Late El Alagui header condemns U's to defeat (From Gazette)

Right that's it!! It's starting to really annoy me now. First time we haven't won in the first 5 games since 1996. But also we haven't won a game in ages. Ward you need to go and take the negative vibe with you!!! Join me in this song... WARD OUT WARD OUT WARD OUT!!!!

Horrible start to the season. Eurgh.

Knock some heads together and grind out some results boys. Dig deep, it will come.

Super surely you need to agree that Ward needs to go?

Steve86 - 'ages'? Thats an understatement. We have not won in our last 19 games, that's shocking.

What do the players and manager get paid for? If I was under performing at work I'd get warnings and the sack.

I'll join you in the ward out song as I believe that's what is needed.

Everyone agrees that Ward should go except Ward, Cowling and Super Waluigi. Its just emabarassing now. 1 win in 19 games. Cowling is a disgrace for not sacking him and Ward has been in the game long enough to know when to quit. The club is a laughing stock. Next home game there will be under 3500.

To be fair it didn't sound as though it was a poor performance today - although the commentary team (including the author of the above article) called the goal 10 minutes before it happened citing that the Us were tiring in the heat and called for changes. Sadly that didn't happen until they scored. I have to agree that a change is needed, that is apparent to everyone that attends. The attendances are dwindling and that is largely due to the negative football - that is based on fact as I know a number of people who have stopped going. I don't think anyone is under any illusion that we are a top-of-the table team and wouldn't expect to see a win every game, it is the tedious predictability and over cautious approach that turns people away. I will be there next week - 3 points is a must!

Steve86 wrote:
Super surely you need to agree that Ward needs to go?

Not yet Steve. Sacking a manager after five games would be suicide. Especially after letting him bring in and out players .

It is a very bad start to the season, and in my opinion, this was summed up last week and not today.

If we are still on this loosing streak in 5 weeks, I would say that we need to consider a change.

I remember the first championship season and how our start was bad, but once we got going, we steam rolled.

Keep the faith.

super waluigi wrote:

Steve86 wrote:
Super surely you need to agree that Ward needs to go?

Not yet Steve. Sacking a manager after five games would be suicide. Especially after letting him bring in and out players .

It is a very bad start to the season, and in my opinion, this was summed up last week and not today.

If we are still on this loosing streak in 5 weeks, I would say that we need to consider a change.

I remember the first championship season and how our start was bad, but once we got going, we steam rolled.

Keep the faith.

It isn't just this season though - we were in sharp decline last season. Hence one win in the last 19 competitive games.

Just 5 goals away from home in the last 11 competitive matches and none at all this season. Ward's incredibly negative, set up to lose mentality effectively means that if we concede, we lose and the upside is a 0-0 draw. I have been a U's fan since the 1950's and I cannot recall a more unattractive period than we are seeing under Ward's tenure.

I've kept out of this one about John Ward for a long time as it's mainly second-hand for me. But sad to say I can read the signs. Having seen the capitulation at Yeovil they I thought now there is no desire in this squad, and it needs someone who is able to motivate players. This is a side that has forgotten what winning is, so those in charge need to read the signs and act quickly to stop the rot. I would say I was prepared to give JW the benefit of the doubt from afar last term, but things have clearly got worse since then. Time for a change!

I used to go to nearly every home game and as many aways as I could when we played at Layer Road but since we've been at the new stadium I feel that the standard of play has steadily dropped and I no longer go any more. It's not cheap and you know you're not going to enjoy yourself so what's the point?

People may say that fans should stick by their team through good times and bad but I know someone who used to work at the club and I'm reliably informed that to most of the players it's just a job, they don't share the passion of the fans.

My view is that when you pay to watch football you're paying to be entertained, you're obviously not guaranteed a win but your team can still entertain even when they lose which by all reports isn't happening very often at Col U. In the past when I missed a match I would eagerly await the result and read the report when I got home, hoping for a win. Now when I get home and check the results I expect a loss or draw at best.

Surely if we can all see that the problem is the with the tactics and lack of motivation then the senior management and board should also be able to see this and take appropriate action.

Come on U's, we can't win every game but let's at least try to give the fans something to enjoy!

Catboy wrote:

super waluigi wrote:

Steve86 wrote: Super surely you need to agree that Ward needs to go?

Not yet Steve. Sacking a manager after five games would be suicide. Especially after letting him bring in and out players . It is a very bad start to the season, and in my opinion, this was summed up last week and not today. If we are still on this loosing streak in 5 weeks, I would say that we need to consider a change. I remember the first championship season and how our start was bad, but once we got going, we steam rolled. Keep the faith.

It isn't just this season though - we were in sharp decline last season. Hence one win in the last 19 competitive games.

I totally agree Catboy. I understand that a general sight of sacking a manager after 5 games is wrong (and people will say give him a chance) but i'm affraid he's had his chance, and the defensive football he plays obviously doesnt work in only one win in 19 games. So thats why he needs to go. He has made the club a laughing stock. I've always thought attack is the best form of defence, and we rarely see that. Even if we scored goals and lost then I would prefer that. But the defence has slipped this year too, mainly because of Eastman/White/and Coker being left out.

Just got back, and it's a game the U's could have won,but were marginally the inferior side. Cousins was again outstanding and the defence improved with the return of Eastman and Coker, and the midfield bite of Izzet.

But both Morrison and Massey on the bench? Hendo and Sears battled hard, but held little threat.

The Bees made three early second half substitutes and their fresh legs made the difference. Why didn't Ward recognise it was 24 degrees and the U's were almost dead on their feet? Woody (lazy as ever) limped off in the 89th minute and Morrison made an instant impact, but too late.

I am not a 'Ward Out' merchant, but the error in not bringing on fresh legs was crazy.

I was there too. If you are not a "Ward out" merchant then you are deluded. It doesnt matter about performances now. Its a results business and we are going down as it stands. Doncaster and Crawley at home is a tall order.As I said earlier, I expect less than 3500 fans on Saturday.

Mr Honest wrote:
I was there too. If you are not a "Ward out" merchant then you are deluded. It doesnt matter about performances now. Its a results business and we are going down as it stands. Doncaster and Crawley at home is a tall order.As I said earlier, I expect less than 3500 fans on Saturday.

I think it is fair to say that zero wins in 5 league games is a poor return. Therefore some Ward out chanting is justified (even if not in my opinion yet) but Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance mate. 3,500 or less fans is a very possible scenario. As is every home game for ever (with the exception of a few promotion seasons).

Not being in the Ward out clan does not make Noah deluded either.
Noah was at the game (I was not) and has a very valid opinion. Like Noah says, we could have snatched the win but for a few substitution errors. Who knows, had we snatched a lucky couple of wins against either Preston, Sheff U or Pompey, from which we got 3 draws, then we would look like promotion contenders.
Because of this 5 games is too early to sack some one.

Yes have to agree ward must go now cant wait in my opinion. First started going in 1960 and i cant think of a much worse manager never heard him get mad yet just plain bloody dull and boring starting to get angry now. My fear is after 2 more months this waste of time idiot will still be draging our beloved col united to a situation we cant correct ,said all along he will put us down. Lets hope commonsense happens and John Ward is shown the door nothing to lose by it.

super waluigi wrote:

Mr Honest wrote: I was there too. If you are not a "Ward out" merchant then you are deluded. It doesnt matter about performances now. Its a results business and we are going down as it stands. Doncaster and Crawley at home is a tall order.As I said earlier, I expect less than 3500 fans on Saturday.

I think it is fair to say that zero wins in 5 league games is a poor return. Therefore some Ward out chanting is justified (even if not in my opinion yet) but Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance mate. 3,500 or less fans is a very possible scenario. As is every home game for ever (with the exception of a few promotion seasons). Not being in the Ward out clan does not make Noah deluded either. Noah was at the game (I was not) and has a very valid opinion. Like Noah says, we could have snatched the win but for a few substitution errors. Who knows, had we snatched a lucky couple of wins against either Preston, Sheff U or Pompey, from which we got 3 draws, then we would look like promotion contenders. Because of this 5 games is too early to sack some one.

But we didn't!!! In fact we were lucky to get draws in my opinion. I've always been taught that assumption is the mother of all ... Subs has always been a negative aspect to his management. Clubs usually change players in the heat after about 60-70 minutes. Normally throw on fresh legs that, tend to have an attacking mentality, unless the team is winning.

super waluigi wrote:

Mr Honest wrote:
I was there too. If you are not a "Ward out" merchant then you are deluded. It doesnt matter about performances now. Its a results business and we are going down as it stands. Doncaster and Crawley at home is a tall order.As I said earlier, I expect less than 3500 fans on Saturday.

I think it is fair to say that zero wins in 5 league games is a poor return. Therefore some Ward out chanting is justified (even if not in my opinion yet) but Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance mate. 3,500 or less fans is a very possible scenario. As is every home game for ever (with the exception of a few promotion seasons).

Not being in the Ward out clan does not make Noah deluded either.
Noah was at the game (I was not) and has a very valid opinion. Like Noah says, we could have snatched the win but for a few substitution errors. Who knows, had we snatched a lucky couple of wins against either Preston, Sheff U or Pompey, from which we got 3 draws, then we would look like promotion contenders.
Because of this 5 games is too early to sack some one.

"Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance". He can be unequivocally blamed for significantly declining attendances during his tenure, largely because of his appallingly negative set up not to lose tactics. The figures since our return to League 1 speak for themselves:
2008/9 average 5084
2009/10 average 5530
2010/11 average 4247
2011/12 average 3865
Ward was appointed in May 2010.

Many fans have seen this coming since Ward took over . How can he make the changes he did & still play Wordsworth his not the player to save Ward’s job. The fans know that Ward want’s an easy job into retirement. With a young squad we need a young manager to push the players. Negative tactics at home & away will not attract the fans back Mr Cowling make a change & at least 1000 plus will be on the gate at the next home game a lot of people will not attend home games because of the manager.

Just read people worried about Wordsworth going off injured & what the problem is ankle foot etc no the problem is he had to run after the ball after he gave it away. And can the CUSA give a honest view on the game that is if they pay for their tickets.

At least with Woody injured, Ward can try out new tactics, and maybe 442 (lol sorry I made my self laugh with that one too) or even play young players that have more talent and are more motivated the Wordsworth (which can't be that hard)

were doomed doomed.

Layer Road Exile wrote:

super waluigi wrote:

Mr Honest wrote:
I was there too. If you are not a "Ward out" merchant then you are deluded. It doesnt matter about performances now. Its a results business and we are going down as it stands. Doncaster and Crawley at home is a tall order.As I said earlier, I expect less than 3500 fans on Saturday.

I think it is fair to say that zero wins in 5 league games is a poor return. Therefore some Ward out chanting is justified (even if not in my opinion yet) but Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance mate. 3,500 or less fans is a very possible scenario. As is every home game for ever (with the exception of a few promotion seasons).

Not being in the Ward out clan does not make Noah deluded either.
Noah was at the game (I was not) and has a very valid opinion. Like Noah says, we could have snatched the win but for a few substitution errors. Who knows, had we snatched a lucky couple of wins against either Preston, Sheff U or Pompey, from which we got 3 draws, then we would look like promotion contenders.
Because of this 5 games is too early to sack some one.

"Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance". He can be unequivocally blamed for significantly declining attendances during his tenure, largely because of his appallingly negative set up not to lose tactics. The figures since our return to League 1 speak for themselves:
2008/9 average 5084
2009/10 average 5530
2010/11 average 4247
2011/12 average 3865
Ward was appointed in May 2010.

Dude, money is tight for everyone right now. Even if Wards tactics are negative, it is still not the main factor behind dwindling attendances across the country. I have printed a couple of teams recent attendances for you to compare. I have picked Oldham and Ipswich because I know they (like Colchester) have stood still for a while. Take a look.


Ipswich 2012 - 18,266
ipswich 2011 - 19,614
Ipswich 2010 - 20,840
Ipswich 2009 - 20,960
Ipswich 2008 - 21,934

Oldham 2012 - 4,432
Oldham 2011 - 4,362
Oldham 2010 - 4,630
Oldham 2009 - 5,636
Oldham 2008 - 6,325

If you don't like Ward, fine, but try to be reasonable. If anything, falling attendances can be linked the recession firstly and with the stadium move secondly before Wards tactics. Open them eyes of yours, you have hated on Ward for ages now, instead of posting the same old boring material, try posting a reasonable solution. Ie who could take the club forward in the event of Wards departure, what players could we bring in, or what the hell could the current regime do to bring numbers up (if Ward stays)

super waluigi wrote:

Layer Road Exile wrote:

super waluigi wrote:

Mr Honest wrote:
I was there too. If you are not a "Ward out" merchant then you are deluded. It doesnt matter about performances now. Its a results business and we are going down as it stands. Doncaster and Crawley at home is a tall order.As I said earlier, I expect less than 3500 fans on Saturday.

I think it is fair to say that zero wins in 5 league games is a poor return. Therefore some Ward out chanting is justified (even if not in my opinion yet) but Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance mate. 3,500 or less fans is a very possible scenario. As is every home game for ever (with the exception of a few promotion seasons).

Not being in the Ward out clan does not make Noah deluded either.
Noah was at the game (I was not) and has a very valid opinion. Like Noah says, we could have snatched the win but for a few substitution errors. Who knows, had we snatched a lucky couple of wins against either Preston, Sheff U or Pompey, from which we got 3 draws, then we would look like promotion contenders.
Because of this 5 games is too early to sack some one.

"Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance". He can be unequivocally blamed for significantly declining attendances during his tenure, largely because of his appallingly negative set up not to lose tactics. The figures since our return to League 1 speak for themselves:
2008/9 average 5084
2009/10 average 5530
2010/11 average 4247
2011/12 average 3865
Ward was appointed in May 2010.

Dude, money is tight for everyone right now. Even if Wards tactics are negative, it is still not the main factor behind dwindling attendances across the country. I have printed a couple of teams recent attendances for you to compare. I have picked Oldham and Ipswich because I know they (like Colchester) have stood still for a while. Take a look.


Ipswich 2012 - 18,266
ipswich 2011 - 19,614
Ipswich 2010 - 20,840
Ipswich 2009 - 20,960
Ipswich 2008 - 21,934

Oldham 2012 - 4,432
Oldham 2011 - 4,362
Oldham 2010 - 4,630
Oldham 2009 - 5,636
Oldham 2008 - 6,325

If you don't like Ward, fine, but try to be reasonable. If anything, falling attendances can be linked the recession firstly and with the stadium move secondly before Wards tactics. Open them eyes of yours, you have hated on Ward for ages now, instead of posting the same old boring material, try posting a reasonable solution. Ie who could take the club forward in the event of Wards departure, what players could we bring in, or what the hell could the current regime do to bring numbers up (if Ward stays)

Your post serves to demonstrate the effect that Ward is having on our fan base. Your figures show that over the last three seasons attendances at Ipswich have declined by 12%, at Oldham by 4% and at Colchester by a whopping 30%. Whilst recession has no doubt had an affect on attendances, it is no worse in Colchester than any part of the country yet our attendances have crashed more dramatically as you demonstrate. U's attendances in fact rose in the second season at WHCS which was more than a year after the start of the recession. The new stadium 'honeymoon' period did not materialise at WHCS largely because of over pricing following relegation. It does not make me proud to say that after 56 years as an ardent fan, I will not attend while Ward is manager. It is simply not entertaining. I'm afraid I don't have any suggestions about a replacement but it would be great to have someone with real passion who sets up to win the game. The only way to increase attendances is to win games and entertain and Ward is proving beyond doubt that he can't do that. I admire your unwavering support for the U's SW but one win in the last 19 is possibly the worst run in the clubs history. Perhaps RB Lexden can enlighten us.

super waluigi wrote:

Mr Honest wrote:
I was there too. If you are not a "Ward out" merchant then you are deluded. It doesnt matter about performances now. Its a results business and we are going down as it stands. Doncaster and Crawley at home is a tall order.As I said earlier, I expect less than 3500 fans on Saturday.

I think it is fair to say that zero wins in 5 league games is a poor return. Therefore some Ward out chanting is justified (even if not in my opinion yet) but Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance mate. 3,500 or less fans is a very possible scenario. As is every home game for ever (with the exception of a few promotion seasons).

Not being in the Ward out clan does not make Noah deluded either.
Noah was at the game (I was not) and has a very valid opinion. Like Noah says, we could have snatched the win but for a few substitution errors. Who knows, had we snatched a lucky couple of wins against either Preston, Sheff U or Pompey, from which we got 3 draws, then we would look like promotion contenders.
Because of this 5 games is too early to sack some one.

But it's not just 5 games is it? It's 1 win in 19 that's the reality.

super waluigi wrote:

Layer Road Exile wrote:

super waluigi wrote:

Mr Honest wrote: I was there too. If you are not a "Ward out" merchant then you are deluded. It doesnt matter about performances now. Its a results business and we are going down as it stands. Doncaster and Crawley at home is a tall order.As I said earlier, I expect less than 3500 fans on Saturday.

I think it is fair to say that zero wins in 5 league games is a poor return. Therefore some Ward out chanting is justified (even if not in my opinion yet) but Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance mate. 3,500 or less fans is a very possible scenario. As is every home game for ever (with the exception of a few promotion seasons). Not being in the Ward out clan does not make Noah deluded either. Noah was at the game (I was not) and has a very valid opinion. Like Noah says, we could have snatched the win but for a few substitution errors. Who knows, had we snatched a lucky couple of wins against either Preston, Sheff U or Pompey, from which we got 3 draws, then we would look like promotion contenders. Because of this 5 games is too early to sack some one.

"Ward cannot be blamed for 75 years of poor attendance". He can be unequivocally blamed for significantly declining attendances during his tenure, largely because of his appallingly negative set up not to lose tactics. The figures since our return to League 1 speak for themselves: 2008/9 average 5084 2009/10 average 5530 2010/11 average 4247 2011/12 average 3865 Ward was appointed in May 2010.

Dude, money is tight for everyone right now. Even if Wards tactics are negative, it is still not the main factor behind dwindling attendances across the country. I have printed a couple of teams recent attendances for you to compare. I have picked Oldham and Ipswich because I know they (like Colchester) have stood still for a while. Take a look. Ipswich 2012 - 18,266 ipswich 2011 - 19,614 Ipswich 2010 - 20,840 Ipswich 2009 - 20,960 Ipswich 2008 - 21,934 Oldham 2012 - 4,432 Oldham 2011 - 4,362 Oldham 2010 - 4,630 Oldham 2009 - 5,636 Oldham 2008 - 6,325 If you don't like Ward, fine, but try to be reasonable. If anything, falling attendances can be linked the recession firstly and with the stadium move secondly before Wards tactics. Open them eyes of yours, you have hated on Ward for ages now, instead of posting the same old boring material, try posting a reasonable solution. Ie who could take the club forward in the event of Wards departure, what players could we bring in, or what the hell could the current regime do to bring numbers up (if Ward stays)

I have a suggestion, have Joe Dunne as manager, play more attacking football ie 442, with Morrison and Sears up front. Massey down the wing with Hemdo down the other. O'Toole and Bean in the centre of mid, and Eastman/Magnus in defence with White and Rose. Sorted. Make changes after 65-70 minutes. If someone under performs, drop them for next game. Also get new fitness staff to get their fitness to to scratch. In getting fans in advertise to the public more by inviting new fans in, maybe free for under 8s or something. Advertise next game in media, town, radio etc.

Super what on earth has it got to do with what is happening at other clubs, its this club we are worried about? I could not give a rats backside what is happenng at Oldham or Ipswich so stop trying to deflect the heat, Ward is incompetent and needs to go, managers have lost their jobs for having better records than his. The way we are playing at the moment I cannot see where the next three points are coming from, three draws at best?

Super are you Robbie Cowling in disguise? Whoever said Joe Dunne take over....No thanks!

As a season ticket holder myself. I will support vocally any "Ward Out !" chants. Maybe, just maybe, Cowling will then take note if it's loud and long enough.If the players feel more dispirited by that ,then I'm sorry. But under Ward they must already feel that anyway.

I have remained silent mostly this season as often my comments are ridiculed, however, it would now appear that the resentment to Mr Ward and his regime is growing pace and I have been saying this for almost two seasons yet few have seen through his negativity. His excuses on the radio at the weekend serve only to support his inexcusable accusations that the opposition are always that bit better than ours and we 'just didn't perform on the day' but that elusive win is only YET ANOTHER! game away. Be real, Mr Ward - we will be playing Doncaster, a former Championship side, keen to return to their former glories as soon as they can. What a joke you are Mr Ward! Surely Mr Cowling, the buck lies with you! Please, for the sake of our beloved U's, consider Mr Ward's lack of motivation, enthusiasm and ambition for his players and team, which is rubbing off on the attendances, position in the league, etc. PLEASE ACT NOW MR COWLING before it is TOO LATE!! Up the U's!!!!