Late Penalty Rescues BRUM Point! - Birmingham City v Reading (H) 2024-25 Post Match Reflection
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- Birmingham City snatched a late point against Reading in an enthralling EFL League One opener at a sold out St. Andrew's@KnightheadPark The Royals took the lead near the end of the first half but a late Alfie May penalty in the 87th minute allowed Blues to salvage a 1-1 draw. In this podcast we discuss the match, analyze key moments, player performances, and discuss the implications for the rest of the season.
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Good Vlog as always Gents
After a few days of reflecting on the match, I reckon we did alright, to be honest. Expectations have been high during pre-season, and we knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park. We’ve been told to be patient, and rightly so, given the way Chris Davies wants us to play. I thought his post-match review was spot on.
From my perspective, we need to move the ball quicker and be braver, taking on players on which then it will create gaps for others to exploit.
I heard some fans grumbling about the number of sideways passes from the defenders, but that was only because the players in front of them were static. We need more mobility in those situations, in my opinion.
The last 10 minutes were more like what we saw in pre-season. I also think some of the players were in awe of the crowd. Reading were well-drilled, had a game plan, and it worked, we have to respect that.
I think you can only name 18 players per game hence why Roberts and Donavan were missing from the bench
Keep the faith. KRO!
Thank you for your comment Mark. It's early days but like you I think there were some very encouraging signs to take away from the Reading game. Our passing and possession was night and day compared to last season, we just need to be more progressive in the final third and need to provide better supply to our forward players.
Hansson and Anderson made a big difference when they came on and I would hope that Chris Davies is considering then for a start against Wycombe. I think he mighr rotate the team first at Charlton. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Everyone is really concerned about the right side of our game because of Laird etc. Good news though we literally just got a new RB, Sampsted on loan from Twente FC
Thank you for your comment Liam. The right side is an areas of the pitch which we have spoken about a few times on the podcast. It is great that we have now signed Alfons Sampsted on loan as competition and cover for Ethan Laird. I still think we need a more physical right winger as well. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Hopefully, Laird will provide him with some competition!!!!
A much needed signing and a really exciting one.
KRO 💙
Great show lads, early days so no panic. I have been going to St Andrews since 1969 really can't understand the booing from the supporters we have never been that type of a supporter,it went very quiet in parts and can effect the players let's get behind the team and manger keep up the good work kro.
Thanks Adam :)
The boo'ing was extremely disappointing.
I can't comment for the whole ground or different areas but from where we were it was no doubt a small minority / handful of people. We have been rubbish and had terrible times now for 10+ what gives us the right to boo on the first game of a new campaign with a new manager and team. It was frustrating for sure but this will take time to get us click.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Fair Analysis there chaps, I agree we just did not have the zip in our passing we had in pre-season but Reading worked blooming hard to stop us getting out and you saw the effect it had on their players going into the last 10 minutes as about 5 of them went down with cramp every time the ball went out of play!
As you said it won't be easy in this league but we WILL start to gel and play better. Plus when we did get out of their press we looked very dangerous just had Laird & Dembele dwelling far too long on the ball.
All in all it was a 4/10 performance and still came away with a point.
Take it, learn from it and of course Keep Right On!
Thank you for your comment. There were definitely many positives to take from the game and as you point out the team needs few games to gel. Laird and Dembele were poor and they will have to improve otherwise they will lose their places. We now have players waiting to take their places. I thought Hansson and Anderson both looked good when they can on. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
94 - 95 season we lost 3-1 to leyton orient in our first game, still won the league! We will probably do better on the road this season.
Thank you for your comment. I think Matt might have mentioned that Leyton Orient loss in the podcast. We have to be better on the road than last season. We only have 3 wins and 4 or 5 draws from 23 games. I would hope that we significantly improve on that this season. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I enjoyed your discussion Matt and Gary. I was a little disappointed at the result on Saturday but have reminded myself the Reading team have already played together and gelled as a team. Blues showed spirit to equalise. A draw is a decent result and I feel the wins will come. KRO
Thank you for your comment Lisa. You are right, Reading have not made any summer signings but this means that they are a very settles team who know each other well and you could tell. Reading had the better chances and on the balance of things In think we will have to be happy with the draw. As you point out, wins will come as we start to settle down as a team. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
One positive from the game was we looked sharp toward the end of the match, while Reading were tiring. Last season fitness was a major issue and Chris Davies and staff have been working on that. Another great podcast. KRO!
Totally agree Darren and thank you for commenting :)
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I think we were OK, Reading came with a game plan & it worked, Rome wasn't built in a day & Saturday there would have been a lot of nerves in front of a very expectant sell out crowd. They showed resilience in the come back we were definitely the fitter of the two sides, the players will gel together in the next few games & CD will know his best starting eleven.
Room for improvement but we didn't lose !!! I'm still a little worried about some players being a little short in height & lightweight physically but we should be able to outplay a lot of teams 🤞🤞🤞
Thank you for your comment David. You make some good points which agree with many we made in the podcast and as you point out we have to remember that this is a team with lots of new players who may take a little time to gel.
We played some decent football at times but we need to be more positive and clinical in the final third. One of my concerns is the lack of height and physicality in the team although we have just signed Alfons Sampsted on loan as a right back who is 6ft tall and has a bit if experience so that will help. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I hoped for a win but pretty soon I could see Reading were a threat. They could of scored more than the one but thanks to the penalty we used out 'get out of jail card' The only game that finished in a draw! We will improve and get many wins under our belt! KRO
Thank you for your comment. The match was a real wake up call and shows us that clubs will not be frightened to come at us in this League. Reading played very well and are clearly a settles team. As you point out this was only the first game and I'm sure we will get better. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Comments about our right side spot on. Saturday showed that preseason is a bit different to the league and we lost our shape at times against Reading with some players who had looked good before underperforming. However, in Alfie we have a true striker, he comes alive in the box, loves scoring and takes responsibility. I never look at the table until 10 games have gone. let's see where we are then. It's going to take a bit of time with so many new players for us to gel and with the Gaffer's ideas. Finally good luck to JJ - sad to see him go and let's look forward to when our own players might not be sold and have a decent career with us. KRO
Thank you for your comment Chris. The signing of Alfons Sampsted will give us a bit more height and strength in the right back position but I still think we need more physical strength on the right wing.
Early days but there were many positives to take from the Reading game and I think we will get stronger and stronger as the season goes on.
Also, good luck and best wishes to JJ. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I think we need to sit back and wait until about 12 games in. I don't know how it will end but we'll be right up there, just need time. New manager and nearly whole new team.
Thank you for your comment Robert. Very true, we can't judge from one single game how we will get on this season. I said in the podcast that Chris Davies will need at least half a dozen competitive games to look and assess his players before deciding his preferred starting line up. This is a process which we are just beginning. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Sorry Gary and Matt, Reading tired towards the end we should have won a the death..
Thanks, Michael :)
Agreed that by the end you could see tired legs and we were certainly on top and dominated in the game's last 15-20 minutes. I felt we could have scraped a win out but I still feel we are missing a few gritty players in these sorts of games to get us over the line. Leanard showed us that he could give a good amount of bite in the middle of the park but feel we need a little more.
Impressive signs and good play in the second half especially and think it will all click soon.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
A bit of a reality check Saturday was. I’ve been banging the keshi Anderson drum all pre season I hope he starts the next few games as he made a big difference when coming on. miyoshi is not good enough way too light weight getting shoved off the ball everytime.
Miyoshi is not good enough I’ve never understood why so many blues fans like him. Keshi Anderson was one of our better players last season, so direct and has a goal in him.
Thank you for your comment. Keshi Anderson made a really big difference when he came on and I think he must have put himself in the thoughts of Chris Davies for a starting position. Koji is a good technivcal player without a doubt but he does get pushed off the ball quite easily on occasions. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
73% possession and we weren't at our best. We'll definitely improve over the season and I was expecting us to get a slow start. I don't think we'll see Miyoshi and Dembele together in the starting line-up, they are a bit lightweight. I think Davies will go more direct down the wings with Hansson and Yokohama (although Keshi Anderson didn't do his chances of a start any harm).
Thanks Tommy :)
Definitely positives to take from this. I mean, a blues team having 73% possession is completely new territory for us and we will see a lot more of this, especially at home. Fair enough we need to be more clinical and create more going forward but this is a new manager and new team. This will take a bit of time but once it clicks we will be a serious force in this league.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@@BCFCRoyalBlue Thanks Matt, I think I got it wrong and it was 74% possession. Just watched the rest of the podcast and spotted that when Willumson loses the ball prior to the Reading goal he was limping (just look out for him when Reading go forward).
@Tommy Excellent point!! We will slay teams this season.
Best comment here 👏
Same as you guys, disappointed at first that we didn’t play better or get the win but after reflection, I don’t think it was as bad I thought. Reading did a great job of stopping us and had some very good chances.
The disappointing thing for me was the distribution back to front. We were too slow, too lethargic, and too many times May was screaming for the ball but we constantly went side to side or backwards. I know we want to play this more possession based football but we also need to mix it up a bit and occasionally go more direct.
Another frustration was the few times we managed to get in down the wings, the ball didn’t get played into the box quick enough or even at all. It was constantly slowed down and passed a few times often ending with us losing the ball without getting a cross in. The whole point of having the right foot / left foot on right wing / left wing is the ability to put the ball in the box quickly. We had a 6 foot + AM in the first half and not once did we put a cross in for him.
It is a work in progress though and the team will gel and also some of these players won’t have played infront of a crowd before like we had on Saturday so they will learn to play with that and use it positively. Looking forward to the next game. Great video as always. KRO
Thank you for your comment Ricky and we are pleased you enjoyed the video.
We definitely looked like a work in progress but I think the way Reading played was really important for our players to experience. They will know what to expect moving forward and know what they will need to combat against in future games.
What disappointed me the most was the lack of opportunities/crosses that were made from wide areas. The end product was poor as Reading coped well with cutting off an our supply lines to the forward players.
I’m sure we will get better as the team starts to gel but it was nice to see us play some decent football at times, something we have not seen from a Blues team for a very long time! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Ethan Laird drives me mad, he's the weak link. Poor control of the ball, poor distribution and can't cross a road. kept being caught on the ball as well. He hasn't improved from last season. Thankfully we now have a new right back. Miyoshi will get bullied, I think he is one to bring on when defenders are tired. I would start with Keshi as he's more physical.
Finally, we also need a more physical presence up front with May.
Thank you for your comment Lee. Fully agree with your points and I think Ethan Laird had a poor game especially when he had the opportunity to cross but allowed the ball to go out on a few occasions. We were much better when Hansson and Anderson came on, which Chris Davies would have noted I'm sure! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Hi both. I didn’t understand the boo’s on Saturday. Anyone who expects us to walk this league really needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Every team will play like that against us this season.
Thank you for your comment Rich. I didn't understand that either. As you point out teams are going to love playing us at St.Andrews and will up there game so we need to be ready for that. We will get better as the new players start to gel. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Agree with Matt that this wasn’t the worst result - a draw was fair and it’ll level expectations and will hopefully settle the players. Hansson and Anderson surely must start before Miyoshi and Dembele. And I agree with Gary that Donovan should’ve been on the bench. Leonard looked promising and May too.
Thank you Stephen :)
It was a little wake up call for sure although on the balance of play I feel a draw was fair. I also thought Donovan would be on the bench and battling for that position as he done a fantastic job during pre-season. Hopefully he might use the cup games to give the younger talent a bit more game time.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
If Blues don't get Stansfield I reckon they should have a crack at signing the Reading goalscorer, thought he really put himself about a bit, also tracked back a fair bit to help out at the back
Thank you for your comment Paul. We definitely need at least another striker, I think we need two! Like all Blue noses, I hope we get Jay Stansfield back but that is not straight forward and there are no guarantees. Reading have not signed anyone this transfer window and I suspect that they will want to keep a hold of the players they do have. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Very shaky start should have been 2 or 3 down by half time players looked a bit nervous still waiting for Anderson’s 60yard cross field passes most ended up in the crowd, keeper flapped a couple of times, you’re right both sides of the pitch changed after substitutions on the positive side we didn’t lose and got better as the match went on,crowd was amazing and the ground looked superb kro
Thanks, Darren :)
It was a very shaky and nervous start for sure. We will settle down into this league and we will be fine. Sanderson had a poor game and I could see Klarer getting a start tomorrow evening. It shows the pressure of a competitive game as he was dropping his diagonals on a pinhead during pre-season.
On to the next one! 😊
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Would love to see us sign a hard man in midfield, Tyler Roberts should be in at number 10, a fit Tyler Roberts will take this league apart.
Thank you for your comment Mark. I agree on both points and the need for a physical midfielder is something that Matt has been banging on about for ages. I would also like to see Tyler Roberts given a go in the no.10 position, however he was not even on the bench for the Reading game. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Not going to overreact over one game, but I see this squad as having exactly the same issues as last year. Small striker (grafter like stanno) on his own (no second option to play long), Midfielders who don't want to play forward (looking at Paik with his 0 awareness and constant backpassing), and no "grit" as you mentioned. Paik, Miyoshi, and Willumson really don't cut it for me. Think Hansson, Keshi must start on Saturday. I would also look at bringing Klarer in and moving Bielik into midfield with Leonard.
Thank you for your comment Cal. I agree that both Hansson and Anderson should start for the next league game. They both made a huge difference when they come on. I think with a few more games the team have a chance to gel and will only get better.
I have to be honest, I'm a big fan of Beilek at centre half but I do see you point about utilising Klarer. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Good point agents. Felt Thor was ineffective and the missing link when we played out of the back. Would like to see Tyler Roberts in this role. Also felt laird dreaming for their goal as played them on side. Great discussion gents.
Thanks Tony! :)
If Tyler Roberts could replicate the form he showed against Coventry I have no doubt the number 10 position could be his. He would need to keep himself fit and show some consistency but he could be great at this level. I think Thor will become an amazing signing, he also needs to get over this niggle and get some game time in but we have some really good position in this role with Harris as well.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Reading played this game like a cup final, they were totally shot at the end and I think another 5 mins a we would have nicked it.
We weren't great in the 1st, lost the physical battle particularly Miyoshi and Dembele but once the subs came on we were much stronger and earned the right to play a bit.
No need to panic. New signings looked good and we ground our a result when it looked lost, but it is a bit of a reality check.
Thank you for your comment Neil. Agree with you about Dembele and Myoshi and the difference the substitutions made. Plenty of positives to take from the game and I’m sure we are only going to get better. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Wouldn't say we played it like a cup final - we've just got no depth and play a ridiculously tiring style.
@@dmst13 you played well, didn't give us time and got physical but that 75% possetion we had took its toll on your players in the heat. It's oddly a game we probably should have lost but ended up nearly winning.
I think that Chris Davies has been building a championship side.
He knows that to be challenging in league one we need to be
much more physical. It looks like Willum started the match with
A cracked kneecap sustained in his previous game. Laird had an
awful game and should have been taken off sooner.
Thank you for your comment Frank. As I said in the podcast, if Willumsson was carrying an injury then why was he starting? I honestly don't understand that. Laird did have a poor game, but on Saturday the only option to replace him with was Brandon Khela. Thankfully we now have further competition in that position with the capture of Alfons Sampsted. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
A typical first round weirdo. All four promoted teams won. Might have been a bit of "stage fright". One real positive is that Blues were still full of running, while Reading were flagging towards the end. Plus Blues' subs were higher class. That will be more and more important as the season goes on. Dembele was partially responsible for the lapse that resulted in the Reading goal. I agree Hanson should be a starter.
Thank you for your comment. Blues levels of fitness was very good and I think that will be a big factor as the season progresses especially in the latter stages of games. We were definitely finished the game stronger.
Some very good signs from this first match and I'm sure we will get stronger as the teams starts to gel. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
JJ played all pre-season so i was worried the system had to change with him out
JJ looked good in that position during pre-season. I must admit Mark Leonard looked sharp at the weekend taking his place but we will miss the presence of JJ for sure.
I do with him all the best and hope he smashes it over there 💪🏻💪🏻
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Hi guys,very sobering saturday. The team still needs to gel so im not that worried. Laird was wasteful and as he didnt step up to make reading off side they scored. New RB just come in though. Kudos to davies for changing it at half time, shows that hansson should start imo. Dembele a good impact sub. Keshi shone, even harris when he come on. But by that time reading were sitting though so we was always gonna be pressuring more.
No need to panic, i trust davies as he talks a great game.
KRO.
Thanks mate :)
It was a sobering weekend indeed. Reading certainly came and ruined the party. Hansson definitely needs to start IMO and I could also see Klarer getting introduced over the coming weeks.
It's only the first game, no need panic indeed! Let's move onto the next one.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@SmallHeathAllianceFC gotta say allsop might make a difference. Peacock did not command the area enough for me sat. We got time to get it right though. Over 100 points out the window if we don't gel soon.
KRO.
It was a disappointing start, but we didn't loose and to be honest I think the manager needs to see a few bad performances so we can get it right. With reference to the back pass, I'm sure it's set the standard for the lower league EFL refereeing that we'll see this season.
Thank you for your comment Steve. It was a first competitive match for a team full of new players and a new coach so it is not surprising that things were not perfect. There were some really positive things to take from the match and I’m sure that we will only get better.
The back pass that was not given was ridiculous and I hope that is not the standard we should expect this season. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Agree with much of what you said here - disappointing first half, but plenty of positives. JJ had a great pre season, and I think he was the glue that connected the new boys together - and Saturday showed that. Once they have settled over the next two or three games, we will be fine. KRO
Thank you for your comment Richard. You are right it is early days and the team will need a few games to settle down. There were some really good signs from the Reading game and even though the result was a draw there was a lot to be positive about. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Has Ayumu Yokoyama slipped under your radar re new signings? Lets have YT video for both the newbies!!
Thanks Martyn!
Don't worry we have something in the pipeline :)
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I think we were lucky to get a point tbh. Reading were fantastic for 70 minutes. Laird & Dembele were awful! Willumson had that great chance in the first half when he was in the box & probably should have shot sooner. The pass back from Reading was a terrible decision by the officials. Overall I’m happy with a point from that game as I feel like we will get 6 points from our next 2 away games in the league
Thank you for your comment. Yes, there was some frustrations from the Reading performance but I think we will get a few bumps in the road in the early stages of the season as the new players bed in and the squad gets used to Chris Davies style of play. There was plenty to be encouraged by and I think we will get better as the season progresses.
The back pass was a really poor decision by the referee and I have no idea why he didn't give it! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Roberts at 10, and I know everyone waxes lyrical about Paik but I think he flatters to deceive, or is there something I’m missing ?
Thank you for your comment Joe. I also think that we should try Roberts at no.10, however he did not even make the bench of Saturday. I also think Paik will get better as well. He is prone to being caught on the ball and giving the ball away but you can see that there is definite quality there. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Hi lads love your presentation. Just to say if don’t get a big man along Alfie May we are going to struggle to score goals. I believe we are going to suffer unless we bring some muscle into the team . Kro .
Thank you for your comment Tony. That is something I totally agree with, a tall physical centre forward to cause problems and score goals from set pieces and crosses into the box is exactly what we need. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
To get the best out of May he needs someone beside him.
Just a footnote Gary Wrexham have 5 forwards with 4 being over 6ft .
Hi guys, another great podcast. In my opinion Hanson should have started he’s better than Dembele. Still a long, long, long way to go so a point is better than a loss. I think the performances will definitely improve as the season goes on, still think you guys will definitely win the league.
Thanks Luke :)
Totally agree that position now has to be Hansson's. The game completely changed when himself and Anderson came in.
We will need a few games to click but once we do I think we will push on and have a great season and as you say, hopefully win the league.
Good luck this season.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
❤ upthe royal blues 💙 1-1 NOT TO BAD NEW ATTACKING STRIKER YES JAPANESE STRIKER 😊😉☺️ HAPPY TIMES FOR THE ROYAL BLUES WIN 💙 YES WIN 🏆 CUP ON TUESDAY NEXT WEEK 😀 👍 👏 🙌 💙 😎 ..
Thank you for your comment Paul. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Hi Gentlemen, as you say first half not very inspiring, second half much better performance, why didn’t he notice the back pass the referee. Sanderson passing quite poor I thought and laird ball retention poor.. KRO..
Thank you for your comment Michael. All good points and like you I have no idea why the referee did not see that as a back pass. That was quite staggering to be honest. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
We still need a leader with bags of experience and a bit of quality ! Like an Archie Gemmill or a Mark Ward. KRO.
Thank you for your comment David. There is still a few weeks left in the transfer window and I'm sure we will see a few more arrive before it closes. Hopefully, we can get a few leaders through the door as I agree, we need that leadership and grit in the team. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
totally on point about Willumsson, i haven't wanted to post about that as it felt moany! lol but i haven't been impressed by him at all yet pre season and Reading game. Ur totally right about early days and poss not fully fit too.. Def need to see his physicality more tho.
Thank you for your comment. I think we will see the best of him when he is fully fit. He is a big lad and we need to see some of that physical strength he was bought in to provide. I’m sure he will turn out to be a good signing when he has settled in properly. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Great analysis boys. Mine's just a personal opinion, but here goes:
I noticed Readings high press, but did not see ours. Reading had a solid midfield. In fact it seems they had an extra man on the pitch. Their positioning was so good. And 2 quick forwards. They played through the middle. They also seemed to win more tackles than we did.
Onto us: 74% possession is an improvement on last season, but most of the time we didn't get into the final third. So a misleading statistic.
Hansson had a very good game, the only player on our side to do so. As you say, May has excellent reading of the game, I like the way he rapidly tracked back when attacks broke down. Not much service in this match. I noticed Cochrane was in plenty of space on the left, and was calling for the ball, but wasn't given it.
My unbiased opinion of the game: Reading deserved to win. (I should add I left early and did not see anything after the penalty).
Thank you for your comment Geoff. I think you have made a fair assessment of the game and it’s also fair to say that Reading were a much more settled team than us who had clearly played together for some time. We were definitely pressing more for the last 15 minutes and there were some really positive signs throughout.
I’m sure we will get stronger as the season progresses but overall it was good for the players to see what to expect in League One. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Hi guys great podcast can I just say that I agree 110% with EVERYTHING you both said.thats my opinion KRO
Thank you for your comment Graham which is greatly appreciated. KRO and kind regaerds (Gary)
mucho good lads KRO
Thanks for commenting :)
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
i think reading will shock alot of people this season,their not being talked about and may well be the surprise team of the season.
Thank you for your comment Ant. Reading looked like a much more settled team who clearly knew each other. They should do ok this season as long as they don't get too many injuries as their squad is a little thin. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I agree they wasn’t bad last season anyway the reason they finish 17 is because they had a 12 points deduction. They haven’t signed anyone or sold anyone this season because they are actually in a transfer embargo due to possible takeover. I think maybe we underestimated them a little bit maybe more as supporters.
@@JustMyFish we had a six point deduction - we just had so much turmoil last season with no preseason etc we didn't get anything done as a team really until a while into the season. We were 10 points off safety heading into early-mid November, but if you did the table from then on we would have been 1 point off the playoffs. And yes, we can't even sign frees or loans until the ownership is sorted - we've got a bench full of youth at the moment and think that did us in on Saturday. For example, the #30 we brought on at RW is actually a 16 year old LB
Reading are rubbish. They wont go above tenth at the end of the season. They have no depth
We could have kept Ivan Sunic, more grit than all the outfield players put together on Saturday.
Would have been a real asset in this league. KRO
Thanks Barry!
I think we are missing a few players with those sorts of characteristics. A Sunjic or Hannibal type player etc. I know they have there weaknesses and can sometimes be a bit reckless and run around like a headless chicken but I think someone in the middle who can get stuck in and graft is crucial at this level. That game alone showed me the physicality of this league.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Reckless Hannibal ?? never 😂😂😂 he was awesome for blues. Id love him back here he was a right naughty player loved a tackle, loved the wind up and ate yellow cards for breakfast 😂😂😂
Hi both ,bit of a shaky start , laird needs to change his thinking does all the hard work ,then nothing happens, dembele a bit similar,but this will get ironed out ,nothing to worry about.
Thanks Tony :)
As you say this will be all ironed out over the coming weeks. No need to panic at all from our point of view.
As you say Laird certainly needs to work on his crossing and play in the final 3rd as we had a few decent chances and he was poor. Looks like we have more competition for that space now which is great. I think we need to be starting with Hansson and Anderson to give us more physicality and bigger threat in the final 3rd as well.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Not the result we wanted however fair play to Reading, they were well organised, fit, closed the spaces and the angles down and made things hard for us. We still had 73% of the ball but no doubt there is room for improvement and better performances will come once players start settling and the team starts to click.
Thank you for your question Matt. Reading did play well and looked like a team that had been together for a while. We played some decent stuff at times however we need to do that more in the final third and provide more chances for our forwards. As you point out, with a bit of time I'm sure the team will gel and we will be better as the season moves on. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Sanderson is left with two to mark on the goal, nothing he can do other than step up and try and catch them off side, Laird also too deep playing everyone on.
Should have been 3 down by half time. Trying to walk the ball into the net, need to build up some pressure, cross the ball when opportunity is there, get some shots away KRO.
I think you’re right and it also looks like he gets caught in 2 minds whilst he makes his decision to push up because he sort of delays and then moves forward. I’m sure we will get better drilled with these things as the team starts to gel a bit more 😊
Onto the next one against Charlton in the cup and Wycombe on Saturday.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I believe it was a lot of pressure and nerves in front of a packed house with expectations caused a lot of this performance but a few things of concern. I saw the same issues from Sanderson and Dimbele as last year and perhaps whatever the reasons if they cant perform on game days no matter the potential get them out of there, i want klarer and Hanson starting.
Different from you guys as i was watching from home, I think Davies showed it was his first ever coaching game in a proper league game and i felt he was too emotional on the sidelines.. going mental at times about the ref or whatever and looked like he was a bit unhinged and making panic substitutions. A calmer cooler sideline gives the players more confidence in my opinion that "everything is fine, been here done that before" do our jobs and we will win this, not a panic which a nervous team will pick up on and make worse... I hope it was just first game nerves for him too and he can recognize this going forward.
Thank you for your comment. Given he had a very good pre-season, Sanderson was very poor and his distribution was unrecognisable from what we saw in pre-season. Dion now needs to start producing on match day especially as there is Klarer waiting in the wings to take his place.
Dembele and Myoshi for that matter produced very little for the forwards and in this league we might need to look at more physical players. Hansson and Anderson made a big difference when they came on.
I hear what you are saying about Chris Davies but to be honest I prefer a manager that isn't frightened about telling his players what he thinks. I also agree there is a fine line but A passionate manager is something that we have not had for a while and I liked CD barking at his players! All they need to do to stop him doing that is to do what he would have told them to do in the first place! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Spot on lads but I feel we need a bit of nastiness in some of the players especially when dembele was taken out by Lewis wing, a few of our players should have run over and showed him we’re not going to have that, our players should be using there body weight to show we’re not going to get bullied off the ball KRO
Thank you for your comment Darren. The lack of physicality was a real issue last season and although a few of the new signings are taller players I agree with you and I thing we need a few more physical players in the team who will not get pushed around. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Cheers lads ... First day let off ... First half We were desperate tbh ... I think We ( Team ) thought they had to show up and ballet dance away with 3 points ... Wake up call to league 1 ... Oh and another striker or 2 is needed asap
Thank you for your comment. I think Reading took us by surprise and gave as a message that teams will not lie down for us and will come to St. Andrew’s and have a real go. I’m sure Chris Davies and the players would have taken some valuable lessons from the match which will stand us in good stead moving forward. KRO
and kind regards (Gary)
❤ I ❤ YOR BLACK BLUES TOP YES UP THE ROYAL BLUES WIN YES WIN NEW ATTACKING AND NEW DEFENDERS RIGHT BACK BLACK PLEASE COME ON YOU BLUES BIG TIMES YES 😊😉☺️👕🎆 🎇 ..
Thank you for your comment Paul. I think that the black Blues top is one of Matt's favorites! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
So League One is a big boys' league after all and they are going to try to take our points away from us. Oh dear, how sad, never mind, keep right on.
It's called competitive sport.
At least we've had an early dose of the reality we were due eventually.
I suspect nerves played their part. A huge home crowd with huge expectations - just what an away manager relishes!
CD changed things at half time and it worked. He'll get it right this season sooner rather than later.Let's hope he doesn't feel the need to tell Wagner that the high press won't work in League One. The last manager who had that conversation had to grow a beard and change his name.
Thanks mate :)
I think we have underestimated how many teams are going battle us for physicality and won't just allow us to play our football. This will be a tough year but no need to panic. We will find our feet after a few games and we will still have a season to remember, really confident of that.
I do think nerves certainly played a factor. I like that CD was pro-active and made subs and it made a huge difference. Hansson and Anderson changed the game.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Poor start , better finish, let's not forget it's a relatively new team with new leadership . What the heck happened with that back pass !!!!
Thank you for your comment Paul. There is an obvious improvement in the playing style and possession and there were some good passages of play. The team will need a little time to click and to create more chances for Alfie May, however, I'm sure we will get much better as the season progresses.
Like I said in the podcast, I have no idea what the referee was looking at for that back pass! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I'm trying to find a good video of the back pass as it's not in any of the match day highlights (funny that 🤔) a link would be most welcome. Blatantly a pass back, and I had a really good view, as did the ref and his assistant.
KRO 💙
I also can’t seem to find it on UA-cam either Richard. I checked the blues, reading and EFL highlights and it’s missing from all of them. Pretty huge area of the game to miss out?
If it was part of the bluesTV highlights I would have dropped it into the video as we have permission from the club to use official Birmingham content.
I have only been watching it back on various channels who have populated it on X. Absolute clear as day!
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@SmallHeathAllianceFC yeah, I noticed you put some of the game highlights in your post-match analysis. That was a really good addition and brilliant that the club have given you their permission to use their official coverage to further enhance and boost your channel.
A massive talking point from the game. It is hugely controversial and really poor but unsurprisingly left out. How the ref and/or his assistant didn't see it as a passback is beyond me.
KRO 💙
You seemed happy you went down and what a great season you were going to have if you go down this season you will be really happy
@@StephenFitzgerald-xz2zw Thanks for stopping by 😆🤣🤣🤣
KRO 💙
Thank you for your comment Stephen. I have no idea why you would take the time to make such a silly comment, however, we are respectful on this channel and as your comment was not abusive, or dis-respectful we will not remove it. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I think some of the comments made here are just panic stations and toys out the pram. Moaning about passing the ball at the back, our all new squad not having the "grit" that we were still missing last season.
It's been one game, no changes have to be made, I'm sure Davies will make the ones he thinks are required but to say that the Willumson and Koji have to be dropped is odd.
Thank you for your comment. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and we respect everyone's opinions on this channel as long as that they are not abusive or insulting. The podcast is our opinions (not moaning) on what we saw at the match and there are no panic stations at all. You will note that in all of our podcasts we try to give a balanced view and there are as may positive comments about the performance as there are other observations.
This is early days with this squad and the overall take aways from the Reading game is that there has been plenty of progress from last season already and that it may take a little time for the team to gel, but overall we are definitely going in the right direction! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
There are certainly positives to take away from the game. You can see the intent and some of the quality needed to play out from the back. We were cautious because if we conceded in the first 10 minutes the ground would have gone silent. I like controlling the ball with care, and patient build up is something we as fans will have to get used to. I just think there needed to be a few moments of now is the moment to inject pace, that killer incisive pass to create a 1 on 1. More will come from the whole squad I am 100% sure of it. It's nearly a full new starting 11. It is going to take time. New league for a lot of people, also home debut in front of a sold out St. Andrews that has just come off the back of a relegation we shouldn't of had. I'd be a little nervous and not eager to give the ball away too. I am sure KD will analyse the faults of the players extensively with them. Charlton is going to be a big game for momentum.I expect a relatively strong team with Alsop in goal. Hannson will start (which I think he should do anyway). Dembele coming on at 75 minutes when those players are cramping up, he's banging 15 goals a season as an impact sub alone. Thanks for the listen lads! Really appreciate the outlook and longer video!
Thank you for your comment. Yes, it’s early days and we do have a lot of new players. Plenty of positives to take from the game and I think the challenge that Reading gave us was really important for the players. They now know what they are up against in League One.
I also expect some rotation against Charlton and that will give some of the other players the opportunity to show Chris Davies what they can do. Let’s hope we can get a decent result against Charlton and start to build some of that momentum you were talking about. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I thought Laird gave us extra width coming forward almost as an attacking winger
Agree the ball was over hit by him and frustrated me although I think he’s got to be first choice
Thank you for your comment which is greatly appreciated. KRO!
Missed JJ massively.
Thank you for your comment Ashley. JJ did well in pre-season and I'm sure he will be missed. Hopefully, the club will find a combative midfield replacement which I think is now needed. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Ethan laird didnt push up and played them on side he had a poor game tbh KRO
Thank you for your comment Paul. Ethan Laird did not have a great game that is for sure but at least he now has some competition for his place following the loan signing of Alfons Sampsted. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Good analysis lads but don't you think we need 2 more centre backs and a defensive midfielder as well I think we short at the back w just got a right back damaged but still need 2 centre backs and a defensive midfielder what do other bluenoses think?
Thanks, James :)
You could be right about CB, I think with an injury or a suspension we could find ourselves in a spot of bother. Another one would give peace of mind, especially with the volume of games.
I also think another forward, possibly 2. As you say a CM or CDM, possibly 2 with JJ going. Arguably a RW with a a bit more physicality too as we have just got a RB in this morning on loan.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I just think the team got a little nervous. It was a back pass and he knew he got it wrong. Hence the penalty i believe which was harsh. Don’t read too much into it as we’ll grow into the season and not fall towards the bottom like normal.
Thanks mate :)
I do think the first game of the season and the full house possibly sparked a bit of nerves. I certainly felt it sitting in the stands. Agreed, we will be absolutely fine. Just need a few games for the team to gel and click.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@@BCFCRoyalBlueIt will come good. They never gave in even though it wasn’t clicking. It never felt desperate and they continued with the style of play too. Hansson all day long over Dembele!!! KRO
Reading didn’t really match our high pressed they played with a low block. With counter attacking. We need to sharpen up on our passing because we kept giving the ball away. I’m sure it will get there. There was a backpass in the game. We should’ve had a penalty. We did get a penalty that one seemed a little bit soft so maybe the referee decided to make up for his previous mistakes. Reading scored that goal on the back of our error. Sandend did not look at the races. I don’t think he is actually a big game player. He was good in the friendly but lost his nerve when it came to games that actually actually means something.
Thanks mate :)
I think a lot of teams will come to St Andrews and do this style of play to us. Fair play to Reading, they looked decent in patches, a team well put together and very physical in certain areas of the pitch. I think once we start to click these are the sorts of games we will start to win but a disjointed performance that. We move on and I feel things will start to click soon.
Completely agree about the back pass. Poor from the ref and assistant to not pick this up. They clearly saw it. Perfectly in-line. Bizarre. I noticed as well that didn't make it into any highlight clips which I thought was strange. I think we might start to see Klarer get introduced at CB over the coming weeks.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Another 10 mins and we would of won 😊
Thank you for your comment Gazza. We were well on top in the latter stages but in the end a draw seemed about right. Reading played well. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Great video look forward to the next one
Thank you for your kind comment which is greatly appreciated. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Where to start..... apologies in advance as i just know that this is going to be a very long comment 😆🤣🤣
It was so disappointing to hear some of the ridiculous comments that some 'fans' were making at the game and reading some of the stuff that some 'fans' have posted on social media. I know we're all entitled to an opinion, but seriously.....some people had or are on their way to losing their heads completely after just one game 🤷♂️🤦🏻♂️.
I think the booing at the end, albeit from a very small minority was really disappointing to hear, too. How's that going to help, and I don't know what some people expect. Clearly, it's just for us to turn up and have it all our own way!!! No chance!!!
It's interesting you thought Cochrane had a good game, as I felt he was a little bit disappointing. I felt like he was reluctant to travel with the ball at his feet when the space was there for him to do so, I would've liked to have seen him much more forward thinking and driving forward. I also think that at times, he struggled defensively too, which, of course, is his main responsibility as a full back. I guess it just goes to show that we can all see things differently, but we can respectfully have a difference of opinion.
I thought Hansson and Anderson both made positive differences and contributions when they came on, and both deserve to start the next league game. Anderson had a really good start to last season, too. He's a player that I really like. He just needs to stay fit. Hansson on at half-time was a real positive for me. A good early change.
I thought Thor was really disappointing. He dropped way too deep and left Alfie May really isolated, and he and Dembele were both at fault for the goal that we conceded. I will give him the benefit of the doubt as I don't think he was fully fit and so proved to be the case when he had to come off. But like you rightly said, why start him. Also, the point you make about physicality, he's massive but I thought he was weak in that department. But again, I will afford him the benefit of the doubt, but I do question the decision to start him.
Laird was very poor. He's so frustrating. I lost count of the number of times he overran with the ball.
Luke Harris.... I told you 😁 I will just leave that there 🤣🤣
Dembele is either hot or cold, and unfortunately, he was freezing.
Alfie May gets my motm. Worked tirelessly and never once moaned, despite the lack of any real service, and he scored the equalising goal from the spot.
There was a lot of pressure on the penalty, especially so late into the game, and given the scoreline. He was calmness personified, and you just knew he was going to score. He deserved his goal and he rescued a point for us and sent us home much happier than really we deserved to be because I felt we were lucky to get the draw and there was and is a strong argument to suggest that Reading deserved all 3 points.
Lots to improve upon. Credit to Reading, who made it really difficult for us, and this is something that we will have to find a way of getting past teams who will do exactly the same thing.
One thing I didn't like was the continual playing out from the back. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't do it, but not all of the time. Variation is so important. We want to play on the high press, not put ourselves under pressure in such a dangerous part of the pitch. I would like to see us mix it up a lot more. This league is going to be tough and we have to play with a lot more respect and not be so predictable as teams will quickly work us out and the playing out from the back nearly cost us on more than one occasion.
I can't believe we had as much possession as we did. It didn't feel like that. I would describe it as possession without any real purpose, and that's reflected in the number of shots we had and, indeed, most importantly of all goals and that came from a penalty as we know.
45 more league games to go. £100 on us to win the league.... my confidence is still high 🤣🤣
KRO 💙
Thanks Richard :)
Appreciate the comments and input. As you say really important part of our podcast is that everyone has an opinion and we can all respectfully disagree and still get behind this fantastic club.
The half-time and full-time boos were certainly disappointing. There were some people by me in disbelief. I know this was a very small minority of the crowd but as you say, not sure what good this is going to do in game 1 with a new manager and team. We have been awful for 10+ years and I know this tide is turning but this will take time.
I thought Cochran was good. I think what you referenced was possibly tactical, well it certainly felt that way to me. It was Laird who had more creative permission to get higher up the pitch. We saw this in pre-season as well. Not sure if Cochrane was tactically a little more cautious to not leave us too exposed. I would swap this, I would love to see Cochrane getting higher up the pitch and I think will have a better end product. Well, the bar is certainly low with Laird's final product at the moment 😂
When Hansson and Anderson came on it completely changed the dynamic of the game. A lot more intensity and getting into dangerous positions. I think we should see them start moving forward. I like the physicality that Anderson gives us. We felt that in the second half. Alfie may be an absolute workhorse. Big fan of him and his work ethic.
I think playing out from the back is modern football now. I know what you're saying and it literally gives me and dad a heart attack every time but I think this is here to stay. What gets to me is the 74% possession but the horseshoe around the back. We need to be braver and push forward more aggressively during certain parts of the game.
Ha! Confidence is still high indeed and this will all start to click very soon I am sure. Such an exciting season lies ahead.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@SmallHeathAllianceFC it's football snobbery playing it out from the back! Pep did so they all do it!! I don't have a problem with doing it, I do when we do it as much as we did and we played ourselves into trouble or ended up playing an endless ball forwards, often out of play or conceding possession which is very ironic 😆🤣🤣
I think playing out from the back slowed the game down a lot, too, and what we needed was a lot more territory and greater intensity. We're playing in League One, so being able to have variation is going to be called for, and I hope we do mix it up a bit. Sometimes, they play out from the back or sometimes let's get further up the pitch with a well placed ball forwards and put the opposition under pressure instead of inviting it on ourselves. We were very, very predictable, and if I can see it, and you can and thousands of others, then the opposition players and managers will too.
I think both fullbacks should be given the license. One goes forward, and the other stays back. If we go with just Laird, that makes us predictable to play against, and we don't have a balance. The shape and balance didn't work and that is because of how Reading set up and how we played with being coached too much!!
We're going to need to be able to adapt our game to deal with that sort of opposition and find a way past it.
We just didn't move the ball quickly enough, and when we did, it looked so much better, and we played some really tidy stuff at times.
Some of the abuse aimed at Chris Davies was embarrassing. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The people I go with and those around us were in a mixture of shock, amazement, and laughter (just how ridiculous it was, not that it was funny) at what we were hearing.
I would like to see both Tyler Roberts and Romelle Donovan on the bench for the next league game. Laird needs to be on the bench for different reasons!
We definitely lack bite and physicality and a real leader. I've said it before that Bielik isn't a captain. He's not vocal enough, and I didn't see or hear enough from him in the role of captain to change my opinion. I think we're still crying out for a proper captain, a proper leader.
KRO 💙
@@BCFCRoyalBlue the Charlton game made the point beautifully of allowing and enabling both full backs to have the license to go forward!! 😁
KRO 💙
Are you guys going to the Charlton game tomorrow?
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately midweek games are difficult for us as we both work full time, so we won't be at the Charlton game. We are both going to Wycombe though. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
@@BCFCRoyalBlue Ah unfortunate. was hoping to bump into you two! Maybe see you further down the season. KRO
@@originaldamo definitely, we will be at the Wycombe match if you are going to that. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
@@BCFCRoyalBlue I will be in Berlin on holiday then 😎😢
@@originaldamo have a good time! KRO
Maybe switch to a 4-4-2?
Thank you for your comment. I'm old school and always like 4-4-2 however modern coaches prefer a 4-2-3-1 system which what Chris Davies appear to favour. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Your right wing wish was granted
Thank you for your comment. Alfons Sampsted is a right back which which was much needed to provide competition and cover for Ethan Laird. I still think we need another more physical right winger to challenge Koji Myoshi. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
@@BCFCRoyalBlue Did mean right back, must’ve got caught up in all the W’s lol
Hopefully he can push forward like Laird, but actually put a decent cross into the box when he gets there, instead of just hitting a dead end every time.
Could of been 3 or 4 down by half-time, awful for first hour kro
Typical blues difficult to watch
Thank you for your comment. Reading played well and clearly had a game play which the executed very well. Despite all of our possession it was Reading who had the better chances in the first half and I agree they could have been more than one up at half time. We showed some resilience especially in the second half and we rewarded with an equalizer from Alfie May's penalty.
It's early days but there were plenty of positives to take from the game and we are only going to get better. KRO and kind regards (Gary)