in a specific defensive role, but he is not the solution to our crisis without other major changes in midfield and ahead to readjust the overall team balance. In summary, the signings of Morrison and Sears to replace Odejayi and Gillespie have (IMHO) unwittingly unbalanced the side, and the solutions to best integrate them are not as obvious as many fans perhaps percieve. John Ward does need to try more variants, just as he did last night, but he no longer has the luxury of time given our parlous league position. I conclude that it is far easier to manage this particular squad from the stands than ever from the dug out, and that's why(I agree) we appear so disjointed at present. Let's keep the faith and see what we can do against fellow strugglers Scunny and Hartlepool. We are no longer rock bottom, and are moving upwards, (albeit slowly). Ex 2011-12 championship Coventry sacked their manager in a knee jerk reaction to early season results, and where has that since placed them?

Just a quick question for you then.

If Sears and Morrison has unwittingly unbalanced the side. Bearing in mind that we've only played 7 league games and the current stat that keeps getting thrown around is just 1 win in 21 competitive matches. Who is blame for the other 13 games ? (Taking one game into account the League Cup)

In the last thirteen games of last season, the facts are that we lost merely 3, drew 9 and won 1. That is a completely different picture to our plight today, as we were at least scoring goals, and not suffering a horrific run of defeats.

Yes, there were far too many draws in that period (and hence, I concur, I too hated Ward's negative tactics), and many more games that we probably could and should have won. But it was nothing like the run of defeats already experienced in 2012 -12 where we don't seem to have much hope of scoring - ever since the changes were made to the 'squad'. But then, we have leaked no greater number of goals.

Morrison and Sears will probably prove to be decent signings, but (IMHO) John Ward has yet to find the right balance to play around them and to offer the different type of service that they need to score goals. That's why suggesting simple 1:1 player swaps in specific defensive positions isn't the solution. I like John White as a no nonsense defender, but not when we already have a largely defensive midfield. If we don't play attacking full backs, then other changes must occur as well.

Noah, you make some very interesting points and it is nice to see a different perspective on the club.

I went last night as always and thought the game was terrible from both sides. If only we could get some luck at the moment.

One thing that strikes me about Colchester united, me and the other fans on this site, is that when my team is under performing and our backs are against the wall, I find myself gripped to my seat in desperation. I know that I want Col U to win more than anything at that moment and I would probably do just about anything for the win. In short, my love for the club grows stronger than normal. Some of you lot on this site have actually said that you want col u to loose so that Ward gets sacked!!!! I cannot understand why so many people want Ward out above Col U's success. Similar, a lot of the Ward haters wanted Ward out when we were top 10, so our current form is nothing other than fodder for the haters to use against there own club.

Weird if you ask me.

Noah4x4 wrote:
In the last thirteen games of last season, the facts are that we lost merely 3, drew 9 and won 1. That is a completely different picture to our plight today, as we were at least scoring goals, and not suffering a horrific run of defeats.

Yes, there were far too many draws in that period (and hence, I concur, I too hated Ward's negative tactics), and many more games that we probably could and should have won. But it was nothing like the run of defeats already experienced in 2012 -12 where we don't seem to have much hope of scoring - ever since the changes were made to the 'squad'. But then, we have leaked no greater number of goals.

Morrison and Sears will probably prove to be decent signings, but (IMHO) John Ward has yet to find the right balance to play around them and to offer the different type of service that they need to score goals. That's why suggesting simple 1:1 player swaps in specific defensive positions isn't the solution. I like John White as a no nonsense defender, but not when we already have a largely defensive midfield. If we don't play attacking full backs, then other changes must occur as well.

You do make some good points that I have to sort of agree with. Also the same with Super.

But based on the last 13 games from last season that would make an average of 12 points. Multiply that by 4 to give you an average overall season score that would make 48 points from 52 games. Bearing in mind the season is actual 46 games that is still relegation form. Which has continued into this season and shows no signs of changing.

The players we have are more than capable of finishing mid-table and even in a play-off position. The trouble is the manager is clueless. He has lost the respect of most of the fans and I dare say secretly some of the players too.

I honestly hope that I'm wrong, but as long as Ward is the manager, we're only going to be heading in one direction.

Please Mr Ward tell me what you have to be so philisophical about a point against a side that were average league two at best and your club is third from bottom? I suppose they will be banging out the tune Things Can Only Get Better over the tannoy soon you cretin?

super waluigi wrote:
Noah, you make some very interesting points and it is nice to see a different perspective on the club.

I went last night as always and thought the game was terrible from both sides. If only we could get some luck at the moment.

One thing that strikes me about Colchester united, me and the other fans on this site, is that when my team is under performing and our backs are against the wall, I find myself gripped to my seat in desperation. I know that I want Col U to win more than anything at that moment and I would probably do just about anything for the win. In short, my love for the club grows stronger than normal. Some of you lot on this site have actually said that you want col u to loose so that Ward gets sacked!!!! I cannot understand why so many people want Ward out above Col U's success. Similar, a lot of the Ward haters wanted Ward out when we were top 10, so our current form is nothing other than fodder for the haters to use against there own club.

Weird if you ask me.

Who/What do you blame for the results, poor performances, and low attendances?

2484 tells all.

It seems to me that Mr Ward's management style has cost the club around a 1,000 fans in recent months.

I fully expected him to resign on Tuesday night.

It was a surprise to me that come Wednesday morning he was still the manager.

John Ward has had a long career in the game and I've no doubt he is doing his level best under quite difficult circumstances.

It's my guess that the board are waiting for John Ward to resign. I really do feel that would be in the best interests for all concerned.

A new manager may well keep us in the division - in fact John Ward may still achieve this, but the problem is - and surely Robbie Cowling and his board members can see this, interest in the club has fallen to its lowest ebb since the days when Jonathan Crisp introduced the members scheme.

Turnstyle clicks - or lack of, saw the end to the members scheme.

Diminishing turnstyle clicks are likely to bring a conclusion to Mr Ward's tenure as manager.

I've nothing against John Ward, I know for a fact he is very popular with many of those who come into contact with him, and yet, when the hardcore of public support drops to a critical level changes have to happen.

I am just so angry! Ward out!

Disgusting.

Such a lot of 'mumbo jumbo' spouted above by the usual public bar pundits.

laughable to read some of your crazy idea's about.. player selection.. 'team formation'.... 4-4-2, 5-2-10, quarter past six, White in, Black out,.. absolute madness.

The truth is..We all knew towards the end of last year that Col u were going to struggle this term, with dwindling resources, falling gates
it was always on the cards.

Surely this is the time to consolidate, get beind the players and manager, and not act like spoilt, imature fair weather supporters.

I'm looking at Darren Fergusons Peterborough..played six, lost six, dont hear their fans calling for blood, and still getting 5,000 plus gates.

What about the pre-madonna millionaire England world cup failures ...Put's things in perspective..Dont you think?..

I want to be positive I REALLY do but I can't; we seem to be in freefall and nobody seems to be doing anything about it.

NORA..."White in, Black out??"

Thats abit racist isnt it?

Peterborough play attractive football still, they might lose games but their football isn't boring unlike the rubbish you see at WHCS. Week in week out the performances are shocking. Plus you are talking about playing six losing six by Peterborough.
Whereas we are talking about playing 21 and only winning once. A bit of difference there don't you think?

25414nora wrote:
Such a lot of 'mumbo jumbo' spouted above by the usual public bar pundits. laughable to read some of your crazy idea's about.. player selection.. 'team formation'.... 4-4-2, 5-2-10, quarter past six, White in, Black out,.. absolute madness. The truth is..We all knew towards the end of last year that Col u were going to struggle this term, with dwindling resources, falling gates it was always on the cards. Surely this is the time to consolidate, get beind the players and manager, and not act like spoilt, imature fair weather supporters. I'm looking at Darren Fergusons Peterborough..played six, lost six, dont hear their fans calling for blood, and still getting 5,000 plus gates. What about the pre-madonna millionaire England world cup failures ...Put's things in perspective..Dont you think?..

Nora, you might be prepared to accept below average performances and results but that just highlights that you're the sort of person who will settle for anything.

Most the people on here want a lot more than that and when spending their hard earned cash expect something in return like a bit of effort, entertainment and dare I say it......a win from time to time. It's hardly cheap to go to a football match these days and the prices being charged are definitely not value for money.

Would you go keep shopping at place that was selling out-of-date groceries ? I don't think so.

I'm just surprised that nobody has tried to sue the club for mis-selling tickets to a football match. After all, A) a match indicates that both teams have a chance of winning and B) Colchester United fans haven't seen much football for a long time.

How about the fans only pay when leaving the stadium. Depending on the performance it would be interesting to see how much would be paid for an average boring game of football. Maybe that could motivate some of the players like Henderson etc......

25414nora wrote:
Such a lot of 'mumbo jumbo' spouted above by the usual public bar pundits.

laughable to read some of your crazy idea's about.. player selection.. 'team formation'.... 4-4-2, 5-2-10, quarter past six, White in, Black out,.. absolute madness.

The truth is..We all knew towards the end of last year that Col u were going to struggle this term, with dwindling resources, falling gates
it was always on the cards.

Surely this is the time to consolidate, get beind the players and manager, and not act like spoilt, imature fair weather supporters.

I'm looking at Darren Fergusons Peterborough..played six, lost six, dont hear their fans calling for blood, and still getting 5,000 plus gates.

What about the pre-madonna millionaire England world cup failures ...Put's things in perspective..Dont you think?..

Are the dwindling resources not something to do with the falling gates and are the falling gates not to do with the garbage being served up on the pitch? Why bring in new faces and not use them, why extend contracts of the youngsters and not use them? Nora I don't know where you have been for all your life but one would expect that you have never seen a decent game of football except maybe on the box? You are beginning to sound like one of Wards deluded friends in high places or lap dogs on here. Wake up, its time to move on and for Ward to go while anyone is still turning up at the home games! Sad but true

Keep reading on here of people not wanting to ' waste hard earned money on their beloved col utd 'just because the club is having a rough time lately.

Rather a short sighted, selfish attitude
dont you think? If you cant take the good with the bad times, if you are that intollerant, then you really should think
seriously about packing it in

Going off topic for a moment...
A few years back I managed my grandsons football team, Colchester athletic under elevens. Week after week I lugged most of the boys to matches to all parts of essex in my people carrier.

I took training twice a week, it was time consuming and expensive, but I did it for the love of the game.

The first seasons stats were...played 17..won 1..drew 1..Lost 15..
goals for 7...goals against 117. Glad to say the lads are now under 16s
and have improved no end..

Just goes to show, to persevere. to have patience and tollerence is what it's all about..Up the Us..

25414nora wrote:
Keep reading on here of people not wanting to ' waste hard earned money on their beloved col utd 'just because the club is having a rough time lately.

Rather a short sighted, selfish attitude
dont you think? If you cant take the good with the bad times, if you are that intollerant, then you really should think
seriously about packing it in

Going off topic for a moment...
A few years back I managed my grandsons football team, Colchester athletic under elevens. Week after week I lugged most of the boys to matches to all parts of essex in my people carrier.

I took training twice a week, it was time consuming and expensive, but I did it for the love of the game.

The first seasons stats were...played 17..won 1..drew 1..Lost 15..
goals for 7...goals against 117. Glad to say the lads are now under 16s
and have improved no end..

Just goes to show, to persevere. to have patience and tollerence is what it's all about..Up the Us..

And just goes to show how you're comparing the U's to a Sunday League Team. Finally, something we do agree on.

Haha love the above comment, nora your right lets all go and watch park football, not waste our money and watch players that play for fun

angryman!!! wrote:
Haha love the above comment, nora your right lets all go and watch park football, not waste our money and watch players that play for fun

I agree, Nora is absolutely right. Well done Nora for holding Col Athletic U11s together, but I see that at U16 they are in the C League, so maybe they need you to work your magic again.
Sunday League youth football really is a lot more fun than Col U the way they are playing at the moment.